kai (not the fish kind)

*Nikolai had told Kai a month or two ago that they would try public school and today was the day where she would take him school supply shopping and get him some anxiety medication*

@kaisilveira

*Kai was already putting on his shoes. A bit anxious but excited for the day*

Koi? Are you ready?

*Nikolai had packed him a bag containing his phone, headphones, camera, cowie, some stim toys, and whatever else*

I think i am? ...

*he continuously buttoned and unbottned his coat out of nervousness, but overall seemed fine*

I think.

How about you choose where we go first? That way I can have an idea as to where we go next

Uhm... The uniform store?

* he tilts his head as if he had been taking a guess*

Okay! We'll head there and then the pharmacy!

*kai nods, ready to follow Niko wherever he thinks they should go today*

*Nikolai smiled and held his hand before leaving the house and walking through the forest*

*right after reaching the town, Nikolai notices Kai biting his nails, a bit unfocused*

Koi? Are you okay?

Huh? Oh. Yeah. Sorry

*he smiles*

I was just thinking about school and all..

Do you want your headphones?

can I?

Of course! Here!

*Nikolai handed him his headphones and his phone (which had a bunch of songs downloaded*

Thanks, мати

*Kai holds his smile, waiting to see Niko's reaction upon being called like that. Yeah, maybe kai did look up in the internet how to say some things in ukranian, what about it?*

*Nikolai's face lit up and she hugged him tight, very excited and happy*

*in the other side, Kai felt very, very proud. He laughs*

I've been learning some things online, as you can see

I can tell! I'm so proud, koi!!

*he smiles, blushing a little, and puts on his headphones*

*nikolai let him put on whatever music he wanted before walking with him to the uniform store*

*upon reaching the store, kai doubles in shyness. He decides to put the headphones away (out of respect), and glue himself to Niko's side*

Okay. I'm going to sew the logo on myself but all you have to do is tell me what shirts you like based on color and texture!

Normal ones,,? Like, cotton. Can't miss with those....

You can listen to your music while you feel the fabrics and pick out a few you like, okay?

*he looks to the store owner, to the headphones in his hands, then to niko*

But wouldn't that be disrespectful??

>I don't want to be yelled at by strangers again

Nope! She won't mind, I already asked her about this the other day when I took Aya uniform shopping

Oh... alright

*he puts them on. Kai goes to a near coat rack and starts to search his new uniform*

*Nikolai went to the counter to talk to the store clerk while Kai shopped*

*after more minutes then the boy anticipated (why are so many uniforms made out of weird textures?), he finds some good options. Basically, all white or gray, be didn't want to stand out in class*

*Nikolai noticed and went over to ask him if that was all the colors he wanted*

Mhm. I don't wanna wear anything too colofull there....

Are you sure?

At least for now... yes

*He's bitting his nails again*

Hey, what's up? Do you want something from the bag? A hug?

*Kai looks to him, a pinch of uneasyness present in his expression*

I'm just nervous,, uhn, yeah. Please

*Nikolai didn't know what he was saying yes to so she just hugged him*

*he wraps his arms around it and takes a deep breath, the hug easying his anxiety slightly*

*Nikolai gave him a gentle squeeze and rubbed his back softly*

*kai pulls back*

Okay. I'm better now, i think

"Do you want me to hold your hand the rest of the trip?"

What fidget toy did you pack..?

*he grabs its hand*

Well I brought some rings, chewy necklaces, things you can squeeze and squish, and I also brought Cowie

Can you grab the chewy necklaces, please? Uhm. I don't think i want to take Cowie out here..

Okay, baby. But if you do want cowie just let me know, okay?

*she took out the a chewy necklace and handed it to him*

Don't call me that here,- please-

*he reacts as if someone would run after him if they hear someone calling him baby, looking around to see if someone actually heard*

... sorry. I didn't mean it to sound harsh, sorry

Honey, no one here understands us right now so they wouldn't even know what we're saying, okay?

*he hums, still uneasy*

Right, i guess... uhm. I think those are the colors I want, then.

*Kai hands the shirts to him*

Okay, baby. I'll go check out then we'll go to the pharmacy

Mhm

*he just hums, busy biting his new necklace *

*Nikolai had told Kai a month or two ago that they would try public school and today was the day where she would take him school supply shopping and get him some anxiety medication*

@kaisilveira

*Kai was already putting on his shoes. A bit anxious but excited for the day*

Koi? Are you ready?

*Nikolai had packed him a bag containing his phone, headphones, camera, cowie, some stim toys, and whatever else*

I think i am? ...

*he continuously buttoned and unbottned his coat out of nervousness, but overall seemed fine*

I think.

How about you choose where we go first? That way I can have an idea as to where we go next

Uhm... The uniform store?

* he tilts his head as if he had been taking a guess*

Okay! We'll head there and then the pharmacy!

*kai nods, ready to follow Niko wherever he thinks they should go today*

*Nikolai smiled and held his hand before leaving the house and walking through the forest*

*right after reaching the town, Nikolai notices Kai biting his nails, a bit unfocused*

Koi? Are you okay?

Huh? Oh. Yeah. Sorry

*he smiles*

I was just thinking about school and all..

Do you want your headphones?

can I?

Of course! Here!

*Nikolai handed him his headphones and his phone (which had a bunch of songs downloaded*

Thanks, мати

*Kai holds his smile, waiting to see Niko's reaction upon being called like that. Yeah, maybe kai did look up in the internet how to say some things in ukranian, what about it?*

*Nikolai's face lit up and she hugged him tight, very excited and happy*

*in the other side, Kai felt very, very proud. He laughs*

I've been learning some things online, as you can see

I can tell! I'm so proud, koi!!

*he smiles, blushing a little, and puts on his headphones*

*nikolai let him put on whatever music he wanted before walking with him to the uniform store*

*upon reaching the store, kai doubles in shyness. He decides to put the headphones away (out of respect), and glue himself to Niko's side*

Okay. I'm going to sew the logo on myself but all you have to do is tell me what shirts you like based on color and texture!

Normal ones,,? Like, cotton. Can't miss with those....

You can listen to your music while you feel the fabrics and pick out a few you like, okay?

*he looks to the store owner, to the headphones in his hands, then to niko*

But wouldn't that be disrespectful??

>I don't want to be yelled at by strangers again

Nope! She won't mind, I already asked her about this the other day when I took Aya uniform shopping

Oh... alright

*he puts them on. Kai goes to a near coat rack and starts to search his new uniform*

*Nikolai went to the counter to talk to the store clerk while Kai shopped*

*after more minutes then the boy anticipated (why are so many uniforms made out of weird textures?), he finds some good options. Basically, all white or gray, be didn't want to stand out in class*

*Nikolai noticed and went over to ask him if that was all the colors he wanted*

Mhm. I don't wanna wear anything too colofull there....

Are you sure?

At least for now... yes

*He's bitting his nails again*

Hey, what's up? Do you want something from the bag? A hug?

*Kai looks to him, a pinch of uneasyness present in his expression*

I'm just nervous,, uhn, yeah. Please

*Nikolai didn't know what he was saying yes to so she just hugged him*

*he wraps his arms around it and takes a deep breath, the hug easying his anxiety slightly*

*Nikolai gave him a gentle squeeze and rubbed his back softly*

*kai pulls back*

Okay. I'm better now, i think

"Do you want me to hold your hand the rest of the trip?"

What fidget toy did you pack..?

*he grabs its hand*

Well I brought some rings, chewy necklaces, things you can squeeze and squish, and I also brought Cowie

Can you grab the chewy necklaces, please? Uhm. I don't think i want to take Cowie out here..

Okay, baby. But if you do want cowie just let me know, okay?

*she took out the a chewy necklace and handed it to him*

Don't call me that here,- please-

*he reacts as if someone would run after him if they hear someone calling him baby, looking around to see if someone actually heard*

... sorry. I didn't mean it to sound harsh, sorry

Honey, no one here understands us right now so they wouldn't even know what we're saying, okay?

*he hums, still uneasy*

Right, i guess... uhm. I think those are the colors I want, then.

*Kai hands the shirts to him*

*Nikolai had told Kai a month or two ago that they would try public school and today was the day where she would take him school supply shopping and get him some anxiety medication*

@kaisilveira

*Kai was already putting on his shoes. A bit anxious but excited for the day*

Koi? Are you ready?

*Nikolai had packed him a bag containing his phone, headphones, camera, cowie, some stim toys, and whatever else*

I think i am? ...

*he continuously buttoned and unbottned his coat out of nervousness, but overall seemed fine*

I think.

How about you choose where we go first? That way I can have an idea as to where we go next

Uhm... The uniform store?

* he tilts his head as if he had been taking a guess*

Okay! We'll head there and then the pharmacy!

*kai nods, ready to follow Niko wherever he thinks they should go today*

*Nikolai smiled and held his hand before leaving the house and walking through the forest*

*right after reaching the town, Nikolai notices Kai biting his nails, a bit unfocused*

Koi? Are you okay?

Huh? Oh. Yeah. Sorry

*he smiles*

I was just thinking about school and all..

Do you want your headphones?

can I?

Of course! Here!

*Nikolai handed him his headphones and his phone (which had a bunch of songs downloaded*

Thanks, мати

*Kai holds his smile, waiting to see Niko's reaction upon being called like that. Yeah, maybe kai did look up in the internet how to say some things in ukranian, what about it?*

*Nikolai's face lit up and she hugged him tight, very excited and happy*

*in the other side, Kai felt very, very proud. He laughs*

I've been learning some things online, as you can see

I can tell! I'm so proud, koi!!

*he smiles, blushing a little, and puts on his headphones*

*nikolai let him put on whatever music he wanted before walking with him to the uniform store*

*upon reaching the store, kai doubles in shyness. He decides to put the headphones away (out of respect), and glue himself to Niko's side*

Okay. I'm going to sew the logo on myself but all you have to do is tell me what shirts you like based on color and texture!

Normal ones,,? Like, cotton. Can't miss with those....

You can listen to your music while you feel the fabrics and pick out a few you like, okay?

*he looks to the store owner, to the headphones in his hands, then to niko*

But wouldn't that be disrespectful??

>I don't want to be yelled at by strangers again

Nope! She won't mind, I already asked her about this the other day when I took Aya uniform shopping

Oh... alright

*he puts them on. Kai goes to a near coat rack and starts to search his new uniform*

*Nikolai went to the counter to talk to the store clerk while Kai shopped*

*after more minutes then the boy anticipated (why are so many uniforms made out of weird textures?), he finds some good options. Basically, all white or gray, be didn't want to stand out in class*

*Nikolai noticed and went over to ask him if that was all the colors he wanted*

Mhm. I don't wanna wear anything too colofull there....

Are you sure?

At least for now... yes

*He's bitting his nails again*

Hey, what's up? Do you want something from the bag? A hug?

*Kai looks to him, a pinch of uneasyness present in his expression*

I'm just nervous,, uhn, yeah. Please

*Nikolai didn't know what he was saying yes to so she just hugged him*

*he wraps his arms around it and takes a deep breath, the hug easying his anxiety slightly*

*Nikolai gave him a gentle squeeze and rubbed his back softly*

*kai pulls back*

Okay. I'm better now, i think

"Do you want me to hold your hand the rest of the trip?"

What fidget toy did you pack..?

*he grabs its hand*

Well I brought some rings, chewy necklaces, things you can squeeze and squish, and I also brought Cowie

Can you grab the chewy necklaces, please? Uhm. I don't think i want to take Cowie out here..

Okay, baby. But if you do want cowie just let me know, okay?

*she took out the a chewy necklace and handed it to him*

Don't call me that here,- please-

*he reacts as if someone would run after him if they hear someone calling him baby, looking around to see if someone actually heard*

... sorry. I didn't mean it to sound harsh, sorry

*Nikolai had told Kai a month or two ago that they would try public school and today was the day where she would take him school supply shopping and get him some anxiety medication*

@kaisilveira

*Kai was already putting on his shoes. A bit anxious but excited for the day*

Koi? Are you ready?

*Nikolai had packed him a bag containing his phone, headphones, camera, cowie, some stim toys, and whatever else*

I think i am? ...

*he continuously buttoned and unbottned his coat out of nervousness, but overall seemed fine*

I think.

How about you choose where we go first? That way I can have an idea as to where we go next

Uhm... The uniform store?

* he tilts his head as if he had been taking a guess*

Okay! We'll head there and then the pharmacy!

*kai nods, ready to follow Niko wherever he thinks they should go today*

*Nikolai smiled and held his hand before leaving the house and walking through the forest*

*right after reaching the town, Nikolai notices Kai biting his nails, a bit unfocused*

Koi? Are you okay?

Huh? Oh. Yeah. Sorry

*he smiles*

I was just thinking about school and all..

Do you want your headphones?

can I?

Of course! Here!

*Nikolai handed him his headphones and his phone (which had a bunch of songs downloaded*

Thanks, мати

*Kai holds his smile, waiting to see Niko's reaction upon being called like that. Yeah, maybe kai did look up in the internet how to say some things in ukranian, what about it?*

*Nikolai's face lit up and she hugged him tight, very excited and happy*

*in the other side, Kai felt very, very proud. He laughs*

I've been learning some things online, as you can see

I can tell! I'm so proud, koi!!

*he smiles, blushing a little, and puts on his headphones*

*nikolai let him put on whatever music he wanted before walking with him to the uniform store*

*upon reaching the store, kai doubles in shyness. He decides to put the headphones away (out of respect), and glue himself to Niko's side*

Okay. I'm going to sew the logo on myself but all you have to do is tell me what shirts you like based on color and texture!

Normal ones,,? Like, cotton. Can't miss with those....

You can listen to your music while you feel the fabrics and pick out a few you like, okay?

*he looks to the store owner, to the headphones in his hands, then to niko*

But wouldn't that be disrespectful??

>I don't want to be yelled at by strangers again

Nope! She won't mind, I already asked her about this the other day when I took Aya uniform shopping

Oh... alright

*he puts them on. Kai goes to a near coat rack and starts to search his new uniform*

*Nikolai went to the counter to talk to the store clerk while Kai shopped*

*after more minutes then the boy anticipated (why are so many uniforms made out of weird textures?), he finds some good options. Basically, all white or gray, be didn't want to stand out in class*

*Nikolai noticed and went over to ask him if that was all the colors he wanted*

Mhm. I don't wanna wear anything too colofull there....

Are you sure?

At least for now... yes

*He's bitting his nails again*

Hey, what's up? Do you want something from the bag? A hug?

*Kai looks to him, a pinch of uneasyness present in his expression*

I'm just nervous,, uhn, yeah. Please

*Nikolai didn't know what he was saying yes to so she just hugged him*

*he wraps his arms around it and takes a deep breath, the hug easying his anxiety slightly*

*Nikolai gave him a gentle squeeze and rubbed his back softly*

*kai pulls back*

Okay. I'm better now, i think

"Do you want me to hold your hand the rest of the trip?"

What fidget toy did you pack..?

*he grabs its hand*

Well I brought some rings, chewy necklaces, things you can squeeze and squish, and I also brought Cowie

Can you grab the chewy necklaces, please? Uhm. I don't think i want to take Cowie out here..

Koji’s interest had been piqued by the forest for ages now, ever since he arrived at the mansion. Eventually, and inevitably, his curiosity became overwhelming. His paintings seemed to be filled with the oh-so-forbidden woods. It felt embarrassing, almost. Soon he decided to give in.

And that was how he found himself deep in the forest, his old backpack packed with simple necessities. He probably could have gone about this better, having just chosen a direction before running right in.

The forest was dark and the lake beside him was pitch black. He had no idea how deep it was so it was best to stay away.

But after a few moments he heard movement from the lake and saw a few air bubbles rise to the surface.

Koji’s eyes widened as he heard the sound of bubbles, looking around until his gaze landed onto the lake’s surface. He stared, quietly making his way closer.

After what felt like an eternity, a head popped out of the water. It was a person...right? The person had curly jam-red hair, pale skin, seaweed green eyes, pointy ears, and sharp teeth.

Koji recoiled suddenly, eyes wide as he peered at the…creature…? He swallowed, taking in their appearance as he gripped his bag tighter.

“I…h. hello there.”

She looked at him and tilted their head as he swam closer, trying to get a better look, before chirping and smiling at him

Koji smiled back, a small sigh escaping him.

“you look cool…”

he slowly made his way closer, head tilted slightly to mimic the creature.

Her face lit up and they quickly swam around, clearly excited to have made a friend after being alone for so long!

Koji laughed a little, setting down his bag. He sat at the edge of the lake and watched the other individual.

“Do you. talk? do you understand me..?”

He looked a little confused before chirping and beginning to speak (broken) French

"Tu parles français aussi ?!" (Do you speak French too?!)

Koji did a double take, his eyes widening as he processed the language. He did not think his French classes would pay off like this. His own accent was kind of rusty.

”Oui… je comprends français… et je parle de temps en temps.” (Yes…I understand French…and I speak from time to time.)

She chirped excitedly and swam around some more, splashing him a bit, before swimming up to the edge of the lake

"Vraiment ?! Je suis Fleur ! Je n'ai jamais rencontré quelqu'un d'autre qui parle français ! En fait, je n'ai jamais rencontré personne d'autre, mais c'est tellement incroyable !" (Really?! I'm Fleur! I've never met anyone else who can speak French! I've never met anyone actually- but this is so amazing!)