#Friede x Reader | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

thecoffeelovingfreak · 2 years ago

Text

i've got to make a play

Pairing: Azul Ashengrotto x gn!Reader

Writing Genre: story

Genres: enemies to friends to lovers, fluff

Words: ~5.0k

Warnings: discussion of mining accidents/deaths (historically), me creating lore for Twisted Wonderland's mining industry -- and for Sage Island.

Notes: Since it's Azul's birthday I felt inspired to create him with one of my favorite tropes -- enemies to friends to lovers! I'd also like to note that I wrote this while I was sick, so hopefully it flows properly

Read it on ao3!

~~~

If there was anything more frustrating than your lack of magic, it was Azul Ashengrotto. The grandiose octomer with a cunning intellect masquerading as a benevolent wish-granter with no shortage of connections. You, however, were a deferential human with an honest attitude simulating a stubborn person with sharp wit swindling their way through a new world.

Needless to say, being partnered for a project together would be immensely frustrating… Professor Trein seemingly did not care, as he assigned you to work with the housewarden on the largest presentation of the semester.

That's what led you to a quiet argument with Azul in the library:

"Friede states here that the Kirchbarkau Mine is home to large amounts of silver and magestones.” you stated, taking note of the basic fact.

“Kirchbarkau does not contain magestones – the Lindewerra Mine does." the octomer corrected.

You huffed. "Really? And where did you read that?"

"The Economics of Mining Production in Pyroxene by Frederic Lyer."

"Lyer, huh? Where did you find it?"

"This library. Now are you done with your interrogation?"

You eyed him up and down suspiciously, "I suppose. For now."

Azul's eyes drifted to you from above his glasses, leveling you with an annoyed glare. You chuckled at his irritation before going back to flipping through the blue book in front of you.

—

The cool-toned lighting of the Mostro Lounge did not serve to soothe your grinding nerves. The cause? Octavinelle's housewarden and his kindness-laced condescension.

Looking over your notes? He crosses out what you've written and adds his paragraphs of thought.

Trying to divy up tasks? His back-handed words override your say.

And everytime you dish it back to him? A glare and retorts fill your eyes and ears.

Now, sitting across from him, you found yourself an inch away from grabbing and snapping his glasses.

"Are you finished ridiculing me?" you questioned with a sarcastic smile.

"Yes. For now." he spoke, reciprocating your smile and using your quip from the previous day.

You shook your head lightly at his actions before taking a sip from your lemonade.

"Anyways, I would like for us to go into town tomorrow to analyze and report on the island’s imports from Kirchbarkau. I would also like to visit the library there, since we have exhausted the colleges.”

“Alright. It sounds like a plan then, boss."

He huffed in vexation at your nickname before gathering his things and writing you one last note.

"If you'll excuse me, I have to return to work now. Jade will handle your bill."

You slid the paper toward you, who watched him with a smirk as he stood.

"What if you aren't excused?"

He looked slightly stunned at your audacity before asking, “And why wouldn’t I be?”

You smiled smally and displayed a faux shy look as you stated, “I want to buy you dinner.”

He seemed dazed and somewhat embarrassed. “Why?”

You grinned roguishly, “Well, Mr. Ashengrotto, you’re handsome, charming, whip-smart and… quite frankly, I have a thing for humiliation.”

His flustered features quickly dropped into distaste as he scoffed and walked off. Your laugh sounded through the establishment, drawing a few eyes to you.

“It seems you’ve left quite the impression on Azul." Jade observed, setting a black leather clad folder on your table.

You hummed, "He is very easy to tease."

A smirk appeared on the vice's face, "Indeed."

—

We'll meet at 8 in the morning on Main Street near the gate.

You placed the note containing Azul's sprawling handwriting back into your bag. The streaming river passing by Sam's shop felt like a soothing brush over your unexplainable anxiety. As you ascended the stairs leading to Main Street, you admired the morning sun falling over the crown shaped arches leading to the Colosseum. The grey cobblestone under your feet eventually led you to the gate where the silver-haired mer stood.

"Good morning, Y/n." he greeted simply.

"Good morning, Azul." you returned.

"Before we leave campus, I want to go over today's itinerary. First, we'll visit a precious metal refinery before going to…"

The last of his words drifted to the background as you suddenly noticed how… pleasant… Azul looked this morning. A navy button-up, dark grey slacks, dress shoes, and a watch replaced his uniforms today, and the formal simplicity only added to his attractiveness.

“...and we’ll end the day at the Sage Island Library.”

You shook back to attention as he finished speaking.

“Great! Now we just have to maneuver the zig-zag path down this mountain!” you added sarcastically.

He chuckled lightly in agreement, “I still do not see how the college has not come up with better transportation into town.”

You watched as he asked the nearby ghosts to open the large metal gates, slightly flustered at the different energy that surrounded your dynamic today.

—

The signature white and red colors of Sage Island reflected the morning light beautifully. The canaled water flowing in from the sea created a lovely reflection on the architecture, and you couldn’t help but admire the soft breeze as you followed Azul into a large shop titled: Precious Metal Refinery. A middle-aged man dressed in a white button-up, brown slacks, suspenders, and boots took notice of you and rapidly made his way to the door.

“You must be the students from Night Raven, correct? I’m Finley Heisenberg, the owner of this establishment.” he asked, sticking out his hand.

You exchanged names and formalities before he began guiding you through the small-scale factory as you and Azul took your own notes on his statements.

“First of all, we’re divided into two separate shops. Here, we take the precious metal scrap from Sage Island’s jewelers, dentists, crematoriums, and pawn shops, and isolate them through multiple processes to achieve them at their purest form. Afterward, we export them from the Southeastern Port where they travel north across the Coral Sea to the Queendom of Roses and occasionally south toward the Afterglow Savanna.”

He turned right, guiding you to an area where the air turned hotter.

“This is where we conduct pyrolysis. In this process, the noble-metalliferous products – your precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum – are released from the other materials by solidifying in a melt to become cinder and then poured off or oxidized.”

Finley walked further down the concrete floor to three vats.

“Here is where the metals can undergo the alternative initial process of hydrolysis. The noble metals are dissolved either in aqua regia, which is a solution consisting of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid, or in a solution of hydrochloric acid and chlorine gas. Subsequently, certain metals can be precipitated or reduced directly with salt, gas, organic and/or nitro hydrate connection.”

He took the both of you back to the front near a wooden door bridging the small factory to the next shop.

“Afterwards they go through cleaning stages or are recrystallized. The precious metals are separated from the metal salt by calcination. The noble-metalliferous materials are hydrolyzed first and pyrolyzed thereafter. The processes are better yielding when using catalysts that may sometimes contain precious metals themselves. When using catalysts, the recycling product is removed in each case and driven several times through the cycle.”

After his conclusion, he opened the door and gestured you through, “This is our manufacturing facility. Here we review, package, and track our exports. That’s about all there is to it within our side of it. Precious metals can be used for jewelry, electricity, medical technology, transportation vehicles, and so much more.”

“Thank you for your time, Mr. Heisenberg. I wish you great success.” you spoke with a nod.

“You’re welcome and thank you.” he stated.

—

By the time you left Finley’s refinery, the sun was nearing a perfect midday. The next stop on your schedule was a small business – Seville’s Jewelers. The owner was a young woman by the name of Lucia Seville. She told you that she had inherited the business from her mother, and that most establishments on Sage Island were generational. She shared her products, and you took note of the more robust yet charming look they had. According to Lucia, they were jewels she would purchase (with company money) from the local gem shows or import from the nearby Land of Dawning. She shared how funds were tight sometimes due to the process of acquiring materials, but with the money and connections that her mother established, it was never as difficult as it was for others she had met. With a few conclusory statements, you headed to your third destination of the day.

Dear’s Diamonds and Jewelry was the sign that a well-gardened and well–painted shop boasted. It was owned by a middle-aged man named Jim Dear IV, a third-generation jeweler of a company based in Pyroxene with a chain on the Isle. He said he relocated here since he had fallen in love with the environment back when he attended Royal Sword Academy. He stated that his own son was now enrolled there, and questioned if either of you knew him – unfortunately you had yet to meet.

After concluding your small talk, he showed you to one of the brightly lit cases containing shining rings, bracelets, and watches. He displayed the careful cuts of the jewels and even assembled a few pieces in front of you. He showed you how the watches were pieced together and discussed his sources for silver and platinum. When asked, he delved further into how the rings were heated, shaped, and went into the little details of refining them and personalizing them. Upon further interview, his charisma and pride for his business truly shone through.

After exchanging pleasant farewells, your interviews of the day were over.

You smiled as you strolled the streets, still infected by Jim’s enthusiasm.

Azul's gaze looked slightly perplexed before shifting to teasing, “You’ve never smiled so genuinely in my presence before, has my charm bewitched you so?”

A smirk bloomed on your face, “No, Jim Dear is just a dear.”

He chuckled quietly, “You’re insufferable.”

You reciprocated his chortle, “I could say the same for you.”

—

Your second to last destination – the Sage Island Museum. It was one of the largest buildings in town, and just so happened to have an exhibit dedicated to the history of mining. It was organized by most prevalent to least, with Pyroxene’s section first.

The Kirchbarkau Mine is a silver mine in the state of Aicher, Pyroxene. Its development led to the growth of the surrounding town and eventual capital, Hirschfeld, in the 1880s. Its orebody ran 24% silver, an extraordinarily high grade. It was acquired by Louis Richter in 1883.

Throughout the first decade of the 20th century, it was the most productive silver mine in Aicher. When the Industrial Revolution hit northern Pyroxene in the 1920s, the Kirchbarkau mine rose to become the highest silver yield in the region.

You shifted right to meet Azul at the History section.

The presence of silver ore in the Marloffstein Mountains of northwest Aicher may have been known as early as 1877, but the first mining claim was filed on 4 October 1878. In 1878, southern residents migrated north during what is known simply as the Northern Diffusion. One group in particular – the Visser Party, did not like the quality of the water. So, they sent 19-year-old Johann Visser to look for a better quality. During his search he found a spring along a very large cliff of limestone, known today as Burgfelsen, and on his return an outcrop containing silver in a canyon later known as Grabstein-Schlucht. When he arrived back at camp, he had his father send word back south to the city of Vaugervand, asking for the local government to file a claim over Johann’s findings. After a lengthy back-and-forth through post, the city agreed to file their claim and name Johann Visser in all notices of mining locations that he discovered. They provided him with money, materials, tools, food, and a map to the mining claim site, all in return for a share of future profits.

With this, the Visser family and their accompanying settlers formed the historic town of Hirschfeld in 1880. Similar to the appeal of gold in the west, the attraction to silver in the north drew the southern citizens there upon the spread of job requests for miners, and the average man needing a job. Quickly the town blossomed into a city, and had their own local government established. The name of the famous mine comes from the first mayor, Wilhelm Kirchbarkau, who personally endorsed the project. Soon enough, the Kirchbarkau Mine was operational and the amounts of silver ore being harvested boosted Hirschfeld’s economy greatly. With the rise in new technology and the importance of the noble metal increasing, more and more people gathered near its source, hoping to find the precious shiny grey themselves.

By 1883, the city had achieved its position as Aicher’s capital and cemented itself in history.

—

The soon-to-set sun casted shades of peach over the green, red, and white landscape. Many shadows fell upon the eastern island from the mountains, but the Southeastern Port was still illuminated. The warm cup of tea in your hand served slightly to fight the growing chill of the wind. The sounds of the water became louder as you heard the waves crashing against the side of the island. Port workers had begun to retire for the evening, heading back to their families for dinner. It was a pleasant reminder of life outside of NRC, and a refreshing break from your history project.

“I remember seeing this port once when I was younger.”

You turned your head to the left, witnessing an odd mix of emotions on Azul’s face.

“I had a… particularly rough day… and wanted a place where I could just be alone. I hid in the water between a few rocks over there, but curiosity drew me out. There were sailor's docking in for the evening, and one happened to drop a gold coin in the water. It was risky but I retrieved it,” he sighed somewhat contentedly, “If it weren’t for the sailor’s mishap, I never would have grown to enjoy coin collecting.”

Before you could respond, he abruptly straightened and spoke.

“Well, that’s all in the past now. Why don’t we head to the library? It’s getting dark and I believe they will close in just two hours.”

—

The Sage Island Library displayed gorgeous white bookshelves trimmed in gold. A small cafe was placed next door with large glass double doors separating it from the collection of books. The copious amounts of literature seemed like a herculean task to venture through, but luckily your silver-haired companion had a list prepared:

The Uncovered History of the Kirchbarkau Mine by Marguerite Beausoleil

Silver and Gold: How the Precious Metals Came to Be So Valuable by Eeva Laitinen

Pyroxene, A Nation Built on Nature’s Riches by Ira Brighton

After gathering the books, you found an unoccupied set of a table and two plush chairs. Azul left to fetch two hot cups of earl grey, and you settled into one of the chairs with the first book. Looking through the table of contents, you found the section you were searching for:

Chapter 4: The Devil Inside

The mining work conducted inside Kirchbarkau was extremely hazardous. After Louis Richter’s acquisition of the “Silver Queen”, the operators he appointed often routinely demanded that the miners work unpaid for long hours. They subjected the miners to intrusive physical strip searches, and followed dangerous practices like blasting while miners were in the mine and not permitting safety operators on drills and elevators.

A miner’s union was organized in 1914, when the mine was the site of a strike. Louis Richter resisted union organizing and illegally used private police to arrest more than 1200 miners and fellow protestors. They put them on railroad cars and expelled them from the city and area in what became known as the Hirschfeld Expulsion.

In one incident, a miner by the name of Herman Anson brutally murdered five of his coworkers in what is known as the Kirchbarkau Massacre. Anson had been stranded with his crew in the mine, but it is suspected that he trapped them. He used his tools to end their lives and they were not discovered until the following morning. Herman Anson was immediately arrested, and it was found upon investigation that it was not his first time killing. This tragedy has led to one of the most infamous spectral tales of the mine.

The sound of a heavy paper cup being placed on wood drew your attention from the grim details.

“I apologize, I was trying not to disrupt you.”

“No need, if anything it’s welcome.”

“Really?” he queried, sitting down across from you.

“Yes, the information is chilling.”

He grabbed his notepad before saying, “Would you mind recounting the details?”

As he wrote and you spoke, you couldn’t help the confusion you felt. From the start of the day to now at the end, something had seemed… different.

With more thought, you found that it was simple – you were more open to each other.

A small smile grew on your face as you finished relaying what you read. Maybe getting to know the octomer wouldn’t be that bad.

—

The following evening when you walked into the Mostro Lounge, you heard a shout from Floyd that Azul wanted to see you in the VIP room tonight rather than a booth. You sent an acknowledging shout back before venturing to the office.

Entering the room, you were greeted by familiar cool colors which popped when surrounded by dark woods, leather, and literature. At the forefront of the space was Azul, who was seated at his desk going through paperwork.

“Please, have a seat,” he began, gesturing to one of the leather loveseats, “I will have to continue working, but I would like for you to go over our notes from yesterday with me while I do so.”

“Alright, sounds good.” you responded, sitting down on the left loveseat.

Seven different piles of paper sat on the oceanic coffee table, all from your trip into town. Three were of your interviews with Finley Heisenberg, Lucia Seville, and Jim Dear IV. The other four were notes from the museum and library.

You grabbed the set from Finley first and got to work.

By the time you finished your review of the final book, your brain felt exhausted with the information. With a sigh you stood from the loveseat and approached one of the many shelves of books. You sensed eyes on your back as you scanned over the titles; many involved finance, economics, and history, but every now and then you found old mystery and romance novels.

A book by the title Pleasure & Preconception drew your attention, and you reached out to grab it.

“What are you doing?” a seemingly weary Azul asked.

“I’m finished going over the notes, and you should take a break – there’s plenty of books in here so why not read one of them?” you replied, taking the spot closer to the silver-haired mer on the loveseat.

He seemed hesitant at the prospect, and even more so when he glanced at the book in your hands for a second time.

“What? Are you afraid I’ll find out you're just a hopeless romantic at heart?” you teased, opening the book to the first chapter.

He huffed before rising from his desk. He took the seat across from you on the opposite leather loveseat and settled in.

“I suppose I can spare a few minutes.”

With a small smile you began reading the classic romance aloud. The tale started with the protagonist and love interest’s initial dislike of each other. As you read further, you couldn’t help but see a growing parallel between their story and yours. Too immersed in the book, you failed to notice a rather exhausted Azul slowly falling asleep across from you. When you did, you quietly placed the book on the coffee table and decided to take a quick nap yourself.

Slowly, your eyes drifted open as your senses returned to consciousness. Rubbing your neck and lightly stretching your limbs, you noticed a still-sleeping Azul on the loveseat. His brows were furrowed, and his chest rose and fell rapidly. He seemed distressed, and when a hushed whimper left his lips, you decided to try and wake him.

Gently shaking his left arm, you calmly spoke, “Hey… Azul, wake up.”

After two more tries, he jolted awake with an element of panic. He was disheveled and his features looked perturbed as he took notice of your presence.

“Are you alright?” you questioned.

He cleared his throat, straightened his tie, and brushed off his clothes before standing from the loveseat.

“I’m perfectly fine.” he stated, trying to save face.

You sighed, not wanting to press any further, “Okay.”

He sat down at his desk and quickly shoved himself back into numbers and logistics.

As you gathered your things, you left him with one final sentence.

“Just remember that despite everything, I’m here if you need me.”

—

“What is it, Azul?” you asked groggily into the phone.

“I’m just calling in the favor you offered me.” he replied, sounding tiredly anxious.

You chuckled before dragging your hand across your face and shifting your blankets over.

“Remind me to never give you any leverage.”

“Why not?” he queried as light shuffling noises could be heard from the receiver.

“Are you really asking me that when you’re so infamous for swindling?”

“I could say the same for you. I’m not the only one that’s garnered the reputation of being a trickster.”

“I suppose you’re right.” you answered as you descended Ramshackle’s staircase.

“When am I not?” he teased.

You huffed as you turned on the kitchen light, “Your arrogance will be the death of me.”

“Are you sure it won’t be my charm?”

“Careful, Azul, you’re starting to sound like me.”

He snickered as you grabbed a mug and tea bag. You sat in a comfortable silence as you grabbed a kettle and filled it with water before setting it on the stove to heat.

“What are you doing?” you questioned.

“What are you doing?” he retorted.

You sighed halfheartedly, “If I tell you, will you tell me?”

“It seems like a fair deal.” he agreed.

"I'm making tea."

"What kind?"

"Chamomile."

He hummed.

"Now hold up your side of the bargain." you spoke playfully, taking the now whistling kettle off of the stove.

"I'm going through my records.”

“What kind?” you copied.

“My personal vinyl collection.”

You let quiet take over as he continued carding through the artists. You placed the tea bag into your mug and poured the hot water over the blend. As you left the kitchen and turned off the light, you decided to rest on the couch you had recently reupholstered for the dorm. A sage green blanket rested near two throw pillows, and you curled up into the cozy space before turning on the nearby lamp. A soft melody flowed through the phone, signaling that the silver-haired mer had chosen his album for the night.

Feeling comfortable and curious you asked, “Do you like music?”

“Quite so. It’s naturally something enjoyed by merfolk, but discovering the vast amount on land has been a lovely endeavor.”

“It seems so.” you said quietly before taking a sip of your tea.

The beautiful voice coming from the record only served to make the atmosphere restful, and soon you found yourself struggling to keep your eyes open.

When you woke up the next morning to a frantic Grim shaking you awake and shouting about being late, you realized that you had fallen asleep on the phone with the housewarden.

—

Tonight, the environment of the Lounge faded to the background as your focus remained on its owner. You had come to begin assembling the final form of your presentation, but Azul had offered for you to share dinner first, and who would deny a good meal? Your food had been ordered and after a few bites you found it being set to the side in favor of inquisitive conversation.

"I am sure you already know plenty about me." Azul responded with slight playfulness.

"No, I truly don't! All I know is that you started collecting coins as a child, and that you enjoy Juliet Alderidge novels and vintage music." you retorted, stirring the special drink you had chosen for the night.

"And that is plenty."

You exhaled, "Okay, then what if I give you an irresistible offer?"

"I'm listening."

"I ask you three questions and you can ask me as many as you want, but I have to answer truthfully."

"Do you think you have any truly irresistible information?"

"You wound me." you said, feigning a pout.

"How unfortunate. I suppose I'll just have to satiate your curiosity, then." he spoke, leaning forward and folding his hands under his chin.

"I suppose so." you replied, mimicking his action.

With your charitable victory, you discovered three things about the silver-haired mer. One, when he was child, he would spend the occasional weekend preparing and gathering all kinds of little things to create his own dishes and serve them to his mother as if she were a judge. He commented that she always gave him a good rating even if he himself could tell it was not the greatest. Two, his first visit to the Southeastern Port was not the last, as his affinity for unique or rare currency, especially on land as a mer, grew. And three, his dislike for you had only been a facade since your first study day. He always enjoyed your banter and couldn't help but welcome the friendship you now had.

It brightened your mood to hear his stories, and you felt more of a bond with him afterward. When he told you the truth of his feelings however, you couldn't help but experience slight embarrassment and… happiness. You had to admit that you felt the same, it is lovely getting to know him.

Dinner and drinks continued until closing that evening, but neither of you seemed to mind.

—

Cream-coloured papers covered the entirety of the aquatic coffee table in front of you, black ink scattered all over them. Azul sat to your right on the leather loveseat, reorganizing the information as he saw fit. A notebook rested in your lap containing scribbled handwriting depicting different ideas and ways to connect themes from your studies. A few empty glasses sat forgotten on the edge of his desk, adding a worn feel that matched the crumpled balls of lined paper on the opposite loveseat. Tonight, was the final night of the two-week deadline the class had been given and everyone would be immersed in their work.

You ripped out the necessary pages of your notebook and spread them out on the loveseat vertically between you and Azul. He rose briefly to grab his own writing materials before you embarked on the hours-long journey of creating your final presentation.

A fresh glass of lemonade and butterfly pea flower tea rested in your right hand as you sighed contentedly.

“Now, just to revise and edit.” the housewarden stated, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

He leaned backward onto the plush backing of the loveseat, angling his head backward and sighing himself. Silence hung in the air as you simply stared at him, a peculiar admiration in your gaze. He removed his glasses and set them down beside him, and your eyes drifted to the delicate curve of his nose. He soon noticed your observance, causing his ocean blue eyes to meet yours. The eye contact flustered you, but your gaze didn’t stray.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked, one of his silver brows quirking.

You waited for a moment before replying, “I think you’re beautiful.”

He seemed shocked – staring at you for a moment wide-eyed before looking away.

You chose to elaborate, “You know, two weeks ago I couldn’t stand you, but after our day in town I felt like something had shifted. We became more open to each other, and slowly as I got to know and see more of you… I found myself feeling more and more in love with you.”

He slowly appeared embarrassed, then stunned, and finally tender. He took a deep breath before turning back toward you.

“I have to admit that I carry the same sentiment.”

You gently grabbed his right hand in yours, caringly slotting your fingers between his and squeezing. Your hand left his before you slid it back under, tilting his fingers toward you. A kiss was placed on the back of his hand before your thumb rubbed over it. His eyes met yours once more, a determined look on his features and a light pink color to his cheeks.

In a bold move, he leaned forward and captured your lips with his. You were momentarily surprised by the action, but quickly softened to his touch. The movement of his lips on yours were fondly warm, and so was the kiss you left on his cheek as he retreated.

—

Professor Trein’s classroom of students went silent as they focussed on the presentation being given by you and your partner. Your voices sounded throughout the space, sharing the research that had brought you closer. Little glances would be shared as the other spoke, leaving a light sensation in your chest that would jump every time your hands brushed. They were simple actions, but they left you feeling like shining silver every time.

#coff writes for twst🍸#twst #twisted wonderland #twst x reader #twst x yuu #twst x you #twst x y/n #twst azul ashengrotto #twst azul #twst octavinelle #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland x yuu #twisted wonderland azul #azul ashengrotto #azul ashengrotto x reader

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