#Khunwriting

[khunwriting]

[Visions of You]

Synopsis: Jade knew that he was going to have a land wedding when he first met you.

Genre: Angst

Pairing: Jade Leech x Reader

Weddings on land were vastly different compared to those of the sea. They were more extravagant and costly, but Jade knew he would eventually have a land wedding when he met you back at NRC. 

You, the little human from a world completely different to that of Twisted Wonderland. 

You, the magicless student that stayed in that dinky Ramshackle dorm during your school years.

You, the prefect who approached him after Azul’s overblot with a beaming smile and curious gaze. 

You, the one that took his shielded, beating heart and carried it gently in your loving hands.

Jade knew you were the one for him since that day. It was just a matter of how he should play his cards to make you fall in love with him, and the eel-mer would gleefully boast about how quick it was for you to fall for his charms. Though, you often joked that you would’ve fallen for him sooner if he didn’t kick you out of your dorm or harass your friends within your first few meetings—To which Jade sniffles with crocodile tears and begs you to forget about his barbaric actions. You always rolled your eyes at his jests, but he could still see the cute smile you poorly hid.

When the two of you started dating, it just felt right. It was as if two puzzle pieces slotted perfectly together, like a match made in heaven. You both complemented and balanced each other out, and even your skeptical friends warmed up to the relationship just as easily as his side did. You got along swimmingly with Azul, his parents absolutely adored you, and, more importantly (if Jade was being honest), Floyd had long accepted you as his new sibling-in-law; his family beyond elated upon hearing the news that Jade wanted a future with you. 

So, it took little time for Jade, a sudden romantic in his blooming relationship, to question the details of your wedding day. What color suit would he wear? Should he use that glittery eye makeup and have his hair done the same way as that one wedding you both attended in Sunshine Lands? What kind of makeup would you put on? What sort of hairstyle would you don? 

Oh, what would you wear? 

Just the thought of you dolled up on their wedding day was enough for Jade to collapse onto his bed with a dreamy sigh. Floyd was always sure to throw a pillow with expert precision at his head paired with a playfully disgusted groan.

His twin’s actions never stopped the daydreams that flitted about in his mind throughout his day. Even in class, he’d imagine himself standing across from you. His usual close-lipped smile would be replaced with a toothy grin as he celebrated their nuptials with friends and family, basking in the day in blissful euphoria.

Even when he's struggling on his broom during PE, Jade imagines how your cheeks would turn red as he dipped you low to grace his lips with yours before the officiant even finished the pronouncement that the husband (him!) could kiss you.

Even when he's carrying a tray full of dishes to a table during his shift, he imagines what the reception would be like. Jade was certain that you’d be swept up in a dance with his beloved twin before Floyd inevitably decided it was the groom’s turn to be spun around.

Needless to say, Jade was overly eager for his wedding day to come. 

Yet, as he stood at the altar, staring into the same colored eyes as yours were, Jade couldn’t find himself sharing the same love that reflected back at himself so brightly. Even as he stood across from his soon to be spouse, he envisioned it was you standing there instead.

The person in front of him had some similar features to you, same color hair and eyes though not as appealing. The skin tone was close, but blemishes you had were not in the same spots. Their eye shape and nose were comparable, but your lips were completely different. Unfortunately, he’ll take what he could get, even if it was barely enough to pretend that it was you. 

You both had broken up. Though, was it really a break up if neither of you ever said those words? Regardless, you were no longer with him, despite the tender love you both cultivated and nurtured throughout the years at NRC. Now that love, though still persisting in his heart, has wilted from your missing presence.

Unable to handle the aching void where you had once filled, Jade was forced to find something else to get rid of that gnawing emptiness. And the best stands across from him, a human that looked slightly like you with vaguely parallel mannerisms. They should’ve eased the pain, but it just feels like two puzzle pieces forced together, scraping at the edges and disfiguring the original shapes in the process.

It feels wrong. 

In fact, everything feels revoltingly wrong. Jade’s stomach churns and the disgusting feeling of his own suit and human flesh makes him want to scream. He wants to peel everything off, clawing deep streaks into his body. He wants to destroy the hideous altar beside him, break every expensive chair and table in sight, shred those ugly, stupid flowers till they crumple into the sand beneath his shoes. He wants to disappear back into the comfort of the Coral Sea and hide away in a dark cove with his brother at his side. 

But he can’t, so Jade forces the rising bile and deep rage back to the little caged box where his fractured heart sits next to the love and memories of you.

Instead, he’ll stand there, neat and gentlemanly as he always was. He’ll repeat the vows he doesn’t mean. He’ll slip the ring that was supposed to be yours onto somebody else's finger. He’ll lean in and kiss lips that make stomach acid crawl up his throat. Then he’ll walk down the aisle with his newly married partner, ignoring the grieving frowns his parents and Azul carry and opting to stare at his brother, who sat between his father and Azul, instead.

Floyd still doesn’t look at him, and that hurts more than Jade would like to admit. 

He knew his family wasn’t happy, but what could he do? It wasn’t like you were going to suddenly appear before them and demand the ceremony be stopped. You weren’t going to steal him away from this offensive wedding, grabbing his hand and running away like those silly dramas he used to watch with you. As much as he would’ve loved to see that happen, it wouldn’t. 

After all, nobody has seen you in years, not since his final year of NRC. You had up and disappeared with no goodbyes. Not to your friends. Not to Grim. Not to him. He was forced to hear that you returned back to your world by Crowley of all people. 

The headmage had been suspiciously tight-lipped about how he had returned you back home, and Jade was convinced that you were pushed into the mirror by Crowley—He was sure of it! You loved him as much as he loved you. You wouldn’t just leave him behind…Right?—Alas, there was no proof and no amount of tears shed will let you return. Not to mention, the decade-long research stint has continuously turned up empty and there’s only so many failures Jade could withstand. The day he gave up looking for you had led to the biggest fight Jade and Floyd had in their lifetime.

But again, Jade couldn’t take the pain anymore. He couldn’t stand waking up to a cold bed and wet tears every morning. He couldn’t go through his daily life by himself when everything reminded him of you. Since that day, you had left him alone. That day, his heart shattered into millions of pieces in front of that damn mirror with only recollections and once-vivid visions of your shared future as keepsakes from his time with you. 

Because he had given you his shielded, beating heart, Jade was forced to pick up each cracked piece with bleeding fingers and hoarse sobs. He was forced to reassemble as a broken man. He was forced to find comfort in another’s embrace with your name still filling his lungs and soul. Because you won’t come back, no matter how much he cries or begs. 

No, he’ll remain stuck in this loveless marriage on land because it reminded Jade of what could’ve been if you stayed home with him.

[ramshackle-lost-n-found]

Hiii yandare jade anon here srry for the weird ask😓 buutttt can i request fanfics of jadexreader (or floydxreader) where yuu dosent love them back or is cheating on them😅

hii anon!! i meant to post this earlier but the signal got wonky 😿 here you go, though!

sharp teeth, tough love by twstbookclub

visions of you by khunwriting

realizing it's too late by inuiiwonderland

애인 in anthill. by merakiui

disappointed by written-in-knife

unspoken pleas and hidden confessions by hisui-dreamer — two

crush rejects him because they're scared he's just playing with them by twstdreams

feelings to spare by melakiee

setting reader up with his dorm leader and falling for them by fairestwriting

he knows by cvlutos — two

[khunwriting]

[Silent Musings]

Synopsis: Floyd thinks about his day and you as you sleep beside him.

Genre: Fluff

Notes: Lots of predatory/prey wording, written from Floyd's perspective, tried to write GN! Reader, Yuu!Reader

Pairing: Floyd Leech x Reader

When Floyd opened his eyes, the dorm room was still unlit and engulfed in a silent black shroud. Despite that, he had no problem seeing everything. Being from the Coral Sea, his eyesight was used to the inky depths, ready to fight anything that dared lurk in the deep or catch any unsuspecting prey.

Maybe that was why his gaze immediately shot to your face—a foolish little shrimp that dropped their guard in the midst of a blood-hungry predator. 

Floyd’s singular golden eye gleamed in the dark as he laid completely still. His body was covered underneath the tousled sheets that offered no warmth, just a vague feeling of something on his body. No, the only warmth that he greedily accepted was radiating off your sleeping body.

A silly little shrimp that fell asleep in his presence. 

Deep in his blood, the sight of such easy prey brought out his primitive urges. His long limbs longed to reach out, wrapping around their body with a suffocatingly tight grip. His lips longed to stretch wide, showing off razor teeth, dripping with saliva. His jaw longed to unhinge, ready to pounce and pierce into soft flesh and shred. 

Yet it was you, the magicless prefect. And because of that, the moray eel continued to lie beside you without a single twitch in his muscles. Just watching and drinking in every little detail he could commit to memory. 

Like how your chest heaved slowly with every breath, a soft snore escaping your parted lips every few seconds. Or how your arms wrapped around the decently sized shrimp plush you bought for him on a trip into town one weekend (it was admittedly goofy-looking with the uneven eyes and flimsy felt legs and antennas, but you gave it to him. So he sleeps with it every night since receiving it, ignoring Jade’s teasing remarks). Or how your eyes fluttered rapidly underneath your eyelids.

What were you dreaming of? Maybe you were dreaming of going through another chaotic day at NRC, running into some trouble because of someone in your shoal. Maybe you were dreaming of being back in your world, reliving some memories before you arrived at Twisted Wonderland.

Was it a good dream? He could only assume based on the soft expression on your face.

Were you dreaming of him maybe? Sevens, Floyd hoped you were dreaming of him.

It was pitiful how a tiny creature like you could make his ravenous heart thump quickly in his chest.

But it happened. Gradual, unassuming, and unexpected.

The first time Floyd saw you at the orientation ceremony, he thought that the whole experience was hilarious—the way you floundered about, incredibly lost and frazzled at the chaos surrounding you had him nearly doubled over in laughter. He brushed it off like it was the end of it, but, to his surprise, you stuck around. Rumors of the magicless human and the trouble that followed in your path spread like wildfire in NRC, yet he could never quite get a glimpse of you, aside from that one time you were spying on him and Jade with the rest of Heartslabyul guys. 

But then the final exams came around and you were suddenly among all the sea anemones, begging to help your reckless shoal. And everything fell into place from there. Your presence became more steady, and he suddenly noticed you around more and more (or was it that he subconsciously seeked you out instead?). While you were most definitely afraid of him at the beginning, at some point the frightful jolts eased away into excited hops and something in him shifted during that time.

His ever-swaying mood swings became more manageable when you were around. Floyd could be in the worst of moods from whatever got him down, but just the sight of you from across the hall or courtyard had his heart all aflutter and he wasted no time scooping you in his arms right then and there. Jade and Azul noticed this change right away—and maybe that’s why you were here in his bed today.

For whatever reason, the world was out to get him that day. At first, some guy from Savanaclaw scuffed his shoes right after he had cleaned and polished them the night prior. It was fine till Floyd got caught shortly afterwards with bloody knuckles and a battered beastman, so came the long lecture and write-up for detention. Then, Floyd was getting hounded on by professors left and right about missing assignments and failed tests. What tipped it all off was when he got paired up with some squeamish frosh in potionology, and the Scarabian student was so fidgety that he dumped the wrong amount of dawn-weed and subsequently made the potion blow up in their faces.

Once the bell rang and he knocked some teeth out of the freshman, Floyd retreated back into his dorm room with a glare that had everyone scattering. Already deciding to skip the rest of the day, the eel fell onto his bed and bundled underneath the covers. 

He didn’t know how long he laid there in the dark, just seething and wringing his shrimp plush between his fingers, but the door creaked open and shut within a few moments. The person crept closer to his bed and Floyd already knew who it was by gait and footfalls.

“Floyd?” And there was your pretty voice. “Can I lay next to you?”

Wordlessly, he shimmied towards one side of the bed and you seemed to get the hint. You simply took off your shoes and gently lifted the blanket to lay at his side. You didn’t look frightened by his scowl nor did you tense at his unblinking, glowing eyes. Instead, you, the little shrimpy, just smiled softly and gently ran your fingers through his hair. It was like the tension in his shoulders ebbed away and he let his eyes shut to bask in the affection.

So that’s where he was now: Laying in the dark and watching you sleep with his heart beating sweetly for you. The once roaring and angry tsunami that crashed inside of him had quieted into tender lull waves, lapping at his heart. 

Again, it was pitiful how such prey could reduce his heart to mush. But, Sevens, were you the sweetest thing in his eyes. A little feeble shrimp with the prettiest eyes and kissable smile.

Oh, how Floyd wants to dress you up with chains of pearls, sea glass, and coral and give you all the scales and teeth you’d want, if it meant you’d be in a symbiotic relationship with him. You’ll ease his frazzled heart and clutch his face in your gentle hands and he’ll smother you in kisses and protect you from all the other beasts out vying for a taste of you.

He’d do it all for you, and he wishes he wasn't such a coward. Like all moray eels, he has to be 100% sure you feel the same way or else he can’t will himself to make a move. 

So he’ll do what predators do best. He’ll wait. 

He’ll sit and wait. Until he gets a whiff of your reciprocated love and knows your heart beats for only the name Floyd Leech, then will he strike and cradle your bleeding heart into his own hands.

Till then, he’ll be content watching in the dark and waiting for the time to go for the kill.

[khunwriting]

[Flos]

Synopsis: Leona opens his eyes to see you leaning over him with a flower crown in your hands.

Genre: Fluff

Pairing: Leona Kingscholar x Reader

Leona wasn’t surprised by the presence next to him when he woke up nor did he need to open his eyes to know it was you. Your scent mixed with the general floral fragrance of the botanical garden filled his nose and he was acutely aware of your thigh brushing against his shoulder. 

But why were you here? Before he drifted off to sleep, the second prince was sure it was just him and Ruggie, actively shooing the hyena away in favor of skipping class again. Judging by how you were sitting next to him, it must be a free period or classes were completely done; you’ve always been a goody-two shoes. 

Leona’s ears swiveled slightly when he caught the lightest vibrations from you. You were humming some random tune to a song he’s never heard before—Probably some song back from your home. The melody was soft and sounded upbeat, lilting in pleasant highs and soothing lows. 

‘It sounds nice’ was Leona’s fleeting thought before smothering it so it could never see the light of day ever again. Instead, he’ll focus on how your hands were constantly shifting, causing the sleeves of your blazer to rustle. You were clearly doing something, but there was no distinct sound of paper or pencil. So you weren’t doing schoolwork, like a studious little herbivore. 

Then what could you be working on? 

“There!” Your voice rang out clearly, snuffing your little song without a second thought. Leona didn’t open his eyes, but he can already picture the wide grin blooming across your face. 

The silence that filled the air in the absence of your song was replaced by fabric shuffling. The pressure of your thigh shifts and disappears from his body. The lion could feel you begin to lean over him, yet he waited. After a moment, he felt your fingers graze against his ears, making them flick instinctively. 

Instantly, Leona’s eyes snapped open and he grasped one of your wrists in a quick and fluid motion. A primal section in his chest rumbled pleasantly at the openly shocked expression on your face. He chuckled lowly while your face twisted in an exasperated scoff, your lips pursing into a pout. Releasing his hold, the third-year lazily sat up fully and eyed the object you’ve been fiddling with for the past several minutes. 

“The hell is this?” Leona grumbled with a voice that was still a tad raspy from his nap. Sitting pretty in your hold was your little project. Stems were entwined together, crossing over one another in a simple yet stable circlet. Purple fans of splayed petals bloomed around the circumference, growing into flecks of white and yellow on the signal portion of the flowers. “What? You ever seen a flower crown before?” There was a light teasing edge in your words that matched your cheeky grin, but Leona brushed it away in favor of raising a finger to lift one of the drooping falls of the flower. 

“I know what it is,” The prince didn’t bother hiding the annoyed tone lacing his sleepy words, earning a giggle from you. At the twinkling sound, Leona just rolled his eyes before dropping his hand in his lap. “I mean, why are you trying to give it to me?”

“Flowers make good gifts. They’re pretty with so many different meanings,” You responded easily with a shrug of your shoulders as if it was the most obvious thing. “I think these suit you,”

“Why?” It was a simple question, or so Leona thought. His green eyes bored into your own hues, and for a moment, you seemed apprehensive. As to why, the lion couldn’t say. Usually, you’d be more than happy to yap in his ears about anything and everything like a little excited dog. Now, though, any words that were on the tip of your tongue were swallowed back up and kept close to your heart. “C’mon, you were so excited to give it to me before. The least you can do is tell me why,” 

“...Don’t wanna say,” You mumbled in a defiant way that had Leona raising an eyebrow at your childish manner. When you met his gaze, your eyes narrowed, probably seeing the curious amusement on his face. “You’ll make fun of me,”

“No, I won’t,” He was lying.

“Yeah, you will,” And you knew him too well.  

Both sat there, not uttering a word and mentally willing the other to concede first. Unfortunately, the two of you were stubborn, and if Ruggie was there, he would definitely bemoan about “how the bull-headed duo is at it again!” The thought of the cunning, little beastman had Leona’s tail sweeping in irritation, already visualizing the mischievous grin the hyena would send his way.

After a long stare down, you spoke again with a faux resigned sigh.

“You know what. Nevermind, I can just give this to Ruggie,” Upon hearing those words, Leona bristled in his spot. The image of Ruggie wearing the flower crown you crafted specifically for him left a bitter taste in his mouth. 

If you noticed the disgruntled expression on the third-year’s face, you didn’t mention it. Rather, you chose to retract your hands away from the grouchy prince. In a swift motion, Leona reached for your hand once more and sent you a glaring chill that would’ve caused shivers up your spine if you weren’t so used to the sight. Instead, you quirked a brow up, matching his leer with an intrigued stare. 

“Ruggie would just eat it,” Leona grumbled out, the words coming out half-heartedly. Sure, the hyena ate dandelions and whatever he could get his little shifty hands on, but it was a pitiful excuse. Both of you knew it. 

“Irises are poisonous,” You countered plainly, giving the prince a look. He just grunted in response and kept his steely glare. And you were caught in a stalemate once more. 

Not wanting to go through another lapse of silence and unnecessary staring, you silently rolled your eyes and shifted your hands higher. The corners of the lion’s lips curled upwards in a smug smirk as he leaned down to let you place the wreath onto his head. 

The weight of the crown was heavier than he expected, but it was welcomed nonetheless. Though Leona had never worn a flower crown before—Sevens know Cheka had tried numerous times—the feeling of your handcrafted one felt familiar, like it returned to its rightful place after being away for so long.

“Well…?” The lion beastman asked, sitting up a tad taller. His eyes bored into yours, and he could faintly see the reflection of himself in your wide eyes. Nothing has changed physically, aside from the silly flower crown you crafted, yet you looked at him as if he was someone to be revered.

“I was right. They do suit you,” You said softly with a syrupy smile. Honesty oozed in between your words, sickeningly sweet and genuine. Just enough to make Leona’s teeth hurt and cause something to stir in his chest, something gentle and heavy that caused warmth to trickle throughout his body. 

Leona quickly recognized what the feeling was, and he was even quicker to stamp it out and disregard it as he always does. 

Again, one half of the bull-headed duo.

Like the lazy lion he was, Leona let out an obnoxious yawn and shifted his body to lean his entire weight against you—something you were accustomed to. As he moved, Leona purposely raised his tail to flick you in the face, causing you to sputter at the appendage. He bit back a chuckle at your indignant huff before resting his head on your shoulder.

Though the prince made sure to be cautious of damaging the iris-covered crown encircling his regal head.

[khunwriting]

[Spring Day]

Synopsis: Silver wakes up and loves you, wholly and intensely.

Genre: Fluff

Notes: Mentions of intimacy that could lead to having kids, but it's a single sentence and nonexplicit whatsoever (so could be considered fem!reader or AFAB!reader?).

Pairing: Silver x Reader

It’s so warm. 

That was Silver’s first thought when he started to feel himself come out of slumber. And it was. He could feel the sun’s soft rays against his skin. It wasn’t too hot to the point of causing his skin to itch under the light. No, it was gentle and soothing, almost as if it was a soft blanket cascading over his exposed skin.

The sensation paired nicely with the gentle breeze. Neither too warm nor too cool—just a temperate wind across his face. The floral scent of the nearby wildflowers pleasantly wafted through the air. 

It was by-the-book a perfect spring day, and it wasn’t a surprise that Silver found himself dozing off again, even when he didn’t mean to. 

Part of him felt guilty, especially since he was spending time with you. He remembered idly chatting about classes and future dates plans, but the familiar presence of drowsiness began curling around his mind. But you were always so kind about it, and he remembered the faint “Sweet dreams,” you whispered before the tendrils pulled him into the quiet unconsciousness.

Even if he couldn’t help falling asleep, Silver still should apologize to you, especially as he was laying in your lap before he dozed off. So, the knight opened his eyes and…

…Oh.

Oh, you were so beautiful. 

The thought came to him at full throttle, and he couldn’t stop his heart from thumping against his chest even if he tried. Cause there you sat, leaning against the tree behind you. The sunlight flitted over your soft features and made your locks of hair shine in the rays—Silver swore you look angelic and the way your hair glowed made it look as if there was a halo around your crown. Not to mention, your sweet lips curled into a serene smile, unaware of being stared at by the lovestruck knight-in-training in your lap. 

No, you were too honed in on the letters scrawled across a romance novel you picked up at the library at Rook’s behest. Your shining eyes, putting the most brilliant gems to shame, followed the words across the page with a curious shimmer. You were eating up every bit of information from the book and storing it in your memory, and Silver was so sure that he would hear your recollections of what you read in that melodic way you speak.

And he could imagine the way your lips would part with excitement as you recount an enchanting moment in the story, blushing over the lingering touches and shy gazes between the lovers in the novel. It was so endearing how thrilled you got about these two fictional characters, acting as if the two of you haven’t gone through the same actions hundreds of times before. 

In spite of your gushing, Silver adored you. It was so apparent that he deeply cherished you. Often, he’d hear about it from others. He’d sometimes hear Kalim cooing about how cute the two of you were, then there’s times where Sebek would shout about “how unsightly it was for Silver to ogle you in such an unknightly way”. 

Though his father was more on Kalim’s side of his relationship. He would claim to be the biggest supporter and it genuinely showed. Every time Silver returned to Diasomnia after an outing with you, Lilia would be right there at the entrance with eager ears on how his time with you was. The expansive grin on his father’s face when Silver spoke of your time together always spread immeasurable warmth throughout his chest. It was incredibly comforting to know that his father, regardless of the lack of blood shared between them, wholeheartedly accepted you. 

“Silver, make sure to do right by them,” Silver can practically hear Lilia’s laughter as he sends an offended look towards his father. He can feel the old fae pat his back and look upon his human son with a tender smile. “Oh, I know you will, just humor this old soul will you! I’m fully expecting a wedding after you both finish your education,” 

That thought sends another bloom of joy through Silver’s chest. The idea that you, his sweet and patient partner, loving him so deeply that you would bind yourself with him for the rest of your incredibly short human days has him nearly bursting at the seams with overflowing love. 

Though he only knows fae customs, Silver will practice any traditions you wish if it meant he could continue on life with him at your side. Whatever you wish, he will grant it to you on a silver platter. 

A home? He’ll build it from the ground up, laying down the foundation and constructing your ideal house if it meant you would have a safe place to rest your head. 

Protection? He’d kneel before you in that same manner he would with Lord Malleus, sword at his side and your knuckles to his lips with the promise of safety. 

A family? He’ll kiss every inch of bare skin and love you intimately if that would grace him with your company forevermore. 

The both of you are still so young and in school. Silver wants to abide by his father’s words and do right by you, but a tiny, irrational part of him wants to marry you right here and now, underneath the still flowering crepe myrtle tree. 

Yet because he is a good knight-in-training and a better son, Silver stows the notion away in favor of softly calling out your name. You immediately snap your eyes up to meet Silver’s steady gaze and a smile blossoms across your face. 

“Oh, hello, sleepyhead,” You greeted, slipping your bookmark—a pressed heliotrope that he plucked from the school’s garden when he first started courting you—into your book and setting it on the ground beside you. “Did you have a good nap?”

Before he could answer, you lean down to press a kiss upon his forehead. The spot tingles with your devotion and a comforting heat rises to his face. At the sight, you let out a huff of adoration and let your left hand rest on his face, cupping his rosy cheek. 

Sevens, he cannot wait to spend the rest of his life with you. 

And to stop the two words from spewing out of his mouth, Silver tilts his head to instead kiss your fingers, making sure to linger on your ring finger with a silent vow. 

“The best, my love,”

[khunwriting]

[In Sickness and in Health]

Synopsis: When you wake up incredibly ill, Ruggie comes to take care of you.

Genre: Fluff

Notes: Nonsexual nudity (Ruggie helps you bathe), established relationship

Pairing: Ruggie Bucchi x Reader

The first thing you noticed upon waking up was that there was an incredible discomfort in your throat. It hurt to swallow, and it felt as if the insides were coated in something thick and tacky. Not only that, you found that it was difficult to breathe due to your stuffy nose and you felt extremely cold despite the layer of sweat coating your overheating body.

With a massive grimace, you realized you were miserably sick. 

So when Grim woke up, you had to tell him with a painfully croaky voice that you wouldn’t be going to school with him. It took a while, but you had eventually assured the little direbeast that you’d be okay if he went to class—Though, Grim begrudgingly left with a sweet, worried expression and a promise to come back immediately after classes were done. 

Once you sent him off with a flushed face and weak smile, you had flopped back into bed. The ghosts were kind enough to be mindful of their hauntings and grabbed you a cool glass of water and another blanket after noticing your shivering. 

Honestly, you felt horrible. Your harsh coughs echoed throughout the rickety dorm in the same manner that it rattled in your chest. And despite feeling perfectly fine the day before, you felt as if you had forgotten the freeing sensation of being able to breathe normally without a congested nose. 

With what little energy you had to deal with your sickness, you opted to get some more sleep. Or at least you tried. It was difficult to truly relax as everything was either too hot or too cold, and you just couldn’t settle into a more comfortable position. Every time the tendrils of unconsciousness crept up on you, there was something that pulled you away from going completely asleep, whether it was the scratchiness clawing at your throat or the gasping heaves to get oxygen into your lungs. 

So, you laid in between being awake while not fully present. Time felt off to your sickly, delirious self, but the clock on the wall told you that it was well into first period, which was odd considering the front door to the dorm had just swung open. Because of how quiet Ramshackle was, the sound reverberated throughout the building, and judging by the footsteps, it wasn’t your little buddy. The person made their way to your bedroom, giving it a quick knock before opening the door. 

“Ruggie?” Your voice came out craggly, and, even to your own clogged ears, it sounded rough to listen to. Yet Ruggie didn’t grimace at the sound, instead, his lips curled into a gentle smile as he shut the bedroom door behind him.

“Hey, pretty. Heard from Grim that you weren’t doing so hot,” The hyena spoke softly as he made his way to your side, setting down the multiple plastic bags he brought with him on the nightstand. Ruggie raised one of his hands to your face, pressing the back of it to your forehead and cheek. His cool hand brought a euphoric comfort to your burning body, and you couldn’t help but sigh in relief. “Geez, you’re burning up real bad, babe…” 

“Shouldn’t you be in defense magic right now…?” You asked, nuzzling into his hand. At your question, Ruggie let out an offended scoff. 

“How can I focus in class knowing you’re sick in this dump? So I got you some soups and medicine—courtesy of Leona!” He answered, gesturing to the bags on the nightstand with his head. He retracted his hand all while ignoring your pitiful protest. “C’mon, you gotta take some meds. I got you the liquid one since it’ll be easier to swallow,”

“Don’t wanna,” Were you being childish? Absolutely, but Ruggie only snickered at your defiance. He wrapped an arm underneath your shoulders and helped you sit up. Once you got situated, the beastman reached into one of the bags and pulled out the aforementioned medicine. 

“I know, it’s not the best, but the quicker you take it, the quicker you get better,” Ruggie said as he ripped off the plastic and measured out the correct dosage into the little plastic cap. Upon noticing the deep frown settling on your face, the hyena gently shook the medicine with an adorable pout, big round eyes, and droopy ears. Your heart practically melted at Ruggie’s pleading expression and you could feel your stubbornness fade away. “Pretty please?” 

“Ugh! You’re the worst,” You groaned, snatching the cap—though not without a lethargic swat at his arm. Instantly, his lips curled into a smug grin, akin to a cat finally capturing a mouse it���s been hunting after. 

“And yet you fall for it every time,” He cooed while you knocked back the liquid with an exaggerated wince. Your boyfriend only laughed at the contorted expression twisting your face before taking the now empty cap. “Have you eaten yet?”

When you shook your head no, Ruggie stood up to deal with the plastic bags still sitting on your nightstand. They were clearly hefty, and, one by one, Ruggie took out some plastic containers of different soups: Chicken noodle, minestrone, wonton soup, lentil soup, and there were still a few more. Your jaw dropped both at the variety and number, shooting the hyena a bewildered look, where he returned a wicked grin in response.

“Like I said, Leona graciously let me borrow his wallet to buy some breakfast, so I made sure you’re covered for the next few meals. Now, which one do you want?” When you pointed to one of the containers, Ruggie picked it up, popped the lip off, and grabbed one of the many take-out spoons. You had tried to take the soup from him when he sat back on the bed, but he moved the container away from you with a scolding shake of his head. “Nuh-uh, let me take care of you,” 

You rolled your eyes with a resigned sigh, but still opened your mouth. Little by little, Ruggie spoonfed you the soup, being sure to blow on it to make sure it wasn’t scorching for you. So once you had your fill of soup, you leaned back against the headboard and watched Ruggie clean up the mess on the nightstand. Taking the rest of the bags, Ruggie leaned down to press a loving kiss to your still warm temple.

“I’m gonna put the rest of the soups in the fridge. Drink some water, and I’ll be back,” And then he bounded out of the room with his tail wagging, leaving you beaming the glass in your grasp. He was gone for a handful of minutes, but when he was back at your bedside with grabby hands. “Let’s get you in the bath and see if we can break that fever of yours,” 

It was a little bit of a struggle to stand up, seeing as you still felt a bit woozy, but your partner was more than ready to support your weight. He let you lean against his side as he wrapped an arm around your torso. Slowly, the two of you walked out of the bedroom and towards the bathroom. Ruggie helped you sit on the toilet and began filling the bathtub with water.

“You know you don’t have to do this, babe,” You sniffled, watching Ruggie dip his hand in the water to make sure the water was the perfect temp. Ruggie looked over his shoulder to send you a dazzling smile, showing off his fangs in the shoddy bathroom light.

“I know, so that means I want to, yeah?” Sevens, did you adore your scrappy, little hyena. He must’ve seen the love welling up in your eyes cause he let out a delighted laugh before standing up. Once the water levels were high enough, the beastman turned off the faucet and turned to you. “Can’t take a bath with clothes on, can we?”

Ever the helpful boyfriend, Ruggie stepped closer to help you out of your sleepwear. All your articles of clothes slipped off, leaving you completely nude. You stood up with mildly shaky legs, and the beastman helped you slip into the lukewarm bathtub.

“Nice, ain’t it?” Ruggie sat on the bathroom floor and rested his arms on the side of the tub as he watched you sink into the water with a long exhale. You nodded, feeling your warm skin cool down. Another cough rattled in your chest, making you cover your mouth in your damp elbow. At your side, the hyena beastman let out a low hum, his ears flicking at the coarse sound. “I gotta swing by Sam’s to pick up some cough drops for ya,” 

“Do it later,” You said, craning your neck to look at him once the ache in your chest ebbed away. You batted your eyes and pursed your lips into a cute pout, trying your best to look utterly adorable in spite of the cold racking you. “I wanna spend time with you. Pretty please?” 

“Shishishi—Now, who am I to refuse such a cute face?” Ruggie crooned with his signature laugh. He leaned in and nuzzled his nose against your wet neck, earning an affectionate hum from you. 

So just like that, the two of you sat in the bathroom. Ruggie was the one to mostly drive the conversation, but you were more than happy to listen to him. In fact, you were leaning against the side of the tub, peering up at him while he was wetting your hair and lathering it in shampoo. His fingers scratched delicately against your scalp, and it felt really nice to be pampered—and something told you Ruggie was more than happy to assist you in any way, judging by the awfully fond glimmer in his pretty hues.

Once the beastman seemed pleased with his work, he cupped his hands into the water and rinsed all the suds out of your hair. The moment that your hair was clean and all the foam dissipated into the bathwater, Ruggie helped step out of the bathtub. He instantly wrapped a fluffy towel around you, momentarily draining the water, before returning his full attention back to you.

“I still can’t get over how good at this you are,” You muttered as he grabbed another towel to focus on drying your hair. He was careful not to tug on your strands as he gently squeezed your hair between the fabric. In the meantime, you took the towel around your body and began dabbing away at your soaked form. 

“Got a lot of experience helping the kids back home, ya know,” He responded with a small grin. “By the way, granny wants to know when you’re coming back to visit. Said the kids misses you,” 

“Maybe when we have a free weekend, we can visit. I’ll see if Trey can help me make some treats to bring back for them,” You mused, focusing on drying under your arms and chest. Even without looking, you could already imagine how furiously his tail must be wagging at the idea. “Sounds good, Rugs?” 

“Super good!” Ruggie replied instantly and leaned in to nose your warm cheek. Your heart felt incredibly full as he returned to his task with a clearly excited energy surrounding him. 

Within a few minutes, both your hair and body were completely dry. Your partner seemed rather giddy when he checked your forehead to see that the bath had helped lessen your fever. Of course, you still needed rest so Ruggie was quick to help you slip your legs and arms back into your pajamas. It wasn’t until you were finally back in your bed and bundled in the blankets did he finally settle down. 

Well, it was more like you coaxed him to settle down by making grabby hands at him; he had practically lept into your bed at the invitation to cuddle. 

“Thank you, Ruggie,” You said once the beastman had pressed his entire form against you, burying his face into your temple while his arms snaked around your body. In return, you slung your own arm around his waist and tucked your face into his chest.

“Anything for you,” He answered easily. The way the words tumbled out so honestly made your heart skip a beat, and another bout of adoration to swell in you. With the little strength remaining in your sickly self, you gave Ruggie the most loving squeeze you could.

“I love you,” A pleased rumble vibrated through the beastman’s chest as he leaned back to peer down at you. 

“Love you too, pretty,” Ruggie whispered sweetly. The hyena pressed his forehead against yours, making sure to lock eyes with you with utmost sincerity. “Till death do us part,” 

And as if to seal the vow, he bestowed a kiss onto your growing smile.

[khunwriting]

[Pretty Little Baby]

Synopsis: Grim thinks back on how he got to NRC with you next to him.

Genre: Fluff, Hurt/Comfort (?), Songfic: Pretty Little Baby by Connie Francis

Notes: Spoilers for book 1 through 6. Doesn't go into specifics, but it does say who overblots. GN! Yuu! Reader

Pairing: Platonic! Grim x Reader

Grim doesn’t remember where he came from or much about anything from his past. It wasn’t something he liked to dwell on, cause, frankly, it was rather uncomfortable and it made his stomach churn at the little he did remember. 

After all, who would like remembering being all alone, starving, and freezing?

Instead, Grim wants to find something to fill in that gaping void in his memory. And what better way to prove his worth than by being a great mage, and the best way to do that is going to Night Raven College, one of the most prestigious schools for mages! 

So he waits, patiently waiting for the day the black carriage picks him up. Though as days turned into weeks, he can’t help but feel antsy. Perhaps the carriage got lost on the way to him! No matter, Grim the Great can wait. 

Then the weeks turn into months and that bad feeling creeps into his body once more, and he doesn’t feel too good anymore. 

Pretty little baby Pretty little baby

But no matter! He wasn’t going to let that get him down, so he’ll just have to find a way to get to Night Raven College. 

It took a while to figure out how to get to the school. For starters, it was really far away and there was no mirror he could jump through. So he had to physically walk there. It was hard getting anywhere with his small legs, and he found himself getting tired a lot.

Sometimes he tried to ask for directions or for some food, but most people either ignored him or were scared of him. There were more times than not that he had to dig through the garbage or snag some treats when a vendor wasn’t looking to get some food in his belly.

Those days where people caught him in the act and chased after him were the most exhausting. 

It wasn’t too bad though. He could find an occasional car to hitch a ride on, and some days, he’d find some really good food lying about. The canned tuna he grabbed from that little shop in that small town was one of the best finds he had during his journey.

And though it took a very long time, he did find a ferry that took him to Isle of Sages. Slipping off of the ship, he could see the school in the far distance. Grim would never tell a soul about how vision grew watery at the sight. 

Pretty little baby, you say that maybe You'll be thinkin' of me, and try to love me Pretty little baby, I'm hoping that you do Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, yeah

It was rather easy to sneak onto campus, not that he had to sneak in! He was going to be a student after all. Now all he needed was a robe to blend in, and the rest should easily fall into lap. So off he went to find where all the new students were at. 

It was a massive school, and Grim did find himself turned around a few times. Eventually, he found himself in a room full of floating coffins and he knew he had hit the jackpot. Now, all he had to do was pry open one of those bad boys and he’ll be set!

Though he never anticipated meeting you. 

Right out of the gate, you were jumpy and wide-eyed. Almost as if you had no idea what was going on, but Grim didn’t have time for theatrics. Time was ticking and he needed to get the robes that adorned your body. 

Yet you didn’t give in so easily. Instead, you ran and ran until the headmaster, Crowley, caught the both of you and treated him like some random house cat that had gone astray. It was ridiculous and insulting to be treated as such, but the older man was quick to silence him before he had a chance to really lay into him.

Then the whole fiasco at the orientation ceremony happened. All he did was try to show that he deserved to be at that school, but it only ended up getting kicked out of the school and shooed away like some troublesome animal. His stomach started to hurt at this point, and the bad feeling felt worse the moment it started to rain.

So he ran back onto campus cause he wasn’t gonna give up so easily, you know! He’ll find shelter for the night and he’ll continue showing them that he deserves a spot in their classrooms. Just you wait!

You can ask the flowers, I sit for hours Tellin' all the bluebirds, the bill and coo birds Pretty little baby, I'm so in love with you Ooh-ooh-ooh

Though that’s when Grim saw you again in that dingy building outside of the castle. You looked just as surprised as he felt, but he wasn’t going to admit it. You were just a magicless human anyways.

Yet you kept surprising him. You were actually helping him out. When the ghosts came, you told him where to send his spells. When Crowley showed up, you did the same thing again. You convinced the headmaster to let him stay. Granted as a janitor, but that was a work in progress! 

When that jerk of a redhead called the Great Grim a weasel, you were quick to scold him for his rude words—Weirdly, that had left a different feeling in his tummy.

But since meeting that kid, Ace, things spiraled. The Great Sevens statues were scorched, they got assigned to clean windows, Ace tried ditching and with the help of another freshman, Deuce, the chandelier in the cafeteria shattered, and they were on the verge of being expelled. 

By some miracle, Crowley promised them a chance if they found a magestone from the dwarfs’ mine. It seemed like an easy job, but the four of them were quick to find that it wasn’t.

There was a terrifying monster lingering behind, guarding the key thing that kept him at Night Raven College. The monster was big and scary, and it had Grim shivering as it loomed over his small body.

But again, you surprised him. You swept him up, ran out there, and somehow managed to get the two idiots to work together to defeat the monster. Maybe you really were a beast-tamer or whatever Crowley called you. 

Because of what you did, you somehow got all four of them to not get expelled. And most importantly, you managed to make yourself and him actual students enrolled at the school.

Perhaps, it wasn’t so bad to keep you around as a hench-human. 

Now is just the time, while both of us are young Puppy love must have its day Don't you know it's much more fun to love While the heart is young and gay?

You weren’t from this world. That’s what you told the three of them the next day, and it would explain the panic you had the first time Grim met you. He’s quick to push that thought to the back of his mind as his stomach churned at the memory.

You didn’t get a chance to adjust once you became a student. The both of you were thrown into classes right off the bat, and it was awful. As first-years, they don’t give you a lot of chances to use actual magic, not that you could, but it was still incredibly boring.

Despite that, you took everything in stride, even when he tried to run from classes, and soaked up all the new information like a sponge. You were checking out books in the library to learn more about Twisted Wonderland and read it in the little time you found.

Unfortunately, Ace wrapped the two of you in his problems again. Stealing a slice of a tart had landed him with a collar from the Heartslabyul housewarden, Riddle. So many things happened in such a short amount of time, but it ultimately ended up with Riddle overblotting.

That day was terrifying. Blot oozed everywhere like sickly black ink and clung onto the ground where the housewarden stood. His attacks were strong and harsh, nearly hitting Grim a few times. He was lucky you were there to warn him and guide him and everyone else. 

Because of you, they beat Riddle and he went back to normal. And as much as Grim wished it was the last of it, trouble seemed to follow the two of you like a shadow. 

Cause there was another overblot with Leona, the housewarden of Savanaclaw. 

Then, the next overblot was Azul, the housewarden of Octavinelle. 

One more overblot with Jamil, vice-housewarden of Scarabia.

Again. It was Vil, housewarden from Pomefiore.

Yet there you stood, helping everyone by telling them where to send their spells and calling out incoming attacks with each overblot. You never got angry and you didn’t shun anyone out after that. You treated every person you met with kindness, even those who overblotted or those that put you in harm's way. You never blamed them.

You never blamed him. 

You didn’t yell at Grim for signing a contract with Azul to get a good exam score. You didn’t shout when you had to give up Ramshackle to try to set him free. You didn’t scold him when he was exhausted from walking to the oasis and you had to silently scooped him into your arms, even when he was sure you were tired as well. You didn’t chase him away for scratching you after the events of the VDC.

Even after Idia from Ignihyde overblotted and you both went back to the privacy of the broken-down Ramshackle dorm, you didn’t do any of those things.

Instead, you bent down and wrapped your arms around his small body and sobbed. You kept saying things like, “I’m so happy to see you again!” and “I was so worried about you!”

Grim couldn’t help but wept right there with you. And he vowed to try not to make you worry anymore.

Meet me at the car hop or at the pop shop Meet me in the moonlight or in the daylight Pretty little baby, I'm so in love with you

Among those hectic days, you sometimes talked about your home. Sometimes you talked about it at great lengths, telling memories of your previous life or about something that isn’t familiar in Twisted Wonderland. Other times, you sneak in a reference or a word that isn’t in the common language—That especially gets Ace, Deuce, and Epel trying to get you to teach them slang or jokes, most of which goes over Grim’s head.  

Though sometimes, you don’t bring up memories. You don’t bring up funny jokes in your world or neat little facts that could only exist in your world. No, you don’t even speak at these times.

Instead, your world comes out in little songs. The songs you sing vary in style. One moment you could be singing a pop song about partying, then the next a ballad about a loved one. There are few you come back to often as they were your favorites.

He doesn’t know if you notice it, but your voice easily carries out in the broken-down dorm. For example, he could be downstairs, playing with the ghosts and he could hear you singing upstairs as you clean up some of the abandoned rooms in case any guests decide to stay over. 

Funnily enough, there are other students that do take up some rooms. Mostly it is the first years, though other students from the other years come and go. Grim has seen Leona sneak in occasionally and Silver when he can’t quite make his way back to Diasomnia. The nights that the look-alike brothers decide to crash in the dorm for whatever reason makes his fur stand on edge the most though.

But he likes it most when it’s just you, him, and the ghosts. You don’t sing when there’s other people around.

Now is just the time, while both of us are young Puppy love must have its day Don't you know it's much more fun to love While the heart is young and gay?

Luckily, today was one of those days where there was no Ace, no Deuce, no housewarden, no vice-warden or any in between. It was just you, Grim, and the ghosts—And you were singing one of your favorite songs. 

Grim had just finished an assignment from Professor Trein and the smells from the kitchen were wafting up the stairs with your singing accompanying it. His stomach was already grumbling and he caught the scent of tuna in the air. Nearly drooling, Grim bounds out of the bedroom and down the stairs.

Your singing grows louder, your voice bouncing with a cheery lilt. Grim can’t keep the smile off his chubby face as he peeks into the kitchen. The rice cooker has 10 minutes left on the rice, there’s shredded cabbage washed and draining in the sink, there’s a pot of hot soup simmering on the stove, and you have a jar of pickled veggies that are ready to be plated once the food is done. 

In the midst of it all was you, dressed in an apron that Trey gifted to you. You’re standing in front of the stove with a spatula in hand and looking down at a pan of sizzling oil with half-cooked tuna patties you promised to make for Grim. Your mouth moves to form the lyrics and you’re doing a little dance in your spot, never keeping your eyes off the pan. 

Not wanting to hide away anymore, Grim steps into the room and your eyes easily tear away from the stove to meet his gaze. There’s a bright smile adorning your face as you turn to face him while setting down the spatula. He jumps into your open arms and you hug him close to your chest, still singing sweetly.

There, you nuzzle into his furry cheeks, cooing, “Pretty little baby!”

Grim thinks this one is his favorite song too.

Meet me at the car hop or at the pop shop Meet me in the moonlight or in the daylight Pretty little baby, I'm so in love with you Ooh-ooh-ooh

The food was delicious, and, though he ate a lot, you always made sure to make extras in case he wanted more tomorrow. Sometimes, you bring it with you so he could snack on it between classes. Ace says you spoil Grim too much, but you always disagree.

Still, now that it was late and his tummy was full, he was getting really sleepy. But he couldn’t sleep just yet because you always made him brush his teeth thoroughly while you were getting ready for bed. Even though he groans about how tired he was, he waited for you every night. 

Why? He realized he didn’t like sleeping without you since he was by himself at S.T.Y.X.

When you stepped out of the bathroom in pajamas and freshly brushed teeth, Grim was quick to usher you into bed. You only giggled in response, making sure to turn off the light before following him into your shared bed. You slipped underneath the cover, and, like every night, you pulled Grim in and curled him against your body.

“Goodnight, Grim,” You said softly, pressing a kiss against his forehead. With a small purr slipping out without him meaning to, Grim could feel the sleepiness seep into his mind. With your humming a soft lullaby in his ear, he can’t help but snuggle closer to you.

Compared to his quiet and sad life that he lived before…This life in Ramshackle was different. 

Better, he would say. 

Pretty little baby I said pretty little baby Oh, now, pretty little baby

Here, with your arms wrapped around his smaller body, Grim can feel the coldness slip away and turn into warmth.

Here, with your cooking filling his tummy with amazing and piping hot meals, Grim can feel his hunger fade away. 

Here, with you at his side, Grim can feel his loneliness disappear.

He can’t wait for tomorrow to come. 

[khunwriting]

Hello :) I have an Angst/ Comfort writing prompt for the leech twins (if you want, if not, feel free to ignore) (separate please, but Floyd is my personal favorite) with a smaller, very “aware of their surroundings” Fem!Reader (or Gen!Neutral Reader). ((I wanna play into their mafia allegations 🤣)) She has her head on a swivel and it’s usually unconscious from growing up in a shady neighborhood in her world. Can’t sneak up on her. The twins have tried.

Reader has gotten close to the Octavinelle Trio and spends most of her time around them. Enjoying their company and exchanging street smart knowledge with them.

One day, reader and the twins go out on the town together to run some errands for monstro lounge. While out, they stop for lunch at a café.

Out of the corner of Reader’s eye, she sees a familiar glint from the other side of a window and is shouting at the twins to get down! Grabbing them and instinctively covering their heads with her body as the glass explodes. They tumble to the floor for cover as chaos ensues.

Then the twins smell a smell they’re all too familiar with. Blood.

Reader goes limp while still protecting the twins heads, loosing consciousness from the pain. Her back horribly shredded.

The twins work to get their dear friend to safety, and then they go hunting. Turns out the attacker was an enemy of their father.

My questions;

How would the twins punish their attacker?

How would they react to realizing this paranoid little minnow saved them, and maybe realizing their own feelings for reader and it being put into perspective because she got hurt actively saving them from likely a fatal blow?

How would the twins help her heal & would they get possessive/overly protective till either she was healed and they calmed down… if the twins ever did calm down?

[Request: Protector]

Pairing: Floyd Leech x Reader; Jade Leech x Reader (separate)

Notes: Sorry that this took a while! Work has been taking a lot out of me recently, but I finally completed this. :) This was a fun concept, so thank you for sending in a request! I really hope that you enjoy it!

You were a curious little thing. Not only do you not have magic but you’re the only girl attending NRC, a prominent all-boys academy that excelled in magical education. By all means, you were not supposed to be there; in fact, your very presence in Twisted Wonderland was an anomaly. You weren’t born and raised here, no, you came from an entirely different world with no beasts, magic, or merfolk. A completely unassuming place that sounded rather plain in comparison.

Yet everything about you was not. 

While at first glance, you seemed to rather be a jumpy little krill. Your head was constantly swiveling about, always checking over your shoulders and surroundings. One would assume you were looking for someone, but it occurred even in the comfort of your friends. With a bright grin or chuckle, your head would turn with a quick peek over your shoulder and return to the conversation like nothing happened. An odd habit for sure, but you were an odd person in general. 

And the peculiar always piqued Leech brothers’ interest. 

It was interesting, watching you from afar. You were fast on your feet, and the times where you found yourself in a fight—which funnily seemed like every other day—your tiny form would evade magic spells and punches quickly and easily. The way you acted was like a cute, little barrelfish, and the brothers wanted a chance to see it all up close.

And once exams ended and the field of anemones grew plentiful, the twins were pleased to find you stumbling into the Mostro Lounge. The opportunity landed right in front of the greedy eels and they would be fools to not take advantage of it. Granted, the whole situation ended with you temporarily losing your Ramshackle Dorm and Azul to overblot, but it all worked out in their favor because now you approached them! 

Perhaps the traumatic experience made you bond with them because you voluntarily seeked the Octavinelle trio out of your own accord. And if watching you from afar was interesting, having you within reach was abundantly more fascinating.

The three had learned about your life back in your other world, and all your unusual habits became more clear: The swivel of your head was to constantly check around your surroundings, in case someone was prowling in the shadows—which was why the twins always failed to sneak up on you. You were quick because you had to be. It was unfortunate how dire your life was prior, but the tidbits of knowledge you shared with them was…Informative, to put it simply.

And maybe that’s why they were quite content to have you join their little trio. Whether it was walking together in between classes or even keeping them company during the slower nights at Mostro Lounge, they welcomed you with open arms.

So, when Azul needed the eels to gather ingredients in the village for the Mostro Lounge, the Leeches were quick to ask for your presence. Despite the rumors of how cold and callous the student body deemed the eels, you had wormed your way into their hearts. It was safe to say they had become fond of you, whether they anticipated it or not.

The twins were rather eager to spend time with you by window shopping or chatting about the fun things you learned back in your world. You were just so fascinating, and maybe that’s why they were rather pushy on going to that little cafe on the corner for lunch. It was a chance to prolong their time with you.

The tall mers couldn’t help but share a smug look between each other as the host had sat the three of you next to the window. As the host left the table, the three of you started eyeing the menus.

“Man, they sure got a lot here,” Floyd whistled lowly with an arc of his brow. His dual-colored hues flitted across the pages as his tongue peeked from between his sharp rows of teeth.  “What’re you guys gonna get?”

“I’m in the mood for something savory myself. Perhaps a caprese panini with a white tea,” Jade answered shortly afterwards, settling on his meal rather quickly. He placed down his menu to look across the table with a fond smile. “What about you, prefect?”

“I don’t know…” You trailed off with a small sigh. Your lips pursed at the rows of fancy lettering and prettily plated pictures of the food. “They all look good,”

“Ooohhh, can I choose for ya, minnow?” Floyd perked up with a hopeful gleam in his eyes. When you nodded, the eel-mer let out a delighted cackle and sat up straighter. Floyd’s expression shifted into something more focused, eliciting some laughter from both you and his twin. “Let’s see…” 

Floyd began mumbling to himself as his fingers drifted across the page. Jade leaned over to point at a few items, but the taller mer slapped his brother’s hand away with an irritated ‘I’m choosing! Not you!’ Of course, that only made Jade more eager to push Floyd’s buttons. 

With an amused huff, you just put down your menu and started to swivel your head around, to which the twins paid no attention to it. When your head craned to peer outside of the window, you suddenly stiffened up with wide eyes. Noticing the odd action, the twins stopped their banter and eyed you worryingly. 

“Is something—?” Jade never got to finish his question as you suddenly lunged across the table, reaching for both him and his brother. “Get down!” 

You moved faster than they could comprehend. Your arms quickly wrapped around their heads protectively and yanked them both down to the floor as a loud bang filled the once-gentle air. More bangs followed shortly afterwards, mingling with the screams ringing out in the cafe and on the street as the window’s glass shattered. 

Rain consisting of shards poured down on the three of you as you all sprawled out the tiled floor with a harsh smack. The falling glass became embedded into soft flesh, causing the cuts to bubble red and left a coppery scent in the air. 

Laying beside each other, the twins’ minds were jumbled, unable to process what just happened. The weight of your body spread between the two of them, and your shielding arms still coiled around them with a slight tremor. From where the two laid, they could see the slight smile on your face as your gaze flickered between them with relief.

“L-Lil minnow?” Floyd stumbled over his words as he watched your eyelids fall shut and your body went slack. His hand reached out to press against your back, but he immediately stopped upon feeling a wet and sticky liquid coat his hand. Floyd’s hand drew back and both brothers took a sharp inhale at the crimson coating his palm.

“We need to go now!” Jade spoke urgently, unable to hide the concern lacing his tone. In spite of the bangs and yelling still ringing in the air, the two carefully cradled your body between them and shuffled across the floor towards the back of the cafe. Exiting the backdoor, the brothers found themselves in an alleyway. Careful not to be seen, they peered around the corner.

There, in front of the once quaint cafe, were several sleek cars and even more men, donned in fancy looking suits with firearms in their grasp. Slowly, the shooting stopped and left the air with an uncomfortable silence after such a barrage. One of the men gestured to the cafe, and many of the suited men began to make their way towards the building.

“Jade…” Floyd breathed out, tightening his grip on you with a grim expression. From his side, Jade’s face mirrored the same bleak frown.

"I know, but our priority is her," Both casted one meaningful glance at your unconscious form before turning around and sprinted back towards NRC. It's not till you're safe in the nurse's office do they begin their hunt.

Floyd Leech

Floyd knew he liked you far before this incident happened, but knowing that you actively protected him and his beloved brother’s lives has increased his feelings by tenfold. That is not something to take lightly, and he will be forward with his intentions with you going forward.

After finding out the attacker was his father’s enemy, Floyd becomes enraged and wants to deal with them immediately. However, since it’s such a delicate matter, he becomes antsy when told to wait until his father figures out what to do.

In the meantime, he settles for watching over you in the nurse’s office. He’s not good at first aid, so don’t expect much help in that department. However, Floyd will be happy to grab you anything you need. Snacks? Games? One of those hedgehogs they keep at Heartslabyul? Whatever you wish for, you will get. 

Despite the anger swelling inside of him, he’s so gentle with you. He’s carefully brushing strands of hair out of your face, ghosting his fingers against your cheeks, and holding your hand like you’re going to disappear on him.

“I’m gonna get them real good for ya, lil minnow. I promise, so just focus on getting better, ‘kay?”

Upon getting the go ahead from his father, Floyd lets Azul take care of you in the meantime. Unlike the land above, the sea is far more unkind. With Jade at his side, Floyd goes all in. There are no limits and anything goes. He’ll sink his fangs and claws into flesh until the anger in him is soothed.

When he comes back to you, Floyd is all bloody smiles. If you ask, he’ll happily tell you everything he’s done in great detail. He’ll even bring back scales and/or teeth as trophies for you and will also use this as his way of courting you.

Once you are discharged and back on your feet, expect a very protective and clingy eel to accompany you everywhere. Even when it comes to your friends, Floyd will be a lingering presence. He’ll start adopting your habit of looking over your shoulder, and he will always be on lookout whenever you decide to leave the campus for whatever reason

It’ll take time, but he will eventually calm down. Despite taking out the people that hurt you, Floyd is still aware that there are more enemies out there. He knows that you’re already involved with him, so he might as well be by your side to ensure your safety.

“I like you so much, even way before all that stuff happened. I know you can take care of yourself, but you’re my minnow. No matter what, I got your back,”

Jade Leech

Jade was always intrigued by your actions and thoughts, but he thought that was it: Fascination. So when you put your life on the line for him and his beloved brother, it dawns on him how much he truly adores you.

Upon finding out that the attack was due to his father’s adversaries, Jade is livid. He’s already beyond angry that they would go out of their way to go after him and his brother, but his rage deepens now that you become entangled in their family business. But Jade is a patient eel, and when told to wait by his father, he bides his time.

In the meantime, Jade will visit you in the nurse’s office and wait on you on hand and foot. He’s no medic, but he’s handled his fair share of cleaning scrapes and dressing injuries—Mostly due to Floyd getting into his own mishaps. Any minor cuts from the glass he can tend to, but he’ll leave the gashes on your back to the professionals.

Jade will take care of you tenderly and sweetly, whether it's fluffing your pillow or grabbing you water when you appear parched. He is constantly watching and adjusting his actions based on your reactions. And once he deems it alright, he’ll rest his hand on your arm with a remorseful frown and dim hues.

“I apologize for dragging you into this matter…You have my word that we will get them. Even if they try to hide in the deepest depths, they will not get away,”

Once his father gets back to them, Jade entrusts Azul to care for you, though he will be slightly reluctant to leave. However, his anger is quick to return and there is no holding back. With Floyd at his side, Jade will use whatever underhanded tactics necessary until he deems there is retribution worthy of the wounds that litter your back.

It is only when the threat is eliminated that Jade will take a step back and reflect on his relationship with you—more importantly, if he wants to be involved with you any further. Though he does carry strong feelings for you, the fear of you getting injured again looms over him. He does not want to see you bedridden and hurt because of him. 

When he returns, there is a noticeable distant tone and placid smile that he will carry. After you return to full health, Jade will slip away and do his best to keep you at arm’s length. You will have to be the one to approach and assure him, and it will take a lot of effort on your part (and possibly your confession) for him to stick with you once more. 

Jade may appear calm and normal again, but the memories will never go away. He’ll grow more possessive and protective of you, especially when you two are out of campus. He’s hyper aware of his surroundings and double-checking shadows more often. Knowing that his family has more enemies out there, Jade will do his best to make sure you are never hurt under his watch ever again.

“I adore you incredibly so, pearl. I…I don’t want a repeat of that day. I cannot afford to lose you, so do me a favor and stick by my side, if only to soothe my anxiety, dear,”

[khunwriting]

[Insatiable Hunger]

Synopsis: Jade has a deep hunger that can't be sated until he gets his hands on you.

Genre: Dark romance

Notes: Cannibalism, body horror, book 3 & book 4 spoilers, GN! Yuu! Reader

Pairing: Jade Leech x Reader

Jade is very particular about his appearance. He portrays himself as a pleasant, soft-spoken student. Someone polite and courteous. A version of himself that lures the unsuspecting prey into hidden sharp claws and pharyngeal jaws. 

It’s been like this since he was a small elver. Floyd will act as the unpredictable and volatile eel, scaring off weaker merfolk into Jade’s more approachable arms until they realize he’s just as scary as his twin brother, if not worse. 

This notion doesn’t disappear once he enrolls to Night Raven College. Instead, it’s easier. Gone are his sharp claws used for gouging and scratching and gone is his tailfin that was perfect for wrapping around his victims and tightening till they beg for mercy. Now, they are replaced by filed down and rounded nails and two long legs that attribute to his towering height. 

However, there are some things that’s difficult for him to hide. For instance, his sharp teeth didn't completely go away upon his transition from sea to land. It’s a simple fix though. A closed smile will hide away the sharpened points and make him an affable student. 

The other thing—and one of his biggest gripes about being on land—was his insatiable appetite. Back in the Coral Sea, it was important to fill up for one’s survival. After all, you would never know when you’d have to fight for your own life. It was cold and dark in the sea, and if you weren’t careful, one could end up as pieces in someone’s gut. So it was accustomed to feast on straggling fish and pry open clams and scallops to sustain energy. 

Yet the landfolk have such skewed perceptions of eating. It was improper to gorge on large amounts of food or eat till you were overly full. It was considered gluttonous—a sin in the human eyes. The concept of it is incredibly amusing and aggravating. Why bother with niceties and just indulge in your desires? 

In the Coral Sea, it’s kill or be killed. Survival of the fittest. If you want something, then take it.

But no, Jade couldn’t. Instead, he’ll take far less than he would usually eat, a balance of meat, veggies, and carbs. He’ll consume his food, slowly and neatly, and do his best to ignore how his stomach rumbles for more.

After all, Jade must uphold his appearances. As much as he’d love to act like Floyd and be rash and reap the goods for himself, Jade also enjoys the thrill of playing the long game much more. Butter up the fools that are none the wiser. Get them on your side and have them swear fealty before ripping out their jugular with a bloody grin. 

The horrified expression on their faces makes the taste sweeter in the end.

Thus, he has no problem reigning in his twin and following Azul’s plans. The cephalopod never bored them before and he doesn’t seem to be doing it any time soon. 

So off he goes to classes, the courtyard, the library, the garden, or wherever he finds poor, unfortunate souls. A little whisper or perfumed, eloquent words is all that’s needed to coax them into Azul’s greedy tentacles. And it works. Perhaps a little too well because now there’s over 200 pitiful creatures with anemones standing before the three of them in Mostro Lounge. 

It seemed like it was going to be a rather fruitful feast, but then there’s something different. A distinct scent that intermingles with the rest of the meal. 

There stands the magicless human among the field of anemones. Though you don’t wear a colorful appendage on your head, the expression you wear is just as pathetic. You had mindlessly followed your witless friends into the jaws of a beast, and you scuttled away from the sight of fresh blood equally as quick.

How cute. 

The next time Jade saw you was with Floyd. His brother graced you with one of his lovable nicknames when the two of them stood over your lunch table. In that sing-song way he spoke, Floyd said you scurried backwards as if you’re afraid of being someone’s lunch, just like a tiny shrimp. And Jade could see the resemblance. 

You were a delicate little thing—Small and soft, and it looked terribly easy to tear into your skin and draw red. The way you curled into yourself when his gaze honed in on you was utterly endearing. It was like you were trying to make yourself as small as possible, like you weren’t going to make a tasty snack or satisfy the grumbling in his belly. 

And at that point, you would be correct in your assumption. You were easy prey, and that bored him. He hates being bored, you see. So, like a child with a lame toy, Jade brushed you off, threw you Azul’s way, and dusted his hands off the matter. That was that, or so he thought.

Because you did the most curious thing. You demanded that Azul release all students under contract. It was an audacious order from you, the little crustacean that trembled under his stare. Yet even as you shook where you stood, you scrawled your name on the scroll with furrowed brows and an oddly determined glint in your hues. 

And because you signed away your precious abode as collateral, the two eels had to follow you back to Ramshackle Dorm. They watched you pack away what little you had and promptly kicked you off the property. Jade was sure you would sprint away as soon as they basically shoved you out the door, but you dodged his expectations by spinning on your heels with a heated frown. 

“D-Don’t get too comfortable!” You had practically yelled into the night, clutching your small bag to your chest. Your attempt at a glare was feeble, more akin to a northern puffer staring back at him. “I’ll be back!” 

And with that, Jade’s unblinking eyes followed your stomping form as you faded away into the dark. Then and there did his opinion on you changed. You were something more interesting. Something still crude, but with some care and work? 

“Jade, ya got a weird smile on your face, like ya found something real good,” Floyd’s voice swayed in a similar manner as his mood swings did, breaking the eel-mer out of his thoughts. Jade craned his head to meet his brother’s eyes. Floyd’s eyes glowed vibrantly with a hungry glint. Despite his light-hearted tone, there was a blood-curdling grin stretched across Floyd’s lips, baring his teeth in the shoddy lighting. “It’s creepin’ me out. Whatcha thinkin’ bout?” 

“Oya, do I now? I apologize,” Jade replied easily, quickly hiding his aching fangs under his lips once more. He merely walked past his barely taller twin without a second glance, ignoring his brother’s stare. “I was just thinking about what we should have for dinner. Shall we go see what the prefect has in the kitchen?”

That was enough to earn a high-pitched whine from his twin, but Jade ignored it in favor of focusing on the uncomfortable feeling in his abdomen. It felt as if his body was gnawing on itself, stomach acid burning the lining of his walls in hopes of silencing his massive appetite. Though he will have to wait a bit longer. There’s still some work that needs to be done before he can feast. 

Jade believed you were a delicacy to be dressed and properly prepared. 

The first day you tried to go to the museum only solidified his feelings. You and your little group of friends blindly went to the Coral Sea without so much of a plan, and it showed. The surprise etched onto the party’s faces upon seeing their merforms was quite amusing.

Despite the lack of a proper plan, your party still charged at them. It was brash and quite sloppy, but that’s what the brothers anticipated anyways. They knew you weren’t going to get anywhere near the museum, but they might as well play with you to pass the time. 

At first, it was fun to sit on the sidelines, watching Floyd direct your friends’ magic in various directions. The way your faces contorted in frustration and panic was delightful, but, after a while, Jade found himself bored of being a spectator. 

Thus began the hunt.

Of course, Jade knew he was going to outswim every single land-person here—If he wasn’t able to, then Jade wasn’t worth his salt as a mer. So even if they were easy prey, there was still some enjoyment side-sweeping and tackling the rowdy bunch. The reactions he could elicit were entertaining, but yours was particularly sublime.

You were easy to catch, flailing so cutely in your wretched attempt of fleeing from Jade. It took no time for his tailfin to coil around your body, tightening and curling till your ribs creaked and shifted under the pressure. Jade had to hold back a chuckle as your expression twisted in pain. A raspy gasp oozed past your lips and you wiggled so deliciously underneath him. As simple as this little game of predator and prey was, a part of him had wished that you’d put up a better fight than this.

However, you had once again bypassed his expectations. You extended an arm out and dragged your nails across his face. You actually tried clawing at his face. Did it hurt? Absolutely not. Your rounded nails couldn’t scratch through his scales no matter how hard you tried, but the audacity to strike him back made his body flare in heat he had not felt before. 

With a surging hunger, Jade gripped your wrists in his webbed claws and hovered closely to your smaller form with blown out eyes. He would’ve loved to drag one of his talons along your throat and watch your crimson blood bead out just for him to lap it up. Just the thought of the copper splaying across his tongue sent shivers up his spine and he could only imagine how dizzyingly intoxicating the taste would be. 

His grin sharpened while you let out an adorable squeak. You kept shivering under his hold and continued to thrash in his grasp, only succeeding in stirring the predatory blood inside. Jade’s teeth ached with the urge to snap into your sinew, to break your fragile bones between his jaws, and to slurp your bone marrow till it’s clean. 

Before he could even consider the thought any longer, one of your stupid companions, a Heartslabyul card soldier with a spade painted on his face, decided to send a spell his way. Unfortunately, Floyd had been too preoccupied toying with the other three and Jade would rather he didn’t receive a blemish on his impeccable appearance. 

So he lets you go in order to dodge the attack. He watches you clumsily swim towards your friend with a frightened yelp and the freshman maneuvers in front of you, shielding you like a hero in an old fairytale. The view before Jade causes something inside of him to twinge in dismay, but it is overpowered by his hunger pangs.

He was starting to believe that only you would satisfy the void in his belly. 

Even so, you continued to be afraid of him for a long time after. After the events of Azul’s overblot, you were still skittish and jumped at the mere sight of him. On one hand, it pleased his hunter instincts. And on the other hand, it made it difficult to get closer to you. 

Jade had gradually approached you, acting as his normal placid self. With apologies on the tip of his tongue, he would offer to walk you to classes and extend chances of free food and drinks in compensation for “all the troubles they had given you” (though Azul did not need to know about the loss of income on these occasions).

But no matter how many attempts he made, you would never take him up on his proposals. You still leaned away from his taller form and made excuses to scurry away with those froshes at your hips. As much as that frustrated him to no end, Jade Leech was no quitter. He’ll bide his time and keep up his docile appearance as long as he needs to get his hands on you.

Then winter break rolled around, carrying with it Jamil Viper’s overblot and the perfect chance to strike. 

A couple days in, you had voluntarily approached him when you and Grim came crashing into their cafe. Granted, you were trying to run away from those Scarabian students, but it was a chance nonetheless. So with a keen grin and a grumbling stomach, Jade eagerly helped you with the help of his twin and housewarden to handle Scarabia’s business.

Perhaps it was due to the constant exposure to him or you noticed his vigilance to be at your side, but after the break you were more accepting of him. You took him up on his offers and even visited Mostro Lounge on occasions, happily chatting about yourself or inquiring about his own interests. In turn, Jade made sure to leave a fetching seashell or sweet-smelling flower when he served your drink. 

The times that you give him gifts in return truly made his desire for you twist into something bottomless. His hunger was festering, stirring deep inside him that was impossible to ignore. Jade knew he had to do something soon or else his starvation might eat away at his own body, but it wasn’t so easy. The mer knew he couldn’t put things together arbitrarily. You were a delicate matter, and everything must be perfect. 

And what better time to dwell on it than to check on his mushrooms? It took a long time for the hyphae to take root in the rotting log, and he might as well see how well his fungi were faring whilst he concocted a plan. Not to mention, it would be away from everyone—No Azul asking for assistance. No Floyd cooing in his ear. Just tranquility and solitude in the botanical garden; that was enough to put a pleasant step in his gait as he rounded the corner to his project. 

But he hadn’t anticipated seeing you there. 

You were squating in front of his mushrooms. Awe colored your soft features as you peered down at his project. Your eyes shimmered in the same way that sunlight reflected off the water, glittering like tiny jewels. Your lips parted just enough that Jade could see your dull, leveled teeth, reminding him of how you couldn’t tear through muscle and tissue as easily as him. 

The image of you made Jade’s heartbeats deafening. Any noise in the botanical garden was overpowered by the thuds beating in his eardrums. The rapid thumps of his heart pounded against his chest, showing no signs of slowing down. A part of him foolishly thought you must’ve heard it because you suddenly turned your head with a startled expression. It took you a second to recognize him, but when you did, your lips curled into a shy, small smile. 

Something inside Jade cracked. It only took a few strides to reach you, and there was nothing you could do as he grabbed you by the collar and drew you into a glutinous kiss. 

And now, everything was ruined. 

Jade didn’t want to devour you so messily or so hastily. He did plan to dress you up, plate you so elegantly with a matching table setting, and properly take his time with you. But you had to give him that giddy little smile and he couldn’t ignore his starvation any longer.

Easily, Jade finds himself tossing the expensive fork and knife to the side. His blazer and gloves are thrown over his shoulder and his pristine shirt sleeves are haphazardly bunched around his elbows. He doesn’t care about creasing the spotless tablecloth as he kneels on the table, crawling over your delectable body. Saliva pools at the bottom of his mouth while he leans down and sinks his teeth into your collar. He’ll pry open your torso with his elongated talons, shrugging off the strong urge to climb inside and rest within your warm body. 

No, he’ll gorge himself on your viscera instead, grabbing any entrails he can get his webbed hands on. Nothing can be wasted—No offal goes untouched. Copper fills the air and ichor is coating his body like a second skin, dripping down his bare arms and streaking against his once-white button up. His hair is tousled and speckled with red and his cheeks are flushed deeply, but he doesn’t notice. Or more so that he does, but can’t find himself to dwell on it. Not when there’s pretty pieces of you sitting in his belly, dissolving in his stomach acid and providing vital nutrients for him. 

Once everything has been consumed, Jade will reach in and take what he’s been truly craving all along.

Gingerly with pink-tinted eyes and a perverted grin will he finally cradle your heart in his hands. Never once blinking to watch the aortic work of art pulse weakly, blood pooling in his palms. And to finally indulge in his insatiable desire, Jade will lean in and press a loving kiss to your lifeline. Crimson will smear against his lips, but he does not mind. 

When Jade pulls back, he can’t help but feel impossibly smug about how your lips are prettily plump and have a sparkling shine to them. Your eyes don’t carry disgust in them and he can practically see in real time how your hues change into a rose color, reflecting his bloodstained form in your enamoured gaze.

Gone is his carefully crafted facade, now peeled away to reveal the satiated eel underneath, but that is not a bother anymore. 

For who cares about appearances when he finally has your heart all to himself.

[khunwriting]

[Cigarette Break]

Synopsis: While skipping classes, you get a nicotine craving and end up dragging your two best friends with you. 

Genre: Fluff

Pairing: Naughty Busters!Ichiro Yamada x Reader; Naughty Busters!Kuko Harai x Reader

While hanging out with your best friends, the usual nicotine itch that scratched at your throat was kicking back up again, and you were beginning to get antsy as a result. You were pretty vocal about needing a smoke break, and your two skipping buddies were okay with tagging along to the bathroom with you. However, it was usually a trip that you took on your own, so you didn’t quite realize how cramped it would’ve been with two more people in the same stall. 

It was awkward to stand in the tiny stall, and the three of you had to figure out quickly how to situate yourselves comfortably for the next handful of minutes till you got your craving satisfied. But with how you three were…

“You’re taking up so much room! Sit your ass down, Ichiro!” 

“I’m working on it, Kuko! Ugh, you reek, [Name],” “Fuck you, Ichi!”

…It was a surprise you haven’t gotten caught by the teachers.

With that thought in the back of your head, you had to resist the urge to stomp on Ichiro’s foot, his comment shooting a spike of irritation through your veins. With the way he was sitting on the toilet, Ichiro could easily spread his legs and push you into Kuko, who leaned against the stall door. If that were to happen, you were sure that it would’ve only gotten louder and end up with you guys getting caught. So instead, you just shot the taller boy a glare over your shoulder and tried to get comfortable between nearly straddling Ichiro’s leg and pressing yourself against Kuko’s body.

“It’s too fucking cramped!” The red haired monk hissed next to your ear, his warm breath hitting your neck. Peering over at the shorter boy, your eyes met with his narrowed gold ones, looking a tad annoyed. “Do you have to smoke in here!? Couldn’t we do it outside?”

“And get caught smoking on school grounds? Yeah, right,” You barked out with a huff. “Look I’m cool with skipping, but I’m not trying to get expelled. My mom will beat my ass if I get kicked out now,” 

“Yeah, but it’s super uncomfortable. Can’t stretch my legs with you guys in front of me,” Ichiro complained as he let his head lean against the wall behind him. At his words, both you and Kuko craned your head to give him a heated look. 

“Not my fault they make the only bathroom with a window have the smallest stall,” You snapped, jerking your head to motion at the window just above your head. With a strangled groan, your eyes darted between your best friends, scrunching up your nose. “Why are you guys complaining? You wanted to be in here with me!” 

Hearing your words, the two boys stiffened and darted their gazes away from your scowl. You realized you weren’t going to get any answers from them, making you roll your eyes and take your chance to finally get your smoke break.

You reached into your pocket, took out your pack, and placed a single cigarette between your lips. Letting it dangle for a few seconds, you grabbed your lighter, bringing it to your cigarette, not noticing the two pairs of eyes watching your movements. Upon lighting up the end, you took a deep inhale, holding it for a beat, before releasing it into the window above you, careful to not blow it into your friends’ faces. 

Instantly, it felt like that annoying scratch was ebbing away and the tension forming in your chest felt lighter. You couldn’t help the smile that stretched around the cigarette as you continued to inhale the smoke a few more times. Noticing that your usual loud-mouth friends were oddly quiet for once, you took the chance to tilt your head to look at Ichiro.

Said boy was still leaning back in his spot, his hands disappearing into the pockets of his hoodie. Though you don’t miss the way his eyes lingered on your mouth, staring at the cigarette sitting in between your lips. Your eyebrow quirked up in curiosity, taking the stick out of your mouth and extending your arm out to him. 

“You wanna try?” You asked, snapping him out of his thoughts. Ichiro blinked a few times, his gaze darting between your cigarette and your eyes. Then his expression scrunched up and his lips pursed into a frown.

“I’m a minor,” He stated simply, earning a deadpan stare from you, seeing as you both were the same age. 

“C’mon, you can beat up dudes for money, but you can’t smoke a cig?” You snorted, causing Kuko to snicker softly behind you. The boy’s cheek began to tint red and your eyes instantly took note of the rosy hue. Unable to hold back your smirk, you placed your cigarette back between your lips, speaking with a teasing lilt. “You’re so cute, Ichi,”

You turn back to chuckle with Kuko, causing the eldest brother to thrum with embarrassment. Without a second thought, Ichirou shifts his legs forward. His leg knocks into the back of your knees, making you nearly topple into the monk if his hands didn’t dart out to steady your taller form. His hands rested firmly at your sides while your hands shot out to plant next to Kuko’s head. The impact made the stall walls rattle as you tried to steady yourself.

“Shit, shit, sorry!” You apologized, pushing away from the monk’s personal space once you could. Your expression shifted to a vexed glower, turning to snap at the laughing boy. “Man, Ichi, what the hell!”  

Kuko could only watch as you finally stomped on your friend’s foot. Ichiro instantly bit down on his bottom lip to prevent the loud curses from slipping out, and he kneeled over to nurse his hurt foot. Standing over him, you let out another drag from your cigarette, flicking the ashes out the window. You let out a click of your tongue before turning to Kuko, holding out your cigarette.

“What about you, Ku? Wanna try?” Kuko let out a smirk, highly amused how you ignored the daggers Ichiro was sending your way. “I’m a monk. We’re not supposed to indulge in alcohol or drugs,” He shrugged, folding his arms across his chest. You blinked at him with an unimpressed purse of your lips. 

“And you’re not supposed to use violence either,” With your free hand, you began counting off other things. “Or hold money. Or swear. Or treat your elders like shit. Or—” 

“Shut up!” Kuko rasped out, rolling his eyes at your laughter. He reached his hand out, wiggling his fingers in a ‘come hither’ motion. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Hand it over,”

You sent him a cheeky grin and placed the cigarette carefully between his fingers. Kuko stared at the object for a few seconds, not quite sure what to do. He had seen you done multiple times, but never actually attempted himself. He tried to recall the motion of going through the actions in his head and decided to try it himself finally.

Bringing the butt of the cigarette to his lips, Kuko took a deep inhale. Instantly, the smoke filled his mouth and it was all he could taste and smell. It’s nearly nauseating and he can feel tears welling up in his eyes. Unable to hold it back anymore, the monk begins hacking, his throat feeling incredibly irritated now.

“This shit fucking burns!” He spat out in between coughs. Even as you reach over to rub his back, the searing sensation in his chest still lingers. “How do you enjoy this crap?!” 

“It’s ‘cause you sucked it in too hard, too fast, Ku,” You answered with a small, apologetic smile. You took back your cigarette, bringing it close to your lips. “Let me help you out. When I’m done, just hold onto your breath for a sec, okay?”

Kuko nodded slowly, unsure of what you were planning. His gold eyes darted to Ichiro behind you, who peered around your body with a curious stare. But the monk’s attention was taken back to you as your free hand cupped his chin. You gave him a sweet smile and took a light drag of your cigarette. 

Then suddenly, your lips were on him. 

Kuko’s mind went instantly blank, never having felt someone’s lips on his own until now. But he vaguely felt your tongue pushing against his mouth and he unconsciously parted his lips. Then the familiar sensation of smoke filled his mouth, and that’s when he recalled your words.

You pulled away from the monk, watching Kuko follow your instructions. His chest stopped moving and he didn’t look as uncomfortable as he did just a few moments prior. 

“Breathe in normally, then exhale,” You commanded. Kuko did as he was told, and, slowly, white smoke left his lips in light wisps. You grinned widely, patting your friend’s cheek. “Good boy. Better now?”

“Shit still hurts,” He muttered with his chest still burning and his heart hammering against his ribcage.

“Yeah, well you get used to it after a while,” You mused as you gave him back his space. You turned back to look at your other friend, noticing his tinted cheeks and gaping mouth. His eyes were lingering back on your lips, blatantly staring. 

“Wanna try, Ichi?” Ichiro jumped at your voice, pressing his lips together. Your tongue slipped out to lick your bottom lip, amused that his gaze honed in on the action. You waved the small remaining bit of your cigarette, gesturing towards him. “I can do the same to you,”

“I’m a minor…” Ichiro mumbled, his heterochromatic eyes darting anywhere but you and Kuko. You chuckled at his words, trying to muffle the sound with your hand. Even as you did your best to silence the noise, the sound still came out nice to the two within range and they couldn’t help but join in on the laughter. Looking back at this memory in the future, you wished you could relive these small, much simpler times with both of your friends.

But you know you might never get that chance again.

[khunwriting]

[Valentine Gift]

Synopsis: Kuko doesn’t quite understand the hype around Valentine’s Day, but he could change his mind.

Genre: Fluff

Pairing: Kuko Harai x Reader 

Something about Valentine’s Day didn’t seem all that great to Kuko. There wasn’t an issue with the couples expressing their love. It was simply the byproduct of said loving expression that was more or less bothersome.

Walking down the shopping district in the days coming up to the 14th was a nightmare. Seeing all the hearts in various shades of reds and pinks plastered on every shop window quickly became an eyesore, and the ads selling chocolates, flowers, and jewelry were overly abundant and overstaying its welcome. Granted, Kuko is a monk and he did let go of any need for materialistic wants, so maybe the holiday wasn’t exactly meant for someone like him.

But even when he was in high school, Kuko never understood all the buzz surrounding his classmates when the holiday was around the corner. All the girls would be squealing about confessing to their crushes and the guys were just desperate to receive chocolates—it was a rather pitiful sight. Maybe it was because he wasn’t involved in the festivities, but he doubted that it would’ve changed his mind on the topic. 

Still, Valentine’s Day didn’t seem that great. In fact, it became a pain in the ass for him, especially when it came to his duties at the temple. 

He’s forced to stand at the entrance of the temple with a broom, gathering up all the fallen leaves and dirt that all the visitors keep trekking in. And no matter how many times he gathers them into a pile, some shitty person will just create a different mess elsewhere in the temple. It was a constant cycle of messes, all while hearing the young high schoolers rush in with their friends, chatting and giggling so loudly. It isn’t hard to see the intent behind their wishes as they throw a coin into the donation box and make a quick prayer, and Kuko can’t help but irritably note that’s not how it works. 

And it’s barely over his heated grumblings that he almost missed your footsteps trailing his way. His sweeping motions immediately stop upon seeing you bound up to him, smiling brightly with two bags in your hands. Kuko’s unable to hide the grin that stretches across his face as you come within a few feet of him.

“Hey, Kuko! I’m surprised you’re doing chores now. Is your dad making you do it?” You mused, eyeing the old broom sitting in the monk’s grasp. At your words, Kuko’s face fell, pursing his lips into a pout. “Yeah, the old man is making me sweep ‘cause of all the visitors recently,” The red head monk grumbled with a click of his tongue. Hearing his words, you blinked a few times.

“Visitors?” 

Kuko grunted in response, jabbing a thumb towards the temple. You peered around his body and could see a small gathering surrounding the donation box. The high schoolers’ voices drifted towards your location several feet away, and you nodded in understanding.

“It’s a pain in the ass. They’re acting like Buddha supposed to grant them a damn date if they start praying. That’s not how shit works!” Kuko scoffed. You listened to the monk complain about how the high schoolers were crowding and making too much noise—though you argue that you’ve heard Kuko yell louder any other day. Still, you kept your mouth shut and nodded along to the red head as he finally ended his rant by reciting one of Buddha’s quotes. “‘Should a seeker not find a companion who is better or equal, let them resolutely pursue a solitary course’,”

“Ah, thank you, Buddha,” You smiled simply, pressing your palms together with a slight bow of your head. After a moment, you glanced up at your companion and let out a snicker at the monk’s deadpan expression.

“Shut up, brat,” Kuko huffed, reaching over to flick your forehead. As you let out a light whine, Kuko took a step back to examine you. “What are you doing here anyways? You look like you’re about to go on a date,” 

Kuko wasn’t even attempting to hide his blatant gaze raking up and down your body. Though your outfit wasn’t too fancy, you did attempt to dress nicer than usual, choosing to wear nice jeans and a plain white sweater. You had on a light layer of makeup and even had your hair in a cute style, different from what you usually wore. The monk let out a low hum, his eyes trailing back up to meet your gaze.

“You look really cute,” He drawled, flashing his fangs. From his spot, he could see your cheeks turn a pretty shade of red and he could feel his heart swell with pride. “Should I be worried about another guy?”

“Well, I’m not exactly taken currently, y’know,” You retorted with a sly grin of your own. You tilted your head to the side, not backing away from the monk’s heated gaze. “Would it be so bad if someone wanted to take me out?”

While you and Kuko never pointed it out, there was an obvious attraction between the two of you. For whatever reason no one wanted to address the elephant in the room, yet you two remained close. Neither of you could call it friends—as friends typically don’t go on dates with his arm around you or with your lips pressed against his cheek—but you didn’t have a title either. So, it became a test, flirting with each other just to see if the other was going to break first and confess.

And Kuko wasn’t planning on losing the game.

“As if someone could handle your ass,” Kuko snickered, leaning his cheek against the end of the broom in his hands. You gasped playfully, swatting the monk’s shoulder lightly.

“Rude. I can get a boyfriend any time I want,” You scoffed, rolling your eyes. Kuko’s expression lit up and his golden eyes glinted mischievously.

“Go ahead then, confess,” The monk ushered as he waved his hand to you. “‘To those that speaks or acts forthright on their truth, happiness will follow like a never-departing shadow’,”

“You definitely made that up, lying monk,” This only elicited a cackle from Kuko, which only made the smile on your face grow wider. Shaking your head, you continued speaking with a softer tone. “But fine, I actually came to see you,”

And while you didn’t want to be the first to confess, you did want to do something special for the day. Extending your hand, a decently sized red and white bag dangled from your hand. 

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Kuko!” Just like that, a shit eating grin stretched across Kuko’s lips.

“For me? I thought girls give shit to the guys they like,” He spoke in a teasing lilt. Despite his mean tone, Kuko dropped the temple broom without a second thought, causing it to clamor onto the ground in favor of taking the bag from you.

“There’s such things as obligatory gifts too,” You countered, relishing in the way the monk eagerly shook the bag, trying to gauge what was inside. It made your heart thud a little too quickly and your cheeks hurt from your wide smiles. “Just open it already,”

Not needing to be told twice, Kuko dug his hand into the bag, sifting through the pieces of white tissue paper. His fingers ghosted the edges of an object and he fished it out from the paper bag. It was a pink box with a lacy white ribbon wrapped around it, sitting just a little bigger than his hands. Without hesitation, the red haired monk undid the ribbon and opened the cover. His face could’ve split in two with how wide his grin had grown as he drank in the sight of the box’s contents. 

Inside, a few rows of chocolates sat neat and delectable. The treats weren’t completely uniform and it was clear that they were homemade, based on the imperfections, but it was obvious that a lot of care was put into each piece. That thought alone had a surge of glee rushing through Kuko’s veins.

“Damn, you must really like me to make these from scratch,” Kuko whistled, eyeing the little chocolates that sat neatly in the box. He plucked one of the chocolates and popped it into his mouth, humming in delight as the semi-sweet treat melted on his tongue. “Nope, you’re just the test subject for when the real deal comes around,” You couldn’t help but tease, earning a mild glare your way. Laughing off the look, you pointed to the bag that still hung from his hands. “But that’s not all, there’s something underneath the box,”

Kuko quirked an eyebrow at the statement but closed the chocolate box shut. Setting the box back into the bag, he reached underneath it to feel soft fabric. Confusion colored his expression as he pulled the item out, only for his face to morph into exasperation. 

“Hey! This is my old jacket! I knew you took it!” He hissed, holding it up to his face. Clicking his tongue, the monk reached over to tug on your cheek, pulling with a frown. 

“Let me explain, you jerk!” You whined, swatting his hand away. You took a deep inhale, holding it for a second, before continuing with a deliberate drawl.  “So, your jackets are like…Super comfortable,” 

“Yeah, I know. You’re always stealing my stuff,”

“I know! So to combat that I went to get your jacket tailored!” You laughed at Kuko’s blank stare. “What I mean, is I commissioned someone to get your jacket made again,”

It was then that you finally acknowledged the other bag you had been carrying around. You dropped it onto the ground and bent over to rummage through it. Not a moment later did you pull out his bomber jacket. 

Well, not quite his. The bomber jacket was still the same design as his, but it was more attuned to his current one than the one he wore a few years ago. The gold shachihoko and lightning bolts were embroidered on the chest, and all the blue sections of his current bomber were changed to black, making the bomber jacket look slicker. 

“You can have your old one back since this one is mine!” You said, slipping on the bomber jacket. Despite the alterations, the measurements were clearly still the same as you were practically swimming in the fabric. You looked up to him, raising your arms in the air with a light cheer. “So, we can match now!” 

And there it was.

Three damn words. 

Those three words were on the tip of his tongue, and if he didn’t have any better self-control, Kuko was sure he would’ve lost the unspoken game. But looking at you twirling around in the jacket made him think that it would’ve been okay if he did say it. Still, he’d like to hear those words from your lips first.

Perhaps, he could understand the appeal of Valentine’s Day just a little bit better. And based on how fast his heart is beating now and how hot his face feels, he’ll be sure to return the favor tenfold on White Day and make you cave in first.

[khunwriting]

[Company]

Synopsis: Your heart beats for someone who cares for another.

Genre: Angst

Pairing: Hero x Serena; Erik x Reader

“Have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?”

It was just a side quest to help out Rodrigo Briscoletti with defeating some monsters that casted a curse on him and his family. A little task that gave the party a break from the weight of saving the world while still doing some good. And Eleven was never one to turn down a person in help, and that’s what made him oh so endearing. Always kind and considerate of the people around him.

“Will you honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?”

Once they lifted the curse, of course Rodrigo asked if the party could assist with setting up the wedding. With Eleven being as he is, he happily accepted the additional task. And what other way then to help rehearse the ceremony with Eleven acting as a stand in groom. All he had to do was choose a blushing bride to act as his counterpart. It didn’t matter who it was as it was just a placeholder for the real engaged couple. It wasn’t like Eleven was going to actually get married to whoever he chose.

“I, Eleven, take you, Serena, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life,”

Yet why did it hurt so much watching Eleven stand at the altar with Serena?

You watched with blank eyes, taking in every single detail of the mock ceremony from the furthest wall away from the happy couple. Despite the ceremony not holding any true weight, you couldn’t miss the shy glances or rosy cheeks the pair held as they repeated Rodrigo’s words. To anyone witnessing the rehearsal, it was sweet and romantic—everything you’d want from a wedding. 

But to you, it was absolutely sickening. The ugly emotions brewing in your stomach nearly made you want to slip out of the room and run outside of the mansion to get away from the awful scene. If it wasn’t for Sylvando’s worried glances sent your way, you were sure she would’ve booked it when the whole ordeal had started.

It wasn’t fair. It’s not like you chose to fall for the ever sweet and handsome Luminary. He was the one who had shown you genuine kindness from the moment you two met. He was the one who listened to all of your woes and comforted you in your vulnerable moments.

It wasn’t fair, but it wasn’t like it was his fault either. Serena was bubbly and optimistic in the ways that you knew you weren’t. It wasn’t hard to like Serena and it’s easy to see why anyone would fall for her. It was simple; much like how you didn’t choose to fall for the Luminary. It just happened. 

“In the name of the Yggdrasil take and wear this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness,”

Still, it was too hard to watch. Your eyes were quick to slide to the floor once Eleven held the wedding band between his calloused fingers. You could hear the Luminary shuffle closer to the healer and it stung when he spoke with such a soft, adoring tone. Loving words never meant for you. 

For a moment, you were distracted as another body had settled right beside you. Their shoulder brushed against your own and the familiar scent of pine filled your nose, and you immediately knew who the newcomer was. Your eyes trailed from your dirty boots to look into a pair of blue eyes already staring back at you.

“I, Serena, take you, Eleven, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life,”

There Erik stood, his head leaning back against the wall as he just stared at you with silent regard. His half-lidded eyes were ever knowing and his lips had long tilted into a lopsided smirk. Erik looked as handsome as ever. Though you didn’t miss the underlying pain seeping into his beautiful blue hues—the same kind of anguish that mirrored her own heartbreak. Because, of course, you weren’t the only one affected by the stupid rehearsal. 

After all, misery loves company.

“In the name of the Yggdrasil take and wear this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness,”

It wasn't fair. It’s not like Erik chose to fall for the ever sweet and pretty mage. It was easy to like her. Simple really. But then the like turned into something more yet completely unobtainable. He couldn’t do that to his best friend, who timidly shared that he was in love with Serena all that time ago. No, Erik couldn’t backstab his partner like that. 

So here he stands, wallowing in self-pity with someone who shares his pain. Just knowing that someone else is bitter about the whole ordeal was enough to bring slight comfort to the thief. 

But it wasn’t enough to drown out the ceremony completely. No, he still was aware of the giant smile on their faces once Serena slipped the wedding band onto Eleven's finger. So, instead, he kept his gaze set on you. 

Beautiful and somber where you stood. Always realistic in the way you thought about everything, making you both a valuable companion yet hard to approach at times due to your standoff nature. Though, that’s what Erik enjoyed about your company. You were never one to linger on hopes and dreams as the weight of the world had a more prominent focus than your own desires. You were selfless and kind in that aspect. 

And Erik couldn’t help but wonder if he’d been better off falling for you instead of Serena. Maybe if you two met sooner, would things have been different? However, that’s just wistful thinking. Erik is no Eleven and you were no Serena. One can’t just force a role onto someone who was never meant to fit it. 

But couldn’t they try?

Erik wondered as his eyes drifted to his companion’s lips. The movement didn’t escape your eyes, but you also made no attempt to move away. Youjust tilted your head towards him as the thief leaned in closer. 

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride,”

Slowly, your eyes fluttered close, pressing your lips fervently against each other for some desperate comfort. And in that moment, you wished it was Eleven you were kissing. And, in the same manner, Erik wished it was Serena instead. 

Oh, how misery loves company.

[donoteatwingsoutapussy]

Crying

[Visions of You]

Synopsis: Jade knew that he was going to have a land wedding when he first met you.

Genre: Angst

Pairing: Jade Leech x Reader

Weddings on land were vastly different compared to those of the sea. They were more extravagant and costly, but Jade knew he would eventually have a land wedding when he met you back at NRC. 

You, the little human from a world completely different to that of Twisted Wonderland. 

You, the magicless student that stayed in that dinky Ramshackle dorm during your school years.

You, the prefect who approached him after Azul’s overblot with a beaming smile and curious gaze. 

You, the one that took his shielded, beating heart and carried it gently in your loving hands.

Jade knew you were the one for him since that day. It was just a matter of how he should play his cards to make you fall in love with him, and the eel-mer would gleefully boast about how quick it was for you to fall for his charms. Though, you often joked that you would’ve fallen for him sooner if he didn’t kick you out of your dorm or harass your friends within your first few meetings—To which Jade sniffles with crocodile tears and begs you to forget about his barbaric actions. You always rolled your eyes at his jests, but he could still see the cute smile you poorly hid.

When the two of you started dating, it just felt right. It was as if two puzzle pieces slotted perfectly together, like a match made in heaven. You both complemented and balanced each other out, and even your skeptical friends warmed up to the relationship just as easily as his side did. You got along swimmingly with Azul, his parents absolutely adored you, and, more importantly (if Jade was being honest), Floyd had long accepted you as his new sibling-in-law; his family beyond elated upon hearing the news that Jade wanted a future with you. 

So, it took little time for Jade, a sudden romantic in his blooming relationship, to question the details of your wedding day. What color suit would he wear? Should he use that glittery eye makeup and have his hair done the same way as that one wedding you both attended in Sunshine Lands? What kind of makeup would you put on? What sort of hairstyle would you don? 

Oh, what would you wear? 

Just the thought of you dolled up on their wedding day was enough for Jade to collapse onto his bed with a dreamy sigh. Floyd was always sure to throw a pillow with expert precision at his head paired with a playfully disgusted groan.

His twin’s actions never stopped the daydreams that flitted about in his mind throughout his day. Even in class, he’d imagine himself standing across from you. His usual close-lipped smile would be replaced with a toothy grin as he celebrated their nuptials with friends and family, basking in the day in blissful euphoria.

Even when he's struggling on his broom during PE, Jade imagines how your cheeks would turn red as he dipped you low to grace his lips with yours before the officiant even finished the pronouncement that the husband (him!) could kiss you.

Even when he's carrying a tray full of dishes to a table during his shift, he imagines what the reception would be like. Jade was certain that you’d be swept up in a dance with his beloved twin before Floyd inevitably decided it was the groom’s turn to be spun around.

Needless to say, Jade was overly eager for his wedding day to come. 

Yet, as he stood at the altar, staring into the same colored eyes as yours were, Jade couldn’t find himself sharing the same love that reflected back at himself so brightly. Even as he stood across from his soon to be spouse, he envisioned it was you standing there instead.

The person in front of him had some similar features to you, same color hair and eyes though not as appealing. The skin tone was close, but blemishes you had were not in the same spots. Their eye shape and nose were comparable, but your lips were completely different. Unfortunately, he’ll take what he could get, even if it was barely enough to pretend that it was you. 

You both had broken up. Though, was it really a break up if neither of you ever said those words? Regardless, you were no longer with him, despite the tender love you both cultivated and nurtured throughout the years at NRC. Now that love, though still persisting in his heart, has wilted from your missing presence.

Unable to handle the aching void where you had once filled, Jade was forced to find something else to get rid of that gnawing emptiness. And the best stands across from him, a human that looked slightly like you with vaguely parallel mannerisms. They should’ve eased the pain, but it just feels like two puzzle pieces forced together, scraping at the edges and disfiguring the original shapes in the process.

It feels wrong. 

In fact, everything feels revoltingly wrong. Jade’s stomach churns and the disgusting feeling of his own suit and human flesh makes him want to scream. He wants to peel everything off, clawing deep streaks into his body. He wants to destroy the hideous altar beside him, break every expensive chair and table in sight, shred those ugly, stupid flowers till they crumple into the sand beneath his shoes. He wants to disappear back into the comfort of the Coral Sea and hide away in a dark cove with his brother at his side. 

But he can’t, so Jade forces the rising bile and deep rage back to the little caged box where his fractured heart sits next to the love and memories of you.

Instead, he’ll stand there, neat and gentlemanly as he always was. He’ll repeat the vows he doesn’t mean. He’ll slip the ring that was supposed to be yours onto somebody else's finger. He’ll lean in and kiss lips that make stomach acid crawl up his throat. Then he’ll walk down the aisle with his newly married partner, ignoring the grieving frowns his parents and Azul carry and opting to stare at his brother, who sat between his father and Azul, instead.

Floyd still doesn’t look at him, and that hurts more than Jade would like to admit. 

He knew his family wasn’t happy, but what could he do? It wasn’t like you were going to suddenly appear before them and demand the ceremony be stopped. You weren’t going to steal him away from this offensive wedding, grabbing his hand and running away like those silly dramas he used to watch with you. As much as he would’ve loved to see that happen, it wouldn’t. 

After all, nobody has seen you in years, not since his final year of NRC. You had up and disappeared with no goodbyes. Not to your friends. Not to Grim. Not to him. He was forced to hear that you returned back to your world by Crowley of all people. 

The headmage had been suspiciously tight-lipped about how he had returned you back home, and Jade was convinced that you were pushed into the mirror by Crowley—He was sure of it! You loved him as much as he loved you. You wouldn’t just leave him behind…Right?—Alas, there was no proof and no amount of tears shed will let you return. Not to mention, the decade-long research stint has continuously turned up empty and there’s only so many failures Jade could withstand. The day he gave up looking for you had led to the biggest fight Jade and Floyd had in their lifetime.

But again, Jade couldn’t take the pain anymore. He couldn’t stand waking up to a cold bed and wet tears every morning. He couldn’t go through his daily life by himself when everything reminded him of you. Since that day, you had left him alone. That day, his heart shattered into millions of pieces in front of that damn mirror with only recollections and once-vivid visions of your shared future as keepsakes from his time with you. 

Because he had given you his shielded, beating heart, Jade was forced to pick up each cracked piece with bleeding fingers and hoarse sobs. He was forced to reassemble as a broken man. He was forced to find comfort in another’s embrace with your name still filling his lungs and soul. Because you won’t come back, no matter how much he cries or begs. 

No, he’ll remain stuck in this loveless marriage on land because it reminded Jade of what could’ve been if you stayed home with him.