[ti]private[/ti]Pretty Pebbles

The world was quiet.

The sun hung low and somber in the sky, barely starting to crease the horizon. Another update had come- a new world, new experiences, new new new.

For Mimiqueue, the old was new. She walked the streets of Briarbane, not for a goal or mission- she did not hurry to checkpoint or quest. Mom’s house held little interest.

What held interest was everything else- the creatures rustling among the dust and cobble, the birds cawing and crowing. She paused at shops, spending hours looking over every item for sale, taking it into her hands, feeling the weight and texture of it.

Mimiqueue followed the moss along a building’s side, and dipped into a side alley to retrieve a pigeon feather. To her… these were more valuable than some pre-programmed quest. She was constantly told what to do in real life- why would she simply do the same here?

So, as night was creeping closer, Mimi found herself walking down Cerulean Boulevard, from the cobbled stone to smooth pebbles, to the smooth sand.

She looked over the ocean, listening to the great rush of it, letting her feet carry her forward- until she noticed the person there. And then, Mimiqueue froze, breath still in her chest, heart fluttering.

But… But the person sitting there didn’t move. And… the few people Mimi had seen, they were all- distinctive. People running by, flames licking at their clothes, water casting from their fingertips- or plants, curling around wrists.

This person… she seemed plain- like the other NPCs. The anxiety abated. Slowly, Mimiqueue moved to their side, carefully sitting. “Um… Is it alright if I join you?” She asked, voice prim and airy.

At the first brush of Ruby’s voice, Mimiqueue let out a small breath of relief. Of course, Sis. Like this was the most natural thing in the world- Which… it was. Mimiqueue was simply this NPC’s sister, both daughters of Mom. It was a simple premise, but one easy to slip into.

Cautiously, Mimi sat down next to the NPC, legs swept underneath her. She looked over the water, listening to the rustle of waves, the rush of the wind. It was peaceful, in a way she hadn’t experienced before. Micheal had gone to the beachsides before, but never for the beach. Always for a something. Some event, or gathering, or conference.

Never just to sit, and watch the sunset, and bask in what nature truly was. “It is a lovely night,” She repeated, voice soft. Slowly, her gaze flicked to Ruby- what a pretty name- just looking at her a moment. She was cute, and looked similar enough to Mom in the way of anime designs.

But, she’d began introductions, and needed one in return. Mimiqueue paused a moment, rehearing to herself, before finally speaking. “I’m Mimi…” Another bit of relief. An introduction successfully made… “It… is nice to get out, isn’t it?”

She could understand a busy home- Jasper and the other caretakers, constant visitors and guests- His time had been stressful, as of late, but… the quiet and seclusion was nice. Not something he’d knew he had truly been missing.

Mimiqueue blinked at Ruby, seeming startled that she was even being asked something. "Um- I- Yes, please." She said, quietly, taking the offered juice box, studying it for a moment. There was a little creature, an apple with a worm coming out of it.

Something children were depicted with having, in elementary school. An experience he never got to have.

Mimi tightened her grip on it, a bit, carefully pulling free the straw and sticking it in. It didn't taste much like apples- it was just sweet, and warm.

And Ruby was... still offering more. Not just a place to relax, but... Maybe a friend. Maybe a real friend. Mimiqueue looked down at the juicebox in her hands, not yet brave enough to keep meeting her eyes. "Um... um, yeah. That would be nice." Tentatively, she did manage to look at Ruby, offering a timid, fleeting smile.