Playmates

New day

Roku awoke to the soft rustling of curtains being drawn open, a gentle morning breeze slipping into her room. The maids, with their hushed voices and purposeful movements, brought with them the promise of a new day at the Elrod chateau.

"Good morning, Miss Roku," one of them greeted warmly, her smile brightening the room almost as much as the sunlight streaming in through the windows.

"Good morning," Roku replied with a yawn, feeling the remnants of sleep clinging to her.

The maids helped her dress in a simple yet elegant gown, the fabric cool and smooth against her skin. As she smoothed down the folds of her dress, she wondered how Mono was faring this morning. Would he be as reserved as yesterday, or would the morning light bring a new side of him?

Downstairs, in the breakfast room overlooking the gardens, the table was already set with a spread of pastries, fruits, and steaming tea. Roku took her seat as the maids flitted around, ensuring everything was perfect.

Moments later, the door opened, and Mono entered with the footman at his side. His demeanor was calm and composed, but Roku noticed a flicker of curiosity in his eyes as he glanced around the room.

"Good morning, Roku," Mono greeted softly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Good morning, Mono," Roku replied warmly, returning his smile.

They joined the Duchess at the table, whose presence exuded grace and kindness. She greeted them with genuine delight, inviting them to indulge in the morning feast before them. The conversation flowed easily as they shared stories of their respective homes and childhoods, the Duchess guiding the talk with effortless charm.

As they ate and talked, Roku found herself drawn to Mono's quiet intelligence and thoughtful observations. He listened more than he spoke, but when he did, his words carried a depth that intrigued her.

By the time breakfast concluded, Roku felt a newfound sense of camaraderie with Mono. The morning had unfolded in unexpected ways, easing the initial tension between them and paving the way for a budding friendship.

As they bid farewell to the Duchess and made their way out into the bright morning sun, Roku couldn't help but feel optimistic about the days ahead. The Elrod chateau, with its gardens blooming and secrets waiting to be discovered, held the promise of adventures yet to come—adventures that Roku was now eager to embrace alongside Mono.

((Mono's POV))

Mono stepped into the sunlit garden, the cool morning air mingling with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers. Beside him, Roku's vibrant energy seemed to fill the space, her laughter carrying on the breeze as they ventured deeper into the maze of pathways.

He watched her with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. Roku was unlike anyone he had ever met—bold, mischievous, and brimming with a zest for life that Mono found both exhilarating and slightly overwhelming. She darted ahead, pausing to examine every flower and chase after butterflies that fluttered lazily in the warm sunlight.

"Hey, Mono, catch me if you can!" Roku called out, her voice ringing with laughter as she dashed off down a winding path.

Mono chuckled softly, his steps quickening to catch up with her. He found himself drawn into Roku's infectious enthusiasm, the weight of his usual solitude lifting in her presence. There was something comforting about her adventurous spirit, a stark contrast to his own quiet introspection.

As they explored the garden together, Mono noticed how Roku's love for food became apparent at every turn—her eyes lighting up at the sight of a fruit-laden tree or a tray of freshly baked pastries left by a servant. She couldn't resist sampling everything they came across, much to Mono's amusement.

"You're like a little squirrel, always finding treats," he teased gently, handing her another ripe apple from a low-hanging branch.

Roku grinned impishly, taking a juicy bite. "Well, what's life without a little indulgence?" she replied, her cheeks flushed with the excitement of their impromptu feast.

As the morning unfolded, Mono found himself falling into a rhythm with Roku—an unspoken understanding where he kept a watchful eye on her antics, ready to intervene when her enthusiasm threatened to tip into trouble. She was a whirlwind of energy, prone to diving headfirst into new experiences without a second thought.

Yet, despite her spirited nature, Mono admired Roku's fierce loyalty and protective streak, especially when it came to those she cared about. He had seen glimpses of her fiery temper when someone crossed her or spoke ill of others, a side of her that he found both startling and strangely endearing.

By midday they reached the edge of the garden, Roku couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She flopped down onto the soft grass, her chest heaving with exhilaration, cheeks flushed from their adventurous morning. Mono settled beside her, feeling a sense of contentment in the peaceful surroundings.

"Today has been so much fun, Mono," Roku said between breaths, her eyes sparkling with joy as she turned to him.

Mono nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yeah, it really has," he agreed warmly, grateful for the unexpected enjoyment of their time together.

He studied Roku for a moment, her energy infectious and her spirit uplifting. "You know, Roku," Mono began, his voice thoughtful yet playful, "I think I'll call you 'Six'."

Roku raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Six?" she repeated, curiosity lighting up her features.

Mono nodded, his smile widening. "Yeah," he explained gently, "because in Japanese, Roku means 'six'. It suits you—always full of energy and ideas, like you have six times the usual spark."

Roku's face lit up with understanding and delight. "I like it," she declared with a grin. "Six it is!"

They sat together in companionable silence for a moment, the sun warming their faces and the breeze rustling through the leaves. Mono felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that their friendship was deepening—a partnership that promised exciting adventures and shared moments at the Elrod chateau.

As they watched a butterfly flit past them, Mono couldn't help but feel a growing anticipation for the days ahead, knowing that with Roku—now affectionately known as Six—by his side, each day would bring new surprises and the promise of unforgettable experiences.




Hi again!!! Ty for reading yet another chapter. In this au Six is more Energetic than usual bc i just though it would fit into the story better. Anyways, ty againg for reading!! See you in the next chapter!!