"That's my name, try not to wear it out."

Ruina lets out a quiet chuckle, shaking her head. Shifting slightly as she noticed Enzo study her. Ruina holds her ground as Enzo takes a few steps closer, though she did feel like she wanted to step back a bit. Not because she was scared or intimidated, but because she did like her space. And she felt the space between the two had been fine. As Enzo did, Ruina studied the wereleopard for just a few seconds. Noting that he was like her, in crappy clothes, and both were barefoot. Though he was wearing shorts, while she was wearing full trousers.

"What brings you to stroll around the halls?"

Ruina watches as Enzo runs a hand through his hair, as is attempting to straighten it out. Ruina's own hair, though slightly messy, was actually flat on her back. Not sticking up funny or anything. Though the wavy platinum blonde hair no doubt stuck out in the dim hallways. "I couldn't sleep." Came the simple reply, though a few seconds later, she adds,"Nightmares." She shrugs,"They don't typically bother me. But this one..." She trails off, unsure how to describe it or if Enzo even cared. It made her wonder why the wereleopard was in the hallway,"What about you? What are you doing in the halls?"

"I see neither of us are exactly dressed to impress when it comes to sleepwear... not that it matters though. It's not like royals have to dress up for walking through hallways in the middle of the night."

Ruina chuckles, nodding her head in agreement. Before shrugging,"I don't really dress to impress in general." A half smirk half grin flashes across her face,"It pisses my father off, but works with me." The king hated that Ruina never dressed like a princess, it was literally impossible to get the werewolf into a formal dress. Even Tarron would dress up formal every so often. But Ruina rarely did, and if she did, it was because of a bribe, agreement, or because she genuinely enjoyed the event and chose to dress up. Though she didn't wear dresses like other girls did. She preferred long and modest, dark colored dresses. While she noticed most other girls liked short, non-modest, skin showing, bright colored dresses. Even Thaola liked to wear dresses, though hers were typically somewhat long. She barely wore them short and she barely wore them as long as Ruina had hers.

No doubt the king would try and pressure the werewolf into dressing up for her brother's coronation. But... unless Revalor himself asked the princess to dress up, she most likely would not. Hell, if she ever got married, she would really have to like him, elsewise she would probably wear something simple. Though Ruina wasn't so sure about marriage. Her parents made it work, and they did love each other, even if they didn't really show it. But... Ruina wasn't that huge of a fan of the idea of being stuck with one person. She just couldn't understand how you could possibly fall in love with someone enough to stay with them for ever. Her parents may love each other, but she could tell that they definitely did not have that kind of love.... In fact, Ruina had never met anyone who had that kind of love.

Ruina called it fairytale love, after all what else could you call it? Too be in love with someone for at least seventy years if they live long lives and get together young. Or even rarer, getting the right person the very first time. Something else Ruina did not believe in. She saw Tarron's parents, and their relationship. In fact, Ruina herself had wanted to rip Hanif Lorentz's throat out. Thaola's parents weren't much better. Thaola hadn't ever met her dad, and her mother had killed herself. Thaola's mother had been raped and had only fallen into a deeper depression that ended in suicide. Which left the werelioness alone for a good few years until she met Ruina and her mother, Queen Ashera.

Enzo paused before getting as close as he would have after seeing Ruina’s almost rigid stance, or maybe it was just dark. Being in close proximity to people and keeping steady eye contact is something he’s known for in conversation. While the wereleopard enjoys his own space as well, he doesn’t consider everyone else’s most of the time. It’s a better sign though from the prince, since it means he’s not looking for an excuse to get away from the person he’s engaging with. “I couldn't sleep.” Enzo raised a brow that indicated ‘I guessed that much, why else would you be out here?’, but in a more polite fashion. “Nightmares. They don't typically bother me. But this one…” Enzo’s brow was quick to drop as he gave a nod of understanding. Nightmares aren’t fun, though he doesn’t honestly get many. “Ikaris’ chicken story didn’t scare you, did it?” Enzo teased. “What was so bothersome about this one, if I may ask…” Enzo trailed off with a subtle hint of his curiosity to his tone. His cattish nature is to be curious anyway, so Ruina had his attention.

“What about you? What are you doing in the halls?"

Enzo gave a quiet, but somewhat bitter chuckle to that. “I could lie and say because I enjoy marveling at the view of the empty hallways. If I’m being honest though, I’m trying to walk off the negativity of an argument. I’m sure you can guess who the argument was with.” Enzo gave a small exhale that released some of his frustration, but it wasn’t directed at Ruina. He never did go into detail about the kinds of words he and Amber exchanged with one another, not even with Ikaris. The most he would ever say to his friend is “it was rough”, and he would leave it at that. He wasn’t raised to talk about things like feelings, or his burdens. Things like feelings and such have no place in the Verlice royal family. Which is why his parents were so cold about the arrangement. Sacrificing feelings, and love, for one’s own kingdom is what is expected of him. Enzo found it bitterly ironic that his own parents married out of a once genuine love, and yet expected him to jump into a loveless relationship for the sake of a political alliance. What they’re asking of him isn’t fair. Just because they fell out of love doesn’t mean he would with whomever he may choose one day.

"I don't really dress to impress in general. It pisses my father off, but works with me”

Enzo gave a small smile at that. “Breathing too loudly pisses my father off, so whatever works to irritate yours, I would do it. Father’s need to be reminded that children aren’t their subjects or groveling lackey’s to their every command. But that’s just my opinion.” Giving a small shrug, a little mischievous smirk had crept onto his face as he spoke. It’s not like he could help it though; he lives to annoy his father when he can right now. Which to Enzo, it feels like his father is irritated with Enzo’s entire existence. So fine, the game can be played both ways, and Enzo will treat his father with that same level of annoyance at his existence. At least Queen Annika gives passive aggressive, constructive criticisms to her son, which is actually the equivalent of a mother telling their child they love them. It’s a little difficult for Enzo to give affection because of his upbringing, but for the right person, he wanted to believe it was possible for him to do.

Enzo too, has bore witness to varying adult relationships. His own, Ikaris’ parents, and Amber’s parents. Out of the three of them, Amber’s parents were actually in love. The Queen and King of Iprihan had married young at 21. Even through the rumors, hardships, and trials her parents have faced together, they are still madly in love. While Enzo was unaware of the King's recently dwindling health, it did appear that Amber’s parents were still in love on the deepest of levels. It’s because of Amber’s parents that Enzo didn’t understand how Amber became who she is, or at least the person she is when it comes to relationships. It’s like whiplash; loving him one second, and tearing him down the next. It’s all out of love Amber believes, and it’s completely maddening to Enzo. Toxic is the summary word Enzo would use for their relationship. It just motivated him to keep this build up going though. All for the sake of making clear that he will not be forced into anything. Recently though, Enzo’s been getting pushed closer to the point of just severing all ties, taking the heat from his parents, and undergoing ridicule from those who were in support of the arrangement. Someone can only take so much though before they snap, and while Enzo was hanging on for now, he can only white knuckle the thin thread for so long before he just lets go.

“Ikaris’ chicken story didn’t scare you, did it?”

Ruina chuckles,"Oh no... Chickens are the least of my worries." Her eyes gleam with amusement,"Don't tell Ikaris that, I rather not get another lecture about why chickens are so bad." She shakes her head in amusement. Though most if not all of the amusement disappears at Enzo's next question. "What was so bothersome about this one, if I may ask..." Ruina hesitates, did she really want to share the dream? She'll admit, it was personal. And she felt it, for some reason, embarrassing. Too be scared of a faceless creature that was a product of only her imagination. It wasn't real, yet she feared it. What did that make her?

"Well, I was back home, in Truhan. In the castle, except the castle was in ruins and the kingdom was up in flames. Everyone I know and care for was dead at my feet. My parents, my brothers, Tarron, Thaola, you, Ikaris, and even Amber was there. Some eyes were open, and some were not. Some of the bodies had blood on it, and some did not. I could not tell what had killed you... I moved forward and suddenly in the distance... I saw this massive creature. But all I could make out was this massive dark shape. And even as the creature got closer, I couldn't make out what it was... Then... It devoured the bodies before me. Then it turned on me and leaped... I woke up before it reached me though."

“I could lie and say because I enjoy marveling at the view of the empty hallways. If I’m being honest though, I’m trying to walk off the negativity of an argument. I’m sure you can guess who the argument was with.”

Ruina grimaces in sympathy, noting the frustrated exhale. "I hate fights." She sighs, growing quiet. Suddenly she blurts out,"Why stay with her?" She blushes slightly and rambles on,"I just mean even if you are only with her for alliance, that doesn't matter. Ritha has plenty of other allies. Wereanimal and human kingdoms alike..." Ruina shrugs, sighing,"Sorry. It's none of my business, I shouldn't have asked." Ruina's father had tried many times to marry her off to gain an alliance, but she had refused time and time again. Going as far as doing anything that would make the prince want to be far away from her. She was a warrior, not a princess. She may not believe a whole lot in love, but she did not want an arranged marriage. Her parents marriage may have worked, but she did not want to find out if hers would.

"Breathing too loudly pisses my father off, so whatever works to irritate yours, I would do it."

Ruina grins,"I do. I do it every day. He hates that I spar, he hates I fight alongside Truhan's warriors. He hates I don't dress formal. He hates I won't marry who he wants. He hates that I have scars. He hates that he can't change me." Ruina chuckles,"He probably hates me too. But that's fine." "Father's need to be reminded that children aren't their subjects or groveling lackey's to their every command. But that's just my opinion." Ruina agrees,"Children are children and do what they wish. Though, my father would disagree about the subjects and groveling." She shakes her head,"I hate him too." Sadness flickers through her gaze, though she quickly replaces it with a smile,"Besides, who needs father's? Especially father's who are kings?"

There was a time, a long time ago, when Ruina and Aelrindel were close. But as Ruina grew older, she became more like her brothers. Physically and mentally. Broader, bigger, taller, fiercer, stronger, and more of a warrior then a princess. But the king didn't like that, he preferred the pretty princess who stayed in dresses and indoors and did anything that Aelrindel wanted. But Ruina was never meant to be that way. Even Ashera, Ruina's mother, never discouraged it. Sometimes Ruina wished there was a relationship between her and her father and that they could be as close as they use to be. But she quickly shook those thoughts off. She had her brothers, Revalor and Ayduin, as well as her mother. They loved her enough to replace her father's non-existent love.

Even Ashera and Aelrindel had grown apart, the love was still there, but it was more of a professional love. None of the royal children could see the real and true love between the two anymore. And although that made them sad, they understood that it was just something royal people went through. The stress of being a king and queen could be too much and sometimes they don't rely on each other enough and that splits them up. But they stay together for the kingdom. Ruina herself wished for a happily ever after, when it came to love, who didn't? Too get to be happy and in love. To love for years? To actually live up to the wedding vows. Ruina had gone to a wedding in Truhan between two werecoyotes, and although they had gone with traditional wedding vows. It had been so sweet and the love between them so real and obvious. In fact Ralnor Therona and Elanil Therona were still happily together with children.

"I, Ralnor Therona, take thee, Elanil Petpetor, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, and thereto I pledge thee my faith."

That wedding had made Ruina want a fairytale wedding, and as she grew older she still wanted it. It was a foolish thing and Ruina had kept it to herself. Common folks were more likely to get to marry the one they loved. Royals? Especially princesses? They were married off to create alliances, and it had been that way since the beginning of time.

"Oh no... Chickens are the least of my worries. Don't tell Ikaris that, I rather not get another lecture about why chickens are so bad.”

Enzo had to muffle a chuckle at that, but he gave a nod. “Your secret is safe with me on that one.” It really was safer between them though, because Ikaris would have no shame in further lecturing anyone on the matter of chickens. He’s done it in school too… Enzo has witnessed it.

When it came to the nightmare, Enzo observed Ruina’s hesitation, but his curiosity wouldn’t back down until he was given enough information to satisfy it… or she firmly told him it was none of his business. As she began to speak though, he visibly tuned his entire focus into what she was describing. It was vividly disturbing, more so because Enzo did not like the thought of being dead. Besides, the only people Enzo is capable of mourning for are the people in his friend circle. To varying degrees though. Such as Amber; of course the care he did have for her would get him to grieve, but it wouldn’t be a weighing kind of grief nor would it last very long. If Ikaris were to die though… that is very different. They aren’t brothers bound by blood, but Ikaris is the closest thing to family Enzo accepts. Enzo also took into account the rest of Ruina’s depictions of the large dark shape she had seen, the body count, and then the thing leaping at Ruina… she has a pretty valid reason for being awake.

“Well that sounds awful,” Enzo commented after letting a moment of silence pass after she finished, “if I’m burdened by nightmares tonight, I know who’s to blame.” Enzo teased, but that was his way of adding levity to an otherwise difficult thing to process. “I can see why you’d rather be walking around the halls though after your dreams conjured up such a horrid visual.” He added. Death isn’t a very fun thing to think about if it’s directed at people you care about. Although when it comes to Enzo, he full heartedly believes the only thing capable of actually killing him… is him. It mostly comes from a place of pride since he feels otherwise invincible. Deeper than that, Enzo will never give anyone or anything else the satisfaction of killing him. So in a heartbeat, he’ll die by his own hand one way or another versus falling by anyone else’s. For example, his overwhelming fear of deep water and drowning… Enzo will deprive himself of oxygen if that’s what it comes to before he ever lets the water get the satisfaction of drowning him. In that way, he still takes himself out. It’s a little crazy, but Enzo doesn’t care. He does as he wishes on his terms, and that includes dying.

"I hate fights."

Enzo gave a silent nod of agreement. He would have completely dropped the topic, and he was ready to until Ruina blurted, “Why stay with her?" Enzo blinked in surprise at the question, but he listened to her further. “I just mean even if you are only with her for alliance, that doesn't matter. Ritha has plenty of other allies. Wereanimal and human kingdoms alike..." A very faint amused smile played at the corners of his lips as he waited to see whether she was done. “Sorry. It's none of my business, I shouldn't have asked." Letting another few seconds of silence linger, Enzo began to speak. “You’re only asking the question on a lot of people’s minds, no apology needed,” Enzo started. Anyone else he would have shot down, but Enzo felt comfortable sharing to some degree due to the solitude surrounding him and Ruina. And the fact she hesitantly shared a rather personal nightmare with him, so maybe in a sense he felt he owed her an answer.

“A few years ago, I stayed because I thought I loved her. I know now I just liked the idea of love, and I definitely don’t feel it with Amber. I stay with her now because I’m too stubborn for my own good; and I want to send a message in front of a very large audience. If I retain my sanity long enough to see the day of the wedding, I will only be there to denounce it and to speak on my own behalf.” Enzo said charismatically. “That’s all you get to know though, princess of Truhan.” Enzo smiled mischievously, and then that smile was concealed by a barely noticeable grin. It was very tempting to go off on a whim and deliver the monologue he planned to give on that day, in front of someone other than Ikaris, but then again Enzo likes shock and awe. His wedding day will be full of that… if he can hang in there a little longer that is.

"I do. I do it every day. He hates that I spar, he hates I fight alongside Truhan's warriors. He hates I don't dress formal. He hates I won't marry who he wants. He hates that I have scars. He hates that he can't change me. He probably hates me too. But that's fine.”

Enzo’s face expressed a silent understanding. “Children are children and do what they wish. Though, my father would disagree about the subjects and groveling. I hate him too." The sadness that momentarily enveloped Ruina’s eyes was something that almost made Enzo feel sympathetic. He never appreciated receiving sympathy though, so to him it’s a courtesy to not visibly give her that look. “Besides, who needs father's? Especially father's who are kings?" Enzo definitely agreed. “I’d toast to that, but considering where we are… I’ll make that a metaphorical toast.” Enzo winked before raising an imaginary glass. He couldn’t miss a once positive and loving relationship with parents when he never had one to begin with. Really, he was only born to be an heir… raising an actual child was just an obligation with having an heir to his parents. Or at least that’s how Enzo felt. It was actually relieving to hear for him that not every royal family is perfect. They’re supposed to look that way, and Enzo constantly felt that weight, but from what he had just learned from Ruina… even royals struggle. The reality reassured Enzo though that his plans for his big day would be the right thing to do. The future king of Ritha has only yet to seize the throne, and as that day looms closer, Enzo’s visualization for his reign strengthened his determination.

“Well, in my defense, you did ask about the dream."

Enzo let out a quiet chuckle. “I suppose I did bring any potential nightmares onto myself then.” His amber eyes expressed no actual fear of potential nightmares though. Simply because he wasn’t actually worried. “My dreams are usually plain and simple, and when I do have nightmares they aren't bad." A simple nod of understanding was given from Enzo as he observed her expression. “But this one..." His mind wandered to how he would have reacted if he had experienced that same dream. It probably wouldn’t be too different from how Ruina seemed to be behaving about it.

“You know, when I was young, my parents use to be crazy in love. I never thought they would ever tire of each other. I thought their love was eternal. But now..."

Enzo had no inclination to try to read Ruina’s expression prior to; she asked a question, he answered honestly. He doesn’t always expect people to agree or understand, but he’ll always do what he truly believes is right. He thought over the information he received from Ruina, but hearing it from her was more so a confirmation of whispers around kingdoms. “...Now they barely talk. I don't even know if they sleep in the same chambers anymore.” The image of his own parents crossed his mind. “And I'll admit, when I was young, they were my inspiration for love." Enzo could relate to that in a small way. “Parents are supposed to be the sources of inspiration to their offspring from what I hear, some just tend to fall short I suppose. ” He also used to admire his parents' relationship, or maybe as a boy he just craved affection so much that he made himself believe being loved by another was true love.

“But when their love faded, it made me realize. Eternal love was never meant for royals. I mean, how many royals have actually stayed in love their whole lives? But from my experience, royals aren't made for real love."

Enzo listened intently to each word, and each word hit pretty close to home. "Er, sorry. I didn't mean to make that so depressing." A practiced smile upturned at Enzo’s lips for just a second, “It’s not depressing, it’s reality,” that smile fell after the light bitterness to his tone, and then he cocked his head slightly to the side in thought before speaking again. “I was raised to believe love is a poison; it makes you weak. It lowers your guard, blinds you, and gets you drunk on the idea that what you’re experiencing is good, satisfying, and pure.” Enzo’s head straightened as his expression took a turn for the thoughtful. “There is no such thing as true love for royals because we were not bred to be beings of love. We were bred to serve a purpose. Call it a curse, but it’s true. Everyone wants what they can’t have, so us royals pretend we love our significant others because we so badly want to believe what we feel is love. But we don’t. We can’t. Will we ever? Hard to tell if you ask me, because some things never change. Love isn’t a royal’s right, it’s a privilege we will more than likely never experience indulging in.” Enzo replied. His words were also a short lived window into the upbringing of the prince and the lack of nurturing affection within the palace walls of Ritha that fostered his bleak mindset, but to Enzo, all royal parents raised their kin up like that.

Enzo did genuinely smile at Ruina returning his action of toasting, and then his eyes followed hers to the halls. Instinct made him though… just in case someone was there. Although he probably would have heard them. Well, he didn’t hear Ruina, but he was lost in thought then. "Did you hear of the dance the school plans to host in the cafeteria?" Enzo gave a hum that reflected something on the verge of irritation as he looked back at Ruina. “Unfortunately,” he started as he grimaced a little at the thought before his expression broke into neutrality. “Amber’s excited, but I’m not attending for her. Ikaris is, well, Ikaris. So of course he wants to go anywhere he can hype the masses up for a good time. I’ll go to see what kind of trouble he stirs up so I can get him out of it.” Enzo said, but that was also a warning about the kind of intentions Ikaris was going to the dance with. Controlled chaos; Ikaris’ favorite. And Enzo knows his friend well, and one way or another, Ikaris will make the night memorable. “Do you think you, Tarron, and Thaola will be going?” Enzo asked inquisitively, but he would be surprised if Ruina or Tarron willingly jumped on board with going to the school dance. He’s at least been around them long enough to know that, like himself, a dance like the one the school is putting on wouldn’t exactly be their go-to choice of fun.

“Well, cycles are made to be broken. Maybe our generation will be the exception."

Enzo couldn't help the brief look of skepticism, but who is he to completely rain on the parade of hope? Technically though, he doesn’t mind flooding out anyone’s parade. That’s more for amusement though. Cruel maybe, but funny nonetheless. “Well, except for Amber." Enzo did give a smile and a slightly amused huff. “The exception to the exception.” He remarked, his smile dwindling to a half of one.

"Yes, we will be going. All of us."

Enzo nodded his head a single time. It might be a blessing in disguise. Now he was already beginning to devise his plan to shuffle Amber into her mix of clingy fake friends, and between Ikaris and the Truhans, maybe the dance won’t be such a bore for him. “Quite like you, we're going to keep someone out of trouble. Thaola, namely. And because the werelioness is dragging us to the dance. She said, and I quote, if you two don't go. I will come back up here and drag your furry wolf asses all the way there. I don't care if you're naked, or half dressed, or in the shitty clothes in the world. You're going." Enzo’s quiet chuckle followed Ruina’s words, and he shook his head slightly. “Persistence and extreme determination… lovely traits.” He said with more of a playful tone, but the fact he could vividly imagine Thaola dragging a frumpily dressed Ruina and Tarron to the dance was nothing short of entertaining.

"She's also making us dress up." Enzo tsked his tongue, “the audacity.” “I hate dresses. I hate them quite a lot.” Amber seemed to be the only one of the group who enjoyed dressing lavishly, even for simpler occasions. No doubt the werefox will be strutting in a beautifully woven dress, more than likely with frills and silk accents, as well as sporting hair pieces in a delicately done up hairdo. Dress to impress; Amber takes that to heart. "I think she's dressing us all in either royal blue or forest green. Of course, last I heard, the dance isn't until Friday. So, I may have time to either wriggle out of the dance in general. Or perhaps Thaola will allow me to wear a black dress." Enzo pursed his lips in thought for just a second before speaking. “I’m usually not too picky with color unless it’s disgustingly pastel or a bright eye sore, but black is an attractive color when it comes to clothing. I’d shoot my shot with it.” Enzo said with a light shrug. He typically prefers darker clothing anyway, so he felt his opinion was valid here. “I myself will more than likely just be dressing casual-ish. Something complimenting, but not showy… if that makes sense. Besides, Amber will be dressing to steal the eyes of everyone in the room. I won’t labor myself into trying to compete with that.” Enzo’s brows raised in sync with a quick show to express “typical of her.” “As for Ikaris, not even I know what kind of attire he’ll fancy. I just know for certain he’s going for a good time, to make a person or two angry, and probably to prey on women.” He had to shake his head, but he knew Ikaris enough to know the basis of his motives.

Glancing down the halls, the wereleopard released a small sigh. Talking with Ruina has proven to be a pleasant distraction, perhaps she felt the same. They were both trying to escape something, so that small foundation of connection for their conversation was nice. However, he figured they couldn’t talk all night, although at this rate it wouldn’t bother him. “I hate school,” Enzo grumbled, but he just realized he actually has class in the morning, “I hate feeling obligated to go to bed at a reasonable time because it’s “responsible”. Not to mention it starting so early, it’s torture. Especially for people who enjoy sleeping in.” Enzo spoke, though through his tone it was evident he feels very passionately about disliking the timing of when class starts. He’s already suggested to faculty that there should be a designated optional midday nap time. They have yet to get back to him on that though.

“There's always an exception to the exception."

A barely audible snicker came from the prince, but that expressed his agreement. In terms of Amber, mostly. He was sure he was his own exception with other exceptions, but he’s honestly too lazy to contemplate the ways he could be. Ikaris is his own paradox, but that’s just him. There is no understanding the wereeagle, just marveling at the insanity.

"Perhaps, but not in this instance and not for this occasion. I do believe she is dragging Tarron and I along to torture us."

Enzo smirked in accordance with his light chuckle. “I’m sure that’s exactly her intention.” His tone was laced with minimal sarcasm, but more often than not his tone doesn’t usually stray from sounding constantly sarcastic and mocking. It only varies when he’s with friends, or when he’s actually trying to not offend someone. The formality and atmosphere of forced friendliness with everyone is why Enzo typically despises balls. It’s just boring. Mind numbingly boring. There are, of course, more energetic gatherings away from palaces. Places that are referred to as ‘underground’, more often than not they aren’t literally underground, but they are places where a little more rambunctious activity is fostered. Enzo would have never known pockets holding places like that existed without Ikaris, but the wereeagle has a knack of keeping his ear to the ground when it comes to whispers of anything revolving around excitement.

"The audacity indeed. When she first proposed, well actually informed us we were going in formal dress, she mentioned short, and frilly dresses. I told her flat out, I would rip the dress to shreds if she dared tried to put me in a short and frilly dress."

Enzo tilted his head ever so slightly to the side as a genuinely amused expression etched into his features as he listened to Ruina. “We argued about it for a while, and in the end, Thaola agreed long and simple dresses. While, apparently, she's dressing Tarron in a suit and tie. I've never seen Tarron in a suit and tie, it'll be interesting." Enzo’s eyes widened a little. “Tarron? In a suit and tie? That’s a sight I’ll show up for.” Enzo chuckled, but now he was curious to see Tarron dressed up.

“The few times I have had to dress up, it's always been black. So, I'm hoping Thaola will allow me to get away with this."

Enzo was usually similar, except rather than a friend barring black clothes, it was usually his parents. Golds, whites, and the occasional subtle red tones are his parents preferred choices when it comes to what Enzo wears. They had their way until he was roughly eight, but his fighting spirit earned him the grace of picking his own style afterwards. “If you’re capable of using puppy dog eyes, I would use those to my advantage.” Enzo playfully suggested. It might appeal to Thaola, or not, but the thought of Ruina attempting that was amusing.

“Casual-ish would be best, well, at least for our group. Except for Amber, I'm pretty sure everyone else prefers casual. I think Thaola just wants us to dress up to torture us."

A nod of further agreement is what Enzo returned. Amber for sure is not a casual person. Everyone knew that though. “Thaola, of course, will happily make mischief around the dance. I am sure we will see Thaola and Ikaris together quite often, making mischief around the dance." Enzo gave a hesitant laugh. “Those two making mischief could either be very entertaining, or more work for the people making sure they don’t get into too much trouble. Regardless, it should get interesting.” Enzo figured it wouldn’t get too out of hand, but just in case… he would have to keep the occasional eye out. Sometimes Enzo feels like a literal guardian angel with his soul brother, but it doesn’t feel like a burden in any sense.

"I hate school as well."

Enzo’s approval was expressed through a nod. Perhaps it’s his cat-like nature, but when he doesn’t agree, a more judgmental gleam in his eyes shifts into view. He’s not usually judging anyone, but just that look a cat gives when they’re unimpressed is an expression Enzo wears well without even knowing it half of the time. “Eh, the getting up isn't so bad. But, there are days when I would prefer to sleep in. And I would prefer class to start later. I may rise early, but the brain doesn't function until at least two hours until after I wake up." A rare and pure excitement trickled into Enzo’s energy. “Getting up is the hardest part of my day, sleep is too comfortable to want to leave. But see? The start time is ridiculous. We should start a petition of some sort then. Maybe protest the start time by showing up an hour or two later. If enough people do it, change might happen. It sounds extreme, but that’s how much sleep is worth to me.” Enzo probably wouldn’t incite a riot out of it, but rest assured he will complain. Every. Day.

“Speaking of sleep, I’m running out of time for it. If anything I’ll sit at the back of class just to sneak in a little bit of extra slumber though.” Enzo spoke, but it wasn’t uncommon to see him dozing off, especially in first period. By lunch he’s usually fully bright eyed, but it takes that long until he’s comfortable with being awake. “I’ll see you in class then, Ruina?” Enzo asked with a small smile and an arched brow. The answer would probably be yes, but he felt it was polite to give her the opportunity to say something like “hell no, I won’t go”, but he heavily doubted that would be her response. That’s Ikaris’ usual protest chant.