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Who: Natalia Luzu Kimlasca-Lanvaldear (

poised) and Shin-Ah (

dragonseyes)
When: Post-Event, following this.
Where: Natalia's apartment
What: Secret princess identity possibly revealed, Natalia wishes to talk to Shin-Ah.
Warning: None.

[Finding Natalia's apartment isn't an adventure per se but it takes Shin-Ah a little bit longer than it probably should have. The numbering system within buildings was still foreign to him and every apartment door seemed to look the same. Systematically, Shin-Ah had combed through the different levels within the building, working his way up and up until the found the right apartment.

He wasn't one to doubt someone's words. If Natalia said she was fine, she was fine. But she had looked so exhausted... Well. Shin-Ah would keep an eye on her state. Just in case. And if she didn't feel well, he could go and find Yoon. Yoon knows how to heal and make things better after all.

Though Shin-Ah did wonder what she wanted to talk about. He tried not to ponder too much, Natalia would bring up whatever she wanted to talk about at her earliest convenience.

…

A lot of stairs later, Shin-Ah stopped in front of a door and checked the address Natalia had given him again, comparing the numbers. Yes. This seemed to be the right place. Ao, peering down from Shin-Ah's shoulder, also seemed satisfied with the results of their endeavor.

And since Shin-Ah is a old-fashioned guy, Natalia, you get a handful of polite knocks.]

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[Cute mirroring squirrel.

Cute friend who barely knows her but is so willing to come see her if she asks him to all of a sudden.

Cute offer to know what's bothering her that's still quiet but gets his point across--

She's still tired but she lets her shoulders drop then, relaxing as she gives Shin-Ah a smile.]

Ah... I merely wasn't myself these last few days. I was rather rude and snapped at you when you didn't deserve it. I wanted to apologize...

[and also see if he remembers anything about the castle remark

but that can wait a little bit]

[Shin-Ah blinks. Rude? Not at all. Natalia had been nice. Vocal in her opinions but nice. Worrying about his well-being, letting him pick the ice cream. Not minding his quietness.

Offering her his hand like Ao, like Yona.

No. Nothing Natalia had done or said had been rude in the long run, not by Shin-Ah's standards.]

...But you were nice.

[ok Shin-Ah you can continue to be way too giving but she's just going to frown]

I raised my voice at you.

That's not acceptable.

[...Natalia does have a point. If someone had raised their voice at one of his friends, Shin-Ah wouldn't have appreciated it either. At all.

Mirroring Natalia's frown, Shin-Ah nods to show that he has understood where she is coming from. What does someone say in response to that though? 'It's fine?' It's not fine and they both know it.

...]

I didn't mind.

[Wait, that... came out wrong-]

[ ......?!

Okay see, Natalia was ready to move on and talk about castles or perhaps lack of castles but now she's frowning even more?!]

Shin-Ah, you certainly should take issue with it if someone raises their voice at you for an infraction as minor as littering.

You are very kind but that's no reason for you to be bullied.

[Shin-Ah didn't feel like he was being bullied back then. But again, Natalia's point still stands. Yelling at someone for making a mundane mistake is no reason to get bullied.

But it was such a minor thing Natalia pointed out that Shin-Ah himself didn't feel bothered or bullied. Eyebrows knitting together, Shin-Ah looks down to Ao briefly before lifting his gaze back to Natalia's face. The agitation is back on her face and Shin-Ah would rather see her smile again.

It's okay, Natalia. He understands now. He won't let anyone else treat him like this again.]

[ . . . . Okay.

For now, she appeased and merely sighs. Truly, such kind people could have their feelings so easily overlooked. Shin-Ah forgave her so easily it almost makes her feel worse -- but she knows that's not what he would want.

So with another nod, she manages a soft smile.]

Thank you.

It merely sets me at unease for you to be mistreated. Even after my confusing behavior, you were still so patient. I'd rather not see anyone take advantage of that.

[There. The smile is back. It suits Natalia much better than the frown and upset tone in her voice and the unease which has settled in Shin-Ah's stomach lifts.

And don't worry, Natalia. No one has taken advantage of his kindness, no one ever took something Shin-Ah wasn't willing to give. There are limits to what he allows people to do. And he is very good at putting at stop to things he doesn't appreciate.

Quietly, Shin-Ah cocks his head to the side, shifting so he's facing Natalia fully.]

Don't worry...

You have a good heart, Shin-Ah. Of course I'll worry.

[That much is for certain.

... Regardless she merely shakes her head now. At least she's enough at ease that she can finally ask what was bothering her the entire time-]

.... By the by, do you remember what I said when we met? A comment about... a castle, perhaps?

[The castle? Yes. That's difficult to forget since Yona also grew up in a castle so it stuck to Shin-Ah's memories like glue. It may have been an off-handed comment from Natalia's side but her words definitely haven't been forgotten.

Nod nod.]

[Ah.

...... Okay, she made it this far. And didn't she tell Shin-Ah herself that he has a good heart? Certainly she can trust someone as kind as Shin-Ah, who came to visit her simply because she asked.]

.... In that case, I suppose it may as well be appropriate for me to introduce myself to you formally.

I am Princess Natalia of Kimlasca-Lanvaldear - which is why I mentioned a castle.

[Oh. So she is a princess, like Yona. But like Yona is Yona, Natalia is also Natalia. It's probably a good thing Shin-Ah doesn't fully understand everything that comes attached to being a princess, the formality and manners. To him, they're just people. He's never seen how princesses should get treated firsthand.

Is this then what Natalia seemed to worry about?

Shin-Ah hesitates for a split second, not sure to show that Natalia doesn't need to worry.

...

Clearly, the answer is to pat her head exactly twice.]

[Oh.

For a moment, she's not sure what to do. He's patting her head? He's patting her head. Literally no one in her life has patted her head before. Shin-Ah, what are you doing.....

But you're going to have to forgive her.

It's just so absurd - she's a princess, receiving head pats from someone whose backstory completely eludes her - and maybe it's the exhaustion adding to it now but she's just--

She just half-heartedly tries to cover her mouth as she laughs, unbearably amused.]

[As Natalia raises her hand, Shin-Ah momentarily freezes. Had that been wrong? He'd watched people do it to comfort others and it seemed like a good idea--

She's laughing. She's not scolding him or didn't push his hand away. Instead, Natalia seems to be bearing it with grace and humor.

Shin-Ah peers at his hand before letting it drop to the side, his shoulders more relaxed now that Natalia is laughing. Maybe she's less tired now, too? It would be good if she was.

Expression blank, Shin-Ah waits for Natalia to calm down.]

[She's so amused.... and when her laughter dies down into giggles, she just gives him a smile. Goodness, that derailed her train of thought rather thoroughly.]

Thank you, Shin-Ah. I appreciate it.

[Whatever that was. Was he trying to comfort her or reassure her of something? Either way, it's not the normal reaction she gets when she tells people she's a princess.]

Regardless, I trust you to not be the type to spread around gossip, but I wanted to ask if you if you'd be willing to not mention my title to others.... It's something I'm trying to keep under wraps.

[...do all princesses hide their identities?

But if Natalia asks him to keep her status a secret, it is most certainly save with Shin-Ah. He isn't even going to ask her why it's kept a secret. Natalia has her reasons and Shin-Ah isn't going to poke his nose into her affairs. It's not the kind of person he is.

Shin-Ah's fingers curl around his knees and he nods. He's got your back, Natalia.]

[Apparently the ones that the dragons know do.

Either way, she breathes a sigh of relief at that. Then she reaches out to place a hand on his shoulder to catch his attention as she gives him a smile.]

Thank you, Shin-Ah. I appreciate it.

[And. There it is. That's the last person she needs to tell about this princess business. Oh thank goodness, she can take a nap now--]

[Which is the exact moment Ao judges to be perfect for climbing into Natalia's lap with no regard for personal space. He's a squirrel, he can't be blamed. ~~really~~

Natalia's thanks have Shin-Ah fidgeting for a split second before he nods again. But he's getting more and more worried about the circles under Natalia's eyes now.

...Wait, isn't tea supposed to be relaxing? And making tea can't be hard, right?]

Do you want... tea?

[Listen, Ao is the cutest thing ever and can probably get away with murder. So Natalia just smiles gently as she pets the squirrel --

Though Shin-Ah's words do surprise her.]

Are you... offering to make tea, Shin-Ah?

[Watch as Ao melts under her touch and rolls onto his back. Pet his tummy, Nat, you know you want to. Ao definitely wants you to.

And so far, Natalia's tone is less disgusted and more surprised so Shin-Ah ventures forth and nods. Yoon makes it all the time and Shin-Ah's watched often enough by now. He's sure he can get it right.]

[Ao is still King of Cute... and Natalia is just smiling gently even as she moves to pet the squirrel's stomach. Wow, she's being played by a squirrel and not even realizing--

Though she still frowns faintly at Shin-Ah's nod. Ah. Uh. Hm.]

Is that truly alright? You're a guest and not someone who has volunteered to care for my household. I feel as though it might be inappropriate to ask you to make tea...

[Shin-Ah knits his eyebrows together for a moment before nodding at Natalia. It isn't inappropriate to ask Shin-Ah to make tea, especially since Natalia looks very worn out. His expression smooths out as he reaches up to undo the knots holding mask and fur together, easily wrapping the warm fur piece around Natalia's shoulders.

It's easy to get cold when you're tired.

Satisfied that Natalia is going to be just fine (and left in Ao's capable... paws.) Shin-Ah shuffles over to the kitchen.

He's got this, Natalia. Have a little faith in him.]

[ . . . Yeah Shin-Ah, you really should just walk away and turn your back because a moment later Natalia is letting her embarrassment show with only Ao for her audience.

She clutches onto the fur piece and huddles it around her shoulders more thoroughly as she bows her head, snuggling into it and trying not to think about how flattered and embarrassed she is that he's trying so hard to take care of her.

As a friend and not a servant.

It's touching.

You do your thing, Shin-Ah, she's going to keep petting Ao and trying to not think too hard about this. At least her kitchen is probably well-organized thanks to someone else constantly being in there.]

[While Ao almost rotates in Natalia's lap to try and get her to rub all the good spots at the same time, Shin-Ah looks through the kitchen cabinets and drawers to locate everything needed for tea. He's figured out how the stove works be now, that was easy.

Twist here and put something on the parts turning hot. Easy, he even managed to fry an egg right on the stove that way. But tea needs water and thus, some clinking and clanking about later, Shin-Ah places the pot filled with water on the stove.

...He hopes Natalia will be able to rest easy after her talk. And maybe Ao and the tea help, too. Having Ao nearby helped Shin-Ah when he had felt tired and alone. A tiny spot of warmth.

And Natalia looks like she needs warmth.

It takes Shin-Ah a bit more to locate the tea leaves and a suitable mug but before long, he's carrying the tea into the living room, quietly holding it out to Natalia like an offering.]

[It is like an offering and she thinks it's precious. Before she takes the cup itself, she places her hands on top of Shin-Aah's in a friendly gesture before smiling up at him.]

Thank you, Shin-Ah. You didn't have to.... but thank you.

[She's still undoubtedly very happy. Then she takes the tea from his hands and into her own, gently blowing on it before taking a sip.

(Distantly, she noted that even Shin-Ah can make tea... Why can't she?)]

[It's a good thing that Shin-Ah has gotten used to simple gestures, touching fingers or small squeezes. It still feel foreign sometimes but when Natalia places her hands on Shin-Ah's, it feels like the most normal thing in the world.

There is a part of him which still feels like he should be withdrawing now but Natalia is like Yona and the others. She doesn't mind if he sticks around.

Letting Ao climb back up onto Shin-Ah's shoulder via his arm, he settles down on the couch again and watches Natalia drink. He made it just the way Yoon does and hopes it tastes good enough.]

[If it's just like Yoon makes it, it's guaranteed to be delicious. And as she takes the sip, she just hums pleasantly and sighs after. Her shoulders relax a bit more as she turns to Shin-Ah and nods.]

It's very good.

[ . . . But she does wonder. With one hand, she lightly pulls on the fur piece around her shoulders and tilts her head.]

Would you like this back?

[It's still November after all. Sure, her apartment is well-heated but she didn't want him to be cold...]

[Better. The tension lining Natalia's shoulders seems to be less now and Shin-Ah inwardly lets out a quiet sigh of relief. He managed to help her. He needs to remember to thank Yoon later, for letting him observe how he makes his tea.

At Natalia's question, Shin-Ah pauses before shaking his head. He still has his thick coat to help him stay warm and Natalia looks comfortable the way she is. Besides, the fur is fluffy and comfortable to curl up under.

Natalia doesn't look like she's cold but Shin-Ah wants to make sure she's comfy.]

[Well yes, it is very fluffy and comfortable but it's still not... hers.... so she frowns vaguely for a moment in thought before gesturing for him to come closer with her hand. Then she scoots over slightly on the couch so she's not sitting in the center (like she naturally did, princess that she is) and pats the spot that opened up next to her.]

No... I insist. You've done enough for me, Shin-Ah, don't let me take more from you.

At the very least, we can share.

[the fur piece seems big enough for that, she thinks....!!]

[... ...

Really? She's okay with that? Shin-Ah stares at his muddy shoes for a second before looking back to Natalia. He doesn't mind sharing his space someone, he's used to sleeping really close to the other dragons and Hak.

And if Natalia insists...

Off the shoes go (hello naked feet) before Shin-Ah settles down next to Natalia, drawing up his legs against his chest before grabbing a corner of the fur piece and pulling it around his shoulders.

There. That should do it.]

[ . . . . . okay, she can't help but laugh faintly at that. He made himself smaller.... and with the pull she can feel herself moving closer but well, that's fine enough. She trusts him and she was the one to invite him.

So she gently sips at her tea then before tilting her head.]

Where did you learn how to make tea, Shin-Ah?

[Quiet, calm conversation while he's still here. Perhaps a nap is in order once he departs, though.]

Yoon.

[The answer comes without hesitation. It's not like Yoon went out of his way to teach Shin-Ah how to make tea per se. But Shin-Ah watches a lot and observing is what Shin-Ah does very well. It's how he learned how to fight and it's how he learned to interpret all the little gesture and expressions the villagers back home made.

Shin-Ah peers down at the tea in Natalia's hands and the content expression on her face. He's glad the tea is working.]

...Yoon taught me.

Did he....

[She hums thoughtfully at that as she finishes off the rest of her tea before moving to set it down gently on the table. Then, she just tugs the fur piece to wrap around her self a bit more.

The urge for the nap is strong but she can't rest against the couch - that's impolite. What is she to do.... She politely covers up a small yawn with her hand before she proceeds-]

Yoon seems like he would be a good teacher.

He is, he... taught me a lot.

[Yoon is one of the best teachers even if he himself probably doesn't realize it. And Shin-Ah will never understand medicine and cooking the way Yoon does but what he can do is pay careful attention to how Yoon uses what and if there is something he needs.

The yawn makes Shin-Ah's attention focus on Natalia again and he frowns worriedly, a tiny thing. She tired still. Better make sure she really is warm then.

Shin-Ah tugs at the fur-turned-blanket carefully around her shoulders, noticing that on her lap, Ao is already dozing. A nap definitely wouldn't hurt Natalia, too...]

[Look, she was all ready to respond casually and mildly to him saying that Yoon is a good teacher but she's taken off-guard by yet another yawn, which she again obscures daintily with her hand.

. . . . But the warmth and Ao napping on her lap aren't making it an easy fight to stay awake. Still though, she tries vaguely, not even really noticing that she's starting to lean closer to Shin-Ah.]

I'm sorry - I do sincerely appreciate your company. I just don't make for very good company myself right now.

[Don't worry about it, Natalia, Shin-Ah isn't about to judge someone simply because they're tired. He'S surprised she hasn't told him to leave, Natalia has clearly been tired from the beginning and then turned it around and allowed Shin-Ah to stay despite his reason for coming over having passed.

She really shouldn't have pushed herself like this.

It's a very tiny gesture but... Shin-Ah takes hold of Natalia's sleeve between thumb and forefinger. There is no one here who will hurt you, Natalia. It's okay to sleep.]

[For a moment, she doesn't understand. She doesn't pull away but does look at his hand curiously. Shin-Ah normally doesn't initiate contact between them....

But does he mean to imply that she can rest now? She doesn't need to push herself, maybe. Just letting her rest....

Well, her heart melts a little bit.

So she gently clears her throat and then moves to rest against him a bit more, trying to keep herself relaxed - but with how warm the fur piece is and he is and Ao is, it's not hard.

Softly, she asks, rather uncertain herself-]

Is this alright....?

[The weight against his side is almost familiar. He's gotten so used to sharing a small tent with the others that he doesn't realize how comforting it was until Natalia relaxes against his side. And if he can share a little bit of that comfort with Natalia, he's happy.

He nods at her question but catches himself. She probably can't see him move his head from her spot.]

Yes.

[This really is alright. Shin-Ah himself isn't tired so he can make sure she won't be disturbed by anything. Natalia can rest, if she wants to. The fingers holding onto Natalia's sleeve get a little more relaxed, a faded but steady presence.]

[In truth, she can't. So the 'yes' of affirmation just gets a soft hum from her because she's already pillowing her head on his shoulder and turning in, warm and inviting as he is.

She's let down her guard before and fallen asleep in the vicinity of her companions, certainly they've ended up brushing against each other in their sleep but Natalia's never really fallen asleep against another person before. Even now she has a few reservations-

Except those reservations are rather gone after an extremely tiring day. And if there's any prime set-up for her to fall asleep, underneath a fur piece with a cute little animal in her lap and a good friend offering to watch over her is probably as good as it gets.

It doesn't long for her breathing to level off then as she nods off against him, feeling perfectly secure despite everything.]

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