#I need to finish the twisted wonderland event

[something-something-peaceful]

Do dentists brush their teeth or is their god complex just too strong?

[friendlyfatbee]

Assorted bag of colored sketches because I said so.

[riddlerosehearts]

vil/idia valentine's day headcanons 💜💙

(as usual this post ended up more detailed and lengthy than i originally planned it to be, but i hope someone will enjoy it because i love this silly little ship of mine.)

idia has never liked valentine's day. it always seemed so pointless and frivolous, and there's so many people out talking and holding hands and kissing. probably all judging him for being alone. the only reason he cares at all about it is because many of the games he plays have limited-time valentine's events, so he usually just stays in his room all day playing through them.

and sure, idia loves a good romance anime, and he has more than a few favorite ships he thinks should totally be canon, but that's all just fiction. it's an escape from a reality where true love doesn't exist.

or so he used to believe. he never thought he'd find someone he really wanted to be with, or that they'd want him in return. not until, somehow, vil became that person. all the dating sims in the world couldn't have prepared him for this.

he knows he can't just hide out in his room on valentine's day when he has someone so important to spend it with now. but how can he give vil the happiness he deserves?

he could build a high-end custom laptop from scratch for him, or buy him a bouquet of his favorite flowers and take him to the fanciest restaurant in all of twisted wonderland, even though the latter idea utterly terrifies him. he could use his tech skills and his family's money to give vil the world, but if he knows his boyfriend at all, he knows that he probably doesn't want anything that extravagant.

(and besides, if the vil schoenheit tried to go out in public with his partner on valentine's day they would just get swarmed by paparazzi and idia is sure he'd roll a 1 and fail the stealth check required to avoid them. yeah, that's a quest path he will not be choosing anytime soon.)

idia knows it would be best to get vil something simple, but still thoughtful enough to make him feel special. and in the shoujo manga he likes, people always give handmade chocolate as a gift. but his cooking skill is stuck at level 1, and even if he could grind it up to 100, vil wouldn't want a box of chocolates loaded with sugar and calories. it can't just be some normie thing either--it has to stand out from the flowers and candies and love letters he gets swamped with by his fans.

remembering how vil has praised his gear designs for ortho before, he decides to buy some purple and gold beads and string them together to make a necklace. in the middle he places a small heart-shaped bead, adding an LED light inside that makes it pop with a subtle glow.

he also makes a handmade card that with a design that lights up at the press of a button. i imagine he'd put a pixel heart inside of it similarly to this zelda themed pop-out card i found:

they're both very simple projects for idia, but he feels certain that vil will love them.

and as for vil, he thinks valentine's day is a lovely holiday. it's an opportunity for people to celebrate the beauty of love, and to relax and take better care of themselves. even if you're single, you can still pamper yourself and celebrate with a friend. vil always tries to take the day off from any obligations if he can, though sometimes there are things he just can't slack off on.

this year, though, he absolutely will not be doing any photoshoots or interviews. this year he has a boyfriend, and yes he knows that idia hates the holiday but in his mind that's even more of a reason why he needs to be there for him. he won't allow idia to spend even one more second feeling lonely and unloved on valentine's day.

he initially has no idea what he should get idia, and ends up getting laughed at by cater who catches him googling "valentine's gifts for gamers" on his phone. look, just because he's acted in a few romance films and is considered a teen heartthrob by countless people who don't even know him, doesn't mean he automatically knows everything about dating.

cater and idia are friends, though, and cater knows enough about what he likes to be able to help vil pick a couple things out.

the first thing vil settles on is a lego building set that depicts a bouquet of roses. it would be fun for the two of them to build them together, and he wouldn't have to worry about idia inevitably forgetting to water them.

he also gets a card that's even dorkier than the one idia made for him--i'm specifically picturing this:

he tucks a note inside of it, with a short list of just a few of idia's best qualities. he hopes it can remind idia of why he likes him and wants to be with him and not someone else.

and lastly, he purchases a pack of bath bombs made to look like colorful D20 dice--relaxing, good for the skin, and aesthetically in line with idia's interests.

when valentine's day comes, they exchange gifts in vil's dorm room at pomefiore, where they've planned to spend the day. vil thinks the things idia has made for him are beautiful and he tells him as much.

but when idia recieves his gifts, he starts mumbling something about how a weirdo shut-in otaku like him doesn't deserve to be seen as a viable love interest and how vil must have had a confusion status debuff on him this whole time.

vil: "excuse me? you're not insulting my SSR boyfriend, are you? you don't think that i would try to max out the affection points for your route if i wasn't sure you were the perfect option for me?"

idia, who just knows the tips of his hair are turning pink: "s-sorry... i ran into a glitch that triggered the wrong dialogue. what i meant to say was, of course you picked a genius like me to be your player 2 instead of some lame normie who you'd have zero percent compatibility with! how could anyone but me match up to your top-tier stats?"

vil just smiles and rolls his eyes.

idia then reveals that he actually did get vil something sweet, but originally felt too nervous to give it to him.

it's a pack of candy flavored lip glosses. vil laughs and insists that they'll have to kiss enough times to taste test each flavor. idia's whole head of hair turns pink.

they spend the whole day together, doing things like watching an old romcom that vil adores or playing a co-op game that idia picked for them, and of course putting the lego rose bouquet together.

they also eat a nice meal together in a private place that vil set up for them in pomefiore--and all the other students know they'll incur their dorm leader's wrath if they dare to bother him on his date.

[cookiesandbiscuits]

Cookie's 18th Birthday Bash Countdown Event Masterlist

A compilation of the works for the event I did for my 18th birthday :3

→ Cookie's 18th Birthday Bash Countdown Event

Cookie's Writing Challenge

Day One: Sweets (Riddle Rosehearts x Elyssabeth Alcyone)

Day Two: Sunflowers (Lucifer x Margarette Camellia Sanchez)

Day Three: Rest (Platonic! Solomon x Margarette Camellia Sanchez)

Day Seven: Beach/Sea (Leviathan x Amber) by @amberrskiies

Cookie's Doodle Challenge

December babies! (Solomon (OM!), Isaac Newton (IkeVamp), & Margarette Camellia Sanchez (OC))

Casual stroll at the beach! (Lucifer x Margarette Camellia Sanchez)

[cloudcountry]

attention twisted wonderland fans! ortho has tasked you with an important mission—give his brother the best summer imaginable!

welcome to the introduction post for my new event! i am your host, auburn! you probably know me as azulashengrottospiano, but i've changed urls ^^;

this time, i'm attempting to bring people together instead of doing an event all by myself. you'll have to forgive me if it's confusing, i've never hosted something like this before but i'll do my best and i hope you guys will have fun!

both writers and artists are encouraged to participate!

RUN TIME: this event will run from may 27th to june 10th! but you are more than welcome to post your pieces before then if you are finished or after if something came up! we understand <3

TO SIGN UP: please comment or reblog this post with your name and what you're going to be making! you don't need to have a specific idea yet, you can just whether you're an author or an artist!

when finished, please tag your works with sweet shroud summer 2024 so people can have an overview of the event's wonderful talent!

the event rules . . .

no nsfw content, i want minors to be able to participate as well if they want to.

any content is welcome aside from that! it can be romantic, familial, platonic, it can include yuu or not!

just as long as idia is getting out of his room and having a good time C: make sure you treat him well or ortho will get upset!

the company policy is open to be modified if a customer brings up a question!!

contributors and their pieces will be listed under the cut.

OUR LOVELY CONTRIBUTORS!

auburn / cloudcountry - writer.

if you let me.

dove / da-birb-writes-sometimes - writer.

mess in chat >w^. mess at con.

edie / edith-is-a-cat - artist (mainly.)

art piece. written work. kitty. platinum jacket. idia & tsum. rainbow idia.

cookie / cookiesandbiscuits - artist.

at the beach art piece. hot day.

irene / officialdaydreamer00 - writer & artist.

flowers of a summer day. part 1.5. aimless outing. marionette on a string. board game club shenanigans.

cyath / cyath - artist.

identity / identity-theft-101 - artist.

he dropped his ice cream :( art piece.

mochimus / thatsadguymochi - artist.

at the lake art piece.

phrog / phrowog - artist.

gamer touches the ocean art piece.

sapphy / shinysparklesapphires - artist.

gamer touches grass art piece.

em / musicalhistorical - writer.

zell / z3llous - artist.

getting milkshakes. catching pokemon.

silver / rxttenbxnes - artist.

sosa / miraculous-pacer55 - artist.

monimich / monimichbeingsilly - artist.

pop up cafe.

kei / keii-starz - writer.

garden.

fruity / fruity-arts - artist.

moon / moon-mage - artist.

rubia / twistedchatterbox - writer & artist.

emily / walkingoneliner37 - artist.

idia and ortho at disneyworld!

ryker / ryker-writes - writer.

firefly.

mayuu / justyoureverydaytwstsimp - writer.

dani / xol-io - writer & artist.

arius / ariusthething - writer & artist.

a short visit!

daffodil / chocodaffodil - artist.

idia at the beach.

loser / loser-jpg - artist.

getting boba.

manoo / pop-sparkle - artist.

tropical idia!

yourfbiagen1 - artist.

idia meets hatsune miku

octahyde - artist.

she just got to the prince mush boss...

comingyourlugubriousness / artist.

fireflies.

[natsuyuki-w]

Not one of the boys

Twisted wonderland cast realizes that (Yuu) is a girl.

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 Featuring: Leona, Ruggie, and Jack - Leech twins - Azul

- (Wander)San? Where are you going? No running!- shouted Crewel. - Sorry! 'going to the bathroom! - I excused continuing my rush. - You better not skip PE pup.- - Don't worry professor, they will not. - reassured Ace. - What time is it... Damn it! I'm already late. - I entered the toilet with the gym bag.

---

A couple of hours later, period finished, I heard our Homeroom teacher from afar - (Wander)San? Again? No running! And where are you going in...- - To the bathroom! - - But...Make sure not to be lat...Never mind. - and after eying me a second time, he noticed I was still wearing the sports uniform.

- At least the professors, I'm not asking much right? - I mumbled angrily. - This stupid secrecy...I can't even take a decent shower after gym. - I grumbled some more in the empty bathroom, doing the little I could with the sponge and the water of the sink.

Uncle

- Uncle Leona was so cool at Magift! - Cheered the little intruder sitting on my lap. After the excitement of seeing his relative, since I was the only one giving him attention, he decided to crawl up the sheets and vent.

- Veeery cool! He was * pwah and then *shwah and then "GOOOAL... Wait...wrong sport. - I recalled the last match. - But do you know who's even cooler? - I smirked - The one who can Even defeat your uncle? - I dropped my voice down like telling him a mighty secret.

- Watch your tongue Herbivore - threaten the aforementioned. The kid giggled jumping up and down on my knees - Who is it? Who is it? - I cupped a hand to my mouth and waved him closer. - Is Cheka! - And I boopped his nose singing. - 'Cause, 🎶 you're gonna be the main event like no king was before. Brushing up on looking down, and working on your roar! 🎶-

- So loud - groaned the prince. - Hahahhaa yes!!! - The kid's strong cheers covered his lament - Have you heard Uncle Leona? Uncle (Yuu) says I'm the coolest!- Exclaimed the lion cub to the teenager lying in another cot.

- Pfha, She's not an uncle, and I don't care. - - He's right, I wouldn't Dare take the title from him...- *Pause - Wait, what have you just said? - - I don't care. - responded the boy -...are we really playing this game? Before that. - - You are not an uncle - and after another suspension added - an aunty perhaps. -

.... - EH????? - Death dropped everyone in the room. Some shocked by the new information, some from the fact that He knew about the secret. I quickly went to his side and bent to face the splatted prince. Cheka followed suit amused by my shocked face. - Wh-what are you talking ab...- but the smirk on his face told me I couldn't deny anything. - But,... How did you know???-

- W-wait, so (Yuu), you really...you really?...- floundered Jack. Deuce and Ace went beside him to pat his shoulders. - I didn't know either. - added Ruggie stepping away. - So, I was actually careful... - I mumbled referring to the astonished duo.

- Hahahhaa Uncle (Yuu) pick me up! - jumped the kid. Too stunned to realize the probable state crime accuse I could face, I hopped him on my hip. - Leona... How,...when?- - Entry ceremony. - - Eeeh? So soon... - - You threw the cape on the cat. That black shirt is fitting.- - B-but,... it was kinda dark.- - I can see well enough. - - But it could've been... a wrinkle of the clothes. -

- The morning after you snooped around our business I saw you two little detectives at the entrance and I eavesdropped. I needed to make sure you stayed in your place. - Then he smirked - Mmmm if I recall it was something about a stunning boy calling you a little lady and a crop top rather than an XXL t-shirt. - Jack was now redder than before, and Adeuce facing each other questioningly. - Phrasing...so misapprehended.- I pouted. Then he nodded towards me - And you smell girly. -

I rolled my eyes. - I may be hiding but I don't wanna smell like..."Refreshing", "Boss", "Sport" - I mumbled - Okay okay you got it right. Just... Please guys, the headmaster wants it to be a secret, something about management...school stuff. So keep it to yourself yeah?- - Just that?... Not telling me to treat you right? - asked the prince half joking. - Treat me...? It doesn't change anything, I'm still (Yuu). Treat me like always. - ... - Well I mean SOMETIMES you could be a little nicer with everyone...- but he quickly stopped me with a daring growl.

- Take your uncle good company Cheka - I whispered - Pour on him some more cute... I mean coolness. - he nodded and pounced on his uncle. - I can't believe Leona beat me at this too. - commented Grim realizing he wasn't the first to find out about my identity.

Squeeze

The audacity of this monster… 

- Oh… so it is like that ah? - I rose from the seat at the table. The calm tone in my voice was mismatched by a terrifying shadow behind my eyes. - I wouldn't dare embarrass the Great mage Grim. Since I'm a good-for-nothing human my help would be a nuisance.- I took a breath and pondered - After all you already made the wiser decision. Instead of accepting my, free, invitation to study together, you went straight to the smart student. - and I flicked the anemone on his head. - I'm sure with your sharp mind you'll be out of the situation in no time. - The trio gulped. Not even when they accidentally corroded my potion notebook they saw me that angry.

- Awww Koebi-chan, don't be upset. - chirped Floyd smiling. - Working him to the bone would be a good lesson teaching. What do you say, Prefect? - added Jade with malice, Grim shivered from head to toe. - You are so cute Shrimpy. Let me help you the best way I know...- and before either I or Jack could do anything he grabbed and pulled my arm towards him. -...a hug to squeeze all this anger away. - - NOOO!!!! - screamed Adeuce.

The strong hold on me soon came loose. My face was flat on his torso, I looked up and confusion was plastered all over his face. - I'll consider your kind offer guys. And thank you for the sentiment, Floyd. - sarcasm dripping from my every word. I slipped off his hold and walked out sending a wave to my friends, Jack in silence followed and threw a glare at everyone left behind.

---

The three got dragged away by the anemone while Floyd stood still with his arms held lightly out. Jade spoke up - I swore you were going to give your usual...- - Soft...- murmured the other. - Excuse me? - - I think I'll need another test. - snapped the hugger. - Azul wants us back to the lounge. - stopped him his brother while he aimed for our direction.

---

- So ahem. Do you still want to go? Do you want me to ruffle them up perhaps? - asked Jack after a good minute of silence. I sighed - Of course, I'll go, I don't want to let them down. - A minute passed and mortified by my reaction I excused myself - Sorry for that. I was so frustrated.- - Don't worry, honestly, I think he deserved much worse, I could tell you were very hurt, I'm sorry. - - don't be... But thank you, Jack, for everything! You are so kind, I'm really glad we became friends. - All his might crumbled in a blushing mess.

- S-so *ah-hem do you think he figured it out? The moray I mean. - - Probably.- I responded firmly.

---

- Azarashi-chan...- Floyd crept on the grey cat. - Can I squeeze out of you a couple of things about dear Shrimpy? - said with a toothy smile that Grim knew better to confront with anything but assent.

Debt

- Your voice could be useful, but I'm already in stock. - As we sat on the plush couches of Azul's study we discussed the possible contract to free my friends. Jade lowered himself to whisper in the dorm's leader's ear. - WHAT??? - his collected gentlemanly persona completely slipped for a second, making me and Jack jump on the spot.

Azul covered his mouth looking me up and down, blushing again, and whispered back - Is it certain? - and the twins nodded. - But I would gladly test again... Koeeebi-chan can I give you another squeeze? - I found the heterochromatic eyes bored closely into mine. Jack growled receiving a lopsided smile

- So... (Yuu)san - continued the "mafia boss". - I think you might be already in debt with us, fufufu. - - For what? - I arched my brow. - Well, it would be a shame after all your good work in concealing your true identity...- -...good work...*PFFF...ask the other eleven. - I laughed - And here I thought you did a little digging. - I mumbled - I owe you nothing. I don't care at all to hide that I'm a girl, I'm doing it because the headmaster asked me to. He's worried that it would cause him problems or something. Honestly, I would gladly stop wrapping my chest in cloth and wear ALL the time baggy clothes. They are cute, don't get me wrong, but I would like some flattery sometimes. - I rumbled.

Awkward from my brutal honesty, he adjusted his glasses to compose himself and asked diplomatically - You're not worried about the consequences with Crowley? - - About you finding out? Because Floyd forcefully grabbed me and felt my boobs? No, I'm not. - - You Found Out How??? - sharply asked the mage. Floyd shrugged. - Yeah, and it was very soft. Then I kindly asked Azarashi-chan and he confirmed. - An irk formed on my forehead, Grim was truly getting on my nerves.

Recomposing I pointed - However, you spreading this information is a willing choice. So... I dunno, aren't You worried about the consequences? - He smirked - Not at all, now I have something else against..eh*hem...to discuss with our dearest headmaster. - then sighed heavily -...perhaps this might not be useful for our predicament after all.- returned to his composed self. - L-let's return to our main topic. Shall we? -

I know their surname is Leech… but they are Moray and you can’t tell me otherwise.

[captaindysdexic]

My problem with Twisted Wonderland

As someone who used to consistently play every single day for months, I've got a lot of issues. Let me preface this by saying I know nothing I'm saying will change the game and how it runs, I just want to come here and rant about the game I used to love.

Rant below the cut

My biggest problem is how grindy the game is, especially as a strict f2p player.

As someone who's never spent money on the game, it is so easy to tell how much of a cash grab the game is. The people that work on the game care about it I'm sure, but it is so hard to do anything in this game.

It's hard to get SSR cards, not only because the Gacha system is hella fucked up, but because it's hard to get enough gems to get pulls. Yeah we've got weekly and the logins, but that's so not enough unless you save for a card months in advance.

When you're a new player they give you some leeway, lots of free stuff because all the easy missions are meant for that, but as you get further and further into the game it's extremely hard to get even a 10 pull unless you're on the game basically 24/7.

As someone who is rank 72- and again, played almost religiously for months- it's hard to enjoy the game.

And I know as the story goes on it's meant to be harder, but because of how little they give you it's hard to get past the story as it goes on. It's hard leveling cards up, especially the spells.

It would be nicer if they gave you more materials or gems, that would make all the grind worth it, but that's not how it is. Hell, even events barely give you any pulls and yet they expect you to spend hours doing lessons to unlock the chapters and leveling up the free cards. Someone who's f2p (in my and my friends experience) will find it hard to get motivation to continue playing.

I want to continue playing, I love the characters and the story, but it's so hard to level up cards, or get pulls, that it breaks my heart and makes me want to not continue because I know I won't ever get that card I want, that I won't be able to get past this chapter, that I won't be able to finish an event fully because of the system.

It's so obvious they don't care about f2p's because reruns and even some event banners are strictly p2p things. Rerun banners require special keys that are pay-walled, event banners like the anime expo ones or special non-event related ones are pay-walled, THEY'RE ALL PAY-WALLED.

To me it is extremely frustrating to know that the developers don't seem to care about the fan base at all.

I mentioned earlier about the Gacha system, which I find really, REALLY dumb. 100 pulls for a guaranteed SSR? 200 needed for the event SSR? That's so dumb! Even if you were p2p you'd have to have some extreme luck to get an event card before at least 70 (which it's hard to get if you're far in game and f2p). In my experience, all the event cards I have that are SSR's (WHICH IS 2 BTW, ive been playing since idia's groom event and only have TWO EVENT CARDS EVEN WITH CONSTANT GRIND) I had to do over 70-80 pulls for and spent weeks grinding for. Not to mention pity doesn't carry over to other banners.

Speaking of events, I swear to god the events are getting shorter and shorter every time. The Stitch event that just passed? I swear it only lasted 3-4 weeks, banners ended way too quickly for any f2p that wasn't saving to pull without extreme luck to get any SSR card, got forbid the event exclusive ones. I got like 25 pulls during that event and 10 of those were because it was Kalim's birthday. It's extremely dumb and next thing you know it events will be lasting only a week or two and you're probably fucked over.

Anyways, that's basically all I have to say. There are a lot of things that frustrate me, like how they do events and some characters stuff, but I can't bother to put it here because I'm not as pressed about that stuff as I am about the stuff I did talk about.

I'm aware that people probably won't read this, but it's nice to get off my chest y'know? I'm going to continue to play the game, but I'll never play as constantly as I did when I first started because it's so hard to play and find motivation for it anymore.

[h2llish]

𓂃 ࣪ ˖ ❀ PRETTY PETALS, DARLING WORDS

❝ darling, i'll be your sunflower, just give me your light ,, ─── 200 follower event!

✉ ─── hello! i decided an event for the growing following of this blog would be nice! so here we are. i thought long and hard about whether or not i should do an event, so i hope you enjoy it! explanation and rules for this event will be below, including how to request.

【 this event takes place from june 21st to august 30th 】 ─── event masterlist

♡ ─── RULES FOR THIS EVENT (please read before requesting!)

♡ the fandoms i write for all apply ─ twisted wonderland, stardew valley, demon slayer, and obey me

♡ as i do for all my writing, i will only write oneshots for this event.

♡ there is no set number of requests i will take, and you are allowed to send in how many requests you want until the end date. but please try to refrain from sending in another ask until i'm finished with your first! it's much easier that way.

♡ please remember i am a writer for only male and gender neutral readers, and it will be written gender neutral lest you ask otherwise.

♡ this is only a reader insert event

♡ you are allowed to ask for platonic requests with the prompts! i will write both romantic and platonic.

♡ if you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

♡ you can request for certain add ons in your request like if you want more fluff, or if you want the reader to act a certain way! an example of this can be found with requesting examples.

─── that's all, you may continue reading to understand the event and how it works!

✉ ─── EXPLANATION

allow me to explain this event and how it works! this event has two parts, [pretty petals] and [darling words]. they can be requested separately, or together!

[pretty petals] are flower prompts, choose a flower ─ a prompt ─ and i will write it. some prompts are strictly romantic, but some can be applied platonically, i will specify on the prompt so be sure to tell me if you want it written romantic or platonic!

[darling words] are dialogue prompts, and much like the first event they can be applied romantically or platonically, so try to specify in your request!

─── now moving on to the prompts!

❀ ─── PRETTY PETALS (part one)

❝ you're pretty like a rose ,,

red rose

(romantic) prompt: you liked to think it's easier to love someone in secret ─ or perhaps just loving them quietly was easier. you only wished they'd notice you in the way you've always seen them.

yellow lily

prompt: they've always been a constant in your life, which is why it was so hard when you lost touch with them ─ but now they're back and things are different, and you can only hope you can go back to being as close as you once were. but maybe that's just wishful thinking.

sunflower

prompt: your shop has always been short on staff, you never quite understood why, but you didn't complain. which is why you were surprised when your boss suddenly introduced you to your new coworker. even more so when you recognize them to be a frequent customer.

black dahlia

(romantic) prompt: they'd left some time ago, and along with them, went your feelings you had kept to yourself for as long as you two had known each other. but now you're in front of them again as they hold out a hand and ask you to dance amidst the crowd. you thought you were over them, but oh how wrong you were.

black calla lily

prompt: reincarnation ─ to live again and again, to go through the motions of wanting and needing from the very beginning, it was exhausting. but it was easier when you had them in your life every new breath. it's unfortunate you're only the one who remembers the before.

white camelia

(romantic) prompt: they love you ─ adore you even. but they've always thought you see them as nothing more than a friend. which is why they're confused when they're friends seem to believe otherwise ─ wait what do they mean they're going to play matchmaker?

✿ ─── DARLING WORDS (part two)

❝ and you smile like the sun ,,

✿ "it's okay, you can stay."

✿ (romantic) “i need to tell you something. and i need you to not hate me when i do."

✿ (romantic) “i honestly don’t even know who you could possibly be referring to.”

✿ “why does everybody keep saying that?”

✿ "i forgot how much i missed you."

✿ (romantic) “do you like me?” ♡ “something like that..”

✿ (romantic) “you’re my favorite.” ♡ “favorite what?” ♡ “everything.”

✿ "I don't feel that way about you"

✿ "you can't do that"

✿ "let's try again"

✿ (romantic) “I’m tired. I want to let go.”

✿ (romantic) “I don’t mind loving them from afar if it means I get to keep them in my life.”

✿ "where are we going?"

✿ "you're so dramatic, you know?"

✿ bonus ─ give me your own prompt!

─── a lot of these prompts come from @celestialwrites , @love-me-a-good-prompt , @dumplingsjinson and @novelbear

─── optional: if you request only from this part of the event, you can give me a setting if you want, if not, then it will all be up to me!

✉ ─── REQUEST EXAMPLES

in case you're a little confused here's some examples for requests!

─ i'd like to request red rose with vil from twst

─ can i request romantic "i forgot how much i missed you" with lucifer and male reader

─ yellow lily and "why does everyone keep saying that?" with ace, platonic

want to add a little extra to your request? here's more examples!

─ can i request romantic mammon and yellow lily with a reader who is sarcastic

─ platonic male reader and "it's okay, you can stay", after cater stumbles across reader who is upset

─ red rose and lucifer, but ends in angst

requests are open until august 30th, please don't be shy to request!

do not repost, translate, copy or run my writing through an ai

[nameless-ken]

Bucky Barnes x Reader - Part Two

Word count: 5.9k

Warnings: none, mostly all fluff again

Part One

Masterlist

It’s an evening on Wednesday, just a couple days before the school’s annual Halloween dance. The kids are buzzing with excitement, and after a busy day of classes, you’ve volunteered to help set up decorations with a few other teachers and parents. The school gym is transformed into a spooky wonderland of cobwebs, plastic skeletons, and orange-and-black streamers hanging from the ceiling.

As you finish taping the last paper ghost to the wall, you hear a familiar voice from the doorway.

“Ms. Y/L/N!” Elizabeth’s cheerful voice echoes through the gym as she bounces in, clutching a small bag of Halloween candy.

“Hey, Elizabeth!” you greet her with a smile, watching as she runs toward you, excitement bubbling over. “Are you here to help with the setup?”

“Yep! Uncle Bucky said we’d come and help out,” she says, glancing over her shoulder toward the door.

Sure enough, Bucky enters a moment later, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket, looking slightly out of place amid the fake cobwebs and cut-out bats. He offers you a nod, and you can’t help but notice that familiar quiet presence that seems to follow him everywhere. But today, there’s something softer about it—maybe it’s the fact that he’s here, taking time out of his evening to help for Elizabeth’s sake.

“Hey, Bucky,” you greet him, trying not to sound too surprised. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Yeah, well,” he glances at Elizabeth with a small smirk, “this one convinced me.”

Elizabeth beams, clearly proud of her persuasive powers. “Uncle Bucky’s really good at hanging stuff up high! You should see him!”

You chuckle. “Sounds like we’ve got just the job for you.”

Bucky gives a half-smile but doesn’t protest. You grab a box of decorations and hand him a bundle of paper lanterns that need to be strung across the gym. As he walks over to where some parents are already on ladders, Elizabeth trails behind him, eager to help.

You can’t help but admire the ease with which Bucky takes to the task. He works quietly, but there’s something comforting about his presence—steady, reliable. And for the first time, you notice how relaxed he seems, especially with Elizabeth running around nearby, laughing and handing him tape and string.

After a while, you find yourself working on a section of the gym together, hanging a banner over the snack table. Elizabeth is off with a group of kids, decorating pumpkins on the other side of the room, leaving you and Bucky alone for the first time since the bookstore.

“You’re a natural at this,” you comment, offering him a length of ribbon to tie.

Bucky gives a soft chuckle, surprising you. “I’m not sure about that, but I'll do what I can.”

There’s a pause, but it’s not uncomfortable. In fact, it feels easy, like the two of you are falling into a rhythm.

“I didn’t think you’d be into school events like this,” you say, trying to keep the conversation light. “Elizabeth must’ve really twisted your arm.”

“She’s persuasive,” Bucky replies, glancing over at his niece with a fond look in his eyes. “But it’s good to be here. She loves this stuff.”

“You’re a good uncle,” you say, the words slipping out before you can stop them.

Bucky stops for a moment, like he’s not sure how to respond. He doesn’t look at you right away, instead focusing on tying the ribbon to the banner, but there’s a quiet weight to his next words.

“I just want to make sure she has everything she needs. Steve and Peggy are so busy... it’s up to me to make sure she’s happy.”

You nod, understanding the sentiment. “Well, you’re doing a great job. She’s one of the happiest kids in my class.”

Bucky glances over at you, and for the first time, his expression softens a little more. “Thanks.”

There’s a shift in the air between you, subtle but undeniable. You’re starting to see beyond the quiet, brooding exterior—there’s a depth to Bucky that you hadn’t fully appreciated before. And somehow, in this moment, surrounded by fake spiders and Halloween decorations, it feels like you’re getting a glimpse of the person beneath all of that.

Before the conversation can go any deeper, Elizabeth comes bouncing back over, interrupting the moment with a grin. “Look what I made!” she exclaims, holding up a small, painted pumpkin.

“It’s beautiful,” you tell her, genuinely impressed. “You’ve got some real artistic talent.”

Bucky smiles, this time fully, as he looks down at his niece. “Yeah, she’s something else.”

The three of you continue working together, and by the time the gym is fully decorated, it feels like you’ve crossed an invisible line. The conversation has flowed more easily than ever, and though Bucky remains quiet, you can tell he’s more comfortable around you.

As the evening winds down and everyone starts packing up, you find yourself standing with him near the entrance of the gym, watching Elizabeth run off to join her friends.

“Thanks for helping out today,” you say, feeling a little shy now that the night is ending.

“Anytime,” Bucky replies, meeting your eyes for a moment before looking away. “Elizabeth enjoyed it.”

“I did too,” you admit, smiling. “Maybe we’ll see you both at the dance?”

He nods, and there’s something almost warm in his expression. “Yeah. Maybe.”

You watch as he calls out to Elizabeth, the two of them walking toward the door, hand in hand. And as you gather your things and prepare to head home, you can’t help but feel like something has shifted between you and Bucky—like the walls are coming down, bit by bit.

And maybe, just maybe, there’s more to come.

It’s the next day and the familiar sound of the bell rings out, signaling the end of classes. You step outside to the playground, the golden afternoon sunlight filtering through the trees. The air is filled with the laughter of children, but your attention is drawn to the gate as you notice a tall figure standing there—someone you didn’t expect to see.

Steve Rogers.

He’s leaning against the gate, a relaxed but confident presence, and Elizabeth is bouncing excitedly on her toes nearby, clearly overjoyed to see her father. The moment she spots him, her face lights up like a Christmas tree.

“Daddy!” she squeals, running toward him with arms outstretched. He bends down to scoop her up into a hug, and you can’t help but smile at the sight—their bond is evident, pure joy radiating between them.

“Hey, kiddo! Missed you,” Steve says, his voice warm and full of affection.

As they share their moment, you clear your throat softly, not wanting to intrude.

“Ms. Y/L/N!” Elizabeth calls, breaking away from her father’s embrace to run over to you, her eyes sparkling. “Look who’s here!”

“Hi, Elizabeth! I didn’t expect to see your dad today,” you say, trying to keep your voice light.

Steve approaches you, extending a hand. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Y/L/N,” he says, a genuine smile breaking through. “Elizabeth talks about you all the time. I’ve heard how much you and Bucky have been getting along.”

You feel your cheeks warm slightly. “Oh, really? She’s a wonderful student. And Bucky—he’s great with her.”

Steve nods, his gaze drifting momentarily toward the playground where the kids are playing. “She loves spending time with him. It’s nice to see her so happy. I appreciate you looking out for her.”

“Of course. It’s a joy to have her in class,” you reply, feeling a warmth in your chest at Steve’s words. “She’s a bright light.”

The three of you stand there for a moment, and you notice the easy rapport between Steve and Elizabeth—it’s clear he’s a loving father, just with a job that keeps him busy.

“Are you all set for the Halloween dance?” you ask, wanting to keep the conversation going.

“Absolutely! Elizabeth’s been talking about it non-stop,” Steve replies, glancing down at her with a smile. “She’s been planning her costume for weeks.”

“I'm going to be a princess!” Elizabeth announces proudly, her little hands on her hips. “And Uncle Bucky is going to be my knight!”

“That sounds amazing,” you say, chuckling at the thought. “I can’t wait to see you both at the dance.”

Steve’s expression brightens. “I’ll make sure to keep Bucky on his toes. He tends to be more of the ‘let’s keep it simple’ type.”

“Uncle Bucky is the best!” Elizabeth insists, her eyes wide with admiration.

“Well, we should get going. Elizabeth has some homework to tackle,” Steve says, ruffling his daughter’s hair affectionately.

“Okay, Daddy!” she replies, glancing back at you. “See you tomorrow, Ms. Y/L/N!”

“See you tomorrow, Elizabeth.” you call after her, waving as she skips away, hand in hand with her dad.

As they walk toward the gate, Steve turns back, his expression thoughtful. “Thanks for everything you do for Elizabeth. It means a lot.”

“Of course. I’m glad to have her in my class,” you say, feeling a bit shy under his gaze.

He nods, a genuine smile on his face, before heading out with Elizabeth. You stand there for a moment, watching them go, feeling the weight of the encounter settle in.

The late Friday afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the schoolyard as you prepare to wrap up for the day. Students bustle around, some practicing their costumes for the dance later, while others chatter excitedly about the night’s plans.

You glance at the clock, noticing it’s almost time for Bucky to arrive to pick up Elizabeth. Just as you gather your things, the familiar sound of footsteps approaches, and you turn to see Bucky walking through the school gate. Today, he’s wearing a simple black jacket over a gray t-shirt, and his presence instantly commands attention, even amidst the chaos of children.

“Hey, Bucky,” you greet him, leaning against the doorframe.

“Hi Y/N,” he replies, offering a small nod. The corners of his lips twitch slightly, as if he’s holding back a smile.

“Is Elizabeth ready for the dance?” you ask, noticing the faint hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Bucky shrugs, a subtle movement that suggests he’s not one for grand displays of excitement. “She’s been talking about it all week.”

You chuckle softly, leaning closer. “I heard she’s going as a princess. Pretty sure she’s been preparing for this moment since last Halloween.”

He chuckles quietly, the sound low and warm. “Sounds about right. She’s really excited.”

Just then, Elizabeth appears in the doorway, her eyes sparkling as she clutches her backpack. “Uncle Bucky!” she exclaims, her face lighting up. “I’m so ready for the dance!”

Bucky bends down to her level, a rare softness in his expression. “You look fantastic, kiddo.”

“Thank you!” she beams, spinning around in her costume. “Are you ready to dance with me?”

“Always,” he replies, straightening up and giving her a gentle, reassuring smile.

You watch their exchange, feeling the warmth of their bond. “Just make sure she doesn’t trip over that dress while trying to dance,” you tease lightly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep her safe,” Bucky assures you, his tone steady.

Elizabeth jumps in, her eyes bright with mischief. “You should wear a costume too, Ms. Y/L/N!”

“I might just throw on a witch hat,” you reply with a grin. “Can’t compete with you two!”

Bucky’s lips curl into a faint smile. “You’d make a good witch.”

“Thanks! I’ll take that as a compliment,” you say, a light laugh escaping you.

As Elizabeth grabs her bag and heads toward the door, you and Bucky share a fleeting moment, an unspoken understanding hanging in the air between you.

“See you later!” Elizabeth waves, while Bucky offers you a brief nod, his eyes holding a quiet intensity.

The gymnasium is transformed into a whimsical wonderland of autumn colors, with cobwebs draping from the rafters and jack-o'-lanterns flickering softly around the room. Lively music fills the air as students in all manner of costumes dance and laugh, their excitement palpable. You adjust your witch hat, feeling a bit silly but delighted to be part of the evening.

You scan the room, spotting Elizabeth in her princess costume, sparkling tiara perched atop her head, twirling in delight. Bucky stands nearby, his presence a calm anchor amidst the whirlwind of excitement, hands tucked into his pockets as he observes.

As you weave through the crowd, you catch Elizabeth’s eye. She rushes over, her smile bright. “Ms. Y/L/N! You have to dance with us!”

You chuckle, shaking your head playfully. “Oh, I don’t think I can keep up with you two.”

Bucky glances down at Elizabeth, his brow slightly furrowed, but the hint of a smile tugs at his lips. “I don’t dance either,” he admits, his voice low but teasing.

Elizabeth looks between the two of you, determination sparkling in her eyes. “But you have to! It’ll be so much fun!” She grabs your hand, pulling you closer to Bucky. “Uncle Bucky, you can’t just stand there! You have to dance with Ms. Y/L/N!”

You can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. “I’m not sure if he’s up for it, Elizabeth.”

“Come on, Uncle Bucky!” she pleads, tugging on his sleeve. “Just one dance?”

Bucky glances at you, a flicker of uncertainty in his gaze. But there’s a softness there too, an unspoken agreement that he would do anything for Elizabeth. “Alright, just one,” he relents, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

The music changes to a slower, more melodic tune, and you can feel the energy in the room shift. Elizabeth releases your hand and dances a few steps away, spinning in delight before coming back to you. “See? It’s perfect for a slow dance!”

You take a breath, trying to calm the flutter of nerves in your stomach as you step closer to Bucky. “Okay, I guess we’re doing this.”

Bucky’s eyes hold a mixture of amusement and resolve. “You ready?”

You nod, feeling a blend of excitement and shyness. As Elizabeth clasps her hands together in glee, you take a step toward Bucky, who slowly extends his arm. You slip into place, the contact feeling both comforting and electrifying.

With a gentle, cautious grip, Bucky places a hand on your back. You find yourself laughing softly, the tension of the moment dissolving as Elizabeth bounces on her feet beside you.

“See? It’s fun!” she chirps, her joy infectious.

You glance up at Bucky, whose expression has softened, his focus entirely on you and Elizabeth. “Just don’t step on my toes,” he says, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“I’ll do my best,” you reply, your heart racing.

The three of you begin to sway gently to the music, Elizabeth beaming as she leads the way, her laughter ringing through the gym. Bucky stays close, his movements tentative but gradually easing into a rhythm.

As you dance, you can’t help but feel a connection forming. There’s an ease in the way you move together, an unspoken understanding that feels almost natural despite the initial nerves. Elizabeth spins around you, her dress swirling like a whirlwind of color.

“This is the best dance ever!” she exclaims, clapping her hands. “You two look perfect together!”

Bucky meets your gaze, a hint of amusement in his eyes as he responds, “I think she’s just trying to get us to dance more.”

You laugh, your heart fluttering at the playful banter. “Maybe she is,” you agree, feeling a warmth bloom between you and Bucky.

As the song continues, you find yourselves lost in the moment, the noise of the gym fading into the background. The connection deepens, and for a fleeting instant, it feels as though the world has narrowed down to just the three of you.

When the song ends, Elizabeth cheers, pulling you both into a tight hug. “That was so much fun! Can we do it again?”

You and Bucky exchange a glance, and he offers a slight smile, a glimmer of newfound openness in his expression. “Maybe after another song, kiddo,” he replies, his voice warm.

As you step back, you catch Bucky's eye again, both of you sharing a moment of understanding, a shared secret in the midst of the joyful chaos around you.

As the next song starts, a more upbeat tune fills the air, and Elizabeth dances away, joining her friends in a circle of laughter. You watch her, your heart swelling with joy as she spins and twirls, completely lost in the moment.

“Looks like she’s having a great time,” Bucky says, his gaze softening as he nods in Elizabeth’s direction.

“She really is,” you reply, feeling a warmth spreading through you as you catch his eye again. There’s something comforting about being here together, witnessing her joy side by side.

A lull in the music prompts you to take a step back, glancing at the refreshment table where punch and treats await. “Do you want to grab a snack?” you suggest, breaking the momentary silence.

Bucky hesitates for a beat, then nods, his expression turning thoughtful. “Sure. I’m not sure how long I can keep dancing.”

“Good plan. I have a feeling Elizabeth will be out there dancing all night,” you chuckle, leading the way toward the table. The two of you weave through the crowd of kids and parents, the vibrant decorations making the gym feel alive.

As you approach the table, you notice a plate of cookies and cupcakes, their icing bright and festive. “I think I need to try one to keep my energy up.”

Bucky grabs a cookie, a small smirk on his lips. “I thought teachers were supposed to set a good example,” he teases lightly.

You laugh, rolling your eyes playfully. “It’s called balance. Plus, it’s Halloween!”

“Fair point,” he concedes, taking a bite of his cookie, the tension between you both easing further.

As you enjoy your treats, you find yourself stealing glances at him. Bucky looks at ease now, a relaxed smile on his face as he watches Elizabeth dance with her friends. “She really loves this stuff, doesn’t she?” he comments, a hint of pride in his voice.

“She does,” you reply. “She talks about you a lot, you know. She mentioned how you helped her pick out her costume this year.”

Bucky’s expression shifts slightly, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. “Oh? What did she say?”

“She said you made her feel like a princess. It was adorable,” you smile, recalling Elizabeth’s excitement when she showed off her dress earlier.

He chuckles softly, a warm, genuine sound. “Well, I might have gone a little overboard with the tiara,” he admits, his eyes glinting with mischief.

“Just a little,” you tease back, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing. “But it’s sweet how much effort you put into it.”

A moment of silence passes as you both watch Elizabeth twirl and laugh, her happiness contagious. The connection you feel with Bucky deepens, a shared understanding forming without needing many words.

“Thanks for being so good with her,” Bucky finally says, his tone sincere. “It’s nice to see her happy and comfortable, especially with everything going on.”

You nod, appreciating the sentiment. “She’s a wonderful kid. It’s easy to be good to her. And honestly, I enjoy being around her. Oh, and speaking of family, I actually met Steve yesterday when he picked her up from school for the first time.”

Bucky’s eyebrows raise in surprise. “Really? How did that go?”

“It was great! He seemed really nice, and Elizabeth was over the moon. She talks about you both often, so it was nice to finally connect the dots.” You smile, recalling the warmth of that brief encounter.

Bucky’s expression softens, and you catch a glimpse of pride in his eyes. “I’m glad she has you in her life. It’s good for her.”

Just then, Elizabeth races over, her tiara slightly askew, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Can we do the dance again? Please?”

You smile at her enthusiasm and nod. “Of course! Let’s go show them some moves!”

With a delighted squeal, Elizabeth takes your hand and pulls you toward the dance floor, her energy infectious. As you reach the center of the gym, you glance back at Bucky, who stands a little farther away, a soft smile on his face.

“Come on, Uncle Bucky!” Elizabeth calls playfully.

He shakes his head slightly, a hint of shyness in his demeanor. “I’ll just watch,” he replies, leaning against the wall, his blue eyes twinkling with affection as he admires you both.

With a grin, you turn to Elizabeth, who’s already starting to spin and twirl. You follow her lead, matching her joyful movements as the music swells around you. Elizabeth laughs, her laughter mixing with the upbeat melody, and you find yourself getting lost in the moment, forgetting about everything else.

As you dance, you feel the warmth of belonging wash over you, the sense of community enveloping you both. You can’t help but glance back at Bucky, who watches with quiet admiration, his presence a comforting anchor in the joyful chaos.

“Look at us, Uncle Bucky! We’re amazing!” Elizabeth shouts out, striking a dramatic pose that makes you laugh.

He chuckles softly, shaking his head in mock disbelief. “You both are definitely stealing the show.”

As the night wears on, the energy in the gym begins to shift. The upbeat music slowly transitions to softer melodies, and you notice the crowd gradually thinning out. Parents are gathering their children, and laughter starts to fade, replaced by sleepy yawns and gentle chatter.

Elizabeth, who’s been dancing with all her might, suddenly plops down on one of the bleachers, her tiara now askew and her cheeks smeared with remnants of frosting. A contented sigh escapes her lips as she stretches out, completely worn out from the excitement. “Best night ever,” she murmurs, a cupcake in hand, frosting adorning her face.

You chuckle at the sight, moving over to her. “Looks like someone had too much sugar,” you tease, reaching down to gently wipe a bit of frosting from her cheek.

Bucky approaches, a soft smile on his face as he looks at his niece sprawled out on the bleacher. “She really went all out tonight,” he remarks, glancing at you. “Thanks for keeping her entertained.”

“Of course! She’s a blast to be around,” you reply, your heart warmed by the connection you’ve built with both of them.

As the last of the decorations sway gently in the dimming lights, Bucky shifts his weight, looking slightly unsure. “Do you need help cleaning up?” he offers, his voice low and tentative.

You shake your head, a smile playing on your lips. “No, it’s okay. You should take Elizabeth home. She’s exhausted.”

Elizabeth stirs slightly, eyes closed as she peacefully drifts off. Bucky gently scoops her up, her head lolling against his shoulder as he turns to you, a silent promise in his eyes.

“Thanks for tonight,” you say to Bucky, feeling the connection between you deepen. “It was wonderful.”

“Yeah, it was,” he agrees, his gaze holding yours for a moment longer than necessary, the quiet warmth between you palpable. “See you next Friday?” you ask, already looking forward to the next time you’ll see him.

“Definitely,” he replies, a hint of a smile gracing his lips as he walks away with Elizabeth cradled in his arms.

As the gym slowly empties, you gather the last of the decorations, the joyful echoes of the night lingering in the air. You can’t help but smile, knowing that tonight was just the beginning of something special.

It’s Friday again, and the classroom is buzzing with excitement. Today’s show-and-tell has everyone in high spirits, with each child eager to show off their favorite toy or stuffed animal. But Elizabeth, standing by her desk with a barely contained grin, seems more excited than anyone. You can’t help but smile at her anticipation.

“Ms. Y/L/N,” Elizabeth whispers as the last student finishes their turn. “Can I go next?”

“Of course, Elizabeth. The floor is all yours,” you reply, watching as she dashes to the door with a squeal of excitement.

Right on cue, the door opens, and in walks Bucky, a bit shy under the gaze of all the kids and a few other parents, holding a fluffy white cat cradled carefully in his arms. His quiet, steady presence fills the room as he walks in, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Alpine, his cat, surveys the classroom with wide, curious eyes.

“Everyone,” Elizabeth says proudly, her chest puffed out a little. “This is Alpine. He’s my uncle Bucky’s cat, and he’s the best kitty ever!” She steps aside so the other kids can get a good look, her eyes twinkling with pride.

Bucky kneels down beside her, gently setting Alpine on her lap as the class oohs and aahs over the soft, snowy furball. “Alpine’s very calm, so he’s okay with being petted. Just be gentle,” Bucky says, his voice soft but warm, as he gives the kids a chance to meet Alpine one by one.

As the kids line up to give Alpine a gentle pet, you stand back, watching as Bucky interacts with them. He seems at ease here, his usual quiet manner softened by the enthusiasm of the children. And Alpine, for his part, sits contentedly, seemingly enjoying all the attention.

When it’s Elizabeth’s turn to pet Alpine again, she beams up at Bucky. “Thanks for bringing him, Uncle Bucky,” she whispers.

“Anything for you, kiddo,” he replies, ruffling her hair gently.

The show-and-tell wraps up, and the class gets back to their seats. Elizabeth gives Alpine one last hug before Bucky gently scoops him up. 

The rest of the group continues showcasing their favorite items from home when the class day comes to an end. Bucky has stayed by the little cubbies near the door, Alpine’s carrier with the sleeping animal inside at his feet.  

You clean up a few things while the kids and the rest of the parents leave for the day. You make your way over to the door as Elizabeth gathers the rest of her things. 

“Thanks for tagging along and bringing Alpine,” you stand next to Bucky with a smile. “He was definitely the star of the day.”

Bucky chuckles softly, glancing down at the carrier where Alpine has curled up, seemingly unbothered by all the attention. “Yeah, I think he had a good time,” he replies, meeting your eyes with a quiet warmth. “Elizabeth’s been talking about it all week—she loves this little guy.”

Just then, Elizabeth skips over to Bucky and tugs on his sleeve. “Uncle Bucky,” she says, her voice filled with purpose. “You should ask Ms. Y/L/N to come to the farmers market again tomorrow. You know, since it was fun last time.”

You feel a flutter of excitement but try to keep your expression casual as Bucky glances down at her, clearly caught off guard. He hesitates, scratching the back of his neck before finally looking back up at you.

“Uh, yeah,” he says slowly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “Would you want to? Don’t want to intrude on any plans you have already-”

Your smile widens. “No intruding here. I’d love to go.”

Elizabeth beams, clearly thrilled that her plan has worked. “Yay! It’s a date, then!” she declares, completely oblivious to the shy glance you and Bucky share.

As Bucky picks up the carrier, you exchange one last look, a silent promise of looking forward to tomorrow. 

Saturday morning dawns crisp and bright, autumn slowly turning into winter. You stroll through the lively market stalls, weaving between families with strollers, couples with coffee cups in hand, and a few bundled-up kids clutching apples. A sense of anticipation flutters in your chest as you scan the crowd, looking for Elizabeth’s familiar face.

Then, just by the flower stall, you spot Bucky—alone. He’s leaning casually against a wooden post, hands in his pockets, looking slightly out of place amidst the bustling crowd. He catches sight of you, and a shy smile breaks across his face as he waves you over.

“Hey,” you greet him, glancing around. “Where’s Elizabeth? She was the one who orchestrated this whole thing.”

Bucky chuckles, running a hand through his hair, looking both amused and a little embarrassed. “Funny thing about that,” he says, shifting his weight. “Turns out this was her big plan to get us alone together. She made me promise I wouldn’t tell you, but… well, here we are.”

A comfortable silence falls between you both as you wander deeper into the market side by side. The scent of freshly baked bread and spiced cider fills the air, and you take in the atmosphere, grateful for the easy company.

“So,” he begins, voice low but curious. “How’d you end up teaching? Did you always know it’s what you wanted?”

You smile, thinking back. “Not exactly. I always loved working with kids, but I tried a few things before realizing teaching was it for me. It felt right when I finally took the leap.” You glance over at him, curious in turn. “And you? What’s your story?”

He shifts, his gaze following a kid holding a caramel apple as they dart past. “My story’s… a little complicated,” he says with a quiet chuckle. “Spent a while overseas, some time doing things I’m not exactly proud of. Came back, just trying to live a quieter life now. Elizabeth’s been a big part of that, actually. She’s… well, she’s kind of made me feel like I’m home again.”

There’s a warmth to his words, and you can see how deeply he cares for Elizabeth. “She’s a special kid. I can tell she feels the same about you. She talks about you nonstop at school, you know,” you say with a smile. “She adores you. Just yesterday, she was telling the class about all the Halloween fun you two had.”

Bucky ducks his head, a bit of color rising in his cheeks. “Yeah, she gets that honesty from Steve,” he says, a little amused. “Guess she’s kind of my rock, you know?”

You nod, feeling a pang of admiration for the connection they share. “It’s nice to have someone like that. Makes everything feel… more meaningful.”

He looks at you, a glimmer of something vulnerable in his expression. “Yeah. And, honestly, talking with you these last few weeks has felt… real. Easy.”

There’s a beat of silence as you walk past the bakery stall, the smell of cinnamon lingering in the air. Finally, you break the quiet with a soft laugh. “I never thought I’d be getting relationship advice from a ten-year-old.”

Bucky grins, relaxing even more. “Yeah, she’s definitely got us figured out better than we do.” He looks over at you, a flicker of mischief in his eyes. “Guess we should thank her?”

“Absolutely,” you say, leaning into the moment, your smile meeting his. “Maybe we can make her a batch of thank-you cookies?”

He chuckles, nodding. “That sounds like a good idea. Though, fair warning, I’m better with taking orders than baking.”

“Well, lucky for you, I’m a decent baker. I’ll guide you through it,” you reply, eyes twinkling. “We’ll give her the best thank-you cookies she’s ever had.”

You stop by a stand selling pumpkin bread and buy a small loaf, breaking off a piece to hand to Bucky. He accepts it, looking down at you with something new in his gaze.

“This was a pretty good plan,” he murmurs, his voice soft. “She knew I’d be a coward about asking you myself.”

A little surprised by his openness, you feel your cheeks warm. “So… if she hadn’t schemed it, would you have eventually asked?”

He hesitates, looking down at the bread in his hands before meeting your eyes, his usual quiet demeanor softening just a bit. “Maybe. Though I’m glad she saved me the trouble.”

You both laugh, and a lingering silence follows, but it’s comfortable, the kind of quiet that feels easy, like you’ve both slipped into a rhythm you weren’t aware of. The sounds of the bustling market fade as you continue to stroll, lost in each other’s company, a shared warmth growing with each step.

As you approach the edge of the market, Bucky stops and looks at you, the faintest trace of nervousness in his eyes. “So, um… would you maybe want to do this again sometime? With or without Elizabeth’s planning?”

Your heart skips a beat, a smile pulling at your lips. “I’d like that.”

And with that, a new understanding settles between you—a feeling that this isn’t just a chance encounter, but the beginning of something you’re both ready to explore.

The following Wednesday comes to an end with the usual shuffle of parents and guardians filling the pickup area. As you chat with a few students, you see a familiar figure out of the corner of your eye—Steve Rogers, towering above the other parents, his face lighting up when he spots you.

“Hey!” He greets you with a warm smile, walking up with a relaxed confidence. “Didn’t think I’d see you here again,” you say, still a bit surprised by his appearance. “I thought last week was a rare appearance.”

Steve chuckles, giving a shrug. “It was supposed to be, but I thought I’d make it more of a habit whenever I can.” Just then, Elizabeth races down the hall and throws her arms around him, her eyes lighting up as she tells him all about her day, barely pausing for a breath.

After a bit, Steve looks back at you, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. “You already know, Elizabeth talks about you nonstop, but Bucky… well, let’s just say he’s mentioned you a few times himself,” he says with a knowing smile.

You feel a blush creeping up, but you manage to keep your tone casual. “Oh? And here I thought I was only a hit with the kindergarteners.”

Steve chuckles, clearly amused. “Not at all. You’ve made quite an impression. In fact, we’re hosting a little Friendsgiving next weekend. Bucky might probably kill me for this, but we’d love for you to come.” 

You’re taken aback, touched by the invitation but also feeling a flutter of excitement. “Are you sure? Feel like I might be crossing some school guidelines or something,” you reply with hesitation to accept. 

Steve waves a hand dismissively, shaking his head with an easy grin. “Nah, you’re not crossing any lines—just friends getting together. Besides, Elizabeth would love to have you there. I know Bucky would too, even if he’s too quiet to actually say it.”

You laugh, glancing at Elizabeth as she chats animatedly with a friend nearby. “Well, if it’s an official invitation, then I’d love to come.”

“Perfect,” Steve replies, looking pleased. “We’ll keep it casual. Lots of food, probably more dessert than we need, and some questionable holiday games.”

You smile, suddenly excited for the weekend. “I’ll bring something,” you offer, “maybe a pie or cookies?”

“Anything would be great,” he says. “We’ll save you a spot at the table.”

With one last smile, he waves goodbye, leading Elizabeth toward the exit. You watch them leave, feeling a warmth in your chest, a mix of anticipation and comfort. The hallway quiets as you gather your things, but the thought of spending Friendsgiving with them lingers, filling you with a sense of belonging you hadn’t expected.

Thanks for reading! Please reblog & comment <3 would love to hear how you enjoy it and feel free to send in requests!

[blueberry-pride]

Referring to this~

OMG! I read the Q&A but IS IT TRUE? Im so excited 😳👉👈 Ummmm may i req then? Not for the event, but just a general req 😌 A scenario/hcs of Leona with fem!s/o where s/o needs comfort & gets spoiled cz she's having burnout due to all of the incidents on NRC~ I hope this is not too much, if u want to change the plot it's ok, thank u & have a nice day 😳✨

I See Right Through You...

Leona x FEM! S/O

warnings: leaning on to very angsty, cursing, personal issues

Berry: I'M FINALLY BACK AA-💀 just wrapped up some things and you should have some of the requests from the events roll around within the month or so 😣 I changed a bit of it but the overall theme is the same just something that hits a little too close to home ;=; Special Thanks to my lovely friends Len and Luna who helped me out with this one ❤️❤️

"This isn't me wanting some semblance of pity, You can keep it for all I care- I'm so goddamn tired but did I ever ask to be in Twisted Wonderland? Oh don't get me started..." "Did I ask to be Crowley's clean up crew? Did I ask to be in the middle of every. fucking. issue?"

"Sometimes I'd like to be the damsel-but sevens forbid the woman wanting to be saved from all the stupid stress of this world."

"Well I'm so sorry for complaining over a job I didn't ask for but hey- we're in a magical school full fun and dreams, cuz that's sure to make up for ALL the unnecessary emotional and physical labor!" Your voice cracked as you forced a cheery smile.

Leona wasn't expecting you to snap at him when he wanted to mess with you for just a little bit. He had observed you from afar for quite some time now. And most importantly, he wasn't a stranger to people putting up a face for other's sake.

His emerald gaze would glint over your figure as he studies the creases in your eyes from all the work you've been doing. He'd always wondered how much you could take, often times giving you snarky or witty advices in hopes to get you out of your doormat cycle.

He admitted what the Head-mage was doing is a bit too far. He was kinda impressed on how you pushed on with that fiery and stubborn heart of yours.

A sadistic part of him wanted to see when you'll break

He wanted to see you bite back

He anticipated it even more when multiple students come to you for help increased by the day;

You nodded along as Ace and Deuce were once again asking help in doing their chores back at Heartslabyul, you laughed it off as one of their usual antics.

You happily agreed when Kalim invited you to one of his many celebrations despite just finished with your cleanup at Ramshackle, your smile didn't reach you. Those glassy eyes of yours, shifting downwards to hide the reluctance.

It was an asshole move of him in all honesty.

Not lending out a helping a hand but he knew you were capable. For fuck's sake you got him AND his dorm to help you out during Azul's little "tantrum".

He wanted you to overcome this on your own. However, he had an oversight on how much you can take on the world alongside his bullshit attempt of support.

Leona had happened to pass by a class with the door wide open, his lions ears perked at the ongoing conversation.

"Phyn, you're in our group." One student spoke up. "Oh hell yeah, thanks dude!" Another cheered, followed by the sound of a high-five.

"-And I guess that's everyone.. Oh (Y/N)..hmm I guess you and Grim would be a duo, every other's group is already filled up." "Uh.." You chuckled with a loppy smile. "No worries, at least I get to stay in my dorm this time." The class chuckled at your comment and nodded along. As the groups filed out chatting amongst each other, he took lighter steps walking closely behind you.

It wasn't until you reached the entrance of Ramshackle is when you finally noticed him. Which led to the situation right now. "Why the long face herbivore, where's the can-do attitude I know and adore~?"

Your hands balled into fists, shaking as tears were running down your eyes.

"This isn't me wanting some semblance of pity, You can keep it for all I care- I'm so goddamn tired but did I ever ask to be in Twisted Wonderland? Oh don't get me started..." "Did I ask to be Crowley's clean up crew? Did I ask to be in the middle of every. fucking. issue?"

'Shit...' He said mentally.

"Let's...do this inside. We don't want anyone gawking at ya like this." He laid a hand behind your back inside and joined you not before he scanned the area for any curious on-lookers.

He leaned against the side of the wall of the living room, listening to your continued rant. Throwing hands and even had the strength to throw away the innocent coffee table in the middle, Its legs breaking into splinters as soon as it hit impact onto the cold hard floor. "-WHY IS IT ALWAYS ME WHO HAS TO FIX THINGS?" You exclaimed towards the pillow you threw towards the ground.

"Helping fix things is nice and all.." You sniffled. "But is it really so wrong to want that shit in return?"

He knew it was bad but he wanted to see how far you're flames would burn him. He wanted it to hurt-what you've been going through, he knows he can take it.

"You're ranting to the wrong person, go off on Crowley, yell at your classmates for ignoring ya. Tell that red-head and blue-haired friend of yours to fuck off and do their own stupid chores." "Be fucking selfish for once herbivore, Treat yourself to a nice nap-"

"-Oh what? like you? I'm not you Leona." You retorted back. "For fuck sakes you were born here-you were supposed to exist in this plane of existence while I got chucked out of mine." "You say I exist here but I'm one of the least wanted given my 'cheery' attitude. At the very least I know when to stand my guard." You huffed as you sat on the couch, tears still spilling from your eyes. "Is this your way of helping me? because I could clearly feel the love right now..." Leona let out a dry chuckle as he walked over to you. His imposing figure casts a shadow over you but as you gaze at his eyes, there was a lingering feeling of warmth. "Dont be like me." He shook his head. "Sevens, I hope you don't end up like me, but what I'm trying to say is..." His voiced trailed as he looked at your shaking form.

A memory sliced through him for a second. For a brief moment he saw his little self all those years ago in the visage of you. "In a campus full of these jackasses in NRC-including myself sometimes, I... I see right through you." He awkwardly patted your back. "I know it sucks but don't do that shit to yourself where you thought 'hey, I know who to look for if I'm in a room full of folks I adore, but who would look for me?'" Leona had a distant look as he stared at the broken table in the middle of the dorm. "Look for yourself first, look for that little corner of your room to be selfish with what you want to do. Worry about the details later." You cleared your throat as you steal a soft glance at him "You may not be the best and most unlikely to look for advice." The air seemed to change as the both of you share a soft laugh. "But you get right to the point...even though you could've done something much earlier." "What's the fun in that?" He raised an eyebrow. "Besides, You don't need a king's help in chess, a queen...has all the moves she needs."

Leona was surprised to hear your melodic laughter, belting out through your still falling tears at his small comment. "Oh my God Leona you did not just-" You wiped a tear as you smiled at him. He felt a flutter in his chest from the way you're looking at him now. "Well you did just say, I'm not the best." He smirked.

The tense feeling in his shoulder now dissipated as he settled himself on the couch strangely close to you, a tiny voice inside him wondered why. Seeing you smile even though you just murdered the poor coffee table not too long ago is a sign to him he did his job.

It's certainly weird but it's you. People may not look for you or choose you in a room full other characters from their lives, but you can trust that there's always a lion beastman just out in hallway, willing to stand with you through it all.

[yunarim]

╰┈➤ summary : you and your reliable partner grim are the most famous interdimensional travelers under the Official Isekai Association. you're used to traveling into psychological thrillers and horrors. however, this time something goes wrong, and you suddenly turn into the protagonist of… an otome game?!

— characters : jade leech, leona kingscholar | kalim al-asim, azul ashengrotto | lilia vanrouge, idia shroud

⌞tags⌝ : gn reader, fluff at times, occasional angst, typical manhwas tropes, mention of a typical isekai manhwa death by truck hit... yeah, you go from the first route to the last (from jade to idia), hence the parts are connected — w.c. : 4.6k+

⌞notes⌝ : i've been reading too much isekai mangas/manhwas lately and here we go lmao. also forgive me for not writing for so long, i've been experiencing a huge burnout ;; i originally intended to write for dorm leaders but then gave it a second thought and came up with another plan hhhhhh i hope i'll manage to finish other chapters on time but pls be patient with me, i'm preoccupied with too much work lately 😭😭

You sigh and stretch out your hand, looking at it while lying on the bed, and wonder, how in the dimension did you manage to land in an otome game realm. You heard your colleagues complaining how annoying those can be, not to mention many of you forgot about romantic relationships long long ago—when you probably got hit by a truck in your original world?—and to think you somehow appeared in a world which didn’t belong to your department. 

Your specialization was horror and psychological thriller stories, and even if you possess no magic (which is strange, given after transmigrating for so many times, you don’t remember getting magic abilities at least for once, but whatever), you’ve got an excellent, strategic mastermind. And if something dangerous happens, you have your partner and friend, Grim.

“It’s been a while since we’ve isekaed into a high school setting,” you say to yourself, system windows appearing before your eyes. 

“Main goal: TO GET A HAPPY ENDING WITH *name*!!”

Ah really…

You set a reminder and throw a quick glance at already fallen asleep Grim before going to sleep yourself. If you can’t escape the world until you complete it, then so be it.

“Event: TO BECOME A SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT: success!!”

One mention of a school student council you’ve encountered in many worlds (though possessing not really sweet memories of dealing with many psychological intrigues and schemes), and the local headmaster named Crowley happened to be fairly overjoyed and excited to proclaim you as a council’s president, much to everyone’s indifference chagrin. 

You were quite surprised to realize that the school that large didn’t invent such a common structure. On the second note, it was easy for you to operate and deal with information provided through leading the council. Much to your chagrin this time, you needed to pick a route to escape this world.

It was an otome game. You couldn’t care less at first, assuming you and Grim landed in another horror, however a fantasy atmosphere lingering everywhere made you two slightly confused. And the conclusion was made right after you saw heart-shaped indicators above six people’s heads. 

“Do you remember what our colleagues told us about otome games?..” You asked Grim, sitting in the auditorium that Crowley assigned as the Council’s room. 

“Nah,” Grim yawned. “Not my field.”

“As if it’s mine,” you frowned. “What, not even MC’s words? She ended up transmigrating into a closed apartament and had only 11 days to get an ending…”

“Come to think of it, we have 11 days till the festival.”

You raised your head, turning to the voice’s source, and slightly parted your lips. 

“Jade,” you said, standing up. “Good afternoon.”

Jade Leech, to be more precise. You’ve scanned through his profile when you first interacted with him two weeks ago when you ended up transmigrating here in Twisted Wonderland. As expected of a fantasy world, he wasn’t a normal human being, but belonged to merfolk. You don’t remember having much experience with them, and maybe picking him as your first route wasn’t exactly your best choice.

“Good luck on surviving the event,” Grim said, jumping off the chair he was sitting on, and headed to the exit.

“Ah,” Jade’s feigned surprise made you blink at him questionably. “How unfortunate, you’re supposed to help us with the preparations, Grim-san.”

You saw a system window popping up above your head as a reminder of not forgetting your main goal, and sighed.

“Not this kind of event he meant…” You mumbled, knowing exactly well that Jade heard you. 

“How about we discuss the budget, Yuu-san?” Leech took a seat beside you, to which you nodded. 

Appointed as a council’s treasurer, Jade actually managed his sources with an outstanding performance. Since you had no experience in entering otome realms, it was quite hard for you to predict what was going to happen next. Your fellow transmigrators you barely saw in the interdimensional space used to exchange their thoughts on their journeys before traveling to the next world, and somehow you, who witnessed a ton of horror stories, possessed psyche of a solidity, while otome novels and games travelers happened to be constantly overworked and heavily damaged in terms of their minds.

You never asked why. They’ve mentioned the necessity to go through an endless amount of routes and paths, to make people fall in love with them, and then leave them behind in their worlds. You also heard the system was erasing their memories, so they would live happily after experiencing love and joy of being loved, but the system never really cared about the travelers themselves. 

The department you were assigned to provided you with a psychotherapists’ help if needed after coming back to the office, so you would heal after experiencing terrible things and emotional drainings, but your and Grim’s emotional state has never reached the point of damaged position. 

Some of your colleagues even stated that you were emotionless and—

“Yuu-san?” you found Jade leaning closer to you, his face showing slight hints of a false worry made of politeness. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, I am sorry. Let’s continue.”

“I’ll be honest with you,” Leech stood up and came to the bar counter of the Mostro Lounge you’ve been occupying for the council discussions regarding the upcoming festival. 

“You don’t seem like the type to be honest with people,” you let the conclusion slip of your tongue before meeting his gaze you couldn’t decipher. 

“Then would you like to consider this an observation? A remark of sorts.”

“Alright then.”

“Sometimes it’s quite peculiar how you’re so composed and calm for a magicless person who got here in a school of magic,” a majestic coffee aroma filled the room. “Not to mention we’re fairly… uncommon individuals here.”

“You seem quite normal to me,” you answer emotionlessly, closing your eyes. “But you can say my opinion of what ‘normal’ is may differ from others. Yours, too.”

“Then I would be really willing to know how exactly.”

His voice suddenly appeared really close to your ear, but you didn't even raise an eyebrow, accepting a coffee cup from his elegant hands and looked at him.

Normally you wouldn’t want to have people interfering in your business, but a heart-shaped vitreous icon with a pink liquid in it made you widen your eyes in surprise. 

There was no liquid in it before. 

Now that you think about it, yes, your colleagues said there were indicators showing your progress, and apparently you really made it further, somehow managing to get Jade interested in you more than he was. 

“You’ve seemed to be spacing out a lot lately, Yuu-san.”

“Now that the festival is almost here, I guess I’m slightly nervous.”

“You don’t seem to be the type to get nervous so easily.”

You suddenly chuckle with a light grin on your face at his reversed pun and sip a coffee he brewed.

“It’s brilliant,” you compliment his work, staring straight at his mismatched eyes and seeing something in there. “May I ask you to brew this exclusively for me when the festival comes? In order to celebrate our successful and thoughtful work.”

“It would be my greatest pleasure.”

You had no idea about how romance works, but you did know you needed to get on Jade’s route as quickly as you could and come back to the office immediately. You wanted to get the detailed information about how you ended up transmigrating into an otome game, so now, sitting in the library and reading mycology books, you hoped to find something useful.

“Aha!” You exclaimed, summoning your transmigrator’s interface and taking a screenshot of a book page containing a mushroom’s drawing. “This is it!”

A mushroom which could be served as a component of a firework supplement, making it iridescent in rainbow colors right in the sky, which also was overflowing when put in soil. You found yourself smiling at the thought of Jade’s reaction, and headed to the mountain near the school.

Unfortunately, you’ve spent all the transmigrator currency you’ve earned during the previous isekai on preparations to the festival, thus you couldn’t afford any equipment for climbing. Well, even if something happens, you still have the system to save your progress, so you could reload and try again. Thinking about the demerits you could get for being not careful and damaging your body made you cringe, though.

You've reached the mountain, and a deep dark forest loomed before your eyes, a cold and moistened fog made you shiver in displeasure. How unfortunate that such a beautiful colorful mushroom grew in such an obscure place.

You made your way further, checking the map with the system tools, and took one more step to darkness. A small iridescent light on the ground made you rash towards it, and you grabbed the mushroom you were looking for.

“Here you are!” You smiled, grabbing more of them, but…

A sudden feeling of ground slipping under your feet made you scream in horror and turn off all the system signs, alerting you about the danger you’ve encountered. 

Who knew there was a cliff?! 

You tried to grab onto the branches of the occasionally falling trees to slow down your uncontrolled flight, but they were more likely to do more harm than good. You somehow felt someone’s gaze on you, but there was no time to think it thoroughly. You were ready to collapse on the damp ground, but a sudden prehensile grip prevented your fall, and you opened your eyes in a daze.

“Are you alright?!”

You could promise a genuine—this time—worry slid over Jade’s confused face, but he quickly tried to regain his composure. You took a look at his grip and wondered if he’s going to let you go, but at your gaze he instead tightened it, holding you even closer.

“What were you thinking, going to the forest unequipped…”

“Don’t worry,” you’ve tried reassuring him, but receiving only a frown. “I would have survived.”

“Falling from this height?” He asked, his voice raising slightly. 

“”... I believe you’re not the type to worry about others,” you mumble.

“What made you think I was worried?” He chuckled, still not letting you go. “Would have been troublesome if you died on the school grounds.” 

“No,” you answered with a suspicious calmness you’d better hide. “You’re worried. Your pupils tremble.” 

“... Let this be at least in theory,” he sighed. “But what made you come here?”

“Oh,” you sigh and finally unclench your scratched fists and hand over only one mushroom you’ve managed to preserve. “Here. I wanted to give you this mushroom. It’s iridescent and can be used for— Huh?”

Jade chuckled, looking into the sky which suddenly shone pretty bright with glimmering stars, and sighed heavily, finally letting you go of his grip, but holding your shoulders nevertheless, obviously scared of you falling. 

“So you did this for me.”

“Yes, I did, but what… Ah.”

You looked up at his head where the heart icon was, seeing the liquid feeling almost to the top, and gasped. 

So he was genuinely worried.

“It seems you’ve realized something,” he said, fixing a strand of your hair and smiling rather wearily. “I’ve never thought you’re the type to risk your life for getting gifts, Yuu-san. Especially for me, given how actually twisted I am.”

You found yourself giggling softly at his remark.

“I’m the twisted type myself. I believe.”

When the festival came, you thought you wouldn't be able to see Jade due to how busy you two were.

He was busy with calculations, and also constantly disappeared in the kitchen due to the insufficient number of workers, but somehow everything went smoothly.

You were greeting the guests by showing them the area and were up all day long actually dreaming of laying down, while Grim helped with the special effects on stage spraying his blue flames along with the rest of the guys.

Finally, it was time for the fireworks show, and you, making sure everything was under control and the visitors were enjoying the show, went to the roof of the school, dreaming of relaxing on the bench alone.

Being in an otome was tiring you out more than you thought it would, and you laughed at how you presumed you would just allure the love interests and get back home. 

You grew to genuinely like Jade maybe not as a love interest, but maybe even someone closer than a character of another world. 

“Resting here all alone?” 

A familiar voice was heard, but you didn’t dare to look, continuing keeping your gaze fixed on the night sky, knowing exactly well who came.

“Ashengrotto has finally freed you from the kitchen?”

“You could say so, even though Leona-san asked for an extra meat dish I’ve created yesterday…”

“Is that so…” You smiled as Jade sat right next to you, lying on the bench. “The fireworks show is going to start soon, right?”

“Not just soon,” he chuckled. “Right now.”

There were loud bangs just after a thin thread of light pierced the night sky and burst into a bouquet of multicolored lights that shimmered in rainbow colors right under the stars, and you released a smile from your lips, surprised at your sincere joy.

“It’s beautiful.”

Jade silently watched the show with you and then bent over your face, covering the view of a clear night sky when the show was over. An unfamiliar expression on his face made you blink in surprise. 

“It is beautiful, indeed.”

“Somehow I feel you’re not talking about fireworks?..” You questioned, chuckling, and gasped the second after.

The heart icon was fully filled, a bright pink light radiating from it and covering Jade’s cheeks with a slight pink hue. Or wasn’t it an icon?..

“You know, Yuu-san,” Jade smiled. “You were right when you said I’m not the honest type, but right at this moment, let me tell you something.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Thank you for your beautiful gift,” he said. “I’ll treasure it. And also… you.”

You couldn’t bring yourself to say something, stretching your hand and touching his cheek, cold because of a night breeze and maybe just because he was always naturally like that, and dared to cover his eyes with your hand. 

“Thank you for appearing in my life. I’ll treasure you too.”

And with that his soft chuckle dissolved in a bright light and system notifications, congratulating you with getting a happy ending.

Happy ending, starting again in your room with a piercing pain in your heart.

“Ah…” You said, seeing Grim sleep peacefully next to you. “So that is why they said otome games are hard to escape.”

Shit, you thought, waking up the next morning. 

You came to the conclusion that it wasn’t really necessary for you to fall in love with the love interest (it was enough just to open up to him?), and weren’t sure if Jade really grew to like you. 

But you definitely came to a realization that it was painful to see him in the hall, talking to his brother and noticing you, nodding in a greeting way with a familiar feigned politeness, a glimpse of warmth, which appeared in your previous walkthrough, was no longer lingering underneath his eyes. 

You found yourself wanting to taste a coffee he brewed for you exclusively, but he was no longer here by your side, his profile image became gray, and a ‘COMPLETED’ line appeared in capital letters in the system interface. 

Was that it? All the feelings both of you developed turned into a finished story without any chance for rereading it? Otome games were unfair. But transmigrating still was your main job you couldn’t decline, and even in thrillers and horrors you used to enter so often there were people who you genuinely liked and treasured.

Still, you knew that once the story ended, you got back into the office and traveled to another world, then another, and another, and… There was no point in developing feelings anymore.

You chuckled to yourself when Jade passed through you, and raised your head, meeting someone else’s intense gaze.

Leona Kingscholar. The system made a melodious sound, letting you know about your next ‘target’. You quickly checked his profile, appearing right before standing in front of you Leona, and wondered, what type of a character he would be. 

Slightly older than his classmates, and he also belonged to royalty, how very interesting. You closed the system interface with a snap of fingers and greeted your next… target.

“Good morning. May I help you… Eh?”

Leona approached you, his face suddenly extremely close to yours, and sniffed your neck, then clavicles and stared at your eyes, allowing you to notice how beautifully the emeralds of his were shining.

“What a strange smell.”

“Excuse me, I took a shower in the morning.”

“Not that,” Leona sighed, a heart above his head being absolutely empty and transparent. “The smell, not of magic, but similar. Also like that fish guy.”

“Fish guy?..”

He was probably speaking about Jade, but how in the world did he manage to sniff that?! Your eyes widened in shock for a brief moment. 

“If you’re talking about Ja… Leech, then maybe it’s because hu just was there.”

“Whatever,” Leona shrugged, sniffing you once more, to which you attempted to distant yourself. “There’s also a dirt smell. And also raining, alcohol, hospital… A blood? What the hell, herbivore?”

Now this wasn’t funny at all. The last world you’ve transmigrated into was centered around a story about doctors, crimes and, well, the usual horror stuff you had to deal with, and how did Leona manage to casually sniff it on you like that?

Naturally, you wanted to get rid of any suspicions and shrug it off, but you also needed to get him on your side and find a way to reach a happy ending with him. A slight fearful thought of collecting people’s hearts like some sort of a hobby slid through your mind, making you nauseous, but you swallowed the feeling and forced a cheeky smile.

“Care to figure it out?”

Leona looked at you with an unreadable emotion and made his way to the exit, leaving you all confused.

“It’s not my business, herbivore. But do something about this smell, it’s disgusting, Savanaclaw students are really sensitive to the smell this strong.”

“As if I can just wash it away…” You mumbled to yourself, following Leona’s distancing figure with your gaze and parting your lips in a surprise way when noticing a little amount of pink liquid in the heart above his head.

So you did pique his interest, after all.

The progress with Leona’s route was incredibly slow and strange. You took the sequence the system suggested automatically, providing you with calculations regarding the difficulty on each walkthrough, and at first you blinked questionably at Leona’s one, seeing only 40%, since now you’ve been feeling all 100%. 

He wasn’t hard to find — the botanical garden was his second alma mater, and yet when his words he said to you the first day of his route lingered in your mind, ‘It’s not my business’ line repeating in your head like an annoying pop song, you almost thought that it really was not his problem at all, as if he totally didn’t care.

You almost convinced yourself, but small steps you took towards him also helped you in discovering concealed aspects of his character.

At first you visited the botanical garden just out of a habit you’ve managed to form in other isekais, and ended up finding Leona there without fail every time. At first you were silent, observing him and his unwavering composure—you thought of that as indifference—but not so long after you took the first attempt to start a casual conversation.

“Leona,” you once said, seeing him sleeping under the tree and knowing he heard you talking. “Do I still, uhm, reek?..”

“I sense the strong smell of that fish guy.” 

How in the world did Jade’s lingering scent still remain on you?

“And also that bat.”

“Bat?” You asked, wondering who he meant. 

“Lilia Vanrouge.”

You knitted your brows together at his reply. You saw Vanrouge only once, right before Leona came into the garden one day, and briefly talked to him. Lilia was also listed among your potential ‘love interests’, but a 100% difficulty level was confusing to you, and the one talk you had did really confirm that he’s going to be a tough character to deal with. To make him fall in love with?..

“I see… I wonder how it works for you beastmen, your sense of smell.”

“Like a second skin,” Leona opened one eye and glanced your way. “I don’t get how you humans live with such a short range of smell.”

“I think that’s only about you,” you suddenly said, meeting Leona’s gaze. “No one from Savanaclaw other than you mentioned what I smell like.” 

A short pause stretched between you two, but somehow you didn’t find it unpleasant, more like relaxing and thoughtful. Kingscholar chuckled, tapping on the spot beside him with his tail and attracting your attention.

“Yes?”

“Come here.”

You did as he said, wondering what was that about, and ended up being held in his arms. He sniffed you once again, but with more care and politeness than he did the first time, while you couldn’t tear away your fixated gaze on his bright focused eyes.

“Those strange scents are still on you. What kind of life did you live before getting here, herbivore…”

“And you said it’s not your business, huh,” you grinned and gasped the second after he suddenly laid on your lap. “Hey!”

“It’s still not my business though.” He answered, closing his eyes and resting comfortably. “But don’t get near other Savanaclaws. It’s really a disgusting smell.”

“Which is why you’re on my lap, am I being correct?” You chuckled. “Still, I don’t think others have the audacity to come near me. Or such a strong sense of smell like you do. You’re impressive, Leona.”

For a moment you thought he stopped breathing, but then heard a bitter laugh coming from his lips.

“One day you’ll take your words back.”

Till today you really wondered what he meant by that, seeing no particular reason to actually question his skills. Even despite his poor attendance and self-deprecating lines, he really was an amazing, outstandingly clever person you really did want to get to know more.

And today an occasion came up, when you visited the botanical garden again, now it was more out of a habit, and found Leona with the first-year students you didn’t know, challenging him in chess. 

“Good afternoon everyone,” you greeted them, hearing excited ‘hello’ from other students and receiving a light nod from Leona. “What are you doing?”

“Miserably failing to win Kingscholar-senpai in a chess match,” one of the students answered. “No one has succeeded yet…”

“Check and mate,” Leona announced, when the first year he played cried out of indignation. 

“How are you so talented in chess, Kingscholar-senpai!!..”

“Hmph,” Leona chuckled, but you somehow knew somewhere underneath his ever-so-mighty persona he was genuinely happy to receive those compliments. “Right, herbivore. Come play with me while I’m in the mood.”

You tilted your head, thinking beforehand. You couldn’t remember the last time you played, but possessing a naturally inquisitive and quick-witted mind due to your job, you nodded, taking a seat in front of him.

The match was silent, and if at first you heard first years hitched breaths, during the second hour passing of the match, even those students left, leaving a silence lingering between you two. 

“I really admire you, Leona,” you dared to break the silence, seeing Leona’s hand holding a chess piece stop for a second. 

“Flattery will take you to nowhere,” he replied, performing an en passant of your pawn, to which you pouted. “Huh, you can be cute sometimes.”

“And you can be sweet, I see,” you flirted back. “But… I’m sorry. Checkmate, Leona.”

Two knights endgame, huh. 

Leona was staring at the chess board for a fairly concerning amount of time before bursting into laughs. 

“W-what’s wrong?..”

“Remember I said you’ll take your words back?” He raised his gaze to meet yours. “Take it now. Tell me I’m not impressive anymore now that you’ve outsmarted me.”

You raised an eyebrow at him, feeling annoyed.

“What are you saying.”

“I can’t believe it, huh,” he laughed again. “You, a magicless human, out of people… Hah! What a ridiculously clever herbivore you are. It pisses me off.”

“You know what? Shut up.”

You grabbed his shirt, seeing his absolutely unimpressed expression, and clenched your fists with even more force than you thought you would, and pressed your forehead to his, chess pieces scattering around the table. 

“Even when you have no one to believe in your abilities, even you yourself doubt them…” You took a deep breath. “I myself will be that one person who will believe in you AND believe you.”

You heard a splash, realizing it was the liquid in the heart above his head filling half of it, and then a genuine laughter came from Leona’s chest.

“You’re insane, herbivore.”

You really were insane, indeed. 

To the point you couldn’t even take a quick look at Leona in the past week due to him being anywhere but near you, which annoyed you for sure. You had a whole month planned for you two to spend together in case his route appeared too difficult to reach an ending, so many things to witness, but instead…

Instead you managed to meet Jade thrice or even more, then stumble upon Lilia ‘ku-fu-fu’-ing at you cheerfully and mysteriously, and all those were driving you crazy slowly. You wanted to have a chat with Jade who portrayed no such interest you used to witness in his route, much to your dismay, but you also wanted to finally find Leona and genuinely get to know him more.

“Oh, Yuu-san.”

You were resting at the school yard, students walking here and there, chatting and playing, and you saw Jade approaching you, nodding to him.

“Good afternoon.”

“Oya, isn’t it Yuu?”

… Jade and Lilia. And no signs of Leona or whatsoever. You blinked at them, trying to conceal your honest feelings, and listened to them talking.

“It’s rare to see you all alone,” Jade noticed. 

“Indeed, you could be often seen in Leona’s company. Did you two have a quarrel?”

“We…” Despite how much you wanted to protest, you weren’t sure anymore. 

“We have not.”

A sudden warmth spreading in your chest and a heart pounding faster than it was made you turn to Leona, who appeared behind your back, and you smiled at him.

“Herbivore,” he called you, shoving his nose into the crook of your neck and making you giggle. “One week of me being busy, and you already have such a strong scent of those two. How come?”

“Look who’s talking.”

“My my, do you have a problem with us?” Lilia obviously tried to tease Leona, but the last one suddenly fell silent.

“Leona?..”

“Yeah, I have one.”

His arms enveloping you made you yelp softly, and an unfamiliar burning on your cheeks made you bite your lips and stare at Leona’s cheeky expression.

“I liked it more when you had an aroma of garden’s flowers on you more. And also…”

A kiss he pressed on your lips was bright, passionate, also confusing to everyone else, and very much awaited by you. 

“That way I don’t need to worry anymore. Care for another game of chess, herbivore?”

You smiled at him, wanting to reply instantly, but the heart icon above filled to its max, and splashing beats of bright light covered your watering eyes. 

“Yes, let’s play one more time, Leona!..”

You… 

You really were growing to hate otome games to your very heart.

© yunarim 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲, 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧.

[rendy-a]

I’m so excited! I loved your last event can’t wait to see all the ones for this one!

Could you do asking for a dance, self-aware, with Jade? I hope you have a great day!

I’m glad you have enjoyed my events!  Here is your request.  As a reminder, the Self-Aware AU is a yandere AU.

You had never pictured going to a school dance at NRC.  For one, it didn’t really seem like the sort of event they’d hold.  You’d seen the sort of thing NRC did instead; hunting each other down with bean blasters or hosting events with the townspeople like Halloween.  So, this dance had caught you completely off-guard.  So much so that your first instinct was to panic about who you’d ask to the dance as though it were a normal school dance in your world.

You’d turned to Deuce after hearing the news from your homeroom teacher Prof Crewel and exclaimed, “Oh my gosh!  Who should I ask to go with me?”  That one innocent remark had a profound impact on your class.  Deuce’s eyes got wide as saucers, and you heard a gasp from the seat behind you.  You looked around to realize that the entire class’s focus was on you.  That’s right, you were like a bizarrely famous celebrity here.  “I mean…I think I’ll go alone.  Just…hang out with everyone equally.  You know?” you finish lamely. 

From the sighs and laments you heard your declaration prompt; you knew you’d made the right call.  It really would have been a big thing if you asked someone to the dance.  And that was just with the students of NRC who were used to you!  You weren’t sure what to expect of the students of the other schools; would they know you as well or is this phenomenon limited to NRC? 

On the night of the dance, you’d dressed in the formal wear you’d purchased from town with your friends.  Then you tied a special bow around Grim’s neck and declared yourself ready to depart.  Grim in tow, you headed to the main campus down Main Street.  When you passed the first group of students from Royal Sword and Fair Maiden Academies, you saw some poking and hushed whispers.  Then the stares started.  Yes, it appeared you were just as famous across all of Twisted Wonderland for whatever mysterious reason.

No worries, you thought, as you met up with the First-Year crew at the entrance to the lunchroom-turned reception area.  You had found that your reputation kept people away as much as it made them stare, so let them stare so long as they kept their distance.  You stayed in your group as you sampled the treats you had worked on with the Second-Year class to prepare, smiling at how it had all turned out.  When the First-Year group started to break up a bit to mingle with friends from their dorms and clubs, you held back; choosing to be a wallflower instead. 

You smiled from the back of the room, just enjoying some people-watching until you jumped from feeling a tap on your elbow.  You turned to find Prof Crewel had garnered your attention by tapping you with the riding crop he carried in place of a pointer.  “Pup, I see you understand the situation you are in,” he replied calmly, “However, I hope you realize everyone will expect you to lead the first dance later.”  Your expression must have confirmed the Professor’s suspicions as to your ignorance.  Crewel cracks his crop on his hand for emphasis and goes on, “it has always been custom for royalty and other dignitaries to be the highlight of the first dance at a ball.  And you…” he trails off then, no one being quite willing to discuss your unique situation.  The implication was clear though; the Player would hold a place equal to royalty in TWST and that included leading the dance.  You were going to need a partner after all.

You immediately ruled out those that you thought might already be invited to join in the tradition; Leona, Malleus, Vil; all the seniors who’d helped you learn to dance were famous in their own right.  Then there were your friends who were just a little too casual for such a thing; you needed to make sure you upheld the dignity of your school to your rivals!  Who did you think could dance but also have that air of dignity?  Riddle?  You saw him speaking to Ace across the room.  He certainly could dance and was the most proper person you knew but… Even now, you can see his face turning red as he yelled at Ace.  No, maybe not Riddle.  Your gaze traveled further and landed on Jamil.  He could dance.  Then, as though feeling your gaze, Jamil turned to meet your eye and a very knowing expression crossed his face.  Sometimes, Jamil just sort of creeps you out with that scheming look.  Perhaps not him…

A clack of a cane echoes around the hall.  “Attention please!  Attention!” a voice calls from the dais, “We would like to welcome all our distinguished guests to NRC!  I hope you have enjoyed this fine food and symbol of my generosity!  Now, please, head out to the courtyard where we will start the dance!”  The attention Crowely had commanded at the speech slowly drifted from him and towards you.  No one moved to head to the courtyard.  Everyone was watching and waiting; waiting for the main character to lead the way.  And somehow, that was you.

Panic.  You look around rapidly for anyone nearby you know who could possibly do this with you.  Forget standards, you need someone now!  That is when your eyes alight on Jade standing just a few steps away.  Proper and professional Jade who always seemed to effortlessly complete any task.  Plus, he could easily be convinced to help a poor soul like yourself for the trade of a favor.  When you meet his eye, he places a hand to his chest and offers you a shallow bow.  You smile at the gesture and hurry to his side.

“Jade,” you begin breathlessly, “I realize this is rather abrupt, but won’t you please be my partner for the first dance?”  He smiles at you gently.  Then, as though he cannot contain his excitement, his smile grows until it displays an alarming number of sharp teeth.  You hesitate and the action seems to spur him to reign in his enthusiasm.  He resumes a mask of calculated politeness and bows again, “Apologies, Prefect, I appear to have gotten a tad exuberant over the thought of sharing such a moving custom with you.  Please do allow me to escort you in this traditional dance.”  You might have backed down if Crowley, at that very moment, hadn’t cleared his throat as though to say, ‘Let’s get a move on, Prefect!’  So, you returned Jade’s feigned smile and placed your hand in his own.  “Shall we?” you asked.

He was an ambush hunter by nature.  Being in the right place to create opportunities for yourself was just a part of living as an eel.  Rarely though, did he hunt as rare a query as you, the Player themselves.  When he followed silently behind you, he had merely hoped for the opportunity to hear your voice and perhaps learn something new about you.  For this to happen, it was a success far beyond what he had hoped.  So much so that he’d nearly forgotten himself and frightened his prey away.  That wouldn’t do at all.  He’d need to be more prepared in the future for when he’d certainly catch your attention again. 

For now, he’d have to satisfy himself with this small moment of your regard.  When he brought your hand to his lips and pressed a chaste kiss on the back of the hand, your eyes raised to his own.  For that brief moment, he had every last drop of your attention focused entirely on him.  It was enough to make his heart beat quicker and the only price he required of you.  For now.  Someday though, he’d bind you tightly enough that he possessed you mind, body and soul.  “Let’s begin with this dance, Prefect,” Jade says.  Both a plan and a dance beginning with a single step.

[it-happened-one-fic]

Congrats on 300! Glad your writing is finding an audience. I'd be happy to submit a request for your event! Can I have TWST, Earl Grey tea and Angel Food Cake? Thank you!

Thank you so much for the congratulations! I recognized your name as soon as I go this request from the various comments you've made on my fics and it made me so happy! I hope you enjoy this Earl Grey Tea and Angel Food Cake fic!

A Pretty Good Choice – Floyd

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ fluff/ romantic/ Earl Grey Tea and Angel Food Cake prompt

Word Count: 1922 words

Azul had come scrambling into Ramshackle, his pale blue eyes bright as he looked at me with raw excitement and a certain level of smugness that often seemed to come with success when one was dealing with Azul.

“I’ve done it! I’ve found a way to keep you here!” He stated those words with utter pride, which had me practically dropping Grim in shock.

In truth, we’d discovered that I couldn’t stay in Twisted Wonderland due to my status as a foreign entity. Crowley had been utterly delighted when he’d explained it to me.

“You see? I have, of course, been looking into the matter, and, as it turns out, we need not worry about sending you home! Rather, you will be sucked back into your world before long simply because you aren’t originally from Twisted Wonderland and have nothing to hold you here.”

His words had been a heavy blow because I’d become quite attached to the people here and to the friends I’d made quite some time ago. I no longer wanted to return home. Especially since I had no clue about what awaited me. 

Everyone I knew, even my family, could be convinced I was dead and had probably already moved on, considering how long I’d been here. 

To reappear now would throw everyone’s lives, including mine, into disarray. I wouldn’t even know how to explain what had happened, and I was almost positive that no one would believe me.

“Crowley told you it was just a matter of not being tied to this world, right?” Azul’s questioning dragged me out of my thoughts and back to the present. Causing me to nod even though I felt totally out of my depth.

“Yeah… He said that since there was nothing to hold me here, this world would eventually eject me.” Even the words tasted wrong, but I forced myself to remain in the moment.

Azul had said he’d found a way to keep me here. So maybe, just maybe, there really was a way.

I watched as the housewarden pushed his glasses up in what I could only call a smug manner, “Well then. All you have to do is get married.”

I gaped up at the young man as Grim let out a shocked yowl that perfectly matched my thoughts.

Azul rolled his eyes at both of our reactions and gestured for me to follow him, “Come with me. I’ll explain on the way to the Mostro Lounge.”

And explain he did. 

Apparently, I would be entering into a contract with someone else that would be officiated by Azul and would essentially serve as an arranged marriage contract.

“You won’t actually be marrying someone, and should you find a partner who you wish to be with, you will be promptly released from the contract to marry that person. This is just a measure to keep you in this world,” Azul pushed open the door to his lounge as he finished smoothly.

I nodded slowly before frowning slowly, “And the matter of payment?”

Azul’s hand went to his chest in a feigned shock, “You think I would make you pay for such a service? Angelfish, I’m doing this to help you out of this truly unfortunate situation you’ve found yourself in. Let your partner-to-be handle the payment.”

So whoever was in this contract with me would be handling the payment… Well, Azul had said before that I had nothing of interest to offer him. 

“And who is this partner-to-be?” At my words, Azul stopped. A genuine frown appearing on his face as he twisted to better face me.

“That’s the problem at hand. I brought you here to go ahead and sign the contract, but you’ll need to find a willing partner.” He looked back at me, worry shining slightly in his eyes in a way that reminded me that he was actually doing this because he cared.

Because I’d befriended the octatrio shortly after Azul’s overblot, and since then they’d been far more genuinely benevolent, though they did still like to be repaid for their kindness whenever possible.

“So I’ll be looking for someone willing to enter into an arranged marriage contract and foot the bill for your services?” My tone sounded wavering and uncertain to even my own ears, but Azul simply waved off my concerns, his own way of being comforting I supposed, before gesturing for me to sit at a table.

“You have plenty of close friends; I’m sure you’ll find someone willing. Just sit down, and I’ll be right back with the contract.” He twisted on his heel, looking towards the bar, “Floyd!”

At Azul’s call, the lanky young man in question looked up. His expression was initially one of boredom until he spotted me, at which time his eyes brightened. 

It was odd that he hadn’t noticed me the moment I’d stepped into the room. Normally Floyd was almost inhumanly fast when it came to noticing my presence.

In fact, he’d often appear by my side with a smile on his face and my nickname on his lips before I’d even managed to spot him in the crowd.

“Get them something to drink while they wait,” After giving his orders, Azul glanced back over his shoulder at me with a grin on his face that told me he’d thought of something to sweeten the deal.

 “Don’t worry, it’ll be on the house for today. Think of it as a celebration.” With only those words, he strolled off, not even giving me a chance to object.

And even if I had wanted to object, Floyd was already strolling over with a smile on his face as he whipped out a notepad and clicked his ink-pen in preparation, “What’ll it be, Shrimpy? I recommend something expensive since Azul is paying.”

I smiled slightly at his advice before shaking my head slightly, "How about something light… or maybe something to calm my nerves?”

I pondered my order out loud and got to watch as Floyd’s smile disappeared and a frown appeared in its place. 

He sat his notepad down on the table and slid into the booth across from me, “What’s wrong? Having second thoughts about staying already? That’s no good, Shrimpy.”

Despite his light-hearted phrasing, Floyd’s tone was filled with something I was less used to. Concern.

Both his worry and questions startled me, causing my eyes to go wide before I shook my head vehemently, “No! No! Not at all. I definitely want to stay; it's just….”

I trailed off as I considered the situation that now lay before me, “It’s just that marriage seems so sudden. I haven’t considered it at all, and I certainly can’t think of anyone to ask to enter into this contract with me.”

I shifted awkwardly in my seat as Floyd’s gaze seemed to all but drill into me. Pushing me for answers and forcing me to sort through my own thoughts, “I mean, who would want to be in an arranged marriage contract, much less with me? And that’s not even considering the matter of paying Azul.”

The more I thought about it, the more it felt like I’d exchanged one massive issue for one slightly smaller but still very difficult problem. What made it worse was that if I didn’t find anyone, I would be back at square home. 

Getting sucked back into my world even though I knew I wanted to stay here. Because I had people I cared for here. Floyd, Azul, Deuce, Ace, Grim… And that was only listing a small few of a very large number.

Floyd tilted his head, staying silent as Azul reappeared with a glowing yellow contract in his hand and a smile on his face. Or at least there was a smile on his face before he spotted Floyd sitting at the table that had no drink on it.

“Floyd, I thought I told you to get them a drink?” Floyd waved off Azul, eliciting a sigh from the housewarden before his smile returned, though gentler this time.

“Here Angelfish. You’ll just need to sign here,” He pointed at a dotted line as he laid the paper in front of me before offering me a pen.

I paused, hesitating before letting the pen’s tip touch down and I started carefully signing my name.

 I had a myriad of concerns, but I had to at least try. Even if I couldn’t think of anyone, someone may yet show up who’d be willing to enter into this contract with me. Though who that was I had no clue.

I had barely pulled the pen away from the paper before Floyd had reached out, deftly spinning the paper so that it faced him.

“Floyd?” I questioned him aloud, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he continued on about his business, and I soon received his wordless explanation in the form of his signature on the dotted line right next to mine.

Me and Azul gawked at him as he nonchalantly unclicked his pen and pocketed it. Azul looked from the paper to Floyd and then over to me, while Floyd just grinned at me, completely unperturbed.

“Floyd, are…” I stumbled across my words, causing the grin on Floyd’s face to only grow as I fumbled, “Are you sure? This is an arranged marriage contract, you know? And-”

“I’m like you, Shrimpy~ I hadn’t put a lot of thought into marriage either.” His tone was a happy one as he leaned down until his arms were crossed on the table with his head resting against them as he continued to look up at me.

“But I like you, so if I had to get married, I think you’d be a pretty good choice. Doncha think?” His smile softened ever so slightly as he looked up at me, and I felt myself go still, my eyes widening as I looked down at him.

Half of me was still surprised by his impulsive decision, but the other half of me was beyond touched and even a little flustered as I looked across the table at the young man, who, I couldn’t deny, was one of the main reasons I wanted to stay in Twisted Wonderland.

I found myself smiling at him, fondness creeping into my tone as I answered him at last, “And I certainly can’t complain about this arrangement either.”

Floyd outright grinned at my words, sitting up and even leaning forward a bit with his excitement. His gaze was almost expectant, like he knew I had more to say.

And, to be fair, I did. Because how could I not when he’d just solved my issues with a single signature, “Thank you, Floyd.”

Azul let out a sigh at my soft words, shaking his head a little even though he had the slightest of smiles on his face as he looked between the two of us, “Then the two of you are sure?”

I looked up at him, nodding with a smile still on my face, as Floyd bobbed his head cheerfully and responded in his customary sing-song tone, “Absolutely.”

Azul looked down at the contract, still smiling, as he signed his own name on the only remaining line, sealing the deal and causing it to light up with a brilliant flash of magic as he worked his signature spell. “Well, I suppose there’s only one thing left to do then.”

He looked up at both of us as he finished, “We just need to tell Jade that he now has a sister-in-law.”

[sakurapika]

Reviewing New Year Sale Outfits in Twisted Wonderland

In Japan, New Year's Day (お正月, or "Oshogatsu") is the biggest holiday of the year, and it is also my favorite. That being said, the TWST artists never disappoint when it comes to the art for this event, so let's review all of the cards!

Spoiler warning for upcoming ENG and JP sever event cards, including some Groovy art!

Round 1: 2021-2022

Kalim Al-Asim (SSR)

Look at him, he's so festive and cheerful

This Kalim, as well as Deuce's SR, have a special place in my heart. I started playing TWST the summer it came out, but I wasn't a "serious" player until around New Year. Kalim and Deuce were my first "duo magic" pair, and I love their interactions in the story as well.

I love his headband ribbon and how it matches his obi. The sparkly hakama also suits him. I'm excited to see Jamil's version of this outfit as well, but we all know it'll be a very long time until Jamil volunteers to work retail during the peak season.

12/10 he's so cute

Deuce Spade (SR)

I was surprised that this was just an SR, and that you could get him by finishing the event story. His outfit is so detailed!

I chose his Groovy art so you could see that he's wearing sneakers with his outfit, which I found funny. Cater is wearing similar shoes in his own SR, so it must be part of the Heartslabyul New Year attire. It still feels very in-character for Deuce.

The silhouette of his outfit is interesting. His jacket is short like a suit jacket, but has the sleeves of a haori. There are lots of elements of his dorm uniform, like the pins and sash around his waist.

Not only does he look awesome, but he chose to work during the New Year's Sale to buy a present for his mother.

12/10 very cool and wholesome

Round 2: 2022-2023

Ruggie Bucchi (SSR)

HIS HAIR!!!

Aside from Vargas Camp and his birthday cards, Ruggie doesn't have a lot of SSRs, so I'm happy for him. I look forward to getting him in the English server soon.

I love how Ruggie seems to have picked up a lot of merchandise from around the store. Aside from a fan, which all the boys are using as their "weapons" for battles, he has a little koi bag, which I love so much (I have a similar one). The little toy he's holding is called a den-den daiko (でんでん太鼓), which is popular for young children.

11/10 congrats on getting the job, Ruggie!

Cater Diamond (SR)

I chose to show his un-Groovy art, because it's easier to see his outfit.

His clothes are similar to Deuce's, except that his "vest" is red, and he is wearing a button-down shirt underneath. The mix of Japanese and Western influences reminds me of Taisho-era clothing. He looks like Kazushi Tatsuishi in the anime version of My Happy Marriage, which also happens to be set in the Taisho Era.

It's hard to see in this picture, but he has a hairpin in his hair!

10/10 he slays

Sebek Zigvolt (SSR)

He looks so dramatic with his gloves and fur collar, but are we surprised? He's a Diasomnia student, after all. I wish they had given him a different hat, though, because it looks almost identical to his dorm uniform.

This one makes me laugh, because he poses like my dad. Not seen in this image is Sebby's neon-green geta, which I think my dad would love (he likes having shoes in unusual colors).

10/10 who needs fireworks on New Year's Eve when you have Sebby?

Vil Schoenheit (SR)

He stole the show.

At first glance, his outfit may bear too heavy a resemblance to the regular Pomefiore uniforms, since they're already inspired by kimono.

With his fascinator hat, netted gloves, and black nail polish, though, Vil adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to his outfit. He looks like he is playing the role of a Taisho-era socialite who poisoned their lover and is now actively avoiding the police.

Either that, or he got divorced from Rook. After all, it looks like he is wearing a furisode (a type of kimono meant for single women) rather than a tomesode (worn by married women), like in his dorm uniform.

11/10. The storytelling potential is limitless.

Round 3: 2023-2024

Trey Clover (SSR)

I love his scarf and hat. His coat looks longer than Deuce's and Cater's, and more like a haori. Overall, it looks like a cozy combination.

Like Cater, he is also wearing a button-down shirt under his kimono, and his vest is green. Heartslabyul is the only dorm that gets a character in this event every year, so it's nice to see that the outfits are personalized for each character.

He looks like he could be someone's uncle, but you know for sure that he'd spoil his nieces and nephews.

10/10 very classy, if he was working at the store and I came to visit, I'd trust him.

Ortho Shroud (SR)

ADORABLE.

Something I've always found interesting about Ignihyde clothing is their use of sharp shapes and geometric patterns, especially in Ortho's case. I wonder how Idia's version of this outfit would look.

Ortho and Idia must've had so much fun creating this outfit together!

Infinity/10 if Ortho were trying to sell me anything, I'd buy it, regardless of whether I actually need it.

Rook Hunt (SSR)

He's wearing RED EYELINER!

His outfit is quite different from Vil's. While Vil is wearing a furisode, which is traditionally worn by women, Rook's outfit seems to have a more traditionally masculine silhouette (of course, this is just my interpretation). This probably means that Epel will get to wear an outfit similar to Rook's next time as well.

The peacock feathers on his red hat is also a nice touch.

His pose and expression remind me of Wen Kexing from the C-drama Word of Honor. They also have similar personalities.

10/10, he looks like he just stepped out of a period drama. I look forward to seeing the fanarts of him with Vil.

Jade Leech (SR)

Jade's card has to be my favorite from this year's lineup. I just love how they translated Octavinelle's suits into kimono, while keeping details such as the purple bow tie.

I'm obsessed with his haori--it looks fluffy. I'd like to buy five.

His pose is so...

Like Trey, he looks like someone's uncle (it must be the fedora). However, unlike Trey, he looks like someone's uncle who may or may not be part of the Yakuza. Instead of giving you money on New Year, you owe HIM.

He also looks like he goes door to door selling products, and is about to sell me what he guarantees is a genuine Toshiba toaster oven and absolutely not an overpriced knockoff that will short-circuit and cause my entire neighborhood to lose electricity.

11/10 I will buy that toaster oven anyway.

Which cards are you most excited for? Let me know!

[cyn-write]

Upcoming Works! (AKA the To-do List)

Hello, Dearests! I have been diligently working on a multitude of projects for CynWrites that range from asks to finishing projects to new ideas! Here is a sneak peak at whats coming soon. If you are interested or would like to be tagged, please let me know!!

My asks are also open for request, or if you want to chat, ask questions regarding my work, OCs, or my thoughts on twisted wonderland! All I ask is that you read my rules, be patient, and be kind!

Upcoming Updates to On-going Series:

Finishing Glorious Masqurade ft. Jade, Kalim, Lilia, Che'nya, and Neige

Bewitched Me: Octavinelle and Scarbia

NSFW part 2 for Rollo in GLOMAS Series (Nearly Finished)

NSFW part 2 for GLOMAS Series ft. Malleus, Sebek, Silver, and Idia

The Little Cecelia Chpt. 3 and 4

Revised Prolouge and Chapter 1 of "A Tale of Two Yuu's" (Revision stage)

New Fics and HC:

Housewardens reacting to a Possessed Reader (Like in the Halloween Event)

Dating Headcanons for Leona, Azul, and Trey

"Come With Me..." When Yuu returns to their world, their BF comes with them ft. Riddle, Cater, Jamil, and Rollo

"Other Side" - Song Fic of Fellow trying to convince Adult!Yuu to join him in (Playful Land Spoiler)

"You'll Be in My Heart" - After not seeing eachother in person for a while, Yuu and BF are finally reunited! But he is worried things have changed only for Yuu to comfort him with a Night-in ft. Rollo, Azul, and Idia

Oc Snippits - First Club Meeting ft. Ivy, Reyna, Grace, and Cynthia

If there is something you are particularly excited in seeing, let me know! (Also I bet you can't guess which Twst Characters are my favorite...)

Also, I need to update my regular tag List (not the ones just for specific series) so if you would like to be on the general tag List, let me know!!

[anmiruzu]

{hello! this is from the other jamil request bc i’m an idiot who didn’t realize i was writing for the wrong prompt until after i was done and was double checking everything. so yeah. btw the other jamil request was prompt 26 while this is prompt 25.}

a bloody ghost or not?

a/n okay so now i have officially finished all the event requests… dhhssb and there’s still more days of octoberrrr fushsh idk what to do now. pls send in event request so i can continue the event. i’ll start working on the regular requests too.

-273 words-

October tenth,

jamil viper; prompt 25: “What happened? Let me help you!” / “Relax, the blood is fake.”

as the ramshackle prefect managing only one other student in your dorm, you weren’t expected to participate in the festivities; in fact you were even forgotten about by headmaster crowely.

so you decided to help out the other dorms. especially when the issues about the magicam people came up.

which is how you’re currently in this situation, wearing pure white clothing stained with fake blood stains, a costume vil is letting you borrow. While he does your makeup, turning you into a bloody “ghost.”

with one of your friends helping you in the background, you floated and seemed transparent, truly making you look seem like a ghost.

so you floated around the school, scaring off the people who disrespected the property.

Only vil and your other friend was aware of you helping you, so you decided to scare your good friend, jamil.

so coming up from behind him, you jumpscared him.

“boo!”

jamil, tired from the visitors piling up trash at the school store, flinched from your jumpscare and looked back at you immediately noticing the blood. his tired mind thought the blood was real and thought you were hurt.

“are you okay? what happened? do you need help?” he questioned, genuinely concerned for your well being.

“hm? i’m okay. it’s just makeup, see?”

you wipe your thumb across your cheek, smearing the fake blood.

“oh, as long as you’re okay then”

“y’know jamil, you seem really tired; do you want help with the school store?”

“if you don’t mind”

you ended up giving him a break, taking over his duties at the school store and helping picking up the trash overloading there.

afterwards getting chewed out by vil for ruining the makeup he spent quite a bit of time on.

(you can still request ^^)

{12/30 slots taken} {rules/prompts}

{31 daydreams of halloween event lineup}

{twisted wonderland masterlist}