#briefly: azul ashengrotto

[violenteconomics]

I am in dire need of more of that AU that The First years get The upperclassmen toxic traits,i realy want more of It,like;

A way to include octavinelle and scarabia,maybe like,3 First years(Ace,deuce,Jack) get some of azul's toxic traits,other Three(epel,ortho and sebek) get Jamil toxic traits and yuu get both

Second thing

More reactings please,i NEED The staff,ALL The dorms and even the relatives seeing The First years developing those toxic traits,the overblots+Trey and cater for deuce getting their toxic traits right back at their face i beg you🙏🙏

anything 4 u, baby.

(but for real, though, this is an AMAZING idea, love you so much for tilling the ground for my brainwormies, mwah mwah 😘)

(also, this might get REALLY long, so hang tight!)

it was just a seed at first — a tiny idea that stuck around despite the first-years not even realizing it was there. but as the poison from their actual housewardens starts to develop into something truly deadly, so does that seed. it shows up later... but it makes itself known nevertheless.

ace, deuce, and jack have all worked for azul at the mostro lounge at one point, and though it was a very brief moment in time, it was just long enough to worm its way into their heads.

it starts with ace trappola, who's already pretty slippery with his words. but working at the mostro lounge, taking subconscious note of all the underhanded deals azul is making, he starts to pick up new... skills, let's say.

it starts small, with ace starting to give out certain favors to his fellow freshmen to earn some money. if you give him ten thaumarks, he'll do one of your everyday chores for you — dusting your room, cleaning your bathroom, making dinner, what have you. if you give him fifteen thaumarks, he'll do your homework if you don't feel like doing it, or take class notes for you if you don't feel like showing up. if you give him forty, he'll help you with something less-than-moral and definitely against the rules (he did it once back at the atlantica memorial museum — he can do it again).

there's an obvious power imbalance in all of these scenarios, but ace effortlessly words in a way that makes it seem like it's a win-win situation, when in reality, it's more like a zero-sum game.

it gets to the point where ace builds a black-market sort of reputation, and all of the freshmen know that if you need something done, ace is the person to go to.

...but then, something shifts.

at some point, ace starts a black-mailing campaign for the people who paid for the forty-thaumark favor. if you don't want your secret — one that might get you expelled, suspended, or worse — getting out, then you can pay for ace's silence with a favor or more money.

the worst part is: there's no way out. if you try attacking ace, it'll seem like you assaulted him for no reason, since if you try to explain he was blackmailing you, you'll have to tell them what he was blackmailing you with, which you obviously can't do — or else what was even the point? the same rule applies if you try tattling on him to one of the teachers or the housewardens or anybody else. and ace is a better liar than most people will ever be in their lifetime, so it's a losing battle even if you do manage to get someone to take your side.

so if you want to cross the bridge, my sweet, you've got to pay the toll.

(it's not even about the money anymore, really. riddle's thirst for control and azul's desire for recognition have clashed inside of ace in the most violent way, and now, it's all about the power it gives him over other people. and after how powerless he's felt this entire school year, being thrown left and right by overblot after overblot with no say at all, this is a power trip he never wants to come back down from.)

but ace realizes he's making quite a few enemies with his little money-making strategy, and he needs someone to help him just in case someone does come up with a plan to wipe him out. i mean, just look at azul — even with all of the loopholes and leverages in the world, even he was taken down eventually without outside help. if he wants this to last as long as possible, he needs... incentive for people to listen to him.

his own jade and floyd.

his own red-and-black collar.

using his riddle rosehearts-born dominance, and taking advantage of deuce's trey-and-cater-born passiveness, ace convinces deuce spade — one of the strongest people he knows — to help him in his economic ventures.

and deuce, seeing this as a way for ace to vent some frustration and unwilling to be on the other end of ace's ire, hesitantly agrees.

he doesn't piece together that ace is acting suspiciously like azul, but he still recognizes his own role in this whole scheme. ace is running a business, right? and deuce has only ever worked in one business before. he remembers what jade and floyd were like back when he worked under them, and so he uses that experience to inform his new position.

deuce becomes known as ace's right-hand man. he'll hunt you down if you don't pay, and he's not afraid to use force to "compel" you to. there have been stories about cat beastmen getting thrown up into trees and being left there for hours. about students getting forks "accidentally" thrown at them in the cafeteria with such precision, it doesn't really feel like an accident. about a student with a spade on his face who can throw back any attack sent his way with just as much force.

and there's nothing you can do about it, because he's in service to someone who has made himself pretty powerful. ace's silver-tongue gets deuce out of any and all trouble he inevitably finds himself in — and is ace is so brutally honest, why wouldn't people believe him? so even if you try to do something to deuce, ace has his back no matter what — and he'll win almost every time.

you mess with deuce, you mess with ace, which is already bad enough. but if you fuck around with ace, you better be prepared to find out with deuce.

they're a pair — that's always been true. but never before has that fact been so threatening.

jack howl comes next. we all know how much jack despises octavinelle's business model. but, begrudgingly, he will admit there are a lot of things he can learn from octavinelle. and more knowledge is never bad. as long as he doesn't actually use it, it should be fine.

(jack is more dangerous than ace and deuce, in a way — his toxicity is insidious in a way it just couldn't ever be with them.)

with excellent hearing, eyesight, and memory, he silently keeps note of every bribe he hears being taken. every lie he knows is being told. every mistake that gets swept under the rug. it's not long before he starts actively looking for it. it's not long before jack's uncovered dirt on almost every freshmen in school. it reminds him a bit of his time working at the mostro lounge. but instead of memorizing orders from customers, he's memorizing all their dirty secrets.

it's to protect himself, jack reasons. after all, it was only his input that put a stop to leona and ruggie's plans back during the spelldrive exhibition. he's just... preparing for another disastrous event, that's all. it's just precaution. insurance.

if it's not, then he'll have to accept that leona's overblot bothered him more than he thought. that he was weak enough to let it.

(and jack can't face that yet.)

and if, once in a while, ace comes to him looking for a little bit of information, then well, that's just lending a friend some advice. nothing wrong with that.

epel, ortho, and sebek don't have any direct ties to jamil, but they are certainly... impressionable, aren't they?

sebek zigvolt is a bit dense, certainly, but even he can see how well jamil takes care of his master. and with a master that's as ditzy and forgetful and all-over-the-place as kalim, that can't be easy. even if they are merely humans, and their experiences can't even begin to compare when it comes to serving a fae prince, sebek reckons that he can learn a thing or two by observing them. so that's exactly what he does.

one day, when kalim spills food on the floor in a hilariously ridiculous move, sebek notices something few others ever would. jamil gives the tiniest twitch of annoyance — the same way silver, in all his stoicism, often does when sebek gets too loud — but then he's back to being perfectly dutiful and polite and says "i'll go get a napkin."

it's... admirable, honestly. sebek doesn't put it into practice right away, but it stays in his mind long after he first sees it.

and then, after malleus's overblot, sebek's emotions feel like they're on fire. after being stuck in a world where it took just the tiniest crack to shatter a perfect illusion, he's wary of nearly everything that disrupts his day. now every single slight against him, no matter how unintentional it may be, feels like a personal attack on his very life. but sebek can't show these ugly emotions so outwardly — that would be dishonorable behavior that could damage malleus's reputation. instead, he resorts to subtle methods that can't be easily traced back to him like putting in frogs in schoolbags and setting brooms on fire or replacing shampoo bottles with tar.

but his repressed feelings of anger start to build to the point where he's now feeling unprecedented resentment towards... well, almost everybody.

when sebek has very first negative thought about malleus in history class — "reckless bastard" — he instantly hates himself for it and throws up then and there because how dare he.

he tries to shut them out, but the more he does, the more these intrusive thoughts start to bombard him with their uncharacteristic cynicism.

he looks at lilia from across the breakfast table, and his first thought is: heartless liar.

he spots leona lying in the botanical garden and he thinks: brainless cretin.

he even sees jamil, walking through the halls, and his mind screams: manipulative bitch.

but sebek shoves it all down because he's in no position to say that. it gets to the point where he's walking around as a silent, unfeeling husk, because to be anything else would be like inviting his inner demons to visit him on the outside. he pushes his emotions down as far as they'll go, and that's just going to have to be enough to get him through the day.

ortho shroud begins to follow a similar principle. his idia-inspired pessimism has led ortho to see others as less like people and more like characters. it's easier to think of every school day as a dungeon in an rpg. it's easier to convince himself that the other students are taunting him because they're programmed to be that way than face the reality that they just don't like him.

but the problem with seeing life as a video game is that you start seeing others as just ways to complete your objectives. like npcs or maps.

and when it comes to using people, jamil viper is king. or, for ortho's purposes, the ultimate survival guide.

ortho shapes himself into a model night raven college student — kind, charming, and sweet for the teachers, but just mischievous and rude enough to still fit in with the students.

he goes to housewarden meetings with idia to "gain leadership experience", taking notes and hearing out of every single little idea he can get his hands on (these are the people who have not just survived, but thrived. they must be doing something right). one time, riddle even pats his head and praises him for his proactiveness.

his classmates adore him for always been willing to help and being so calm about even the worst outcomes.

ortho makes himself as available as possible to the rest of ignihyde, brushing off homework or studying to help them with whatever they need — fixing game consoles, wiring in controllers, checking the internet connection, et cetera.

eventually, everyone believes in him almost as fiercely as scarabia believed in jamil, once upon a time.

ortho doesn't like telling all of these lies, but it's necessary to protect himself. it's like grinding to earn coins until you have enough money to buy that special armor in the shopkeeper's store.

...or maybe it's more like those cheesy dress-up flash games ortho used to play all the time — fleshing out the perfect outfit and hairstyle and makeup that'll earn you the most points.

if people feel like they need him, he'll be able to breeze through school without any more problems. he's put the whole system on easy mode! it feels a bit like cheating, almost.

it is like a game, isn't it? it's fun.

(at some point, ortho forgets how to stop.)

as for epel... well, he knows that his sudden snappish behavior towards the other pomefiore students won't go unnoticed for too long. but this is one of his only ways of venting, so he needs it to go under the radar long enough for him to... to squeeze out all of this sudden venom that's built up in him.

epel's not oblivious. he knows how sebek and ortho have changed over the weeks, and he knows why. but epel can't pull off "repressed" like sebek, and neither can he suddenly turn into the best person ever like ortho. but they do have the right idea about taking inspiration from jamil, so epel can fall back on what there is left: gaslighting.

every time kalim blacked out, jamil blamed it on him being sick. every time someone thought kalim was being awfully uncharacteristic, jamil called it a "mood swing". every time someone asked jamil about why kalim was acting so weird, jamil claimed ignorance.

at least, that's what yuu tells epel.

and it's perfect.

so now, every time someone confronts epel about his overly critical behavior, he lies and says he's doing it for their own good. you need pressure to make a diamond, after all. and besides — vil won't settle for anything less than absolutely perfect.

("i'm just trying to catch your mistakes before he does. and i think you and i can both agree that i'm a lot nicer than he is about it.")

every time vil confronts epel about all of the complaints he's been hearing from the other students about how epel's been tearing down their ideas for outfits and hairstyles with no mercy, and disregarding all of their achievements as "not good enough" to be proud over, epel dons a confused face.

("vil, between studying for tests and the crazy physical regiment you have me do, i barely have time for myself. you honestly think i have the energy to criticize other people?")

epel even starts turning people against each other so they won't focus on him. epel subtly threatens to take away the upperclassmen's position in the hierarchy, which sets up the other underclassmen as a threat, and epel grouses to the underclassmen that the upperclassmen look down on them for not living up to pomefiore standards, under the guise of regular teenage bitching.

but all of this, combined with their self-entitlement, leads to a mini-war in pomefiore. but since this is, well, pomefiore, where being perfect and poised is the standard, the others make sure never make it obvious in front of vil or rook.

epel plays everybody like a fiddle, and ensures that none of it can be traced back to him. it's a good way to get out his frustration. and hey — it seems like everybody's upped their game along the way. vil seems pretty happy that everybody's improving in their efforts so greatly, practically overnight!

epel wakes up with a feeling of accomplishment everyday. for once, it seems he did something right.

now if only rook could stop looking so somber...

then we come to yuu, whose inner darkness has been left to fester all year. if people think they can treat them like a ragdoll, it's only fair they do the same.

there's a lot yuu doesn't have, but one thing they're really lacking is a bit of respect. that's what it means to be magicless in an arcane academy. you're at the bottom of the food chain.

and look at what a bit of self-interest can do for you! yuu studies in the library until late into the night, burning the metaphorical candle at both ends, learning everything they can about magic until they're more well-versed in it than most students in the school. yuu starts making potions that aren't nearly as good as azul's, but they're cheap and work well enough. they start making study guides for others with their new-found knowledge, even if they do bristle with the fact that a damned study guide is what caught them in azul's tentacles in the first place. they start learning anything and everything, clinging to whatever scraps of knowledge they can write down.

with this, they successfully make their case for why they should join ace and deuce's business. eventually, they're just as feared as they are among the other first-years.

but that's not enough for yuu. the power of fear is nice, but the power of controlling other people would be much more cathartic.

so that's what they do. while ace is more focused on monetary gain, yuu uses their mountains of blackmail to convince others to do whatever they want.

if crowley throws another ridiculous task at them, yuu simply hoists it off to somebody else to do. if ramshackle dorm needs a few repairs, it's only a matter of contacting a few people before a whole construction crew paid off by somebody else comes knocking at their door. and they'll do it, if they don't want to get kicked out of the school or have their reputation ruined.

but somehow, even with all of this, yuu sets themself up as the nicest out of their little trio. they're willing to let payments slide from time to time. they listen to their clients' problems. they take constructive criticism and always seem to improve in their potions and study guides based on feedback. and if you do do yuu a favor, they'll give you certain favors right back.

so even when yuu is a covetous, greedy, all-consuming shark, the students still think they're so very, very nice. because compared to ace and deuce, what else is there to think?

but this can only go on for so long. and yuu knows that.

one day, they get called to the headmage's office. yuu is already going through their contact list — a list that's quadrupled ever since they joined forces with ace and deuce — to see who'd be willing to do them a teensy little favor for them, but when they step through the door, they pause.

inside the office are all the housewardens, their vices, the teachers, and everybody else yuu has grown to know over the past year.

yuu narrows their eyes as riddle steps forward.

"yuu," riddle starts sternly, "from one housewarden to another, i believe we need to talk."

^

(i will address everyone's reactions in a reblog, because this is honestly getting really, really long, lol. but don't worry, the reactions are coming! 🥺)

(but i should mention that there is already a good reblog of the original post by @thenumberhuntress which addresses the upperclassmen's reactions that you can find here. go read it. it's peak.)

(once again, thank you for the great ask! this was fun to make!)

[thegoldencontracts]

Hi! I saw you were taking asks for the Alphabet thing and I was wondering if I could request D, I, and L for Azul, please? No pressure! Only if you want and are feeling it. Thank you~ ^^

Of course! For this Alphabet Ask Game.

D | Dream: Who's their dream partner? Their perfect spouse?

Azul, deep down inside, desires someone who'd accept him in his entirety. Someone who would see him cry, and wipe his inky, filthy tears, tell him his perception is skewed - that there's nothing wrong with him for crying, his ink isn't filthy, and he doesn't have to constantly put up a front. He'd also prefer someone relatively intelligent, I feel like. Some form of intelligence, whether it's street-smarts, book-smarts, emotional intelligence, or anything else.

I | I, Myself (Free-Space): What do some headcannons I myself have for this character?

I personally headcannon Azul to be less nice with those he's close to. Hear me out. Azul is an introvert at heart, as mentioned by Idia. He, when not putting up a front, is irritable yet caring in his own ways. For an example, I'd say the way he behaves with the twins would suffice. Another character he's fairly close to is Idia. Similarly, he's also willing to openly insult Idia, to be snappy and roll his eyes at the man. That's just what Azul's true self is, in my opinion, though the business "mask" is definitely a bigger part of him than people care to admit. Not a weak, sensitive "crybaby" (for lack of a better word), but more... pricky - blunt, introverted, yet caring with those he's close with in his own ways. A funny example of this, in my opinion, is how he speaks highly of Floyd and Jade in his dorm voicelines when they're not listening, only for his interactions with them to often involve him being snippy. Meanwhile, when he dislikes someone, he's more saccharine sweet than ever. His barbs are painfully honeyed. An example of this is his behavior with Riddle. In fact, in Book 6, as Azul warms up to Riddle more, we see him being less sickly sweet, a bit blunt, even. Basically, I think that - as he grows closer to a potential friend or love interest, he'll grow more blunt, showing his true affections through non-verbal cues, like gifts or homework help.

L | Love: What's something in a partner they'd secretly love?

I think Azul secretly likes a partner who initiates affection more. I just- think he's the sort who acts as perfect, as in control as he can, but secretly desires to- well, be desired, without constantly having to initiate. He's always been the one to take the reins and change the opinions of others himself. It's a desire of his he's always found foolish, but it's always been there. He wants you to kiss him. To flirt. To tease him, even, leave him as the flustered one for once. I also view this as a source of angst in fics with a more passive reader, or even fics in ships like ridoazu or jamiazu, where Azul tends to initiate affection more. I feel like he's the insecure sort, so effortlessly able to read the cues of others until it comes to reading the affection in between the lines. Even in his relationship with the twins... he claims to himself they're nothing more than business partners. I feel like he wouldn't want to initiate all the time. It's a secret desire of his, and yet, something he almost cannot bring himself to go without.

[callinskiiscalling88]

unreliable narrorator Y/n doing a school project on the Thorn General or whatever they called him

The Amazing Biography of The Valley's Loyal General (With pictures!!) Written by Y/N!

[!!REQUESTS OPEN!! Characters: {Y/N}(Written first person), Grim(Briefly), Mozus Trein, Lilia Vanrouge, Malleus Draconia, Gargoyle, Ortho Shroud, Idia Shroud, Azul Ashengrotto, Jade Leech(Briefly) Word Count:1,342 Warnings/Spoilers: ooc-ness (since the narrator is *unreliable*), A joke about emo stereotypes (Not all emos follow the stereotypes and I don't mean any harm by it. Shoutout to all my emos reading this) Also somehow no spoilers Extra: Y/N stands for Your Name, E/C stands for eye color

It was a gloomy morning in Homeroom, my classmates sluggish, the desks on fire, Grim hungry, demons rising from portals, my air pods dead, oh it was absolutely dreadful! I was about to die!

However...Trein-Sensei's words sparked life in my dull {E/C} eyes. A massive homework assignment!! Now I hate homework, especially big projects, but this one was amazing! A biography on any historical figure from the Valley Of Thorns War back in the day. He wrote down the list of people available on the board, but I already knew who I wanted. The mysterious Right General of Briar Valley (Pretend it's sparkly I lost my glitter pen) Not the Queens, not the Left General, not the legendary Man of Iron (or was it steel?) The Right General! He was so intriguing. How was he so known yet such an enigma? I was going to find out. But I had competition. Lilia also wanted to do his project on the General. I couldn't let him snag this opportunity from me. I played it civil when I first heard of his plans. I humbly asked to take the General for my essay, but he refused! I am an amazing charmer, and I tried working my magic, but he just wouldn't budge! So I had no other choice....I challenged him to A DUEL!! (DUNDUNDUN!!) We met at the courtyard in the afternoon. I came ready to fight. I wouldn't let this weirdo beat me. (Before you come at me, he literally picks his nose, THAT'S WEIRD!!) I had my sword and my legendary gear which I got from my Great Grandfather. He said I was destined for something big, and this was it! Lilia had his own gear he must have gotten from his housewarden or something, but it couldn't top mine. Everyone came out to watch our duel. We both unsheathed our blades and charged at each other. The crowd cheered my name (I'm a famous warrior of course it's expected)! We dueled fought with all our might, but...he had defeated me! I laid on the ground, beaten and bruised. I looked up at my opponent, who roared laughing. It lasted for what felt like eternity. (It was only like a few seconds but for dramatic effect Sensei!!) "This means The General is mine." He eventually spoke. I glared up at him. How could I lose to an old man? (No offense I know you're old too) One who's...Emo? (No offense to emos!!) He must've had his teen angst and rock music powers stored up to trash me. Bested by someone who wears 5 pounds of eyeshadow everyday...blech. I didn't speak... I couldn't... I was embarrassed in front of the whole school.... He laughed again.... No! I couldn't let this twink beat me!! (Don't google what twink means). I kicked him in his balls and rained victorious! He begged for mercy, and I gave it to him. (I can make any man beg, especially the stupid kind)

So, the Right General Of Briar Valley was mine!! And I already knew where I could get my first bit of information...A source no stupid nose picker had... Malleus Draconia! (Or as I like to call him, Tsunotaoru [Hornton]) (Okay yes now I notice Lilia literally is his bestiepoo (or something.) But still!! For dramatic effect!!) According to my math he must've met the General at least once in his life. He's the heir to the thrown throne after all. The General is still alive both had the time to interact. 18 years to! (I think Tsunibuni [Horntonwornton](pronounce it with o) is that age) So it was perfect!! I set up an interview in the library. He was willing to answer my questions.

He answered all of them!! It was perfect!! I told you Tsunibuni [Horntonwornton] would be of use!! Though it did take some persuasion... "Where'd you hide the body?" I queried. "I'm not telling you that." He protested. "Are you sure? What if I.....Hurt your precious gargoyles" I said as I picked up a massive gargoyle and held my legendary sword to it's throat. It looked at Mallypoo with tears in it's eyes. "Y-you wouldn't..." He stuttered. "A-ANYTHING BUT THAT!!" (I told you I can make any man beg) "Oh I would." I smirked and brought the dagger closer. "Poor little gargoy won't make it out of this alive." "NO! FINE, I'LL TELL YOU ANYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW!! BUT PLEASE, ANYTHING BUT HURTING MY PRECIOUS POOKIEWOOKIEBEAR!! MY SWEETHEART!! THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!!" Of course, he didn't have the answer to everything, so I did have to hit the books. I hit them with a stick. It wasn't effective. Don't know why. Maybe I did it wrong? Or did I have to use something other than a stick? Oh well... My last option... GOOGLE!! But I was running short on time and the Wi-Fi was down...so I had to contact a good ol pal of mine. The first real Android...

Ortho Shroud.

I called Ortho up and raced out the door. He answered right away but there was one problem... He was busy getting Idia out of bed. He was sad about some sort of gambling game. So I made my lil broski a deal. I'd wake his brother up and he'd let me use his search engine. So I ran to Ignyhyde!! Once I got there he was waiting outside for me. He quickly thanked me and took me to Idia's room. (It was so messy, and it smelled like unwashed shut in, it was disgusting) But I was determined to help him out!

I tried everything! Shaking him, screaming, promising him ice cream, nothing! He was a stubborn fire boy. So, I had one option left... Water. So, I really didn't think this through, but I guess his fire hair goes out so.... I MADE HIM BALD

That was not what I wanted to do! I swear! He was mortified! I know I'd be too if I lost all my hair... I didn't know what to do! I panicked!! But luckily, I figured out what to do with the help of Ortho. However...It involved Idia leaving his room... Which was hard to do. So, I did the same thing to Idia as I did Malleus. "Come with us or-... Hatsune Miku gets it!" "NO! ANYTNING BUT HATSUNE MIKU!" It was a piece of cake.

One hoodie later and we rushed to the one place where all our problems could be solved. Mostro Lounge. Azul's known to grant people wishes. Once we got inside Jade led us to a table, but we had to order drinks before Azul would see us. Of course we did, they have an awesome Mostro Lounge x Mystery Shack drink. Idia said they needed a ship name. I don't know what he meant, no boats were involved. After getting our drinks eventually we were allowed to see Azul. Ortho reassured his brother as we entered the octopus's office. Now I know what you're thinking... He's a sketchy man and it'll be hard to get his hair back for a fair price. So, how'd we get out of this without anemones on our head? Well, I don't know. I had to finish writing this paper before tomorrow and I didn't have time to sit and do business deals. Therefore, I left them. (Don't judge me!! This was a big assignment!) So how did I get the information I needed? Well... I read the books. That's a way better method then hitting them. Learned that the hard way...And hours later I had all the information I needed to write the essay! The end

"{Y/N}.... The assignment was a 5 paragraph essay on a historical figure. That's not what this is." Trein said as he slid the paper back over to me. "WHAT?! BUT THIS IS QUALITY CONTENT! IT'S ENTERTAINING!" I shouted back. "Half of this stuff didn't even happen." "Well, dramatic effects!!" "Redo this." "Hmph... Fine."

WOW, WILD RIDE!! YOU MADE IT TOO THE END THO!! I LOVE THIS Y/N CREATURE I MIGHT MAKE AN OC OUT OF THEM ONE DAY!! That's for the future tho rn I gotta add tags and post this. Comments appreciated My requests are open Thanks for reading Byebye!!

[yuus-sentient-teddy]

"Yuu-Yuu hurt." Part 12

Part 1 | Part 11 | Part 13

The mad scientist is dragged away by magical officers and the boys are brought to the police station, where they give their statements. Now that they're safe and Yuu is being seen by capable adults, the adrenaline tapers off and exhaustion seeps in. Most of them fall asleep as soon as they sit down in the waiting room.

Those who are still awake don't say anything to each other or whoever enters the waiting room. They instead look out the window, noticing the still dark skies, or impatiently glance at the clock, wanting the shuttle bus to arrive already so he could sleep and put the whole damn night behind him. It's still unbelievable what had happened, and the sleep-deprived haze makes it seem like a wild nightmare.

The entrance slides open. In walks Sebek, Ortho, Grim, and the teddy bear. Epel roughly shakes Deuce and Ace awake as the Diasomnia trio quickly approach Sebek. "Has there been any issue?" Malleus asks.

"No. Yuu was brought safely to the mages."

The tension in the room lessens. "That is excellent news. Thank you all for your efforts."

Sebek, despite his exhaustion, beams while Ortho says that it wasn't a problem. They are all ushered to a chair or waved over to an empty spot. Grim plops into a seat beside Ace and the teddy bear sits next to him. Before the First Years can ask Grim and the teddy bear for details, the two suddenly collapse against each other and free fall into sleep.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He and the others are in the warehouse-like room.

Yuu and the ink monster are screaming. It leaps towards some classmates to his left. He moves away, readying a spell and shooting it.

COUGH COUGH

Yuu is doubled over, a hand covering their mouth as the other hand grips their knee. Ink seeps between their fingers, and when they take a trembling breath and raise their head, it leaks from their eyes like tears. Somehow, despite the distance, he hears them exhale. . . and then their eyes roll back and they fall to the floor.

The ink that trickles out of their mouth seems to have a red shine. He doesn't have time to yell for them because in a moment, the ink monster is above them and its body is falling apart, much like a rapidly melting candle. He raises his wand with a spell on his tongue--

An ink stained hand grips his wrist. He turns and his breath leaves his lungs. A familiar face grins back at him. Garbled words echo in his ears that bring with them unbearable discomfort and nausea.

"They must become one of us, or else they don't belong."

He yells something back while wrenching his hand away, either a "No they don't" or "Shut up!" The familiar face only cackles and points behind him.

Half of Yuu's body is inside the broken glass head of the ink monster. Pupiless eyes bore into his own. "No."

The rest of the body is sucked further in. He thinks he hears a raspy groan, but it's overcome by a loud, disgusting slushing sound like worms writhing.

He wants to hurl.

He wants to cry.

He feels so useless.

"YUU!!!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ace's eyes snap open, heart racing like when he and the others had fled from the ink monster in the mines from a long time ago. His eyes land on a mini basketball hoop hanging high against a red and black irregularly striped wall. Right beside his head and slightly obscured by a scarlet cotton curtain, is an armoire so goofily curved it's like it came straight out of a whimsical tale. He's back in his bedroom; he remembers trudging to the Mirror Chamber after getting off the shuttle bus, bumping into someone or a chair or something, and then nothing.

Something moves against his chest. He realizes his arms are crossed and holding onto a soft but firm thing. He looks down and meets the beady black eyes of Yuu's sentient teddy bear. "Ace okay?" it asks.

His mind flashes back to a conversation from last night.

"I've been thinking about this for a while," Ortho said, pulling all attention to him. "I'm sure most of us know this by now, but for those who don't: Yuu's teddy bear has an unusual ability that lets it know when Yuu gets injured and where they are. Yuu has been held captive for three weeks, and during that time, the teddy bear was acutely aware that they were injured and hidden in that forest."

"I can't imagine what it would be like to be it during those weeks, knowing that someone it deeply cares about is so close but out of reach. I'm afraid of trying to run a simulation."

The teddy bear nuzzled closer to Grim, who hugged it tighter. "I must confess, it's impressive it didn't have a breakdown during those weeks," Jade said. "It's made me wonder what it would have done if none of us had tried searching for Yuu ourselves."

"Yeah, I'm okay." Before Ace realizes it, he's petting the teddy bear's head. It accepts the affection and leans into his hand.

He hears some muttering behind him. Holding the teddy bear more securely to his chest, he rolls over. He lets out a scoff; Grim had somehow ended up upside down and his tail was in Deuce's face. He starts to laugh when Grim's tail flicks and hits the Spade student, but quickly stops when Grim mutters almost tearfully, "Yuu, don't die!"

Ace then notices the damp fur around Grim's eyes and how hard Deuce was grinding his teeth (he was actually afraid Deuce was going to chip a tooth this time). He gets out of bed and feels dull soreness in his joints and muscles. Any open wounds had been small and treated at the police station; simple bruises were left alone. He trudges to the other side of the room with the teddy bear in one arm. "Deuce. Deuce! Grim! Wake up!"

As expected, nothing. He suddenly remembers the other roommates and glances over, but finds the beds empty. Come to think of it, what time was it?

Putting the teddy bear on the bed, Ace places a hand on Grim's tummy and reaches over to grab Deuce's shoulder. He yells their names and shakes them, which manages to startle them awake. "Phew. About time."

Deuce blearily looks around as Grim slowly sits up. He sighs, relieved. "It was only a dream."

"Let me guess, dreaming about last night?"

"Yeah. You were too, right?"

"How could I not? It was more stressful than dealing with the other Overblots."

"It was." Deuce sighs again, but then squints at Ace. ". . . Were you crying?"

"Huh?!" He touches his cheek. Tears had dried on his face, mixing with red makeup when they were still fresh. Deuce was the same, having black makeup smudged down his cheek. Grim is touching his own face and seems surprised that he too had cried in his sleep. "Guess I was."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notices were sent to the boys' phones: once the school day had ended, all of them needed to report to the auditorium in person. Ace was dreading the lecture he and the others were sure to be getting, but the dread worsened upon seeing all the homeroom teachers standing beside a seriously stern headmaster. For the next however many minutes--which felt more likes hours--the headmaster scolded the students for being so reckless and other things. With how much anger and exasperation was behind the headmaster's words, it brought Ace back to the time he and Grim got yelled at for scorching the Queen of Hearts statue. The homeroom teachers' disapproving glares, combined with sitting in the front row, made Ace sweat and try to look anywhere but the front.

"I'm especially appalled by the dorm leaders and the vice dorm leaders," Crowley said, and the underclassmen were a little relieved that they weren't targeted anymore. "The fourteen of you--especially the dorm leaders and those with upstanding social positions--should have known better than to partake in such a highly consequential folly! Whatever you or anyone has to say on this matter will not excuse the danger you have allowed yourselves and others under your care to be in."

There was a moment of tense, suffocating silence. Crowley huffed. "That said, I can't say I'm not proud of you all."

"HUH?!"

It was like a switch had flipped: Crowley was smiling at the students now and exuding joy. "You all banded together to search and rescue one of your peers. Not only did you do just that successfully, but you also saved the other kidnap victims and kept them safe while there was an Overblot incident. You all showed such capability during a dangerous situation and so much care for one of your own--it brings tears to my eyes!"

"I know you said there was no excuse for what we just did, but we really couldn't sit around waiting for something to happen," Kalim said.

"And of course, we couldn't turn down the plead of their dear teddy bear to find them, not when they mean so much to it," Azul said, a palm to his chest to express "sincerity".

Glances were cast towards the teddy bear. It was silently staring out the window.

Crowley put his hands on his hips. "Al-Asim, Ashengrotto, I trust you both won't make the same lapse in judgment during your time as students?"

"Ah, well--"

"If you make the same decision as the one you took for rescuing Yuu next time, it could end terribly. It goes the same for all of you. No matter what happens, do not run blindly into danger. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," the students choired.

"Headmaster, could I ask you something?" Ace asks. "Have you made any progress at all in finding Yuu a way back home?"

The headmaster clearly wasn't expecting the question--the lights in his eyes seemed to widen and his mouth parted in surprise. The homeroom teachers turn to look at him; it seems they were curious to hear his answer too. In a moment, he was collected, but there was a sort of shaky undertone that undermined it. "Well, to be quite honest, I've been unable to make as much progress as I wanted given the hectic events this school year. I did offer them some pointers on where to look for possible answers, but their circumstance is unique. It would be an arduous and long process finding anything useful."

"Of course it would be! They don't know a lick about magic," Grim argues. "And you haven't made any progress at all because you were busy goofing off."

The lights in Crowley's mask narrow and grow brighter. "I beg your pardon? Is that any way to speak to your headmaster, who works diligently to ensure this school runs well and maintains its prestigious reputation? This sort of work is no easy feat, especially since there are so many misbehaving and reckless students to watch over."

"When winter break came around, you were ready to go vacationing and forgot all about finding Yuu a way home," Grim says.

"Headmaster Crowley, is that true?" Professor Trein asks, fixing him with a stern glare.

When Crowley started to seem shifty, Professor Trein snapped at him and a low growl came from Lucius. "Did you leave alone two students on campus with no means to get food for themselves and no supervision? I advised you numerous times to have them placed in an inn at the foot of the hill. What if something happened to them?"

"I've also been wondering, what did you find in your research of returning Yuu back to their world?" Professor Crewel asks.

"It's as I said before: not as much progress as I wanted."

"So basically, you found jack shit," Floyd says, which causes many heads to snap his way and Crowley to make an offended sound. The headmaster doesn't manage to get a word in when someone speaks up.

"If you're having trouble with searching, you could always ask for help," Kalim suggests.

"I'm sure finding information about crossing universes is by no means an easy task, but surely you could have been transparent about your progress?" Azul points out.

"Ah, that. . ." For the next hour or two, Crowley was in an uncomfortable position.

[artjiayi]

Mr Azul Ashengrotto ft. the Beautiful Queen magazine

When I saw Azul with the new outfit of Luxe Couture event I dropped everything I was working on to focus on him. I had a crush on the vibe that outfit gives him. Those round shapes such as his glasses and haircut make him look softer and less intimidating somehow.

Anyway I decided to draw him as if he would pose for a magazine cover. He wouldn’t go too extravagant for the pose because he has to look professional and also because he’s a bit shy in front of a camera (but that’s part of my interpretation of his character). I like to know that despite this whole show he's giving to seem so confident, his body language sometimes betrays him a bit and let insecure and sensitive Azul come back briefly. But again, that's how I imagine Azul.

Give some love to this man he deserves it with all the effort he makes everyday 💜

Can't wait to see his groovy...

[solxamber]

Can't wait to request Skully boy, but let's do a part 3 of White Rabbit!Reader since the overblot aftermath is usually somewhat of a positive effect on the overblot person, I want it to do the opposite to White Rabbit!Reader since before their overblot, they were always jumpy, timid and anxious.

Now, I kind of want them to be like this half the time whenever someone bothers them:

Aftermath of White Rabbit! Reader's Overblot

Characters: All NRC + Staff + Rollo, Neige, Che'nya

Original White rabbit! reader ask ; White rabbit! reader overblot ask

thanks for the request <3

Riddle Rosehearts

Riddle is probably the first to notice the difference. While he usually relied on your obedience to the Queen's rules, your newfound bluntness shocks him. He asks you to organize paperwork, expecting the usual nervous compliance, but instead, you sigh and mutter, “Yeah, yeah, I’m getting to it, don’t have a heart attack.” Riddle is speechless for a moment, his face flushing. Though he won’t admit it, he’s at a loss. “What… happened to you?”

Trey Clover

Trey has always been the calm, stable figure in your life, a grounding presence in Heartslabyul. But even he’s taken aback by your sudden shift. “You’re not the same nervous bunny I’m used to,” he remarks when you snap at someone who’d pushed you too far. You sigh, rubbing your temples. “Guess I finally had enough.” Trey offers a small, understanding smile, knowing all too well the pressures of keeping up appearances. “If you need to blow off steam, my kitchen’s always open. Just don’t burn out.”

Cater Diamond

Cater, who usually plays things off with a lighthearted comment or a perfectly timed selfie, can sense the change in your mood. "Whoa, who flipped the switch on you, bunny?" he jokes, holding up his phone for another pic. You barely glance his way, grumbling, "Put that away before I snap." Cater's smile falters briefly, unused to you being so short with him. "Yikes. Someone's in need of a chill day. Maybe a group selfie will help?" He backs off but keeps an eye on you, curious how long this new attitude will last.

Ace Trappola

Ace is taken aback but more intrigued than anything. He used to enjoy teasing you for fun, always expecting a shy or flustered response. Now, you roll your eyes and say, “Do you ever stop running your mouth?” Ace laughs nervously but is secretly impressed by your sass. “Hey, I liked you better when you were jumpy. You were easier to mess with.”

Deuce Spade

Deuce feels bad. He didn’t realize how much the teasing had affected you until now. He approaches cautiously, noticing your new, weary demeanor. When he tries to help, offering to carry something, you grumble, “I’ve got it, I’m not helpless.” Deuce scratches his head, feeling guilty. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I’m sorry if we pushed you too hard.”

Leona Kingscholar

Leona finds your transformation amusing at first. As one of the few prey beastmen in the school, he always enjoyed calling you "herbivore." But now, when you meet his taunts with a dry “Yeah, real original, Leona,” he raises an eyebrow, both impressed and a little curious. “Finally got some backbone, huh? Good. Don’t expect me to go easy on you just ‘cause you stopped cowering.”

Ruggie Bucchi

Ruggie is caught off guard by how done you seem with everything. He tries to pass off some chores, as usual, but you just give him a deadpan look. “Do I look like your personal assistant?” Ruggie chuckles nervously. “Whoa, you’ve changed. Guess I’ll just… do it myself, then. Heh.”

Jack Howl

Jack, being the most straightforward, notices something is wrong immediately. He never liked the way people teased you, and now your exhaustion worries him. “You don’t look so good. Is there something I can help with?” When you respond with a tired “Just let me get through the day, Jack,” he frowns, unsure how to handle this new side of you.

Azul Ashengrotto

Azul appreciates how compliant you were before, especially when he needed help with contracts or deals. Now, your indifference makes his eye twitch. “Care to assist with a little… business?” he asks. “Do it yourself, Ashengrotto,” you reply without even looking up. Azul’s smile falters. “How… unfortunate.”

Jade Leech

Jade enjoys your shift in attitude. To him, it’s fascinating to see prey become more assertive. “My, my, you’ve grown quite bold, haven’t you?” he muses. You don’t even glance his way, muttering, “Bold? I’m just tired.” Jade chuckles, intrigued. “I do hope that exhaustion won’t stop you from keeping things interesting.”

Floyd Leech

Floyd used to love squishing you just to see you jump. Now, when he wraps an arm around your shoulders and you groan, “Not now, Floyd,” he pouts. “You’re no fun anymore, Little Rabbit. Bring back the scaredy-cat!” He sulks but also seems weirdly fascinated by your new attitude, poking you to see if he can get a reaction.

Kalim Al-Asim

Kalim’s sunny disposition remains unchanged, but even he notices that something’s off. He invites you to join a party, only for you to respond, “I’m not in the mood.” Kalim blinks, genuinely concerned. “Hey, is everything okay? You always used to come… I didn’t mean to bother you.”

Jamil Viper

Jamil is more analytical about your change. He senses something deeper at play and approaches cautiously. “You’re different now,” he observes. “No kidding,” you mutter, pushing past him. Jamil hums thoughtfully, wondering if there’s something he can learn from your overblot experience—or if it’s just another thing he needs to keep an eye on.

Vil Schoenheit

Vil is used to elegance, control, and composure, so your new bluntness strikes him as unbecoming. “You’re really letting yourself go,” he comments sharply. You simply stare at him, unbothered, and say, “And you care because?” Vil frowns, his perfectly crafted facade slipping for a second. “Honestly, how disappointing.”

Rook Hunt

Rook finds the change in you utterly fascinating. “Ah, the hunted has become a hunter in their own right! Magnifique!” You stare at him with exhausted eyes, muttering, “I’m just trying to get through the day, Rook.” He laughs, completely unfazed by your exhaustion. “Every day with you is an adventure, mon lapin!”

Epel Felmier

Epel, who never liked being underestimated, gets where you’re coming from. He nudges you with a grin. “Bet you’re sick of everyone treating you like you’re fragile, huh?” You shrug tiredly, “Sick of a lot of things.” Epel chuckles. “Yeah, I get that. Don’t let ‘em push you around anymore.”

Idia Shroud

Idia is a little freaked out by your change. You used to be predictable, easy to understand—now? Not so much. He glances at you from behind his tablet and mumbles, “Uh… you okay? You seem… different.” When you snap back, “What do you think?” Idia recoils, instantly regretting his question. “Yikes… never mind…”

Ortho Shroud

Ortho, ever the optimist, immediately notices your shift in behavior and tries to cheer you up in his own enthusiastic way. “I can analyze your stress levels! Maybe we can find a way to relax together!” he offers, his eyes lighting up with data scans. You give him a tired look and sigh, “Thanks, but I just want to be left alone.” Ortho frowns, his usual cheerful energy dimming. “Okay… but remember, I’m always here if you need help!” He can’t quite figure out how to help you, but he makes a mental note to keep monitoring your well-being.

Malleus Draconia

Malleus can feel the weight of your exhaustion and frustration. He’s perceptive and doesn’t need to hear you say much to understand how deeply the overblot has affected you. “You carry a heavy burden now,” he says quietly. You sigh, running a hand through your hair. “Yeah, well, it’s not like I have a choice.” Malleus watches you with a somber gaze. “You do. You always have a choice.”

Lilia Vanrouge

Lilia is concerned but also intrigued by your sudden shift. “My, you’ve grown up in such a short time,” he teases, though his tone carries a hint of seriousness. “Not sure if that’s a good thing,” you mutter. Lilia’s eyes narrow. “Be careful not to lose yourself, young one. This world can be… unforgiving.”

Silver

Silver, ever the calm and observant knight, is probably the least surprised by your change in demeanor. He approaches cautiously, noticing your exhaustion even before you speak. “You’ve been through a lot. Don’t push yourself too hard,” he advises softly. When you sigh and mutter, “I’m just tired, Silver,” he nods, understanding in his quiet way. “If you ever need to rest, I’ll stand guard for you.” He’s not one to pry but offers his silent support.

Sebek Zigvolt

Sebek is offended by your change in attitude, especially since you no longer respond as deferentially as you used to. “What happened to your respect for authority?” he barks. You shoot him an irritated glare. “Respect is earned, not given.” Sebek’s jaw drops, his mind struggling to compute your audacity.

Rollo Flamme

Rollo has always had a certain disdain for the chaotic nature of magic, and as someone who seemed so harmless before, you were never a particular blip on his radar.

But after your overblot, when you return to a more cynical, jaded version of yourself, Rollo is... intrigued. “I see you’ve shed your naïveté,” he comments one day when you cross paths, eyeing your newfound sharpness.

You sigh and rub your temples, muttering, “I’m too tired for whatever lecture you’re about to give me, Rollo.” He raises an eyebrow, slightly amused. “Perhaps you’ve come to realize that order, after all, must be maintained by force. Even for someone like you.” His words are clipped, but there’s almost a sense of kinship as he recognizes the exhaustion that comes from living within strict expectations.

Neige LeBlanche

Neige is disheartened by your exhaustion. He approaches you with genuine concern, his wide, innocent eyes full of sympathy. “I’m sorry if anyone’s been making things harder for you,” he says softly. “You don’t deserve that.” You give him a tired smile, “It’s fine. People just… don’t know when to stop.” Neige nods. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here.”

Che’nya

Che’nya finds your new personality endlessly amusing. “My, my! You’ve finally joined the cynical side of Wonderland!” he teases, popping in and out of view. You roll your eyes, unimpressed. “I’m too tired for your games, Che’nya.” He grins, floating above you. “That’s what makes it so fun, friend.”

Crowley

Crowley had always seen you as one of the more manageable students—timid, hardworking, and, most importantly, someone who didn’t cause him headaches. But after your overblot? Let’s just say he’s... mildly concerned. “My dear White Rabbit, surely you don’t mean to talk to your esteemed headmaster in such a disrespectful tone!” he blusters, feathers metaphorically ruffled when you brush past one of his long-winded speeches with an eye roll and, “Please, for the love of Seven, just get to the point.” Crowley is left gaping, unsure whether he should reprimand you or seek out some sympathy for your newly discovered spine.

Divus Crewel

Crewel is quick to notice your shift in attitude and respects your newfound bluntness—though only to a point. “You’ve finally found some grit,” he comments, his voice sharp as usual. “Good. Just don’t let it cloud your judgment.” You nod wearily, “I’m way past judgment.”

Mozus Trein

Trein raises an eyebrow at your attitude shift but doesn’t comment much. He simply sighs, “I hope you’re not letting stress affect your studies.” You shrug. “Stress is part of the deal, Professor.”

Sam

Sam’s sharp eye notices the change immediately when you stroll into his shop, a bit of a scowl replacing your usual fidgety demeanor. “Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite bunny. What’s got you hoppin’ mad today?” he teases lightly, hoping to bring a smile to your face.

But when you shoot him a tired look and say, “Sam, please, just give me the potion before I scream,” he lets out a low whistle. “Whoa now, partner! You’re wound up tighter than a jack-in-the-box! If anyone knows about stress, it’s me—how ‘bout I toss in some tea on the house?” He’s concerned, but he can’t resist a little ribbing, hoping to ease your frustration.

Masterlist

[shoukokus]

hello!!! it's my first time requesting so is it alright if I can request the reader who was raised and trained to be a black widow from marvel

gn reader pls, idk if u have seen or watched marvel so if you want further details lmk!! but the one detail I want u to include (as angst ofc) is that black widows do ANYTHING for information since they are professional spies and assassins. (they are taken when they are like really young btw so like black widows, they don't got a childhood).

I gotchu, and I wrote this with an already established relationship with them in mind!

Riddle Rosehearts

Riddle is shocked, to say the least, if not a little saddened

It was like his own childhood turned up a thousand notches. At least his mother never made him kill someone

He knows that, in a new world, you have no reason to continue that life and wants more than anything to give you a new start

Frankly he doesn't want to know what you've had to do in the past, that was another life and world ago

You can truly bond with him based on wild childhood expectations and lack of a normal experience

He'll be there every step of the way to make you feel okay again, you don't need to be a Widow anymore

Leona Kingscholar

Immediately tells you never to talk about it again, but not for the reason you may think

He's royalty. How would that look if everyone figured out his significant other was an assassin?? You'd be put on trial, and your whole relationship would be undermined

He knows you aren't here to hurt him, or get information, or even get money. He knows it because he knows you. The you that had been trying so hard to fit in Twisted Wonderland, be normal

Doesn't ever want you to have to use those skills again, but he's not going to discourage it, if that makes sense? It gives him some peace that you aren't helpless

Isn't going to judge you either, he knows how shady high society can be

If you ever have to be a Widow again, just make sure he's in on it, okay?

Azul Ashengrotto

Has frankly no idea what to do when he finds out

Is this marketable?? Can you make money like this? Wait no, he quickly feels bad about thinking that, but he doesn't know what else to think of it

Just sits you down and asks you to explain everything, and listens very quietly

You tell him that you had to do things in your previous world, things you aren't proud of, that haunt you

After telling him about your childhood, or lack thereof, he brings you into a suffocatingly tight hug

You don't have to worry about any of that anymore, he's going to take care of you from now on

Kalim Al-Asim

Similar to Leona, Kalim says that it needs to be kept secret

Look, he's a ray of sunshine and generally unconcerned, but he's had his fair share of assassins. He knows what they do and what they're about

No, he isn't worried about your past, but some people around him might be

But you're the one he wants around the most!

Kalim isn't really going to understand anything you tell him, just the big picture, so if you're looking for some comfort about specific things like not having a childhood, you'll have to tell him. You just need love!

You have his support for a lifetime, and anything you need will be yours as you find new footing

Vil Schoenheit

Vil is very rarely left shocked, but here he is

What on EARTH do you mean you were a trained assassin?

After the initial bomb drop, he sits you down to talk like Azul, and allows you to just say everything you wanted to say

It's certainly... jarring to learn about it, but he's strangely calm. I mean, if you had wanted to kill him or take something from him, you would have done it by now right?

He does very briefly wonder if you were after something, but as he looks into your eyes, full of unshed tears and shear hurt... those thoughts stop

You wanted to begin anew, but could no longer keep the past from your lover, and he could work with that

Idia Shroud

Idia kind of wonders if you're like a cool movie character, then realizes you're being serious. This ACTUALLY happened to you

Honestly though? After hearing everything, the full truth, he doesn't feel any differently about you

His family has been doing the underworld's dirty work for some time. HE'S done things he wants to take back

Idia's only real concern is if you still feel the same way about him, that it wasn't just an act...

When you assure him that nothing you've done in Twisted Wonderland has been as a Widow, the relief is visible on his face

You share a tight, warm hug as you both agree to move forward together in peace and honesty

Malleus Draconia

At first, I don't think he'd think much of it. I mean, his country had gone through wars and espionage

It was like that for you, he guesses

Then he starts to see how it affects you. Your mannerisms, your habits, and your fears. It cuts him deeply

You must have had a terribly lonely life like he did, right? Not knowing warmth until you met other people, kind people

He just wants to hold you and never let go after those thoughts crossed his mind. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do anymore, and he isn't concerned about you doing that to him

As his significant other, anything like that will be taken care of for you, not by you

[oepionie]

INTERRUPTED MAKE-OUT SESSION.octatrio

Synopsis: The octotrio don't really take kindly to having their alone time with you interrupted.

Characters: Azul Ashengrotto, Jade Leech , Floyd Leech x GN! Reader

Tags: Suggestive because oh wow that's a lot of kissing, Azul forms a Crowley hate club, Crewel being an overprotective dad in Jade's part, Floyd annoys you (lovingly)

Word Count: 2k+ | 💌Masterlist

A.A | AZUL ASHENGROTTO:

Azul seldom had days off; he was usually dedicated to his office, checking work and finalizing deeds he'd made over the week. Like now, he's busier than ever, especially with the holiday season approaching. You usually would've helped him out if it weren't for Crowley…

The headmaster, ever so generous and kind, was making you run errands for him more than usual. Both of you were so swamped with work that you hadn't seen one other in weeks.

Deciding to take things into their own hands, Jade and Floyd approached you, trying to garner your pity by telling you how 'pathetic' and 'antsy' their boss had gotten during your absence. Floyd amped up the theatrical performance by throwing himself over your shoulder and sobbing crocodile tears over the 'inhumane work conditions' he's been put through. (Azul made him work 10 minutes longer).

To the eel's delight, their terrible acting actually worked and it convinced you to check up on your poor unfortunate little octopus.

You entered Azul's office, carrying a platter of pastries and tea. He was slouched against his chair, reading paperwork in a position that was bound to strain his neck and back.

"Oh, Angelfish?" As you set the tray on a coffee table, Azul stands to greet you. You don't miss how his face lights up when you walk towards him.

"How are you?" You ask, wrapping your arms around his waist while his hands reach up to cup your cheeks. The leather of gloves felt cool against your skin and you sighed happily, closing your eyes.

"Busy, as usual…" Azul muttered and let you guide him to one of the couches in his office. He plopped down onto the chair and groaned in exhaustion, sinking into the velvet plush cushions. "If I have to read another one of those pathetic deals from these Savanaclaw students, I think I'm gonna have a stroke."

Azul's eyes bore into yours, his lips curling into a bitter frown. "It's been nearly a month since we last saw each other…"

"I know. Crowley's been making me work my ass off these days." You smiled apologetically, moving in to press a fleeting kiss against his temple. Azul grumbled, his eyes briefly glancing over the pile of deals atop his desk. There was a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he looked up at you.

"Angelfish. You know I can easily fix that problem for you, no?" Azul spoke lowly, adjusting his gloves with a dark look on his face. Immediately, you shook your head. "No making deals with Crowley."

"Alright, no deals…but say the word and I'll gladly take care of it." Azul muttered, crossing his arms and pushing his glasses up. You chuckled and bent forward to peck his lips in thanks.

However, it seems that Azul missed you more than you thought. You should've known that someone as greedy as Azul wasn't going to be satiated by a small kiss like that. Before you could back away his hand clasped over your waist, pulling you back in. Gasping, you slid into his lap and he immediately fused his lips against yours.

"Stay." He mouths against your lips as both his hands move to grip your waist. Azul kisses you again and again, only giving you a few seconds to recover. Feeling lightheaded, you pulled away trying to catch your breath.

"Azu-" Before you could even get a word out, he kisses you again, this time with more passion. The ferocity of it all causes your head to spin as your hands become entangled in his white hair. It was almost as if he hadn't kissed you in ages, as if it was his first time seeing you in years. His tongue darts across your bottom lip, prompting you to part your lips.

"Knock Knock." Floyd's voice echoed through the closed door, and Azul jolted. He pulled away from you, his gaze moving to the tweels who were most likely standing behind the door.

"Oi Azul, there's some guy out there lookin' for ya. He's calling you 'Mr Ashengrotto'. What a weirdo."

"Floyd. Doesn't saying 'knock knock' defeat the purpose of knocking?" Jade's muffled voice spoke.

"Didn't ask. Don't care."

You watch Azul glare at the door, cursing under his breath, clearly irritated that his private time with you had been disturbed. He considered just directing the client to return another day. However, it seems that you've decided to make that decision for him.

"You heard them." Pulling him up, you fixed the collar to his uniform and combed his hair back into place. Teasingly, you ran your thumb over his lips.

"Don't keep them waiting, Mr Ashengrotto."

J.L | JADE LEECH:

Wiping the table down, you made sure to get every small spec of dust off of the metal surface. It was late at night and you were helping Jade close the lounge up for his shift.

You were concentrated and hard at work, determined to finish the job properly. Jade, on the other hand, found himself marvelling at the unusual sight of you in his dorm's uniform.

Azul had given you an Octavinelle dorm uniform that was tailored and custom-made specifically for you.But of course, nothing ever came for free when it involved the capitalist octopus.

It was intended to be used for promotional purposes. You were Ramshackle's prefect and the magicless human trapped in a mage school, it's no question that you had a lot of attention thrown your way. It was only natural that his boss would exploit such popularity.

Such a stark difference from your normal outfit. You were usually seen wearing the school uniform issued specially for your shabby dorm, paired with the expensive high-end designer fur coat Crewel gifted you.

To put it short, you appeared much more lovely than usual.

So, was it really his fault when he drew you behind the bar and began kissing you silly? Oh darling pearl, of course not.

"Jade-" You gasp against his lips when his weight starts to push on you. Your back collides with one of the stools, leaving you with little choice but to settle down atop the bar counter.

He swiftly hoists you up over the table, allowing you to sit snugly as you wrap your legs around his hips; he does all this without ever pulling his lips away.

“J-Jade we have a job to finish." You panted but Jade had no intention to stop. He steps back to assess your reaction, a sadistic grin spread across his face.

The eel was gentle when he manoeuvred you to lay down against the table, but the look and gleam in his eyes said otherwise.

"Oya, I fear something much more interesting has taken my attention." He nips at your lips, recapturing them with hardly a second to breathe between each one, his hands sliding up your hips to hold you in place.

"How could I not indulge myself when the most exquisite shining pearl is within my grasp?" Jade whispers.

The merman starts pulling his gloves off and loosening his tie. He returned for another open-mouthed kiss. It seemed as though he just couldn't get enough of you. Every breathy kiss he drew from you felt like waves pulling him under, luring him to continue and drown himself in your love again and again.

Sadly, all wonderful things must come to an end.

"Leech. Hands off my pup." You nearly slipped off the counter when you heard a familiar stern voice call out for you. You spun around, gasping, to discover Crewel standing by the door. His face distorted into an unsightly sneer as he peered at Jade.

"Pup. I believe you forgot but we have a shopping appointment today." Embarrassed, you quickly bowed your head and kept your head down. Why. Why on earth couldn't the ground just swallow you whole right now?

All suave and smooth, Jade took a step back and picked you up. Yelping, you held onto his biceps, head spinning from the sudden movement. Jade merely chuckled and lowered you back down onto the ground.

Crewel storms up to you, your fur coat in hand. He drapes the coat over your torso, fussing over your unkempt appearance. The man turns to throw Jade another scathing look, silently cursing the eel under his breath.

Despite your embarrassed and mortified state, Jade crouches down and whispers to you. "I'll get back to you later, my pearl."

F.L | FLOYD LEECH:

Huffing, you stormed out of the classroom with a towering eel hot on your trail. Before you could even round the corner, Floyd threw his arms over your shoulders and leaned his entire body against yours.

"Floyd! Get off! I'm still upset at you after that stunt you performed earlier!" You grumbled, your knees wobbling from trying to withstand his weight.

Floyd doesn't say anything and just slithers his arm around your waist, his teeth affectionately nibbling the exposed flesh of your neck. His annoyingly handsome face was plastered with a smug smile. He knew he was a menace, and he was proud of it.

Professor Trein's lectures were absurdly long, and you can imagine how bored the eel gets during his classes. The issue is that he's decided to turn you into his new source of entertainment. He kept poking you with a pencil, handing you tiny messages on crumpled notebook paper, and kicking you with his foot. The eel had even sneakily placed his hand on your thigh at one point, drawing patterns and words with his fingertips while pretending to listen to the lecture.

You squirmed and tried to shake your way out of his grasp. Your lover snorted at your pitiful escape attempts and tightened his grip on you.

"Neh~ Shrimpy, this hallway isn't my vibe at all. Let's go somewhere else!" Floyd pulls you into an empty classroom, kicking the door shut. He pushed you against a desk, slamming his hands on either side of you.

All of a sudden, his mood changes. The eel leans down to murmur into your ear, his breathy voice sending shivers up and down your spine.

“That class was so boringg. I can't help it that shrimpy's squirming is much more entertaining~” Floyd laughs, nudging his head against your cheek.

That little nudge was all that it took to get you to lower your guard, allowing him to strike and press his lips on yours.

Floyd's hands raked themselves up your back, his thumb rubbing circles onto the nape of your neck. He gave you one final kiss while grinning before stepping back to give you some room to breathe.

“Hm~? I thought you were still mad at me.” Floyd says as you lean in to chase his lips. You clicked your tongue and grabbed his collar, pulling him close to your face. This time, you take the lead and Floyd eagerly follows suit with a giddy smile on his face.

The loving moment between you two lasts for a few minutes before the door to the classroom slams open.

"Floyd! I've been calling your phone for the last hour!" Both Azul and Jade appeared. Azul looked as if he just ran a marathon, his flushed skin having a faint red tint to it. Jade was as composed as ever and stood behind the octoboss, sending you and his brother a knowing look.

“So what?” Floyd blinks, indifferent to Azul's anger. He just truly doesn’t find anything wrong about skipping his job and showering you with some love and affection.

"What do you mean 'so what'!? You promised me you would take the morning shift! We agreed on this!" Azul scolded, banging his fist against the door. But with his face twisted up like he'd just swallowed a lemon, it was hard to take him seriously.

"I don't want to gooo…" Floyd wailed as he sat down with you on the floor. He collapsed on the ground and drew you into his arms, ignoring Azul's shouts. You cuddled against him, sighing, for there was no way out.

This was your fate.

Likes and Reblogs are greatly appreciated and really motivating on my end!

[yuurei20]

Overblot Member Fact Compilation Cont. (Post 1 (Riddle) / Post 2 (Leona))

・In-game Canonical Facts Here -> Azul Ashengrotto

"He looks a little more mature than the other second year characters.

A wolf in sheep’s clothing, he often wears a pleasant albeit forced smile. Get to know him better and there might be times he laughs sincerely

Like Riddle, he’s not good at dealing with the unexpected.

I think he is the champion in the 'hair that is difficult to draw' category. If you don't start with a rough outline of the silhouette and then draw it in, the right side will almost certainly come out too big…"

- Toboso Yana, Twisted Wonderland Magical Archives Game Guide

"Azul doesn’t have glowing suction cups like the live-action Ursula. The glowing element design around live-action Ursula’s neck is so luxurious, like a glamorous marabou…"

- Toboso Yana, Twitter (2023/4/19)

"The way Ursula swims and her glowing suction cups are amazing… Azul and the Leech brothers have glowing elements in mermaid form, but the way you can just briefly glance the glowing of live-action Ursula’s tentacles as she swims is so cool! I want to see the full version soon."

- Toboso Yana, Twitter (2023/5/18)

About Octavinelle's dorm uniform:

"The uniform design is based on the employees of a jazz music lounge. Since Ursula wears a stylish black dress, I made the design simple, respectful and mature. The three mermaids enjoy dressing up, wearing well-tailored clothes and dressy shoes that fit their feet perfectly, now that they finally have feet.

Their hairstyles were designed based on what would look best with a hat."

- Toboso Yana, Twisted Wonderland Magical Archives Game Guide

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Azul Ashengrotto - Platinum Jacket Voice Lines

When Summoned: Priceless artwork like the halls as far as the eye can see... This is a fantastic opportunity to polish up my artistic sense of appreciation.

Summon Line: Basking in the fine arts is a fine way to forge your imagination. We should learn well from this and enjoy this very worthwhile time together.

Groooovy!!: Love is wonderful. There is no end to the troubles that come from it, so it's quite a favorable emotion for those of us who impart counsel.

Home: How splendid this 100th Anniversary is.

Home Idle 1: Floyd's freewheeling behavior doesn't change even at a museum. He may be a moray eel, but he is nothing like either of the two who served the Sea Witch.

Home Idle 2: I saw Vil-san looking at a painting intently, and when I asked what he was doing, he said he was studying the beautiful posture. He truly is a professional.

Home Idle 3: It is an exhilarating feeling when a piece of work you had your eye on increases in value. It confirms my intuition was on the money, as it were.

Home Idle - Login: If any painting catches your interest, please don't hesitate to ask me about it. I do take art as one of my courses. I may be able to briefly explain it to you.

Home Idle - Groovy: Jamil-san seems to have an expert eye for art. I'll make sure to stay friendly with him.

Home Tap 1: I hear the Lord of the Underworld was a shrewd dealbroker. Not only would I love to hear his stories, I would also love to get my hands on documentation with any details!

Home Tap 2: Many entrepreneurs hold some artistic hobby of some kind. Knowledge of art, literature and music can be very useful when it comes to business discussions.

Home Tap 3: If Ortho-san were to use his sensors, I'm sure it would be quick work to identify any forgeries... If given the opportunity, I should inquire him about that.

Home Tap 4: I wonder just how many of the merfolk the Sea Witch helped. She was one of the greats, I would not be surprised if the count was in the hundreds... No, the thousands.

Home Tap 5: This shell is based on the one worn as a necklace by the Sea Witch. Isn't it just grand?

Home Tap - Groovy: Oh my, I see how your eye shines so... If you've taken a liking to that painting, I shall order a reproduction for you. At a discounted price, of course.

Duo: [AZUL]: This is quite the dire predicament, Jamil-san. [JAMIL]: Doesn't seem to me like you're worried one bit, Azul.

Birthday Login Message: Oh, have you come to request something of me? It would be my pleasure! Please, tell me what it is you'd like. No matter how difficult the task, once it is entrusted to me... Eh? You'd like to prepare a birthday card for me? ...Heh, I think you'll find that person a difficult one to please. But very well, may I ask what message you'd like on the card?

Requested by @pianostarinwonderland.

[siren-serenity]

are you taking requests? if yes could you do a sub azul fic? thanks!

SUB! AZUL ASHENGROTTO

"my pretty boy," you whisper, running a light finger down azul's naked chest. the merman flushes a deep purple, looking anywhere but in your direction, making you tut. "what's wrong, love? don't like me saying you're pretty?" you hum, pressing a kiss to his sensitive neck, smirking when azul lets out a low groan. "i just...don't feel like i deserve all this," he mutters under his breath but you hear him all too clearly. you thrust into him again, making him let out a small scream of surprise before it turns into a moan. "my" thrust "beautiful" thrust "boy" thrust

characters: azul ashengrotto, gn!reader (has a cock but can be a strap on) warnings: nsfw, dom/sub relationships, use of the word 'pussy' a/n: - the amount of sub!azul requests i get make me laugh teasingly, we all love a subby azul, don't we ;) - feedback is appreciated!

Seeing Azul Ashengrotto sob his pretty eyes out on your bed makes your heart burn with vigor and anger. His Mostro Lounge suit is wrinkled and frumpled; his hat was thrown onto your floor in what seems like anger. Who dared to mess with what you claimed as yours? By the Sevens, when you find out who did this, they'll have to pray for mercy.

You come close, setting your bags down by the door side before shutting it. Enveloping his fragile frame in your arms and burying your face in his scent never fail to calm your raging thoughts, although they remained in the back of your mind.

Your thumb wipes another tear from his lavender eyes and Azul finally looks you in the eyes - bloodshot teary eyes meeting eyes lit with flames of fury.

"Who did this?" You hissed out. Azul sniffs and the sound alone breaks your heart.

"N-no one," He stutters. "It's just another day at the Lounge...you don't need to get so upset about it."

Azul stifles another sob but you cradle his chin in your hands like he is the greatest treasure in the depths of the sea.

"Love," You croon, pressing a kiss to his lips, swallowing another sob. Your tongue briefly teases him until you part, continuing your sentence. "You know I would do anything for you, hmm?"

He nods shyly. You trace random lines on his chest, making his breath hitch.

"What do you need right now? Comfort or revenge?"

Azul clenches your wrists tightly and bats his wet eyelashes from his eyes. "C-comfort. Can you please...make love to me? Make me feel special?"

Your eyes soften before lifting Azul's body gentling and straddling his waist. With a flick of your pen, his and your clothes disappear and goosebumps raise on your skin.

Two fingers to his mouth and Azul opens it obediently. He sucks them, blushing and not meeting your eyes, before separating his lips with a pop! sound. Saliva coats your fingers and you press them to his entrance.

A low moan escapes Azul's mouth as he feels your fingers entering him and stretching him open. His back arches as your fingers scissor him open, heated gasps leaving his lips. His walls fluttered and squeezed your fingers, making them wander for the right spot...his prostrate.

You feel yourself harden at the dazed look in Azul's eyes before using your other hand to find the lube. Lathering yourself generously, you let the tip of your cock briefly touch his pussy before meeting his eyes. He nods, abliet shyly and you slowly push yourself into him, inch by inch.

Azul gasps and whines, throwing an arm over his red face as he continues to moan lewdly. The red blush on his face makes you want to kiss him so badly - and you do, swallowing his pretty moans and tongues fight for dominance before he surrenders willingly. His hisses and little hitches of pain are swallowed by you and at last, you can feel your cock completely swallowed by his walls. They clench and squeeze you so nice and snug and you bury yourself in Azul's scent to prevent yourself from thrusting wildly into him like he was your fleshtoy.

"Fuck..." You murmur. "You feel too good around me. Perfect."

Azul's legs wrap around your waist and pull you in closer, making you let out a surprise hmph!

"Fuck me," He moans. "I need you!"

Your hands grab onto his waists, leaving bruises behind but neither you nor him care. Your hips begin thrusting in and out of him slowly to get him used to it but a quick "faster!" from Azul made you growl underneath your breath.

"Azul, you can't do this to me," You groaned and begin thrusting into him. "Fuck- your walls are clenching around me so well, you feel so fucking good around me!"

Azul only holds onto your biceps and his legs come up to wrap around your waist, making your cock delve deeper into him. In this position, you're closer to him, face only centimeters away. Like a moth drawn to a flame, you leaned in to kiss him and he obliged with happiness. His hands, which used to be fisting the bedsheets to prevent the whines and moans from slipping, loosely hung around your neck, playing with the edges of your hair as he kissed you.

"I can't- I'm about to-" Azul broke the kiss with a moan, throwing his head back into the sweaty sheets. You panted, feeling the familiar heat in your abdomen.

"Cum for me," You murmured into his ear before nibbling at his earlobe. That seemed to do the trick, making Azul let out a long, drawn-out moan before his walls tighten around you like a vice, making a groan escape your lips as you bury yourself deep in him.

"Perfect," You kiss him on the lips before peppering his dazed face. "Absolutely perfect."

Azul Ashengrotto just gently smiles as you carefully pull out of him to grab towels.

[merakiui]

there was a time during this past winter holiday when i returned to my hometown,,,, i ran into the mother of an old childhood friend of mine and she was so sweet. she told me, "oh, you've grown so much! you're so pretty! so beautiful!" and it shocked me because i hadn't seen her since i was a child, yet she was just as i recalled. we got to chatting briefly and she told me her son worked at xx location and was doing well for himself (in studies). i was happy to hear good news. :D

i thought it was a welcome surprise to talk after such a long time, but then she told me she still kept my photo pinned to her fridge and that she thinks it's such a darling picture. i had forgotten about it because it was so long ago, but then i thought: wouldn't azul's mother do a similar thing? keeping photos of azul's friend and doting on them when they meet again and she sees how much they have grown since...

the idea of mama ashengrotto who keeps all of the photos she has of you from the times you were friends with azul!!!! some in her photo album and perhaps even some around her home. >w< doting on you when you eat at the restaurant and she sees you again after so much time. mama ashengrotto sending azul out to be your waiter and he stops short when he sees you!!!!!!! a reunion of childhood friends after time apart... orz

[moonlit-midnight]

One More Happy Ending

Characters: Azul Ashengrotto, Jade Leech, Floyd Leech.

Genre: Remarriage, Romance, Mild angst.

Summary: In which your sick husband asks you to remarry as his final wish.

Warnings:

Character death in the first part. Reader is a female, has a child with Jade and has long hair.

The wedding setup is inspired by one of my fave movies.

—

“If I would die today, my darling, I would die knowing that your life was my life’s best part. I would remember that you were the heart that kept me alive.”

Hanging your head low, you desperately held back the unshed tears from falling.

You couldn’t look at your husband without crying because looking at him in that state shattered your heart into pieces.

His illness took a toll on him, but despite being on the brink of death, Jade Leech never lost his smile. His dazzling smile that rivaled the shine of the sun was still present.

“I have one last wish. Would you hear me out and fulfill it, my love?”

“What is it, sweetheart?” you got up from the chair, taking the empty space beside him on the hospital bed.

“I wish you all the happiness in the world, so after you move on from my death, I want you to marry Azul.” Jade held your hand, his grip was tight as if his life depended on it. “Once you get married, don’t feel guilty about it.”

He paused briefly, bursting into fits of coughing.

“I know that you love Azul as much as you love me, and he loves you too more than anything.”

Another pause ensued, followed by a weak sigh, then eventually his body went limp and still in your hold.

Minutes later, Dr. Riddle Rosehearts, the doctor in charge who was also your longtime friend rushed inside the ward, his expression heartbroken and crestfallen.

“I pronounce Jade Leech dead. Time of death 10:04 A.M.” He announced tearfully as he pulled you into a consoling hug. “I’m very sorry for your loss.”

After Riddle left, you stared at your deceased husband, allowing your tears to flow freely.

After weeping for a long time, a faint smile embraced your lips as you recalled what Jade told you a week ago.

My darling wife, when I leave this world, I hope you’re here beside me.

I hope I look peaceful with the sun shining down on me.

Indeed, Jade died while you were by his side, looking serene and at peace, as if he never suffered from an illness.

He died in a sun-lit room, his face glowed beautifully beneath the mellow sunlight of the autumn season.

“Thank you for sharing your love and your life with me. You made my dreams come true, and I am forever grateful.” you smiled, brushing one last kiss on his face.

★ —

As you and Azul placed a bouquet of violets in front of Jade’s gravestone, a painful pang struck you like a bullet.

Seven years flew by since you lost Jade, and the heartache was still there.

When he died, you and Azul couldn’t tuck him in your hearts because he couldn’t fit.

He died young, and before his time, so you couldn’t seal him away like that because sealing meant forgetting.

“I loved Jade from the moment I met him. We were like long lost soulmates who finally found each other.” you said softly, gazing at the wide, blue sky.

“He was really a great friend.” Azul chimed in, smiling afterwards.

Despite not moving on from his death, you and your best friend still managed to find new happiness and new beginnings.

You lived a joyful life with your daughter whom you were expecting when Jade passed away.

She was named Daisy, in loving memory of your late husband who always gifted you bouquet of daisies during your dates.

She was born five months after his death, and she was seven years old at the moment.

Daisy was the female version of Jade.

She had the same glimmering mismatched eyes and gorgeous teal hair except hers was wavy, and the way she smiled was exactly like him.

She was a little prankster and mischievous like her uncle Floyd, and she enjoyed teasing you a lot.

She was your light when all hopes were lost, and that’s what you loved about her the most.

★ —

“Uncle Azul!” Daisy clung onto Azul’s leg.

Although the latter was busy baking, he still acknowledged the girl.

“Yes, my little flower?”

“When will I start going to an elite school like NRC?”

“When you turn sixteen.” Azul glanced down at her.

“Hmph, still a long way.” Daisy pouted.

He lifted her in his arms, and with a grin, he smeared a blob of icing on her tiny nose.

“Gee uncle, why do you always smear icing on my nose every time you bake?”

“Because I love you.” The silver haired man smiled, lightly pinching the child’s cheeks.

“And I love you more than mama.” your daughter giggled, putting her small arms around Azul.

“Daisy Leech, how dare you say that!”

They froze upon hearing your voice. They turned around, only to see you glaring at them in a playful manner.

“Oh, hey dear best friend.” Azul grinned.

“Tsk, you and your stupid grin.”

“Uncle’s grin is not stupid!”

“Just kidding.” you chuckled as you stood beside Azul.

While watching him putting icing on the blueberry cake which he usually baked during Sunday mornings, you felt your daughter tugging on your sleeve.

“Mama and uncle Azul, can we sit down for a few minutes? I have something to tell you.”

Upon hearing that, the man set down the icing nozzle as he sat on the floor, and you followed suit.

“Last night someone visited me in my dreams. I think the man was my late father.” said your daughter. “He asked me if uncle Azul is treating us well. I told him yes, and I told him that he makes mama so happy. Father seemed relieved hearing my answer.”

“Uncle Azul, I know it’s not my place to say this, but will you do the honor to marry my mama, and adopt me?” The girl reached for your best friend’s hand, her eyes glistening. “I always considered you a family, but I want us to be a real family.”

It wasn’t shocking hearing such thing from your child, but you didn’t expect that she would bring this topic in the open one day.

“I would be happy to marry your mother and have you as my daughter, but only if your mama is okay with it.” Azul glanced at you, a gentle smile adorning his face.

“Of course I’m okay with it.” you returned the same smile, feeling a new love blooming in the empty space in your heart.

★ —

(Two years later)

Today was supposed to be your another big day, but it was postponed due to a small incident.

Three days ago, you were hanging out with your daughter in your treehouse, and while heading down, you missed a step and fell down.

The treehouse wasn’t high, but it still left you with one twisted ankle.

You weren’t upset, but you were a little sad that your wedding was postponed until you recovered.

Unbeknown to you, your friends already planned everything.

“Rise and shine. You gotta get ready.” Floyd gently shook your sleeping figure awake.

“Get ready for what?” you mumbled before fluttering your eyes open.

“For your wedding.” Floyd leaned forward, a big grin plastered on his face.

“What wedding are you talking about? It’s postponed for a week.”

Floyd could only giggle, looping an arm around your body to help you get up.

Once Floyd was done with your makeup and your other friends helped you dress up, you headed to the wedding venue.

You could swear that your friends were creative.

With a permission granted from the hospital administrators, a makeover was done to the hospital’s cafeteria, turning it into a wonderful wedding hall.

“You guys really did this?” you marveled at the beauty of the place.

“Yeah, and Azul helped too.”

“W-what? He really did?”

“I know that he’s the groom, but it was honestly your man's idea in the first place.” Floyd winked at you.

Thrilled and giddy with excitement, you clamped a hand over your mouth to muffle your squeals.

“You’re one lucky lady.” Floyd remarked, chuckling softly.

★ —

Once all the invited guests arrived, your chosen wedding soundtrack started to play in the background.

Your right hand was in Floyd’s grasp, fingers interlaced, and your other hand was holding tight onto the crutch.

“Scared?” He asked quietly, his thumb brushing your knuckles to calm your nerves.

“Not at all.” you beamed a smile. “Just make sure I won’t fall.”

“You won’t,” Floyd smiled back. “You have me.”

The two of you began walking down the aisle, heads high, and postures calm and relaxed.

You looked beautiful in your simple yet stunning wedding gown, handpicked by Mrs. Leech, your previous mother-in-law.

Your hair was curled, radiating beneath the lights, and a pretty crown of blue daisies sat atop your head.

You teared up when you neared Azul, and you almost cried when you spotted your beloved nine year old daughter in the front row, cheering for you.

“I’m so happy for you, mama.” she said, smiling brightly.

★ —

“Do you, Azul Ashengrotto take (...) to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love her and cherish her to the end of your days?”

Azul looked at you, drowning into your gaze, and your enchanting smile spared him a breath.

“I do.” He exclaimed as he placed the ring on your finger. “From this day forward, I promise you that even when the skies tear apart, even when the sun burns out and the lights go out, I will love you to whatever end awaits us.”

The man who officiated the ceremony turned to you.

“Do you, (...) take Azul Ashengrotto to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love him and cherish him to the end of your days?”

“I do.” you responded, eyes glittering like gemstones. “From this day forward, I vow to share my love, my happiness and my sadness with you. As long as we shall live, I will be here for you, for love and death go together.”

The man announced. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

As soon as you and Azul shared a kiss, the room erupted with clapping, gleeful cheers and cheerful squeals.

Some had happy smiles on their faces, and some had tears of joy in their eyes.

It was a heartwarming feeling seeing the guests genuinely happy and excited for you, but what mattered the most at the moment was the two of you.

Under the bright blue skies, you found a home in each other, and you’d never be apart.

For you and Azul, home was never a certain place.

It was anywhere as long as you were together.

[ashimetsu]

Heatstroke 【Reader x Azul Ashengrotto】

: ̗̀➛ The outdoors are far too hot for Azul to focus on flight lessons. Instead, he has a plan to skip out and spend some time with you instead : ̗̀➛ Fluff and smut, sly and snarky Azul, reader is fem : ̗̀➛ 1.2k words : ̗̀➛ [a/n]: hope the guy who watched over my shoulder the whole plane ride liked this one as much as i do. props to him for the beta read :D

Inventory turnover, return on assets and an upcoming history of magic exam lay heavy on Azul’s mind. Although solved with a few hours of solitude, keeping Mostro Lounge afloat while dealing with customer issues and overseeing Octavinelle as housewarden has Azul occupied. To top it off, flight lessons happened to be after potionology. While already a dreadful hour, the late summer heat of September has Azul dreading being soaked in sweat.

You notice Azul's brow furrowed next to you, creasing his otherwise smooth and unblemished skin. A slight nudge from you perks his head up and relieves some of the tension built in his face. You flash a gentle smile his direction and Azul quickly fires back a smirk. It's amazing how quickly a glance can change his face from perturbed to cunning. Before you let that thought fester, you bring your attention back to the front of the class. Whatever Azul has planned, he can wait to tell you after class. The most benevolent student would never distract you from your studies, right?

As you make your way from class to the locker room to prepare for flight lessons, a gloved hand grasps your forearm. The material, size, shape, and force of the hand tells you exactly who it is: the conniving octopus. If it wasn't for a sly smile placed evenly on his lips, you might have thought he was trying to hurt you with the strength of his grip. Perhaps in another context… you quickly banished that thought before things could get out of hand.

You yelped as Azul dragged you to a vacant classroom before you could even protest. Closing the door as swiftly as you both came in, Azul essentially tackled you against the wall. You almost believed there was some kindness left in him as he locked a soft gaze with your eyes for a moment before leaning in and taking your mouth with his own. Placing his hands lightly on your hips as you complacently wrap your arms around his neck, he persistently pressed against you. His soft lips dragged you in further, leaving no room for return. Swallowed by his kindness and warmth, you fall completely for his trap. Azul noticed you give up resistance and promptly seized victory. Gentle kisses turned rough as Azul grinded his thigh between your legs, claiming your moan as his prize.

"If you keep me here, you know we're both going to be late." you say breathlessly after forcing Azul away from your lips. Noticing the clock above the chalkboard, it had already been 10 minutes since class started.

"Did you think I didn't account for that?" he replies, gasping like a fish out of water. "After all, it's 90 degrees out, I might as well be sweating from working you over."

You huff a sigh before Azul goes back to being gentle, apologizing for skipping class with butterfly kisses. Once again, he feigns gentleness briefly before nipping your bottom lip. As he kisses you in apology, you gently moan his name again, eliciting another bite, harder this time. You open your eyes and see a tempest in his eyes, hungry for more of you, your body, your reactions. His hands, formerly resting at your hips, begin to travel up your torso, stimulating you ever so slightly. You move into his touches, craving more and more from the generous housewarden. As he explores your body with his hands, Azul makes no haste to plant kiss on your neck, nipping and biting gently, making sure to leave no marks. Maybe another day, another location. He pauses, hovering his mouth over your ear, his hot breath giving you shivers.

"My, my, I must be spoiling you… it's not too much, is it?" Azul whispers, fabricating innocence as his body stills against you. The loss of stimulation is killing you as you move against his firm body to try and get some feeling out of his cold heart.

"Mmmgh, please Azul… don't stop now…" you moan weakly into his shoulder, begging for something, anything, from the once-kind ruler in front of you.

"Your wish is my command, darling."

Suddenly, your senses become clouded with the stimulation; Azul's assault on your lips, his thigh rubbing slowly back and forth between your legs, and now his gloved hands crawling further under your blouse, rubbing small circles over your waist. You hate how he knows what makes you tick, the constant movement, the texture of leather on skin, his mouth traveling across your body, edging you, then immediately clocking back in on your body. Moans fill the empty classroom as Azul continues to work your body. You barely notice his right hand snaking past your waist, cupping your breast and squeezing slightly. You lean into Azul as he thumbs your nipple, feeling the bud firm. Craving more and more, you move in sync with him, creating a steady rhythm.

You feel Azul's hot breath panting against your neck as you look down and see tight creases in his otherwise neatly pressed pants. Quickly, you snake your hand and cup the noticeable bulge, earning a soft sigh from the other. Keeping up with Azul's rhythm, you rub him firmly, eliciting louder and more frequent moans. You press a kiss to Azul's cheek as you reach for his zipper, freeing his painful erection. Hearing his moans only turns you on more as you lube his cock with his own precum. You start slowly at the base, squeezing as you move up. The moans in the room have been almost completely replaced by Azul's, who's shaking and holding onto you for support. As you recover from his stimulation, you continue to drag your hand up and down his cock at a steady pace. With your free hand, you lift Azul's chin, which had been resting on your shoulder, and imprint his expression into your mind forever. It was one of bliss and pain, like he hasn't felt this much sensation in a very long time. You grinned and sped up while taking his face in your hand and pressing your lips together. This moment, with Azul's hands on your waist and breast, his thigh trembling against your wetness, moaning against your mouth while you stroke his face while jerking him off, is something of pure ecstasy for you both.

"I-I'm close…" he wimpered weakly against your mouth, and with a few quick pumps, he moans loudly as he spills over you both, soiling your school uniforms. You ride him out, pumping him through completely.

"Hah…hah… s-sorry, I didn't mean for this to go this far…" Azul sighs breathily into your shoulder, recovering from his high. He pushes up his glasses and releases you, smoothing out your blouse and fixing your hair from his reign of terror. You both rest for a moment, breathing each other's air and relying on the other for support. Azul moves to lean against the wall next to you, wrapping his arms loosely around your waist.

"I guess we can't go back to class after this, huh."

"Suppose not," Azul huffs. "Care for a shower in Octavinelle?" You hear the smirk in his voice.

"After this? I don't think I can trust you to keep your hands to yourself again." you retort with a playful pout.

"Rest assured, I would never pull a stunt like that in my own dorm, much less with Jade and Floyd around."

You don't believe him. Yet, you still found yourself spending the night in Octavinelle that night…

[olivia-anderson-fanfic]

Yuu can do it!

Part 72

First - Previous - Masterlist - Next

Ito opened their eyes and found themself lying on the floor.

Not particularly surprising.

But, instead of being near a bed, with one of their friends leaning over them to make sure they were okay (as if they hadn’t been the ones to shove them off the bed in the first place), they were in the middle of a grand, opulent hall.

They sat up, slowly, looking around with a small frown. The architectural style was similar to Scarabia, but it was slightly different. No longer bound quite as strongly to the reds, golds, and oranges. They could see splashes of blue, green, and purple…

There were people around them.

They weren’t moving. As if they were frozen in time.

“Oh, puta madre,” they said, tipping their head back in a groan. “Come on! I was sooooo nice! Rosehearts, Kinscholar, and Ashengrotto? I get that, I was not sensitive to their plights. But I was good this time! I actually tried to help both of them!”

Their subconscious did not respond by morphing their dream into something else. It did not respond at all.

They scowled. They didn’t deserve this random guilt trip their subconscious was trying to force upon them.

They had been empathetic! This was bullshit!

Ito glowered at the young version of Jamil. He was maybe four or five, if they had to guess. In his arms was a bundle of blankets that was slightly too big for him to hold – not because it was heavy, but because the bundle was too tall for him to see over. He was standing on tiptoes, trying to see over the top, unaware that that was not how that kind of thing works, yet.

… he was kind of cute. Ito wanted to pinch his cheeks.

They couldn’t, yet, that would start the ‘scene’.

During the dream devoted to Azul’s childhood, they had learned that no amount of sulking and refusing to play ball would get them out of watching the ‘movie’ their mind had so ‘thoughtfully’ dreamt up for them. It could and would wait them out.

“Hold on, baby, I just need to wreck some shit real quick,” they said.

The young version of Jamil didn’t respond. Of course. They’d been talking to themself more than anything.

Ito grabbed a pitcher out of a servant’s hands and threw it at the wall as hard as they could.

The second the pitcher left their hands, it flew right back into place.

Their jaw ticked.

They grabbed a chair and lifted it, intent on bashing it against a nearby wall manually.

“Are you… okay…?” someone said, from behind them.

Ito whirled around and threw a chair at him with a high-pitched scream that they were very happy Enma and Kuroki weren’t around to hear.

The chair, of course, just shot back into place without even getting close to the stranger.

For just a second, the both of them stared at each other.

The guy was… weird. The dream around them had a slightly faded look to it – a faint, gray filter over everything. And his hair was silver so, at first glance, he fit in, but he was just a little too clear. It was as if he had been photoshopped in without care for lighting or filters.

He smiled apologetically. “Didn’t mean to startle you.”

“... oh, you’re my subconscious, part two,” Ito sighed, running their fingers through their hair (it was never tied back in their dreams, they hated it). “Congrats on being a good person, Being From My Subconscious, but I really don’t need any of this.”

His eyebrows knit. “I’m not… I’m a real person. Silver. We go to the same school.”

Ito narrowed their eyes at him. He did look vaguely familiar but, then again, dreams ‘create’ faces based on ones you’ve seen before. So, frankly, that was to be expected. Still…

They snapped their fingers. “You’re the loud guy’s friend, right?”

“Yes. I’m sorry for him, by the way.”

They waved him off. “I’d rather hear that in person. And, maybe, from him, directly.”

“Okay,” said Silver, strangely serious.

“Er, okay, well… Subconscious-san, what’s up?”

Silver hesitated, briefly, like he wanted to say something, but then decided against it. He looked around, frowning. “I’m not sure. This dream feels… strange.”

“You’re telling me,” Ito snickered. “I really don’t know why I’m having this dream. I assumed that my brain was getting onto me for not being ‘empathetic’ enough, but I really was, this time… I don’t knooooow, it’s dumb. Maybe it’s because I’m not genuinely empathetic? But, like, my own brain should know that that’s not really something I can just fix.”

Silver nodded along, looking thoughtful. “That –.”

“Maybe it’s punishment for almost dying?” Ito said, looking at Silver for confirmation.

Silver just looked concerned.

“Not that, then…” Ito said, beginning to pace in small circles.

“Hold on, you – ?”

“Shhh, I’m thinking.”

To their surprise, he actually did shut up when asked. Ito was kind of disgusted by how nice this guy was. But whatever, if he was nice then maybe he could help them figure out what was going on.

“It can’t be the almost-dying thing, since it happened during Ashengrotto and Kingscholar’s Overblots, too, and I was fine, then… it’s clearly linked to the Overblotters themselves… and I didn’t have a dream about that one Phantom in the mines, so maybe it doesn’t count if the Host is dead…?”

Silver hesitated, before putting a hand on their shoulder, forcing them to still. “Relax.”

“You look more stressed than I do,” Ito said, flashing a grin, before going back to staring at a specific spot on the floor, thoughtful. “Let’s see… it always shows me some approximation of their childhood, so clearly it wants me to understand them better… but why?”

They looked at Silver. He gave a helpless shrug.

“I’m afraid I don’t know your situation well enough to answer that question,” he said, his eyebrows knitting. “However, this dream feels strange compared to the others I’ve been in, so I believe there’s some sort of magic at play.”

“Subconscious-san, you’re really not helping me much here,” they whined.

“Sorry, I’ll go.”

They blinked, once, and he was gone.

They’d only really said that because they should be free to act like a petulant child when within the confines of their own head, but he was gone, now, and didn’t seem to be coming back. Whoops.

… well, they supposed it wasn’t impossible for magic to affect dreams. If Jamil can mind control someone, then surely there’s someone who can control dreams, too.

The question is – why bother?

Of course, this was assuming ‘Silver’ was actually trying to give them advice and not just throwing them off course for fun. This was their own brain, after all, and they would never put it past themself to do that.

They pinched the bridge of their nose, frustration prickling beneath their skin, before they sighed and waltzed over to the young version of Jamil.

They pressed ‘play’.

The young child began to waddle along, careful not to drop any of the sheets he was carrying.

“Jamil!” a high-pitched voice called, and Jamil had just enough time to set the blankets down on a nearby table before Kalim was throwing himself at him.

The pair of children hugged. Jamil seemed fondly exasperated, patting the top of Kalim’s head absently.

“Do you wanna play mancala?” Kalim asked, his eyes bright.

Jamil gave a little huff of laughter. “Really? I’m just going to win again. Don’t you want to play something else?”

Kalim drew back, pouting. “No! We’ve gotta keep playing so I can get good enough to beat you!”

“That’s not how it works… but fine –.”

“Jamil,” someone else said, and their voice was much sharper.

Ito gave a sympathetic wince as Jamil was chancla-ed (or whatever the Middle Eastern equivalent was). Those things hurt.

“Don’t speak to Kalim-sama that way,” his mother scolded.

She dipped forward in a bow.

When Jamil didn’t follow suit, she reached her hand out and shoved him into a bow as well.

“Forgive my son’s behavior.”

Kalim scratched his cheek, his smile a little dimmer than it had been just a few seconds prior. A hair awkward, really. “Oh, it’s fine!”

“You were raised well,” said Jamil’s mother, smiling faintly as she lifted her head. “May we get back to work? I can send Jamil over to play games with you once he’s finished.”

Kalim looked a little put out at the idea of waiting, but he nodded and rushed off with a yell for Jamil not to take too long.

Jamil scooped up the sheets he’d been carrying and started off again.

This time, though, his mother fell in step with him. “You are far too indolent towards him. One day, Kalim-sama will realize that.”

Jamil looked like he was concentrating very hard on a stray hair that had caught on one of the sheets.

“Our job is to please our betters.”

Jamil handed the sheets off to a different servant, and then turned to his mom, frowning. “I don’t get it.”

Her expression softened, just slightly. “You’ll understand one day. You’re a smart boy.”

“He’s not my better, though. I’m better than him at everything!”

His mother flinched, glancing around to make sure that no one had overheard.

(Ito, floating along behind them, fought the urge to hold their breath.)

“Jamil… you can’t say things like that.” His mother sighed, crouching down in front of him. “I know it’s demeaning, but our family is well cared for. There are people on the streets who would kill to have our position in life.”

Jamil frowned. “People would kill to be able to serve someone else?”

His mother took a moment to tuck Jamil’s bangs behind his ear, smiling in that complicated, sad way that adults do when they’re about to break bad news to a young child. “Sometimes, people are born lucky, sometimes they’re born unlucky. We’re… on the luckier side of unlucky.”

“... and Kalim…sama was lucky,” said Jamil.

“Yes. And, because of that, we have to make the Asims happy, whenever possible.”

Jamil nodded once, though he didn’t look happy about it.

His mother smiled, softly. “I’ll cover your chores. Go play with Kalim-sama.”

The scene shifted, apparently to the ending moves of the mancala game. The two kids were, approximately, tied, with a similar amount of marbles in each of their ‘goals’.

Jamil paused, briefly, his hand hovering over the board.

And then he chose the one next to the one he’d been looking at.

Kalim won.

Kalim stared, his eyes wide, for just a second. He didn’t seem to believe it, because he recounted all of their marbles himself.

And then he looked up at Jamil, beaming.

“I – I did it?” Kalim said.

“You did,” Jamil agreed, clapping politely.

“So, the student becomes the master!”

Kalim didn’t seem to see the way Jamil’s expression soured, just slightly.

Kalim was happy, but only at Jamil’s expense. Ito got the sinking feeling that this was, unfortunately, going to become a pattern.

These thoughts were almost immediately proven right:

A new day, a new game. Chess, apparently. Kalim was only a few moves away from winning. “Ohohoh! I saw this flyer the other day for a breakdancing competition! We should totally join!”

“Did you check that it’s an amateur, youth breakdancing competition?” Jamil said, sounding like a tired parent.

“Yep!” said Kalim, seeming very proud of himself. “Should we do it?”

“Sure, if that’s what you want.”

The world around them whirled out of focus.

They were outside, in the middle of a crowd, watching from the stands as Kalim was handed a trophy.

“I won!” Kalim said, immediately turning around to show his best friend, stars in his eyes.

Jamil smiled back at him. It was strained.

It was then that Kalim remembered that Jamil had also competed. His expression dimmed, slightly. “Well – where did you place?”

“Second,” said Jamil.

“That’s still good!” said Kalim, immediately. Just a little too fast. It was likely he had been planning to say that no matter what place Jamil had gotten. But he was quick to take this in stride: “You’re so good, I’m sure you’ll win the next one. Do you, maybe, get nervous in front of crowds?”

“Maybe,” said Jamil. And then he clapped Kalim on the shoulder. “Don’t tell them I told you, it’s supposed to be a surprise, but I hear that the cooks are going to be making a huge feast to celebrate.”

“You ‘hear’,” Kalim repeated, sending him a grin. “As if you haven’t already taste-tested everything for poison.”

“You’ve caught me,” said Jamil, holding his hands up in mocking surrender, but his heart clearly wasn’t in it. His eyes had yet to leave the trophy in Kalim’s hands.

Kalim’s smile dimmed, for just a second, before returning in full force. Because that’s what it was – forced.

“It’s so cool that you get to eat before everyone else,” Kalim said, a child’s clumsy attempt to cheer up their friend.

Jamil laughed, only a bit bitter. “You can eat early, too, if you’re willing to risk getting poisoned.”

“Maybe I will! It’d be nice to eat with you, again.”

Jamil punched him in the shoulder. “Don’t say that. You’re the Asim family’s heir, you need to live on to sire heirs and all of that.”

The scene froze just as Kalim’s nose scrunched in distaste, his mouth open to complain about the idea of having kids, as all children his age would.

That wasn’t what Ito’s eyes caught on, though. No, they saw the way Jamil was holding himself. His arms crossed over his chest. The fabric of his shirt curled around his fingers in a way that suggested that his nails were trying to dig in.

Because Jamil had implied something with that last sentence – Kalim needed to live on, but Jamil was expendable.

No child should have to think that way.

Ito sighed and knelt by the kid to wrap him in a hug. “I’m sorry.”

~

Ito woke up, and they were fine.

Okay, this wasn’t entirely true.

Their skin felt rubbed raw. Their clothes, the rug beneath them, their own hair, even the air itself – all of it chaffed against them. Maybe they would have felt tears prickling at the corners of their eyes on any other day, because it was all just too much, but they had been wrung dry. Their throat clicked with every swallow.

Every inhale smelled of blood.

Considering anyone else would have died if they had done the same thing, Ito was going to call this a win.

Kuroki knelt in front of them and offered them a healing potion.

They must not have been out for long. Kuroki’s pupils were still dilated to the size of pinpricks, his hands shook with waning adrenaline.

Ito opened their mouth to tell him that they were fine, just thirsty, but they only managed a pitiful croaking sound.

Kuroki shoved the vial at them, more insistent this time. “You literally can’t even say the words ‘I’m fine’, so don’t you dare try pulling that shit.”

Their lips pursed into a thin line. They couldn’t form the words to ask for water, and miming their need for it would only encourage Kuroki to give them the ‘liquid’ he was already offering them.

(Even if Kuroki figured out what they wanted, he’d feign ignorance, anyway.)

They felt Enma slot into place behind them, his chin coming to rest on their shoulder. “C’mon, Ito, please?” he asked, sounding exhausted.

They would have sighed, if they could. That was playing dirty.

They could respect that.

They brought the potion to their lips, grimacing as they struggled to swallow even a single mouthful. It was soothing, but also wasn’t. It was slightly slimy, sticking to the walls of their throat. They weren’t sure whether this was because of their apparent dehydration or just how the potion was.

At least they couldn’t taste it. All of the blood had muted their tastebuds.

They finished their ‘drink’.

They still felt slightly – strange. Their skin buzzed. Their throat ached. They could smell nothing but blood. But they were pretty sure all of that was just in their head.

Outside of the blood thing. They lifted their hand, slowly, to their own nose.

Kuroki stopped them before they could actually touch the blood that was surely staining their face.

“I’ll get it,” he said.

He rushed out of the room.

Arms wrapped around their waist. They were dragged in close to Enma, until they were about halfway in his lap.

“Was opening it an accident?”

“Opening what?”

“The bioweapon. Did you… did the glass break, or did you open it?”

They turned to look at him more fully. His eyes were closed, waiting for the inevitable truth.

“... I had reason to believe that I’d be fine,” said Ito, quietly.

He opened his eyes, more out of surprise than anything, and peered at them for a minute. Looking for a lie. He couldn’t find one. Because, for once, they were being as honest as they could be.

“And what was that?”

They gave him a halfhearted shrug.

He chuckled darkly. “Well, you should have told us ahead of time. You scared the shit out of us.”

“Sorry. I didn’t think I’d ever have to actually do it.”

He looked at them for just a second longer, before sighing and turning them around so he could cling to them more comfortably.

Kuroki returned with a napkin and several bottles of water laden in his arms.

He cleaned their face, dabbing at it with a wetted napkin. They kept their eyes closed the entire time. They really didn’t need to see their own blood right now.

Finally, he was done.

When they peeked their eyes open, Kuroki seemed much calmer. He offered them some water, which, for once, they took without complaint.

“How do you feel?” Kuroki asked, quietly.

“Like I was atomized and then strung back together again,” Ito deadpanned. A small grin started to tug at their lips when Kuroki’s eyes widened in concern, and they stuck their tongue out at him. His expression fell into an annoyed scowl, and Ito thought they preferred that. “Don’t worry. It didn’t hurt. I just had a nightmare.”

“You got bioweapon-ed but it didn’t hurt,” Kuroki said, flatly.

Ito crossed their legs in an attempt to get comfortable, since it was very clear Enma wasn’t intent on letting go of them anytime soon. “Must not work on things from a different reality.”

Enma hummed. “Oh, should we should try it ourselves, then?”

“Nah, not worth it.”

“Isn’t it, though? The scientific method requires repeated trials. And we have two more vials, we might as well.”

“It’d be a waste.”

Kuroki flopped forward against their chest, pressing his face into the fabric of their shirt. “You’re an asshole, Ito.”

“Yeah. I know,” they said, sighing. They pressed a kiss to his hairline. “I wish I could be better for you.”

~

“Is Viper-senpai okay?” Ito asked, after a while.

“Yeah. Kinda. Kalim-senpai was clinging to him and sobbing last we checked,” Kuroki waved them off.

Ito grimaced. “Poor thing.”

“Do you actually care about that guy?” Enma asked, incredulously. “Him? Does he even have any good qualities?”

Their lips twitched into a grin. “There is no human in existence who is wholly bad.”

“Good qualities,” Enma stressed. “It can’t have anything to do with his sad backstory. That’s unrelated.”

“He’s not that bad.”

“He absolutely is,” said Kuroki.

“In my defense, I didn’t know you guys would hate him so much. If I had, I wouldn’t have agreed to help him.”

Kuroki shifted, slightly, lifting his head to squint at them. “Really?”

“Mhmm,” said Ito, absently leaning to press a kiss to his nose. “You guys are important to me.”

Kuroki flushed bright red. The arms around their waist squeezed tighter.

“For the record, we know what you’re doing,” Enma grumbled, pressing his face into the crook of their neck.

“Hm. Do you want me to stop?”

Neither of their friends responded.

“That’s what I thought.” They, absently, carded their fingers through Kuroki’s hair. “How’d you know, by the way? Do you, like, know the average length of my bathroom breaks and know that I was ‘lingering’ for some reason?”

“The pills in your pocket are prescribed to one ‘Jamil Viper’,” said Enma.

“Ah, I get it, you’re pickpockets who invade my privacy.”

Kuroki snorted. “If Ace ever hears you say that, he’ll kill you, I hope you know.”

“Then don’t be a snitch. Unless you want your best friend dead, of course.”

“After that stunt you pulled? Maybe we do,” Enma said.

Ito tipped back against him with an overdramatic gasp. “You’re so mean!”

~

After a while, Kalim’s wails died off. Ito, who had thought the consistent ringing in their ears was just a side effect of kinda-dying, detangled themself from Kuroki and Enma to go look.

Kuroki and Enma were quick to reattach to them, of course. Kuroki clung to their arm, and Enma rested his own arm over his shoulders in a way that would seem casual if he wasn’t pressed quite so close to their side.

Ito didn’t mind, so long as they could still walk.

They poked their head into the next room.

The Octavinelle students were huddled together as usual (not that Ito could talk). They seemed to be gossiping. Again: as usual.

Jamil was patting Kalim on the head in an attempt to get Kalim to fully calm down. Because, apparently, he was still crying, just a little more quietly.

“You’re so dramatic,” he chided. “Crying at this age…”

“You literally just Overblotted,” Grim said.

(Oh. Grim. Where had he been? Ito hadn’t noticed he was gone earlier… their eyebrows knit together for just a moment, before they dismissed the thought. Jamil had organized quite the banquet during his Overblot. They wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Grim had gone searching through the rubble to find something to eat… actually, now that they were looking, they could see little bits of rubble had caught in his fur.)

The callout must have hit home for Jamil. He looked away, a slightly awkward expression on his face. Ito suspected that he was blushing.

Their attention was quickly stolen away, though.

Floyd clicked his tongue and then grabbed Enma by the shoulder. “Six meters, mister.”

“Oh come on,” complained Enma as he was dragged a fair distance away. “We help defeat an Overblot for you, again, and you’re going to continue being annoying?” There was a beat, before he gave in and tacked on a quick, “...senpai.”

“I’m on Floyd Leech-senpai’s side, here,” said Ito.

Jade raised an eyebrow. “Are you still mad about earlier?”

(“About what?” asked Kuroki. He was ignored.)

“Mmmmm not really,” said Ito, poking him in the chest. “I just think it’s funny.”

They pulled Jade’s phone out of his breast pocket, and then turned to Grim.

Before Jade could even react, Grim shoved his phone down his own throat. The boy stared on in horror as Grim licked his lips.

He turned to Ito. “Why?”

Wow. That was probably the most emotion Ito had ever heard from the guy.

“Revenge, maybe?” they said, shrugging. And then they glanced at Jamil. “Get Biper-senpai – hell – to pay for a new one for you.”

The tension in Jamil’s shoulders faded, slightly. He cuffed Ito over the back of the head. “Thanks, partner. A little late, though.”

“Better late than never, right, B–... Viper-senpai?”

“You can call me Jamil,” Jamil said, sighing. And then he glanced to Ito’s side. “... or not…?”

They turned their head. Kuroki was still clinging to their arm. When they looked over, though, he had a perfectly innocent smile in place.

This was, in their opinion, more suspicious than if Kuroki had been glaring at Jamil.

“Hey,” Enma cut in, having to raise his voice slightly to be heard from where Floyd was keeping him captive across the room. “So you know, we didn’t actually stream everything… we recorded it.”

“Wait – really?” said Jamil. His expression was complicated. As if he wanted to believe it, but didn’t trust it.

He looked at Ito.

Ito nodded. “On the phone that Grim just… disposed of.”

Jamil looked torn for a second longer, before he said, “Why didn’t you tell me that before I Overblotted?! I thought I was going to die!”

“I was already in trouble,” said Ito.

(“You still are,” Kuroki grumbled, but Ito had already decided they weren’t in trouble anymore, so clearly this was incorrect.)

“I… don’t understand you three’s dynamic,” said Jamil.

“No one does –,” said Floyd.

“My blackmail!” Azul screamed bloody murder, sinking to his knees dramatically as the realization finally set in.

Kalim started crying again, too.

Ito pinched the bridge of their nose. This was just like when their younger brothers were still babies. One of them would start crying, and the other would start crying out of, like, solidarity or something. It was terrible.

“I almost had him calmed down, too,” Jamil lamented.

Ito would have reached out and given him a consoling pat on the shoulder, but Kuroki yanked them a step away from Jamil when they tried to do so.

“Listen, Kalim,” said Jamil, in the kind of voice people use to talk to small children. “Don’t worry. If… everything wasn’t actually streamed, then no one back home knows. Nothing has to change –.”

“But I want things to change,” Kalim said, miserably.

Some color drained from Jamil’s face. “You… do…?”

“I want to be equals. Real equals,” said Kalim. “Friends, even.”

Jamil stared at him for a solid minute. And then he pushed Kalim off of him. His face was full of color once again – plus some. There was an angry flush to his cheeks.

“Alright, let’s get one thing straight. Kalim, we are not friends. We will never be friends, got it? You are a thoughtless, sloppy, idiotic, clumsy, ludicrously oblivious, arrogant, indelicate, pampered little rich boy, and I want nothing to do with you!”

The silence that lingered after that particular tirade was painfully long.

Kalim stared at Jamil, his eyes wide.

And then he pointed at him. “You didn’t say no to being equals, though. So, how about this – within this school, we are rivals! And I will earn your friendship, properly this time!”

Jamil snorted. “You can try.”

(“Fuck this gayass school,” Kuroki whispered. Ito pressed their lips together thinly to keep themself from laughing.)

~

Kalim, in his infinite wisdom, had decided to hold a party at the Oasis. Surely, he said, that will liven the mood.

Ito could see the trauma on all of the Scarabia students’ faces.

“They have a swimming pool, why are we walking alllll the way out to the Oasis?” Kuroki complained.

Jamil sent him a frown. “You aren’t even going to be walking. Why are you complaining?”

“It’s the principle of the thing,” said Enma.

“Also, because it annoys you,” said Kuroki, smiling sweetly.

Ito pinched the bridge of their nose. “Sorry about them, Jamil-senpai.”

“Don’t worry about it, I understand completely,” said Jamil, his eyes flicking to Kalim, briefly.

Enma looked horrified at having been compared to Kalim. Ito was pretty sure this was his Coming To Jesus moment.

Kuroki, on the other hand, had no intentions of repenting. He flipped off their senior. Ito sighed and shoved his hand down.

“Oh, right, have you taken your medicine?” Jamil asked, idly.

Nevermind. Kuroki was right. Ito hated this guy.

~

“Maybe we really are in an isekai,” said Kuroki. “I mean. Look. We’re in the beach episode right now.”

Ito’s eyebrows knit. “What’s an i-se-kai?”

“... don’t worry about it,” said Kuroki, sighing. He offered them a tube of sunscreen. “Can you get my back for me?”

Ito looked at their hands. They were still missing a glove. It was… a weird experience, to say the absolute least. After months of wearing them, the feeling of anything touching their palms was kind of off-putting. They, kind of, felt naked.

“Nah, it’s a problem for Enma,” Ito decided.

Kuroki flopped back in the sand overdramatically. “But Enma’s flirting, I don’t wanna go over there…”

Ito glanced over at where Enma and Jade were, apparently, having a very nice chat.

In order for them to have said ‘very nice chat’, Floyd had been buried in the sand. Ito hadn’t seen who had done it, but they were betting on Jade. Apparently, the whole ‘not letting Enma and Jade within talking distance of each other’ thing had gotten old.

(Whether or not Jade was now listening to Enma ramble about a TV show out of spite for Floyd or genuine interest in the subject was, frankly, a 50/50 guess.)

… actually, the longer Ito looked at Floyd, the more concerned they got. He was looking pretty pale. Considering how hot the sand was, even through the towel they were sitting on, it wasn’t hard to imagine that he was at risk of a heat stroke –.

A random Scarabia student made the mistake of walking too close to Floyd, and Floyd’s teeth clamped down around their leg. Like the world’s most obvious bear trap.

Ito decided that he was fine.

As for Azul… he was in an inflatable pool ring, floating lazily in the water. He had a cocktail in one hand. Ito wasn’t sure where he got the cocktail. Hell, even the cocktail glass itself was a mystery. They were pretty sure they hadn’t seen anything other than red solo cups. Did he bring that himself? Why? For the aesthetic?

They turned back to Kuroki. They’d had enough of these people. “Fine, I’ll do your sunscreen. You’re going to get a hell of a sunburn if I don’t.”

Kuroki beamed. “Awesome! I’ll help you with your sunscreen, after.”

“You don’t have to trick me into wearing sunscreen,” Ito snickered.

“Well, I have to trick you into doing, like, every other kind of self-care. Sooo… habit, I guess,” Kuroki said, shrugging lazily.

Ito was both flattered and mildly offended.

~

Grim was at the buffet table, chowing down on everything he could grab. Frankly, it was genuinely kind of impressive. Ito had watched him eat an entire turkey, all on his own – the turkey had been bigger than him!

Ito did not understand. They chalked a lot of things up to ‘magic bullshit’, but there had to be a limit, right?

There was a loud crackling sound, and Ito turned their head to look at the sudden burst of fire magic on the horizon. Like a flare.

“ITO,” the tiny blob that had set off the flare screamed, in an unfortunately familiar voice.

“Oh, right,” Ito said. “Knew I was forgetting something…”

Ace was sprinting at them with his wand out.

Dully, they thought they should run.

They didn’t get much time to do that, though, because they were thrown back with a gust of wind magic.

Thankfully, they were in an oasis, and there was water behind them.

Less thankfully, Ace had not been looking carefully, and they went careening into Azul.

Ow. Azul was so bony, and said bones stuck into them in all of the absolute worst places.

At least they didn’t get all that wet. Thanks, Azul, for protecting them with your body. You were a worthy sacrifice.

Nevermind, Azul pushed them under for a second in apparent retaliation.

They weren’t even the one who did this!

They spat water at him, spitefully, wondering how they had managed to be submerged twice in a desert.

They turned to glare at Ace, who was sitting on the shoreline. Waiting for them to try to get out, almost definitely so he could throw them back under again. Which they obviously weren’t going to do.

His expression soured when they refused to play ball.

“You said you were kidnapped.”

“I was,” said Ito. “That was, like, four days ago. Catch up.”

“Five days ago,” corrected Azul, squinting into the water for his glasses.

(Ito took a moment to find them for him. Azul tipped his head forward in a short ‘thank you’.)

“You implied that Crowley was the one who kidnapped you,” Ace said.

“Heh. Yeah. I did do that.”

Ace lifted his wand again.

Ito shrieked, lifting their hands to cover their face. “In my defense, he was being annoying! And you would have needed to find him anyway, to get in, I just streamlined things!”

This did not seem to abate Ace’s annoyance in the slightest.

“At least pretend to be sorry, you dick –!”

Another body went crashing into them before Ace could murder them, sending them right back under the water. For the third time. This was a pattern, now. Hell sucks.

Hands grabbed them and yanked them out of the water, and that was all of the warning Ito got before they were smothered against someone’s chest.

“Ito!” Crowley wailed like a mourning widower. Which he might have been, Ito didn’t know his personal life. Nor did they want to. “You’re okay!”

“Oh, so now you care about me getting kidnapped,” Ito gritted out, pushing at his face to try to get even a centimeter of personal space, to no avail.

“You said you would tell me if they tried to kill you!”

Ito opened their mouth to point out that Crowley has never once helped out with an Overblot, only for something to occur to them: “Wait, how do you know about that?”

Crowley tapped his temple. “It’s a father’s intuition –.”

They shouldn’t have asked. They kneed him as hard as they possibly could. In a place they knew for a fact would hurt. If he insisted on continuing to talk about being a ‘father’ to them, they were going to ensure they never had ‘siblings’.

Crowley groaned, placing a hand on their shoulder to hold himself up. “A–and I was, up until a few minutes ago, looking for you in Scarabia. I saw the wreckage.”

Ace seemed to have decided that the Headmaster’s hovering was bad enough to leave them alone. He went to grab some food from the buffet table before Grim could vacuum it all up.

Deuce and Jack also punched them the moment they were close enough.

No one even tried to help them. The other mages were staying out of it, and Kuroki and Enma seemed to have decided it was funnier to let things ride.

Ito, truly, suffered so much as punishment for the things that they did.

This was Hell.

And, as a member of the land of the dead, it was their job to drag everyone down with them.

They smirked at the three mages that had tried to come to their rescue (as much as someone can smirk while there is a grown adult man slung over their back like a backpack). “Awwww… you care about us…”

The three teens flushed red.

“We’re friends,” Enma crowed.

Kuroki clasped his hands together by his head. “You hunted down the Headmaster in a foreign land and everything, that’s so cute.”

Jack rubbed the back of his neck, looking away. “I left something on campus, figured I may as well come ‘n help you while I was at it…”

“It would be kind of terrible of us to not come after we told you to text us if things went wrong,” said Deuce.

“I got bored at home,” said Ace. “Nothing to do there but play video games, so…”

Ito huffed. “Aw, Ace, you can’t act like you don’t care when we’re matching. Like true BFFs do.”

They held up their single gloved hand. They had never really figured out why Ace only wore one glove – a fashion statement, they assumed – but it was coming in handy, now. For the sake of teasing their friend.

Ace raised his eyebrows. “What happened to your other one?”

“Happened during the kidnapping. I can’t talk about it on account of the trauma,” Ito deadpanned.

“I can give you my glove, Ito-chan,” said Crowley.

“Pass. Ace?”

Crowley gave an overdramatic sob at the blatant rejection.

Ace just seemed mildly annoyed. He handed over his glove without much fanfare, though, so he couldn’t have been too upset.

They glanced back at Crowley, who was making a show of crying. He couldn’t even actually cry, on account of the No Eyes Thing.

“Your gloves wouldn’t even fit me,” Ito pointed out.

Crowley brightened up immediately. “Would you have accepted my offer if they did?”

“... honestly? No.”

Crowley was back to sulking. Ito could not stress enough that this man was, at the very least, 100 years old, probably older.

Kalim walked over with a couple of drinks, bouncing on the balls of his feet. He’d been dancing with Jamil for the past hour, how was he still so full of energy?

“These’re your friends, right?” said Kalim, beaming. “I see you guys together all the time, so you must be!”

“Yep, we’re BFFs,” said Ito, before their three emotionally stunted friends could get a word in edgewise.

“Awesome!” said Kalim. “Well, any friends of yours are friends of mine! C’mon!”

He pointed at Floyd, who had managed to escape his sand prison and was now DJ-ing.

The previous DJ’s head was buried in the sand, someone should really check on them.

But who cares about that? Floyd cranked up the music! It’s time to dance!

Ito looked imploringly at Enma and Kuroki, who immediately shook their heads. Vehemently. They huffed, mostly as a joke. They hadn’t really expected them to dance with them, but it was a bit of a letdown.

“Henchman!” said Grim, tugging on their arm. “Dance with me!”

Ito smiled. “Whatever you say, Grim-sama.”

Dancing with Grim wasn’t unlike dancing with a kid. He flung himself around wildly, with no real rhythm, tripping over himself and insisting that this was all their fault.

(Ito thought he was adorable.)

“Want me to teach you a dance from where I’m from?” they asked.

Grim’s eyes widened. “Sure!”

They pulled away from him. “Alright. First, let’s start with the footwork. Your feet are a little – different – than mine, and we’re in the sand so tap-dancing isn’t really a thing, but we can practice anyway! Now...”

Grim was no better at dancing when given instruction, but it was fun regardless.

He liked it the most when they lifted his paw over his head and spun him in a tight circle (as do most kids), so Ito was quick to include as many spins as they possibly could.

They also lifted him off the ground and swung him around every few minutes. If only because it was sweet to watch the monster’s eyes light up in anticipation the moment his paws left the floor.

It wasn’t really ‘traditional’ dancing anymore, but the point of dancing isn’t really to be perfect, in their opinion. It’s about having fun with your partner.

And the two of them did have fun.

Until Crowley tapped them on the shoulder.

“May I have this dance?”

Ito tilted their head to the side, peering at his hand for a second. They glanced at Grim, who made a too-loud excuse about wanting to go steal some food from Ace (they saw Ace, in the background, tense up).

They took Crowley’s hand. “Sure.”

Crowley danced like an old man. The way he danced was way too formal for the kind of music they were listening to (was the Foxtrot really the dance he wanted to do to EDM?), but it was probably the only dance that he knew how to do that wasn’t, like, swing dancing. And he was a pretty graceful dancer, he’d clearly done this many times before with someone.

Ito’s nose scrunched at the idea of the man dating someone. That should be illegal. He was too much of an Old Man to have ever dated before.

Thankfully, he was quick to pull their mind away from that particularly disturbing thought:

“You can put your feet on top of mine.”

“I’m not a kid. I know how to dance.”

“Really?” said Crowley, smiling. “It’s hard to tell, what with you stepping on my feet all the time.”

“That’s a choice I’m making,” Ito said. “Do you know how much skill it takes to step on someone’s feet every other step without looking down?”

Crowley stepped on their foot less than a second later. “Hm… I suppose I see your point.”

Ito flashed a grin. “Can’t believe you injured me. I’m going to need you to raise my hourly wage as compensation.”

“Aw, man…”

“You didn’t say no!” Ito said, smiling.

(And if they, maybe, stepped on his feet less after that, then that was their business and no one else’s.)

~~~~~~~~

I'm at 1k kudos on AO3 sooooo I'm doing a Q&A

[obsoleteozymandias]

Pretty sure I saw somewhere you were familiar with Off by Mortis Ghost. May I humbly ask you for some headcanons of the dorm leaders with a reader that's Basically a Zone 1 elsen?

It's ok if you don't want to also

Anon ANON *grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you* I need you to know that this ask specifically is what made me return to my inbox today. 

Here’s what I’m thinking in terms of this: A reader would be a student with magic who is extremely shy, hardworking, and emotionally distant/blank. They don’t have much of a presence at school, and tend to blend in. 

But one day - everything happening to them (whatever it is, I’ll leave up to your imagination) leads to them overblotting, much like an elsen - their mouth spewing blot like smoke until it consumes their head and turns them into a specter/overblot form.

So for the sake of this ask, I’ll divide it into two parts per person: pre-blot and post-blot. I’ll also assume you’d be a member of their dorm. Also warning: this is long. 

== Twisted Wonderland Headcanons ==>

+Elsen!Reader

Riddle Rosehearts: 

Pre-Blot: Riddle notes your very shy personality quickly, picking up that you seem to actually be fond of rules and work. He admires your persistence, and finds a kindred spirit in your dedication to organization. But underneath that all…he gets the feeling there is an immense weight you carry on your shoulders, much as he did. He pays extra attention to you after that. 

Post-Blot: Riddle is the first to your aid after the blot. He’s the one in the infirmary, watching over you like a hawk. Some part of him thinks this is his fault. He’d gone through something similar, so why couldn’t he see the signs? 

As much as he despairs, when you wake and assure him you’d tell him anything and everything in the future, he seems to calm down. 

He’s at your side constantly after that, checking in on you and making not-so-subtle gestures to show he cares with a slight blush dusting his cheeks. 

Leona Kingscholar: 

Pre-Blot: Before you overblot, Leona honestly doesn’t even notice you exist, aside from noting the way you scurry about and wince at his shouts. He’s too busy being in charge, and dreading never being in charge of his own life. 

Post-Blot: Leona seems to take an almost analytical interest in you after you overblot. He was there in the infirmary briefly when you first woke, but after that he was scarce. Despite that, you’d catch him watching you from across the cafeteria tail swishing. 

Eventually, he corners you, and though you don’t grasp the whole talk due to being absolutely terrified of him, you come out of the conversation with a strange sort of mutual understanding. 

He’ll be on the lookout for you after that, and you can feel his eyes follow you wherever you enter a room. 

Azul Ashengrotto: 

Pre-Blot: Of course Azul knows your name, he knows everyone in his dorm (and everything about them he can leverage). You’re also one of the most diligent workers the lounge has seen in a long time, although you tend to fumble when talking to customers. Regardless, he acknowledges your hard work, although you rarely catch his eye. 

Post-Blot: Azul intentionally distances himself from you after your overblot. He suddenly seems to be busy whenever you’d normally speak to him, which, admittedly, wasn’t often. And yet you catch him staring at you more often, and your work shifts have lightened up, and suddenly you have a lot more free time. 

One of those times he invites you into his office, wherein he seems to…check in on you? But in a terribly roundabout and awkward way, like an estranged father. It’s awful, but by the end of it, he seems to be relieved to hear that you’ve recovered. 

Thus, weekly meetings in his office to just chat become a reguar thing. And soon, you even manage to talk about something other than work. 

Kalim Al-Asim: 

Pre-Blot: Kalim picks up on your antisocial and avoidant personality quickly. He won’t push you too much, but whenever he sees you he’s eager to invite you to this part or that party, whichever one! He just wants to see you smile, rather than the near constant grimace you seem to have on your face. Given his empathetic nature, though, and his past with Jamil’s overblot, he does begin to pick up on your exhausted wheezes and the empty look in your eyes just a little too late. 

Post-Blot: Kalim is at your side the instant you wake, and is showering you with attention and care all throughout your recovery. He makes sure you’re always comfortable, fed, and taken care of. He makes sure you want for nothing, and yet the guilt of having yet another person he was supposed to care for overblot weighs on him heavily. 

One night, as he talks to you about his day, he begins crying, unable to stop the guilt he’s been keeping inside. And when you reassure him and smile at him in that strange way you’ve always done, something in his brain clicks. 

You two are near inseparable after that, and even Jamil seems to get a bit of time off from watching Kalim as he hangs out with you. 

Vil Schonheit: 

Pre-Blot: Let’s be honest, no matter how beautiful you are, Vil will see you as an ill fit for Pomefiore at the beginning. Your constant dour mood, the way your shoulders slouch, and the strange way you don’t seem to talk in anything but a rasp not only unnerves him, but agitates him. He focuses on you like he does Epel, and though you follow his every word and command to a T, he can tell that there is something deeper beneath the surface. And one day, he pushes you just a bit too hard - if only to get a glimpse of whatever it is you have hiding under your strange demeanor. Chaos ensues. 

Post-Blot: Vil is in the infirmary when you wake up, but seems to be almost unaffected by what happened. For a few days, it's almost as if it never happened to him. And then one evening, he comes and sits next to you in your bed, and though its clear he had words prepared for this moment, he seems to lose them as he looks at you. And so he speaks from his heart. 

After your conversation, Vil keeps a watchful eye on you, and, much to his chagrin, he finds himself jumping to your defense at even the smallest slights or comments (in a very elegant and almost subtle manner). 

There’s an unspeakable bond between you two, in his mind. You followed in his destructive footsteps, and he’s determined to stop you from being hurt just as he had. He wants you to be better than him: to shine as he knows you were meant to do. 

Idia Shroud: 

Pre-Blot: Idia doesn’t seem to notice you at first, but between him being housewarden and your shared gloomy nature, you almost form a friendship with him, although it’s stunted and awkward. You’re one of the few people who he trusts to enter his room, and you soon have something of a routine of doing work together. You still jump when he laughs too loud, and sometimes his eccentricities freak you out, but he’s pleasant enough company for you. He assumes he’s done something wrong when you don’t show up for your hnag out time one day. Then he hears what’s happening, and his heart drops. 

Post-Blot: Idia is by your side before and after you wake up (well, at least his tablet is). He chatters to you in a way that concerns the other dorm heads, almost as if he’s afraid of what would happen in the silence between you two. He visits you in person when you assure him no one else is around, and you notice the dour look on his face, even more so than usual. 

Idia admits that he feels bad for not noticing the signs despite having overblotted himself, and seems to almost cave into his self-loathing in an instant. And yet you reassure him, and tell him it’s not his fault, and that you care about him, and that you’re glad he cares about you enough to visit. He insists, of course he’d visit you! You’re one of his best friends!

From there, you and him grow infinitely closer. Whether it’s eating breakfast together or playing games together, you two can be seen with each other at almost every hour of the day. 

Side note, but Ortho is delighted to see his brother attend class in person if only to sit next to you and chat face to face. 

Malleus Draconia (assuming pre-overblot for Malleus for the sake of simplicity here):

Pre-Blot: Malleus isn’t the kind to know every member of Diasomnia’s name. He’s busy, and more importantly, he’s important. Even if you wanted to speak to him, he’s got an entourage that would keep you away unless it was absolutely necessary (COUGH COUGH SEBEK COUGH). Lilia mentions your strange demeanour to him one day, and though he brushes it off, he does notice the slouch of your shoulders amongst the crowds of students, and the way you wheeze as you speak, as if life itself tired you out.

Post-Blot: Malleus isn’t much present after you overblot, being very occupied with his duties and studies, but strangely enough, Lilia is there at times. He seems to be watching over you for one reason or another, and though he does to cheer you up and help you recover, you suspect that he may have an ulterior motive. 

Malleus will check in with you shortly after you overblot, asking how you’re doing, genuinely interested in your wellbeing. He may be distant, but Malleus makes sure to listen intently, and even sends you an assortment of items to make you feel better. 

Just let it be known that when Malleus overblots, the Diasomnia dorm would be all the better off to have you in it.