epidemiology | and if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?

Good da-- [ Only she cuts off suddenly, realising what Lucina is referring to. She glances down to where her hair ends at the moment, before looking back up at the other girl. ]

Thank you! That is very kind of you to say. [ She steps in once the door opens, holding up her dress in her hands. ] Shall I hang this up on the door?

Of course. [ The door is shut behind the two of them once Sonia steps through, a nod and a gesture to one of the hooks that are available. ] Yes— there should be a spot for it.

How was your dinner? [ On the table are a small assortment of dessert — a small selection of cookies, as well as chocolate and candy she has received over time. ] Oh — please, help yourself. [ They can start dressing up in a second!! For now, she needs to be a proper host. ]

[ Sonia steps in and immediately moves to hang up her dress, dusting her hands (even if it isn't necessary) afterwards. ]

It was pleasant. [ Though she is still a bit homesick for the food from home now. ] Did you bring these here for this? [ Now she just looks slightly embarrassed. ] I did the same, so I suppose I should just leave these here for later?

[ They might need these chocolates and stuff later anyway when the heavier talks happen. ]

I am in no rush.

There were extras in the kitchen... and it didn't look like anyone would be missing them. [ Probably. If someone misses them, then it's too late, isn't it. ]

Me neither. [ Because sometimes, all you need is some time to relax. Her lips curl up into a proper smile, and she steps over to one end of the room, opening the closet ( clothes neat and folded ) to pull her dress out.

Hung up beside Sonia's, it's almost a perfect replica of two weeks ago. ] Are you ready?

Then I am certain we will be alright.

[ She smiles right back at her, her head tilting as her hand moves to press over her heart. ]

Let us try it then.

[ She's overly careful with the dress though, not wanting to accidentally break it. Thankfully, after going to the hotsprings with Nami, she's got a little less cautious about getting undressed in front of someone else. She pulls the dress off the hanger before she starts, and begins by slipping off her shorts. She's glad she wore something easier to get out of though rather than her old uniform from home. Next is the jumper, then she's reaching for the zip on Lucina's dress to unfasten it and attempt to pull it over her head.

It takes some effort to get her hair out of it once it's on, then when she tries to pull the zip up at the side she can only make it 3/4 of the way up. It's a little small on her (thanks chest) but without that part it still looks pretty nice. ]

What do you think?

[ Hopefully Lucina is almost ready as well. ]

Oh—! It looks beautiful on you. [ The compliment comes as soon as Lucina turns around, the soft pink dress on her properly — at least, as properly as she can get it. It's a little bigger on her ( sorry 4 the flat lyfe ), but for the most part - it's a nice contrast to her hair, her eyes. She needs to compliment Sonia some more, reaching out to hold her hand. It's customary, by this point. ] In all honesty, it may suit you much better.

[ But then, Lucina isn't much of a dress-person — or a pink person, for that matter. She can't help but glance down at Sonia's dress again, her lips thinning into a straight line. ] ... What do you think?

A-ah... I would not say that. The colours on this compliment your hair very well, I think. [ Her hand entwinces with Lucina's as her smile softens. ]

And mine looks beautiful on you. The colour softens your look, you look wonderful, Lucina.

[ Her other hand reaches to gently push a piece of the other girl's hair behind her ear. ]

Please give me a smile instead. I would like to document this moment.

[ ah selfie time ]

The pink—? [ She looks down again, studying the dress some more. Compared to Sonia, who seems to embody the grace and gentleness of a princess, Lucina does have a long way to go. To need specific clothes to soften her look...

But anyway. She looks up at Sonia, expression giving away to apprehension before anything else. ] Er... I can't say I'm exactly known for my smile but ... I shall try.

[ "Try" being staring up at the camera with a smile, only the edges are awkward and there's nothing that reaches her eyes. To be fair her attempt has gotten better than the grimace she used to have back at home. But you know. It's still not a great attempt. ]

Yes, the pink. [ Sonia smiles even more when Lucina replies, so uncertain of herself as she is. ]

Just think of something that makes you happy.

[ Well, at least that is a start. Sadly, Lucina isn't going to get away with just one as Sonia's other hand moves to gently hold onto her. ]

Look at me, if it makes it easier.

[ Now that's a suggestion she can get behind, probably — Sonia does have a great track record when it comes to making Lucina smile, probably ( gay ). Which means — her eyes wander over to her friends face, before her features soften.

It's not that much of a jump from her usual expression; but the corners of her lips curl up slightly, and a hand of her own reaches out to hold Sonia, in return. Definitely an easier pose to hold than before, at least until she hears the shutter go off. ]

How does that look?

[ Sonia gives her a bigger smile when Lucina plays along, her own gaze softening in the process. She takes the picture, and when they look to check it will be pleasantly surprised by how good it is. ]

Perfect! It is quite a shame that we cannot print these out.

[ She leans in just slightly, eyes taking in the picture. ] It's wonderful. [ It's also probably what happens when two canonically beautiful princesses take a picture together, but you know, details.

Mostly because there's a term Lucina's never quite familiarized herself with her before. ] Print...? What do you mean?

[ Sonia smiles even more when Lucina approves, though really it is just what happens with two beautiful princesses are in the photo, it's true. ]

Oh! So that rather being stored in here... [ She points to her bracelet. ] You have them on paper instead. That way you can place them on your wall or in an album.

Oh! A ... painting? Or something similar —

[ But it makes sense. ] Regardless, I would prefer that greatly to this. [ Something tangible, to hold on to. ] Although... if it's not too much trouble, I'd like a copy for myself. To store in my magitek.

Something similar. It is done with ink, and not by hand after all.

[ Though, ah! Of course. Sonia quickly tries to send it over to her, looking pleased with herself when she manages it. ]

I believe you should have it now?

Interesting... [ A futuristic painting, then!! How exciting, perhaps she'll be able to see it one day. ]

Oh, er— [ Her interface pops up from the ring on her finger, and as Sonia as said, there it is. ] Yes, I do. [ It really is a lovely picture. ]

Thank you. [ Though before the silence can stretch on longer — ] I suppose we should... change back into something more comfortable, now? [ Unless there are suddenly more dresses to try on. ]

Yes. I am glad that we could share this, Lucina.

[ Despite being close enough already, Sonia reaches to give the other girl a hug. It's been a nice change, having a girly moment like this. ]

Though... I suppose we should, no? This is a little tight actually.

[ Considering she couldn't even zip it up past her waist oops. ]

I couldn't agree more, Sonia. [ With the hug returned in full, because this is probably the girliest thing she has done since... ever. Definitely something that should be celebrated with a hug.

But ah — Lucina takes a gentle step back, slowly untangling herself away from the hug. ] We can have the snacks after. [ With that, she turns around — see u next time, dresses. ]

[ Definitely to be celebrated!

Sonia has to twist a bit to pull the zip down the rest of the way, sighing in relief once it's off and her normal clothes are on.

With that done, mind you, it just leaves a rather grave topic. ]

Actually, I wished to talk to you a little too. Though, admittedly it seems a little wrong to do so after trying on our dresses.

Oh? [ A pause, turning around with her eyebrows raised ( once she's changed, she has her priorities straight ). ] Is everything alright?

[ She's quick to take a step forward again, reaching out for Sonia's hands. ] I'm more than happy to listen, Sonia.

[ Sonia waits while keeping her eyes averted, giving the other girl privacy. ]

It is fine, I just... [ She actually flinches a little this time as Lucina takes her hands, almost like she's remembering how tainted they actually are. ] It is just a difficult topic. I admit, I am a little nervous to bring it up as well.

... I'll wait for as long as you need. [ Which — really doesn't do much to combat the anxiety Sonia might be feeling. Frankly, she's not sure what to say in this kind of scenario, because "people" have been much more father's thing than her thing.

She's happy to sit in silence regardless, keeping her word. She'll just hang up the dresses back in the closet again, idly tidy parts of her room. ]

[ It doesn't really, which is why she pauses as Lucina busies herself with her room instead. It's a lot more awkward than when she'd spoken to Nami, Lance or Haise in that Lucina isn't sitting with her and it just feels... more detached.

Slowly, she sits down, hands on her lap and stares at the floor. It will take a bit of time before she starts, just because she fears how this will go now given that reaction.

Still... it's better than lying to someone who has only shown her kindness and generosity. ]

Do you remember what I told you at the ball?

[ None of her friends had been — they all had their own ways of dealing with the tragedy at their hands. Talking about it wasn't exactly the highest priority, for they all knew what they were going through. Occasionally, Lucina might bet the upset Cynthia or the quiet-er Nah, their small moments of weakness, but ...

She does sit down, once Sonia begins. Unfortunately, if Sonia shows any signs of discomfort... Lucina doesn't quite notice it ( yet ). ] ... Yes.

The state of your world, yes? [ At least, she's better at listening now. ]

[ She breathes out slowly as Lucina sits as well now, her hands clasping tightly together, almost until parts turn white from how her skin pulls against bone. Then, slowly, she tries to relax. ]

The reason behind that is quite complicated. I think it may be best if I were to be more honest about it, however... it is not a pleasant thing to recall. Please bear with me.

[ More than that, she's terrified Lucina will turn her away once she learns the truth. ]

Perhaps in its simplest form... "I was one of the people behind it" would summarise it well, though it was never of my own accord. My classmates and I were brainwashed into spreading despair, I had no control over my thoughts or actions at the time, so now I just have to live with it.

and if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?

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i hope you know i got an instax camera bc of this thread... next time she'll be ready!!!

NO CUTE i'm so glad, let's have them take a selfie per mission or smth

YES OFC...!!! more than one okok

yeah!!! >:c

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