TN Of course I feel remorseful!
TN Are my words and gestures not enough?
Y/N It's not that.
Y/N It just feels like you really wanted it in that moment.
Y/N You could've just asked. I would've talked it out.
Tian exhales and adapts a dramatic pose.
TN Forgive me, Y/N. I was acting on adrenaline and instinct.
TN My heart... it was occupied entirely by thoughts of...
TN Someone very special.
Y/N Oh, this was going to be for them?
Y/N No wonder you ran away.
TN I came back immediately! That does not count as -
TN Ahem.
TN Yes. It was going to be a gift.
TN But it doesn't have to be. I have already given it back to you.
TN I suppose I will search for another frightening, scaley creature.
TN Heh... the hunt continues!
She's practically splayed out on the ground now. You take a small plushie and tuck it underneath her knee.
TN Ah, thank you. That's nice.
Then, you sit down beside her. The tiled floors aren't the most comfortable, but you focus on Tian.
Y/N You could've just asked. I would've talked it out.
TN I told you. It was a spur-of-the-moment blunder.
TN And, to be frank, there aren't many dragon-themed items here.
TN You could say I was getting desperate.
Y/N Hold on. Why a dragon?
Y/N If it's meant to show your feelings, you can always get them something traditional.
TN Tradition is best for certain things and certain people, Y/N.
TN However, the person in my sights is by no means bound by tradition.
TN I must make an intimate gesture, proving my love!
TN My princess deserves nothing but the best!
She has her pointer finger up for emphasis.
Y/N Princess?
Y/N I didn't know you had those kinds of connections.
Y/N Though, when I think of your family, I guess...
TN A-ah, that is...
She adamantly shakes her head.
TN No. I will deceive you no longer.
TN The truth is - they are not royalty.
TN 'Princess' is my term for them. A term of deep endearment.
TN They... appreciate this, I believe.
Y/N You don't sound very sure.
TN Ah, dear Y/N, you will understand when you are in love.
TN The object of your affections does not have to reciprocate clearly!
TN Merely tolerating your presence is a gift in itself.
TN Heh, it was considerably worse when we were in academy.
TN Introducing myself was hard enough with V... I mean...
TN That is to say, we had a rocky beginning.
TN But I worked my way up to 'princess'. It is a sign of progress.
A schoolmate from Tian's illustrious private academy? They must be prestigious to impress someone of her background.
Y/N Are you sure they're not royalty?
TN Heh, I understand your confusion.
TN They embody the magnificence one would expect of a dignified monarch!
Y/N That's high praise.
TN They sit high above me, Y/N. It's only right that I recognize that.
TN But, surely, I'm worthy to stand by their side?
TN You think there's a chance for me, right?
Y/N Uh...
TN Love always prevails! Isn't that how the story goes?
Y/N Depends on the story. And the characters, I think.
Y/N What is this 'princess' like?
Tian grins, closing her eyes and swooning for no reason other than dramatic effect, you think.
TN Unflappable. Might like you would never expect from a mortal being.
TN Yet, they manage to embody calm and composure as well.
TN Not to mention their stunning presentation.
TN Why, I must avert my eyes now and then, lest I blind myself on their beauty.
Y/N And this amazing, incredible, god-like person...
Y/N ...would want a big stuffed dragon?
Tian lets out an offended gasp.
TN Don't you know that such things only make a person more adorable?
TN Why, a person without a touch of whimsy in their life... I can't imagine...!
Y/N Okay. I don't disagree.
Y/N But that's just explaining why you like that about them.
Y/N How do you know for sure they wouldn't mind receiving this?
She chuckles, as if you had asked an elementary-level question.
TN They may not look it, but they are quite the fantasy aficionado.
TN Stories of knights, damsels, beasts guarding a high tower...
TN Those are their cup of tea, you could say.
TN I confirmed this for myself a while ago.
Y/N Confirmed? So what gave you the hint?
TN Why, Vera, of course!
TN I-I mean...
TN That's... a complicated can of worms to open, dear Y/N...
Y/N You don't have to go into it.
TN Ah, it's not a big deal, really.
TN I shouldn't get so hung up. It's been years! We've all moved on.
TN I can discuss it. Yes, it's as banal as any other anecdote.
Despite her projected confidence, you can see her squirming in her seat.
Y/N Really. You don't have to talk about it.
TN Why wouldn't I want to talk about it?
TN It concerns my dear sister and my dear Princess!
TN Heh... heh heh! Worry yourself not, Y/N.
TN For but you see, this is all old news. Water under the bridge.
Tian adjusts her pose so that she's lying on her back, hands folded on her stomach. It's as if she's on a grassy field during a starry night.
TN My Princess and my sister were... close, at one point.
TN There was a big group of girls just like them.
TN Since my Princess was the youngest, they became a... third-in-command of sorts.
TN A social hierarchy of sorts. Yet not without personal connection.
TN I daresay they were very good friends.
TN That's how I came to know her, actually.
TN It is... regrettable, in a way.
TN Had they known me as her peer first, and not Vera's sister,
TN They may not consider me so... repellant.
You give Tian an inquisitive look, but she only smiles back.
TN Ah, but that isn't anything you should worry about, friend.
Y/N You say that, but it sounds like this person doesn't... umm...
Y/N It sounds like you're in a tough spot.
She nods sagely.
TN This, too, is a necessary obstacle in the pursuit of passion.
Y/N Just make sure you're, y'know. Respecting their boundaries.
Y/N You don't want it to look like you're refusing rejection as an answer.
TN ...ah.
She sits up, her face pale.
TN I am...
TN Am I... practicing the most lecherous kind of behavior?
TN I-I've always approached courtship very strongly, yet...
TN Could I be... overstepping...?
She moans and puts her face in her hands. You lean over and pat her on the back.
Y/N That's something you'll have to ask them.
Y/N But, if it's any consolation,
Y/N You seem to respect people a lot, Tian.
Y/N If someone were truly uncomfortable with you, you'd do the right thing.
TN Ah...
TN Thank you.
She looks up at you, and you truly believe in your words. Whoever this 'Princess' is, they must not feel too much hostility for Tian get to this point. To reach such grand shows of affection. You know that someone blowing off Tian can easily send her into a depressive spiral - mostly because it's happened before. She really sets herself up too often.
TN It is reassuring, your faith in my character.
TN You have given me much to think about.
Now it's her hand on your back. The smile she gives you can only be described as fraternal.
TN Thank you, friend.
TN I think... I know what must be done.
TN I must find an even larger dragon.
You stare as she stands up and looks at the distance, the air-conditioned breeze rustling her hair.
TN To show what I am willing to conquer to have her hand.
TN Traveling the furthest lands... my journey is not yet over.
TN That is the only way.
Y/N Any bigger, and you'll have to get a truck.
TN Don't worry. I am very fast.
Y/N I know you're - that doesn't have to do with what I -
She chuckles and blows you a kiss.
TN When we meet again, I hope I am a kept man!
And she disappears before you can blink.
THE END
(Ending 4/20: Noble Pursuit)
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