dormantrose-blog

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           It was like her mind was trying to reconcile the situation, put the pieces together and comprehend what this means -- what it should, and what she thinks of it all at once, hence the hesitance in her voice as she spoke, but the honesty as well. Adrienne didn’t seem to have malicious intent, in fact she was as surprised as Roxane was that they were the descendants of enemies. It wasn’t as though she was the daughter of the Evil Queen and she was the daughter of Aurora and Philip or some other mix -- it was the same story, and that’s what made it all the more difficult and complicated. But it was best not to get too upset, best to ponder and muse rather than anything, and attacking Adrienne would never happen from her, fighting her just wouldn’t be right solely on this, and Rox was never one for fighting. No, she still wanted to know the blonde, still wanted to explore her mind and heart in the simplest of ways, but it seemed there was more bitterness on her side, and that meant or could mean several different things. She just hoped it wouldn’t make her hate her or want to hurt her or any other member of the family, after all what her family did to Maleficent was not exactly any better. Desperate times call for desperate measures Roxane supposed. Looking up as she was spoken to, the brunette offered as much of a smile as she could and nodded, “yeah, sure, okay.” With that, she took the phone and put her number in under Roxane, just Roxane, then handed it over. “Take your time. Really. It was nice meeting you, Adrienne.”

“Yeah. Oh.”  She picked awkwardly at her cup, a habit that rarely popped up for her.  She hated anything that might make her seem like she didn’t have everything one hundred percent under control.  Well, clearly right now, it didn’t matter, since she so clearly didn’t.  Taking a sip of her coffee just to have something more concrete to do, she let Roxane’s words sink in.  Though she seemed unsettled, she honestly seemed to be telling the truth when she said it wasn’t a problem. Her last sentence didn’t sound like a suggestion; it seemed like an offer for Adrienne’s comfort.  Did she want to stop talking to her? Honestly…no, she didn’t.  She liked Roxane. She just wasn’t entirely sure she felt like talking to anyone right now. This was weird.  She inhaled once, to clear her head a bit. “Tell you what,” she said, taking out her phone. “You give me your number, and I’ll let you know when I feel like talking.”

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         Due to her confusion, Rox was a little slow to the uptake. Someone else may surmise that Adrienne was the daughter of the person who tried to kill not just one, but both of her parents, but not her, she was just upset she’d upset Adrienne. Drinking her coffee quietly, the brunette just scrunched up a bit quietly, not sure what to say anymore until the blonde finally spoke again, making the situation now very clear, “Oh.” The young beauty’s lips pursed before she licked them and cleared her throat. “Well, you’re not... Well, you haven’t... I don’t see why that has to be a problem unless you planned to hurt me or my parents... But you’re... Well, I don’t want to stop talking to you,” she said. “But if you want to stop talking to me, then that’s different.”

Fuck. “Of course they are,” she said instead. She was aware that she was confusing Roxane, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to tell her what was wrong. After all, “my mother is the evil sorceress who tried to ruin your parent’s lives” isn’t something one said over coffee with a girl one had just met.  Of course, it wasn’t every day that the daughter of an evil sorceress went out for coffee with the daughter of the couple whose lives said evil sorceress tried to ruin.  “My mother is Maleficent.”

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         When Adrienne froze, Roxane almost cursed inside her head. She had said something wrong, but what part of it? She tried so hard to be respectful of everyone, and didn’t belittle, so what did she do? Brows knitting as she watched her, glad that the blonde didn’t leave, but worried about what now plagued her. Swallowing dryly, Roxane took a sip of her coffee in the awkwardness and only spoke up after she did. “Oh. Aurora and Phillip, is something the matter? I’m not my parents, I swear. I just. Are you all right?”

Adrienne froze. Roxane had been vague, but one little phrase stuck out at her: ‘parties I haven’t been invited to.’ Did that mean…?  Adrienne felt a stab of annoyance. She had actually been having a good time with this girl, so of course she had to be the child of the two people her mother hated more than anyone, had worked so hard to destroy, and who had instead defeated her.  Unless she had misunderstood? In a tight, controlled voice, Adrienne asked, “Who are your parents?” 

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         “Really. I mean my parents were part of some revenge plot for a reason that I don’t think is the full story, I mean there’s lots of parties I haven’t been invited to, so there has to be something else. I just don’t know what, but I’d kind of like to. No one’s perfect after all... And maybe I could forgive her for them, after all, everything turned out alright. I mean, that’s not an excuse for all of it, but holding grudges isn’t good for anyone,” maybe that was naive, but it was the best thing. At least Roxane thought it was. “I’m kind of glad I don’t let myself have enemies.”

“Really.” Adrienne didn’t mean to sound so suspicious, but she had never heard someone agree with her on this subject, particularly someone who seemed so good.  She even sounded like she genuinely felt that way.  How strange.  She was really starting to think Roxane was too nice for her own good.  She had a few answers to Roxane’s questions, but decided it was probably best not to voice them; she was honestly enjoying talking to her, and she didn’t think badmouthing heroes the way she wanted to would keep it going. 

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         Just gullible enough, Roxane hardly noticed the tone the blonde used. If it wasn’t painfully obvious, she probably wouldn’t notice, though, maybe with her she would... eventually. “Mhmm. Everyone has a story to tell, books let them tell them.” Though, not many books were written from a villain’s point of view. There was still the chance, though. Reaching up, she tucked a lock of hair back and listened to what was being said. “I think that sounds like a great idea. Maybe it’s stupid, but I think there has to be a reason why there are villains and heroes like the world seems to think. Why did the villains become villainous? Heroes make mistakes, too, why are they better?”

“Really? How fascinating.” And it was, though she was not entirely sure it came out sounding genuine. Her reasoning for choosing the major sounded similar to Adrienne’s own, though they were still different. Where Roxane seemed interested in using her imagination, Adrienne liked the truth. It just happened to be a different truth than the rest of the world wanted. “Because there are more sides to every story than the ones that are told, and I think it’s stupid that people only care about the winners. I want to tell the other sides.”

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         Warm liquid slid down her throat when she finally let herself drink it. Naturally a pleased sound left her lips and she smiled. “Oh. I deal mostly in literature. Older literature is my favorite, so I suppose I dabble in history as well, but the major is literature. I like stories and imagining how they could be different or better or analyzing them in general.” The brunette hoped that made sense as she curled her fingers round her glass. “Why history?”

Adrienne’s lips quirked just a bit at Roxanne’s smile.  She was quickly finding she liked the way it looked. How strange.  She took a small sip of her coffee before answering the question. “History.”  They say history is told by the winners, but that didn’t work out well, in her experience.  She wanted to be a part of telling the other side of the story. “And yourself?”

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         Rosy lips smoothed into a sweet smile as she held back a sigh of relief. Thank God she had ordered that right, the last thing she wanted was the blonde mad at her and to leave. “Of course.” Crossing her legs beneath her, the brunette opened the tab on hers to let it cool a bit before she would take a sip, but looked at Adrienne, giving her the room. “So what are you here for? Studying or whatever? Your major... Minor... Anything at all.”

Adrienne tapped her fingers against the table while she waited for Roxane to return.  She tried not to be too impatient, but she was never very good at that. She reached for the drink and took a long sip before properly acknowledging Roxane.  “Damn, that’s good,” she said with a quick smile. “Thank you.” She took another sip, shorter this time, and settled back into her seat a little more, stretching her legs out luxuriously.

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         There was small talk, between her and the barista. It wasn’t too often she didn’t try to strike a conversation with people helping her, after all, it could make their day better, and it was easy for her to do while she did. Also, it kept her from standing there quietly and chewing her lip nervously, wondering what she should do to keep Adrienne happy because, well, she wanted to. Once she had the drinks, though, the brunette turned on her heel, looking for the blonde til she spotted her and smiled, walking right over with their drinks before she sat down across from her. “Here you go.”

Adrienne smiled approvingly when Roxane held the door for her. Perhaps it was a bit cheesy, but it was endearing, which she was starting to think was the usual for Roxane.  She glanced around the shop before her eyes landed on a set of cushioned chairs in the corner. The only problem was the person already sitting there. Making her way over to the gentleman, she fixed him with her third-harshest glare. “Move.” Luckily, he complied, and she was able to get herself settled before Roxane returned with their drinks.

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         “Oh but of course,” Roxane chuckled with an easy grin. Naturally, she would think so and Rox was inclined to agree, but she digressed and kept on smiling while they approached the shop and she made sure to open the door and hold it for her, stepping in right behind her with that ceaseless grin. “Right, of course, sounds parfait. I’ll meet you there.” Parting from her for a moment, she walked to the corner and gave their order, not a care in the world about how they got a table or whatever. She was just happy to be there with the pretty girl.

Adrienne smiled. “I suppose that’s a fair point, but I think you’ve got that wrong.  We French just happen to know better than most how to make good coffee.  The rest of the world is clearly just in denial because they didn’t think of it first.” Realizing they were almost there, she sped up just a bit. All this talk about coffee was making her really want some. “Great. I’ll get our table, then. I happen to be very good at finding the best table.”

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         “I’d have to agree, but seems we French may be a little biased,” Roxie chuckled softly and kept Adrienne’s pace with every step. She could walk faster, she could walk slower, but it was best to keep by her side so she wouldn’t lose her. Or something.  “Sounds perfect, I’ll order when we get there, then.” The brunette also planned to open the door for her and hold it, be respectful and kind ust like she normally was, only now she hoped it was semi-impressive.

“Hm.” Adrienne nodded thoughtfully. So she liked sweet, but she recognized the concept of ‘too sweet,’ although she almost certainly would put that bar at a different level than Adrienne would. She hadn’t expected that, but then she supposed coffee preferences weren’t a deep window into the soul or whatever.  The only thing it could tell you about a person was what kind of coffee to get them. She nodded again. “Yes. French roast coffee is the best coffee, in my personal opinion.”

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         Faint rose painted her cheeks while she looked at the blonde, grinning. She hadn’t meant to be funny, but her laughter was appealing and she was glad she caused it really. Especially since it wasn’t a laugh at her, but a response to what she said. “Oh I like a lot of cream, but not too much sugar. With the cream too much becomes sickeningly sweet and that’s just not how I like to wake up in the morning. And later it’s a bit much as well.” She murmured, “I like more... earthy flavors I think. Savory desserts are delicious.” Sweets are good, fine and dandy, but,  sometimes cloying. That’s where some of her opinions differ from her family. Though not much from her father. Quite a few things she had alike with him other than personality. Food likes and liking girls being a top two sort of deal. “French roast?”

Adrienne laughed at that. She didn’t mean to, but it slipped out. It wasn’t actually that funny, but the way she said it was just so perfect. Perhaps she would enjoy this. Not that that should come as too much of a surprise to herself, considering the fact that she had even agreed to go with her, instead of just blowing past her, manners be damned, or even worse, like she normally would have.  “Black,” she said, stretching out the word. “But I bet you like lots of cream and sugar in yours, don’t you?”

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         “Oh, well, I hope I don’t.” She hadn’t even thought about that, so now her lips pursed a little worried. The last thing she wanted to do was send the blonde away because she did something, whatever it would be, wrong. It made her cringe when Adrienne huffed in irritation. Clearly she’d already done something wrong. “Sorry, I guess... I just wanted... To impress you, but then I didn’t want to look like an idiot if I led you the wrong way...” Roxane bit her lip regretfully. “Oh. good. I don’t exactly fancy the idea of being murdered in a dark alley... Though, I don’t think anyone does...” The brunette trailed thoughtfully and looked back at Adrienne. “How do you like your coffee?”

“Yes, but don’t make me regret this, or I’ll leave and use you as an excuse anyway.” Good lord, this girl was cheery. Wasn’t it exhausting?  Adrienne huffed in slight irritation. Why bother claiming leadership if you were going to flake out? Not that she minded all that much. She much preferred leading to following anyway. Perhaps it was genetics. “In that case, I’ll lead. And don’t worry, I promise I will get you there, and I won’t even murder you in a dark alley.” Adrienne wasn’t sure why this girl seemed to trust her without a second thought, but it was nicer than she would ever admit.

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         “Really?” There was an excitement to her voice, her tone raising in sound with a grin in just that single word. With the cool demeanor of the girl, she hadn’t expected to get a yes, but it was worth a shot. And tada. “Well, good. Glad I could help!” Roxane’s lips pursed happily, then. Maybe it was the free drink Adrienne couldn’t turn down, but if that’s what did it, she was definitely fine with that. Anything to keep the company. “Leading the way? I mean... Sure... I don’t get around much, but I think I remember where it is... But you can lead if you want, I don’t mind. As long as we get there.” And as long as she stays. Honestly, Rox didn’t even think to ask which parents were Adrienne’s, she didn’t care. And it seemed she was one of the few that didn’t, and so was she.

Adrienne didn’t think she could raise her eyebrow any higher, but this girl kept testing her. She had never seen someone talk so much without making her want to hurt them. She nodded. “Yes. My previous engagement sounded rather dull, and I would rather not be there if I can avoid it. You’ve just given me the perfect excuse.” Her promise statement was rather impressive as well. If she followed through, that is. These ‘good guys’ all talked honor and strength and blah, blah, blah. But they rarely followed through if you weren’t nice enough. Hypocrites. “Can I trust you with that? You seem uncertain.”

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         Sometimes Rox is quite sure if someone let her talk forever, she would talk forever. But it wouldn’t all have a purpose or point, it would mostly be babbling to fill the silence which was something she was known to do. After all, the quiet wasn’t something she liked very much, nor was it something she was used to. Even when going to sleep, there had to be some sound going --usually she would play some music and focus on the instrumental to lull her to sleep. Either way there had to be something. At least she was herself. “Yeah? I mean, you can? That’s great! You know because I have nothing to do and I wouldn’t mind talking to you... Of course I keep my word. A promise is a promise and it’s not meant to be broken, no matter what it is.” But people were faulty. However, this she certainly wouldn’t break. “I’ll just... lead the way.”

Adrienne raised her eyebrow higher as Roxane continued speaking.  The girl was being very awkward, and, while normally she would find that sort of behavior tedious, on her it was strangely endearing, and Adrienne couldn’t quite understand why that was.  Perhaps it had to do with how genuine she seemed.  Being in a near-constant state of carefully controlled performance herself, she sometimes had to admire those who felt able to be honest, though personally she felt it was weakness. Adrienne paused. “I suppose I can make the time to get coffee, if you keep to your word that it is, as you say, ‘your treat.’ “ 

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         “Well, that or they’re good at acting,” or she was gullible and innocent... Either could really be truth, honestly. Roxane would have to think on that. “I don’t think a presence often upsets people, but I suppose that’s a presence doesn’t upset me. Or... people that are reasonable and know the rights of others...” The girl trailed off in thought ‘til she realized Adrienne was joking, then blushed. “Oh. Right. It was a joke. You were joking,” the brunette laughed at herself. “Sorry I’m  little... out of it... And I don’t really... Know why...’ Except she did. The girl had known practically her whole life she wasn’t interested in boys... and was instead interested in girls... which was one of her secrets. And... Adrienne is gorgeous, so she was a little distracted. “Oh well, good. If you... had said it wasn’t I would have tried to make up for it... and probably would have annoyed you to death, so it’s for the best.” She chuckled, then thought... “you were walking awfully quick... There’s somewhere you need to be and I’m holding you back. Wow I am really not a good human being. Um I should let you go... unless maybe you’ve already missed the window and want to get coffee? My treat...”

Adrienne rolled her eyes internally, though she was careful to maintain her outward coolness. “No?  Surely you are very fortunate then. I myself have encountered more than a handful of rude people. Perhaps my presence brings out the unpleasantness in others,” she joked, although privately she noted that it wasn’t really a joke. Something about being the daughter of an evil sorceress seemed to bring out the worst in people. Not that she cared; it only meant she saw the world for what it was younger than most, younger than this delicate flower standing in front of her. Adrienne almost wondered whether anyone had ever had the nerve to frown in her general direction. “Yes, you certainly could have. But no matter. I am perfectly fine, and I am in a good mood today, so I am much more inclined to forgive you.”

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         Toward where her manners were or mine? Roxane wondered momentarily, but let it go with a bit of a chuckle. Either way it was playful and not meant to be taken any other way, so did it really matter which it was? “No, of course not. Believe me, manners are just part of what most of us were raised with... I don’t think I’ve met many impolite souls,” her accent lilted with a smile pon her lips before it flickered  embarrassment painting her features before and even after she apologized. But there was a tingle in her hand... This girl had powers was all that was assumed. Anything else, well, with herself, Roxane wasn’t one to jump to outlandish conclusions. So she didn’t even think about chemistry. But the girl did seem a little apprehensive, though, maybe that was her embarrassment speaking. Being charming wasn’t her forte. Except it was, just not like it was for others -- something Roxane never realized. “Oh merci. I am sorry we bumped into each other. I suppose I could have paid a bit more attention myself.” But then they wouldn’t be speaking which would not have been as fun, all things in consideration of course. “I do hope you’re okay?”

“A question I was wondering the answer to myself,” Adrienne spoke, one blonde eyebrow raised in almost lighthearted teasing. “Manners are very important to me. I can’t stand rudeness.”  Prepared as she was satisfied with a handshake –her own upbringing had left her less informed on the manners of the court– she retracted her hand when the other girl did, freezing for a brief moment when their skin brushed. She hoped she did not notice. Physical contact was not something she was used to, and she found it sometimes caught her off guard. “Roxane? How lovely. I’m Adrienne.”

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         “Well, I suppose I could let it slide just this once,” her soft laughter hung in the air. Normally she was quite quiet, reserved, but now was a time to come out of her shell. Sure, people would watch over her like the princess she was -- the descendant of the French throne -- well, one of them, but without her parents’ watchful eye it was a bit easier to be free. There was so much she couldn’t admit before, and she might not still, but if her laughter was any indication -- this blonde could certainly change her for the better. Or at least help her out of her cocoon. “Where are my manners?” One hand extended... she knew she should have curtsied, so she cursed herself inwardly and drew it back before brushing it against her skin. “Sorry,” a blush rose to rosy cheeks before she offered the proper greeting. “It’s nice to meet you, mademoiselle. I’m Roxane.”