Amanda
Hey guysies guess who it is, it's Hatzume, unsurprisingly. Leaned against the counter, the tall woman had a pretty blank, wide eyed face of boredom adorning her features. Or at least, there's definitely not much going on up there- but thats just the usual for the girl.


She eyed them in the corner of her vision, almost drooling with urge to take another one. Surely Hatzume had the right, right? I mean, she made them after all! But with a sigh, she reminded herself that they were made to share..

She wondered if anyone else was coming to have some, she was gonna give it a couple more hours before she just shoved em in her bag and ran for the hills, having herself a mini picnic in her dorm- except instead of a picnic, its just cookies.

Hatzume's shoes made a satisfying click as she tapped her foot against the floor, anticipating anyone's arrival.. She really needs to start actually seeing people in person.. Touch some grass maybe.
Sandy
_ _ 

```Onizaki. A schoolmate has baked some biscuits and is distributing them for free. Come downstairs to the kitchen if you'd like to try them. ```

As Haoran made his way downstairs after texting his newly acquaintanced cousin, he'd tuck his phone into his pocket. He had been the one waiting for the biscuits since the very beginning of the baking process, so he was more than happy to get a taste of them as soon as he could. Eating food baked homemade tasted differently than when he bought the food from a restaurant or a store, for reasons he couldn't explain. Objectively, it didn't make sense. Subjectively, he just wanted to get some pink biscuits. 

``"Hatzume-san, was it?"``

A voice in Japanese would call out as Haoran revealed himself to be entering the kitchen, his eyes darting towards the rather large tray of (you guessed it, pink biscuits). He assumed from her name that she would be Japanese, but as he watched her expression carefully, he would soon find out if he were correct or not. There was a subtle accent to it - Chinese, evidently - but it was still fluent and comprehensible. 

His eyes stare at the biscuits. They look judging, condescending even..- With a cold look, he'd face Hatzume. 

And yet his words contradicted his expression almost entirely. He wasn't kidding when he said he didn't look too friendly over text earlier. 

``"Thank you for baking the biscuits. They look delicious. I hope you won't mind me taking a few so I could give them to my roommate. I'm sure Jones would appreciate them as well - you two just cooked together recently, right?"``

He commented, glancing about to see if Uriel was there yet. He knew that they were narcoleptic, so the chance that they perhaps had another one of their sudden attacks of sleep didn't leave his mind, yet he still hoped that the white-haired indivdual would arrive. Realizing that he hadn't introduced himself properly though, he'd turn back to her to face her. 

``"My name is Wan Haoran. It's a pleasure to meet you..- and your biscuits. I've invited a friend to come as well, if you don't mind."``
Josie
Upon seeing the biscuits were ready, Uriel smiled. It would be a lie if they were to say they weren't feeling the least bit nervous; after all, they had neither met Hatzume nor Haoran, and even if they were nice online, there was a ghost of a chance that behavior didn't translate in person. 

However, that was all it was— ghosts. Uriel shook their head as they walked to the kitchen, and the specters of past anxieties began to crawl back to the dark recesses from whence they came. 

Moments later, the kitchen door opened with an almost obnoxious creak, and the new person enters — perhaps a bit timidly. 


They're tall, around 6 foot, with stark white hair pulled into a braid on their shoulder. Pale skin, an androgynous build, tired grey eyes, an ever-dead expression— yep, it's most certainly Uriel. 

They adjust the neck of their poncho, gently picking up a biscuit with a gloved hand as they attempt to join the group. 

"Haoran and Hatzume, I assume?" Uriel's eyes look over each person respectively, their French accent *Strong* In comparison to their light and airy way of speaking. Haoran did say he looked intimidating, and as Uriel meets him face-to-face, they muse that the description wasn't necessary inaccurate (even if it was a bit harsh). 

"And... You are Enma. I heard while I was walking in. New, then?" Uriel's eyes scan the trio's appearance, quickly taking in all the visual information they could. 

Haoran and Hatzume both look like how they expected, but Enma looked a bit... Unusual compared to the other people at the Cradle.

Not that unusual was bad. It was, well. Just unusual. 

"It's a pleasure— both to see a new face, and to see finally meet you two in person. My name is Uriel Melançon, and I'm delighted to make your acquaintance."

They take a bite of the pink biscuit, almost like punctuation.
Amanda
Hatzume... Had expected the people of Newton's Cradle to be eccentric- a group of misfit teenagers with powers, it only really made sense that they'd all be exciting in one way or another- but these guys really seemed to be something.
Haoran seemed a pretty normal guy though, she gave him an active wave as he came in- completely disregarding how he didn't particularly look very friendly- a cover isnt the book, right?

"Yep yep! Thatsa me! Hatzume, pleased to see ya. Help yourself to aaaa pinkscuit!"

She was indeed Japanese! Accent and appearance matched as such anyways. She smiled brightly at Haoran, stealing a glance at the biscuits.
I feel i should warn she's canonically a very subpar chef.. Feel free to dislike them- she hasn't really done a whole bunch of cooking in the past.

It's the thought that counts, anyways.

Normalcy wasn't maintained- not at a school for troubled parahuman youth. Upon Enma rushing in, she was surprisingly unfazed by the pure frantic nature of him, the absolute state of him.
Hatzume gave a short wave to him, sheepishly tilting her head


"Yep, distributin', nice to meet you by the way, Hatzume Setsuko at your acaintase" ...She can't pronounce acquaintance.



"You assumed right! I think"

Oh they're french. She could make out what they were saying anyways, excitedly bouncing on her heels, tray of biscuits in hand for people to take out of.

"Hihi! Good to meet everyone too! Everyone havin' a good day?"

Current mission: small talk
Sandy
_ _ 

Haoran turned around to see the certain Onizaki arrive.

 *...I could've sworn I had just sent the message not even 2 minutes ago..?* 

Well. He wouldn't be the one to question the heir to the Onizaki legacy - they were all martial artists, and pulling such feats wouldn't be unheard of. He spared Enma a glance (an attempt to show him that he had acknowledge his presence, albeit a pathetic one). He'd turn to face Hatzume once more as she confirmed that he had gotten her name right, and would nod. With a slight bow, to both Enma and Hatzume, he would pick up one of the biscuits. 

Now. Haoran wasn't too used to eating food cooked by acquaintances, and as he took a bite out of the pink biscuit, he would quickly realized the difference between eating at the restaurants he was used to and eating something homemade. Sure, they tasted.. Questionable, but they tasted a lot less dull than what he was used to being served, at the very least. Before he could comment on them, however, a peculiar figure would reveal their presence by the door. 

*Ah?* 

"Uriel?" 

While his tone was relatively friendly, what would be shot Uriel's way would be a look that held resemblance to a cold glare, and his words contradicted his expression almost entirely. 

"You would be correct. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. You look -" 

He scans them up and down, before holding his palm to his mouth as he silently chewed on another bite of the biscuit. 

"A lot more different than I expected, though I don't mean that in a malicious way." 

His Chinese accent would contrast against Hatzume and Enma's Japanese, and Uriel's French. He expected.. Someone blonde, for some odd reason - but Uriel's pearly white fascinated him just as Enma's crimson eyes did, finishing his own pink biscuit with one last ginger bite. 

**"Hihi! Good to meet everyone too! Everyone havin' a good day?"**

. . . 

Well, the last day had been eventful enough. Meeting with Enma, and then seeing him cry because of Raizel almost immediately after - his hands were quite full with juggling his project work as well. He took one more from the tray - he didn't even know why he wanted more. While he had forgotten to comment on the biscuits after all, him taking the biscuits was saying enough that he enjoyed them. 

"I am doing just fine. There aren't many assignments this week, I believe. I've been working on my own things is all. The rest of you?"
Samantha
After a slight bow and lowering of his head, he'd quickly arise standing up and walking towards the pinkscuits. With haoran being so nice as to acknowledge his presence with a quaint glance, Enma would smile with a slid eye and a warm flowery aura surrounding him, nodding back politely. Turning his head towards Hatzume this time, he'd politely take up one of the *Fabled* Pinkscuits, taking a bite out of it whilst covering the sight of him eating.

 *"S'cuse me- Itadakimasu-"*

*He whispered in his mother tongue as he ate. The cookies, while they weren't store bought quality, Enma still found them to be satisfactory, brightening up with a smile as he'd savor them.*

**"Yep, distributin', nice to meet you by the way, Hatzume Setsuko at your acaintase" **

*Hmm?*

*Hatsume... Setsuko?*

💡 

 "By any chance, are you also Japanese Setsuko-san?"

 Spoken in his mother tongue, making him sound much more natural. However, he still spoke with a hint of respect, using polite language above casual. His eyes widened at the revelation as he'd hold another pinkscuit in between his finger and thumb. Looking towards Hatsume, she fitted more of the gyaru aesthetic than the traditional one, though Enma wasn't quite as knowledgeable as others when it came to pop trends or anything of the sort. 

**"Haoran and Hatzume, I assume?"**

*...!?*

 Rather quickly, his attention was already brought towards an unknown guest. Well, to be frank he himself rushed in hear only due to Haoran's recent message 2 minutes ago. Enma's mouth had already be stuffed with pinkscuits, a few crumbs remained on his cheek as they puffed up like a chipmunk. Scanning the person up and down, Enma would quickly realize it was a girl who had approached them. 

**"And... You are Enma. I heard while I was walking in. New, then?" **

*Gulp!*

*Audibly swallowing all the cookies upon his name being mentioned, he'd cough a bit before clearing his throat and chest.*

 "Ah- Yes, that is me. You are...?"

**"It's a pleasure— both to see a new face, and to see finally meet you two in person. My name is Uriel Melançon, and I'm delighted to make your acquaintance."**

 "Ah- Ms. Melancon. It's an honor to meet your acquaintance as well."

 Bowing slightly to give his respects towards his more experienced schoolmate. Despite any form of age difference any of them may have with Enma, the man viewed all of them as his senior due to having been here earlier than he did. 

**"I am doing just fine. There aren't many assignments this week, I believe. I've been working on my own things is all. The rest of you?"**

"Ah- I've been struggling a... Few of the assignments. I mostly spend my time training to be frank. Ahah..."

*Awkwardly laughing at his own academic struggles and then to how he spends most of his time training instead of doing normal teenage activities. Enma was certainly weird among weird.*
Josie
The biscuits were a kind gesture. While not as good as the ones their mom would make for them, it was still endearing to eat someone else's cooking.

"They're lovely." 

Uriel swallows, and sends a soft smile to Hatzume's way. The statement was... Perhaps a bit of an overstretch, but a little white lie never hurt anyone, no?

"I'll make some tea for us all. Something to drink is always appreciated when eating, after all." 

They stand up, taking out a kettle from one of the top shelves of the cabinet. It was... A bit small and *Very* Old-timey, with a wooden handle and a map of the stars adorning its side. 

It was one of their possessions from home, an item their mother had given Uriel on their 14th birthday and described as a "Future family heirloom". 

"You would be correct. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. You look— a lot more different than I expected, though I don't mean that in a malicious way."

Uriel gives a polite laugh at Haoran's words, and sits down on one of the kitchen seats. 

"Ah, yes. I do get that a lot— I did tell you people tend to call me 'uncanny', right? I suppose you're seeing the merit of that descriptor."

They take another bite. Haoran was.. Perhaps the person Uriel knew best here, and while both Enma and Hatzume were kind enough, there was always comfort in the known. An ally, as it were.

"Ah- Ms. Melancon. It's an honor to meet your acquaintance as well."

"Ms. Melancon? Please, that's my mother. Uriel is just fine, thank you. You're very well mannered, though. But, please— tell us more about yourself. You are new, no? I'm sure everyone here is interested in you." 

Enma seemed nervous, or at the very least rather jumpy. Whatever they could do to ease the other's nerves seemed to be a rather prudent course of action. Uriel placed the kettle on the stove, and waited.
Amanda
"Oh boy assignments- forgot about those" She gritted her teeth for a moment, before shrugging with a giggle.
Hatzume lazy on main... She definitely didnt seem the type to care too much about academics, if you will.

She turned to look at Enma with an inquisitive look, listening to his question.

>'by any chance, are you also Japanese, Setsuko-san?'

She perked up, like an alarmed cat, or a dog that had heard its name called. That's either a good thing, or a bad thing- but from her docile attitude and appearance, it's likely good.
"Yep! Well, last time i checked anyways! My genetics are kinda all over the place but im at least half" She mused, grinning.

Thank you everyone, for pretending that the biscuits are anything above subpar, Hatzume'll remember that.. Or at least, she would if she were a bit more self aware.
Instead, her ego has been fed.

She remained with a large grin as the people around her chit chat, and she was okay with that.

"Ooh tea?? Lovely! I've actually never had tea before"
With a hint of embarrassment, Hatzume confessed to her tealess crimes, living a life w no leaf water... It wasnt something she cared too much for though.

>'I'm sure everyone here is interested in you'

Hatzume nodded at this, leaning against the counter and beaming at Enma
"Yeah! Yeahyeah, like uhhh, favourite animal, go! All of you, even!" 

That's one way to get information out of people, i guess...
Sandy
_ _ 

"Ah, thank you, Uriel. Hm, yes I suppose so." 

Haoran would politely nod just slightly as they gestured to make tea for them. It really came off with a side glance of judgement though (God knows how his face pulls these kind of disasters so often), one that Haoran would be the last to notice. 

...No, he didn't mean it. Though, as Enma greeted Uriel, Haoran was the first to frown. 

"*They* Go by they and them pronouns. So if you did want to use a formal prefix you would use —" 

*Wait, what would you use?* 

His expression morphed from a light frown of concentration to confusion, focused thinking as his gaze bounced from one point to another almost as if he were scrolling rapidly through a dictionary to find the prefix for a gender neutral individual. 

"M... No.. Er, I'm actually not quite sure what you *Should* Say. Perhaps you can educate us about it." 

Haoran decided after a moment's too long of pondering, a second too long of a struggle to find.. The gender neutral version of mister and miss. As both Hatzume and Enma expressed their lack of diligence when it came to their assignments, Haoran would give them.. Some sort of look. It really was a confused expression, but he looked like he was questioning them instead. 

"If you're struggling with those, I am always available to assist in any way I can — Especially you, Onizaki-san. I doubt your family wants you to falter in academics." 

He would offer, his gaze landing on his cousin after he met eye-contact with Hatzume. He knew that the Wans were pressuring with their expectations, and he highly doubted the Onizakis had lower standards either even if they were as different as blue and red. As Uriel made to fix the group of pink-biscuit-enjoyers some tea, the crazed inventor would glance at the oncoming question. 

**"Yeah! Yeahyeah, like uhhh, favourite animal, go! All of you, even!"**

...*Huh?* 

 *What an unconventional way to start a conversation. Is that the formality in Japan?* 

 (He had no right to comment on that. He was a lot weirder than the people in the room, especially Hatzume.) 

"....I do like penguins, if that was the answer you were looking for." 

_ _
Samantha
**"Yep! Well, last time i checked anyways! My genetics are kinda all over the place but im at least half" **

*...!*

 "Oh, I see! It's very assuring to know I'm not the only one who's Japanese."

 Spoken in his mother tongue with great fluency and aptitude. A soft smile would be flashed towards the audience, holding a hint of warmth and the aura of spring around him. His flowery expression as well as soft-spoken attitude was respectful and polite, he seemed a little stiff, as if he wasn't conversing casually. 

**"Ms. Melancon? Please, that's my mother. Uriel is just fine, thank you. You're very well mannered, though.**

 "Ah, I see...-"

*...!?*

**"They go by they and them pronouns. So if you did want to use a formal prefix you would use —" **

 "They and... Them?"

 Enma perked a confused expression, tilting his head just slightly at an angle as his eyebrow arched up with a widened eye. His lips curved downwards on both ends as he wondered what exactly did that mean. It seems like his cousin was irritated, which heavily worried the man on the inside. Maybe he had said something wrong? Uriel looked like a woman no? He was confused to say the least.

**Especially you, Onizaki-san. I doubt your family wants you to falter in academics." **

 "Ah- It's fine really. I've always been a bit sluggish in none literature based academics. My family knows this."

 Raising his hands and facing his palms outwards, shaking them side to side, he'd dismiss Haoran's help as he didn't want to bother his cousin with meticulous and frivolous activities. Though on the flipside, luckily Hatzume was quick to change the subject anew. 

 "Favourite animal... Well, I do quite fancy cats!"

 Just the thought of a kitten pulled the heartstrings of Enma's soul. A rosy blush surfaced his face as he dreamed of one day owning a cute pet cat, taking care of it and its needs. The fulfilling act of raising and preserving a life!.
Josie
The kettle began to whistle, and Uriel turned the stove-top off with a deft flick of the wrist. They poured the hot water into four waiting cups, and slid each towards its respective owner. 

"Ah, yes, I do go by they/them pronouns, instead of the usual she/her or he/him. I don't know how that would translate into a formal title, but I don't see that to be too pressing of an issue— after all, we're all students here, no?" 

Haoran's rebuttal was surprising for Uriel, but not unwelcome— in fact, it was sorely appreciated. They had come to dislike correcting other people in group settings, all the well aware of how defensive some could be when faced with the possibility of changing their initial assumptions.

Uriel would have to make sure Haoran had a pleasant sleep tonight. It was the least they could do, really— but Uriel couldn't help but be unsure if the boy *Actually* Slept at night. It didn't seem so.

"I might be mistaken, but Haoran, you act as if you already know what Enma's family desires. Have you two already met?" Family was a personal subject— either the two were related somewhat, or already good friends. Both outcomes thoroughly piqued their interest.

Earl Grey tea. It was one of Uriel's favorite teas, to most people's surprise— when pressed, people usually assumed a chamomile would be their favorite, but Uriel found that assumption silly. They already slept in excess— why would they consume a tea designed to lull one to a peaceful rest?

Uriel mulled over their answer to Hatzume's question as they dunked the teabag in and waited for their tea to steep. They often took animal forms when acting in other people's dreams— perhaps one of those would be their favorites?

"A goat, most likely. Although, I do also prefer lamb and sheep. I'm rather fond of adorable farm animals, to be completely honest. Bunnies, too." 

A through appreciation for cuteness was not something one could easily gleam from Uriel's demeanor, but it was present nonetheless.
Amanda
"Methinks... Some people go by mx?" Hatzume suggested, raising her brows in a sort of 'I'm not sure if what I'm saying is correct at all' way
"But yeah i mean, why suffer over it when we all classmates anyways." Hatzume smiled, taking a subpar pinkscuit into her hand and biting down into it with ease, and likely no second thought.

Hatzume's japanese had gone... Rather rusty over time, dare i say. She hadn't needed to speak it much recently, but the tall lass had retained enough memory to respond to Enma.

"Yeah, I never expected any other japanese people than myself"

From there, she stayed observing for a little while- a consistent default smile on her face until there was something relating to herself- or rather, the animal question answers

"I see i see.. Pretty solid choices, mine personally is probably pandas or puppies.."
She pondered, hand on her chin in thought

"But hey see, ain't that a good conversation starter?"
Manifesting her success, Hatzume confidently swung her arm to the side, dramatically smiling

Sorry 4 bad reply guys brain fry /j
Sandy
_ _ 

** "They and... Them?"**

"Yes, it's like how Mela— *Uriel* Has explained it. Instead of using she or him, you use the singular application for 'they'. They're neither man nor woman." 

Haoran would offer his own explanation, albeit he was somewhat new to it himself. And.. Uriel wasn't wrong to have their suspicions regarding his sleep schedule — despite his prim and proper appearance, Haoran didn't exactly have the *Ideal* Schedule of sleep (merely because he was far too busy up and about tinkering with his projects and what not). He wouldn't dare to burden Uriel with the task to get him to sleep (not because he couldn't sleep, rather he refused to sleep leaving his work uncontinued). 

**"Methinks... Some people go by mx?" **

"Mx? I see. That is interesting, thank you for your guidance." 

Haoran acknowledged Hatzume's two cents, nodding when they brought up the point regarding the fact that they were all classmates. He was fine with not using formalities, but he was still getting used to not referring to others with their last names. It was a work in progress, and he definitely had made some progress with it. 

** "Ah- It's fine really. I've always been a bit sluggish in none literature based academics. My family knows this." **

"Hm. Alright then. The offer is still up if you ever need it, Onizaki-san." 

 *?* 

Upon Uriel asking him, Haoran would turn to Enma to see if he wanted to answer before he'd be the one to respond to the question on his cousin's behalf. 

"It is quite the long story, but our families are related. We're cousins, though we've never met before we were enrolled into this academy." 

 "Both of us share the same... Role in our families, so to speak." 

Haoran would explain, picking up one teabag to dip into his own teacup - he gave a brief yet noticable bow of his head when Uriel would offer him his cup. Their group certainly was interesting - a penguin enjoyer, a fan of cats, a lamb and sheep fan, and a panda lover. Even in favorite animals it seemed that none of their answers had matched up whatsoever.

"..I suppose so. There is a question I'd like to ask, though, for the sake of this not falling to silence and to quench my thirst for curiosity - - I've recently noticed that many of us receive a different.. Hm, how do I put this.. *Front?* Of Newton's Cradle. I know some were told that it was juvenile prison, some actual prison, and some schools. What was it for all ofyou?"
Samantha
*They/Them?*

 

A slight tilt in his head as his finger gently placed on his chin. His eyes would narrow just slightly, eyebrows arching and furrowing as he held a confused expression. Mustering his 53000000 IQ ( 53 ), his brain racked up every thing he knew about society to understand this new change in... Gender? Or was it something else. Targets, analyzed. Info, processed. Conclusion?

*He had none.*

*Ehhh...? Not a he... But not a she...? Does that mean Melancon-san has both... Or has none...?*

Yeah no, he had the complete opposite idea of what was true.

**"Methinks... Some people go by mx?" **

 "Mx...?"

For Enma who had grown up in a sheltered position, raised in a formal setting with only his literature and warrior training in mind, Enma was far from ignorant, if anything his experiences in the modern world were like that of a baby. Truth to be told, he was still adjusting to having a phone, owning the miraculous music playing device known as "Earpieces" And many other technological items. Safe to say, this was a whole new term he had never heard of.

*Guess the western culture is much different than I had anticipated...*

*No it isn't. You're just weird.*

**"Hm. Alright then. The offer is still up if you ever need it, Onizaki-san." **

 "Ah, of course. I appreciate it!"

**"I might be mistaken, but Haoran, you act as if you already know what Enma's family desires. Have you two already met?" **

Of course, the million dollar question. Thankfully, Haoran had taken the liberties to clear up whatever misunderstandings the others would have of them.

 "Ah yes... It is as Wan-san depicts. We both are the heirs to our family's legacies. However... Ah- Nevermind!"

Now was no time to bring down the mood! He didn't want to share his story, not if it meant that it'd eventually have others feel sorry for him or Haoran. No! Being the heir of the Onizaki was an honor! A great honor in fact! He cursed himself knowing he had almost let his inner thoughts break out. Taking a cup of tea, Enma took quaint sips of the relaxing tea. Its fragrance and taste was simply sublime. 

 "Well... For me, I deemed it as a correctional facility... I manifested these powers... A long time ago. I guess they've recently found me!"

*He said with a casual smile.*
Josie
"It was a good question to ask, Hatzume, one I hadn't considered myself. Thank you for your assistance." Uriel flashes a small smile, as if to tell the girl her efforts didn't go unnoticed. 

Enma was... Well, it seemed as if he understood enough of the concept to not dwell on the subject, although whether that silence was out of a genuine understanding or social nervousness was debatable. Still, Uriel seemed satisfied with his response, and hummed idly to themselves. 

He'll get used to it, anyhow. No reason to dwell on it. 

"Hm... Haoran said you both share the same role, so I assume that title of heir to family legacies belongs to both of you."

An interesting conundrum. Two people in front of them, both carrying around the brand of a last name. 

"You both have to bear the weight of your family's sins on your shoulders, and attempt to not collapse under the burden of decades of mistakes. It seems like a difficult task— I'm sorry for you both."

Their voice dropped low at that, turning softer and full of sympathy at the struggles that came with the title of heir. Sleepless nights toiling over inherited endeavors, wishing to be free from conflicts you were born into... Imagining Enma and Haoran going through such turmoil made Uriel look at the two with sad, slight puppy-dog eyes. 

Uriel cleared their throat, and the brief moment of sympathy was gone. Instead, they turned their attention towards their half-empty teacup, idly dunking a pink biscuit into the dark liquid and taking a bite. It was a tasty mix— one of their better ideas, then.

"Ah, well— technically, I'm here on a charge for disturbing the peace. The charge was more of a reflection of people's dislike of me, rather than any actual reason. The evidence and the details of the so-called crime weren't even agreed on, but it was still a unanimous conviction. I suppose they just wanted me shipped off, funnily enough."

A small, polite smile.

"However, this place is rather pleasant— even if I do miss my mother. Perhaps I'm grateful for the whole affair, at the end of the day."
Amanda
Hatzume didn't really know much about all this heir business, being new here, she didnt really know much about a lot, to be honest.
She leaned against a counter, hyped up little smile on her face.

"Woah, heirs? God thats riveting! Do you have to like.. Fight over the legacy? No- that would be stupid.." Her question began with a bright confidence, though faded with a dash of hindsight into how unlikely that scenario is.
Being lost in a world of your own can have it's flaws at the best of times.

Hatzume didn't know much about heirs outside of movies, her mother calls her an 'heir' sometimes, though it feels more in jokes than anything.. She figures in her mind the heir is just the new generation, or something along those lines.
Maybe inheritance expands outside of money and stuff, she wondered- can people inherit objects and names..? Friends and emotions..?

This was too much thinking for one day.

She shook away her overthinking of legacy, far too busy being the hottest person alive to worry about that!! 
Before long though, another question dangled in the room.. Something about a front.
Ah yes, the illusion of Newton's Cradle, just what is it that you were told you were attending? A school for troubled? A getaway? A-

"Oh yeah. My mum didn't sugarcoat it at all. No one did. She was kinda just like 'oh yeah, by the way Hatzume, you're off to a prison school thing'" She paused, biting into a biscuit, almost in time with Uriel.
"Well she didn't say Hatzume but anyways! Yeah i got told it was a prison- but this doesn't feel like a prison at all!"

Hatzume giggled, finishing her biscuit, tilting her head at Uriel all in the process, her hands clasped in an awkward position on the counter she leaned on.

"Oh yikes, disturbance of the peace.. You don't look very disturbing! I just yelled so loud i broke like. A shit ton of windows at my school. I was really overwhelmed after a.. Not so happy time" She shrugged, still practically beaming.

"But whatever, I'm like. Over it"
Sandy
_ _ 

"You would be correct, yes." 

Haoran would nod at both Uriel's and Enma's statements, taking a sip out of his cup of hot tea. He briefly noticed that Enma seemed reluctant to discuss the topic; whether or not it was because he felt the need to be humble or he didn't like the idea of talking about it Haoran wasn't sure. (He had completely missed the point.) What he didn't expect was for Uriel to change to a softer tone, sympathy (and pity?) lacing their every word. He frowned slightly in confusion at first, but then he understood why Enma didn't want to talk about it. 

*Maybe we are more alike than I previously thought.* 

**"You both have to bear the weight of your family's sins on your shoulders, and attempt to not collapse under the burden of decades of mistakes. It seems like a difficult task— I'm sorry for you both."**

"That's one way to put it. But —" 

He raises his cup to his mouth once more, before exhaling. 

"I shoulder the title so my younger siblings can live without worry about the family company. That way, it feels lighter." 

Haoran half-wondered what it will be like running the organization, but he also knew how much burden he would be able to lift from his siblings' own shoulders if he took the responsibility to himself and kept himself from running away from the title. That was good enough for him, even if it meant he had to sacrifice a few things. He couldn't help but feel comforted by the gaze Uriel gave the two of them though: it felt as if the dream weaver understood what it felt to be in their positions, though he stiffened upon seeing the sad puppy-dog eyes they gave them. 

"...It's alright, Uriel. Being a heir has its own advantages as well, so it's not all too horrible." 

**"Do you have to like.. Fight over the legacy? No- that would be stupid.."**

"No. We're both from different branches of family. He is the heir to the Onizaki, and I am the heir to the Wan." 

He reassured Hatzume that there would be no family feud over any title (hell, if there was it'd be a battle over who would be able to get away from 'heir' position, not who would get it). 

. . .

Then, there were the answers to his question. Enma considered it a correctional facilitiy, Uriel was sent here on a charge for disturbing the peace and Hatzume.. 

Hatzume sort of destroyed a school. 

 *Fascinating.*

**"I guess they've recently found me!"**

"It's the same for me as well. I was brought into court for throwing one of my robots at a mugger. It was deemed as self-defense, but I was sent to an 'institute for the troubled' regardless.. I'm also not sure why people would dislike you Uriel, but maybe it was the same reason I was sent off even with a 'non-guilty' verdict. Actually — are your abilities related to sound by any chance, Hatzume-san?" 

_ _
Samantha
**"You both have to bear the weight of your family's sins on your shoulders, and attempt to not collapse under the burden of decades of mistakes. It seems like a difficult task— I'm sorry for you both."**

 "Ah- There's no need M-  Mx. Melancon."

*He almost fucked up there.*

 "The Onizakis have been deemed noble samurai throughout the ages! Despite the decline of Budo... I am proud to be the heir of such a legacy..."

*Pride doesn't equal happiness however.*

 Seeing how Uriel had such amount of sympathy towards them, Enma could not bear to let the person feel grief over his situation. Whether it was a blessing or a curse, being the heir of an esteemed family meant to inherit their legacy, their greatness, and at the same time.

*Their expectations.*

 "As with Wan-san said, there are quite the benefits!"
 *"I get to eat all kinds of different ice cream no matter what~"*

 The man would almost start to drool over the thought of it. Chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, coffee, rocky road, minty chocolate, rum raisin... So many different varieties! Well... It's all lost now that he's sent here. Before long, the man's once drooling smile turned into a frown full of despair, his eyes dull like a dead fish. 

**"Woah, heirs? God thats riveting! Do you have to like.. Fight over the legacy? No- that would be stupid.."**

 "Oh! You got it absolutely right!"

*Raising his finger to confirm her suspicions despite how odd it was amidst the normal crowd of people.*

 "Although I was chosen to be the heir, I actually was not in the front running for many years!"

*He'd take a bite of a pinkscuit, before sipping on his tea quaintly to refresh his palate.*

 "In the Onizakis, capability trumps all! Literature, athletics, mannerisms, traditional and historical knowledge and most important of all, swordsmanship!"

 "I had quite a lot of cousins who were candidates alongside me. As per tradition, I defeated all of them to claim my spot as the heir!"

*Thus ended Enma Onizaki's weird tale of how he became the heir of his clan.*

 However, now that he was hearing so much about how everyone else had been admitted into the facility, he felt as if he got it off a bit easier. The man had only used his powers once in his entire life, and that was the night his mother died. Only years later was he confronted and sentenced to attend the correctional facility. However, the heartbreak he felt was certainly one thing he could not forget.
Josie
What an odd bunch of characters. 

Haoran and Enma were talking as if they were ancient samurai, not like teens in the present era. And, well, Hatzume was Hatzume. It was... A bit shocking, in fact— Uriel had never met anyone with such strong personalities. 

"Well she didn't say Hatzume but anyways! Yeah i got told it was a prison- but this doesn't feel like a prison at all!"

"I think viewing this place as a prison is a bit... Reductive. I suppose we should try and take this place at face value, and not try to assign it any labels it doesn't quite fit. After all, if this place is going to welcome us with open arms, it would be a shame to decline out of paranoia. 

They lean a tired head against their palm, eyes half-lidded as they begin to drift off both figuratively... And a bit literally. "I've heard rumors this place has a pool— I don't know how to swim, but I've never been in a place with facilities like these. And the library..." Uriel gives a dreamy sigh. 

"I shoulder the title so my younger siblings can live without worry about the family company. That way, it feels lighter." 

At that, Uriel perks out of their daydream, and turns to look over at Haoran. It was... A noble answer, one that endeared him to Uriel greatly. A small smile, a fond look— they didn't attempt say anything and dwell on the subject of family any longer, but from their brief glance it was evident that they appreciated Haoran's devotion.

"I had quite a lot of cousins who were candidates alongside me. As per tradition, I defeated all of them to claim my spot as the heir!"

Uriel put a hand on their chin, deep in thought. 

"Defeated? In... What way?" 

It was safe to assume it wasn't cold-blooded murder— after all, Enma didn't particularly strike them as one with blood-soaked hands, with what their demeanor and all. Still, the question of how samurai decided which among them was the most talented was a bit interesting to someone born in France. Perhaps via chess?
Amanda
At first, Hatzume just seemed a little amused- a small smile adorning her features when Haoran denied her movie esque theory revolving around the titular question of How Does The Whole Heir Thing Work.

"Makes more sense, i guess. Your siblings are lucky i think- sounds like a butt ton of work"
She chuckled at her own stupid assumption- before continuing to eavesdrop, of course dropping comments where it seemed fit.

'i get to eat all kinda of different ice cream no matter what'

And suddenly, she felt like a child with strict parents again. Like when you ask another kid in dumbfounded intrigue and surprise when they say their parents let them play GTA, that sort of amazement.
"Waitwait- ALL different kinds!? What about cookie dough?? My mum never let me have that stuff because it cost extra but god did it look good!"

Hatzume was practically starry eyed, hands clasped together as she bounced forward ever so slightly.

"Wow... Defeating your cousins for ice cream... I'd deck my little cousin for a scoop too..."

She has COMPLETELY misinterpreted the benefits here. It's almost as if she's forgotten about the whole heir thing, what with the business and that.
Now it's watered down to ice cream. But she does really like ice cream though.

She nodded at Uriel's next words, made enough sense.

"Yeah, i like it here personally. I dunno what face value means, but if this place had a face I'm sure it would be lovely." Thanks for that Hatzume what would we possibly do without you.
"OOH A POOL- this place would definitely have a good face! I love swimming- the library is nice, i like stacking the books on my head. And like reading them sometimes."

'defeated? In... What way?'

Hatzume nonchalantly hummed at this

"I assumed a battle, personally"
Well
Sandy
_ _ 
That was right — the Onizakis were a noble clan of samurai, last he heard. He didn't know much beyond that fact nor did he practice their customs, their families only held together by one marriage and a consistent flow of donation. He raised a brow when Enma would suddenly cheer about being able to buy all sorts of ice cream regardless (somehow that was an advantage of being the heir to a long dynasty of warriors — he himself had no idea what he was on about). Unlike Enma, Haoran didn't have to fight over the legacy at all. In fact, it was really a fight on who would be able to live their lives without it. A fight that never happened due to his sacrifice, but one that could've happened. He eyed Enma curiously as he talked about how he had to.. Literally fight to decide who would be the best heir. 

 *I'm not quite sure why I didn't expect that.* 

**After all, if this place is going to welcome us with open arms, it would be a shame to decline out of paranoia."**

"I suppose so. I doubt we have any choice to decline anyways." 

He agreed, tilting his head when Uriel mentioned that there was a pool somewhere. He didn't often swim, but he was given swimming lessons so he knew the *Bare* Minimum at the very least. At the sight of Uriel letting out a dreamy sigh at the thought of using the facilities, Haoran took a sip of his tea. 

A library, huh? Maybe he would have to pay it a visit sometime. Maybe he should invite Uriel while he was at it too. As Hatzume chuckled at her own sentence, Haoran could only give her a silence nod. He did notice that she didn't end up answering his question though, which he nearly questioned himself but decided against last second when the other Japanese jumped at the mentioning of the creamy cold dessert. Her eyes gleamed brightly like the stars in the night sky, radiating brightness just like a certain other Japanese when he was given an ice cream.. 

*...Do all Japanese people like ice cream?*

**"Wow... Defeating your cousins for ice cream... I'd deck my little cousin for a scoop too..."** 

Haoran lets out a stifled snort. It's extremely uncharacteristic of him to show even a slight sign of laughing, but something about the comment was so hilarious to him he actually let out some form of sound in reaction to it. 

**"Defeated? In... What way?" **

"Possibly in duels, no? Spars?" 

He tries to answer, eventually finishing his cup of his tea and placing it in the sink when he would feel his phone buzz in his coat. 

 *Bzzt!* 

*Hm?*

 The inventor seemingly picks up a call of some sorts, hushed responses a slight distance away from the group before he ends it — temporarily. Sliding a few pinkscuits into an empty tupperware, he would give the other three a slight brief dip of his head and with an expression as questionably apologetic as you could get Haoran's face to hold.

"Apologies. There's something I need to tend to, so I'll take my leave here. Ah, I hope you don't mind me taking some to give to my roommate later Hatzume-san. Thank you for the chat, you three." 

And with that, he takes his leave.
Samantha
**"Waitwait- ALL different kinds!? What about cookie dough?? My mum never let me have that stuff because it cost extra but god did it look good!"**

*Hmm?*

 "Cookie... Dough— No haha... Just ice cream! I really, **Really** Like ice cream!"

 

 It really seemed like many were befuddled by Enma's past—the upbringing of a warrior was one that was uncommon. Traditions were born of the lingering past, many of which are outdated; unbefitting of the current era. However, the Onizaki's stayed strong, their powerful traditions stayed intact even throughout the centuries. Whether or not it was good or bad... Well only time would tell.

** "I've heard rumors this place has a pool— I don't know how to swim, but I've never been in a place with facilities like these. And the library..."**

*...!*

*Face brightening up like a super nova, his image emanated the radiant shine of a flaring sun.*

 "Really!? That's great, I actually really like swimming! It's very effective for the body."

*He says so as he raised to flex his arm. His muscles were quite defined, lean and soft yet held impeccable density.*

 "If you'd like, I could well—teach you how to swim?"

 Being not able to swim was quite the detriment of course. In a life or death situation, the ability to swim in water is a necessity! To be prepared at all times, that was something Enma also stood for. The boy couldn't let the idea that his schoolmate may die at any given moment when placed within a deep pool of water. 

**"Wow... Defeating your cousins for ice cream... I'd deck my little cousin for a scoop too..."**

*Ehhhhhh—*

 "Well... It's not just that... But I guess you could say that too?"

**"Defeated? In... What way?" **

 "Well, Wan-san is correct! In a spar. We cousins are put into a ring with armor where we must strike each other's weaknesses in order to win the match!"

*"Not to sound arrogant however—"*

 "I did not get hit once during the entire tournament!"

 

 His lips curved into a wide grin, one which pride and satisfaction was held closely in an embrace. For someone like him who was once deemed the weakest to pull such an upset in the face of his family's elders, it was something that made him the unanimous heir of the Clan!

*Insert ringtone music.*

 "W-Woah! Wha- Oh, it's my phone. Sorry, haha. WAIT! IT'S THIS TIME ALREADY!? I'M GOING TO MISS THE ICE CREAM TRUCK!"

*"I mean—"*

 "Forgive me, I must go attend to important matters."

*DASH!*

 And just like that, the boy ran away in hopes of catching the ice cream truck before it left for good. What an odd man he was, running away like that. However, at the same time it was a quirk that was quite hilarious to see. Enma ran at supersonic speeds, chasing the truck from the outside of the school with great vigor. 

*In the end he got his ice cream.*
Josie
Uriel blinks, twice. 

"If you'd like, I could well—teach you how to swim?"

They didn't expect to be treated with such kindness, which, upon further examination, felt a bit foolish. Enma was nothing but kind and outgoing— of course the samurai (?) would offer to help someone out when prompted. It was... A nice reminder, and Uriel smiled softly at him.

"I appreciate the offer. You're a rather kind person, you know." 

Not as if such an offer would be acted upon; at least, not for a long time. They didn't believe Enma would be too keen on rescuing a sopping-wet narcoleptic from a pool, even if the prospect of being in the water seemed fun. Plus, they weren't comfortable wearing a swimsuit. The thought of the revealing attire making a lump crawl in their throat, and Uriel pulled at the fabric covering their fingers in dismay.

Still, they smiled anyway. 

And suddenly, both Haoran and Enma ran off, without even giving Uriel time for a goodbye. Well, there would have been ample time, if they were someone else— but by the time Uri could process the sudden change, the door was already swinging shut behind the duo. 

"Oh dear. I suppose it's just us, then?" They turn towards Hatzume, gathering the teacups hastily left behind and stacking them on top of each other. 

"In that case, let's have a nice, long talk about your emoti—" 

It's like a switch is flipped. One moment, they're standing in the middle of the kitchen, reaching in a cabinet for some dish soap. The next, Hatzume sees their grey eyes dull, whatever light previously present in them vanish, and Uriel drops like a rock onto the floor. 

One second, two seconds. They don't seem to be getting up, but they're not injured, either.
Amanda
Hatzume didnt have words to really say on the other's conversation- just listening with a chilled out smile from then on.
Because despite always talking, she actually had to charge that stuff apparently- or at least, when it came to crowds anyways.
I'll be honest, she was still reeling over the concept of this place having a swimming pool... She cant WAIT for top surgery just for that- but anyways.

And before she knew it, they had vanished aside from Uriel. Surprised for a moment, she turned to look at Uriel.
"Yep yep! But i haaave... To cleeeaan" She drawled, sighing afterwords in a sort of disgruntled annoyance.

"Oh boy yeah i love du-" Oh

Oh ok Uriel is on the floor.

Hatzume has to take a moment to comprehend, simply staring down at them with wide eyes and a little bounce of surprise.
"AH- Uriel!?-"

Panicked, the tall girl fervently stumbled to kneel beside Uriel- and decided like the idiot she was that the best course of action would be to apparently slap them.


"Hellooo? Deaad?"

There's Hatzume's ever appropriate use of morbid joking- if she was even joking at all.. In fact her face had even turned a confused pale.
Josie
They're still asleep. It doesn't seem as if they're going to wake up any time soon.

Perhaps you should just... Leave them there.