baiorrin

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- "A... A mask that fits?" Kotomi stared up at him with befuddled fear glimmering in her orchid hues. She reached up to her mask and adjusted it, wondering if it really looked as though it didn't fit her. That was strange. She was sure that she got the measurements right. Or perhaps this was the guy's way of bullying her? His cold seemingly-malicious smile was an obvious evidence for that but she couldn't be too sure. 

She averted her gaze down at the string around her wrist, her fingers still mindlessly tugging it. She still wasn't certain how a string such as hers would suddenly tie with someone else's-- they were just strings after all. It would be impossible for one to magically tangle with another one that would lead to a gentle tug of the wrist but she decided to brush that thought off.

She settled her eyes at the stain she had spilled on the stranger's suit then glanced up at his eyes which were the only things she could focus on considering a mask was concealing his identity. "I... I ruined your suit though... Won't people give you odd looks? T-They might bully you for wearing a ruined suit...!"

Gentle Tug | Mukuro & Kotomi

Mukuro looked down at the girl with heterochromatic eyes. He wouldn’t have even noticed that she had bumped into him if she hadn’t said anything, though that would have been impossible seeing how shaken she was. Mukuro sighed and placed his hands in his pockets and watched as she messed with her string. It wasn’t in his reach, not that he cared, having someone so nervous to spend time with never was entertaining only boring. 

He stayed silent until she became quiet, when her stammers ended he finally spoke up. “If you couldn’t see me maybe you should get a mask that fits.” A smile came to his lips but it was clearly missing the soft aspect to it. All of his smiles did actually; never were they genuine or soft or comforting. His smiles had a sense of mystery that would make anyone’s hair stand. 

"They are selling masks over there. It would be in your best interest to get a better one. You wouldn’t want to blindly walk into someone and have your strings tied would you? You could be sacked with someone mean so you should keep a look out." He let his words sit with her for a moment before actually accepting her apology, "It’s fine. Just be careful."

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- Kotomi couldn't help the small rare smile that adorned her lips even when the other female before her denied about being that much kind. If she had to be honest, Kotomi actually found her to be the nicest stranger she had encountered in the city seeing as how the bespectacled girl still hadn't left her alone when most people do due to finding her too weird or boring. It was a nice change. The kind of change the young girl appreciated and felt grateful for. 

This stranger didn't even question her when she suddenly requested for a drawing of a teddy bear. Never once did she give Kotomi a look of utter judgement, making the younger girl feel immensely comfortable around her which was a surprise considering Kotomi's morbid fear of strangers.

"I believe you are the nicest person I know." She admitted with a determined nod. "Because... Because more than five minutes have passed and you are still talking to me. I appreciate it. And you also drew something for me without question. You are very nice." Her smile brightened more upon hearing the other consider her suggestion about making a packed meal for her and Kotomi couldn't remember the last time she felt this excited.

"I will make something very healthy for you." She nodded. "Something that I am certain you will enjoy. May I ask where we can meet tomorrow so I can hand you your packed meal? I suggest meeting in the afternoon so we can eat together because that is what most peers do, I believe." Now that she had thought about it, she still didn't ask for the girl's name yet. Wasn't that something that should be asked first between strangers upon catching in a conversation together? 

"Oh and... may I ask for your name?" The question was unfortunately late but it was better late than never.

Faded | Kotomi + Sachi

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- The event was as suffocating as she had predicted. In spite of the fact that nobody was really bothering to give her a single glance due to the lack of glamour in her outfit, Kotomi could still feel as though her movements were being closely scrutinized. With masks to conceal their identity, everybody looked more threatening than ever to the young mulberry-haired girl. However, she had one goal set in mind and that was to look for a particular man who had claimed to be her guardian years ago.

Her orchid optics were actually already fixated on the said man who seemed far too distracted with his conversation with someone that he hardly noticed that he was being stared at. Despite of the mask that hid his face, Kotomi could still recognize him. She knew his face all too well. Swallowing the thick lump that had unfortunately formed in her throat, the girl adjusted her mask and held her drink-- which she had hardly taken a sip from-- tighter in her grasp before finally advancing her direction towards the old man.

But the very second he gazed at her direction, she instantly chickened out and promptly changed her direction. Unfortunately, her steer was too swift that she failed to notice that someone was just nearby; causing her to unintentionally ram against the stranger's body and spill her drink on his suit. She had gotten some on her dress too though the stain was more evident on the stranger's outfit and the young girl's eyes widened in utter astonishment, her hand dropping the now empty cup on the floor.

"I-I'm so sorry...! I d-didn't see you...! I... I... You..." She stammered, her wide orchid hues shifting from the stain to the stranger's mask-clad face then back to the stain as she tugged on the red string that was tied around her wrist out of genuine fear.

Gentle Tug | Mukuro & Kotomi

It was time for the Festival of Red to end but not without the renowned Bal des Sang. This day in particular never bothered Mukuro, this event was never something that made him want to lock himself away in attempt to stray from the festivities. Having someone to mess with due to strings becoming attached was the start of the game. Masquerades were something that he loved, though they never went well, his eyes were always a giveaway for those who were familiar to him. 

He pushed the mask further up the bridge of his nose to sit comfortably on his face and not block his sight. He lifted his hand, the red string attached to his wrist dangled freely, swaying in the slight breeze from the movement in the room. Being a resident of Eden Towers had made him an invitee of the most prestigious and crowded party of the night.

Mukuro moved slowly through the crowds waiting for the moment a tug would be felt. If he was lucky it wouldn’t take long with the amount of people in one building.

[baiorrin]

[baiorrin]

❝Masquerade! Paper faces on parade Hide your face so the world will never find you Masquerade! Every face a different shade Look around-- there's another mask behind you❞

But who can name the face?

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- "Flame and truth... That sounds very nice." It was hard to tell whether Kotomi was genuine with her words or she was just saying it for the sake of being polite. She, however, knew that she was being completely honest about it. She adored it whenever she learned the meaning behind one's name for it reminded her how most people would try to live up to their names. Or at least that was what the people in the books she read do.

At the mention of an instrument, the young girl's orchid hues instantaneously brightened up and she took an eager step forward towards Enma's direction.

"I play the violin...!" Her tone was uncharacteristically enthusiastic upon admitting her fascination in the instrument. "I don't own one but I do play it. Does Prava Secondary have a violin, Enma-kun? Perhaps you're interested in hearing me play it?"

She hadn't played a violin for almost ten years now though she was quite positive that she was still moderately skilled at it.

walking on thin ice | kotomi + enma

{ ✥ }Enma could feel her gaze falling on him, and he simply glanced up.  She didn’t look so scared anymore, which was a good thing.  Hearing her statement, he blinked, red gaze falling back onto her.  Truly, he wasn’t surprised that she didn’t know about the bullying problem between two schools.  The only ones who usually knew were only the victims, and the bullies themselves.  It was only recently, teachers started to get involved.  

"I…a-appreciate that you tried."  Enma responded back, giving the other a small fleeting smile.  As one of the usual victims, he could give her some credit and the school for trying to stop it.  Not very much, but still some.  

"Enma Kozato…Nice to meet you too."  he said back with a small nod.  "Well…I forgot what my name means…but my last name is written with the kanji for "flame" and "truth."  Enma added.  Truly, he didn’t want to remember what his name meant.  It only brought back bad memories.  

"But…Um…K-Kotomi-chan?"  Enma said, as if unsure if it was okay to call her so casually and informally. They did just meet after all.  "Your name…I guess from that you play some instrument or something?"

[baiorrin]

3/30

3. Do they match their Zodiac sign?

Your loyalty and patience are amongst your most defining qualities. Your friends and family would be the first to attest to your loyalty, as they would be hard pressed to recall a time where you did not protect or defend them. Above all you are committed to your loved ones and their well-being. Those closest to you are greatly appreciative of your loyalty, but they may admire your patience the most. Even in the most seemingly frustrating situations, you display patience and understanding.

I would say yes. Kotomi may be cowardly but when her loved ones are threatened, she wouldn't hesitate to defend them if she can. Though she's normally the one who's being defended, really. And her commitment to her love ones can be proven by how she's been studying her parents' field of research to reproduce the thesis that she had destroyed. Ever since her parents passed away, that is the only thing she has been doing which explains her constant visits to the library and would even borrow books from there to study them at home all night. She thinks it's one of the best ways to atone her sins and possibly bring her parents back.

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- "..."

Kotomi wasn't exactly certain on how to react once the other female started laughing for a reason she couldn't seem to figure out. Did she just make a joke without noticing it? Kotomi fleetingly looked around, expecting to see a clown nearby that could explain her companion's sudden laughter but nothing emerged into view. This girl was just really laughing. Kotomi then tilted her head slightly to one side in confusion once the bespectacled girl's laughter finally died down.

Upon hearing her express how impressed she was about the basic facts she had listed about hairspray, warmth immediately crawled up to the younger female's cheeks as she averted her gaze down at the ground-- utterly flustered. It wasn't everyday she received such praise from someone considering the fact she hardly communicated with anyone. If anything, most people would tune her out or just give her an odd look whenever she would unintentionally end up listing too much information regarding a particular topic.

But this kind stranger, instead, praised her. She wasn't laughing at her to make fun of her. She was just really impressed and that sent a glowing feeling in Kotomi's chest. She nearly flinched when the seemingly older girl ruffled her hair as though she was a little puppy and Kotomi almost felt a twitch of an affectionate smile on her lips. 

"You're too kind..." She softly responded. "I woudn't want to bother you with another drawing so I'll be taking good care of this one. I do wish I can repay you somehow. You're the nicest person I know..." She then gazed back up at the dark-haired girl. "P-Perhaps... I can make you a packed meal...? I am very good at that."

Faded | Kotomi + Sachi

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- "My... My name...?" 

This stranger could not possibly be... befriending her?  Instinctively, the young girl looked back over her shoulder to make sure if he was talking to the person at the next booth but realizing it now, he was standing near her table. Who could he be possibly talking to other than her? Due to genuine uneasiness, Kotomi began to fiddle with the note in her hand-- hardly noticing the evident fact that she was already crumpling it and ripping it to pieces.

This was another chance for her to practice her speech and this time, she really needed to get things right. Befriending people was never her forte and whenever she would encounter an opportunity such as the one she was having right now, she normally ended up creeping the other party out or boring them away. She couldn't mess this one up. Dropping the pieces of the note on her lap, Kotomi fixated her gaze at the guy and pointed to herself.

"M-My name is Kotomi Ichinose and... and you spell my name with three cute hiragana. "K-Koto" means harp and "mi" means b-beautiful. Please call me Kotomi-chan. It is very nice to meet you."

i turned to you | kotomi + makoto

[baiorrin]

ひらがなみっつ by レニィレアン

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- Kotomi settled her fixed stare up at the other female the very moment she saw her finally standing up, causing the young mulberry-haired girl to instinctively take a step back-- her arms still hugging the page. "Hnn?" She blinked in genuine befuddlement once the grocery bag was extended in her direction and in that very second, realization hit her. She promptly looked down at the ground in attempt to make sure not a single item was left out before looking back at the stranger and gratefully accepting her bag, still holding the drawing to her chest with her free hand.

She wasn't surprised by the brief lecture that was given to her regarding her lack of care towards her surroundings. If anything, it was comforting to Kotomi. She could hardly remember the last time someone actually voiced out any sort of concern for her. She had gotten so used to wandering around by herself that the thought of someone giving her their time of day to remind her about being more cautious was something the young girl had difficulty grasping.

"Thank you... Thank you very much..." She responded, offering a polite understanding nod. At the mention of the sketch, Kotomi gazed down at it before pulling it away from her chest and giving it a look of genuine appreciation-- that rare smile adorning her lips once again.

"Hairspray...?" She averted her attention back to the female stranger. "A prevalent cosmetic product that implements fundamental substratum to one's hair? A product that consists of alcohol, formaldehyde, aerosol propellants and artificial fragrance which can conceivably ensue complication in breathing, low blood pressure and irritation to one's optical organ? That hairspray?" 

Gazing down at the artwork again, evident reluctance dawned upon her pale face and a small frown curved her lips. "Are you... Are you sure it will not ruin the teddy bear...? It's very cute..."

Faded | Kotomi + Sachi

[baiorrin]

I'll become a very good girl from now on. I will never say anything selfish anymore. I'll study a lot. I'll read lots of books and become smart, too. 

So dear God, I beg you. Please bring Father and Mother back. Please bring them back to me.

[baiorrin]

Clannad 11-6.

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- "..." Kotomi was genuinely taken aback by the treatment that other was giving her. If she had to be honest, she had a few terrible moments with the students of Prava Secondary so seeing one of them treating her so nicely was something she had a hard time believing. As much as she was uncomfortable engaging in a conversation with someone, she stayed rooted on her spot.

There was something about this boy that made her want to talk to him more; learn more about him and maybe become his friend if possible. And seeing as he was hardly a supporter of the rivalry their schools were having and that he actually understood her fear earlier, she felt at ease.

"I'm... I'm quite all right, thank you." She answered softly, not even breaking her stare at him even though he had already looked down at the ground. "I wasn't aware... of the rivalry between our schools until yesterday..." She admitted. "...I executed the talk poorly and I wasted your time. I-I apologize for that. Please forgive me..."

Wanting to give this conversation a friendlier touch, the girl took a deep breath and immediately washed her look of reluctance away with a somewhat nervous determined look. "M-My name is Kotomi Ichinose...! My name is spelled with three hiragana. "Koto" means harp and "mi" means beautiful. P-Please call me Kotomi-chan. It is very nice to meet you."

walking on thin ice | kotomi + enma

{ ✥ } The red head shook his head again at the girl’s question.  He had an idea on I why the other would think like that, since after all Prava secondary was a bit rowdy in terms of SOA students.  He certainly wasn’t one of those though.  He hated the idea of using violence or verbal abuse on someone.  

"Well…I’m from Prava Secondary but I don’t support the whole rivalry thing going on…"  He responded trailing off followed by a short sigh.  Truly, he hated that rivalry sparked up and passed down for stupid reasons.  Red hues glanced at the other nervously, before it went back down to the ground.  

"I mean, I can get why you ran.  It’s pretty scary talking to a crowd of people…"  He continued as he silently debated to come closer or not since he had to talk a bit louder then usual due to their distance.  The other still looked like she was going to bolt any second, so he thought against that.  

"But…are you alright?  I mean, you did kind of freak out.  You didn’t hurt yourself, right?"

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- Kotomi found herself flinching in surprise at the look the girl offered her, already giving her the evident fact that this wasn't going to end well. The girl's eyes just looked so... terrifyingly accusing. How could someone so small look so horrifying? Kotomi knew that she was scared of people but of children? The aura the little girl was giving was hardly friendly and it almost seemed as though she was accusing Kotomi of...

"Y-You're... You're not insinuating that I... t-that you think... I stole your candies...?" 

She wasn't even that fond of candies but seeing the predicament she was in, she did look like she stole them seeing the fact that she was seen holding them. But snatching them away from a child was hardly her intention at all! She may fear people but she didn't despise them.

a step forward | kotomi + hiyoko

[baiorrin]

[✄] -- Kotomi just stood in front of the female stranger, her hand still gripping her grocery bag and her orchid hues staring right down at the sketchpad in spite of the fact that she couldn't exactly catch a peek of the girl's drawing. She wasn't even aware of what she was doing. She wasn't normally like this, after all. She feared people. She tried to avoid making contact with anyone as much as possible and yet in this situation, she was the one who made the first approach. She was surprised how this stranger didn't tell her off or called her names.

For those whole exact ten minutes, Kotomi stood still with her head slightly tilted to one side. Her eyes gazed over to the bespectacled girl's face, taking in how her expression would shift from time to time as she dragged her pencil on the sheet of her sketchpad. It almost seemed as though drawing a teddy bear was a breeze to her and Kotomi wished she could be as good as her.

"Hm...?" She hummed in acknowledgement upon hearing the girl's question. She remained quiet, however, and only shook her head in response. From afar, she already knew this girl was a stranger but it was her sketchpad that undoubtedly caught her attention. It felt as if she was hypnotized to advance her way towards its direction-- it looked so familiar that it nearly triggered something within her. Once the drawing was handed to her, Kotomi looked somewhat astonished for a fleeting moment as she stared at it; her lips slightly parted. Without even noticing it, she dropped her grocery bag and unintentionally let the fruits and vegetables roll out.

Reluctantly yet gratefully, her delicate fingers reached for the paper and she could feel her cheeks warming up at the sight of the drawing. It was beautiful. Tantalizing. Strange enough, she hugged the page; not even noticing that she had crumpled it as a warm rare smile adorned her lips. "I love it... thank you very much..."

Faded | Kotomi + Sachi

[baiorrin]

2/30

2. What is your character’s birthday?

May 13.