#chat how're we feeling about this?

[crowbury]

Emi's new apartment pt2.

[simonsomeriley]

please would you write for Ellie x doctor!reader in Jackson who looks after everyone and helps Ellie out after a patrol one day!

your wish is my command <3

1.3k words | gn!reader

You're walking on the slippery ice on the road of Jackson, you hear the sounds of children giggling through the streets, everything here just feels like home.

Even with the worries of whats going on outside, the little community you've all built together makes it at least a little bit better. Being able to help the people of your community, the children. Makes it all better, day by day.

In the morning, the elders go outside for their chit-chats and their coffee, watching the kids run outside. Playing football, drawing with chalk, finally being able to let kids be kids again.

The evenings are spent doing your jobs and your tasks, gathering supplies like wood, water refills, & food, the chefs are in the kitchen cooking up what they can make of what they have.

You, on the other hand, spend your evenings in the medical supply tent. Putting cartoon bandaids on kids' knees after they fall, stitching up some people who have fallen on the ice. And what you do best, take care of your self-proclaimed "hunters" after they've been out on patrol.

And the night time is spent with dim lights, cleaning up, & getting children ready for bed.

Your medical tent is usually up 24/7, just in case an emergency happens past usual work hours. If there has been a lot of cases in one day, usually the nice older lady that runs the bakery will get you a sweet treat as a reward.

You're just cleaning up the tent per usual in the afternoon, mopping the floor and sanitizing what tools you have. There had been Ellie's turn to go on patrol today, Ellie and Jessie together. They'd left a couple of hours ago, nothing seemingly out of order. Usually they'd stay out until it got dark, or in Joel's words "Testing God's patience."

You hear the sound of hooves, galloping, humans running to open the gates & lots of loud talking. It dies down after a while, you decide that it wasn't anything urgent. Assuming that if it was, you'd probably be called over for some look-overs for serious injuries.

You hear someone enter your tent, you look up from where you're sterilizing some needles. It's Jesse. He's alone. You'd just assumed Ellie came hand-in-hand with Jesse, realizing now that it wasn't the case.

"Anything happen, Jesse? Anything I need to get my emergency kit out for?" Jesse looks around, like he's familiarizing his surroundings, "Nah. To me? No. Ellie could use some help, though. Hopefully nothing too serious. She got some infected hangin' off of Shimmer,"

You stand up, gathering some items off of your desk and putting them in an over the shoulder bag, "She's fine though, right? No injuries, just some bruising I'm assuming?"

"If you're talking about the horse, Shimmer's fine. If you're talking about the human, Ellie's not lookin' too hot. Luckily the infected got off by the time we neared the gates. Think she hit her head pretty hard, though."

You walk over to the opening of the tent, where Jesse's standing in the makeshift "doorway", "I'll have a look at 'er. Make sure you get the horses in the stables, okay?"

Jesse backs up, walking out of the tent, "Sure, mom. Good thing there wasn't any major weather. The infected were hiding under the already fallen snow. No way to figure out whether there'd be infected under there or not. I'd say we made it out pretty good for how many of those monsters were out there,"

You're walking towards the gate now, some people are gathered there & discussing patrol curfew, horses & partners. You spot Joel by Ellie's side though, seemingly she looked fine a tad bit, bruised, with some minor cuts, you spotted no extreme injuries or anything major.

Jesse's walked over to the stables now, you approach Ellie with your bag over your shoulder, "How're you holding up, Ells? You aren't looking so hot,"

She whips her head around at the sound of your voice, from where she's standing talking to Joel. "I'm fine," of course. The default, tiring, awkward response. I'm fine.

"Really, I could take you to the tent and just get you checked over. Make sure you don't have any deeper-than-skin injuries that'll affect you later,"

She seems to nod and sigh in defeat, the all stubborn girl she is, and she walks with you by your side back to the medical tent.

"Jesse told me about the infected. Seemed pretty intense out there, huh? Glad Shimmer's alright and you aren't missing any limbs,"

She holds eye contact as you speak, looking away at the end of your sentence and widening her eyes, "Yet. Never know how many of those guys are out there, y'know? It's hard to tell in the winter time. S'like they run on freezing weather or something,"

You lift up the entrance of the tent for her as she leans down to get under it, "You're reckless, you know that? You should be more careful. Like Joel says, you only live once, at least make it worth the while," she winces as she bends down, and she tries to cover it up. You notice.

You sit her down at a chair with a pillow on the seat, "You're not very good at pretending, do you know that?"

The smug grin on her face tells you enough.

You dampen a washcloth in the sink, bringing it over to her and wiping at the dried blood stains on her face. Most of it disappears without trace. That's good, that means it's mostly coming from one place. Not many wounds.

She has an indent in her upper lip. You take note of it.

You ask her to take off her jacket, leaving her in just her band t-shirt and her jeans. You check her arms for any wounds, and once you reckon you've found every injury, you get out your needle and thread.

You figure the cut in her upper lip would heal on its own, recommending her some cleaning solution to keep on her bedside table.

You sew the cut in her arm together, from what looks like could broken glass or a hard slam against the ground.

You put a band-aid over the stitching, and you're now instructing her on how to keep the cut on her upper lip clean. She's completely out of focus with what you're saying.

You keep rustling in your stash, finding the cleaning solution and q-tips at last, demonstrating how to take care of it.

Her eyes are only focused on you. She watches you like you hung the moon and the stars up in the sky.

You come back to your senses after ranting about cleaning wounds & how to do it at home, and you realize that she's closer to your face than what you remembered. You could almost feel her cold-minty breath on your face if you focused hard enough. Her pupils are dilated.

It's been quiet for a while. Neither of you notice or bring it up. It's a comfortable quiet. A shared silence.

You feel her lip graze yours. You want to stop her. You want to tell her off for this so bad, you'd say, "Ellie, you have a fresh cut on your lip. This isn't a good idea," but still. You can't bring yourself to say it. Not when her closeness feels this good. This right.

She asks permission. After sitting in silence for the past couple of minutes, she asks permission, "Can I?" you freeze. You don't know what to say.

Her eyes are on you. You feel her heart rhythm. Her breathing. You nod your head to the best of your abilities when your head feels this clouded from her attention.

She leans in close, and the gap between your lips closes. You feel her lips on yours for long, a sweet, heart-warming kiss. You can practically feel her smirk against your face before you pull away.

"Might have to be reckless more often if this is what I get out of it,"

[ravenwolfie97]

In Wishes and Memories: Chapter 1

Siffrin finished their quest, but they've still got some journeying to do with the rest of the party. What will they find, learn, and realize as they continue their travels? What else does the Universe have in store for them?

(after finishing the game recently, i was filled with thoughts and ideas and i needed to do something with them. i have an over-arching plan for this story though, so i hope you stick with it and enjoy!)

(cross-posted on AO3, but my main audience is here lol)

Reality was finally starting to settle in.

The timeloops were broken, and you were finally free from your curse, fulfilling the conflicting wishes and saving Vaugarde and your friends... your family... your loved ones.

And now, they'll continue moving onward in their journey together with you - the first step of which being returning Bonnie to Bambouche now that their sister was unfrozen.

…With an ulterior motive of finding your hat.

It blew away from the tippy top of the House after you returned back to normal. 

And that hat meant a lot to you; it’s part of what little remained of your country, and you've had it for as long as you could remember.

As everyone travelled one last time through the village, celebrating and eating and merrymaking with the people of Vaugarde, you mostly tried to hang back, to come to terms with what had just gone down. 

You still felt pretty Craft-sick, worn out and dizzy. Though, a full stomach packed with tasty Vaugardian foods made you feel a lot better.

You were really looking forward to a night of actual rest… with a brand-new sunrise awaiting you once your eye opened next.

☆☆☆

It was only about an hour into the celebrations when you saw Isabeau had noticed you sitting on the bench next to the library. He came up and quietly joined you on the bench.

"Hey, Sif." His voice was low and gentle. "How're you holding up?"

You didn't want to pretend anymore. "I'm pretty tired, still," you replied honestly. 

Isabeau crossed his arms. "Makes sense. You have had quite a lot going on for yourself these last couple days." He paused. "Or, I guess, technically way more than that. Do you know how many times you looped, anyway?"

From the way you instinctively withdrew, Isabeau realized his curiosity had trumped his courtesy. "O-oh, I'm sorry, that's probably still a sensitive topic..." 

"No, it's okay," you interjected. "It's just... not something I want to think about right now... Don't think I would remember, anyway."

Isabeau let out a nervous laugh. "Yeah... Alright, then." 

You both looked out into the crowd: Mirabelle was chatting with other Housemaidens, including that stylish fan of hers; Odile was speaking with some of the older folk of the town; Bonnie was playing with some of the other kids. 

Isabeau turned back to look at you. "It seems like the others are preoccupied at the moment, so... what would you like to do now, Sif? Do you wanna go back to the Clocktower and take a nap? We still have accommodations there for the night."

You nodded. "Can you come with me, too, Isa?"

Isabeau's cheeks darkened at an embarrassingly quick rate. "S-sure! Yeah, let's head over there now!"

He leapt up a little too energetically off of the bench but slowed down for you. "Do you need to lean on me again?" he asked, extending an arm out to you.

"I don't think so," you answered. "But... I'd like to hold your hand."

Without waiting for a response, you grabbed Isabeau's hand, lifted yourself up from the bench, and came around to his side. "Let's go."

"Okay, yeah, here we go!" Isabeau started walking towards the eastern side of Dormont, feeling the weight of your hand as you both lightly swung your arms back and forth. It was hardly big enough to wrap around his palm. 

Isabeau had to try and maintain a slower pace to accommodate you, but it didn't seem like he was burdened by it at all. 

It felt nice, not having to be in a hurry anymore. The two of you could just calmly walk together, hand in hand.

☆☆☆

Soon enough, you both reached the Clocktower. After taking your shoes off, you went right upstairs to the bedroom. Immediately at the sight of a bed, you lumbered towards it and faceplanted directly into the sheets.

Isabeau smiled at you from the stairwell. "Do you need any help from me? Or do you wanna be alone for a bit, or-?"

"No!" Your reaction was immediate. Slow down. Talk it out. "I mean... I don't want you to leave. And, um..." 

You hesitated, through some cocktail of guilt and embarrassment and maybe… romantic inclination?

"I'd like your help with changing clothes."

"Sure! I can take care of that." 

You could tell Isabeau was still pretty excited about being so close to you, especially after finally confessing his feelings, but it felt more like he just wanted to help his hurt friend out. 

Carefully, Isabeau knelt down and unfastened the pins on your cloak, laying it gently over the foot of one of the other beds. 

While he was up, he went into the closet where all their extra sets of clothes were.

As he did so, you sat on the edge of the bed and used your toes to pry the socks off of your feet, tossing them somewhere on the floor.

Lifting your head back up, you saw Isabeau had easily found your small, light pajama set, holding the clothes in his hands. 

They were still folded neatly, since you hadn't slept with the others last night.

Suddenly, you noticed Isabeau freeze in place. And then, the realization hit you, too.

Undressing you was a level of intimacy neither of you would be used to, in a romantic context or otherwise. Definitely way outside of the boundary of "not liking being touched", which was what everyone else had assumed for so long.

Isabeau turned back around to see you now, as you were actively removing your gloves and placing them at your side. You attempted to lift the bottom of your turtleneck up, but…

Ow. Ow, that hurt. Your arms quickly began to ache in that position.

You didn’t expect to feel so worn out that you couldn’t even lift your arms and pull something as light as a shirt. It’s a good thing Isabeau had come with you after all, then.

Isabeau quickly hopped over to you. "Here, let me help you!" He put his hands on the hem of the sweater and looked up at your face. "Can you still lift your arms up?"

Slowly and methodically, you raised your arms up straight. It still hurt, but at least you just had to stay still this time.

Isabeau swiftly lifted your shirt up and pulled it over your head and off your arms.

You thought you would feel more uncomfortable, suddenly being shirtless in front of him. But maybe you were just too tired to care right now. 

You had never gotten changed in front of anyone in a long time. Or maybe that was the time weirdness messing with your perception again. 

Or maybe you just forgot. It wasn’t a super important detail to remember, anyway.

You looked at Isabeau’s face after a moment, noticing him staring at your chest. You knew it’s new to him, but what was so-?

Oh. You glanced down at yourself and saw... a star-shaped symbol in the middle of your chest. Its darkless shade was barely distinct from your pale skin. 

You… don’t remember that being there before. Where did it come from? Or was it always there?

…You weren't even sure if you remembered what your body looked like anymore. Even when you would sleep in the Clocktower, there was no mirror to look at yourself in or anything. 

You didn't want to be exposed to your own disgusting visage if you had any say in it anyway. 

...Those thoughts were going to be pretty hard to get out of, huh? 

You shook your head. No more of that talk. 

Isabeau should keep going.

It looked like he just snapped out of his trance, too.

"AH! SORRY!" he yelped. "H-here, let's get this on, now!" He frantically reached for the pajama top and draped it around your shoulders, covering your chest up except for that star marking.

You slid off of the bed to stand, sliding your arms into the sleeves. "Can you help me with my pants, too?"

Isabeau's entire body tensed up and his face contorted into itself, in a stunned expression. That was cute.

"Y-yeah! I gotcha, Sif," Isabeau responded, his voice decidedly more high-pitched than usual.

You felt Isabeau's fingers brush against your belly as he unbuckled your belt and unfastened the button on your pants. 

What an odd feeling, touching somewhere that private so lightly it hardly even counts. 

But it did to you. Every little touch meant so much to you.

Isabeau delicately rustled his fingertips along the waistband on your pants and pulled them down. You stepped out of them easily, giving the ends a little shake off your ankles. 

Quickly, Isabeau grabbed the soft pajama pants and slid them over your feet, bunching the rest of the legs around your ankles so that he could pull them all the way up easily.

You noticed his fingers linger at your hips. You supposed he had to be at least a little curious. But this was neither the time nor the place for it. He knew that too, and backed off after only a moment.

Isabeau looked up at you one last time, raising his hands to button up your shirt.

Warmth rushed to your cheeks. He didn't have to do that, but the softness and ease with which he slid the buttons through... Something about it made your heart flutter.

"Thank you, Isa," you sighed once he had finished.

"Of course, Sif," he replied, honey in his voice. He looked you right in the eye, full of gratitude, even though you were the one feeling grateful here.

Isabeau got back to his feet. "Is there anything else you need?"

You glanced away, embarrassed to say it. But you should. It would make him feel better to say it.

"Maybe not... need , but... I would like it if... you could stay here and sleep with me."

"O-oh!" Every little thing got Isabeau all flustered. It amused you. "Sure, yes! I-I'll go ahead and change clothes as well, then!" 

He hurriedly scrambled back to the closet to grab his tank top and shorts.

You sat back up onto the edge of your bed and just watched him. 

Isabeau unbuckled his sash and belt, and then slipped out of his shirt. His shoulder and back muscles rippled as he settled back into a relaxed position. 

You weren't... “into it”, per se, but… It was fascinating to watch.

Isabeau continued, shuffling off his big pants before putting on his sleep shorts. He then slipped the tank top over his head.

He turned back around towards you and flinched. “W-were you watching me that whole time…?”

You blushed. “M-maybe…” Quick, think of something funny to break the tension! “You just looked so… im-dress-ive.”

Isabeau couldn't hold back a belly laugh and snorted at your dumb pun. “Alright, that's enough outta you. Time for you to get some crabbing sleep!”

He rushed over to you, scooping you up before you knew it, and plopped you down on the bed. He climbed up on the opposite side not long after you came back to your senses.

You gingerly shuffled your aching body under the sheets and got settled, looking Isabeau in the face as he laid beside you.

You realized he was in the same position as when he almost confessed to you over so many timeloop nights in the Clocktower. And you realized that you never had that moment with him in this timeline. You took the time, through your tired eye, to appreciate every detail in his face, the freckles on his shoulders, the sparkle in his eyes… 

“Hey, Isa…”

“Yeah, Sif?”

“...I love you.”

“...I love you, too, Sif.”

You paused for a moment, noticing your heartbeat pick up speed. 

“Can I kiss you?”

Isabeau's face softened. “Of course.”

You felt Isabeau's hand curl around your cheek as you closed your eye and pulled yourself in. And waited.

His lips met yours. They were so gentle and comforting. Like a small hug. You wanted to stay there forever.

That feeling lulled you closer to sleep. You withdrew from Isabeau's face and nestled yourself into his body. His chest was soft and warm, more comfortable than any pillow.

Fatigue settled into your muscles, your bones, your soul. And you drifted off to sleep.

“Goodnight, Siffrin.”

☆☆☆

You opened your eye and rose from slumber in a half-awake state. You felt very groggy, and your body felt pretty sore, but you didn’t feel as sick now.

Wait. You didn’t immediately recognize where you were. The Clocktower? You looked down at your body to find you’d been changed into your pajamas.

Your brain was foggy. Was all of the last two days a bad dream? Did you reset back to the morning before defeating the King? But you never went back here before. So what-

THUNK!

You jumped as you heard the door downstairs slam shut, followed by someone’s stern voice shushing and scolding whoever did it. You couldn’t quite make it out. Something like, “Keep quiet! Siffrin is still asleep!”

Another, much smaller voice whispered “sorry” back to them.

You continued hearing their collective soft shuffling as you tried to organize your thoughts.

But suddenly, a scent caught your attention. You carefully breathed in… the scent of fresh, warm pastries, wafting up the stairwell. 

They must have been a gift from the boulangerie… after defeating the King… and saving Vaugaude.

A whimper escaped you before you'd realized you started to cry. You tried desperately to hold it in so no one else could hear you or worry about you, but you couldn’t stop many loud sobs from exiting your mouth.

You, at the very least, curled up as tight as you could, hands covering your face, as you heard their footsteps rush up to you.

“Siffrin!!” You heard Mirabelle shout as she hurried to your side.

She sat down next to you, gently tapping your right hand and trying to hold it. You took it down from your face and gripped her hand as hard as you could.

Your cries echoed throughout the Clocktower, from deep within your chest, partnered with hot tears that ran down your face. Your whole body was tight, squeezing out every last ounce of emotion.

After what felt like hours, you finally ran out of tears to cry. Mirabelle offered you some tissues in the meantime, which you needed and generously accepted.

Once your eyesight cleared and you could breathe normally, you saw Odile and Bonnie sitting across from you on the other bed.

“Are you feeling better now, Siffrin?” Odile softly broke the silence.

All you could do was nod in response.

“What happened?” Mirabelle asked. “Did you have a nightmare?”

“We might have woken him up earlier,” Odile mentioned to her, before turning her attention a little harshly to the kid. “Because somebody was being loud downstairs.”

“I already said I was sorry!” Bonnie yelled indignantly before quickly reeling it back in. “D-did I wake you up, Frin?” They turned to you and stared with their large eyes. “I’m really sorry if I did.”

You mustered up a chuckle at them. “No, Bonbon. I was already awake for a bit,” you croaked. “It’s okay. And I’m okay, too, I promise.”

“So what were you crying about?” Bonnie wondered aloud. Typical kid question.

“Siffrin doesn’t have to tell us that,” Odile quickly tried to correct them.

“It’s fine, Odile,” you cut in. “I… don’t really know how to put it into words, though.”

“Were you remembering what happened before?” Mirabelle posited. 

No, but now you remembered it all a little bit. All of the bad things you did and said recently.

You bit your lip. You didn’t want to start crying again.

“That’s not it,” you said. “It’s just that I realized… After you came back in, I knew, for sure, that today… was a new day.”

Suddenly, Mirabelle nearly headbutted you as she flung herself into you, giving you a big hug. “Oh Change, Siffrin! Now you’re going to make ME cry!”

Odile covered her emotional smile with a hand, but you could still see it in her eyes. 

Bonnie gave you a big, excited grin. “Well, we just got a whole bunch of tasty snacks, so now we can have something good to eat to celebrate!”

You laughed and smiled back. “Yeah, we can celebrate! Just as long as it's not all croissants.”

Bonnie looked at you quizzically. “What's the matter with croissants?”

Right. You shook your head. “Long story.”

Suddenly, you froze as you noticed something. “Hey… where is Isabeau?”

The last place you saw him was… right beside you, in bed. That was hours ago, he certainly could have gotten up, but where would he have gone?

“We… aren't sure about that, either,” Mirabelle responded. “While the rest of us were out earlier, he broke away and said he needed to get one last thing before we left Dormont. He didn't say more than that, though, so we're all kinda in the dark.”

“Well, no use staying up here longer than we have to,” Odile sighed after a beat, standing up from the edge of the bed. “We’ve got some breakfast to make, don’t we, Boniface?”

Bonnie grinned at her with wide eyes. “Yeah!!!” They immediately darted off towards the stairs but stopped themself shortly before they went out of view. “Come and hang out with us when we’re done, Frin!”

Odile quickly followed behind them, and Mirabelle lingered beside you for just a little longer, holding your hand gently. “I’m glad you’re doing better, Siffrin.”

She got up and gave you one more sweet smile. “I’m going to join the others downstairs. Remember, if you have any more big feelings, please don’t hesitate to talk about ‘em, feelings buddy!”

You made a crinkled smile back at her. “Thanks, feelings buddy.”

As soon as Mirabelle headed down to the kitchen downstairs, you heard the door creak open again. Everyone clamored at the visitor - it sounded like they were being nosy and asking what they had.

A deep, hushed voice told them to back off. You could immediately recognize that voice. 

Isabeau came back!

And as he was telling everyone else off, he mentioned your name. You started to get anxious.

Isabeau climbed up the stairs and flinched when he saw you upright on the edge of your bed. “Uh, hey, Siffarooni!” he greeted. “How’re you doing? Did you get a good sleep?”

You nodded, summoning a yawn and rubbing your eye. “What was everyone talking about just now? You have something for me?”

“Y-yeah! I, uh…” He shuffled his hands behind his back. “Well… y’know what, no.” His brow furrowed seriously. “What you said the other day… you were right. I don’t want to be a coward anymore. So… I’m just gonna give it to you.” 

He extended his hands and showed you… a small gift box. It was wrapped with a cute silk ribbon. 

You carefully untied it and opened the box to find… some lightless pearl earrings and a chain necklace. 

You looked up at Isabeau curiously, and found him blushing hard and squirming in place. 

“What are these for?”

“Well, I noticed that you didn’t wear earrings like the rest of us do, so um… A-and the necklace was for if you didn’t like the idea of wearing earrings! I knew a few people who moved to Vaugarde and pierced their ears later in life, and they said that it hurt a bit, s-so I just wanted to give you an alternative, in case your ears were too sensitive!”

You blinked. You knew the earrings were important to Vaugardian culture, but coming from him after confessing… 

“Did you get these from the jeweler here in Dormont?”

“Yeah!” Isabeau beamed as he spoke. “She and her wife were so happy to be back together, and she gave these to me on discount!” He paused and got shy again. “Wh-what do you think? Do you like them?”

You smiled. Of course you liked them. They were gifts from Isabeau. 

Although… “While I'm not too certain if I'm comfortable with the earrings… I really like the necklace. Thank you, Isa.”

Isabeau smiled wide, his eyes bright. “You’re welcome, Sif. I just thought it would be, like, a nice souvenir from the town! So you can remember it once we go travelling elsewhere.”

You’re pretty certain that wasn’t the only reason he gifted you these things, but you thought that it would be nice to have something personal to remember Dormont by. Something outside of your timeloop journey.

“COME ON DOWN HERE, IT’S TIME FOR BREAKFAST!!!” 

Bonnie’s loud shrill voice echoed throughout the Clocktower. 

The smell of freshly cooked eggs and toasted bread along with the buttery pastries already made you aware of the oncoming morning feast you were awaiting.

Isabeau excitedly headed towards the stairwell. “Come and join us when you’re ready, Sif!”

As he descended, you looked down at the jewelry he got you. Even at a discount, it probably cost quite a bit more than you’d ever be able to pay him back.

No. It’s a gift for you. You don’t have to pay him back. Just accept it.

The chain necklace was a little bit weighty, but the links were still thin and intricate. You slipped it over your head and let it rest on you. It was quite comfortable, and it would make a fun sound as you played with it between your fingers.

Not exactly as fun as a thing that goes “ding-ding” when you walk, but… close enough.

You changed out of your pajamas and into your trusty cloak. You decided to show off the chain necklace outside of the collar, too. You slipped the gift box with the earrings into your pockets. Maybe one day you’ll find something to do with them.

But, for now, it was time for a big breakfast with your family.

[keepyourselfdandy]

hello chat how're we feeling about the gay fucking mirror

i need him carnally. also i think him and vee are super mega enemies with benefits it seems funny

[kissorkill16]

Stay Out Of Trouble: A Hello Neighbor Fanfic

Summary: Enzo and Ivan run into Mr. Peterson while setting up a new treehouse in Ivan's backyard.

P.S., for @fallenfelina

Ivan and Enzo were carrying boxes of tools to the new treehouse that Ivan himself set up. Ivan Torre, a 10 year old, in middle school, built this very treehouse with his gloved hands. Some might find it unbelievable, but not if you're a genius.

"One problem, Ivan. How're we supposed to climb the ladder if our hands are full?", asked Enzo.

"Don't worry, Enzo. I planned exclusively for this. I built an elevator in the back. Follow me."

The two boys walked to the back of the house, and set the boxes down. Ivan pulled the rope that lifted the elevator up into the inside of the treehouse. As they were inside, they started unpacking all of the tools.

"I can't believe you did all of this.", said Enzo.

"Well believe it, my friend. And while you're believing, let's go get the rest of my tools."

They made their way down the elevator of the treehouse and ran to the yard which was littered with boxes, they picked up one box each and started making their way back to the treehouse, but instead ran into the broad chest of a towering Mr. Peterson.

The two boys stilled in their places, clutching the boxes in their hands. Mr. Peterson loomed over them, but he didn't do or say anything, he just stared at them. It was extremely creepy.

Enzo cleared his throat and nervously smiled at the man. "Hello, neighbor.", he said, trying to sound casual, but instead sounded more scared.

Ivan wasn't standing in fear, but amazement. He had always had a celebrity crush on Mr. Peterson. He loved all of his rollercoasters, all of the beautiful, daring, high rides he built. Ever since he was a little kid, he had always wanted to meet him, he hadn't even known he recently moved to Raven Brooks. Ivan nearly dropped the box in his hands.

"You know him?", asked Ivan.

"Uh...yeah. He's my ex best friend's dad.", Enzo whispered back to Ivan. "Met him a couple of months ago."

"And you think to tell me now?!", Ivan nearly yelled.

"You were busy building your treehouse!"

Ivan pushed the box he was holding into Enzo's hands, and turned back to Mr. Peterson. "Hello, Mr. Peterson! My name is Ivan Torre. It's so nice to meet you. I've always wanted to meet you!", he said. His eyes sparkled with delight, it was the cutest thing you'd ever see, considering Ivan was only ten.

Mr. Peterson didn't say anything, he just kept staring at him. He looked behind him to the treehouse, then back at him. "Did you build this?"

"Uh huh."

"How old are you, young man?"

"Ten years old, sir."

Mr. Peterson's eyebrows raised in surprise. Like I said before, it's pretty unbelievable that a ten year old built a treehouse.

Enzo just stared at Mr. Peterson, he didn't like what he saw, but he couldn't look away. The man had eye bags, they almost looked darker than his gloves, which were covered in something that looked like blood. Blood? Why does Mr. Peterson have blood on his hands?

Meanwhile, Ivan and Mr. Peterson were just chatting away about how remarkable it was that Ivan built this treehouse all by himself. Enzo intervened about a minute later.

"Listen, Mr. Peterson. I don't want to sound rude, but we're a little busy at the moment, so if you could please leave, that'd be great.", said Enzo.

Mr. Peterson raised his eyebrows again, but nodded. "I apologize, I didn't know I was interrupting something.", he said. He turned around to leave, but before he did, he turned back around and said "You two stay out of trouble."

Ivan didn't know what he meant by that, but Enzo had a pretty bad feeling that he didn't mean something pleasant. Enzo waited until he couldn't see Mr. Peterson anymore before he gave Ivan back his box.

"What's the matter?", asked Ivan. "Do you have something against Mr. Peterson?"

Enzo looked back at him, "I'd tell you, but I'm scared you wouldn't believe me."

[ohlawdthebirds]

Chat, how're we feeling about the gainz?

[unpredictable-probabilities]

Azul Ashengrotto of Royal Sword Academy || Chapter 4: What Lurks Beneath a Smile

Summary

Azul visits NRC and meets some of the people close to Jamil, who are understandably curious whether they’re dating or not.

In the middle of their hangout, Jamil learns of Azul’s burdens as an RSA student, as Rielle’s friend, and the dire danger that comes with them.

Word Count: 18, 487

A few days later, Jamil is making a meal for himself in the school kitchen. Normally he’d be doing it at Scarabia, but some of the freshmen are currently using the kitchen there. He doesn’t mind, it’ll be good if more of his residents develop an interest in cooking; he’d have more help in preparing their meals.

Ruggie was already there when Jamil arrived, and they've been chatting for a while like they usually do whenever they run into each other here.

But Ruggie doesn't have his usual energy tonight, and it’s obvious that he doesn’t wanna return to Savanaclaw even though it’s getting late already.

Jamil has a pretty good idea why, but he’s not sure what to say, or if he should even say anything. Maybe Ruggie would prefer not to talk about it at all, especially since Jamil wasn’t even there when it happened. All his knowledge of it came from stories he heard floating around.

"You can go ahead, Jamil," Ruggie says when he sees that Jamil has finished cooking. "You can eat over there at the table, I'll clean up here."

"You sure?" Jamil asks, glancing down at the bandages on Ruggie's arm.

Jamil had an injury too, a few weeks back. Cut his own hand while cooking on a night just like this, only for him to find out that it had been Ruggie's Signature Spell to disable him before their interdorm Spelldrive tournament.

But even then, he healed up. In contrast, Ruggie's injury, whatever it was, continued to persist well past all other scrapes and bruises he got during the day of the tournament proper.

"Yeah, man," Ruggie says. "I got this. You can start eatin'. I'll join you in a bit."

Ruggie speaks with his usual light tone, but Jamil can see that he can't use his injured arm as well as the other one, and his eyes are a little glazed and distracted.

Jamil sighs. "As if I'd be comfortable eating while someone else is still doing the work. If you don't want me to sit and watch you, you might as well let me help. You can pay me back by giving me a portion of your food…" He squints at the ingredients. "What're you trying to make here?"

"A'right, fine," Ruggie says. "And I'm just making potato and leek soup." He glances at Jamil's dish. "What did you make?"

"Found some black sea bass from the freezer unit and cooked it with some radishes," he shrugs like it was no big deal. "Decided to try something new while the freshmen are busying themselves with Scarabia's kitchen. Meanwhile, how're the other Savanaclaws gonna survive without your cooking? Leaving your lil' cubs out to starve for the night?" he then teases.

"Jack volunteered," Ruggie says. "He said he'll ask the others to help, too. He and Yuu insisted that I take a break. That lil' Ramshackle runt can be persuasive, y'know? Hand me that spatula," he points to the utensils hanging on hooks.

Jamil did just that, also bringing in any other utensils he knows Ruggie would need for the soup.

As he does so, he hums. "Never thought I'd see the day when Ruggie of all people decides to take a break. Even when we were freshmen, you were already hopping on whatever gig or scheme you could lay your hands on for money's sake."

That was, until Leona came along and he and Ruggie promptly began a give-and-take dynamic. But he feels that it would be inappropriate to bring him up, if the recent rumors of what happened before the tournament were true.

"How have you been coping so far? As someone who had a whole year to adjust, it takes a while to get used to."

"It's been okay," Ruggie shrugs. "Even with my work at Savanaclaw, I still got time to get extra gigs here and there. Sweepin' the stables, weeding the gardens, stuff like that. Oh, by the way, I was looking for you the other day to ask about a recipe, but your Vice Prefect said you'd gone out to buy an outfit for the Autumn Dance. You were out for like the whole day, didja have trouble finding an affordable suit? I can hook you up to some of the clothing stores I know."

"... No need," Jamil coolly replies. "I already got what I was looking for and I doubt I'd need to buy a new set of clothes anytime soon. If I ever do, though, I'll let you know." Though he knows that such advice often comes with a price when it's from Ruggie. "So? What's the recipe you needed help with?"

"Do ya know how to make vegetable dishes tasty?" Ruggie asks. "We have a greenhouse and some gardens here so it's much cheaper to mix vegetables and meat in dishes, but the cubs at Savanaclaw are extremely picky and we always have leftovers that go bad if I try."

Ruggie puts his soup in a bowl and grabs a spoon. "C'mon," he jerks his head towards the table and walks over to it.

As they make their way over to the table, with the ghost chefs tilting their heads at them in greeting as they pass by, Jamil starts informing Ruggie about taking out the bitter taste in vegetables (that's most likely why many of the meat-loving Savanaclaws are averse to them) using the right seasoning, like salt or oil and avoiding cooking methods like boiling when he could roast or stir-fry them instead.

"And you can try mixing them with meat in a way where it's impossible for the others to completely take them out," Jamil cunningly smiles. "Like meatballs, omelettes, pies, cookies… The possibilities are endless. Plus, I'm sure once they've figured out the hidden veggies, they wouldn't complain on account of how tasty you'd make them."

Ruggie snickers. "I knew I could rely on ya. If you need anythin' just let me know!"

Jamil's phone on the table lights up from a text.

Ruggie's gaze falls on the name on the screen and he raises his eyebrow.

"Piano Man?" Ruggie says, downing a spoonful of soup. "Why's a piano guy texting you at this hour?"

Jamil gives Ruggie a small look of warning as he takes his phone. "Good news: I thought of how you're gonna pay me back for my advice. Forget you ever saw that."

Ruggie narrows his eyes in suspicion, then he snickers. "A'right, you can keep your mystery piano man a secret."

Jamil leans back in his seat and reads Azul's message.

Jamil's eyes widen a little in surprise, then they soften.

And with that, he turns his phone off and goes back to his meal, knowing that more time spent texting meant more time getting stared at by Ruggie.

"Anyway," he clears his throat. "What are your plans for the upcoming dance? Would attending it be considered part of your break, too?"

Ruggie stares at his reaction suspiciously for a few seconds, but luckily he lets it go.

"There's free food, Jamil, of course I'm going to the dance! I ain't got beef with RSA, anyway, like you and the others. Bet they got all types'a fancy food, and I don't have to prepare any of it!" Ruggie snickers. "I'm a lil' surprised you're attending, though. Never figured you for one who's into those fancy events."

"Fair enough," Jamil shrugs. "I don't have much beef with RSA either, save for that quiz bee, but that's water under the bridge. I figured it'd be a waste to skip out on a celebration when I intend to live my days here to the fullest however possible. Besides, I'm used to those parties so I'm not averse to them. It'd be interesting to see what an RSA party is like and how it compares to ours. I heard even Idia Shroud might be coming. If you're going to be surprised about anybody, be surprised about him."

"Whoa, Idia Shroud?" Ruggie's eyes widen. "Now that's a rare sight to see. I've been here two years and I think I've only seen him like three times. And hey, look at you bein' mature about that quiz bee! I still hear some guys being salty about it, grumblin' about how that Azul Whatshisface stole victory from us. As if they did any work," Ruggie scoffs.

"I know," Jamil smirks in amusement. "I pity them for not having better things to do with their time… What would you have done, if you had lost like I did?"

"Woulda eaten like two dozen donuts to make myself feel better," Ruggie says immediately. "What did you do? I was gonna ask you to hang out after the confetti but ya disappeared. Ya didn't sneak off and kill Azul, didja?" he snickers.

"Hm-hm, who knows?" was all Jamil replies with, slyly taking another bite from his meal. "Also, I wouldn't exactly call you mature, either, considering how you… yanno… " he gestures to his hand, where a faint scar can be seen. "... The lengths you were willing to go to keep me off the field 'cause you perceived me as a threat."

Ruggie's smirk melts off his face, and he looks down at his bowl that was almost empty.

"Yeah… Sorry about that…" he mutters. Then he looks up at Jamil again with a humorous smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I was a real asshole, wasn't I? Not gonna happen again."

He takes his bowl in both hands and downs the remaining soup in one gulp.

"I'm gonna clean up," Ruggie stands up and claps Jamil on the shoulder, then makes his way to the sink.

Jamil watches Ruggie rise and walk to the sink, quiet. He knew he had to get to the conversation somehow.

"... Will you be heading back to your dorm after this? Or do you have other places to sleep in for the night?"

Ruggie starts washing the dishes and takes his time answering.

"I dunno yet," he mumbles as the faucet runs. "I'll decide later."

Jamil finishes his food and moves to the sink.

If he and Ruggie are similar in nature, then Jamil knows Ruggie is going to hate this... but maybe not as much as he would believe.

Color him blasphemous but from recent experiences, talking things out haven't been as bad as he thought.

He settles on the space next to the hyena, voice quiet and sincere. "What happened? Back before the tournament began."

Ruggie purses his lips and doesn't look at him.

"What do you already know?" he asks quietly.

"Other than the fact that all the 'accidents' leading up to it had been a dorm-wide scheme, none," Jamil replies. "I've been hearing rumors but I don't like paying them much heed."

He glances at Ruggie and his arm. "... I can try to guess, though."

Ruggie casts a sideways glance at him, quietly waiting for him to continue.

"Out of all the rumors, one stayed too consistent to simply be baseless speculation." Jamil quietly explains. "Leona, he... The delinquent drove himself into an Overblot."

He gestures to Ruggie's injury. "I'm guessing he did something to you in the heat of the moment, something even harsher than a normal spell or attack, otherwise you'd have healed already."

Ruggie's lower lip trembles, but he bites down on it and nods.

"His…" his voice breaks and he clears his throat. "His Signature Spell. He can turn anything to sand. And when he was… Overblotting… the bastard started monologuing about how he didn't need me and shit, and, well… at some point he kinda tried to kill me," Ruggie lifts his injured arm. "So…"

Jamil winces. "Seriously? Bastard... as if he doesn't know who's been making his life easy around here..."

He looks closely at the bandages and frowns at a realization. Ruggie has never let injuries get the best of him before.

"Something tells me that the injury doesn't hurt you as much as what Leona said." He muses. "You wouldn't have avoided talking about him since then if it hadn't. After all, the other Savanaclaws were there when he Overblotted, but they're being as chummy with him as ever after it's all said and done."

Ruggie finishes washing the dishes and dries his hands on a towel. He leans against the sink and crosses his arms.

"I stayed until after I was sure he's recovered enough," Ruggie says quietly. "But after that… Well, an errand boy's always busy doing work around the campus. And Leona had never been good at starting conversations even when people aren't avoiding him…" Ruggie laughs bitterly. "So we're here. Well, I'm here. I don't care where he is…"

"And you don't have to. If he doesn't wanna talk, then he can have it his way." Jamil huffed. "... If you need a place to stay, we've got spare rooms in Scarabia. I know you don't want to seem like you're running away, but sometimes that distance is needed. You can take it from me."

Ruggie nods. "Thanks, Jamil. I… I think I wanna talk, though…" his voice fades so quietly that Jamil had to strain to hear it. Ruggie chuckles mirthlessly again. "Stupid, right? Guy almost disintegrates my arm and I still care so much about him…"

He takes a shaky breath, and continues speaking in a whisper. "He was in so much pain, Jamil… I don't ever wanna see him like that again. But I don't… I don't know how…" his voice breaks and he shuts his eyes tight.

Jamil's face becomes indecipherable as his brows furrow, then slowly and almost hesitantly, his arm reaches out to give Ruggie a side-hug, glancing around to make sure no one else is snooping in on them before looking back at the hyena.

"It's... good that you wanna talk to him after everything, but if he's not ready then it's not up to you to do everything for him. Give him time, and while you do that, go do some stuff for your sake. Sevens know you deserve it… Honestly, I didn't realize you guys had gotten so close. I was there when you first met him and man, you both looked like you were about to tear each other's throats out. I still remember how you freaked out when he first summoned you to his room."

In an attempt to lighten the mood, he makes an effort to mimic Ruggie's voice. "'He's gonna kill me, I just know it, Jamil. When I disappear from class the next day, you have to come looking for my corpse, okay!?'"

A small laugh bursts out of Ruggie, and he sniffles, opening his eyes again. "I can't believe you remember that." He sighs. "It feels like a lifetime ago."

Ruggie stays quiet for a few moments, then playfully elbows Jamil. "And I didn't realize that you were so down for dramatic talks. When did that happen?"

"I could ask the same about you," Jamil shoots back at him. "I was half-expecting you to put up a fight before admitting anything close to what you told me... Guess I found that those talks hadn't been so bad once the icky part of being all vulnerable is said and done."

Ruggie shrugs. "I guess I'd been wanting to talk about it to someone. And you're the one who asked so I figured it'll be your fault if I ever said anything you didn't wanna hear. Besides, if you blab about this to anyone, I can always get you back by telling everyone about your secret piano man text pal."

Jamil narrows his eyes at him. "Be careful. Spreading his presence might bring his wrath down upon you, not mine." He says this without malice, then chuckles as he shakes his head. "Your secret's safe with me. What're you feeling now?"

Ruggie sniffles and rubs his eyes, grinning. "I feel like I can sleep peacefully in Savanaclaw tonight. Thanks, Jamil, really. Enjoy the half day tomorrow."

Ruggie claps him on the back and starts to walk away.

"No prob, Rug. Enjoy the half day tomorrow yourself," Jamil smiles at him, then moves to finish his dishes by the sink.

The miracle of a talk is astounding, frankly.

Jamil adjusts his backpack on his shoulders as he enters the Scarabia lounge. Classes had finished and he's on his way to his room, then a voice he never expected to hear in this place calls his name.

"Jamil!"

He turns around in time to get tackled by a lanky young girl.

Najma lets him go from the embrace and smiles cheekily at him. "Betcha didn't see that coming, huh?"

Jamil blinks wildly down at her before his jaw drops.

"N-Najma!? What the— What are you DOING here!?"

He puts his hands on her cheeks and inspects her from head to toe, wondering if it's a trick or a trap.

"Hey!" Najma playfully swats his hands away. "Our school has a field trip here today, one of the most prestigious colleges, y'know? I didn't tell you because I wanted it to be a surprise. So, surprise!"

Najma grins up at him.

"A fieldtrip?" Jamil asks, finding it almost hard to believe but there was no other explanation for why she could be here out of nowhere. "Then… what are you doing here away from your schoolmates?!"

"Relax!" Najma chides. "I asked our teacher for permission to swing by here! She knows you're my brother so she allowed me. I gotta get back to them now, though. But later we'll be given free reign as long as we won't be wandering alone! Catch you then?"

"I... suppose, though if you're expecting a tour guide around the school, you'll have to ask someone else. I'm heading out later to the town at the base of the mountain."

"Oh, why? Whatcha doing?"

"I'm gonna be meeting up with someone there." Jamil replies vaguely, already dreading having his little sister pry more information out of him.

Najma narrows her eyes at him and slowly nods. "Okay, okay, if you say so…"

Then she gives him a quick hug again. "See you later!" And she runs off.

Jamil, still awkward around physical affection (despite all his years growing up with Kalim), stood stiff as Najma hugged him.

He watches her leave, then checks his watch before texting Azul.

His phone lights up about a minute later as he's making his way to his room.

Nearing the cafeteria, he notices that the students suddenly hush around him.

He looks around curiously and sees that Azul is walking towards the entrance. He's wearing a light blue long-sleeved button up shirt and black slacks, but it seems like the students still recognize him even without his uniform.

People stare and conversations stop as he goes past. Azul doesn't seem to mind, though. He just keeps walking like he normally does, like he doesn't even notice the other students.

"Hey asshole!"

A sandwich flies through the air and hits Azul square in the chest, splattering meat and tomato sauce all over his white uniform.

He stops walking.

"You got the nerve to show your face here after what ya did?" The thrower steps up to Azul, and Jamil notices the Scarabia band around his arm.

He walks closer and recognizes it as his fellow Second Year, Orfeo, the one who's just barely passing his classes.

The other students seem to take a step back, but the crowd is beginning to thicken.

"I have the Headmage's permission for my visit," Azul says calmly with a polite smile.

Orfeo scoffs. "I don't give a damn if you got the Great Seven's permission. Ya don't belong here. The exit is that way," he points to the direction of the school gate.

"I'm afraid that I have some more business here," Azul says, unfazed. "You'll have to tolerate my presence for a little while longer."

Orfeo takes out his Magic Pen and points it threateningly at Azul's face. "Get out."

Faster than Jamil can react, Azul grabs Orfeo's wrist and twists his arm behind his back.

"I will," Azul continues in his calm tone, standing behind Orfeo. "Just give me a few minutes, my friend."

"Ohhhh…!" say a few of the students, some wincing at the smooth takedown while others watch in amazement.

Jamil sighs, walking forward and proceeding to separate the both of them.

He sharply turns to the fellow Scarabia before him. "What the hell do you think you're doing? RSA or not, assaulting a visitor that the Headmage himself acknowledged is grounds for suspension. What if the younger students from the Scalding Sands saw this behavior while they're in the middle of their tour?" He crosses his arms, stern. "Apologize."

His resident looks baffled at his remarks.

"B-But Prefect, this is the guy that stole your win, right? Why are you taking his side?"

"Because I'm not a petulant child who throws a tantrum over what's already happened," he replies, then remembers that he sorta did have a tantrum. But it at least didn't last very long. "Azul here is an honored guest by the Headmage, me, and Jade Leech. If you have a bone to pick with him, then you have a bone to pick with the three of us. Now, are you gonna run along or am I gonna have to report this to Crowley?"

Orfeo stammers for a bit, looking at him and Azul in turn, then runs away.

Jamil loses the scowl and turns to Azul, noticing the stain on his clothes. He clicks his tongue. "How unfortunate... What a waste of perfectly good food."

Azul raises his eyebrows. "Well, I'm glad you know your priorities."

He looks down at his shirt and a frown creases his forehead.

"I didn't bring a change of clothes," he mutters.

Jamil feigns surprise at seeing Azul. "Oh, it's you."

Then he playfully smiles. "Didn't seem like you needed anyone worrying about you. You looked like you could've gotten it all handled but... Couldn't let you get the entire spotlight now."

He takes out his pen and magics most of the mess away, leaving only a faint red stain.

"Here, so you don't have to run around looking like you just recovered from being shot in the chest." He muttered, taking off his grey blazer and passing it over to him.

Since he still had his hoodie on, he was well-dressed enough even without the extra layer so he didn't mind.

Azul looks surprised, but he takes the blazer and wears it, covering up the stain.

"Thank you," he gives Jamil a small smile, and looks around at the crowd of students still staring at them. More than a handful of them are wide-eyed at Jamil's gesture.

Azul hides it well but Jamil could see in the tension in his shoulders that he's uncomfortable with the attention.

Jamil's pretty tense with it as well, but he knows that no one would interfere with them at this point.

"Let's head somewhere else then, yes?" He tries to look relaxed as he puts his hands in his pockets. "Come on, let's get outta here."

Jamil leads Azul to the corridors outside, then his phone rings in his pocket.

He stops walking, giving Azul a signal to pause for a bit, then takes his phone to see who was contacting him.

Ruggie's name is flashing on the screen.

Jamil raises an eyebrow at this. He looks at Azul.

"Hold on, I have to take this."

He politely walks a few steps forward to answer the call and puts the phone to his ear. "Ruggie?"

"Hey," Ruggie's voice says. "I found your sister."

"Hey, Jamil~!" Najma's voice says from a bit further away.

"Apparently it's their free time now from the tour, and she stopped by the kitchens looking for you. Viper junior here says she wants to help me cook. Wanna hang with us?"

Jamil pauses, contemplating before he looks up at Azul. "A friend of mine's asking if I wanna go cook something with them in the school kitchens. We'll have to go back to the cafeteria to get there, though. Do you have anywhere else you need or wish to go first?"

Azul shakes his head. "No, I'm free for the rest of the day. And cooking with your friends does sound lovely. Is it alright if I help as well?" he smiles.

Jamil's glad Azul doesn't seem so miffed about the cafeteria incident anymore.

"Sure. Come on, then," And he begins to make his way back to the crowded dining area. "Do you cook often?"

“Not as often as I’d like,” Azul says. “If I had the time, I’d open some sort of cafe. But as things stand now, I’m always too busy for such things.”

They pass by the cafeteria again, and Jamil isn’t surprised that the students’ eyes are following them.

What does surprise him is the change in energy. The looks thrown in Azul’s way are less wary and suspicious and more like… fascinated? Some of the students actually smile to their friends when they catch sight of Azul, while others are whispering excitedly among themselves.

Jamil glances around the room, slightly unsettled by the attention. Whether it was positive or negative, he decides any attention still makes him uneasy, so he hurries along to the kitchen doors. As soon as they're inside, he lets out an exhale.

"Well..!" He mutters. "That was unexpected..."

"Indeed," Azul glances back with furrowed eyebrows in the direction they came from. "What was that about? Were they actually smiling?"

"That's what it looked like. But what they were smiling about, I'm not sure…“ He squints at Azul. "They seemed to be looking at you, though. Did you do something in the short time you were there somehow?"

"No," Azul looks even more confused. "After my meeting with Jade, I headed straight for the cafeteria. I never even spoke to anyone else. Perhaps it was you they were smiling at?"

"Eugh, I hope not," Jamil shudders at the thought. “This kind attention from his schoolmates could never lead to anything good. "Whatever. They're not bothering us anymore so that's all that matters in the end, I guess. Anyway..." He glances around the kitchen for any sign of Ruggie and Najma. "... This is the first I've heard of you wanting to own a café."

Azul shrugs. “It’s not like I’m actively working towards it. So there isn’t much to talk about.” He gives his usual polite smile, but Jamil detects the resignation in his tone.

Jamil spots them by one of the stoves. Ruggie seems to be cooking while Najma is sitting on the counter and chatting with him.

He falls quiet. As long as Najma and Ruggie haven't noticed them yet…

His voice dropping low into a quiet mutter, he asks Azul, "Why not? It's what you want to do, right?"

“It’s not that simple, I’m afraid,” Azul says, still maintaining the smile. “And why are we being quiet?” He asks and looks around, matching Jamil’s change in volume.

"But why can't it be that simple?" Jamil asks, bothered by this side of Azul.

"Oh! There he is!" Najma greets, noticing them and holding up her hand to wave. Then she pauses. "Huh? Hey, who's that?"

Ruggie looks over to them at Najma's question, and his eyes widen.

"No way," he turns off the stove and walks towards them, then points to Azul. "You're that RSA dude, right? Azul… Something?"

Azul smiles and holds up a hand to Ruggie. "Azul Ashengrotto. Pleased to meet you."

Ruggie looks surprised for a second before shaking Azul's hand. "Uh, yeah. Ruggie Bucchi."

"RSA?" Najma hops off the counter and walks over to them as well, eyeing Azul. Then she turns to Jamil. "Is that your blazer he's wearing?" 

"Someone threw food at him and tomato sauce tends to leave a stain, so…" Jamil answers, crossing his arms. "What have you two been getting up to? And Najma, since when did you know Ruggie of all people?"

“I was looking for you in the kitchen,” Najma replies. “But I found him instead. So I asked him if he knew you, and then he called you and here we are!”

“Wait wait,” Ruggie looks confused. “Since when do you two hang out?”

"Since Floyd forcibly roped me along into a merman reunion," Jamil smoothly replies. "He came here to meet up with Jade over something and now he's free and wanted to cook along. This is the least I could do to make up for one of my members chucking food at him. Any problem with that?"

“Chill out!” Ruggie says, holding his hands up. “I was just asking, dang.”

“Ooh, you’re a merman?” Najma says in fascination. “I’ve never met a merman before! Najma Viper, Mr. Azul, sir!” she sticks out her hand. “That grump over there is my brother,” she nods her head towards Jamil.

Azul chuckles and shakes Najma's hand. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Najma."

"Okay, now that introductions are done, let's go do what we came here to do." Ruggie waves them over to the stove and he continues to stir-fry vegetables.

“What your resident did was out of your control, you know,” Azul tells Jamil pointedly as they walk to join Ruggie. "There is nothing to make up for.”

“Yeah,” Najma looks at Jamil suspiciously. “Who knew you had such a kind soul, brother?”

Jamil seems to cringe at the word. "I wasn't being so kind as much as I was being responsible. I think anyone would do the same in my shoes."

Ruggie shrugs and does a seesaw motion with his hand. "I dunno about that, but sure."

"Speaking of responsible..." Jamil turns to fuss over his sister. "You're lucky it was Ruggie of all people you talked to. What have I told you about approaching random strangers, Najma? If anything bad were to happen to you…"

“It’s fine, Jamil,” Najma punches him playfully on the arm. “I saw Ruggie’s uniform so I knew he was a student and maybe he knew you. Besides, you taught me well on how to defend myself! You don’t need to worry so much.”

“Yeah, man,” Ruggie agrees. “If you’re the one who taught her to fight, then if anyone here chucks food at her, they’ll be no match.” He glances at Azul. "It's a good thing you got time to hang with us, Azul. You're not busy over there at RSA?"

"Not today, no," Azul replies. "We have no classes today since most of us are attending to the Autumn Dance preparations, including the professors. And I've finished my committee duties and piano rehearsals this morning, fortunately.”

Ruggie’s ears perk up and he turns to face Azul. “You play the piano?”

Azul nods. “I was assigned to play a few songs at the dance; the rehearsals are part of my routine.”

“Huh!” Ruggie says exaggeratedly. “Interesting. And uh, has Jamil heard you play?”

“Once, the other day,” Azul smiles at the memory. “He caught me playing a simple song at the department store piano.”

“Huh,” Ruggie says again, subtly smirking at Jamil. No doubt remembering what Jamil said about going out to buy an outfit for the dance. “Cool, cool, good to know.”

Jamil rolls his eyes, aware of where Ruggie had been going with his line of questioning.

"What're you cooking now?" He eyes the vegetables, pretending he hadn't heard all that. "Are these for those cubs of yours?"

"Cubs?" Najma repeats, confused.

“I cook for the residents of my dorm, Savanaclaw,” Ruggie explains. “This dish ain’t for them, though.” he looks at Jamil. “I’m trying out some recipes following your advice the other night, mixing vegetables into meat. Right now I’m making tacos, just a small batch to see if I get the taste right. There’s enough for four people, though, so y’all can have some, too.”

Ruggie mixes in some cooked ground beef with the vegetables and turns to Azul. “You’re helping, right? Line up those taco shells on the tray over there.”

“Oh, of course,” Azul rolls up his sleeves and walks over to the sink a little farther from them to wash his hands.

Najma walks next to Jamil and whispers. “He’s pretty cute. What’s your deal with him?”

Jamil raises an eyebrow at Najma's before quietly gazing at Azul, whispering his own reply. "He's a friend. Why? Also if you're gonna lurk here, you should help out, too."

“I am helping!” Najma whispers. “I was the one who told Ruggie what spices to add in the ground beef. But more importantly, is Azul the friend you said you were meeting in town today?”

"... Well, I thought we'd be going to the town after his errand here but it seems like he's fine with seeing more of this place," Jamil explains. "What of it?"

“He’s wearing your blazer,” Najma says pointedly, as if it should be obvious what she’s talking about. “In all our lives, I have never seen you lend anyone any of your clothes. Ever. And he’s from RSA? As in the rival of your school? You always avoid any source of potential intrigue, and now here you are being besties with an RSA guy. Also you’ve been awfully defensive ever since Ruggie called you out for hanging out with him.”

"Yeah, well…" Jamil started, fumbling over his thoughts to think of something to say and coming up with none. "So?"

A smile appears on Najma's face, and her eyes are practically glowing. "So, he's not just a friend to you, is he? That is so cool!" she excitedly whispers, eyeing Azul who is now currently talking with Ruggie while he arranges the taco shells on a tray lined with wax paper.

"If you want, I can try to find out if he likes you back," Najma adds, leaning towards Jamil conspiratorially.

"What?!" Jamil quietly hisses, feeling warmth rush into his face. "No, you will not! Get back h—"

But Najma has already begun slinking to Azul's other side, pretending to be interested in his work.

“Do you like cooking, Mr. Azul?” Najma asks, standing next to him.

“I do,” Azul smiles. “I grew up watching my mother cook, and I’ve developed a fondness for it.”

“I grew up cooking with my brother! I enjoy it, too!” Najma smiles back. “The dance that you’re preparing for, will you be helping with the catering?”

“I’m part of the committee that decides on the menu, yes, but I won’t be helping with the actual cooking,” Azul says.

“What kinda food would be there?” Ruggie asks with interest. “Is it gonna be a buffet? I gotta prepare my plan of attack.”

“NRC’s invited! That’s great!” Najma says excitedly.

“Indeed,” Azul smiles. “And yes, it will be a buffet. Drinks and desserts included.”

“Aw heck yeah!” Ruggie says and pops a piece of beef into his mouth. “Oh this is almost done. We’ll have tacos in a minute, kids!”

“Looks like Mr. Ruggie’s pretty hyped about the dance. Maybe you should ask him to be your date,” she says jokingly to Azul, watching carefully for his reaction.

Azul chuckles. “Ah, well, your brother has already asked me that. I’m going to the dance with him.”

Najma gasps softly and her eyes widen.

Ruggie dissolves into a coughing fit, almost choking on the food that he had tasted again. He thumps his chest with his fist a few times.

“WHAT!?” He whips around to stare incredulously at Jamil.

Jamil has his hoodie up, finding the kitchen window extremely interesting to watch right now.

"Jamil?" Azul sounds concerned. "Are you all right? I'm sorry, I... I thought it was alright to mention..." his voice fades out uncertainly.

"It's fine," Jamil says, his small voice trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

Wow, that windowsill is really clean. Whoever dusted that deserves a reward.

The pan sizzles.

"Oh crap," Ruggie says and turns off the stove. "A'right that's enough about Jamil's love life. Now I need y'all to see if this is good enough for vegetable-hating beastmen."

He quickly finishes preparing the tacos and carries the tray to one of the tables.

"Come along, kids."

Najma tugs Jamil by his shirt and they all follow Ruggie.

Jamil ends up sitting next to Najma and across from Azul. Ruggie is sitting next to Azul and across from Najma.

He hears the crunch of taco shells and looks up to see Ruggie and Najma eating already. He sneaks a glance at Azul.

The merman is doing his best to maintain a posture worthy of an RSA student, but his eyes are cast down on his taco that remains uneaten, his fingers tapping restlessly on the shell.

Jamil, still feeling mighty embarrassed, knew that people were eventually going to find out, anyway.

He was able to break the news to Rielle and Floyd, but that was because they phrased it as a platonic date.

Meanwhile, Najma and Ruggie are both operating under the assumption that he asked Azul out in a romantic way, which isn't the case.

And yet he didn't say so and explain himself. He probably should.

But a part of him doesn't want to because he knew it'd be fruitless to convince Najma and he'd just waste his energy.

... Is that really the reason, though?

After what his little sister said, his brain begins to review the moments and signs around him. Taking a step back and viewing it from an outsider's perspective, he has to admit that he can see where she's coming from.

But does he really like Azul that way?

…

He sighs, then takes off his hood and takes a bite of the taco, chewing slowly to properly taste the flavors.

"Oh I love it," Najma says, halfway through her food. "You have nothing to worry about your cubs now."

She turns to Azul. "What do you think, Mr. Azul?"

"Hm?" Azul looks distractedly at Najma. "Oh." He takes a bite of the taco and chews it carefully.

"You've done a good job incorporating the vegetables in," he says to Ruggie. "The texture and taste complement each other, and the cilantro makes it taste more refreshing and less greasy. Though if I may, if your goal is to persuade your dorm mates to eat anything, then presentation is a significant factor. You can plate this taco with some dipping sauce at the side, perhaps even fruit slices if they aren’t opposed to that. If the dish is visually appealing, it would immediately be appetizing at first look."

Ruggie nods. "Yeah, that makes sense. They teach fine dining classes at RSA or something?"

"They do," Azul replies. "Though I learned most of my food knowledge from my mother. She owns a restaurant and pays extra attention to food presentation."

"Ooh! Can we go there?" Najma asks excitedly.

"Ah, it's underwater, so you will need to take potions beforehand to be able to breathe and survive the pressure," Azul explains. "If you're ever willing to go through that trouble, I'm sure my mother would be happy to welcome you."

"Sounds like a good summer plan," Ruggie snickers.

Najma turns to Jamil and pokes his shoulder. "Hey. Can you speak now? You're okay, right?"

"Mm-hm," Jamil hums, though he finished his taco first before saying anything further. "Tasty as always, Ruggie. I'm not sure if the visuals are too necessary, considering who you're feeding it to. Make it too fancy and your members might find it a bit alienating… and then there are those who won't care either way. They're already familiar with how your food tastes, so it's not like they need visual bait to lure them in."

"Psh, you're just saying that 'cause your meals are always brown and boring," Najma huffs, turning to Ruggie as Jamil opens his mouth in offense. "Don't listen to him. Making food look as good as they taste will get you far, I just know it!"

"Then I declare this a success!" Ruggie says, doing a voice that reminded Jamil of Riddle. "Thanks, guys. Even though it's really just Azul who helped with the actual cooking. You got a good one there, Jamil. Don't let him go."

Najma nods vigorously, chewing on her food.

Azul clears his throat. "I think Jamil is becoming quite uncomfortable with the jokes for now. Perhaps we can pick another topic to discuss, such as Ruggie's exceptional talent in the kitchen. If you have any dish you would like to have at the buffet, let me know and I'll tell the rest of the committee. I'm confident we can trust your judgment."

"I'll hold you to that," Ruggie points at him.

"Does it make you uncomfortable, though, Mr. Azul?" Najma says, undeterred. "When we talk about you and Jamil being each other's date for the Autumn Dance?"

Azul looks caught off-guard by the question. He blinks, then opens his mouth to speak—

"Oh my word!" a familiar voice cuts him off, and Jamil looks up to see Crowley approaching their table. "If it isn't RSA's very own Azul Ashengrotto!"

Azul stands up and graciously holds out a hand, his standard polite smile on his face. "Sir Dire Crowley."

Crowley shakes his hand enthusiastically. "Oh how honored I am to be in the presence of a future member of the Coral Sea's royal court!"

Jamil notices that Azul tenses up at that.

"Huh?" Ruggie says. "Azul?"

"Why, yes!" Crowley turns Azul and holds him by the shoulders as if Crowley's presenting him to them. "You're looking at Prince Rielle Triton's royal advisor!"

Crowley lowers his voice to a conspiratorial mumble. "Because it's too early to say whether you'll be his king, hm?" he chuckles merrily, not waiting for Azul to respond. "But no matter! Whether you'll be king of the oceans or a trusted right-hand man, the important thing is you'll have a seat at the royal court! Isn't that right?" he grins expectantly under his mask.

"Yes, sir," Azul nods with a smile. But Jamil has seen his real smile plenty enough times to notice that this one is strained. His eyes are guarded, his jaw too tense.

Azul's posture is perfect, his back straight and his hands behind him. Jamil could just see from this angle that Azul is gripping his left wrist with his right hand, digging his fingernails in as he smiles in supposed agreement with Crowley.

The royal advisor? Future king?

Jamil recalls the brief conversation he had with Azul about his cafe and how hasty he was to drop it.

All of a sudden, pieces started to click together as he stares at the merman in surprise.

"Royal court?" Najma asks, innocently unaware of the hidden layer of tension. "There's a royal family in the bottom of the ocean?"

"Najma, we've been taught this," Jamil mumbles.

"We have..? Oh, right. I remember now. The Tritons! WAIT! You're associated with royalty, Mister Azul!?"

Ruggie lowly whistles. "Dang, welcome to the club."

Azul nods, his polite smile unwavering. "Yes, Prince Rielle is a childhood friend of mine."

"How wonderful, isn't it?" Crowley says. "Well, I shall leave you all to your meals now. Until next time, Mr. Ashengrotto!" he claps Azul on the back and walks away, his cape fluttering behind him.

"Can you point me to the nearest vending machine?" Azul says to no one in particular, looking around. "The taco was quite flavorful, and I should like a drink to wash it down," he gestures to his plate, and Jamil notices the blood on the tips of his fingernails.

Before Jamil could say anything, Ruggie casually gestures over to the hallway outside. "Oh, take a right as soon as you exit and then as long as you keep on walking, you'll eventually find it in a corner leading to the courtyard."

"Thank you," Azul says. "Oh, do any of you want anything from there? My treat, since you were gracious enough to feed me tacos."

"Ooh, I'd like some milk tea, please!" Najma happily chimed in.

Ruggie wrinkles his nose and waves a languid hand in the air. "Any drink's fine, s'long as I don't have to pay for it."

Jamil did not know what to say as he's still trying to figure out a strategy, so he just shakes his head. "M'good..."

Azul nods. "All right, I shall be right back." he turns and leaves the cafeteria.

"Why did you say 'welcome to the club' earlier to Azul?" Najma asks Ruggie. "Are you associated with royalty?"

Ruggie begins rambling about Leona, and Jamil notices that Ruggie doesn't seem to mind talking about him anymore, but he's too lost in his own thoughts to pay much attention.

At some point, Jamil realizes that their chatter has stopped, and he glances up to see them staring at him.

"Well?" Najma asks, lacing her hands under her chin.

"Well what?"

"Are you gonna go and chase after him?"

Jamil squints at her in suspicion. "And why would I do that?"

"Hello? He's set for marriage with a sea prince when YOU have been harboring feelings for him! Are you just gonna let him run away!? Go!"

Jamil scoffs, willing to spite his sister by staying rooted in his seat when he suddenly notices Ruggie's expression.

"You should talk to him," Ruggie gestures with a jerk of his head, looking serious as he taps his nose. "My nose never lies and I smelled metal on his hands when he left. You know something we don't, so go. I think he needs it."

Jamil stares at the hyena before making a nod and standing up to head over to Azul.

"Huh? Wait, what's going on?" Najma asks after she watches her brother leave the room entirely.

"Drama talk, lil' Viper, the hallmark of a true romance," Ruggie grins, slipping back to his easygoing nature.

"Drama talk? My brother!?" Najma remarks, incredulous, before standing up from her seat. "Have you met him, Mister Ruggie!?"

The hyena shrugs. "I know, I know, but take it from me, Jamil ain't that bad at it."

Najma slowly sits back down, looking genuinely doubtful. "Okay... But if they take too long, we're gonna go look for them, alright?"

Jamil goes to the direction of the vending machine that Ruggie mentioned, hoping that Azul really did go there.

He sees him in front of it, hands in his pockets and staring at the machine with an expression too serious for someone who just wants to wash down a taco.

Jamil silently comes up to him, not bothering to hide his presence.

Azul doesn't notice. He's still staring at the glass of the vending machine but not making any movements to purchase anything.

Jamil takes a deep breath.

Then softly, he announces himself. "Hey, you."

Azul gets startled and looks at him. He blinks, and in an instant his posture is proper. That strained smile is plastered on his face again.

"Jamil. Have you changed your mind about the drink? Which one do you want?" Azul looks at the array of options.

"What do I want?"

Jamil leans against the vending machine, hands in his hoodie's pockets as he gives Azul a concerned look.

"I want to hear how you're doing. I can see when you're faking it, you know."

Azul looks conflicted for a moment, then he purses his lips and averts his eyes.

"I'm…" he sighs. "How are you so sure? This is only the fourth time we've even seen each other."

"I know what it's like to put on airs for other people," Jamil replies, then continues more quietly, "Besides, I've gotten to see for myself what a real smile looks like on your face. So…"

Azul meets his gaze, and for a moment there's a glimpse of that real smile.

"There it is," Jamil points out, feeling himself grin, too.

A small laugh bubbles out of Azul, and his shoulders relax. "I think… I just want some time to be… not what everyone expects me to be."

"Then let's do just that," Jamil says encouragingly. "If there's anything NRC's done for me, it's given me the space I needed to do what I wanted to do, so tell me, Azul... What do you desire the most at this very moment?"

Azul furrows his eyebrows in thought, chewing his bottom lip. "I'm not sure, exactly… That sounds bad, doesn't it?" he chuckles softly. "Um… Perhaps I should decide on which drink I want first. And I don't want to keep Ruggie and Najma waiting for theirs."

Jamil shrugs, content to have hopefully at least nudged him in the right direction.

He patiently waits next to the merman as he deals with the machine.

Azul straightens up with four drinks in his arms and hands one to Jamil.

He looks down at the bottle and sees that it's blond roast coffee.

"I remember that it's what you had at the cat café," Azul says. "I thought you might still like it."

"Indeed. My tastes haven't changed since then," Jamil quips. "Thanks. What did you get? Same drink as what you got in the café, too?"

Azul shakes his head. "No, just sparkling water. I don't wanna get something with a lot of calories. Shall we get back to the others?"

Jamil nods. "Let's."

But as soon as they round the corner, they run into Najma and Ruggie, who are trying to look as casual as possible.

"Oh, heeeeeeey, you two!" Najma greets. "We were… uh… just on our way to check up on you! You were taking a while!"

"Ah, my apologies for taking too long," Azul says, handing milk tea to Najma and fruit juice to Ruggie. "Shall we get back inside?"

Jamil squints at the both of them as they receive their drinks, then he relaxes, deciding to let it go for now.

"Actually, why don't we walk around?" he asks Azul and Najma. "Ruggie and I can show you a lot of NRC's facilities that no mere tour guide can provide. What do you two think?"

"That sounds lovely," Azul smiles.

"Oh sure," Najma turns to Ruggie. "He won't be a tour guide for me but when it's for Azul…" she shakes her head and gives Ruggie a look that says, "Can you believe this guy?"

"Ah, young love," Ruggie teases.

Jamil rolls his eyes, ignoring them to walk on ahead.

He leads them out of the main campus building, and as they walk along the steep steps to the lower cliff area, he turns to Azul. "Ah. By the way, what did you and Jade talk about?"

Azul adjusts his glasses. "Jade informed me that he remains the sole member of the Mountain Lovers Club, and he wants to promote it so that more of your schoolmates would be encouraged to join.

I suggested that he put up some sort of shop in Octavinelle, since it would be easier to manage if it's just in his dorm. He mentioned his fondness for mushrooms, and that he could pick them and other various plants when he goes hiking for his club activities. So I proposed that it might be good to cook those mushroom dishes for his dorm mates, perhaps even sell them eventually, and to other students as well if he has the time and manpower for it.

He seemed to like the idea so far, and he said he'd be interested to pursue it and ask for further consultation down the road. I asked him why he didn't just collaborate with his Prefect, especially if it would give funds to their dorm as well. Jade said that his Prefect is too… carefree for his liking."

"... Huh. Interesting," Jamil mutters. This is the first he's ever heard of Jade's own hobbies. It says a lot that he's willing to consult Azul about it of all people. "Guess he went to you for help then because of your business acumen."

Plus there was cooking once more. Azul really likes the idea of setting up a catering business, even if he seems to deny himself of that.

"Do you guys have any Masterchef programs back in RSA?" Jamil asks.

They've gone past the staircase and are now making their way to the windmills and hilly fields to the west of campus.

"We do," Azul replies. "I joined last year because the theme was baking, and it was something that I didn't have much experience with. It required significantly more precision compared to cooking, and it was quite the fun challenge to tackle. How about you? Have you joined any similar programs here?"

Jamil nods, before gesturing to Ruggie as well. "Both of us, though we joined on different themes. I was doing Seafood and Ruggie dealt with Eggs."

"The best part about those programs is the leftovers people make and leave behind," the hyena grins.

"Most of our ingredients are either locally cultivated," Jamil nods to the windmills and the chicken coop nearby. "Or bought from Mr. S's shop."

"Have you been inside Sam's joint, lil' Viper?" Ruggie asks, noticing how she's looking around the area. "Where did yer teacher even tour you around?"

"We went to Mr. S's, yeah," Najma nods. "And before that, our teacher showed us the different areas where club activities happen. We caught the Equestrian Club in their practice, it was so cool! I wanted to see the Board Game Club, too, but they weren't in their classroom earlier."

"Oh hey, I think they might be there now," Ruggie checks his phone for the time. "I was hanging out with Ortho earlier and he said that he had to get back to Idia because Board Game Club activities would be starting. Whaddaya say, fellow tour guide?" he turns to Jamil. "Should we take lil' Viper out to see the Board Game Club?"

Jamil shrugs. "Fine by me. It's Idia who I worry about. Dunno if his heart can take new strangers."

He leads them over straight to the club room, clearly unbothered by the prospect.

When they arrive, the club members are separated into small groups, playing different board games on tables placed around the classroom.

"Greetings!" Ortho zooms in front of them, hovering and waving his hand as a greeting. "I see we have new visitors!"

"Hey, Ortho," Ruggie gives him a high five. "This is Najma, Jamil's lil' sis. And this is Azul, Jamil's… I dunno."

"I have met Azul Ashengrotto, yes!" Ortho nods enthusiastically. "Hello again!"

"Hello again, Ortho Shroud," Azul smiles.

"Oh neat, you know each other," Ruggie says.

"Whoa, are you a robot?" Najma asks in fascination, looking at Ortho up and down.

"You may call me that, yes," Ortho says. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Najma Viper! Is there any board game you'd like to see?"

"Hmm, do you have mancala here?" Najma looks around.

"Searching the web for information about 'mancala'," Ortho stays still while a series of beeps could be heard somewhere from him. "Information acquired! We don't have that exact game, but we have materials we can use as a passable substitution. Shall we proceed?"

"Heck yeah!" Najma runs off with Ortho to one of the vacant tables.

Idia appears, looking down at his tablet. "Hey Ortho, have you seen the—"

He looks up and sees the three of them. "Eep!" he jumps back, putting up his tablet to hide his face. "It's Mr. Jamil and his handsome love interest from the rival school," he mutters. "Why am I in this scene?" He peeks above his tablet to look at Ruggie. "Why did you bring them here?" he says in distress.

"Showing Jamil's handsome love interest around," Ruggie replies. "Careful, Idia. I might think you're the one crushing on our guest here."

Idia shudders. "N-Not a chance. Sparkly guys and gloomy shut-ins like me don't mix. A-Anyway, now that you've seen the club for yourselves, you can go now, right?"

He looks around, spots Ortho and Najma playing, and groans. "You gotta be kidding me. You're staying, and who's THAT?!"

"My sister," Jamil replies. "Her school is conducting a fieldtrip here today."

Idia shrinks into a crouch so that he won't be seen. "A-Ah… I should've figured. You guys got similar-looking f-faces."

"No, we don't," Jamil frowns, confused. "Anyway, looks like we're gonna be here for a while. Hope you don't mind."

"And what if I do?" Idia stammers.

"We'll stay here longer," Ruggie snickers. "Might as well find ourselves something entertaining to do while we're here."

"Is that The Game of Life?" Azul says with interest, pointing to the open board game at a vacant table.

"Y-Yeah," Idia says. "Do you play that?" he asks in a small voice.

"I used to, but it's been a long time." Azul approaches the table. "May I?"

"Huh? Uh, s-sure," Idia says.

Azul picks up the dice and throws them on the board with a flick of his wrist. Each die lands with the six side facing up.

Azul's face brightens as he chuckles. "Still got it."

"Whoa!" Idia hurries towards Azul, forgetting his shyness for a second. "How'd you do that? That's gotta be luck, right?"

Azul just smiles and picks up the dice again. He throws them, and the sides with the six dots are facing up once more.

"NO WAY!" Idia picks up the dice and inspects them. "Did you rig these? What spell is that?"

Azul chuckles and shakes his head. "I used to play this, and there was a time when I practiced how to throw the dice so that they would land with my desired numbers facing up. It took a long time and a lot of math and wrist cramps, but I eventually figured it out," he says proudly.

Idia's jaw drops as he stares at Azul. "That's like, mega-obsessive geek behavior. You played this game a lot?"

Azul nods. "Indeed. Do you like this game as well? Perhaps we can play some time," he smiles at Idia.

Idia falls quiet, and his face goes red and he scurries away, hiding behind Ruggie with his tablet covering the lower half of his face.

"Th-th-there're other games here," he gestures to the other tables. "If you wanna check out any more," his voice fades out and he shrinks behind Ruggie's shoulder.

"Who do you play these dice games with?" Jamil asks Azul, quirking up an eyebrow. "They must feel like quite the unfortunate sap facing against you."

"Rielle," Azul says. "We discovered this game in our freshman year, and I didn't like that I had so little control over the outcome of the dice. He said that it really is up to chance, and I took that as a challenge," he said smugly.

"Like RSA Rielle?" Idia says in surprise, appearing behind Ruggie. "You just casually play board games with the mega-protagonist crown prince?"

"Not anymore," Azul shrugs. "A mega-protagonist crown prince does get busy with princely duties, and I haven't had much free time as well."

"Then consider this a good opportunity to let loose before it's back to busywork," says Ruggie. "Knowing that the chance and dice games can be rigged crosses them outta the list, what sort of board games do you like to play?"

"Hmm," Azul hums thoughtfully. "I like Clue. And Monopoly. Though both games take a long time to play. How about you two?" he looks at Ruggie and Jamil.

"Eh," Ruggie shrugs. "Board games don't really fill my pocket with pay so I don't really dabble on 'em. I heard some really old ones can fetch ya a pretty penny, though!" His eyes begin to roam the club's belongings with greedy interest.

"Ahem," Jamil gives the hyena a pointed look before glancing back at Azul. "Playing either sounds fine with me. Just so you know, I'm not gonna lose so easily."

A smile pulls at the corner of Azul's lips. "Good, it wouldn't be fun otherwise."

"Ugh," Ruggie makes a disgusted sound. "You two don't mind if I don't join you, right? I don't need to be around all this unresolved sexual tension," he gestures with his hands as if indicating something in the air.

"What are you gonna do, then?" Jamil asks. "Those games work better with more people."

Ruggie shrugs. "I dunno. I'll roam around and see if any game interests me."

He walks away and begins looking at the different games that the club members are playing.

"I've never played mancala before," Azul offers. "From what Najma and Ortho are doing, it looks like it only needs two people. Would you mind teaching me?"

"Oh. Well, sure, if that's what you want," Jamil replies. "Like Ortho said, we have to find some substitutes for it first."

And so they do, cobbling up "shells" with the use of dice and bowls after getting (reluctant) permission from Idia.

From there, Jamil lays down the ground rules and the objective of the game, teaching Azul with a calm demeanor and a small demonstration.

Azul understands the game well enough, and they start playing. As he's moving the makeshift shells around the board, his sleeve hikes up a little and reveals the crescent cuts on his wrist from his fingernails. He notices it—Jamil could tell from how he paused for the briefest second and his eyes widened—and smoothly switches the pieces to his right hand and continues his turn. But that only revealed his blood-tipped fingernails, though the amount of blood was little enough that he doesn't seem to know it was there.

"Have you played this game a lot with your sister?" Azul asks casually.

Jamil goes to tear his gaze away from Azul's hand and musters an answer, voice a little tense.

"Right, um… We'd play every once in a while, but then she'd get fed up with losing all the time and find another game that I'd be unfamiliar with or come up with extra rules in the hopes of giving me a handicap."

From nearby, Najma can be heard yelling out in defeat. "I should've known better than to challenge a robot in a game of strategy!"

"Seriously, what is the appeal of this thing?" Ruggie says, sidling up to a pair of students who were engaging in a battle of chess. "I keep getting roped in to play this only to get my ass beat. Oh shit, your horse is vulnerable to that bishop over there."

"Hey! No backseating!" one of the chess players snarl.

"And it's a knight, not a horse!"

"It's a piece in the shape of a horse, what's it matter?" Ruggie scoffs.

Despite the lively atmosphere, Jamil feels tense as he plays the game with Azul at a quiet pace.

Then, as the merman's fingers cross over to Jamil's side in the middle of his turn, Jamil reaches out and gently takes Azul's hand, bringing his blood-tipped nails under close scrutiny.

His expression is contemplative, before he glances up to meet Azul's gaze and quietly asks, "How're you holding up now?"

Azul tenses up when he realizes what Jamil has been looking at on his fingernails.

He averts his eyes for a moment before meeting Jamil's again with a small smile. "Better now, thank you. I didn't realize I'd…" he nods to his fingernails. "I wasn't aware… Does everyone else know?" he asks quietly.

Jamil's thumb lightly brushes against Azul's knuckle. "Only Ruggie. Can't disguise the smell of blood against a beastman, after all… Are you worried he or I would tell anyone?"

Azul lightly shakes his head. "I’m not. It's just, apart from Rielle, no one has really seen me be… vulnerable like this. I'm not entirely sure how to act… Or how to feel."

"... What are you unsure about?" Jamil asks, trying to be careful in his questions as he lets go of Azul's hand to resume play. He looks around to make sure no one had noticed them pausing and whispering to each other.

Azul takes a breath and continues playing, speaking quietly. "If people's perception of me changed, if they think that I'm not as strong or put-together as they first thought… what then? Will their treatment of me change? And if it does, what do I do?" He sighs. "Anyway, we don't have to talk about it. I appreciate you listening.”

Jamil waits until Azul has finished his turn before starting his. "And... I'll be happy to keep listening. If everything on the other side of this island is becoming too much to bear, you can always find me here. But if you want my two cents on the matter, if people think negatively of you just because you want to be yourself, without the title of advisor or future king or RSA student…"

Jamil finishes the last move of his turn, steady and sure. "... Then those people are not worth keeping around."

Azul pauses and stares at him for a moment, then he nods and looks down at the game as he takes his turn.

"I'll keep that in mind."

Azul gets quiet for a few moments, then adds in a lighter tone, "You know, Jamil, it seems like you're always the one listening to my woes and offering to help. I'd feel more comfortable if I could do something for you in return. So if there's anything you need help with, just let me know," he meets Jamil's gaze.

Jamil tilts his head. "I think you've already been doing plenty of helping on your part. You listened to me just like this the previous times we hung out, so if anything, I'm just following your example. But hey…" He grins. "I'll keep your offer in mind. Here's an idea, if everyone keeps bothering you with expectations over there, just do what I did: go to NRC. Maybe it's not too late for a transfer."

Azul looks surprised, then he blinks at Jamil. "Hm, I'd never considered that before. Although," he smiles in amusement, "some of your schoolmates might be opposed to that idea. I'd only been here for less than a day and your spritely resident was already trying to kick me out."

"Buuuut let's not forget the way people reacted when we came back to the cafeteria," Jamil reminds him. "Whatever happened there, I have it on good assumption that they're not gonna try anything funny again for a while. Come on… You can set up your own catering lounge here and everything, give the cafeteria a run for its money."

Azul stares at Jamil, then he says playfully, "When we first came up on that stage and did the obligatory handshake at the start of the quiz, with your death grip and hardened expression, I never would have thought that you'll be persuading me to spend more time in your vicinity."

"What can I say? You're pretty good at changing minds, Ashengrotto," Jamil chuckles. "And if you can sway us stubborn fools here in NRC, maybe the same can be done for the rest of the people you surround yourself with."

Azul raises his eyebrows and lets out a laugh of disbelief. "And how ever did I change your mind? Did you like the beach cove that much?"

"It was during the cat café that I began to see you in a different light. It's true that you're more pleasant and nicer than the company I keep," Jamil gestures with his head to the situation behind Azul, where Ruggie's running from the chess players after popping a piece in his mouth out of spite, while Idia is crouching under a desk to hide and Ortho's ignoring the ruckus to play a luck-based game with Najma instead. "But I've begun to think that that may not be a bad thing."

He shoots Azul a playful narrowed glare. "Ah, but I still got a reputation to keep here, so they're free to think whatever they like about you and I hanging out together as long as you don't spill how sappy I get when talking with you."

Azul looks down and laughs, his cheeks becoming a bit pink. He clears his throat and looks at Jamil.

"And what reputation is that, Viper? Are you supposed to be an aloof and mysterious figure here?"

"Hah, pretty much. Also clever and capable and composed, but unfortunately, I feel like you've already seen past all of it," Jamil snickers, then glances down at the board, now emptied except for both far ends. "In the meantime, at least you haven't beaten me in this just yet."

"You are clever and capable and composed," Azul says, leaning back in his chair. "I don't think people would stop seeing you that way, no matter who you hang out with."

"But they also think I'm constantly ready to stab someone in the gut if they go so far as to look at me wrong, which I'm perfectly okay with, and yet…" Jamil leans back in his seat, too. "It's gonna be hard maintaining that reputation when your… energy is infectious. When you smile... really smile… how can I not smile along? Now I still haven't decided if it's a virus RSA students carry or… if it's just you bringing that out of me."

Surprise is evident in Azul's eyes, and he's blushing even brighter. He looks down and chuckles shyly. "So you… You really don't mind that people know about us… hanging out?" He looks at Jamil again, and Jamil senses in his tone that he was going to say something other than 'hanging out'.

Jamil's gaze softens. "I had to wrap my head around it for a bit when my own family member started joking around, but… No. No, I don't mind at all." 

"Sevens," Idia says in the distance, utterly baffled and muttering to himself. "They've been staring at each other several minutes after their game has already concluded… Can't be me, fr fr." 

Azul's posture relaxes and he smiles. "I'm glad you don't. Because… I've recently discovered that there is an aviary in town. And I was wondering… Perhaps you'd like to go there with me?"

Jamil blinks at him, shock blooming on his face.

"Huh? Is this… because of the bird thing I mentioned?"

"Yes," Azul smiles sheepishly. "You're not allowed to keep a pet bird here so I thought, perhaps we could go to them instead. But, it was just an idea, we don't have to, forget I said anything," he shakes his head and runs a hand through his hair.

"Hey, hey, let's do the forgetting once you've actually heard me reject you now," Jamil jokes, knowing full well he'd say the same thing in Azul's shoes. "And there's no rejections from me here. It's, well... I'm definitely looking forward to it." He smiles, both genuinely excited to see birds yet also embarrassed that Azul even bothered to remember and do something to make him happy.  "But first, what's your reason for continuing to hang out with me?"

Azul raises an eyebrow. "You don't hear me asking such questions. Even when you've been persuading me to move across the island just to be in the same school as you," he says jokingly.

"Whoa, I didn't say that just because I want to be with you. I was also suggesting it for your own personal interests," Jamil defends, only to realize a moment later that he had just admitted that he wants Azul to transfer to spend more time with him.

Jamil clears his throat. "Besides, I think I already told you that I enjoy your company, so going along with invites like these feels natural, doesn't it?"

"... It does," Azul holds his gaze. "And… I want to keep hanging out with you because…" he shrugs lightly. "You make me really happy. You say that you smile when I smile genuinely, but… you should know that just being with you is enough to make that happen. And I really like seeing your smile, too. It suits you."

…

Jamil tries to keep that steady reassured look on his face, but his darkening cheeks and his fingers itching for his hood gives much away.

"Okay, srsly, guys, no PDA allowed in the Board Game Clubroom. What are you trying to do? Rub it in our faces?" Idia groans, though he's still doing nothing to physically put an end to it. "Also can someone kick Sir Ruggie out already before he starts eating up our game pieces?"

"I'm on it, brother!" Ortho salutes, hovering up and pausing at Azul and Jamil's side. "Will you two be accompanying Mister Ruggie and Miss Najma in their departure?"

"Oh, we could, yes," Azul says. "We've completed our game, after all." He looks at Jamil. "Shall we go with them?"

Jamil nods and begins to stand. "All right, let's."

He glances out to the windows. "Are you needed back at RSA anytime soon?"

Azul shakes his head. "No. I have until 5 PM until I need to go back. How about you? Do you have any plans since today is a half day for you?"

"Nah," Jamil says. "My plans had been to meet up with you, which now evolved into me being an advanced tour guide."

As they exit the room, much to the club members' relief, he then turns to his companions and asks, "So, where do the visitors wanna go next?"

"Can we look at the horses again?" Najma asks excitedly.

"Club activities are prolly done now," Ruggie says. "But we can still go to the stables."

Najma turns to Jamil with a hopeful grin. "Do you think I can ride a horse?"

Jamil gives her a stern look but sighs. "I suppose… if the club leader is still there, then we can try to ask for permission, but no promises."

"You wanna ride horses, lil' Viper?" Ruggie asks, acting more like a friendlier big brother than Jamil does. "What about our RSA buddy over here?"

"I do have some training in horse-riding," Azul adjusts his glasses. "Though I am a tad concerned that I might not be wearing proper riding clothes."

"Don't sweat it, man," Ruggie says. "You're fine. Let's go!"

They continue to walk under the hot afternoon sun, passing by students having picnics, jogging, or making their way to club activities.

Ruggie turns to Jamil as they're nearing the field. "You gonna want a horse, Jamil?"

"I'm not really interested in riding horses," Jamil muttered. "But I can at least be on standby to babysit these two if I have to. How about you?"

"Nah, I'll just be hanging around. Oh look Riddle's here," Ruggie says when they reach the stables. "Hey, Riddle!"

Riddle turns around from brushing his horse. "Ruggie, Jamil. What brings you here?" he glances at their two friends.

"Azul Ashengrotto?" Riddle says in mild surprise, before turning to Najma. "And I'm guessing you are Jamil's relative? I must say you're quite the interesting group," he says to Jamil.

Jamil eyes Riddle, noting his calmer demeanor compared to how he normally had been until recently.

He had always wondered how that came to be. There were rumors about it, too, but... nothing concrete.

"Hello, Riddle," Jamil greeted. "My sister and Azul are here to visit and, well... I apologize for the trouble, but—"

Najma hops up the fence a little to take a closer look at the horses, starry-eyed. "Can I ride on one of these things, Mister Riddle?"

"I do have the authority to grant you permission, but…" he furrows his eyebrows in thought then looks at all of them. "Do you all want to ride a horse? Do any of you have any experience or training at all?"

"I ain't riding, don't worry," Ruggie says. "Just here to chaperone, sir."

"I've had some experience in Knight Class," Azul says.

"Night class?" Ruggie asks in confusion. "Your evening classes teach you horse-riding?"

"Not 'night' as in 'evening'," Riddle frowns in exasperation. "Royal Sword Academy has a class elective where they can train to be a knight." He turns to Jamil. "Do you and your sister have any sort of training?"

"I wouldn't go so far as to call it training, but I do have experience," Jamil replies. "I'm also here to chaperone, though. It's Najma who wants to try."

"I dunno how to ride horses just yet," the girl shakes her head. "But I can start learning! Can you teach me, Mister Riddle?"

Riddle raises an eyebrow, and there's something that almost looks like a smile on his face. "I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I can only teach you for no longer than 20 minutes, all right? I have other duties to attend to."

"Got it, Mister Riddle! Thank you!" Najma beams.

"And you, Azul? Would I be correct to assume you do not need any guidance?" Riddle asks him.

Azul smiles politely. "Indeed. I shall not be doing anything complex nor dangerous. I can assure you that I will keep the horse safe. And I would not want to take any time away from Najma's training."

Riddle nods. "Very well. If you do happen to need any guidance, perhaps you can ask Jamil, seeing as he has some knowledge of it as well."

Jamil notices how Riddle takes note of Azul's NRC blazer. Riddle looks at Jamil curiously, then turns to Najma.

"Miss Viper, if you'll follow me," Riddle leads her to one of the horses and explains that it's one of the calmest and most suited for beginners.

"Riddle's in a good mood today," Ruggie says. "Imma go ask him if he'll tip me if I clean up here and brush the horses," he jogs over to Riddle and Najma.

Jamil watches Ruggie trot away before glancing back at Azul.

"So… Knight classes, huh? Is that a mandatory part of the curriculum?"

"No," Azul shakes his head. "It's an elective, but I was expected to take it as one of Rielle's close friends. Those who surround him must be able to protect him and themselves to some degree."

Azul starts walking and looking at the horses. "Are you sure you won't be riding? What will you be doing in the meantime?"

"Watching you and Najma ride around. It's fine… Why? Do you want me to ride along?" Jamil asks, leaning against the fence.

"It’s up to you," Azul stops in front of a brown and white stallion. "I'm just not sure if I'm comfortable with the thought that I'm the one who asked you to hang out today and yet you'll merely be standing around and, in your own words, babysitting," Azul smiles at him. "I want you to have fun as well."

"Hmm… Would you show me some stuff you learned from Knight Class if I join in?"

Azul's looks caught off-guard. "It's not nearly as cool as you might think, I warn you. It might not be so different from what you've already learned as a retainer."

Jamil playfully sighs, glancing away. "Then it looks like I must continue to hone my retainer skills by keeping a watchful eye over you and Najma from here…"

"Oh come now, that's not what I meant," Azul says gently, stepping in front of Jamil. "I was just worried you'll get bored if I just prattle on about things you might already know."

Jamil looks at him once more. "Let me be the judge of that.” A part of him feels sure much of Azul's prattling wouldn't bore him, anyway. "Shall we get ourselves some horses, then?"

Azul smiles. "We shall."

After readying their horses, they mount them and begin at a trot across the hill.

Azul tells Jamil about the proper ways to hold the reins and about encouraging the horse to move or stop without hurting it or making it feel tense. Jamil already knows about most of it, as Azul had guessed, but it was a nice refresher, and nicer to listen to Azul explain it.

"Usually the basics end there," Azul says. "But in RSA, we must also learn to wield at least one weapon or shield while on a moving horse."

Azul lets go of the reins with one hand and raises his Magic Pen to demonstrate. "It's a little trickier to keep one's balance when holding something heavy–though we don't have anything like that right now so I'm just using my pen as a stand-in. A more advanced lesson is learning how to accurately shoot a bow and arrow from a moving horse. I never quite learned that one," Azul says in amusement.

"Interesting . . ." Jamil attempts to picture Azul wielding a weapon to battle. It's a strange image, but still rather intriguing. "Are people like Rielle also participating in this elective, too?"

Azul nods. "Our professors in that class have higher expectations from nobility, which is saying a lot considering their expectations for the rest of us already. Though I don't envy Rielle his more rigorous training, he does make for a rather formidable sparring partner. "

"It really does sound like training for knights," Jamil commented. "Have you guys ever been told what it was all for? If it were me, I'd suspect there to be something afoot."

"Rielle is a crown prince," Azul begins. "For people like him, it's to prepare him in case he would need to fight in actual battles for his kingdom. For people like me–those who are expected to always accompany nobility–it's so we would be able to defend them in case of an assassination attempt or any other attack. Then there are those who aspire to be knights in the future. If they receive good marks in that class, it would significantly help their applications after graduation."

To aspire for a job Jamil had been trying to get out of sounds absurd. If he ever finds those hopefuls, he'd tell them they could just swap positions. That way, everyone would be happy.

Now that he thinks about it, they remind him of that First Year, Sebek Zigvolt. Completely wild.

"So someone told you to take the elective because you were Rielle's friend?"

Azul averts his eyes and looks straight ahead. "More like they all assumed I would take it because I'm Rielle's closest friend. His father was looking forward to the both of us going to RSA, saying that the Knight Class there would be very useful to us. Most of our professors said the same thing in our first week at RSA."

Jamil gave him an unimpressed look. "... So you took it."

Azul smiles sadly, keeping his eyes on the horizon. "There is no need to sound so disappointed, Jamil. I know what I did." Then his smile changes into a friendlier one, and his voice sounds upbeat when he speaks. "Come on, I'll race you to the top of that hill. Hiyah!" he snaps the reins, digs his heels into the horse's sides, and it gallops away.

Jamil sighs and speeds along after him, taking in the breeze as he watches Azul ahead.

He supposes there's little he can do considering this is the life his friend chose.

But it's still frustrating watching him just accept it lying down.

He spurs his horse onward to keep a steady pace with Azul's, making sure not to lag too far behind but not close enough to make the other speed faster.

Upon reaching the top of the hill, Azul doesn't slow down. He turns his horse around and veers towards the obstacle course that the Equestrian Club uses for their activities.

His jaw is set and there's an intensity in his eyes as he glares ahead, leaning forward on his horse and speeding up.

Azul reaches the first hurdle, and the stallion clears it easily. They go through the course, Azul going for the more advanced hurdles, the horse leaping higher and farther, Azul ducking and dodging the wooden planks.

Jamil stays close by, briefly figuring that he doesn't want to risk the hurdles if he doesn't know how capable his horse is.

But then he manages to get a brief glance at Azul's expression, and wordlessly, he urges his steed to go for it. He's not going to let Azul take the win that easily.

Jamil's horse clears the hurdles, though the blinding glare of the sun proves to be a challenge at some points. Fortunately, the wind is refreshing enough that he can keep his focus.

As he catches up to Azul at the end of the course, he sees him clutching the reins so tightly that his knuckles have gone pale. His head is bowed down and his eyes are closed as he breathes heavily.

The horse is just standing now, but it keeps shifting on its hooves restlessly, as if sensing its rider's tension.

Jamil slows his horse down, eyeing both the rider and steed ahead of him to spot anything off. Are they injured?

"What's wrong?"

As he walks closer, he doesn't see any injuries on either of them, but Azul isn't responding, his forehead beaded with sweat.

Azul takes a sharp intake of breath and his eyes fly open, only for them to roll back in his head as his body slumps, and he begins to slide off the horse.

"Whoa!" Jamil hisses, dashing forth to catch him before he completely slid out. "Azul!?"

Jamil has one hand around Azul’s shoulders while he leans limply against Jamil’s chest, remaining seated on his own horse.

It's difficult having to calm both horses at once, but Jamil isn't a stranger to calming down animals.

Hooves sounded in the distance, and Jamil looks to see Riddle and Najma on horses quickly approaching them.

"What happened?" Riddle asks when they reach them, his eyes falling on Azul’s unconscious form against Jamil. "Let's set him on the ground, we can't risk him falling off and breaking his neck."

Riddle takes out his Magic Pen and gently levitates Azul and places him on the grass.

Ruggie runs up to them, holding the brush that he’s been using for the horses. "Whoa! What happened to him?"

"Is he injured?" Najma asks worriedly from her horse.

Jamil hops off his own horse and states, "Stand back" as he tries to figure out what's wrong.

Azul's pulse is racing, and his skin is feverish to the touch. At the very least, Jamil doesn't see any cuts or bruises.

Then Azul's eyes flutter open, and his face cringes as he puts a hand up to shield his eyes from the sun. "What happened?" he asks, his voice hoarse.

"A heat stroke, maybe," Jamil mutters, moving to shade Azul from the sun shining overhead. Despite his worry, he maintains a calm composure. "How're you feeling? Can you sit?"

"Were you not aware you were feeling unwell before you decided to ride a horse?" Riddle asks, frowning.

Azul sits up with a grunt. "I wasn't feeling unwell at all. Though perhaps it wasn't a good idea to exert myself so much on a hot day without wearing breathable clothing. Merfolk don't exactly thrive under the sun."

He glances up in confusion. "Isn't it raining, though? I thought I heard something… dripping…" he closes his eyes and shakes his head as if to clear it, then opens his eyes again. "Never mind. I must have imagined it."

Riddle tenses up at Azul's remark.

Ruggie suddenly kneels down next to Azul. "You haven't been using your magic just now, have you? Where's your Magic Pen?" he asks, almost in a panic.

Azul furrows his eyebrows and shows his pen to Ruggie. "I haven't been using my magic. Why?"

Ruggie inspects the magestone on Azul’s pen, then sighs in relief. He falls silent, shakes his head, and stands up again beside Riddle while averting his eyes.

Riddle gives Ruggie a curious look, his frown deepening. He turns to Azul.

"We should have you checked at the infirmary. As the person who gave you permission to get a horse and use this area for riding, this is my responsibility. I shall return Najma’s horse to the stables and then we shall head out.” Riddle is looking at Azul and Jamil imperatively, letting them know that there is no room for arguments.

Azul sighs. "All right," he stands up and brushes dirt from his clothes.

The Viper siblings throw each other a look of concern before Jamil helps Najma off her horse and they both follow.

"Can we come, too? I was the one who wanted to go horse-riding, after all. If I'd known…" Najma asks, nervously fiddling with the hem of her shirt.

"Oh, it's all right, Young Viper," Azul says with a kind smile, gently patting Najma on the head. "It was my decision to go horse-riding myself, and none of us could have predicted what happened."

"You may come along if you wish," Riddle says. “Just be certain not to get in the way."

Both Vipers nod and they quietly wait for Riddle and Ruggie to return the horses back to their stables before they head to the infirmary.

While they’re all waiting outside for Azul as the nurse had instructed, Riddle approaches Jamil and Najma, looking at the latter.

"Najma, Azul would need to be sufficiently hydrated. Would you go to the vending machine out in the corridor and buy him two cold bottles of water? You may get whatever food or drink you want as well," he hands Najma some thaumarks.

Najma straightens up and accepts the money, nodding with a determined look on her face. "Yes, Mr. Riddle!" She runs off.

Riddle watches her disappear around the corner before turning to Jamil.

"What exactly happened before he fainted?" Riddle asks, looking troubled.

Jamil looks down the hall where his sister had run off, then he turns to Riddle. "He got really into his horse-riding, as far as I can tell. He just looks like he overexerted himself, though it was pretty sudden.” He notices the crease between Riddle’s eyebrows, the worried look on his normally composed features. “You know something, don't you?"

Riddle purses his lips. "Were you two talking about anything in particular before he started on the obstacle course? I saw that he had done even the advanced hurdles."

Jamil wonders if it was wise to divulge to others something so personal to Azul, so he decides to be vague. "If you want details, you may have to ask him, but… We did have a conversation about his… complicated feelings over his situation as an RSA student."

The frown on Riddle's face remains. He turns to Ruggie, who is leaning against the wall a little far from them, lost in thought.

"Ruggie."

Ruggie startles at Riddle's voice, then he walks over to them. "Yeah?"

Riddle looks at Ruggie, as if taking the time to weigh his words before saying them.  "Why did you ask Azul if he had been using his magic?"

Ruggie looks down and shifts on his feet. "I dunno…" he mumbles.

"You're suspecting the same thing, aren't you?" Riddle says, impatience coloring his voice.

Ruggie winces as if Riddle had shouted at him, even though the Prefect had maintained his calm volume.

"I could be wrong," Ruggie says uneasily. "It was just the first thing that came to mind, that's all. Guess I'm still a little paranoid…" he rubs the bandages on his arm.

Riddle sighs and shakes his head. "This isn't good at all," he mutters.

"What? What're you both on about?" Jamil asks, glancing back and forth between the two before eyeing Ruggie's injured arm. "Wait… You're not saying this is related to… There's no way."

Riddle raises an eyebrow at him. "'No way'? Let me remind you that Overblots are supposed to be extremely rare, and yet we've had two already happen in this school in less than three months. You're not a fool, Jamil; you must have heard the rumors and pieced them together. This mindset of 'there's no way' is what has left us all ill-prepared in the first place."

Riddle starts to pace the floor, muttering. "The Headmage really should be doing something more about this…"

Ruggie snorts. "Crowley? Yeah, good luck relying on that guy for anything."

Jamil stares at Riddle. "Then it's true. You went through an Overblot, too… Wait, but what makes you think Azul's in danger of the same thing?" he points out. "Did you or Leona have fainting episodes, too?"

Riddle stops pacing in front of Jamil. "Indeed, it's true," he says grimly. "But I don't know Azul Ashengrotto well enough to judge if he's about to go through the same thing. I didn't have fainting spells, but nearing my Overblot, there were moments when… I felt myself slipping away. And then the dripping sound…" Riddle looks away, his face strained from the memories.

"It was the same thing for Leona," Ruggie mumbles. "I dunno if he heard any dripping sound, but whenever he got too upset about having to defeat Malleus, it's like he turned into a different person. He's always been a pain in the ass and his snarls are practically a part of his personality, but leading up to his Overblot, sometimes it's like he lost control of himself. It wasn't loud or anything, and I don't think anyone else noticed. But he was… different." Ruggie shakes his head. "I can't explain it."

"It's the conflict," Riddle says, his voice quiet. "There were times when I could feel the darkness growing within me. I had to fight it with every ounce of my being, and as we all know, I didn't entirely succeed…" he looks down at his hand, a distant look in his eyes. He suddenly looks up at Jamil. "In the moments before he fainted, what was Azul like?"

Jamil furrows his eyebrows in thought. The sad smile, followed by the intense (frustrated?) look in Azul's eyes. "Azul's usually what you'd expect from an RSA student: pleasant, polite, competent... But for such a capable guy, he seems to carry a sense of... resignation when it comes to his future. People expect a lot out of him, most of which I suspect he doesn't wanna do at all, and he gets a bit more morose whenever he's reminded of it."

Riddle and Ruggie exchange worried glances.

"Damn," Ruggie says to no one in particular. "That sounds awfully familiar, don't it?"

"Jamil," Riddle says urgently. "Right before he fainted, did Azul seem uncharacteristically angry or frustrated? How was he in his last few seconds of consciousness?"

"It was hard to say since he was riding ahead of me, but in the few moments I did catch a glimpse of him, I suppose he did seem a little intense. I thought he was just determined to win." Jamil responds. "Then when I was heading over, he looked like he was concentrating on something, since he was tense and had his eyes closed. Then he gasped and fainted. Does that mean anything? I figured he was getting dizzy at the time."

"Tense and concentrating?" Ruggie looks at Riddle and Jamil in turn. "Like the conflict that Riddle mentioned?"

"He could just be getting dizzy," Riddle frowns, then shakes his head in defeat. "I don't know. It's extremely difficult to determine these things, given the unfortunate lack of research on the subject. It would be better if we could also speak to Leona about this, but I doubt he would be so inclined to discuss the subject."

Riddle looks at Jamil. "To be on the safe side, do what you can to see to it that Azul doesn't repress his negative feelings so much. He must be able to talk about them and accept them. Letting such feelings fester will not be good for him, regardless of an Overblot."

"Wait," Ruggie says. "Only powerful mages are in danger of Overblotting, right? Because of how much magic they can produce? Is Azul that powerful?" he asks Jamil.

Jamil frowns. Azul's smart and strong, but Jamil can't say he's seen much of his powers firsthand to conclude anything concrete.

"I think you're better off asking the Leech twins or Prince Rielle. They have known the guy much longer, and the twins told me that Azul had a magic contract business when they were younger."

The sound of footsteps approaches, and Najma appears, holding a bag of drinks.

"I used my money for the others, Mr. Riddle," she says as she hands bottled drinks to all of them and returns some change of thaumarks to Riddle. "How's Mr. Azul?"

The door to the infirmary opens. "Better now, thank you," Azul says with a small smile, closing the door behind him. "It seems like it really was just exhaustion and the heat. I hope I didn't worry you too much.”

Jamil searches Azul's face for any sort of fabrication. He doesn't seem like he's lying, though his eyes look tired.

Then Jamil glances at Riddle and Ruggie, gauging their reactions. Are they going to tell him?

"Hey, I'm glad you're okay, Azul!" Ruggie says. "Welp, hate to have to end it on this note, but I got some chores to do at Savanaclaw, so, see ya!" he waves at them and jogs away.

Riddle straightens up and smiles at Azul. "Indeed, I am glad to see that you are well. I must get back to my dorm now. It was nice to have made your acquaintance, Azul Ashengrotto. Najma has purchased drinks for you to stay hydrated," he gestures to Najma. "Until next time," he nods to Azul and turns to leave.

Azul nods and smiles back, and turns to Najma for the drink.

Riddle pulls Jamil aside. "He's your friend," he says quietly. "You decide what to tell him.” then he leaves without another word.

"Me?" Jamil mumbles in surprise. They were the ones who saw the signs to begin with. Why're they dumping the responsibility on his shoulders?

He huffs in troubled exasperation, before turning to Azul and Najma.

"... Are you sure you're feeling all right?" he asks, eyebrows furrowed.

Azul nods. "I am. I hope I didn't put too much of a damper on the hangout."

"Not at all!" Najma says reassuringly. "I need to go too, because my teacher is looking for me. One of my classmates just texted," she holds up her phone. "Are you really okay now, Mr. Azul?"

"Yes, Miss Najma. It was nice to have met you today." Azul says, smiling. "Take care in going back to your classmates."

Najma turns to Jamil. "Will you be okay?" she casts a sideways glance at Azul.

"Obviously," Jamil utters. "I'm your big brother, aren't I? I'd be setting a bad example otherwise. Now run along and don't get yourself into trouble."

"No promises," Najma grins and runs off.

"We still have some time," Azul says. "Any other places you wanna show me?" he smiles.

"I'm thinking we should inform one of your friends in RSA about what happened so that there's someone else there who can monitor you and do follow-ups, just to be safe," Jamil replies. "I'm surprised you still want to walk around after what happened."

Azul furrows his eyebrows in confusion. "It was just exhaustion, wasn't it? It was my fault for going through that obstacle course in such restricting clothing," he shakes his head. "Oh, speaking of which, perhaps you can direct me to your laundry room? I dirtied your blazer from when I was lying down on the grass.”

Jamil shakes his head. "There's no need. I can have that washed myself. More importantly, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to stuff like this. What if it's got something to do with your transition into a human? Or maybe you've been lacking in sleep or food or water. What's wrong with having a friend or two keep an eye on you to make sure no further symptoms occur?"

Azul looks caught off-guard by Jamil’s remarks. "All right, then perhaps we can find a place to just sit, and you can tell me what exactly happened? I'm still a little confused…"

"How much can you recall?" Jamil asks as he leads Azul to a bench by the courtyard.

"I remember leading my horse to the top of the hill," Azul says as they sit down. "Then going through the obstacle course…?" he frowns, as if suddenly uncertain. Then something else mixes with the confusion in his expression. Apprehension? Fear?

"Hey," Jamil softly calls out to him through what he can only imagine is the darkness in his head. He reaches out to brush his hand against the other boy's fingers, holding onto them. "Talk to me. It's okay."

Azul turns to him, his tense posture relaxing gradually.

He shakes his head in confusion and looks down. "I remember being upset… at our conversation about the Knight Class. And then I was… angry? I only remember bits and pieces of the obstacle course, I don't even entirely recall deciding to go there…" his voice fades out into a whisper.

He falls quiet for a moment, looking more and more troubled. "I'd never felt such anger before, the selfish kind that urged me to do whatever I wanted, without thought for anyone else. Normally I would have asked Riddle for permission before using the obstacle course. I could have hurt the horse, too." He looks at Jamil. "How did I get on the ground? Did I fall off?"

"I caught you before you could," Jamil mumbles. "Riddle used magic to set you down after.”

"Oh, thank you. I should have thanked Riddle as well," Azul says, glancing at the direction of the infirmary before turning back to Jamil.

“You looked feverish, like you were having a nightmare…” Jamil continues. “Do you know what or who you were angry towards?"

"I don't remember why I was angry… What do you think is happening? Have you ever seen anything like this before?" Azul's eyes are looking at him with worry.

Jamil has the sense that Azul is used to always understanding everything, and this unknown situation is scaring him.

He really wishes that the ones who actually went through the experience were here. They would have explained it much better than he can.

"I don't know myself, but Riddle and Ruggie seem to recognize the signs. They think you're accumulating Blot at an unexpected rate. Ruggie was wondering if you've been using a lot of magic recently, while Riddle thinks it's got something to do with your psyche." The images of sad smiles and nails dug into skin appear Jamil’s mind. "Azul... you're more upset about your situation than you let on, aren't you?"

Azul looks at him in confusion. "My situation? What do you mean? And Blot accumulation? We have our Magic Pens to control such things, right? An Overblot hasn't been heard of in centuries."

Jamil lets out a humorless laugh. "You can say that to Riddle and Ruggie's faces. I wasn't around when it happened but it occurred to Riddle himself while a friend of Ruggie's Overblotted a few weeks later. You have to take it seriously. Those injuries on Ruggie's arm hadn't just come from a random accident and so far we've been lucky there's been no casualties yet. We're not gonna start now."

"WHAT!?" Azul's eyes widen in shock. "Two Overblots in the span of mere weeks? What did Sir Crowley do?"

Jamil pauses before he shrugs. "I don't know. As far as I was concerned, those incidents had only been rumors until they confirmed it to me personally because they were worried about you."

Azul just stares at him in surprise. Then he blinks a few times. "I see. So they both think I might be having symptoms of an impending Overblot?" he chews his lower lip in worry. "Can you ask Riddle Rosehearts if I can have his contact information? I'd like to speak with him further about it in the future."

"All right," Jamil takes his phone out. It's funny; he's had Riddle’s number since they became fellow Prefects, but he's never found reason to use it until now. He texts the other Prefect for permission to forward his number to Azul. Then he glances up at the merman. "So… Do you think their worries hold any sort of merit, or..?"

"I'm not sure," Azul says. "I'd never known anyone who has Overblotted before, and I haven't done any research about it. It still baffles me that your Headmage hasn't seem to have done anything."

Azul frowns and lowers his voice. "Now that I think about it, he was the one who had started the anger I'd been feeling today." He looks at Jamil then hurriedly says, "Oh, I apologize! I didn't mean to speak ill of your Headmage. It's just that… I think I had started to feel the… darkness… after all the things he said at the cafeteria."

"Feel free to speak ill of him as much as you like," Jamil responds. "It's refreshing to see someone so innocent understand how our Headmage's actually like. More importantly, that's the thing, isn't it? He may have said all that and unknowingly upset you, but the fact that it upset you to begin with means that this is going back a long way. I'm willing to bet Crowley's not the first person to tell you those things and he probably won't be the last."

Azul averts his eyes. "Yes. But at present, I don't see what I can do about it." He looks at Jamil again. "Are you sure this is how you'd like for us to spend our time together? I don't want to burden you with my worries."

"I was the one who asked, right?" Jamil says, reclining into as comfortable a position as he can get. "Sometimes you just gotta vent it out, and I'm pretty sure you dealt with my burdens the past few times we were together."

For the first time in a long while, Azul smiles. It's a small one, but it's not sad or resigned, and it actually reaches his eyes. He sighs. "I'm not even sure where to begin, it feels like everyone has had these expectations from me for as long as I can remember. And I know it's likely just as hard for Rielle, that's why I do stay by his side whenever I can. Why I take the Knight Class, why I'm not entirely opposed to being his advisor in the future. Ever since we were children, we've been each other's breathing room. We always knew that the other would accept us for who we are no matter what everyone else expects. I don't want to just leave him alone to deal with all of that." Azul looks down.

Jamil listens, quiet. ".... Does that mean Rielle knows about your frustrations regarding this situation, too? Or did you keep that one secret because you wanted to spare his feelings?"

Azul is silent for a moment. "I don't know how to tell him," he mutters. "I don't want him to blame himself, he already has a lot to deal with. It's easier for me to get out of RSA and find somewhere else to breathe like today. He doesn't have such a luxury. He's even busier these days with the dance coming up next week."

"But he's your friend, isn't he? Wouldn't he want to know if he or his situation is causing you distress, too?" Jamil points out.

Azul looks at him curiously. "Are you always this emotionally mature? Then why do you claim that your schoolmates see you as someone who would stab a person in the gut for looking at you the wrong way?" he says playfully.

"Because I would," Jamil hums nonchalantly. It's unclear whether he means it or not. "If you want, I can start doing that to the next 'Crowley' that tries to tell you who you have to be. Sorcerer knows I already hear enough of that spiel from the grown-ups back home."

Azul chuckles. "I must say, no one has ever offered to stab anyone for me. And, interestingly, it's one of the nicest things that someone has ever said to me. You really are special, Jamil Viper," he gazes right into Jamil's eyes.

Jamil seems to flinch in surprise at the compliment before awkwardly looking away. "... We're getting off-track. What will you do now that you're aware of the danger?"

Azul sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "The first thing to do would be to speak to Rielle. Any decision I make would affect him." He glances at his watch. "And I must be getting back to RSA now."

He takes off Jamil’s blazer and hands it to him, smiling. "Thank you for today, Jamil. It didn't quite go as either of us expected but… I'm glad you don't mind."

Jamil shakes his head as he takes his blazer. "It's all right, I…"

I'm just worried about you.

"... I just hope you look after yourself better, even if it means being selfish. Don't be a stranger now. You can always hit me up with a text. When you do, we can make up for it next time."

"I look forward to it." Azul stands up. "After all, I still have to get my revenge on you at mancala," he smiles playfully.

"And you have to apologize to the horse you rode for fainting on him without warning." Jamil stands up in succession. "I'll see you to the gate, at least. Come on."

When they reach the gate, Azul turns to Jamil.

"I'll be busy this week because of the Autumn Dance preparations. The next time we'll be seeing each other would most likely be at the dance itself on Saturday. But if you wanna talk, you can always send me a message."

Jamil nods. "The same offer extends to you. It was nice seeing you, Azul..." he says, but he still has a worried look in his eyes. "Take care, all right? Don't let everyone else tell you who you are."

A smile pulls at the corner of Azul's lips, and he tilts his head curiously at Jamil. "How do you feel about hugs?"

Jamil tenses up. "I'm… not really used to physical affection. That's more Najma and Kalim's thing."

Azul nods and smiles in understanding. "I'll keep that in mind. See you at the Autumn Dance, Jamil."

He turns around and walks away.

Jamil watches his slowly retreating form, knowing there's a part of him that wants to tug Azul back and embrace him.

But he hesitates.

And then the moment is gone.

"... See you at the Autumn Dance."

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who's been reading this lil' AU of ours! Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments! We'd love to hear your thoughts ^_^

<- Chapter 3

Chapter 5 ->

(Masterlist)

[a-student-out-of-time]

A Good Start To A Bad Day

*Wednesday, February 20, Outside Void Warehouse, Morning*

*A trio of familiar faces stand outside the door to their usual meeting spot*

...

Well...today's the day, huh?

How're you feeling?

I'm...keeping it together, I think.

...I still dunno if I can actually do this.

Hajime...I'll come with you if you want.

Mom, please, I...I'll...I just need to-

I'm gonna elbow you if you say you just need to suck it up!

Is this really too much for you to handle, Haji? It's okay, we can both come with you.

...

Alright...let's go.

________________________________________________

*Hajime pushes the door open and heads inside*

Alright, I'm here! It's about time we finally learn-

The...truth...

Ah. Morning, you three.

Good day to you all!

*Kanata and Emma are apparently the only ones here*

Hey, umm...good to see you two. Where's everybody else, though?

They'll be here, they're just picking everyone up.

I would've gone, but...my pain issues have been acting up lately.

I knew today was an important date for our organization, so I got an early start! Lucky for Ms. Magorobi, I'm here to give her a hand as well.

So...more waiting then, huh? Great.

Are you alright, Mr. Hinata?

Don't take it personally, Inori-san. He's been...dreading this day.

I think most of us have.

It's true.

...Well, now I feel awkward being the only one in high spirits.

Hey, I mean, if you're ready for all this, keep it up. We need somebody who is.

Will do!

We've still got time to chat as well.

[anfie-in-the-box]

Dreamtale_Not_Found & Aftermare Week

Notes

Another difficult day, but once again I did it! And I do feel better already. Bend but never break.

As usual, minor spoilers for the main work — Dreamtale_Not_Found.

。。。

Neither fight nor flight

"so how're things with the villagers?" Geno asks with barely concealed worry. They rarely talk about Nightmare's troubles in Dreamtale, but when they do, there are always heartfelt words of reassurance and love at the end of their conversation. Geno's always had a way to see right through Nightmare, to know when he needs help the most.

Today isn't a bad day though. They sit together on the carpeted floor of Geno's room, chatting about everything and nothing when Geno just asks out of the blue. Surprised and perplexed, Nightmare answers, "Most got bored a long time ago, but that also means only the worst ones stayed; but you already know that. Why ask?" 

Geno looks at him, calmer than before, "i don't know. maybe i just anticipate good news?"

"You know what? I have no idea how you do it, but you're right again," Nightmare admits. "I think… I think I no longer care about them or what they do to me. It was a long journey, but I'm finally here. A few days ago Dream brought a piece of fabric and together we made a cape for me so I could go to the village unnoticed. Not because I'm afraid but simply so no one wastes my time."

Geno blushes bright red suddenly. 

"What?" Nightmare asks, alarmed. "Was it something I said?" 

Geno smiles widely and whispers, as if sharing a secret, "it suits you to feel so confident and strong." 

Nightmare pretends to be surprised (and not flustered, nu uh, no way) and exclaims, "So you're enamoured! Why, Geno, that's so sweet of you!" 

"quit teasing, i'm simply telling the truth; whose fault is it that you're so ethereal?" 

Embarrassed, Nightmare tries to change the topic, "Are we flirting or talking about my life?"

"flirting while talking about your life, especially when it's getting better," Geno grins. "any complaints?" 

"None whatsoever." Nightmare smiles in return and makes a hand heart. Geno pretends to shoot an arrow, and Nightmare falls on his back, gasping, "My heart!" They laugh and then stay comfortably silent for a few moments. 

Nightmare is the first to continue their conversation. "Today was actually the first day I tried the cape on and went to the village," he says, quietly. "Nobody cared for who was likely just another traveler. It was so… freeing. Exhilarating. I finally got to explore my own world." 

Moving closer to Nightmare, Geno murmurs, "you felt trapped all your life; you were trapped, the same as me." 

"Yet so differently," Nightmare adds.

The conversation ceases. Geno lies down close to Nightmare; their shoulders would be touching if Nightmare were tangible. They glance at each other, their eye-lights shining with fondness. Both can't help smiling; or at least Nightmare can't.

"you know what?" Geno suddenly asks. 

"What is it? Do tell." Nightmare looks at him, interested. 

"ever heard of the fight-or-flight response? don't answer, it's a rhetorical question. what i want to say is, you got to the stage where there's neither fight nor flight anymore. even before, at least for just a moment, you forgot all about those who hurt you so terribly. and now, they have no control over you at all. you're your own hero. you're stronger than them, and i said it already but will repeat it again — oh, how it suits you to feel confident and strong."

Nightmare hangs onto every word, enchanted with Geno's emotions — there's so much love, so much pride in his soul, it'd be impossible to ignore even if Nightmare wanted to.

"Neither fight nor flight… You're absolutely right," he whispers. "I love you so much. You're so very loveable; and, as you and Dream remind me, so am I. Let's not forget that."

"together."

"Yes. Together."

。。。

Credits

Undertale © Toby Fox

Nightmare!Sans © jokublog

Aftertale © loverofpiggies

Aftermare Week © @bluepallilworld

。。。

Notes

I had no ideas for either of the prompts, so I used both and neither at the same time, and it worked!

Take care 🌻

[owchie-wowchie]

Chat, how're we feeling about this paragraph? (CW for blood)

Far above was a face, no, it was death itself with those hollow and empty eyes, no, it was music in visual form with its eternally dancing lights, no, it was rebirth with how comforting it was to gaze upon, no, it was chaos with those infinite hands writhing wildly, no, it was control with the hidden rhythm they all moved to. Blood started pouring out of Paul’s nose and ears like water; he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was looking at something no one was ever supposed to look at.

[the-rainbow-overflow]

((Wifi was out so I typed out a thing on my phone. Tried to tag any possible triggers, so check those first. Enjoy))

Hands guiding hands

Characters: Regali Dumali, Viroxa Galrix, unnamed burgundy patient

Summary: An assistant and her boss have a brief talk about the yule ball during work.

Disclaimer: Dark themes, which is a given when involving Viroxa. I've done my best to tag anything that might be an immediate trigger, please let me know if you can think of anything else that should be here.

"-i∆ just don't t∆ke no for ∆n ∆nswer, do i∆ doc?"

"As far as I'm aware, I've yet to hear one." The clink of something metal being sat down on the medical tray causes an involuntary flinch in the jester, though small.

Regali was currently in the doorway to her host and boss's personal operating room. Leaned against the metal frame, she faced away from the ongoing surgical procedure, eyes closed.

She hated operation nights. Usually she'd take the time to be out if the hive for a few hours. Just to be away. Unfortunately, Viroxa had insisted on having a chat this early night.

The scrape of metal against metal as another tool is picked up causes her to squeeze them shut tighter. "You've disparaged the idea plenty, but you've yet to deny your intention to attend." Viroxa replies without tearing his eyes from his work.

"Ok. I'm not goin, gl∆d we h∆d this t∆lk. I'll see i∆ ∆t dinn-"

"Regali." It was a single word. Drenched in such a honey sweet tone. So lacking in ill will or mal -intent. And yet, it stopped her in her tracks as she attempted to step away from the cerulean and his place of work. "Come over here a moment, moonlight. If you please."

"... Doc, I don't-"

"It'll only be a moment." There's no change in tone. No urgency in the way he interrupts. His manner of speaking was warm and hospitable, yet... empty. Sterile. Artificial. A familiar cold travels up her spine. "My clamps seem to have misplaced themselves. I need your hands a moment."

"Doc... Iou know how I feel ∆round-."

"I do. And I hate to ask so much of you, moonlight. But I simply cannot do this without aid, I'm afraid. I know I can trust no one else with the task of helping, but my ever faithful assistant." Regali shifts a bit from foot to foot in uncertainty, until that tooth rottingly sugary tone adds. "Please?"

"... Just... With one small moment?"

"Five minutes tops. I promise."

She lets out a shaky exhale and nods to no one in particular as she turns in place. Slowly, her eyes force their way open to view the floor beneath her feet. Her gaze holds steady with each step, even as she feels the goosebumps along across her skin.

A pair of shoes eventually come into view. A pair of legs cloaked in slacks and a surgical apron sprout up from them. As a waist comes into view, she stops, closing her eyes again as the pounding of her heart in her ears begins to overwhelm. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. Deep breath in. Deep breath out. You can do it. Just don't think about it. Just don't... Don't think.

"-Regali."

"H-wh∆t?"

"Gloves, moonlight. Can't have contamination of the patient's body. It's a health risk. There's a box on your left."

"Right.. right." She allows her gaze to drift to the left. Immediately they meet a quartet of wheels. They trace up the metal legs to the indented top of the cart. A box of opened surgical gloves lay crooked at its center, next to a box of masks. Steeling her nerves, she reaches over to pick up the first box. Immediately she nearly drops it as something thuds against the table to her front.

"Sorry about that. You know how they can be. Ever impatient. How're those gloves coming along?"

"I-i've gottem. I've gottem." She clears her throat as she quickly pulls out a pair to slide her hands into. For good measure, she grabs a mask as well, pulling it on quick before stepping forward to the doctor's side. To the floor her eyes returned, shoulders raised as her heart started thumping again.

"You're tense." He states.

"I'm fine, doc." She refutes. This is disproven easily as she senses his movement, and two hands gently take her wrists.

"It's alright, moonlight. Just take a breath like I showed you before. In and out. I'll guide you through everything. You know I'm always here to aid you." She nods again, closing her eyes as she does what he instructs. She can feel him step behind her as his hands moved from her wrists to her hands proper. His hands were warm, but sickeningly wet.

She willed herself not to think about it. Instead her mind drifted to him. To the closeness. The way he enveloped her in an almost hug as he moves her hands forward.

She does not think about the way her hands rose and fell against something as they were pressed firm into a warm shape.

She distracts herself with the sounds of his voice, calmly whispering encouragement.

She does not hear the breathing.

She leans into him. Taking solace in the intimacy. The scent of lilacs is strong from his cologne, even now.

It buries the distinct smell of iron.

"Why don't you sing anymore?"

"E-excuse me?" The question was so out of left field that it threw her mind from its track.

"You used to sing more when you first moved in. I remember how much you adored your little improvesed rhymes."

"I uh.. they were grubbrish. Nev§ did get very good ∆t them."

"Nonsense. I quite enjoyed them."

"Iour just s∆in th∆t."

"Of course I'm not. I did enjoy them. Especially, since it seemed you did."

"i.. suppose. It w∆s just.. something th∆t c∆me n∆tur∆lly when I was feelin ∆ll done up with nerves. ∆ w∆i to rel∆x I guess."

"Could you sing one for me?"

"Wh-, now? Doc-"

"Please? Just this once, Moonlight." He pleads, a somber, plea-full note slipping into his voice. She could feel her face grow a little warmer.

"I... Just one. It won't be veri good, I've heen outt∆ pr∆ctice for ∆ while now."

"You'll do wonderful. You've never disappointed me before. You haven't yet, after all. Not that I'd expect anything less from my perfect performer. And perfect is what you are, aren't you? " For some reason, the jester felt... Uneasy. Her stomach tying itself up in knots as she nods along.

"R-right. Perfect. One of ∆ kind, even."

"... That's what I thought too." He replies with a tone that practically projected his toothy grin into her mind. "Go on then. Perform your best for me."

She takes a hesitant breath, clearing her throat... She attempts to block out the thumping of her pulse. The heat of the overheat lamp upon her skin. Just one song. You can do it. You're a performer. She opens her mouth... And fills the room with nothing. Just the barely audible hum of florescent lights; the buzzing and beeps of various machines accompanying them in their inanimate choir. She swallows as she resists the urge to wipe away the sweat upon her brow.

"Having trouble?" The words were needles by the hundred across her back.

"No! No I-Just... Y∆ know. Low muse is ∆ll. C∆n't just pull ∆ hit outt∆ nowhere." She excuses through labored breaths. The thump of her heart was killing her head. So obnoxious and loud.

"Ah, I see. It is a pity. Perhaps another time then. It is a little disappointing though."

"heh, d-dis∆ppointing? I-I wouldn't s∆i th∆t, I just need ∆ little time-"

"It's fine, moonlight. I expected too much from you. Putting you on the spot like that. Don't worry about it. As for the ball. You don't have to go if you don't wish to. I simply thought having someone with me who properly understood the... Culture, surrounding the whimsical and comedic arts would be nice. Someone who prides themself on their identity such as yourself, I figured you a prime candidate. If you're not up for it however, I understand completely. I can always find someone else to accompany me-"

"I'll go!" The words left her mouth before she could even process them.

"Really? Are you certain? You seemed so against the idea."

"I changed mi mind. You convinced me. Someone of my high talent and knowledge isn't something you come ∆cross ∆ni d∆i. Couldn't trust ∆ni of the dime ∆ dozen low class ∆cts to provide ∆ proper cultur∆l introduction. I'm ∆n inv∆luable guide. Irrepl∆ce∆ble even. I h∆ve to go." She replies quickly, breath shaking and gripping the table in front of her. Her palms sweaty in the blue latex that encased them. There's a pause...

And then a chuckle. A quiet, almost timid giggle that grows into an amused chuckle.

"Irreplaceable... That I suppose you are. It seems you've made the choice for me then. You can accompany me as my plus one."

"G-great!... Great."

"And there we are." She feels his presence pull away from her and in his wake is... Cold. "I can handle the rest from here, moonlight. You're free to go. Spend the rest of the night as you wish. The rubbish bin for your gloves is on your right." Her gloves? Her eyes open again upon two gloved hands, soaked in burgundy. Already beginning to desaturate in the areas it was thinnest. She forces herself to swallow the lump in her throat as she quickly peels them off, careful not to get any of it on her hands. As she turns to her right to discard them, her eyes catch sight of a small cooler upon the table. Just in time for the doctor to pop it open. A cold mist rises from it as the open air met freezing temperatures.

She turned away immediately. Discarding her gloves and discretely making a hurried exit. She closes the door behind her and pressed back against it, attempting to collect her thoughts. She felt like she needed to vomit, but she didn't dare. Not here in the hall. Especially not with this mask on.

She just needed to get back to her room. Don't think about it, just... Just go to bed. She tells herself this on repeat with every step. The distance didn't seem to help. Every step felt heavy. Every thud against the floor brought her back that half second glance. The pounding pulse in her head given imaginary form. An echoed, rhythmic beat from beyond the hall door that just got louder the further she moved.

Slowly she manages to pull herself into her room, throwing the door closed. And all at once. Silence. Her head clear, her body light. She sinks down against the wall, curling into herself.

She didn't humor herself with the question of "what now." There was only one thing to do. Time to prepare. The yule ball was upon her.

[xxemosceneacidscumxx]

Jeff the killer x FEM! Reader

~A Blinkless Gaze~

Part three

(Song: Take it away by The Used)

This time I woke up to mom tapping me. "Okok im up I'm up" I said forcing myself to sit up and stretch. I sighed and got ready, doing the normal stuff. Eventually it was time to go again. We got there, mom talked to Jan, and we went to a different room this time. "Mom where are we?" I asked. "We're early so Hal has to wake our patient." Oh. I leaned against the wall as we waited. Suddenly the door opened. "Cmon now" I heard Hal say. "Shut the hell up." I heard Jeff reply sounding angry. I moved to stand next to mom. "I don't know why the hell-" Jeff's eyes met mine again. He cocked his head to the side. I held back a giggle and just smiled. He smiled back. Well ok, he was already smiling, but he smiled with his mouth. My eyes nervously flickered to mom to see if she saw what happened. I couldn't tell. All four of us made our way to the rec room, and we sat down. Mom was talking Hal's leg off. I looked at Jeff. He was already staring at me. Now we just stared at each other. I made a stupid face as a joke. He made one back. I giggled silently. So did he. We were just smiling at each other. Mom walked off somewhere. I didn't mind though. I took it as an opportunity to speak to Jeff. "Hi." I said. "How're you" he responded. "I'm good, and you?" He bobbed his head side to side rolling his eyes. "I could be doing funner things.. I'd love to stick my knife into his head he's so dumb." I just stared, not knowing how to respond. Well he is a serial killer. He started laughing. "What's funny?" I asked. "Your face." I smiled. Mom and Hal walked over. "What're y'all laughing about." Mom asked looking at me specifically, none too amused. "Jeff said a funny joke." I said looking to Jeff. He was still smiling. "Well what was it?" Hal asked. "Wanna hear a dirty joke? A boy fell in a mud puddle." Jeff said. I just giggled. The day dragged on, except I talked to Jeff a little more often throughout the day, even with mom near. I could kinda feel this pull in my chest at Jeff and I liked it. We made small talk all day. At lunch we talked about our favorite foods, music, and hobbies. (Besides killing). Then it was time to go home. "Bye Jeff." I said. "Peace" he said. Me and mom made our way to the car. "I don't know what you think you're doing, but it's dangerous and you need to stop." Mom said sounding urgent. "What're you talking about?" She gave me the mom glare. I dropped the subject. We got home and, I ate my favorite food and went to sleep. The next day I slept in, as it was mom's day off. I woke up and went to go get some food. "Y/n get dressed there's someone I'd like you to meet." "Who?" I asked, mouthful of food. "You'll see." She said smiling. I went and got presentable. There was I knock at the door. "I'll get it" mom said. She opened the door for a man, about her age. He looked a little dodgy to me. But what do I know. "This is my boyfriend John, he'll be living with us." What the hell i just met him. Whatever. "Hi." I said forcing a smile. "Hello." He said.

3rd person

In a matter of weeks his true colors showed, drinking yelling, cussing etc.

Y/N's pov

I knew something was up with that loser, I should've said something. I thought bitterly as I cleaned the kitchen. Mom got back from the store. John was asleep on the couch. "Hi y/n" "hi" I said frowning. Suddenly mom whispered close to my ear. "It's only to help with the bills." I looked confused. She pointed to john's drunk ass. "Oh" I said. The next day it was finally time to go to the hospital again. I was excited to see Jeff again. Then I came to a horrifying realization. I like him. Mom can't figure it out. We made our way to the rec room again I looked for Jeff and found him. Mom chatted it up with another nurse. Nobody was looking so I went over to Jeff. "Hi" I said eagerly. "Where've you been?" He asked. "Mom was off yesterday." He cocked his head to the side. "You look tired. What happened." I didn't have anyone to tell so why not tell Jeff. I told Jeff everything about john and how terrible he was. "That can be fixed." He said. "What?" "Nothing" uhm ok. "So how're you?" I asked . "Same basic shit." He said. we stared at each other. That's what we do when we don't know what to talk about. We did that a lot today. Time to go rolled around. I don't wanna go home. "Bye, Jeff." I said. He reached his arms up like he was gonna hug me, but the chains stopped him. Hal and mom looked at him crazy. "Bye." I hugged him. It felt amazing. I didn't wanna let go. But I had to. I went home and the usual happened. John had his dickhead friends over. And mom served them. I was thinking about Jeff. I wanted him close to me forever. I fell asleep thinking about how I hugged him.

[evillovelust666]

Fictional World Role Play: "Giving Fizzarolli The Benefit Of The Doubt"

At the Top Villains Hotel in Blitz and Moxxie's suite me and Blitz had just finish having sex chillin' in the bed he pulled out a cigarette lit it and took a few puffs feeling contended he gave me his hand as my gift began to projecting his memories from his past he told me more about him and Fizzarolli back at the circus the pranks they pulled on other circus performers tricking Cash Buckzo by distraction and getting away with drinks and other treats he continue telling his personal story of their teenage years of he and Fizzarolli went to the Greed Ring to see Mammon and his announcement on the winner for the yearly clown pageant after that Fizzarolli is hoping of being the winner and get the opportunity of working for Mammon he looked up

to him as his idol Fizzarolli as they chat they were confronted by an obsessed yandere fan that couldn't stop getting his hands on Fizzarolli and his fetish Blitz stand up to the obsessed yandere fan after seeing Fizzarolli getting uncomfortable and when Fizzarolli decline the obsessed yandere fan request the fan began to go toxic telling him that he sucks and sending his hatred towards him after they left the projection ended as I lean against his side placing my hand oh his chest I thought about something

me: "Hey Master Blitz now that you and Fizzarolli are friends again your ok that I'm Fizzarolli's sex slave under Master Asmodeus command?" he took a few more puffs on his cigarette put it in the ashtray and looked at me with a mischievous grin Blitz: "Oooooo getting the hots for Fizzarolli you like him huh?" I blush my cheeks sheer red as I'm trying to say something he enjoys this seeing my reaction me: "It's just that I thought I ask you about it if your comfortable with that"

he pick me up like a kitten having me on top of him with his hands on each side Blitz: "I'm cool with that and as your Master I command that you keep on pleasuring Fizzarolli for me and Asmodeus do you obey?" he place me down on his chest as I place my hand on his cheek Me: "For you and Master Asmodeus I obey I'll make sure Fizzarolli gets the best sex from this sex slave" he smile hearing my commitment Blitz: "That's what I like to hear" then he playfully boop my nose

Blitz: "Boop!" me: "(laughing) Hey" we both laugh as we snuggle in the bed his tail wrapping around my naked waist embracing each another then it's October 29, 2023 I'm at home taking care of my babies doing Buneary, Neko, and Gambit's litter boxes while giving Neko her medication after cleaning the animals room and mudroom and making sure they got plenty of food and water (note: here are my babies)

Neko

Gambit

Buneary

I sigh contended while looking out the animal room windows me: "Only 2 days until Halloween" there I got a call on my digital cell phone it's Blitz he need my help on being Fizzarolli's body guard for the 10th yearly clown pageant I told him I'll be right there after giving my babies all the loving I open the portal through hell and went inside there I'm being picked up by Asmodeus's limousine and went in there I see Fizzarolli all clowned up with Blitz and Asmodeus seeing him in his low-key form I blush at that he notice and flirt with me Asmodeus: "Like what you see Stacy? (chuckle)" my face got redder as I shy-fully answer me: "I… uh…. mmm (yeah)"

as the ride continue we chat for a bit me: "How're doing Fizzarolli?" Fizzarolli: "I'm doing fine" he place his extended arm on my cheek and flirt Fizzarolli: "Thanks for asking" I couldn't stop blushing while Blitz giggle at the scene Blitz: "Hope you'll stay focus with the task at hand don't want you to have dirty thoughts on the job" I was waving both my hands in an anime manner me: "I'll pay attention! I'm not thinking of that! I'll stay focus" after I took a deep breath while sighing both Blitz and Asmodeus laugh at how cute and flustering I'm being there the limousine made the stop and where at the circus tent of the Greed Ring

Asmodeus: "Look's like where here" as everyone got ready Fizzarolli fixed himself and took a deep breath before exiting the door Fizzarolli: "It's showtime!" there he did his flips on the red carpet waving to all his fans camera's flashing everywhere while Asmodeus bust out in mist then reappearing in his low-key form waving while Blitz dressed as a bodyguard, falls out and face plants onto the ground Blitz: "Fuck!" I help him get up as he thank me while brushes himself off pulling his gun out while I pull out my katana from behind my back and we catch up with Fizzarolli and Asmodeus Blitz: "Wow, I have not been to a crowded event in years" Fizzarolli annoy at this ask Asmodeus Fizzarolli: "(annoyed) Can you remind me why you're here, again?" Asmodeus: "I uuuh- invited him. To help you, with extra security. You know your fans. Since I can't be with you, I felt he'd be the next best thing" Fizzarolli: "(skeptical) He'd be the next best thing?" Asmodeus: "Well, he kept you safe when I wasn't able to, so I trust that"

there two imp children lets out a high-pitched laugh, only for Blitz to aim a gun at them Asmodeus chuckles nervously Fizzarolli thought about this as Asmodeus reassure him Asmodeus: "And besides aren't you glad that she's also here as well?" Fizzarolli watch me checking the surroundings as I walkie-talkie like letting Blitz know me: "Everything looks good here Master Blitz I don't sense any tension energy here" Blitz gave me the thumbs up as I continue my job the way I look around the aura I'm giving out Fizzarolli gently smile seeing me and playfully tease Asmodeus Fizzarolli: "(whispering) Mmm-hmm. L'il sus, babe" as he continue looking at me he resumes walking ahead as Asmodeus and Blitz share a knowingly glance at each other Blitz nods and Asmodeus smile at me with a thumbs up leaves the area as were catching up with Fizzarolli

Blitz: "Come on, it's just like old times. I'll make sure no one gives you shit, today" Fizzarolli: "You mean besides you?" me: "Hey we got your back if any toxic, obsessed, and yandere fans give you a hard time I'll give them a stab on their dicks with my katana" he laugh hearing that Fizzarolli: "I know you will Stacy I know you will" Suddenly, Mammon appears in a green explosion Mammon: "Aaay, there he is! (holds Fizzarolli's face by the jaw) Now, how's my bright, shiny, brand baby doing? Ready to reclaim your win another year? Yeah?" Fizzarolli: "(muffled) You know it, Mammon sir" Mammon: "(puts Fizzarolli back down) Goooood. Cause, you know, I saw your competition, and it's pretty stiff, right? You are gonna have to try extra hard like- fixin' that posture"

Fizzarolli straightens up to Mammon expectations making sure that everything he wants is perfect Mammon: "Not gonna lie, you're looking a bit chungo, yeah? Maybe lose a few so we don't gotta make any more adjustments to the Fizzies. People like 'em skinny as FUCK" there Mammon pats Fizzarolli's tummy in emphasize, causing Blitz to remove his sunglasses in disbelief and I'm reacted in disgust I went next to Blitz and whisper me: "This is Mammon that Fizzarolli looks up too? I'm sorry but the way he's treating Fizzarolli looks like a huge twat to me" Blitz: "I couldn't agree with you more Stacy" we went up to them while Fizzarolli's feelings are hurt as he tries his best not to break Fizzarolli: "(awkwardly) Oh- right, sir. Of course! I'll work on that. (ego deflates)" seeing Fizzarolli submitted to Mammon's attention pisses Blitz off Blitz: "(appalled) What?!" we approach Mammon and Fizzarolli he felt nervous about introducing Mammon to Blitz and me he starts to shake a little bit from the interaction

Mammon: "Oh? And who's this dumpster-diver ya got here with ya?" I pointed my katana at him for 4 seconds but sheathe it away seeing Fizzarolli sweating at what I was about to do but sigh a relief after putting my katana down me: "For your information were here to keep Fizzarolli safe so please don't disrespect Blitz in that manner!" he looked at my Sakura Akamatsu human form eyeing me up and down and grin twistedly Mammon: "Ooo a feisty fellow and a human at that I might take back on the whole reflect on my earlier statements wanna work here with me love?" he blew his green smoke breath at me I'm choking at how bad it is me: "(coughing) I'm good thanks for asking I'm just here to protect Fizzarolli that's my main job"

as he wouldn't stop eyeing me Blitz cut in to save me from his glance Blitz: "(in a matter-of-fact tone) Hi, yes. Nice to meet you, I'm the one who saw through your fake-ass bullshit from the day I had to spend all my savings on the shit covered, dick show you called a performance. Thanks for that, by the way." Fizzarolli getting nervous and sweating at this try to calmed down the situation Fizzarolli: "(nervously) Haha- ha- ignore him, sir. He's uh- he's like this all the time. He thinks he's funny." Blitz: "Offended" I nodded quietly at Blitz's statement Mammon: "(smiling) Riiight, yeah. You can shut your (honk) cunt-ass mouth, boy. (to Fizzarolli) I'll see you on stage! And don't forget to fuckin' smile Fizzarolli." Fizzarolli gives Mammon a big smile and a salute as Mammon steps closer to the tent Mammon: "The smile is the face people like to seeee froooom you!" before he disappear he looked at me and gave me the tongue with two fingers in-between giving me a sexual message then vanish in a puff of smoke Blitz: "Wow, that guy sucks so hard" me: "Tell me about it he's definitely not my type give me Valentino anytime over him" Fizzarolli: "(frustrated) Look, Blitz, I don't know why Ozz brought you here, but can you at least not talk back to my boss?! I need this gig!"

I was surprise hearing Fizzarolli calling his name right for the first time I explain to Fizzarolli on my thoughts on Mammon me: "I'm sorry Fizzarolli it's just that the way he's treating you I don't like that at all I understand that this is important to you and he's your idol you looked up to but that's not gonna stop me from hating him in my head Master Blitz and I are concern for you again I'm sorry but he's a prick" he look concern for me the way Mammon was flirting with me it can be serious as Blitz continue Blitz: "Why? Don't you have the world's best sugar daddy?" Fizzarolli: "I just need it, okay?! (sighs then to himself) Smile inside and out" Fizzarolli walks further down the red carpet with a smile on his face while waving to the crowd as they cheer for him me and Blitz look at each other Blitz: "You're worry about him weren't you?" me: "I am this vibe it reminds me of a certain master that has the same predicament but in a different place" talking about Angel Dust with Valentino I kept that quietly mentally in my head while feeling it in my heart Blitz place his hand on my shoulder fearing on the way Mammon was being forward with me me: "If you think I had the hots for that giant shit-grinning Christmas tree I burn him till there's nothing left of that dick"

he smile and noogie gently my head Blitz: "I'm glad you hate that tree too" as we resume our work we hear someone and went to Fizzarolli aid seeing two bitches of fish demon twins known as the Glam Sisters Fizzarolli: "(gasps nervously) Oooh, fun. You gals gonna be competing as well? That's really nice." but they were being rude to him as they talk about their selves Glitz: "You can shut up now you fugly imp" Glam: "Yeah, see we didn't come to chat, we came to win" Fizzarolli: "Wow, what attractive attitudes you got" Glitz: "Like we care what your opinion is Fizza- (stops to think) uh…" Glam: "(quickly responds) -rotty!" I growl under my teeth as they continue bickering to each other Glitz: "(annoyed) Shut up, I was thinking of one!" Glam: "(sassily) Should've been faster" Glitz: "Whore!" Glam: "Slow-ass, bitch!" Blitz: "You know, it's pretty telling that you snatches can't even keep your stupid mirror schtick together. It ain't cute." me: "Not to mention that you're both not sexually attractive at that" Blitz and Fizzarolli looked wide eyes and stare at each other

Blitz telling Fizzarolli quietly: "Damn burn!" the twins ignore me and continue on their boastful rants towards Fizzarolli and Blitz Glitz: "We don't need to" Glam: "We put our energy towards our performance" Glitz: "And winning Mammon's favor" Fizzarolli: "(smiling) Oh, well. I look forward to seeing what you do, and may the best clown w…" they both disrespectfully throw remarks at him Glam Sisters: "(in unison) We plan to." Glam laughs as Glitz flips Fizzarolli off then the Glam sisters walk pass Blitz, me, and Fizzarolli into the tent Fizzarolli: "…win" more of his feelings hurt I place my hand on his shoulder me: "Fizzarolli?" he looked at me my eyes showing care and concern he softly smile and place his hand on mine then the music start signaling that the competition is starting Blitz: "Aw, man. I didn't a rat's ass about this competition. But, Christ on a stick Fizz, pile drive those sluts." Fizzarolli begins to feel the pressure of the competition as they begin all the clowns put on their performance after the points were rally up they were down to two finalist Fizzarolli and the Glam Sisters Mammon: "Now, we're gonna have a quick meet 'n greet with our finalists…So, fork it over, kiddies! You know it's worth it! (Laughs maniacally)" as were in the other room of the meet n greet I stand guard with Fizzarolli while Blitz looked out from above feeling the pressure Fizzarolli wanted to have a word with Mammon I nodded and went with him he goes incognito hiding behind a cardboard cutout of himself, quietly approaches Mammon at the entrance he looked at me as I reassure him

me: "I'll be fine you go ahead and ask him what's on your mind" nodding he went up to Mammon Fizzarolli: "Hey, Mammon, uh- I may not be uh- i-in the right headspace to interact with the fans right now. Is it okay if I maybe skip the whole thing?" Mammon: "(still collecting money) Psh, of course not." Fizzarolli: "I just really don't think that I'm really…" he picks Fizzarolli up by the face, muffling any explanations I gasp but held my stance Mammon: "Aaaw, come on, Fizzie, my boy. Don't you wanna do this for your fans? Listen to them!" seeing the huge crowds of rabid fans are waiting to meet Fizzarolli, including a giant hairless dog demon I almost gag at that Mammon: "They're dying to meet you! Dying to see your little Fizzie face! You gotta make a good impression, mate. The better the impression, the more they'll want a piece of you they can take home and fuck! Don't you want that, Fizzie? To be fucked?!" Fizzarolli: "Uhhh… I mean, (stammering) no, not really, actually" Mammon: "Fizzie, I-I'm not gonna lie, I want that. (holds Fizzarolli close to him, tightly) So, come on, just do this one thing for me" Fizzarolli: "(muffled) Okay, sir" Mammon: "(excitedly) Aw, you're a bloody legend, Fizzie! They're gonna wanna fuck you, (hugs Fizzarolli tightly again) like you're fucking my heart with joooy right now! Now get out there and make me proud, (puts Fizzarolli back down and pinches his cheek) you stupid, little (honk) cunt" there Mammon walked up to me placing his hand under my chin seductively flirting with me Mammon: "Oh I want to touch your body so badly I'll be thinking about you love" I swipe his hand away he chuckle at my action then disappears in a burst of smoke me and Fizzarolli cough from the smoke as Blitz appears nearby, hanging from the ceiling by a cord attached to his belt however Blitz is unable to get himself right-side up so I use my magic to help levitate him making him right-side up Blitz: "Thanks Stacy Fizz, you let him talk to you like that? You got some kinda secret kink I should know about or something?"

Fizzarolli: "It's just how he is" me: "Did he done something personal to you? If you don't want to talk about it I understand" Blitz: "I mean. Shit, if he talked to me that way…" Fizzarolli: "(groans) Ugh, it's fine" he walked off while interacting with his fans I looked on worry and sad as I help Blitz get back up to the ceiling I went to Fizzarolli side standing guard on anything suspicious so far everything is good as I watch Fizzarolli chat with his fans giving them autograph and getting selfies from their hellphones there he see a special imp kid that can only speak in sign language Fizzarolli know sign language too he interact with the special imp I smile this is the first time seeing Fizzarolli like this he understands on those with disability giving the imp kid his autograph and a hug Fizzarolli: "I hope you're excited for the biiig finale!" as everyone cheer we all heard someone booing at Fizzarolli causing a scene Burnie Burnz: "Boo! Boo! Sellout piece of shit!" everyone looks around confused, wondering where the booing was coming from Fizzarolli gestures the kid to head back into the crowd to keep him safe Fizzarolli: "(nervously) Uh- wh- c-come again?" Burnie Burnz: "Ughh, your act is such fucking trash; always has been" the crazed "fan" climbs up behind the back of the crowd, revealing himself as Burnie Burnz, the imp stalker who was obsessed with Fizzarolli all those years ago I remember his face from Blitz's memories

me speaking in thought: "This is the obsessed yandere fan that's harassing Fizzarolli that turn down his request? This could be bad" I ran standing in front of Fizzarolli protecting him with my katana out pointing at the crazy fan as the fan continue on ranting of his toxic fandoms Burnie Burnz: "Except! now, I have to see your smug face plastered on everything, everywhere! And, you can read all about it on my review blog: fuckfizzbutnotinasexyway.compainer.com.org.gov" the fan fall back into the crowd after having lost his balance I heh at the fan getting hurt quietly while Fizzarolli shifts nervously at the reunion Fizzarolli: "Hah, well. Anyway, folks, heh" the obsessed yandere fan reappears, having to have crawled his way to the front of the crowd I pointed my katana at him me: "Back off kid don't take another step at Fizzarolli or I'll make sure you don't go home in one piece!" Burnie Burnz: "You're not even a clown anymore. All you do is work at that (turns around as he stomps his foot, dramatically) overpriced, sleaze joint, and then every year, you come back here to put us through the same tired, old routine." Blitz watches through his sniper scope as Burnie begins to approach us forcing Fizzarolli back before recognizing him

Burnie Burnz: "Is there a single, original idea in that head?" me: "Ok you need to leave right now!!!!" Fizzarolli finds himself literally backed into a wall with no way out seeing him scare I'm in my defense stance protecting Fizzarolli as the obsessed yandere fan kept on coming at us Fizzarolli: "(nervousness turning to panic) I uh- uh- uuuh… (shaky laugh)" Burnie Burnz: "(towering over Fizzarolli) You fucking suck, and so do your products. Your sex-bots can't even get me off right, you know…" me: "THAT'S IT BACK THE FUCK OFF OR I'LL BEAT THE ABSOLUTE SHIT OUT OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Blitz lands in front of Burnie and he aims his sniper rifle at him while my katana is near his throat Burnie freezes with his hands up, but it does nothing to stop him from talking Burnie Burnz: "What? Still think you're too good to even talk to me? Still gotta get this chump to stand in for you? You're fucking pathetic. (passionately) To think, what we could've been together (furiously) if you hadn't been too up your own ass to listen…" we both aim our weapons forcefully at Burnie me: "You talk too much about your toxic fandom shit!" Blitz: "Yeah, one more word out of you, Twat-stain, Imma blow your head clean open in front of all these fucking kids" I turn to hear something and tap Blitz's shoulder showing him that Fizzarolli is hyperventilating poor Fizzarolli is clearly beginning to have a panic attack seeing this I sheathe my katana down while Blitz's worry turns to rage as Burnie begins to laugh maniacally then Blitz slams the hilt of his gun into his face, knocking him down Burnie's face is bloodied and bruised with one of the lenses of his glasses is cracked the fan was about to leave but not before I kicked his shin causing him to fall down me: "GO ON GIT!!!! GET OUT OF HERE!!!!" Burnie Burns: "You're not done with me, Fizzarolli"

the obsessed yandere fan runs back into the crowd and disappears as Fizzarolli continues to hyperventilate, Blitz and me rushes over and catches him when he collapses me: "We got you take it easy breathe slowly" Blitz: "Hey, hey- Woah, woah, you good?" suddenly seeing green electricity bolts going all over Fizzarolli's body we both sense that Mammon is coming he appears in green smoke, throws Blitz and me aside, and holds Fizzarolli up Mammon: "Yeah, mate? You alright, Fizzie?" Fizzarolli looked at Blitz helping me help up then looks back at Mammon who glares at him, threateningly Fizzarolli: "Yeah- yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I'm- I'm fine, yeah, heh" feeling satisfied with this he looks Fizzarolli over and smiles Mammon: "Tell you what I'll let the hotties go on before ya, give ya some time to get your shit together. (quietly, but menacingly) Get your shit together, Fizzie. You're a bloody legend. (yelling enthusiastically) You're a bloody legend, ya bitch!" he spins Fizzarolli, and sends him toward the backstage entrance Fizzarolli catches his breath, still shaken from the ambush me and Blitz rushes back over, still concerned for him me: "Fizzarolli are you ok? your breathing heavily" Blitz: " Oh, shit. That guy got to you, didn't he? You know you don't have to…" Fizzarolli: "I do, Blitz. I do." he walked past us walks over to the stage as we rush after him Blitz: "Fucking hell, Fizz this is stupid. That clown shit is not this important." Fizzarolli: "This job is! Without it I'll lose…" Glam Sisters: "Everything!" the Glam Sisters laugh evilly as they step through the backstage door me: "GGGRRRRRR!!!!!! I can't stand them fucking disrespectful assholes!"

Blitz: "Seriously, that guy is a fucking dick, and he's using you for everything, cause you're likable, and he's a fucking trash fire" Fizzarolli almost break down with all this pressure and being confronted by the obsessed and yandere fan from his past Fizzarolli: "No, he's not! He's just trying to make me good enough" Blitz: "Good enough for what?" me: "And what else does he expect more from you?" as the Glam sisters began their song while doing superior performance moves Fizzarolli watches from behind the curtains, afraid that they may actually win the pageant tearfully runs away from backstage, passing Blitz and me me: "Fizzarolli!" I ran after him putting my katana away and going into his dressing room seeing him hyperventilating he slams the door behind me he heads over to his makeup desk and looks at his reflection in the mirror Fizzarolli: "(breathing heavily) O-Okay, Fizz. You can do this. You can do this. You can do this. It's okay, it's fine. You have a show to do soon, it's fine" he wipes sweat off his forehead and looks at his hand white makeup was on it then he looks in horror to see that the scar above his left eye was visible

Fizzarolli: "(gasps) Oh- oh no, oh- no, no, no, no. (strained) No, no (hyperventilating)" he gets a makeup brush and he tries to apply it to the scar, but his hands are shaking rapidly then he gets a heart-shaped make-up kit with Ozzie's name on it then he opens it up to reveal a heart shaped mirror knowing that he doesn't want to be touch by hand at the moment I lean my head against his back me: "Fizzarolli please you need to calm down you look like your about to break" he breathe slowly letting my head stay on his back as I continue me: "I'm worry about you and Master Blitz is worry about you too all of this is overwhelming you" he place his robotic arm on my head patting it gently while he looked in the heart-shaped mirror from Asmodeus's gift Fizzarolli: "It's okay, you're fine. You need to be fine" then a loud noise can be heard and I see Asmodeus appears in through Fizzarolli's dressing room door me: "Master Asmodeus!" Asmodeus: "Fizz! Are you okay?" Fizzarolli: "(turning to Asmodeus) Why does everyone keep asking me that?? You shouldn't be here, Asmodeus. I'm fine, please!" Asmodeus tries to enter the room, but due to his tremendous size, he couldn't get through the door I help him holding both his hands to pull him inside but that doesn't work he looked at me letting me know to stand back so, with a snap of his fingers, he shrank down to a much smaller size, allowing him to enter the room he place his hand on my shoulder smiling letting me know that he got this I nodded and stand aside as he went up to Fizzarolli Asmodeus: "Froggie…" Fizzarolli: "I'm fine! I'm fine! Just needed a minute!" Asmodeus: "You aren't okay, you're shaking." feeling pressured, Fizzarolli gets up, walks away from the desk, and toward the poster next to the doorway Fizzarolli: "Ozz, I'm about to go on for the finale, I need some time to mentally prepare" Asmodeus: "Fizz, come on! I'm trying to talk to you, you can't force yourself to…"

Fizzarolli: "Ozz, I have to do this. This could be my last chance to prove that I'm still good at this. That it's not over! That I'm still good enough! It's not just Mammon. (looks to poster) I'm fine. I just…need to be better. (returns to makeup desk)" Asmodeus: "You think you need to be this perfect, model performer, but that's because Mammon is always forcing that image onto you!" Fizzarolli: "But, everything I have is because of Mammon. I have this life. I have security. I have you. Without Mammon I wouldn't be… I wouldn't have… I just… I have to win this" me: "Fizzarolli" Asmodeus: "Fizzie…" Fizzarolli: "I don't want to lose. (walks away) Because I feel like if I lose this, I lose you" Asmodeus: "(scoffs) How would you lose me? (holds Fizzarolli's shoulders) Come on, Froggie" Fizzarolli: "(pushes Asmodeus's hands off his shoulders) You're only with me because of who I am at my best! I'm barely worthy of working with a King of Sin 'cause (removes jester hat off to reveal his broken horns) THIS IS WHO I AM!" I gasp covering my mouth with both my hands in shock seeing his two broken horns for the first time me: "Oh Fizzarolli I'm so sorry" Fizzarolli: "Without all this, (voice breaking) I'm just nothing, (turns away in tears) and Mammon made me this. I owe it all to him" Asmodeus: "Fizz, Mammon didn't do shit. You already were this. You'd be this no matter what! You are the most inspiring demon I have ever known, and meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me. I adore your inventiveness, your attitude, your resilience. And…(nuzzles Fizzarolli's cheek) you're just the cutest little thing alive. Also, you are a waaaay better performer than Mammon ever was, and thaaat's just facts"

Fizzarolli: "It's… It's hard, you know? To t-trust that. I… I just… (hugs Asmodeus) I love you so much, Ozzie" I smile seeing them embracing one another while sighing quietly Asmodeus: "And, I love you, too, Fizzarolli. And I would whether you win this bullshit or not." Fizzarolli: "Well, I kinda spent my whole warmup having a panic attack, haha." then the song begin of "Crooked" I squeel quietly as Asmodeus starting to sing there he and Fizzarolli dance and playfully tease each other as Fizzarolli join in on the singing then as the song end they both share a passionate kiss I blush watching them kissing when suddenly, their loving kiss is interrupted the door was kicked open by Burnie, who is holding a dagger Burnie Burnz: "You're gonna listen to me now, BITCH!" seeing this I go into interception dive grabbing both his feet preventing him from moving me: "Grab!" Burnie Burnz: "Hey! Let go you stupid cun…" Burnie's head suddenly explodes, in the form of a heart leaving only the outer layer remaining before falling to the floor some of the gore landed on my hair there Asmodeus and Fizzarolli stare at Burnie before looking over to the wall where the bullet responsible resides then the vanity mirror splits into two even pieces, marking where the bullet flew between them it was Blitz who was hiding behind the vanity mirror and making the shot Blitz: "Oh, so you two are an item?" he glares intensely, before nonchalantly polishing his gun and puts his sunglasses back on Blitz: "Well, congratulations, you fucking hypocrites"

I got up and use my magic to clean off the gore off my hair Blitz: "Nice interception dive you did back there Stacy" me: "Thanks Master Blitz nice shooting you did as well" Fizzarolli extension arms had me in a group hug with Asmodeus thanking me for stopping the obsessed yandere fan with things settle down Fizzarolli feel a lot better me: "So Fizzarolli got an idea for your performance?" he place his head against mine and answer happily Fizzarolli: "Yes my lucky rabbit I got the perfect performance one that will be the last" after going on stage he began his performance singing "two minutes notice" he dance using magic and with the help of Asmodeus's flames began doing kick ass stunts and sexy moves almost giving Asmodeus lower half an erection which he covers it with the curtain while smiling sheepishly while swinging around, Fizzarolli notices the hellhound from before humping his leg then the hellhound get stab by a throwing shuriken in the face by me and shot by Blitz, from the roof of the stage Fizzarolli smile while me and Blitz nodded and I gave him a thumbs up with a wink as the song ends a giant fuck you sign shows with fireworks for the finishing effects the audiences cheer and scream of a hell of a show Fizzarolli put on then when Fizzarolli finish he grab the microphone and began his speech Fizzarolli: "Thank you all so much. You know, it's always been one of the greatest thrills of my life performing. And I'm so glad to bring you all one, last show." As he speaks, he looks to see the young imp from earlier waving to him. Then Fizzarolli signs "Thank you" to him in sign language, which makes him smile Fizzarolli: "Cuz' now… I quit!"

he drops the microphone and walks away, leaving the audience gasping in shock and confusion and a very pissed offed Mammon Mammon: "WHAT?!" he disappears in green smoke, and then he appears right in front of Fizzarolli as he walks away, holding his scepter up close to his throat Mammon: "QUIT?! You miserable piece of shit! What do you mean quit?!" Fizzarolli: "(pushes scepter away from his throat) I mean, I quit. (Walks around him) I'm done. (Australian accent) G'day, mate!" as he mocked Mammo, Fizzarolli gave him the double bird as he stretches away, with his arms following after a second of staying in Mammon's face then Mammon growls in fury before six eyes appear above his standard ones there he snarls before shouting, and then exploding in a puff of green smoke Fizzarolli looks behind him, to see an enormous golden spider leg with a brown tip slam just inches away from him, Asmodeus watches behind the curtains Asmodeus: "Oh, that motherfucker" the giant spider leg backs away, cracking the ground as it did so from the smoke revealed a giant green cocoon that splits apart Mammon: "YOU FUCKING UNGRATEFUL LITTLE SHIT!" From the giant green cocoon, Mammon burst out in his full demon form he roars loudly and furiously as he looks down at Fizzarolli who stands his ground scowling confidently as Mammon leans forward into his face Mammon: "I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING! YOU ARE PRACTICALLY IN MY IMAGE! I RAISED YOU LIKE THE SON I DIDN'T WANT!" Mammon points at Fizzarolli, but he slaps his hand away and stares him down without fear, crossing his arms confidently Mammon stares back in rage, but then he notices me jumping off from the roof of the stage standing in front of Fizzarolli summon my katana and slit my hand on it the blood activate the katana splitting into 2 while flames of red and black blaze from the 2 katanas positioning them like a phoenix spreading her wings ready to protect Asmodeus, Blitz, and Fizzarolli went starry eyes at my gift then Asmodeus decided to join in by making a giant sigil lust seal behind Fizzarolli, and suddenly, there's a burst of flame, followed by Asmodeus roaring in his full demon form Asmodeus: "(demonic voice) You'd better back the fuck up, Mam!" Mammon: "Ha-ha, hooo. Look who's acting like a big fuckin' hero. (gets up close to Asmodeus) Careful what you say, Ozzie. Wouldn't want your little secret getting out, would we?"

Asmodeus: "I don't care anymore!" Fizzarolli: "Ozz?" Mammon felt the hot blaze of the red and black flames hitting his cheek he back off seeing me protecting both Fizzarolli and Asmodeus Mammon: "Because if you let him quit, I could tell everyone here that you…" Asmodeus: "What? That I love him? Well, I do!" while Fizzarolli blush at his confession I looked up at what Asmodeus said Mammon looked behind and see the audiences excited about hearing this texting on their hellphone that they knew all along Mammon: "Oh…uh, shit, ah, you dirty bitch. (slithers around Asmodeus and Fizzarolli) You are gonna regret revealing that, Ozz." Mammon chuckles confidently as he crawls up to me and snorts green smoke at me making me choke from it his laughing continued, Mammon provokes an implosion around him, causing a huge cloud of green smoke to engulf the circus tent everyone screams as everything seems to crumble around them when the cloud dissipates, Asmodeus is hugging Fizzarolli to himself to protect him, while I use my magic to shield Blitz from falling debris and using both my katanas combine with the red and black flames to slash any debris that come this way and once everything settles down he sees that he's safe, the two of them start hugging each other, I smile at this when I see from behind the curtain, Glitz and Glam laying there, Glitz on top of Glam, before Glitz gets up Glitz: "So, does that mean we win?" Glam gets up as well, and they both look confidently at each other but not what I'm about to do me: "Shut the fuck up you're both pieces of shit!" then I use the red and black flames to make the burning wooden planks fall on top of them crushing and burning them both as the limousine driving away, running over a photo with Mamon and Fizzarolli Asmodeus and Fizzarolli still act all lovey-dovey, Blitz being squished between Asmodeus and the left wall of the limo while I'm on the right side of the limo seat seeing this Blitz decide to make this more interesting

Blitz: "So, uhm, who tops?" I almost anime grunt at what he said while Fizzarolli groans as Asmodeus mischievously grins at him Fizzarolli saw me looking at the window I was deep in thought thinking about something Fizzarolli: "You're awfully quiet Stacy watcha thinking about?" I turn to looked the three of them and answer me: "I've been thinking after twice the shit you been through I decided that…" the three of them smile mischievously I try to continue without blushing me: "You deserve better so I thought…." his extended arms wrapped me up bringing me close to them I yelp me: "What I'm trying to say is that…" I feel their hands touching every sensitive part on my body moaning quietly me: "I wanted you to know…" his face was close to mine while his lips ghosting mine Fizzarolli: "(seductively) Go on" me: "(making anime shy noises) I…" Asmodeus: "Aww are you confessing your feelings to my Fizzy?" Blitz: "Are you proposing to Fizz Stacy? (chuckle) I knew it you do have the hots for Fizz!" they continue touching me as I gasp my face blushing red me: "Please if you all stop touching me I can finish what I had to say to Fizzarolli" Fizzarolli: "Okay we'll stop" after his extended arms loosen up and Blitz and Asmodeus stop touching me I took a deep breath and continue me: "I come to the conclusion that I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt Fizzarolli and I'm also giving you V.I.P access to the Top Villains Hotel" I use my magic to summon the Top Villains Hotel card with a gold V.I.P star on it handed it to him me: "I'll also make arrangements on upgrading the suite for you and Master Asmodeus so you both can be together knowing how important you are to each other" Asmodeus: "That's the best news I ever heard! How sweet of you Stacy" Blitz: "FUCK YEAH!!! where going to hang out more at the Top Villains Hotel having fun drinking all that shit!" Fizzarolli looked at the card and smile Fizzarolli: "Wow this is the best thing I ever gotten"

I place both my hands over his and admit me: "For the past few times of seeing you I admit that you're hot, seductive, sexy, and hypnotic and I'm glad you're patching things up with Master Blitz and after everything you been through I meant what I said that you deserve better and…" he blush when my eyes were close and near his lips me: "I Evil Love You Fizzarolli" it was the gentlest kiss he ever felt touching his lips that he return the kiss making noises putting the card in his pants he place his hand on my chest Asmodeus and Blitz smile at each other knowing that things are starting to look better for Fizzarolli after the kiss I nuzzle his cheek while purring he giggle at the noise I'm making Fizzarolli: "Awww I didn't know I got the cutest and sexy kitten nuzzling my cheeks" me: "I would like to do the honor of giving you the tour to the Top Villains Hotel" I blush coming up with the last part me: "(shyfully) As a date" Asmodeus: "That sounds wonderful I'm fine with that knowing you'll be there with Fizzy" Blitz: "Are you going to dress pretty for Fizz?" me: "Um I'll be fine with the clothes I'll have on it's just a tour for Fizzarolli new place to live while coming and going as he please" Fizzarolli: "This is great! going on a date with the beautiful human hell has to offer!" I continue blushing hearing that as I felt his hand on my back he spoke seductively to me Fizzarolli: "Dose this mean you'll get to call me your master?" his hand went underneath the back of my shirt snapping off my bra I place my finger on his lips me: "Don't push it I said I give you the benefit of the doubt and V.I.P access to the Top Villains Hotel that's more then enough" then feeling my bra fell on the floor he took off my shirt while taking my shoes, pants, and panty off exposing my naked body to Asmodeus and Blitz Fizzarolli: "Now then where were we?" he deepen the kiss while Asmodeus and Blitz join in on the hot sex Blitz: "Save that tight ass for me! I crave to feel her pleasure me" Asmodeus: "Such arousing noise you're making Rare Gem we'll make sure you get the best lust you deserve here in the limo" my body was lay on the seat as Fizzarolli was behind me and Blitz on top of me they position their cocks at my cunt and ass as they spoke in unison and sexy tone while Asmodeus held my hand placing it on his giant cock gently stroking it up and down Blitz & Fizzarolli: "Get ready" the limousine continue driving as the windows got all fog up from the sex going on inside Halloween came and went and it's November I got myself ready and open the portal to Ozzie's place went inside and coming out from the other I see Asmodeus and Fizzarolli chilling by the fireplace on the couch seeing me they both wave Fizzarolli: "Hey Babes you ready for our date?" me: "You know it Fizzarolli" he got up doing his circus flips and place his arm around mine

Asmodeus: "You two have fun I can't wait to see our new upgrade of the suite" me: "Will see you then Master Asmodeus" I open the portal to the Top Villains Hotel and we went inside he was amaze of how big the place is Fizzarolli: "Woah you did all this?" me: "Yup using my gift I'm the founder of this place" we began the tour showing him around and Fizzarolli seeing my masters of the Top Villains, Villainy & Evil, and the Honorable Mention Of The Villains I Acknowledge again they now has started moving in they can come and go as they please and after a hard day of committing sins, crimes, and killing spree they always have a place to come back to after they chat we went up the stairs and went into the arcade room playing all the video games Fizzarolli: "Bet'cha I get the high score!" me: "Bring it on Fizzarolli!" from fighting arcade to shooting zombies arcade we had so much fun as Fizzarolli gets the high score Fizzarolli: "YES I WON!!!!!!!!!!!" I smile and place my hand out me: "Good game Fizzarolli" seeing this he gently held my hand kneel before me placing a kiss on it making me blush me: "Fizzarolli….." Fizzarolli: "You fought well Babes" curious I ask me: "Is that going to be my nickname?" Fizzarolli: "Well since you're not calling me master which I respect that your taking your time thinking over that no rush I'll give you a nickname that I think suits you" he place his forehead against mine Fizzarolli: "And that's a perfect name for my lovely sex slave" I blush feeling his touch as we continue the tour there we see the Watchdogs Gladiator WatchDogs and Egg Bois moving stuff to upstairs with a greater view of the windows me: "Hey guys how's the progress of Master Asmodeus and Fizzarolli's suite?" Eggboi #48: "It's looking great Stacy" Moose: "Just finishing up a few more touches there and it'll be ready for them" me: "I'm sure they'll both love it keep up the good work boys" Eggboi #90: "Will do" from there we went into the elevator making it easier taking a break from walking the stairs and went into the pool / bathhouse I show him the closet of bathing suits while I grab mine he went into the pool feeling how warm it is it's great there he saw me in my bikini putting on my pool mask I did a graceful dive he blush at seeing this I came out of the water Fizzarolli: "Wow Babes you look gorgeous" me: "Um thanks Fizzarolli wanna do underwater laps?" Fizzarolli: "Oh you're on!" holding our breaths going left then right then coming up for air we kept on doing this until we finish the last lap taking a breather me: "66 laps whoo! that will be enough for today" Fizzarolli: "Yeah you got lungs back there I'm impress" getting out of the pool I put my hand out for Fizzarolli to grab mine then drying off and putting our clothes back on we continue we stop at the library he check out the manga and was amaze he thought it was boring but here it has everything from history, spells, adult hentai etc.

he enjoy reading the variety of anime manga's after reading a few books we left and continue down the hallway me: "And here you see the doors that keep each of my masters loot room after a hard day of crimes and causing chaos to the good guys" Fizzarolli: "Wow Stacy this has everything ya don't have to worry of running out of stuff" me: "I always make sure that everything is re-stock just wanted to ask you this one rule please don't steal my masters loot they work hard to come all this way to where they are now but there's enough food, drinks, and stuff for everyone" he joke around but reassure me Fizzarolli: "Don't worry Babes I won't take any of your masters loot I promise" me: "I just wanted you to know that but don't worry with the new upgrade of Master Asmodeus and your suite you'll both have one big loot room to keep all your valuables" Fizzarolli: "(laugh) Come on Babes you know I won't touch your masters loot would this face lie?" he did his sexy face making me giggle while looking away me: "Okay okay! I'll take your word I believe you Fizzarolli" Fizzarolli: "Alright on to the next tour" at the end of the hallway I open the door me: "And here is the lust room this is were I perform sexual pleasures to all my masters and that camera hanging over there is where it gets recorded then uploading it to the computer of my website EvilLove.Lust" he looked around impress with the details around here Fizzarolli: "What does your website do?" me: "In order for any suckers that are horny of watching this basically throughout the multiverse they have to put in their credit card number thus the money they put in goes into each and every masters of their loot room" I use my magic to summon a laptop and show him the views of my pleasures with my masters and how hot the content is Fizzarolli: "(whistle) Damn! look at the positions your doing" he wrap me around with his robotic arms feeling his hot breath on my ear Fizzarolli: "It's turning me on" he tease bite my ear making me moan me: "That can wait some other time after doing the 66 underwater laps my body still need to regain strength" he sigh contentedly and loosen his robotic arms Fizzarolli: "Alright some other time then" as I left the lust room he look around one last time with a quiet giggle thought up an idea for the next time he see's me me: "Come on Fizzarolli I'm going to take you to the kitchen downstairs for lunch" Fizzarolli: "(excitedly) Coming Babes!" we went into the elevator and stop at the kitchen I put on an apron and began to cook while Fizzarolli sit in the chair watching me cook me: "Guess what time it is?" Fizzarolli: "(playfully) I don't know what time is it?" after finishing a few touches on the plate I show him his lunch me: "It's burger time!🍔"

his eyes went starry seeing the burger in mozzarella cheese, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, ketchup, mustard, and the burger cooked to perfection on top of the buns is a heart-shaped toothpick with a side of fries season in light salt I handed the plate to him while carrying the bottle of ketchup for his fries and took him to the bar there he sat and took a huge bite out of the burger and made happy noises on how delicious the burger taste I grab him a soda from the variety drink cabinet and handed that to him I sat next to him as he dip the fries in the ketchup Fizzarolli: "Holy shit! this is the best burger I ever taste how did you know I love burgers?" me: "Master Asmodeus told me of your favorite food knowing how much you love your burgers" I took out a cherry flavor Fanta soda and took a few sips Fizzarolli: "I'm guessing he also told you that I can't cook in the kitchen huh?" he mischeivously snicker me: "Yeah sorry to hear that burning the milk something about your robotic limbs has definitely to do with it causing an effects to happen" after drinking his soda he place his hand on my shoulder Fizzarolli: "Hey thanks for the date and for making the best damn burger in the world Babes" me: "Hearing that kind of remind me from the animated series of Beetlejuice I watch back as a kid he calls Lydia Babes too" Fizzarolli: "Well then I guess I'm the ghost with the most to have such an honor title as that but with more of my clown etiquette to my touch" I laugh as he fool around while he enjoy seeing me smile me: "(giggle) Fizzarolli! (laugh)" after my drink and him finish his lunch I open the portal for Asmodeus and took them into the elevator to the highest floor me: "Well are you both excited on you upgrade suite?" Asmodeus: "You know it Rare Gem" Fizzarolli: "I can't wait to see it!" as the elevator stop we left and went to the hallways there is a door with a heart and their names in cursive writing with their new door number 69 me: "Ok here it is" I open the door and they were aww the detail looks astounding with the best view windows and addtional stuff added their bedroom is a giant heart-shaped matress bed with different variety of fluffy pillows and blankets along with their personal stuff and the bathroom is a lot bigger with their whirlpool tub and expaned shower Asmodeus: "Wow! this is perfect for me and Froggy" Fizzarolli: "Hey Ozzie check out the window were so high up! the view is amazing!" me: "Well I'm gonna let you two enjoy your new suite while I had to get going" they both gave me the biggest hug thanking me for this I hugged them back then after saying our goodbye I left for home through the portal as night falls Asmodeus and Fizzarolli were in their giant heart-shaped matress bed naked cuddleing together while watching high definition on the T.V Fizzarolli: "This is the life huh Ozzie?" Asmodeus: "Mmm hmm it certainty is so babe what did you and Stacy do on your date?" Fizzarolli: "Aw man this place you told me about is awesome! she put so much passion on the details of this hotel we play arcade video games then swim in the pool she even made me lunch of my favorite food" he smile watching him move around as he told him about their date Fizzarolli: "And she show me the lust room in it where sex toys, lovely scented candles, and the bed so comfy" Asmodeus: "I'm glad she gave you the time you always dreamed of did you two have sex?" Fizzarolli: "No did a lot of workout in the pool but I know how to thank her for making me feel welcome" Asmodeus: "What's that?" he whisper in his ear with sexy and hot details Asmodeus: "(purr) Mmm she'll love that you know your charms Froggy" Fizzarolli: "You know it Ozzie" Asmodeus turn the T.V off as they passionetly kiss cover theirselves in the sheets and began having sex Fizzarolli laugh while Asmodeus join in a few weeks later I was hanging out with my B.F.F'S when I got a ringtone from my phone I looked to see who it was and I see the name Fizzarolli I blush and told my friends excusing myself me: "Sumimasen"

I went to the other room with the door shut and read the text Fizzarolli texting: "Hey Babes I wanted to give you something for giving me the benefit of the doubt and a place for me to call my second home hope you enjoy it"

they're NSFW ASMR audio I listen to them and my heart beating fast while getting turned on (note: from listening to Fizzy Candy | Fizzarolli x (female) Listener Series") after listening to this I was panting quietly me: "Okay I really need to have this index of my B.F.F'S and my masters separated on my phone" I press the screen of hearts keeping the two NSFW ASMR audios I like me: "Damn it's so seductive hearing this!" the next day I'm at home and I got a call from Fizzarolli he wanted to do a porn shoot for the EvilLove.Lust website to make a lot of money for him and Asmodeus I told him I'll be there and began the preperation I got the camera all set and began to take place I didn't see Fizzarolli around while doing the camera so after that's all set I began the scene by opening the door (note: this scene inspire from listening to Fizzarolli x listiner part 11 "No Touching") me: "(sigh) Another day of work everything is all stock for the time being better check what else need to be done" I took off my shirt, shoes, and pants keeping my bra and panty on then hitting the lights and there's Fizzarolli on the bed with a rose in his mouth shirtless seeing the white blotches of scars on him and with his boxer on I blush and got startle hearing my heart beating loudly me: "Fizzarolli!! you startle me!" Fizzarolli: "(evil chuckle) Hiya" me: "Eto" Fizzarolli: "So were you having trouble holding yourself back?" me: "Ww well with the way your looking at me I can't stop blushing" Fizzarolli: "(laughing) Aw poor thing" Fizzarolli: "But I'll give you props you lasted a lot longer than I thought you would it's pretty impressive actually" Fizzarolli: "But then I thought to myself maybe I'm making this challenge a little too easy for you" me: "What?! I didn't ask for this challenge to be easy just don't mind a little brain storming for this kind of task" Fizzarolli: "So I decided to get a little more creative (chuckle)"

me: "Ano what are you planning on doing to me?" Fizzarolli: "Oh don't worry the real fun hasn't even started yet" me: "Whatever it is your planning this better not make me regret this" Fizzarolli: "Don't blame me blame yourself Babes you started this little game of ours" me: "FYI I'm not blaming you of any sorts and I didn't started the spar that ended up of me defeated by your clowing aerobics antics!" Fizzarolli: "You haven't stop looking at my outfit eversince you came in here" my face got redder the way he pose on the bed stuttering myself me: "Oi! I'm sorry that your outfit is really sexy on you I'm not trying to be pevert it really looks hot on you" I looked away shyfully while he grin sinisterly at my reaction Fizzarolli: "You wanted to touch me so bad don't you (evil chuckle)" me: "(blushing) EEEHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!" Fizzarolli: "I mean well you could but that would make me the winner" me: "Huh?" Fizzarolli: "(laugh) Come on you can hold out a little longer can't ya?" me: "I uh well…." Fizzarolli: "You're stronger then you think" me: "Thanks?" Fizzarolli: "Besides there something I wanted to try why don't you be a doll and sit in that chair for me okay Babes?" me: "Okay…" I sat in the chair by the corner and waited for his command me: "So now what?" he got off the bed and stretching out preparing for his next move me: "Wait what's happening?" Fizzarolli: "What's happening? (sinister laugh) you'll find out by the way your uh face is turning bright red" me: "(quietly) Damn it" Fizzarolli: "I uh think you already know what's gonna happen you just don't want to say it" I made an anime noise quietly the suspense of this is driving me crazy Fizzarolli: "Well then I'll just show you" he turn on the music and began his hypnotic dance moves grinding up against my body and crawl on my lap I grip the chair tightly feeling this me thinking in thought: "Fuck those moves are turning me on he's really going on down there" me: "Ano what move are you doing?" he slowly slither his robotic arms on me doing his seductive moves all over my body making me gasp Fizzarolli: "Yeah I'm giving you the Fizzarolli special the lap dance that you love so much" me: "Demo mattei taimuauto" Fizzarolli: "Don't act like you don't want one Hmm!" his hand place on my neck then slowly moving down by my leg then into my panty Fizzarolli: "(evil laugh) Mmmm feel good baby" his fingers going into my pussy stimulating it I moan gasping by his touch me: "Aahhh Fizzarolli your two fingers….nyaa!" Fizzarolli: "Mmmm aahhh are you going crazy? are you about to break?" me: "Yada hanashite" Fizzarolli: "Mmmm so stubborn huh? I guess I'll have to step up my game"

he fit his whole hand inside my cunt slowly moving in and out me: "Fizzarolli nyaa kimochi!!" Fizzarolli: "(Evilly laugh) Ahhhh mmmm ahhhh come on tell me how does it feel Babes?" me: "Fuck! it's feels so good I'm getting wet down there!" Fizzarolli: "Mmm why don't you just give in? Do you want to touch me?" me: "Shit! shit! shit! shit!" Fizzarolli: "Or rather (going back to fingers rubbing my cunt) do you want me to uh touch you?" me: "I I can't decided it's making my mind go blank!" Fizzarolli: "Aww (laugh) you can't hold out any longer go ahead give in" me: "Zettai I'm not mmnnnn!!!!" Fizzarolli: "What's the matter baby?" me: "Urusai! damare!" Fizzarolli: "(evil giggle) You want to grab me don't cha?" me: "Fizzarolli….." Fizzarolli: "Touch me? kiss me? conquer me? make me yours?" he lean to my neck licking it then whisper sexually in my ear Fizzarolli: "Ahhh (evil giggle) you want me" he tease bite my ear making me mewing me: "Nyaa yamate ahh" continue touching my cunt with his fingers while his other hand took off my bra tossing it aside and caressing my breast Fizzarolli: "You want me so bad baby just say it" me: "I'm not saying……" Fizzarolli: "(laugh) Just admit you want me you want me so badly isn't that right Babes?" I'm struggling to keep it in without orgasim me: "Quit it" Fizzarolli: "Ahh come on just say it and we can have the whole night to ourselves" hearing the squishing from my pussy it's getting wetter from his fingers going faster Fizzarolli: "Tell me that you lost the challenge (pretending to be me) I give up oh I just can't resist your natural charm Fizzarolli I can't resist you Fizz baby mmm I've been so bad take me take me now" me: "I….I……" Fizzarolli: "Oh yeah you're about to break aren't you Babes?" moving his fingers in and out side to side I'm gasping and making noises me: "Please Fizzarolli!" Fizzarolli: "Ahh you can't take it anymore can you? It's okay just give in" the noise from my panty is getting louder I'm gripping the chair tighter me: "Mō nai Mō nai!" Fizzarolli: "Ahhhh (chuckle) ahhhhh oh you're about to cum aren't you? come on say it give in" going faster and faster masturbating me me: "I….." Fizzarolli: "Come on let go" then he's infront of me on my lap while masturbating me his face against mine Fizzarolli: "Say it" I climax and finally giving in saying the words that he's been wanting to hear for so long that the wait was finally worth it me: "I want you my Master Fizzarolli!" I place both my hands on his cheeks kissing him deeply moaning softly while he return the kiss our tongues moving around each other until a string of saliva left my mouth

Fizzarolli: "Yes fuck yeah finally ha! I win!" he was kiss pecking me all over my face feeling triumphant that he finally got the title with his name in it Fizzarolli: "I knew you couldn't resist me you should know by now that I always win" me: "(panting) Those moves you did on me (pant) really had my body tingle all over from this" me: "And it's official you got the title of master finally worth the wait for you Master Fizzarolli" taking his hand out cover in my cum and seeing my panty a wet mess Fizzarolli: "Wow you really made a mess there didn't you?" I looked down seeing my panty soaked and some of it dripping off from the chair me: "AW SHIT FUCKING DAMN IT!!!" my face in red and flustering from seeing that me: "KUSO!!" Fizzarolli: "Aww you're so embarrass it's adorable" I stare at him trying to be mad me: "Stop it" he stick his tongue out plafully making me sigh in defeat Fizzarolli: "Though uh don't worry about it too much Babes because this is a uh drop in the bucket compare to what I'm going to do you" me: "What else is there that you're going to do to me?" Fizzarolli: "(dark laugh) Now uh you're gonna do exactly what I say okay?" me: "Ok Master Fizzarolli" Fizzarolli: "(laugh) Good now get on the bed yeah on your stomach" obeying his orders I'm laying on the bed from my stomach me: "Koko des? (like this?)" Fizzarolli: "(chuckle) Perfect" he took my soaken panty off and was on top of me placing kisses all over the back of my neck and further down giving me anilingus feeling his tongue swirling around my ass while placing kisses on my cheeks then he went more down to my cunt seeing the sweet nectar I'm spilling he put his mouth in my wet cunt drinking it moaning at the delicious taste me: "(gasp) Master Fizzarolli ahhh!" he continue drinking my wet cunt until a string of saliva hanging from his mouth Fizzarolli: "Mmm I'm so glad you gave in Babes because I've been a waiting to pound that ass for a while I uh hope you're ready because I'm not planning to stop until we both collapse" my body tremble feeling him on top of me while he marvel at my back Fizzarolli: "Ahhhh (chuckle) oh yeah you gotten me so fucking excited" me: "(shuddering) Please fuck me Master Fizzarolli"

I wiggle my ass seductively side to side his grin grew more sinister Fizzarolli: "Now then (evil laugh) let's begin let me just uh…" he flung his boxer off and position his cock in my ass Fizzarolli: "Ahh there we go are you ready for me?" me: "Yes my Master Fizzarolli yes ravage me please" Fizzarolli: "Ahh alright" his cock went inside my ass me: "Suge!!" Fizzarolli: "Ahh ohhh fuck oh fuck that's good" he fucked me slowly keeping the pace me: "Your cock feels so good mmm so deep!" Fizzarolli: "(moan) Come on push back against me (moan) like that (moan) fuck yeah" I lean backward against him moving back and forth the pleasue is sheer escatsy me: "Motto I need more of you Motto!" Fizzarolli: "(moan) Fuck yeah ohh you want more don't you? then take it" he thrash it in further making me yelp anime style Fizzarolli: "(giggle) Aah that's right (sinister chuckle) that's right beg for it" he stop moving and I was shy trying to come up with what to say for the beg but couldn't me: "(shyfully) Gomei" Fizzarolli: "Aaww don't be so embarrass Babes you know I love when you beg so uh come on beg for it" me: "Please Master Fizzarolli keep ravageing my ass make my heart feel contended" I kept moving while his cock is still inside my ass his body feels arouse wanting more of me Fizzarolli: "AAAHHHHHH yeah yes that's a good sex slave keep going beg me beg me to fuck you harder" me: "Please give me your temptation make my body truly belong to you!" Fizzarolli: "Aahh yes that's a good girl" me: "I want you inside of me Master Fizzarolli take me take me please!" Fizzarolli: "(moan) That's a good little sex slave ah yes yeah that's it yes yes that's it" he began moving again in a faster pace Fizzarolli: "Oh ya like that?" me: "Yes I do fuck me harder fuck me harder!" Fizzarolli: "(chuckle) (moan) Of course you fucking do that's a good little sex slave you take it so fucking well you're so tight! (grunt) so fucking good" the bed was shaking as my body felt his sensation me: "Fuck yes so good!" Fizzarolli: "Come on (grunt) come on give me more let's hear your moans" my moan was arousing sounded so innocent as I felt his robotic arms wrapping all over my body and both my breasts in an anime hentai tentacles manner me: "(moan) oh yes squeeze them tighter make me more arouse!" Fizzarolli: "There we go let it out yeah you like being my little sex slave don't you? you just love getting used don't you?" me: "Yes I do I love being your tool and being useful to you to whatever your heart desire!" Fizzarolli: "Aahh fucking close but I'm not gonna stop until you're fucking satisfied (moan) I'm gonna keep pounding that ass until you made a mess all over the sheets!" he kept fucking me faster and faster the bed shaking more me: "Aaahhhhh I'm about to cum I'm about to…"

Fizzarolli: "Aahh and you're going to love every fucking second of it I'm going to fucked you until you're completely wreck fuck you until your legs go numb fuck you until you can't even think straight you want that don't ya? answer me sex slave tell your master what you want" me: "Please make my mind go numb make me feel like I belong!" satisfied with my answer he continue Fizzarolli: "You want me to wreck this tight little hole don't you?" me: "Yes wreck my hole wreck it so fucking hard!" Fizzarolli: "Beg for it beg for it come on (moan)" me: "Onegai Onegai Onegai Master Fizzarolli!" Fizzarolli: "(panting) Oh fuck oh fuck!" (Fizzarolli saying fuck and oh fuck so many times) Fizzarolli: "Fuck yes fuck give me right there…." me: "I'm about to cum cummed inside me Master Fizzarolli!" Fizzarolli: "Fuck I'm gonna I'm gonna ohh oh I'm gonna!" I place my hand on his me: "It's alright my Master Fizzarolli cum inside me I'm all yours" Fizzarolli: "I'm gonna oh I'm gonna aahh I'm gonna I'm gonna oh I'm gonna….!" feeling his hot cum spurting inside of me I yell in sheer lust of our climax me: "AAAHHHHHH!!!!!!" Fizzarolli: "AAAH ooohhh fuck Ooohh fuck (shuddering) ohh fuck! (sigh) (panting)" we both collapse feeling his warmth on my back he took out his cock and let it spurt on the cheeks of my ass Fizzarolli: "Oh fuck aw fuck oh are you okay baby?" me: "Mmm-hmm" Fizzarolli: "(chuckle)" That was amazing you were so good to me" he turn my body facing him so he can give me kisses passionately on the lips he laugh enjoying the intimacy Fizzarolli: "Oh look the sheets are dirty" me: "From all the sweat and sex I'm suprise the smell dosen't bother you" Fizzarolli: "(laugh) we'll clean it up later" me: "That's fine with me" as I gently place him on the pillows I spoke seductively to him me: "Because now it's my turn of pleasuring you" he grin evilly at my suggestion while I use my magic to play "Mnemosyne OST - 32 - Unbearable Longing" Fizzarolli: "(purr) What are you going to do to me?"

I lean towards him and gently took his hat off he was suprise and ask nervously Fizzarolli: "Are you sure you're not disgusted by it?" I place my hand on his cheek and told him truthfully me: "You think they look hideous being broken but to me they are your battle scars symbolizing what you been through the pain you endure and I think you deserve so much more" I began kissing each of his broken horn gently he felt my tongue in an sexual way at how I lick each of them slowly me: "Does it hurt?" Fizzarolli: "No it dosen't hurt but I'm still kind of ashame of them look I appreciate it but…." I kissed him gently hugging him in an embrace me: "I Evil Love every part about you and I'll be here to give love to your scars" Fizzarolli was suprise at how sincere I'm being Fizzarolli: "You already love that part of me even my scars? you really mean that don't you?" me: "I meant every word from my heart"

I resume licking them while placing kisses on them he moans at the pleasure I'm giving him Fizzarolli: "Keep touching my horns baby mmm that feels good that feels so fucking nice" as I'm giving his scar horns loving he place kisses on my chest enjoying this sensation me: "Mmmnnn keep doing that while I give your scars more love" we kept on going until he shudder at the feeling of me licking his scars that I lay next to him wrapping my arm around his and resting for a bit after the camera stop we took a breather I got up and began uploading the video to the website typing in the details on the laptop me: "Well this should make a lot of views and money after they pay to watch this" Fizzarolli: "You sure they don't mind of my scars?" me: "You have self conscious issues I get that but I have a surprise for you"

I took my socks off and began concentrating as scars in form of stitches began to appear all over my body he was shock it was like seeing a corpse that's been stitch up from the morgue Fizzarolli: "Oh Babes I'm so sorry how did this happen to you?" me: "These scars are from an experiment my Master Zim had put me through they're symbols of the hate, pain, and suffering I've been through all my life mentally, physically, and emotionally even now from nightmares of my fears of abandon, jealousy, and ending up all alone everything I endure I now embrace it" his entire robotic limbs wrap me in an embrace from behind knowing this feeling of pain he felt back from his past he place a kiss on my stitch cheek

me: "Now you're not alone from your scars" I place my hand behind his head letting him know that I'm not looking for someone to feel sorry for me or felt sympathy for me it's just the way it is after he unwrap his robotic limbs off me I reassure him to make him feel better me: "If your uncomfortable with it this will be a one time thing the rest will be your hat" Fizzarolli: "Ya know I'm okay with this now that I quit my job with Mammon I can do whatever I want here hat or not this feels nice how you treat my scars it made me feel something that I never felt before" me: "I'm glad I made you feel welcome here" I place the laptop on the nightstand and fix my hair using my magic to summon a brush Fizzarolli: "By the way thanks for helping me with this it will make Ozzie so excited on what we did" me: "No problem the next time in the lust room we can do a threesome with you and Master Asmodeus it will make twice the view and money"

he sat on the bed went into the nightstand draw and pull out a lighter and a box of cigarettes he took one out of the box light it and took a few smokes from it then he look at my scars body up and down and grin mischievously Fizzarolli: "So uh what did you think of my NSFW ASMR audios I sent you on your phone?" I stood up and got chills from that reaction he giggle and continue Fizzarolli: "Did you touch yourself hearing my voice?" I turn to face him with my face blushing crazy me: "CHOTO!!!!!!" he laugh enjoying my reaction Fizzarolli: "Well did you? (purr)" me: "I was with my friends but I did went to the room with the door lock and listen to two of your audios (gripping on my shoulder) it's arousing hearing it but no I did not touch myself"

I use my magic to summon my digital cellphone continueing with the upgrades and typing on the screen me: "And on another note I'm going to have two sects on my phone of my B.F.F'S and my masters I know Master Asmodeus needed Vox's help on hacking into my phone to call me but I don't like my masters seeing into my personal info when I'm with my B.F.F'S you don't see me looking into my masters personal info I'm not that kind of person taku!" Fizzarolli: "Since I'm your master you're gonna have to put me in that list of yours" I clench both my hands into fist and place them on the bed with my answer me: "BAKA!" placing my digital cell phone on the nightstand sat down spread my legs leaning against the bed putting my chin under my criss-crossed arms

me: "I haven't decided on that" he put the cigarette in the ashtray and lay sideways on the bed in front of me Fizzarolli: "Just like Valentino, Vox, Lucifer, and Crimson?" me: "That's personal with those three but Lucifer I'm still thinking on that" he smile evilly Fizzarolli: "Well I'm glad I got the title but since I'm not on your list how about I'll be your bad boy cassanova? (sinister chuckle)" his extended arm grab my wrist me: "HEY what are you…?!" he pull me in luring me into a kiss as I close my eyes while I felt his lips touching mine I made an anime noise while his extended limbs caress my body never letting me go

[loorain]

Sims 4 Fontenot Legacy - Sabrina's Weekend Off

Juno spends the day with Sabrina at the restaurant today for a very special reason: today Marquise is picking him up to spend the weekend at his place!

Marquise and Sabrina decide meeting at the restaurant is better because it's a more central location to both of their places, and he'll have to come right after work to grab Juno. Juno doesn't mind the arrangement, playing quietly by himself for the majority of the day while Bibi (Sabrina) works. Soon enough though, the end of the day comes and Marquise makes his way to the restaurant.

Sabrina: Hey Marquise! How're you doing?

Marquise: Doing well! Juno's in the playroom?

Sabrina: Yeah, he's all set to head out whenever you're ready. He's been asking about the sleepover at your house all day. I think you can say he's excited.

Marquise: It's gonna be great spending some one-on-one time with him!

Sabrina: Yeah, he's a really good kid. I have to admit, gonna be a little strange not seeing him around for a couple of days.

Marquise: Have any plans to keep yourself busy?

Sabrina: I'm going to spend some time actually trying to relax, but Beau and I do have a date planned as well. Something casual.

Marquise: So things are going well between you two?

Sabrina: Actually, yeah. Things feel normal for the first time in the entirety of our relationship. It's a breath of fresh air.

Marquise: That's good. You both deserve that.

Sabrina: Ah, but enough about that. I meant to tell you, I'm planning a dinner party with the fam and my friends soon. You have some availability in your schedule? I promise the food'll make it worthwhile!

Marquise: A gourmet meal from a world-class chef? No way I can miss that! Just tell me the day and time!

Sabrina: Awesome! I'll keep in touch.

Sabrina and Marquise finish up their conversation and Juno toddles over to his dad, immediately enveloping him in a big hug!

Juno: Papa!

Marquise: Hey Junebug! How's my little guy? Ready to come to Papa's house?

Juno: Papa house!

So Juno and Marquise head off to his place and Sabrina finishes up at the restaurant for the day, heading home by themself. It's an odd feeling, but also feels nice to have some time to themself for an entire weekend.

And so a new day begins at the Legacy House. Sigrid and Robin get up early enough to go for a jog together, which they both enjoy fully.

Scarlett busies herself with grilling on the last day of summer before the weather starts changing.

And for the first time in a long time, Sabrina sleeps in. Getting up and not having to immediately check on Juno feels strange, but there's a peacefulness that washes over them as well.

Sabrina even gets to enjoy some time sunbathing outside (which results in a very awkward tan that you'll probably see later at some point lol). Sabrina enjoys the slowdown, even despite having an energetic lifestyle. Sometimes, a little relaxation is just what the body needs.

Anya ends up making a surprise visit as well, and she spends some much-needed sister time with Sigrid talking about the kids, their relationships, and impending wedding plans. Yes, wedding planning is back on!

The next day is equally relaxed and tranquil at the Legacy House. Robin and Sigrid spend time with the girls while Scarlett enjoys some downtime, including a midday nap. But for Sabrina, they get dressed for their special date day with Beau.

It's a very chill date, meeting up at a marketplace and exploring together before chatting (and smooching) on a nearby bench. It's the first time in a while that Sabrina feels really at ease, not having to worry about anything else but their enjoyment. Beau feels the stress melting off of their partner as well, which makes him feel more at ease as a result.

Beau: We need to do this more often.

Sabrina: I agree. It's nice to not have to worry about anything but us. I love Juno and I love being a parent, but this is making me realize how much I need my own time every once in a while.

Beau: You're picking Juno up later, right?

Sabrina: Mhm. Just a brief stayover. This was the test run. Since Marquise didn't call me in a panic, I think it's safe to say everything went well.

Beau: I'm sure Juno enjoyed spending some extended time with his dad.

Sabrina: He wouldn't stop talking about it leading up to it, so I'm sure he had a blast. We'll probably do longer stayovers moving forward. That way I can focus on the restaurant a little more too. Juno's going to start going to daycare as well.

Beau: Wow, time's moving so fast.

Sabrina: Tell me about it. It seems like yesterday I was griping that Juno didn't seem to want to come on his own and had to go into surgery to deliver him, and now he's a big bad toddler making friends and staying over at his dad's house. And I have you back in my life too. That makes it even better.

Later that day, Sabrina bids Beau farewell and heads to Marquise's apartment to pick up Juno.

Sabrina: Hey, nice place you got here.

Marquise: Thanks. Wanted to make sure the place was perfect before Juno started coming over. He's in his room playing.

Sabrina: I'm guessing everything went well?

Marquise: We had a good time for sure. Already looking forward to next time.

Sabrina: You know, I can't pretend I didn't have a little separation anxiety about letting Juno come over here. I trust you, but Juno and I have been together since his conception. This was the first major time he'd been without me. But you know, I think it was really good for both of us.

Marquise: Well I know how much parenting has fallen on your shoulders up until this point. Some of that is on me, and I take accountability for that. But I love Juno and I want to be a good dad, so I'm doing what I can. We had a good time, and I hope we can have even longer stayovers in the future. Maybe he can even stay with me for the entire summer next year.

Sabrina: I think we can arrange that.

Sabrina eventually steps into Juno's bedroom and finds him playing on his bed, content with himself and his imagination. He beams when he sees them, dropping his toy and springing up to greet them.

Juno: Bibi!

Sabrina: Hi my Junebug! Have a good time at Papa's house?

Juno: Yeah! Papa fun!

Sabrina: I'm so glad to hear that. Ready to go home? We'll see Papa again soon, okay?

Juno: See Grammy?

Sabrina: Yeah, Grammy's waiting and she can't wait to see you. Let's go home.

And so Sabrina and Juno bid Marquise farewell until next time, both growing from the experience and looking forward to many more fun-filled days, both together and apart from one another.

[therhythmafterthesummer]

HELLO?? THE AU WHERE WEREROOMIES GFs ARE ALSO WOLVES???? I AM OBSESSED. I CAN SEE THE VISION. I love the wereroomies universe now, don’t get me wrong, but that alternative universe????? I love it. More rambles about it would be welcomed, for sure. 😭😩

hehe anyways, i would like to hug u too cuz i also lost my mind last night with Chris’s instagram post and bubble updates :))

Also, I’ve been thinking, somehow i kinda feel like you’re my older cousin or something that i randomly chat with these crazy thoughts AKHZJABSHS which is crazy (im sorry, just had to put it out there i guess tmi) but anyways, how’s Raven? How are youuuu? Hope that y’all are surviving the heat 🥹

also wr!seungmin catching pack mum and dad doing the nasty 😵‍💫 bless his soul HAHAHA

~🍓

prev ask for context

plssss i'm still thinking about this KJKHSDKJFHSJKDF i love them so much, i want them to fall in love in every universe 😩

let's hug each other and have an emotional support group cuz i feel like we need it skjdfhskjdfsdf

not me as your older cousin hahahahah you know you can come in here and ramble at any time 🫡 Raven's become a carpet on the floor, it's too warm and she's just trying to get into any and every nook of the house she can to keep herself cool-ish. i am too hot to think, tbh. i'm so tired sudfhsuidkjf how're you??? hopefully much better.

seungmin will 100% find a way to get back at his pack parents for making him witness that sdkjfhskjdf

[jamies-overalls]

Karen pays a surprise visit to Dani and questions about Jamie's absence but Dani doesn't reveal anything to her because her mother has always questioned her relationship with Jamie and always passed comments about how Jamie would eventually leave her and she would be left alone. But Karen persistant questioning has Dani lose her cool and that leaves her feeling angry, lonely and all those mixed feelings. After putting Lucy to sleep that night, she sits at the kitchen table, pours herself a glass of wine. She pulls her phone out, writes a text to Jamie "My mom came by today. I wish you were here" but she doesn't send it. She keeps staring at her phone and reads their older chats to feel better. Some time around that time, she has another glass of wine and accidentally sends that text to Jamie and falls asleep at the table. Meanwhile, Jamie, as soon as texts, she makes a phone call to Dani but when it goes unanswered, she gets in her car and drives home. When she knocks at the door or rings the doorbell, it remains unopened because Dani is too drunk to process things. So, Jamie uses her keys and lets herself in. She finds Dani at the kitchen table and wakes her

Jamie - Dani??

Dani - *doesn't respond*

Jamie - love? are you alright?

Dani - *drunkenly and sleepily wakes up* Jamie? wha- what are you doing here ?

Jamie - You texted me.

Dani - i did ?

Jamie - Yeah *shows her the text*

Dani - oh....i uh- it's just- i'm so drunk...i'm sorry, you didn't have to come over.

Jamie - It's alright *brushes Dani's hair from her face* how're you doing?

Dani - I'm okay now..

Jamie - You know you can talk to me, right?

Dani - It's nothing....my mom came over and- yk how she gets....you weren't here *Dani starts to slur* she sensed something was wrong and started to lecture me about my life choices, said how i bring tragedy everywhere i go and how i'm gonna be left alone in the end *she chuckles*

Jamie - You know that's not true, right? I'm always gonna-

Dani - I KNOW, Jamie! i'm fine. You didn't have to come all this way anyway. I'm sorry i texted you. I didn't mean to. I can deal with it. You can leave. Goodnight *starts getting up but keeps falling over*

Jamie - *holds Dani by her waist and keeps her from falling* How about i get you to bed, first? i'll leave after that

Dani - Mhhmm

Jamie helps her get into bed, helps her change her clothes, properly tucks her in, places a glass of water and a pill to help her with the hangover, checks on Lucy before she leaves. She checks on Dani again and kisses her forehead and turns to leave and Dani holds her hand and sleepily says "Jamiee??? Please don't leave me" . Jamie now debates whether she should stay or not and she decides to stay. But she promises herself that she's gonna leave as early as possible. As soon as she gets into bed, Dani cuddles into her out of habit and releases a satisfied moan. Jamie whispers "goodnight" and they go to sleep. The next morning, Jamie wakes up, untangles herself from Dani gently, brushes her teeth and makes breakfast for them. Dani wakes up and finds Jamie in the kitchen...

Dani - you stayed the night?

Jamie - *turns around* Morning..yeah. Couldn't leave you like that

Dani - Was i that drunk?

Jamie - *chuckles* very much, yes

Dani - did i....did you sleep in our room? with me ?

Jamie - .....yeah....only because you were in a very bad state...i was just concerned....i'm sorry if i-

Dani - Did we-

Jamie - No. I just helped you change your clothes. That's it

Dani - Okay. Does lucy know that you're here ?

Jamie - No..i checked on her last night before going to bed, she was fast asleep.

Dani - Okay

Jamie - I'm gonna leave then. Breakfast is ready

Dani - You can stay for breakfast

Jamie - Wouldn't want the wee gremlim seeing us together. She's still adjusting to...you know..everything *she puts her jacket on and starts to walk away when Dani grabs hold of her hand*

Dani - Thankyou

Jamie - *she stares into those eyes Dani makes and she doesn't have it in her to not comfort her* Can i give you a hug?

Dani - *smiles and wraps her arms around Jamie's shoulder so tightly like her life depended on it. It feels like eternity since she's been this close to Jamie*

Jamie - *holds her and rubs her back and whispers comforting words to her* no matter what anyone says or what situation we're going through, i'm always gonna be there for you okay? don't doubt that for a second

Dani nods into the hug and doesn't let go of Jamie for a long time. When they finally pull out of the hug, their lips linger around each other's and that's when Dani puts her hands on Jamie's chest and puts some distance between them

Dani - You should go...before lucy wakes up and sees us

Jamie - Yeah....*nods* okay.....take care. Call me if you need anything

And Jamie gets in her car and drives away with a very gloomy start to her day

These two are literally the worst at being separated lmao they keep finding their way back to each other!!! And I love it!!!

I'm gonna be spending half of writing this fic begging for them to kiss even though I'm literally the one writing it this way 😂 Y'all love the angst, and I love writing angst, so this works perfectly.