#except octavinelle

[kenniilovesthethicc]

I have came to a realization

Don't take this too seriously 😭

[soupza]

i have twisted my wonderland take this quiz on what twisted wonderland dorm you would be in

[it-happened-one-fic]

The Strange Case of Doctor Jade and Mr. Floyd (Part 1) - Jade

Author Notes: Tis October, so here is a Halloween-themed fic! I read a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde inspired fic with Jade and Floyd quite some time ago (I'm pretty sure it was Azul x reader actually) but I can no longer find it, so I'm afraid I can't link it and I can't remember the author or the fic name either (such is my memory). But anyway, I wanted to try doing my own spin on the idea and, fear not, mine ended up wildly different from the one I read. And I won't lie, I kind of wanted to make this series longer, but I cut myself off at 4 chapters because (a) that's how many Fridays there are in October and (b) I didn't know where to take this series. Reader is gender-neutral and I hope you all enjoy!

Type: Gender neutral reader/ sfw/ sort of fluff/ romance implied/ platonic relationship/ kind of mafia AU/ some drama/ intrigue??

[Part One: You're Here!], [Part Two], [Part 3], [Part 4]

Word count: 2523

Trigger Warning: Mentions of blood

I looked up, immediately smiling as the door opened and in strolled Jade. An ever polite smile on his seemingly flawless face as he looked over at me with practiced gentility, “Good morning, Y/n.”

I nodded at him, reaching down under my desk to grab the package Azul had left for him just moments earlier, “Good morning, Dr. Jade. Mr. Carews called and requested that you call him back, and Mr. Ashengrotto just came by and left a package for you.”

Jade let out a hum as he eyed the small package, a slight frown appearing on his face at the mention of the first man before his two-toned gaze flickered up to meet mine. Amusement flickering in his mismatched eyes as he tilted his head, the motion causing the singularly long, dark grey strand of his otherwise short turquoise hair to swing wildly, “Did Azul say anything?”

I shook my head, as I sifted through a pile of papers. All appointments, letters, and general paperwork, “No, he and I chatted for a while, but he didn’t leave a message for you. Why? Are you expecting something from him?”

I paused to glance questioningly up at the doctor, who shook his head. An amused smile spreading across his face as he rested one gloved hand against his chin, “No, but it is as I feared. You have quite charmed my work partner.”

I snorted at his teasing, shaking my head slightly, “Hardly. He was just being polite.”

Jade hummed, straightening as he balanced the package in one hand easily, “I sincerely doubt that, my dear. I do fear he might soon come to steal you away.”

I rolled my eyes, mething his gaze once more, “Azul has no need of a receptionist, so I doubt there is any real fear of that.”

Jade let out a quiet chuckle as I held out a slender sheet of paper, “Here, this is Mr. Carews’s number. He sounded very upset when he called, so I imagine he’ll want to schedule an appointment.”

He quietly eyed the paper before accepting, “Yes, I suppose he will, considering everything that’s going on.”

I frowned at his words, perfectly used to Jade’s occasionally ominous statements by now, but I tilted my head at him nonetheless as I gave way to my own wary curiosity, “Are you talking about that new criminal that supposedly looks exactly like you? ‘Mr. Floyd,’ was it?”

Jade’s characteristically discreet smile split into a grin. One that displayed his pointed teeth that he always kept hidden behind close-lipped smiles whenever any patients were nearby, and in many ways I genuinely believed that the first time I’d seen it had been entirely accidental on his part. But at this point I also honestly suspected that Jade only smiled like that when he was truly, and perhaps villainously, amused. 

His voice was filled with humor, as evidenced by his slight chuckle as he spoke, “Ah, yes, that fellow. So you’ve heard of him too?”

I blinked slightly at his words before smiling in slight disbelief and shaking my head, “Hasn’t everyone? It seems like everyone’s talking about him. People on the streets, patients in your waiting room, the newspapers….”

I trailed off amusedly as Jade tilted his head at me, his eyes flashing with a far-too-clever glimmer, “And what do you think of this ‘Mr. Floyd’?”

I felt my eyebrows raise at Jade’s question. But, in all fairness, I suppose it only made sense for him to be at least slightly curious about the criminal that everyone had been likening him to.

Though, knowing Jade, I doubted that any of the gossip actually bothered him. In fact, Jade would be more likely to find their gossip rather amusing.

“Well, I suppose he may have a passing resemblance to you based on what people say, but it can’t be anything too awfully close. After all, neither the practice nor your reputation have been hurt by any of the rumors,” I finally answered. Lifting one shoulder in a half-shrug before I frowned slightly, “Beyond that, I haven’t heard much about him. No one actually talks about anything he’s done. Just that he supposedly looks like you and apparently can’t be caught.”

Jade blinked at my words, his eyes widening in an almost comedic fashion before a slow smile crept across his face as his gaze shifted back to something more amused, “Yes, I suppose there isn’t much information about him, is there?”

He paused, tilting his head slightly before finishing in an oddly pleased manner that had me frowning slightly, “I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see how things pan out, won’t we?”

I was almost tempted to question as he turned to go but I stayed silent. Instead, watching as he walked off with his package, as I idly considered his words before tilting my head with a slight frown.

Because it was odd, now that I considered it. The way Azul kept sending mysterious little packages so cryptically.

The rest of the day rolled by uneventfully, though, with patients coming and going. Ever-thrilled to be seeing that the esteemed Dr. Jade. Though how Jade kept up the ‘esteemed’ part of his reputation was beyond me.

It was true that he was the perfect image of a gentleman and was by far a good employer whom I got along well with. But it was also true that it hadn’t taken me very long after getting hired as his receptionist to figure out that there was far more to him than just his good looks, intelligence, and faux-polite smile.

If nothing else, Jade was a master of manipulation, and he could be beyond slippery at times. And then there was the way he’d emerged from his office with a distinctly smug expression to tell me that Mr. Carews did indeed want an appointment and for me to be sure to schedule plenty of time.

And that was, of course, in and of itself perfectly innocent. Jade was a well-respected doctor after all. If Mr. Carews needed an appointment, even a long one, that wasn’t really very strange. 

But the way Jade’s pleasure had seemed all too villainous was odd and had me shaking my head with a frown even as I was walking down the street on my way home.

It wasn’t the first time I’d questioned Jade’s flawless reputation, though.

I might have bought into it at the start, when I’d applied for the job of his receptionist, but I didn’t now. 

But I also had no idea why he seemed so perfectly villainous sometimes, and the fact that I got along with him so well despite my occasional concerns had me questioning my own sense.

Jade had appeared out of nowhere, with similar timing to Azul’s appearance in town. Both reasonably well-respected from the start, and by now they’d built up quite the reputations as well as quite a bit of money.

Jade, as a supposedly moral character who helped the sick and ailing with all sorts of problems, and Azul, as a businessman who could help most anyone find what they needed.

The two of them had already been friends when they’d both shown up within days of one another and set up their businesses with the implicit understanding that they worked together.

Both of them were a bit of a mystery, and both of them were men I’d ended up working with and getting along with rather well. But all of it was still odd enough to make me sometimes question their sudden appearance and the way Jade seemed to always know stuff about people.

After all, that was why he was regarded as so good at his job. The sheer amount of information he had about what troubled individuals. 

I paused mid-step as something caught my eye through my peripheral vision, causing me to turn and look down a darkened, trash-filled street before my eyes widened in recognition.

Because there, of all people, sat Jade himself with a hand pressed to his now bloodied right arm, even though he’d only left the office shortly before I had.

My mind swirled with questions about how he’d gotten hurt, what exactly had happened, and what on earth was doing here when his house was in the exact opposite direction. But none of those thoughts slowed me down as I darted across the street. Heedless of others passing by.

I all but dropped to the ground beside him, my hand reaching out to try and shove his hand out of the way so I could get a better look at his injury as words flew from my mouth in a garbled mix of distress and genuine concern, “What happened to you?!! We need to get you some help! I’ll call the hospital and-”

He jerked back at my sudden appearance, staring at me with wide eyes, and I felt myself go still as my words came to an abrupt halt as I stared back at this young man who was so familiar but also wholly foreign to me.

A yellow right eye and an olive left one, both of which were slightly drooped at the edges, giving him an almost gentle appearance. But Jade’s eyes were sharper and more upturned at the edges, with his right eye being olive and the left being yellow.

And then there was the hair. The same shade of turquoise, but where Jade had his longer stand of dark grey hair that framed the left side of his face, this man’s longer strand hung on the right side of his face.

He was a perfect mirror image of my employer, but the simple fact of the matter was that this man was not Jade. And suddenly all I could think was the rumors of the very criminal Jade had questioned me about just today.

Mr. Floyd. The criminal that no one could catch, who looked uncannily like Jade.

I swallowed thickly as he blinked back at me, his expression slowly shifting to surprise to something more intelligent that had me both mentally and physically retreating.

I slowly let go of his hand, pulling back as I let out a nervous laugh, “Sorry… I must have gotten the wrong person….”

I trailed off as I hurriedly backtracked, about to stand and scurry away only for him to catch my hand in his, which I noticed all too late was also different from Jade’s. 

I froze at his sudden touch as I stared at where his hand now held mine captive before my gaze darted back up to his face.

If he was bothered by my sudden wariness, he didn’t show it as he stared back at me and clearly identified me despite the fact I’d never met him, “You work for Jade.”

In no way were his words a question. They were a statement. Like he knew it for a fact, and I felt myself nod even as I scrambled to figure out what I needed to do now.

I had no idea what sort of crimes this man had committed or anything about him. And even if I had paid more attention to the gossip about him, I still wouldn’t know anything. 

“Dr. Jade? Yes, I- I’m his receptionist,” And I only faltered slightly as I responded to him. Feeling both very much out of my depth.

He stared back at me, his expression oddly, before a sharp-toothed grin crossed his face that had my eyes widening as his grip on my hand tightened slightly, “I guess I’d better get you back home then? Hm~ It’d be a shame for something to happen to the respected doctor’s receptionist.”

I blinked at his lilted words. My confusion only increasing as my wariness remained. I didn’t know if he was being patronizing towards the fact Jade was well-respected due to something akin to jealousy or if it was something else entirely. But either way, I wanted to get away from him, and I certainly didn’t want ‘Mr. Floyd’ anywhere near my home.

I might not know what crimes he had supposedly committed, but I definitely wasn’t going to take any chances.

I pasted a nervous smile onto my face and pulled my arm back towards me, my motions doing nothing to break his grip as I shook my head, “Oh no. Thank you, but I’ll be fine going home on my own.”

He stared at me, almost like he was surprised by my words before he let out a harsh sounding laugh, “Nah, there are a lot of criminals out and about right now. A lil shrimpy like you might get in a world of trouble on your own.”

And just like that, he shot down my polite refusal as he stood, hauling me to my feet with him as he turned and took off down the street. All but dragging me along behind him as I stumbled along, “I’ll getcha back home safe and sound, though. But-”

He paused, his long stride coming to a stop as he suddenly tugged on my arm, pulling me up alongside him so he could grin down at me. Sharp teeth perfectly on display as I swallowed thickly, bracing myself for whatever he was about to say.

“You gotta keep it a secret from your boss, ‘Kay~?” His tone was oddly sing-songy, and I felt myself distantly nod before I immediately frowned at myself. Because I wasn’t about to agree to letting this man walk me home. Even if he had caught me wholly off-guard.

But before I could hardly object, he took off down the street, somehow knowing the exact direction to head in as I stumbled after him. But after a moment, his long-legged pace slowed so that I could keep up as he glanced down at me.

“Jade’ll be mad if he finds out I walked you home, so this’ll be our secret~” I blinked at him in utter wary confusion as he held up one long finger to his mouth and winked at me.

Because was this man, bleeding though he was, really the criminal that everyone had been gossiping about? He certainly seemed…. Odd. But despite my initial panic, he hardly seemed as horrifying as the rumors made him sound.

He was, however, still suspicious.

I felt myself distantly nod even as I eyed him warily, “Right…. But how do you know the way to my house and that I work for Jade?”

If anything, his grin spread across his face, “I remembered it. You had to put your address on your paper when you applied to be his receptionist. Remember?”

If I could have frozen in place, I would’ve, but instead the man just kept pulling me along with him as he started humming. His jaunty tune wholly at odds with my chilled thoughts.

Because his words had one painfully obvious meaning. That he’d seen the paperwork for everyone who’d applied for my job. Which meant he definitely had some sort of connection to Jade.

It appeared there really was more to Jade than I’d realized, even despite my suspicions.

[merakiui]

you know how in twst they can sense if someone is magicless?

now imagine there’s a timeskip and you reunite with any of the twst boys and they sense powerful magic within you much to their surprise, only to reveal that it’s not from you but rather the baby growing inside your belly? and they’re like confused at first until they hear a familiar voice slowly approaching them

“that’s because i’m the father” and enters, say, any twst boy you have in mind but i was imagining azul in this scenario, i think it would be kinda funny but also cool cause he seems like the kind of a guy to make a dramatic entrance just to reveal he and the prefect are now in a relationship and expecting

I'd say this is very on brand for Azul considering he had the tweels drop down from seemingly the sky in the Octavinelle manga for this goofy entrance:

He would be so dramatic with the reveal. You know he rehearsed what he'll say in the mirror and he went through so many variations of "I'm the father" just so he can really make an impact and drive this reality home to his and your old schoolmates. But then he also can't stop feeling so smug upon seeing the shocked/envious/upset/etc expressions of his old classmates and the way they're so obviously still lusting after you. He just got lucky (read: he trapped you in a contract) and now he has you all to himself and the two of you are in love forever and will be starting a family together. <3

[electronicseafish]

Which colour of jewelry would suit them best - twst characters

Heartslabyul Riddle Rosehearts - Both gold and silver would fit him BUT gold would look slightly better on him Trey Clover - gold (silver washes him out so badly its not funny) Cater Diamond - unironically he looks better in silver but always wears gold Ace Trappola - he is aware he looks better in silver how? his brother likes wearing rings Deuce Spade - another silver guy im sorry i cannot imagine him in gold Savanaclaw

Leona Kingscholar - gold. whenever he wears silver jewelry cannot even see it Jack Howl - silver guy which is funny cause I thought he was a really weird werewolf at first Ruggie Bucchi - my guy looks best in gold but all he has is silver Octavinelle Azul Ashengrotto - it's obviously silver Floyd Leech - tbh im conflicted between tweels cause I feel like they both have faces for silver but Floyd wears gold Jade Leech - always wears silver you will never catch his wearing any jewerly that Floyd owns Scarabia Jamil Viper - he wears gold but looks good in silver just never wears it Kalim Al-Asim - has never wore silver jewelry Pomefiore Vil Schoenheit - he wears both types but looks slightly better in gold Epel Felmier - Whenever he wears golden jewerly it lowkey looks like he's sick Rook Hunt - gold guy only Ignihyde 

Idia Shroud - somehow gold makes him look even more dead (it doesn't bring his eyes at all they are already fuck ass radioactive yellow why the fuck would u give him golden jewerly to bring his eyes more trust me we can see them) Ortho Shroud - same as Idia tho he did try to wear golden jewerly to get that experience Diasmonia Malleus Draconia - unsuprisingly he is a silver guy Lillia Vanrouge - he exclusively wear gold purely because it makes him look kinda weird and to subtly fuck with people Silver - He looks ethereal whether he wears gold or silver it truly doesn't matter Sebek Zigvolt - gold he is pure gold guy trust me he would look great with gold earrings and such Night Raven College Staff Dire Crowley - I think this is canon based on his design that he wears gold and looks good in gold Divus Crewel - wears silver to keep his black nd white theme looks better in gold lol Mozus Trein - gold man same with Lucius he's also gold guy Ashton Vargas - pure gold nothing else Sam - I think he has gold earrings in his design but in my mind he wears silver idc Extras that don't fit in any categories but I wanted to include them anyway Dawn Knight - he has the same sytuation as Silver where both type of jewerly fits him regardles wears only silver (lol) Henrick Istovan - same sytuation as Dawn knight but wears only gold (yes even during war) Maleanor Draconia - canonically has in her design shit ton of silver stuff so what can I say other than silver? Baur Zigvolt - those gold genes are strong Dylla Spade - silver self explanatory Cheka - his design has so much warm colours putting him in any sort of silver jewerly would be a crime Che'nya - that fucked up gold that looks like silver but is gold but is silver (he looks decent with both so he just decided to take the middle colour) Neige LeBlanche - very clearly gold looks way better on him but silver doesn't wash him out Najma Viper - I feel like she would have a short lived phase where she try to make silver work with her for few months but eventually accepted her fate as only gold person Rollo Flamme - I feel like he would never wear jewerly but silvers looks good on him Ernesto Foulworth/Fellow Honest - gold just gold Gidel - suprsingly silver tho he looks decent in gold Skully - if that guy ever wears gold hell will break on twisted wonderland land and everyone will die.

[nonokoko13]

SPOILERS MANGA CHAPTER 3: OCTAVINELLE

OMG THIS YUU IS SO SO CUTE!!!!!!

LOOK AT HIM/THEM. ADORABLE. I WANNA HUG HIM/THEM 💖💖💖

Edit: Apparently his name is Yuuta, 16 yo. Maybe his surname is Mito, from what I heard in Reddit. I also read there that his family owns a Chinese restaurant, until you have better sources or find where it says that yourselves don't take it as official.

[storybrook-and-fruitsbaskets]

idc what anyone says about the live action The Little Mermaid

THERE 😭WAS 😭NO 😭GOLDEN 😭CONTRACT 😭FROM 😭URSULA😭😭😭😭😭😭💔💔💔💔💔💔

DO THE CREATORS KNOW HOW DEVASTATING THAT IS AS A TWISTED WONDERLAND FAN??😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[thehollowwriter]

Fellas should I make Silas and Finn even more cookie cutter shark-y then before yes or no

Tagging: @distant-velleity @br3adtoasty @rainesol @theleechyskrunkly @jovieinramshackle

@galaxies-and-gore @cyanide-latte @cynthinesia @officialdaydreamer00 @krenenbaker

@offorestsongs @kitwasnothere @elenauaurs @boopshoops @inotonline

@1dont-really-know @kazumify @minteasketches @elysia-nsimp @skrimpyskimpy

@casp1an-sea @offorestsongs @tixdixl @poisoned-pearls @the-trinket-witch

@ramshacklerumble @ghostiidasponk @thegoldencontracts @the-banana-0verlord @cloudcountry

@skriblee-ksk @twstinginthewind @lumdays @theolivetree123 @natsukishinomiyaswife

@authoruio @jewelulu @raguiras @honeynclove @moonyasnow

@skibidibabygirl @paperclvps

[restless-soulz]

the dorms as fish in my coloring book. It goes Heartslabyul-Savanaclaw

Octavinelle-Scarabia

Pomefiore-Ignihyde

Diasomnia-Ramshackle

[cursedcola]

Prompt: "It's a Zing not a Fling" :: The moment they realize you're the one. Masterlist: LinkedUP

Parts:: Heartslabyul (Here) | Savanaclaw | Octavinelle | Scarabia | Pomefiore | Ignihyde | Diasomnia

Leading up to each high-tea at Heartslabyul, its esteemed Housewarden found himself penning a singular invitation. One for a guest beyond his court, yet not his reach.

His cursive penmanship loops your name like so on restless nights in the margins of his notebook. One of the rare lapses Riddle's inner-self allows, despite still diligently studying his evenings away.

He seals each envelope with care, pressing out any creases that dare to blemish his hard work. Only the best can request your presence, even if Riddle is confident you won't deny his request no matter the condition.

A Queen cannot host without his King in attendance, after all.

Long before students rise and his duties begin, Riddle walks the familiar yet rarely-traveled path to Ramshackle dormitory. He places the envelope flat in the box, careful to angle it where no dirt could tarnish its white lace trimming. he releases the metal flap and raises the side-flag. All set for you to receive at your leisure, and for him to go on with his day.

That is - until his steps halt, with one foot already pivoted to turn back and release the letter flag.

Inner demons desperately want to delegate morning role call to his Vice, march himself into your dorm and take up whatever time he can before his role forces him to do otherwise.

To which Riddle's inner demons win each and every time, all on the reasoning that leaving an invitation behind is improper. That a proper courier must ensure a job complete with his own eyes.

Certainly not an excuse to cross your path before anyone else that day.

Another selfishness he lets slip through the cracks in his discipline.

Cracks that coincidentally began to arrive around the same time as you.

Three sharp knocks the main doorframe, one lace-trimmed envelope, and a free escort to breakfast make up in an all-exclusive Rosehearts mail service.

"Is there a reason I have to wear white?" your question hangs on a ribbon. The one wrapped tight across your chest, to be precise. One of Heartslabyul's second-years, a fellow in the most extravagant top hat you've ever seen, methodically wraps and lines measuring tape across your body.

Riddle looks up from his book, "Laws of Practical Magic in Medicinal Context," for nothing longer than a second.

"All members of the Queen's court must adorn themselves in the proper attire for ceremonies and gatherings. You are aware of this."

The hatted-student forces your arms up without a word. You jolt, startled, and he's too absorbed in his work to notice. Only muttering an apology when Riddle clicks his tongue.

"I'm still not a member of Heartslabyul - why does it matter now of all times?"

Another click of his tongue, this time for you.

"Tradition." He says, as if it's the most obvious answer.

"Tradition?" your brow crinkles, "I hadn't thought I was violating anything until now. Are there extended rules for outsiders?"

While not a member of the Queen's domain, you will forever remain part of his court. All receive invitations. All must attend in the proper attire, decked to the Queen's delight in red and white. He let it pass while you remained a friendly exception. Times have changed.

Riddle lets his book close, only when his underclassmen makes a hasty retreat with his collection of notes, fabrics, and measurements in tow. The hatter much too discourteous for Riddle's liking, but good at his job.

"I've been lenient up until now under the belief that your dorm would adopt an official uniform," Riddle sighs, albeit cracking a smile when you scamper off the tailor's perch to his side, "seeing as months have passed with no developments? I cannot excuse your attire any longer. You will wear white when at any Heartslabyul event from this moment onward."

"Don't you mean red and white?"

His thoughts halt, - "Again. Tradition dictates only white."

"Because I'm a guest?"

Riddle shakes his head, fingering the pages of his text to ignore the heat on his cheeks.

"No. Because you are the visiting Queen."

"Ramshackle needs something like this, don't you think?"

You sipped at a cup of lemon-chamomile, poured as a game of cricket began. Riddle's eye caught at your white gloves - they climbed from fingertips all to your bicep. The hatter did wonders with the roll of satin provided.

In a dorm of red, you were the sole dominator of white save for a rose brooch at the breast.

"Unbirthdays are tied to the Red Queen's rule," Riddle pulls himself from you, holding his attention on the game, "Ramshackle has no need for such things."

"That's not what I was eluding too - but thank you for the dismissal" you huff, and it's not the amused one he's learned to detect.

He allows himself a brief peek, just to catch you eyeing your reflection in the teacup. Your gaze nowhere near as enthused as his. Not at the black-heart over your lips, or shimmering silver crown sitting on your head.

"I want a tradition, Riddle. Something that makes my dorm special. Unique."

Something within him waivers at your admittance. For him these parties were routine - an obligation. Your presence made them more enjoyable, but he never cared too deeply.

Perhaps, he never allowed himself to care. Yearning for belonging. Home. That is an emotion he can empathize with.

Riddle is proud - no, he is positively delighted - to be one of the first to receive an invitation. His mailbox is forever cluttered with academic documents and professional communications. Yet he recognizes your writing on sight, and is pleased you'd not forgone a traditional physical invite. He handles it with delicate care, opening the seal like a single tear would be sacrilegious. You've settled on hosting for large holiday back in your world - one that you've mentioned a handful of times since snow began to fall.

Christmas, he recalls with ease.

Everything you say somehow stores in the main filing cabinet within his mind. For easy access, or perhaps he simply finds you far more interesting than leagues of text he's memorized.

You seem keen on twisting the original meaning of this holiday, bringing decorations, food, and everything in between to Ramshackle. Going so far as to place an appeal to the Headmaster, and with Riddle's aid, worming out a decently sized budget for dorm activities. Bless him for his way to move a room. Riddle might've preferred staying on the Headmaster's good wing, but couldn't turn down your request. Not when you are forthcoming so infrequently. In truth - Riddle has not been invited to a party before. Not as himself. Only formal gatherings that his mother arranged, hanging to her side as she paraded him like a prodigal trophy, or mandatory parties as Dormhead where preparations hung on his shoulders.

Riddle will honor your wishes; he'll selfishly relish in the fact that with a novel idea there is a lack of rules to maintain. Although your warming desire for tradition doesn't escape him, so he'll happily commission a new set of green and red to dress himself.

"You've done a wonderful job," Riddle sips at aclear flute glass, held proper at the stem between thumb and index, " I am thoroughly impressed that there is food to spare, considering Grim's gluttonous habits."

Riddle resists the urge to smirk, hiding his pleasure in another sip. He's used to others balking at his praise, yet it's different when you look at him so glowing. For once, he is not the one at table's the head seat, but you've well earned the highest spot for what he's witnessed this eve.

Ramshackle's main hall cleared for a long, expansive table decorated with broad cloth and long strands of cranberries. Candle light illuminates the hall in between platters befitting a feast. Garlands of red and green shimmered - all drawing attention to the brightly colored pine tree situated near the lounge hearth.

Riddle hadn't considered ornamenting a giant pine with twinkle strands and glass bulbs, yet its beauty stunned him nonetheless. Stockings hung on the walls, each with a student's name written in glue-glitter pen. Some messier than others, he noted. Grim's handwriting could do with work.

They'd been stuffed with little treats and ribbon - surely more that hid under their fluffy tops. Riddle wondered their purpose and how you managed to hang some well-beyond what a stool could help reach. He pictured you standing atop stacked boxes, tongue poking between teeth as you precariously leaned to hang those higher up.

For his sanity - Riddle dismissed the thought to the backends of his mind.

"Thank you -" your smile, eyes twinkling under candle-light "It surely wasn't easy getting the Headmaster's approval for all this - I'm grateful you were able to help, otherwise we might've all been eating instant noodles instead of turkey."

Riddle huffed, swirling his near-empty ice water "I didn't do much - regardless, I'm certain the evening would have turned out fine. This is a new tradition, one where you are in charge."

There's mirth in your eyes for a moment. A happy glint that he's proud to have brought back.

"I don't think Vil would've been happy eating canned tuna on the couch, but I'll take your word for it."

"Perhaps you have a point, yet it doesn't matter. Since we are not eating canned tuna and certainly not on a sunken couch." he hums, and watches closely as you pick up your glass to stand. Having postponed long enough with idle chatter, your spoon hovers near the glass rim, hesitant to clink for attention.

For reasons he is quite confident in - you look to him in a moment of hesitance, and he's prepared. As always.

Riddle nods when your eyes meet his, and then there's the familiar chime of a toast.

"Everyone! I'd like to thank you all for coming despite your busy schedules. This is the first ever event hosted by Ramshackle and I hope it's been as much fun for you as it has for me..." His attention is lost to your words, despite Riddle's attempts to nod along. It all fades out. His hearing. The feeling of his glass between his fingers, even as he rolls the stem between them. You glow.

It's nothing out of the ordinary. Yes, you've cleaned up for the evening - and he was not reserved enough to stay a compliment upon arriving. You had admired his suit in turn, fussing with his striped bow-tie even though it was already tied to perfection. He hadn't minded the slightest. Surely he'd taken ample time to admire you. What you've done to this shabby dormitory. How you are obviously trying to mimic his speech mannerisms from the countless he's given -

Yet it is not candlelight, fancy clothing or words that make you glow. It is something he cannot string words for, which is an oddity in itself.

Your earlier worry lingers, even if it is not worth dwelling on. Not with Schoeneheit here and clearly satisfied with the arrangements. He'd been the most critical about the building decor, after all. Although Riddle is certain he'd have made time to come regardless of what you arranged.

Vil is not the only one outside of Heartslabyul that you've managed to gather- Riddle notes. Students across all dormitories are here for this new tradition of yours. Ones he doesn't think to question, such as Epel of Pomefiore or Scarabia's party-hungry dorm leader. Others Riddle nearly balked at seeing, especially when Malleus Draconia of all people made an entrance just when seats were almost filled. For reasons unknown to Riddle, Malleus lingered long to admire his name-card and placemat. Even a prince was pleased with the bare minimum once entering this dormitory. Did you glow to them? He wonders. Unlike the Unbirthday parties - you've gathered these individuals out of desire. Not obligation. Ask him mere months prior and he'd think it impossible.

And yet.

Zing.

There's a yearning in your eyes - but this time not shrouded by a silver crown. It's a brilliant sparkle. An appreciation for what many would surely consider utter chaos - and he has no desire to scold you for stumbling over words or failing to follow his proper regimen for speeches.

You sit down, his ears still deaf but his sight not hindered to the adrenaline flush in your cheeks. To the tremble of your fingers as they tinker with your cutlery. How you smile for him, and he knows it's gratitude but Riddle's done nothing worthy of it this night.

As platters circle around, chatter rises - you watch, taking it all in. Not a bite taken from your plate despite minutes passing. Like you're somewhere unimaginable.

While it is considered impolite to ignore the person across you at a dinner table, Riddle is more interested in the one to his left. He understands that yearning. For friends. Family. Loved ones. To be as he wants, and accepted as he is.

Riddle reaches underneath the tablecloth, his hand finding yours in a subtle gesture. His fingers pry through one of your fists, lacing through yours like they'd been longing to the entire evening. "Relax," he whispers, soft enough that it surprises even himself, "This is the start of what is sure to be a wonderful tradition. I, for one, am immensely proud of you," he says your name with the highest reverence,praying his gaze is kind.

You glow.

Riddle squeezes your hand, striving to convey that this feeling you're experiencing is shared. His adoration might not be apparent to you just yet, but it is all consuming.

Trey is not one to snap easily or let his emotions guide his actions. He learned that he must think ahead at a young age, mediate, and it's carried him this far.

Yet this sense of control. This comfort. It is as much bane as much as it is a boon. And chaos is best experienced at a safe distance, he also figured out, like an active volcano. Enough to wow but not enough to burn. No matter what trouble comes across Trey's path, he will let it go in favor of finding a solution. Maybe he'll laugh about it later and enjoy the mischief in secret. Yet he always waits until it is safe. You are a volcano that never ceases erupting. Yet he lives on your island. Willingly. The warmth is worth each risked burn, yet he knows you'd harden yourself if he ever showed his skin. You'd turn from fiery magma into igneous rock.

You hadn't purposefully worked to agitate Riddle. No matter how much Heartslabyul's dorm-head was determined to atone for his childish behavior, change does not come overnight. Your mischief sometimes went overboard, earning a collar that had no use but to make a statement, yet it was always in good fun. Nothing a few days and proper apology could not fix. The dorm lightened up, there were upsides to these eruptions. Trey would be there to make you see.

You hadn't caused irreversible distress, like blowing up the kitchen or switching the sugar with salt right before he entered the culinary crucible. Even then, grime could be cleaned and he didn't care about winning anyways. What's a trophy when faced with your supposed 'revenge'. What for? He has no idea, but Trey knows you're capable of much worse and counts his blessings. A small dose of cortisol usually ended with a good laugh, and possibly some blackmail material that he would never get around to using.

So long as you were happy, healthy, and most importantly- present. Trey could ask for nothing else.

Yet even the most optimistic man alive couldn't remain so at all hours - and he wasn't an optimist. Merely an idealist, a mediator - a lover, in this case.

The things we do for love - he could make a list.

"Why aren't you mad at me?"

Trey busied himself scrubbing violet dye out of his forearms. On the off chance there was a cleansing tonic available, he doubts Professor Crewel would waste it on something that will fade with time. The problem more-so lies with Trey's uniform, which wouldn't be cleaned in time for the next lab showcase. He'd likely be docked points, even as a Vice Housewarden. It would be major annoyance, if nothing else.

Trey sighs, going in for the third round of deep scrubbing " - Because accidents happen. What? You want for me to scold you?"

You don't answer his teasing. Trey scrubs harder. His skin was beginning to burn and yet he continued with the futile effort. If anything to act like he's unbothered and keep you from touching what's contaminated in the sink. Protect your curiosity, dispel your guilt. "Listen to me -okay? This isn't worth getting upset over. So I'm a candied violet for a few days? It's definitely a conversation starter." Trey kept his tone light, even throwing a joke that would definitely fall flat -

"-but you should be mad. Professor Crewel is going to mark your point card -" Yes. He knows. You don't need to remind him, " - maybe we can get you a new uniform? Or...or I can come with you? We can tell him what happened together and maybe he'll show mercy?"

Mercy? At Night Raven? You're kidding.

He scrubs harder. Under the fingernails. Over his elbows. It does nothing to lighten the pigment.

"No, trust me on this. A few points off my card makes no difference to a senior," he sighs, rinsing yet again. This time with scalding water that burns his skin, "you have two more years in this lab. That's a long time to endure Professor Crewel's scrutiny - and believe me, he remembers everything. Let me talk it out with him."

A partial truth. Normal seniors couldn't afford missing marks. Trey has seniority as a member of the science club, and no past demerits. He'll have to write an accident report at best, and be on cleanup duty for the rest of the month at worst. It's easier to accept the punishment then have you be subjected to one of Crewel's lectures on lab conduct. He can practically hear the cogs in your head. They're mucking up, slowing to a chilling halt. His teeth grind together, trying to think up a reassurance but coming up flat.

He'll smooth things over with Riddle afterwards, make a strawberry tart, the one with chocolate cream you liked last week, invite you over once he's calmed down to show no harm done. It'll be fine.

"B-but that's not fair! What about your -"

Trey shut off the faucet.

"Enough already," he grit the words out, "You're not supposed to be in here after hours and Crewel isn't the sort of instructor to let transgressions go. Do you want to be barred from the lab indefinitely?"

There was not any yelling. If anything, he was too quiet. No directly hurtful words. Trey hadn't meant for his tone to come out so forceful, but the veins on his arms were starting to bulge under duress and you just weren't listening.

His skin was about to blister if he kept it under water much longer. Maybe he should have let it.

Trey will do whatever he can to keep you happy, safe - satisfied and exactly as he found you. His feelings aren't that of a wet doormat, but he's always gone the subtle route. Thought things through.

Damn it - you always made it hard to think things through.

Grabbing one of the hanging towels, Trey turns around with the tick in his neck hanging tight. Just waiting for you to go and leave him feeling strung. The lab always felt cold compared to the rest of Night Raven, you'd take your warmth but he wasn't doing a great job of protecting it regardless. His mind's already running the extra mile and looking for a way to fix this.

"I don't mind being banned if it's what's fair. You don't need to shelter me, Trey. I know when I've messed up, and I want to help if you'll just let me."

Zing.

You don't run out on him, leaving a mess behind. Leave him cold. Like when the oven turns off and the kitchen's aired out. There's no need for a step-by-step plan. His words stung - he knew by your fists bunched in the pockets of your lab coat. You dislike this as much as he does - and yet, unlike Trey, you don't run.

"Let me help. Please?"

Trey purses his lips together, taking a deep breath through his nose before letting it out in four counts. He finishes toweling his stained hands, sooths the sting, tosses the rag aside and steps into your space. Closer than needed but something he wanted.

His painted hand hovers over your head, his impulse to make light and ruffle your hair. Reign it all back in.

Except one look in your eyes stops him short, and he finds your cheek instead. His purpled thumb looks ridiculous against your reddening cheeks - utterly wrong yet you lean into him before he can change his mind.

"Alright," Trey relents, tone much softer, "You win. I'm annoyed- "

Trey pauses, his brows dipping. You wait.

" - and I'm sorry for just now."

You nod against his palm, "I am too. Let's...let's just take a bit. We don't have to tell Crewel together if you're sure, but I can at least help with Riddle. I've had plenty of practice."

That you did with the freshmen you hang around - and a success rate of zilch since they still walk away with collars more often than not.

You really couldn't protect Trey from Riddle's word, in truth. He'd scold the both of you without hesitance. Although maybe it won't be so bad, sharing a tart without the roundabout.

"That sounds good to me."

Cater Diamond calls maximum-level bullshit. Magic is definite. His split-card never fails to produce an exact replica of him down to the finest detail. The cowlick he combs over, right above his left ear. The slight downturn of his right eye - an unfortunate side effect of sleeping on his side, face scrunched tight between forearm and bicep. His freckle pattern is identical too, even the ones on his back! Every possible fluctuation of his voice, the slight lag in his gait, his superstitions about stepping on tile cracks - even as a duplicate, he won't risk that karma. Cater's unique magic was perfect. Which is why he calls bullshit when you claim to tell them apart.

No.

Tell him from them? All clones look exactly the same, act the same, but apparently they didn't replicate his 'aura'. Whatever that means.

The first time you were able to do it, he thought nothing. That maybe you were looking to feel special - especially when your only response to how was 'I can just tell'. Even though no one looked convinced, you weren't bothered.

Cater wasn't about to take it personally either. Not when you were a great source for magicam material, and one of the few people his dorm head seemed to tolerate. Definitely the cute underclassmen type his sisters would go crazy for, and he did owe you for...well, no need to keep tabs, right?

It's not like you were being rude about it either. If it was a slight against his magic ability, maybe he'd feel differently.

Except you did it again.

And again.

Again.

Oh? Another time too.

Enough times that he stops sending a copy to do his dirty work, because you'll know. Even if you don't rat him out, there's that way you try to bit down a smile that somehow gets his clones to have a looser lip.

Okay. Maybe he needed to work on that. Yet still. Risking everything on your whim just so he can cut class isn't worth the headache.

Yet he will not concede.

It's bullshit. You're bullshitting so far out that he'd sooner believe Trey skipped flossing for an entire week straight. No. A month.

But Cater can't cling to that simple, vulgar dismissal. Even if he's never said it out loud to your face. There has to be a reason. While he's not one to have it 'out' for his underclassmen, you have to be putting on some kind of front. He can't bring himself to be spiteful about it since 'Cay-Cay' doesn't exactly encompass all that makes Cater.

You have to be - because it's physically impossible for someone to be this ignorant. He can excuse your lack of Wonderland culture (and is working to remedy it) but social cues? No. You have to be doing something intentionally. Anything. To see more of him.

He respects the effort, but if you're so intent on seeing him? Well. He'd let you see all right. Just don't blame Cater if you regret losing 'cay-cay' in the process.

"Special delivery for you, Peepers. Curtesy of Heartslabyul's royal court!"

With a perfectly-wrapped gift basket on one arm, and his phone in the other's hand. Cater holds the front door to Ramshackle on his hip and outstretches the screen for your 'signature'. Aka. just for you to take some photo-evidence that he's done his duty so Riddle won't scold him for skimping.

"On god, are those my cookies? Did Trey actually do it?"

You happily take his precious phone and snap a quick picture. One of Cater on the front- stoop, and another with half your face in the bottom frame. Eyes squinted enough that anyone could tell you're smiling. He poses too on instinct, but once the classic *click* passes he's eagerly dropping the basket in your hands.

You open the wrapping and sniff the air. "It is! I could kiss that man. Just get me a step ladder and a bit of peer pressure."

Cater snorts.

"Over cookies? I admit, we do have the best baker on campus but don't make it too easy. We don't want lovesick boys raining down on Ramshackle..." he wiggles his brows with a cheeky smirk, "...or do we? So scandalous of you!"

No reward for the messenger? He almost wants to press for it, but you'd probably take him seriously.

Cater disregards the slight bitterness in his stomach, and pushes into your space to snag one of the 'special delivery' bites. He dangles the biscuit just over your head and holds it up to the sun.

You, of course, try to get it back. He relishes in the brief power imbalance.

"Aren't these just normal cookies? Wah - look how golden the edges are! Totally pic worthy, if you ask me," he jumps through the threshold and into the main hallway. The cookie just on his lips.

"Would be a shame if we just ate them all, right peeps?"

A bit of sugar is worth that expression. The front door slams on your heels as you make like a bull towards him.

"Annnnnnd that's my cue! Later, gator!"

He dips and spins at the last second, sweeping past for one action-packed getaway that leads straight out the door to the safe confines of Heartslabyul castle. Not with boisterous laughter, but his cheeks do feel extra stretched out. Cater isn't sure if he wants this feeling either.

Never mind before. That was a magicam worthy image. The 'harmless' Ramshackle prefect ready to commit murder over one cookie.

Eyeing his little prize, Cater takes a bite.

Still not a fan of sweets or chores...but he can admit that both the victory and visit are sweet.

"I have a question."

"LOL - is that why you look three-days constipated?"

"Do you always have to be such a - "

Dick?

"Yes," Cater flashed his teeth, tapping his phone against his cheek, "To you? Always."

Cater doesn't mind playing sitter for a bit. Not that you ever actually sat still. Nah. Kalim was all too eager for someone to come listen in on what the Pop Music Club was working on, and you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Now two-thirds of his club busied themselves fighting over if they'd sing a rock ballad, or some actual pop. Since they were technically the 'pop' music club, and their optimist leader wanted you to really catch the vibes.

Cater? Cater didn't mind all that much, but was real glad he chose today to attend in person. Not because you'd rat him out, but for these odd entertaining moments. It's not like he can poke all his little 'buds' this way.

He leaned against the back of Lilia's amp, attention flickering between your prattling and his doom scroll.

"Did you know I was coming today?"

Pretty steep lead-up for a lame question.

"Nah,' Cater shrugged, but caught your disbelieving look, "whaaa? Do you think I can keep tabs on all my cute underclassmen? Don't be such a spoiled goober, peeps."

You still remained doubtful. He tapped his phone to his chin, setting a line out for you to catch.

"Alright, I'll cast. Why are you so sure I knew, huh?"

You wince, sucking some air past your teeth. He recognized that look. It's the same one Ace had every time he admit to a crime. Dang. A-Deuce really has you clutched.

"You just...I noticed you kinda avoid using your unique magic with me around. Kalim said it's how you three can make music that needs more instruments, but -"

You pause, isn't he supposed to be the skeptic here?

"Well. You're you right now. So I just thought - not to sound accusatory, mind you - that it's because of me.."

Well that's new. Not the calling him out part. Cater's let that grudge go over time. You were just too fun to mess with, and he settled for playing the cards set up. It's not like you were going anywhere.

He just didn't expect his little one-sided rivalry to make it through that 'aura' barrier, or whatever it is you called it before. Neither for him to actually show his hand, especially when he could deny it so easily.

"You want me to lay it straight with you?" Cater asks, his smile too wide for blatant kindness.

Back out man. What are you doing?

You, doe-eyed no more, nod along.

"You're hella creepy. That's why I give you special attention."

Part of Cater relishes in the startled expression on your face. In the discomfort of being seen that he's dealt with since the moment you met. Even if the feelings changed an now coated with something sickeningly sweet. A feeling he didn't want, but came regardless.

He continues without prompt.

"Did you ever think about where the name 'peepers' comes from? Sure, you're cute like a little chick. ADeuce sure Shepard you like one, and I'm sure it'd be the same if you were in Heartslabyul with the rest of us - "

You say nothing. Although Cater's not really being cruel, just honest. He knows there are better words to use here. Can think of them, but he doesn't want to.

"- but you don't really know boundaries, do you? Which can totally get you on the off-side, just saying. At first I did it to make sure you couldn't twist my clones into admitting something totes embarrassing - but now? Hmm....dunno. Just having fun."

The uncomfortable silence that follows is not fun. Although he's good at flipping back to scrolling as if he didn't just get as real as it gets IRL.

You don't stick around for practice. Part of Cater feels guilty that Kalim came back to an empty room, but he's not much in the mood for singing anymore. With you gone, he left behind two doubles.

Later, in his room, he wonders if it was 'Cay-Cay' talking or 'Cater'. They're not mutually exclusive. Either way, he doubts you'd be willing to chat casually with either again. Problem mitigated.

You were a good, if not rattling, experience.

So why's he not happy?

“I want to apologize. If you’ll hear me out.”

Now that’s not what Cater was expecting. Not at all. Two weeks without a Ramshackle resident in sight. For a bit he thought you decided to hate him for setting boundaries of all things. Ace and Deuce were your besties, but they hadn’t breathed a word about whatever you felt to him.

Either you were better at holding secrets than anyone else on campus, or those two had enough tact to respect their upperclassmen. Most likely the former, given past events.

Cater’s more interested in the cup noodle in your hands. Not even the good kind either.

“Is that supposed to be an offering? Did Acey teach you how to pull a kettle out of thin air too?” He’s going to need some hot water after all.

What would normally get those noodles thrown at Cater’s head - maybe a half-baked insult about them resembling his hair too - doesn’t work. You set the styrofoam cup on his desk and sit next to it.

“I’m sorry you felt creeped out by my ‘sixth-sense’ or whatever it is that my shared braincell friends call it. All this time I thought you were hanging out with me because we were friends or -“

You stop. Surely you wouldn’t leave him hanging, but Cater knows you as well as you know him. Too well. Blood rushes to your ears, as does words to your lips.

“- or, uh, more. Like - you didn't use the doubles since you liked spending time with me. Which is a bit conceited to think, I guess. I didn’t realize you were forcing yourself to be something you’re not. In the beginning I really admired you. Maybe that’s why I can tell the clones apart? It's a dumb reason but really all I've got. You always caught my attention. I’m not special, or psychic, or anything - I just really liked you.”

Zing

It’s not as if no one’s ever confessed their feelings to Cater. He’s an online presence. Cay gets five confessions a day, at minimum. A dozen fawning comments at every meal.

Except he never stole their packages, or drove them up a wall trying to find a hidden dirty sock in their dorm.

He was still ‘Cay-Cay’. Blessedly cute, to his sister’s delight and his honed weaponry. Although if he could be what they all wanted, he’d be at RSA. Maybe in another life.

No use on what-ifs after all.

“Could you say that with a mouth full of uncooked noodles? Raw emotions should equate raw stomach pains to show your sincerity” Cater wiggled the styrofoam cup before bopping it on your nose.

In this life, he was a melody of sinful cuteness. Maybe you saw that, maybe you didn’t.

The want for that little ‘more’ definitely left him with ammo for what was about to come.

You could be bullshitting that too. The vulgar conclusion somehow still coming back up after all this time.

The diamond on his cheek crinkles with a cheeky grin, and one of his doubles walks in with a piping hot cup of water. Then another with two bowls and chopsticks.

“JK I won’t do that to you,” he lets them set up for some real noodles, slipping the ones you bought away for later. You don’t need to know everything.

He’ll let you in on this much though.

You were trouble. A bit annoying and oblivious.

But deep down, so was Cater. Maybe he was the one bullshitting himself this whole time.

“You’re real lucky that I’m into creepy these days….say, could we maybe do a horror collab at your place for our launch?”

Deuce often wonders where he'd be if he hadn't come home that night. Good parents try to hide their feelings for the sake of their kids, but what if he hadn't overheard that phone call? What if his mother still felt such sadness? The Insomnia is well earned - if you ask him. Shame that he'll carry for the rest of his life. Her sorrow is his greatest regret, but he'll carry it. To move forward.

Would he still be part of the gang? Likely. There's no way Night Raven College would want someone with bruised knuckles as the only trophy on their name. Who's only redeemable skill was swinging a bat while pumping a wheelie.

Or would they? Floyd Leech received a letter and wasn't turning over any shells to become less...Floyd-like.

Maybe Deuce wasn't special. Just lucky.

Perhaps Night Raven would be better off with the old him. That prideful jerk who didn't think twice before throwing a punch. Who's greatest pride was his blast-cycle and rarely spared a thought on the people who really mattered. An absolute moron stuck in the wrong crowd, in the wrong place always at the wrong time.

In an abyss of what-ifs, there is one certainty.

You would not be a friend to Deuce.

He preyed on the magic-less back then. It's so easy to picture you as those faceless kids that he taunted. He thought himself better than them. Made them preach his superiority, and if they refused? Made their life hell. As did the rest of his gang.

What might he have said to you? What would he have done?

Deuce wasn't necessarily thrilled to be thrown on thin-ice during his first week on campus. He wasn't outright cruel towards you, but Ace? Ace was an asshole. Deuce heard how your meeting went. How he preyed on your ignorance, even though you couldn't help it.

Deuce can't give your group's third shit for it either.

Not when a bit of teasing was mercy compared to the bullying he used to do.

Not when he'd have gone further than Ace could attempt, and not when you'd have taken it without knowing any better. Your trust that he now held so dearly, traded away for a bit of momentary cruelty.

He would have got high off your misery, and been none the wiser to what he was ruining.

This ache is how Deuce tames that abyss of what-ifs.

Any life where you are not a friend to Deuce, is a life that he refuses to see possible.

Deuce is not special. He is lucky.

Lucky enough that you came into his life when he embodied the dignity to learn, and sense appreciate someone so wonderful.

Just like with his mother, Deuce can't ignore the thoughts. They will come, and he faces them with an imaginative force.

At the start of this new life, Deuce set out to become better. To be honorable. Sharp. Strong. Diligent. His mother's pride and tears fueled those ambitions.

Except he forgot one important factor. When he thinks of himself in this image, the desire brightens with your face in his day-dreams amidst hard work.

Kind.

Deuce wants to be kind.

"Finished?"

You stretch lazily across the library table. In the wee hours of dawn, with the sun just barely poking in with it's grey-toned light, Deuce scratches away at one of the many 'guides' Riddle loaned him for practical magic studies.

The word 'guide' must be used loosely, since the notes require endless sifting through textbooks for proper context. Leave it to his Housewarden to give just enough for any student to learn, but they'd need to exhibit excessive effort.

Deuce felt like the village-idiot, or rather the stooge of his academic year. They did this sort of gimmick back in the gang. Every batch of new-comers would come with a dud, meant to fail during initiation as an example.

Hell even Ace passed the last exam. Even if he just brushed by with a 70, it was still miles better than Deuce's 42. At the rate Deuce is going he might as well sign his soul off to Azul agai -

No.

"Urhm...I think? Just need to read a bit more," the words blurred, was it is eyes or did he literally erase the ink off?

The packet disappears before his retinas refocus. You start skimming over the shoddy work without asking. Now he's feeling frustrated and embarrassed.

"Two's wrong," you flip the page, his fingers twitch over the table rim, "five, six, eight, twelve, and fourteen too. Nineteen's short answer is technically right? Not by Riddle's standards, but Trein would take it."

You slide the packet back towards him with minor corrections made. He shouldn't hate red, it's his dorm's pride. Although Deuce wishes that for once he could get a pristine white paper back.

Just once. A sign that all this work was paying off. That he's doing something right.

What's worse is that he's dragging you down with him. A yawn builds in the back of his throat and he shoves it so far down it meets his intestines. Tired? At a time like this? He can't be tired, not when you're giving up a precious Saturday morning so he doesn't resort to cheating like before.

He ducks low, hiding in red ink.

"Sorry, prefect. I'll - I'll just have to start over. You should go get some shut-eye before Grim needs you."

Sorry for wasting your time.

"Why would we do that? You did good."

Huh?

A red pen with the cap just barely holding on pokes the big 65 circled on his paper. It leads up to a lifted blazer cuff, which leads to a stretched arm, which leads to a knotted ribbon which barely passes as a bow.

All to you, in his space with your seat long abandoned with his determination.

All to kind eyes. Indiscriminatory, with patience.

"Good? I missed seven questions."

"Yeah, that's a 65."

Deuce strains his eyes, squinting at the mark with hatred.

"That's not good. It's not even passing."

"Yeah, duh." You sigh heavily. Not like there's a librarian or nerd on duty to hush.

The red cap thumps against his forehead.

"65 is 23 points better than a 42. C'mon, juice-box. Don't tell me we need to study maths next."

You hold the cap there until he looks up from his burial in papyrus. His deprecation - his lapse- meets you in battle and with that one look? You kick its ass to the moon and back.

No judgement. No exuberant praise. No false promises.

Just you and him against the world. Or in this case, a bad grade.

Zing.

One bad grade that he refuses to let set a precedent for his day.

There's a sting to his eyes. It must be the dust.

No. It's a heavenly glow. In this moment, you weren't a friend. You were like a saint sent down from the heavens or wherever it is you come from. It might as well be heaven to him, since he can't go there and it's sent him an angel.

He doesn't want to disappoint you. He doesn't want to spit in the face of that kindness. The hidden bitterness that a magicless student understood practical theory vanished in an instant, as did his desire to trade this pen in for a good sulk.

All he wants is for you to stay with him. To make you proud. He'll work without rest for as long as he has to, if it means he has your faith.

"D-don't call me that! If that nickname sticks then I'll never make it as a proper honor student!"

He swats the pen off him with flushed cheeks, but little strength. Your laugh invokes this newfound confidence and it's like six shots of espresso all at once.

You slip into the chair across him, snickering.

"Sure thing....if you can score 70 by noon. I believe in you, juice-box."

The heat is sweltering. What dorm doesn't have central air in the middle of summer? Ace already knows the answer, but complains anyways. The whines fall off his lips like greetings. More of an obligatory thing.

He could head back to Heartslabyul. Where it's a steady seventy-two degrees and hopefully some shaved ice in one of the freezers. He could sneak you in? Twist Riddle’s nickers even when the guy was across the sea.

Not just Riddle, but everyone else too. Ace hadn't seen another face on campus in nearly two weeks. Deuce was the last to leave, seeing as his 'new image' meant helping mommy dear out with a summer job.

There wasn’t anyone around this time of year. Just the upkeep staff. Needless to say that Night Raven morphed into one odd ghost town.

Oh. Let's not forget himself and the two lone residents of this dilapidated dormitory.

Zzzzz-

"It's not fair you always get the bed. What ever happened to basic hospitality?" he groaned, cheek pressed into the hard floorboards.

You scoff from where he can't see before going back to whatever it is you were rambling about. He wasn't fully paying attention. Something about this game franchise starring a pink gumball that eats things to get powers?

What a dumb idea. He'd say as much, if he wasn't becoming one with the ground. Banished to below after kicking you in the chin while laughing at his comics.

Sweaty, uncomfortable, clothes sticking to his skin and said comic too far out of reach. The pages spit every time the slightest gust of wind comes in from outside. Grim's knocked out-cold on the recliner, occasionally stirring awake to tell you both to shut up.

"Ace? Are you even listening anymore?"

You peer down over the bedside. Hair ready to host rats and a bit of cheese dust on your cheek. Beads of sweat smeared it into a junk food lipstick. Vil’ worst nightmare, honestly.

Zzzzzz-

Ace barely peels his body off the ground to smack his hand over your mouth. Your weight is nothing to stop him from climbing back over the crumpled duvet. That’s right. Scream under his sweaty grip. No one to save you now.

"Never was - now move over already before I become a puddle and melt all over your floor"

The bed is just as, if not more, sweltering and uncomfortable. Ace grins apathetically as you flail to escape his noogies. Only to give up and go back to rambling on. This time letting the heat suffocate you together rather than apart.

He could fall asleep like this. Will fall asleep like this. It’s his earned right for the entirety of summer. Whatever it is you’re on now, he doesn’t care. Not fully. Just keep talking and don’t get up.

Ace thinks the world doesn’t give him enough credit.

The sun, the sea, the sand - it’s all too perfect. A vacation away from endless classwork and his house-warden trying to rip him a new one? A dream.

That’s what this was.

A dream.

With you right at the center of it all. Again. This isn’t something he’s buried deep down. His mind’s eye didn’t need to work hard for his desires.

Ace knows what’s up. He knows that if he sits up on his elbows, reaches over to poke your ribs and taunts out a vengeful swat - that he’ll get more than just some sand in his eyes. He’ll be done for. He’ll be blinded.

He’ll fall into the sweetest nightmare.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz-

It’s buzzing in him. He’s walking such a fine, a dangerous line. This isn’t forever. He just wants you to be happy without the expense of his own. Is that so much to ask?

Where the hell are the adults? The professors? Why is he even in this position?

When will he wake up? How long until the fantasy is gone? He doesn’t want to give it attention.

Since he will wake up. You'll come for him. It's a matter of when, not if. If he gives in, then the fantasy will become just that until it's gone. He'll blink and it will all be gone.

Ace knows that the only way is for you to walk along in-between, but it’s impossible. Ace is well aware of the inevitable cracks better than anyone else. He doesn’t need convincing.

…

Fine.

Ace falls asleep willingly. He keeps his hands to himself, lays upon the shore, and lets the tide wet his feet.

Dreams are far more forgiving than reality, and the world can withhold its credit. He doesn’t want the knowledge.

“I thought I was changing your mind!”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means I’m in love with you, idiot!”

Ace felt his teeth crack together. He said it. It took months of trying. Months of pulling himself back as far as he could.

He said it. You heard it. He’s glad you heard it because it’s unfair that he’s the only one about to get his chest ripped out. It’s not fair.

“I’m in love with you,” he breathed out, “I’m in love with you and I want you to stay.”

It's not real. It can't be real. Since all he could see now was that person from the very beginning. The one he taunted on an off chance on his first day. He was such a dick back then. All he had to do was keep walking, but he was too cruel for that. He just had to go mess with the person who’s day was already at an all time low, stuck cleaning old statues while everyone else got on with their lives.

If he just kept walking. If he didn’t let his ego get the better of him. Then he never would have experienced any of this. He wouldn’t know you.

He wouldn’t love you.

Zzz-

And what burns the most, is that he wanted to love you. Even if it meant this frustration. This abandonment.

“I'm sorry."

I can’t do this.

“WAKE UP ALREADY -"

“Ace?“

He rest his forehead against your pulse. Nose nestled into your collar, body draped over your front like a blanket. His bones felt like pudding after running for so long.

The end of this nightmare wasn't close. Nowhere near. Even though he was ripped from one dream - no, a nightmare. A twisted, willing nightmare. It wouldn't be over until the dragon sung.

Even then. There were sill hidden cards within his deck. The ones Ace held close to his chest.

You came for him, because of course you did. He wants to say that he'd not do the same. That you're an utter dumbass for going against Malleus Draconia of all people. Except he'd be lying to himself.

"We need to get going," you tapped his shoulders urgently, "Ace? C'mon, you're freaking me out man...we need to help -"

"Just give me a minute."

He held you tighter. Not by much. His own subconscious drained life like Riddle at a party. His head was still buzzing. What was dream melted with what was reality.

"Are you sure you're up for this?" you asked, wary.

Idiot.

Ace held you at arm's length.

Zzzz-

"How much of that last part did you actually see?" he asked.

Your concern morphed into sympathy. Of course it did.

"Don't worry about any of us judging you, okay? Those dreams don't accurately reflect our hearts. If anything, more of a pleasant nightmare. Like our hearts giving us a weird case of Stockholm Syndrome with our desires"

That's not what he asked, but alright.

"So all of it," he concluded and clicked his tongue, "damn it....this is so not cool."

Whether you took his sulking as something to be pitied or not. It didn't matter. Twisted desire or not, it didn't matter.

He wouldn't let it matter. This card could hold until he made the dragon sing.

"C'mon," Ace pulled you forth to convene with the others. His head clear and the buzzing louder than ever. His fingers laced tightly with yours.

This is real. He can do this. He won't wait for another sweet nightmare or promise of power.

"You and I? We have words after this is over. I've been through seven layers of hell because of you, and there won't be an eighth."

Zing.

[cheapshrimpysheep]

Yuu Needs a Hug 1

SUMMARY: What their comforting hugs are like when you're feeling sad or under the weather? And how would they behave if you started crying in their arms?

CHARACTERS: Heartslabyul (Riddle, Ace; Deuce; Cater; Trey); Savanaclaw (Leona; Jack; Ruggie) & Octavinelle (Azul; Jade; Floyd)

TAGS: Fluff; GN Reader; Comfort; Bullet Points; In a Relationship

WORD COUNT: An average of 280 words per character.

COMMENTS: When I feel a little sad and under the weather, I often imagine these things to help me fall asleep. I thought you might like them too. 😘

Yuu Needs a Hug 2 (Scarabia / Pomefiore / Ignihyde / Diasomnia)

CONTEXT: They are already in a relationship with you.

All of Riddle’s hugs happen in private, and comfort hugs are far from the exception.

If he is in his dorm uniform, a very characteristic hug from him is using the cape to cover you like a blanket and as a sign of protection. With his left arm around you.

His most common hugs are the ones where he hugs you with one arm while continuing his duties with the other, like homework, or some dorm-related paperwork. And with the hand that hugs you, absently caressing your back or head.

If you are really feeling very under the blue, he will occasionally kiss your forehead.

He's not the type to hug you tight. His arms will generally be very relaxed and loose around you, as if resting. For someone who is always so uptight and strict, that means a lot.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, then yes, all his attention goes to you immediately and his hug tightens. One arm around your waist and the other on your head, encouraging you to cry all you need on his shoulder.

He will be extremely understanding and act calmly as he knows, and shows you, that it is a normal thing and that he knows it will pass, that you will be fine because he will always be there for you. He himself knows from experience how crying can do a person good, and you were always there for him at those times.

And when you feel better, he will wipe your tears with his handkerchief (I'm sure he carries one somewhere in his clothes) and kiss your forehead with a sweet and reassuring smile.

Ace will gladly give you all the hugs you want. But he will always tease you saying that he wants something in return for every hug. But if you're really sad, he'll say he was joking.

If you really want hugs to make you feel better you'll have to ask in private, because in public he only gives you those more relaxed and playful hugs.

He can give you hugs standing up, but the ones he likes most are the ones when you're both lying on the couch. He likes to have you on top of him with your head against his chest and both of his arms around you, or to lie on his side between you and the back of the couch with one hand supporting his head and the other arm on top of you.

His main strategy to make you feel better is to talk about things that distract you. Generally silly things to tease you or make you laugh.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, he will panic a little and try to find out if it was something he said. After that, he will stop the jokes and hug you tighter and kiss your forehead.

He will be quieter than usual until your crying stops and only then will he return to his normal self.

Deuce will be slightly awkward at first. This is most likely the first time someone has asked him for a hug as a form of comfort. And since he doesn't have much experience with hugs either, he's afraid of messing it up.

He will start by hugging you standing up. You will feel his arms feel more comfortable around you as you explain to him that there is no way he could do that wrong. There is no therapeutic technique, he just needs to act as he feels he should.

If you are on the couch you will be sitting side by side. Your head on his shoulder, one of his arms around you, and the other he always not knowing what to do with it.

It will take a long time for him to have confidence in his comforting hugs because he knows that he is not the type of person who knows how to comfort others, much less physically. But he will always try his best for you.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, he will panic a little and, if he only had one arm around you, he'll quickly put the other one around you too. And he will hug you like you are in danger.

Maybe you will calm down by trying to calm him down and you'll both end up laughing about it.

Cater is the #best hugger! And as he is a person who likes to show affection, it doesn't matter if you two are alone or in public, he will give you all the hugs you need regardless.

Get ready for him to talk in that cute little voice like someone talking to a child. Not that he sees you as one, but he likes to talk and act cute.

And that's why his comfort hugs are also very cute, like someone hugging a teddy bear. He also gives you lots of kisses on your forehead and cheeks while hugging you.

Although he speaks in a cute way, he doesn't do it in a way that seems like he's minimizing your feelings, but rather in a way that tries to show that everything will be okay, that whatever it is will pass.

He can do this whether the two of you are standing together or if you are sitting on a couch. But in this last option, he will be so close to you that the most comfortable way for you to sit together is with you on his lap.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, he won't change the way he's acting, as if knowing he was doing everything right and you crying was a good sign and an important part of you feeling better in the end.

When your crying calms down or stops, he will smile at you, wipe the tears from your cheeks with his thumbs and say phrases like "Are you feeling better?" and "Everything will be okay."

In the case of hugging you to make you feel better, Trey has no problem doing it in public if you need to. And he also reacts to your request as naturally as he would if you asked him to make you a sweet dessert.

You might even be surprised by how naturally he hugs you and the way he rubs his hands comfortingly on your back, if you didn't remember that he has younger siblings and probably has some experience comforting them.

He smiles and laughs softly the whole time, as if he finds your attitude cute.

He can do this standing up or, if you are sitting on a couch, sitting next to you. But only if you are alone will he let you sit on his lap.

The relaxed way he comforts you is almost parental, it must be that older brother side of him.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, he may become a little more serious, but he will always act calmly and comes across as having everything under control. One of his hands will also come from your back to the back of your head.

Once your crying calms down or even stops, he will wipe your tears either with a handkerchief he has or with his own blazer or shirt. He will smile at you, showing that everything is fine and ask if you would like one of his sweets to make you feel better.

Leona cares so much about being seen hugging you publicly that the botanical garden became your spot to take naps together as unbothered as a lion in the middle of savannah. He always wants you to be his pillow, whether it's your thighs or your chest. BUT showing genuine affection is only in private.

He had already noticed that you were sadder than usual, but you were the one who had to ask him for a hug, he was too proud to offer you one non-ironically.

He will open his arms and smile smugly, but he won't be the one to initiate the hug. If you want it, you have to take it.

But as soon as you do, he'll wrap you in a surprisingly affectionate hug. If you're lying down like when he takes a nap with you, his hands will encourage you to come closer and lay your head on his chest. You've just discovered the only way you can reverse your usual roles.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, he will remain calm and surprise you again. He'll start giving you soft kisses on your face and forehead, the equivalent of when felines lick each other's ears as a show of affection.

His tranquility can be contagious, especially because the calm beat of his heart is a reassuring sound.

Only when he is sure that your crying has stopped and you are better will he speak again: *sigh* “You just give me work, herbivore. I just hope you at least thank me in some way.”

Jack only hugs you in private! And if he ever does it in public, it's because he somehow forgot that you were in public and will quickly break the hug.

He is the complete opposite in private, after all he can be like a puppy: extremely affectionate if he feels comfortable with you. So it was always very common for you to cuddle on the couch.

His comforting hug ends up not being much different from usual, perhaps just less enthusiastic and more delicate. He likes having you in his arms, but he likes having his face close to yours more.

If you're sitting, he won't have any problem letting you sit on his lap and lay your head on his shoulder. He won't take his arms from around you, nor stop kissing your forehead and cheeks softly and affectionately. All his attention is on you, and his main purpose at that moment is to dedicate himself to you.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, he will hug you tighter and the small and calm kisses will turn into love attacks on your face. Do you know when service dogs jump at their owner when they are having a panic attack, for example? It's something like that he's doing, without fully realizing it. Ok, maybe just not as intensely as service dogs do, but with a lot of affection.

This gesture will most likely make you laugh and start telling him you're okay so he can calm down. Which will make you calm yourself down as a result.

Ruggie doesn't really care if you're in public or not, he'll hug you regardless. And there's the bonus that when he hugs you in public, it's like marking territory and warning others.

He loves being cute and affectionate with you because he loves you being cute and affectionate with him back. He often does for you what he knows you would do for him. And a comforting hug is no different.

He will always tease with you a little at the beginning. "Aww, you want one of my special hugs? That’s so cute. But remember they are expensive, okay? You have to reward me later as a thanks.” He says this in a good mood that tries to put you at ease.

He will open his arms for you to hug him first and he will hold you in his embrace. He will be smiling playfully the whole time because he thinks it's funny how you can be so cute. And he will kiss your forehead with that same smile.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, his smile will fade. It was too serious for him to treat you with humor. He will tighten the hug and start saying sweet, soothing things in your ear like: "hey, don't worry. I'm sure everything will be fine."

When your crying calms down or even stops, he will smile at you again and say that it all made him hungry. What if you two went to eat something? Maybe, just maybe, he'll share some of his food with you if it's something you really like. But DO NOT get used to it!

ONLY when you are alone, in the VIP Room, Azul likes it when you sit on his lap while he does the Mostro Lounge’s paperwork. It's a healthy balance between the stress of business and the pleasure of having you in his arms.

The only two exceptions to the rule that he doesn't like others seeing you two like this are Jade and Floyd. Why? Because he likes to brag to them about having you all to himself. ("By all means, cry about it.")

He will hug you like he always does when you two are in the VIP Room. One arm around your waist, surprisingly firm, and the other on the papers. His attention is divided between reading and signing the contracts and turning to give you sweet kisses on your face and/or, if you allow it, on your neck.

If he feels you hugging him in a more clingy way than usual, he will comment in a soft voice: “You know, if I could be in my merman form, I'd let my tentacles do the paperwork and give you all the attention of my arms. The inconvenience of having two legs. No offense of course.” If this can get even a little giggle out of you, he'll be very happy.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, his right hand will immediately let go of the pen and join his left in hugging you. He hugs you so tight it's like you're trapped in his loving embrace. He is worried about you, but he does everything he can to not show himself too worried.

“Just never forget that if there is anything I can do, you can ask. Anything. I will solve any problem for you... just for you...”

When your crying calms down or even stops, he will wipe your tears with a handkerchief and give you a pack of tissues. And when you're better, he'll give you one of his most tender kisses on your cheek.

Jade doesn't like to draw attention, he prefers to observe others than to be observed. That's why his hugs are private, especially those comfort ones that you are asking for.

“You know you can open up to me whenever you need to, but keep doing it only when we're alone, okay? You never know who might be watching you looking for a weakne- I mean, a sensitive moment to use against you, my love.”

He's not much of a hugger in general, so all of his hugs end up being special. And since you're alone, he has no problem having you sit on his lap if you want.

His arms and hands are premeditatedly affectionate and attentive to you, as if he knew exactly how you liked to be hugged at that specific moment and he fulfilled these requirements to the letter. If there's one thing he knows how to do in a frighteningly perfect way, it's how to study and please others. And you are his biggest study interest.

Whatever you wanted him to do, he will know and do it. The way you want him to hug you, whether you want kisses or not, and how you want them.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, you will feel him, in a way, disappointed. With you or with himself, you don't know. “What is the mater? Did I not predict your desires correctly? It seems like I still have a lot to learn about you. How exciting.” He will kiss your forehead and let you cry on his shoulder.

He'll probably compare your crying to Azul's, making fun of him in that passive-aggressive way he does, and end up making you laugh.

When your crying calms down or even stops, he'll help clean your face and suggest that you two go to the Mostro Lounge, where he can prepare your favorite dish to make you feel better if you want. For free? Hmm... he can think about it.

Floyd can be VERY clingy. He loves to hug you, especially in public. Whether he’s in a good mood or not. Which means that, as he hugs you a lot, he also has many different types of hugs.

The vast majority of his hugs are to satisfy him, but they end up satisfying you too. Don't worry, he never squeezed you. He jokes that he will do it, but never actually does.

No matter what mood he's in, he never refuses to give you a comforting hug. For 3 main reasons: 1st  an Octavinelle student never refuses someone's request for help. 2nd He thinks you're so absolutely cute asking him for a hug! It even makes him smile if he's in a bad mood. And 3rd You always give him the hugs he needs, it's only fair (even in terms of a deal) that he does the same for you.

He'll hug you, but he'll do what he wants in the meantime. Playing with your hair, resting his head on yours, swinging his legs if you are sitting down. And if you are, he will make you sit on his lap, it’s easier and more comfortable to hug you like this. He will probably also say silly things to pass the time or try to make you laugh.

If you happen to be so depressed to the point of crying, he will immediately shut up and if he was swinging his legs he will immediately stop too. He will straighten up, even if your head is resting on his chest. “You'll wash my clothes if you get them dirty, right Koebi-chan~?” He says this while stroking your head.

Even though he likes to provoke others, he has a perfect sense of limits, he just tends to ignore them most of the time. But it's different with you and that situation too.

When your crying stops, he will make you look at him, as if to check that the crying has stopped. If he confirms it, he will smile at you: "Is it over yet? YAY~! Can we make something fun now?”

If you would like to read more from me, you can find it in my pinned post: INDEX

[solxamber]

Hiii!! first time requesting and I absolutely love your white rabbit and angel one, but what about a jellyfish mc with the octavinelle trio and diasomnia group? Where their head empty an airhead but is actually really smart but gets distracted easily.

Octavinelle + Diasomnia with Airhead! Jellyfish! Reader

Azul Ashengrotto

Azul was prepared for almost anything—except you. At first, your airheaded nature confounded him. You’d stare blankly into space during conversations, occasionally blurting out unrelated thoughts like, “Do you think stars get lonely?” or “What’s the difference between squid ink and octopus ink?”

To Azul, you seemed like an easy mark. Someone too scattered to notice loopholes in contracts or the fine print. But the first time he tried to rope you into a deal, you stared at the contract for an uncomfortably long time, then pointed out five contradictory clauses and suggested a more efficient way to write it.

Azul had never been so humiliated yet so intrigued. How could someone so spacey also be so sharp? He began inviting you to the Mostro Lounge under the guise of needing “assistance,” but it was just an excuse to pick your brain.

He’d grumble when you got distracted mid-conversation to follow a particularly shiny object, but he found himself watching you with a mix of exasperation and fondness. Your unconventional intelligence challenged him, and your whimsical nature softened the edges of his ambition.

Jade Leech

Jade found your airheadedness endlessly entertaining. At first, he mistook it for naivety, but when you casually corrected one of his mushroom classifications while admiring a random shell, he realized there was much more to you.

You fascinated him. The way your attention flitted from one thing to another like a butterfly, yet you still managed to come up with solutions to problems no one else could. Jade often tested your intelligence by subtly steering conversations into complex topics, only for you to surprise him with insightful answers delivered in the most absentminded tone.

“Jade, did you know the anglerfish has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria for its light?” you’d say, staring off into the distance. And just like that, Jade’s carefully laid plan to throw you off would unravel.

He enjoyed the unpredictability you brought into his life. Your head-empty demeanor paired with startling intelligence kept him on his toes, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Floyd Leech

“Oh, Shrimpy’s got no brain cells, huh?” That was Floyd’s first impression of you, and for a while, he treated you like his personal amusement. He’d throw random questions your way just to see what absurd answer you’d come up with.

But the day you absentmindedly explained the physics behind the Mostro Lounge’s faulty pipe system and how to fix it? Floyd was floored. His mouth hung open for a good five seconds before he burst out laughing. “You’re a sneaky little jellyfish, aren’t ya?”

From then on, Floyd decided you were his favorite. He’d sling an arm around your shoulders and drag you around, showing you off like his prize catch. “Shrimpy’s dumb-smart,” he’d declare to anyone who’d listen, grinning ear to ear.

He loved how unpredictable you were, never knowing if you’d say something brilliant or completely off-the-wall. Floyd thrived on chaos, and you were the perfect mix of calm airhead and hidden genius to keep him entertained. He might tease you endlessly, but deep down, he adored you for being unapologetically yourself.

Malleus Draconia

When Malleus first met you, he found your airheaded nature oddly calming. Unlike others, you didn’t seem intimidated by his presence. Instead, you’d blink at him in wide-eyed wonder before blurting out random thoughts like, “If dragons hoard treasure, do they also have snack stashes?”

At first, Malleus assumed your absentmindedness was due to a lack of understanding. But during one of your meandering conversations, you casually corrected his misconceptions about a historical event—one even he hadn't noticed. He realized you weren’t just carefree; you were deeply knowledgeable in your own peculiar way.

Your ability to switch between whimsical musings and sharp observations fascinated him. He found himself seeking you out for your unique perspective, even if you occasionally got distracted by a passing butterfly mid-discussion.

“Child of Man, you are quite… unique,” he’d say with a soft smile, finding solace in your unorthodox approach to life.

Lilia Vanrouge

Lilia thought you were adorable. Your head-empty demeanor reminded him of the carefree youths he’d seen in his centuries of life. He’d often pop out of nowhere to startle you, laughing when you gasped and then immediately got distracted by a question like, “Why is it called a jump scare if I didn’t jump?”

But it didn’t take long for Lilia to notice the flashes of brilliance hidden behind your seemingly aimless chatter. You’d drop profound insights into conversations as if they were afterthoughts, leaving him pleasantly surprised.

“Oh-ho! You’re sharper than you let on, aren’t you?” he’d tease, ruffling your hair affectionately.

He loved how unpredictable you were, and he often encouraged your tangents just to see where your mind would wander. To Lilia, you were a delightful enigma—one that made his long life all the more entertaining.

Silver

Silver appreciates your calm presence, even if he sometimes struggled to keep up with your wandering thoughts. He’d sit quietly as you mused about the stars or wondered if birds dream, finding your voice soothing no matter how odd the topic.

He initially thought you were simply a kind but scatterbrained individual. However, when you offhandedly helped him improve his sword stance with an unexpectedly insightful comment, he realized there was more to you than met the eye.

“You notice things most people overlook,” he said, his tone soft with admiration. From then on, he started paying closer attention to your words, knowing they often carried hidden wisdom.

Silver respected your unique way of thinking and found comfort in your presence, even when you got distracted mid-sentence. To him, you were a gentle yet brilliant soul, someone who brought unexpected light into his life.

Sebek Zigvolt

Sebek was baffled by you. At first, he couldn’t fathom how someone so easily distracted could survive at Night Raven College, much less so many Overblots. He’d often lecture you, only for you to nod absentmindedly and then ask something completely unrelated, like, “Do crocodiles ever get lonely?”

It drove him up the wall. He thought you lacked focus, which was unacceptable to him. But then, during a heated argument about magical theory, you calmly pointed out a flaw in his reasoning that left him speechless.

Sebek stared at you, wide-eyed, before clearing his throat and crossing his arms. “Hmph! I see you’re not as oblivious as you appear,” he muttered, trying to mask his begrudging respect.

Despite his initial frustrations, Sebek grew to admire your hidden intelligence. He’d still scold you for your airheaded tendencies, but deep down, he appreciated your unique perspective and the unexpected wisdom you brought to the table.

Masterlist

[starryrock]

Canon crimes that have happened in Twisted-Wonderland.

I am not counting general magic usage as a weapon unless it’s someone’s Unique Magic or used with extreme intent on bodily suffering. Other than these exceptions, standard legal definitions of a weapon apply as normal.

Attempted murder - Any Overblot victim, plus others.

Human trafficking (on a technicality) - Fellow Honest and Gino.

Kidnapping - Shrouds, Jamil Viper, Fellow Honest and Gino.

Assault and battery

Aggravated assault - Overblot victims, Rollo Flamme, Ortho Shroud, Ferrymen, Deuce Spade (exception: cauldron), Rook Hunt (maybe?? Usage of bow and arrow)

Arson - Grim, Ace Trappola, Jamil Viper (attempted during Magicam Monsters), Lilia Vanrouge (kitchen)

Doxxing - Idia Shroud, Ortho Shroud (threatened)

Coercion

Signing a contract under duress - Octavinelle trio.

Breaking and entering

Inducing panic - Ruggie Bucchi, Rollo Flamme, Fellow Honest and Gino.

Property damage

Chemical/biological weapons - Vil Schoenheit, Lilia Vanrouge (should be)

Blackmail

Child abuse (labor/neglect) - Dire Crowley, Ashton Vargas

Stalking - Rook Hunt, Jade Leech (possibly)

Theft

Harassment - Rook Hunt

Bribery - Dire Crowley, Azul Ashengrotto

Extortion

The ones that don’t have anyone listed is either because too many cast members have committed it or I just didn’t care to list them.

[it-happened-one-fic]

The Strange Case of Dr. Jade and Mr. Floyd - Jade (Part 4)

Author Notes: So, this series almost became longer, but since I couldn't figure out where to go beyond what I had planned out, I'm going to go ahead and end it here. All in all, I pretty satisfied with this fic and it's been a lot of fun to write. I really hope you've enjoyed it and if you made it this far, Thank you! Happy early Halloween everyone! Reader is gender-neutral and I hope you all enjoy!

Type: Gender neutral reader/ sfw/ sort of fluff/ romance implied/ platonic relationship/ kind of mafia AU/ some drama/ intrigue??

[Part One], [Part Two], [Part 3], [Part 4: You're Here!]

Word count: 1971

Trigger Warning: Mentions of blood

I trotted hurriedly through the office, feeling like I was already far too deep into whatever the mess Jade, Floyd, and Azul were all working with was.

I was already having to deal with the police since they’d come today wanting to talk to Jade about his resemblance to the supposed criminal ‘Mr. Floyd.’ And for all I knew, maybe Floyd was a criminal and I was aiding and abetting by not reporting him everytime he came for a visit.

After all, he was all too frequently at least mildly injured when he came by for a visit and I knew he was involved without whatever shady business Jade and Azul were doing.

No matter what, I was almost positive that while I’d initially thought that getting hired as Jade’s receptionist was a lucky break, in reality it was anything but. Even if it had led to me meeting and getting to know Jade.

At this point, I was who knew how close to tripping into what was likely some very dangerous grounds, and yet here I was rushing to get to Jade’s office and let him know what was going on.

After all, Azul could probably only keep the police held up for so long, and I wasn’t about to leave Jade hanging.

Besides, at least with what I was doing right now, I could plead innocent. After all, I was just doing my job as a receptionist and letting Jade know he had visitors.

I burst through the door, half out of breath with definitely frazzled nerves as I looked up. Ready to rush through a hasty warning to Jade about the police’s presence only to stare in dull shock at what was in front of me.

Because rather than seeing Jade looking up at me politely from behind his desk, I was staring at Floyd and Jade, who were both staring back at me in blatant surprise. Though, to Jade’s name, he recovered fairly quickly as a wide grin spread across Floyd’s face and he waved casually, like we were meeting on a street and he wasn’t a wanted man, “Heya Shrimpy~”

I straightened, swiftly stepping the rest of the way into the room and pulling the door shut behind me without ever looking back as I all but glowered at both of them, “What are you doing here?”

Jade sighed slightly while Floyd laughed, and both of them started talking at the same time. 

“Y/n-”

“Shrimpy’s mad~”

I felt my left eye twitch, “The police are here because they deduced that you two have a connection. Azul is holding them up in the waiting room, but they want to talk to you, Jade.”

It was like I’d flipped a switch, and both men fell silent. Floyd’s expression going from one of humor to one of annoyance, while Jade merely pressed his lips together.

But both of them realized what a sticky situation this was since Floyd was here.

If the police decided they needed to search the building, them finding Floyd would be all too easy, and there was no denying that the two men were practically identical mirror images of each other.

Even if Floyd got away, Jade would no doubt be taken in on suspicion of aiding and abetting for questioning, at the very least. And even if he managed to slide his way through that with his silver tongue, one test would be all it would take to prove they were related.

And then we would well and truly be in one deep mess.

And that was assuming Jade didn’t just flee with Floyd, though that would certainly seal the deal as well.

“Y/n, can you stay here and take care of Floyd’s injuries while I handle them?” It wasn’t often that I got to see Jade wear that cold expression, and I felt myself nod wordlessly. Stepping to the side to let him go out even as I turned, letting my worried gaze follow him as he strolled forward.

“Be careful,” My words came out surprisingly soft, but evidently enough he heard me considering the way he paused in front of me. His mismatched gaze flickering my way and a half-amused smile almost crept onto his face before he continued on his way. Shutting the door behind him as I turned to look at Floyd. Crossing my arms as I looked at the young man who wore a deep frown on his face.

And unlike with Jade, where I had seen him wear that serious look on brief occasions, I’d never seen Floyd look like this.

I walked over to where the now moody young man sat though, before I picked up some of the bandages, “So what was it this time?”

It was the same question I usually asked him when I ended up bandaging him, and he usually would spin me some sort of whimsical, if slightly worrying, excuse.

But this time there was no lightness to his tone as he glowered at the door and answered in a distinctly blunt tone, “Carews was stirring up trouble, so I met up with him. He’s probably to blame for the cops being here.”

I felt my eyebrows arch at the name that I recognized. He’d been calling the office almost daily, constantly wanting to talk to Jade even though he knew how busy we kept the schedule.

“So he knows about the relationship between you and Jade?” I maintained my calm as I quietly questioned him, and I felt Floyd’s gaze shift so that it rested on me.

He bent forward, looking me in the eye and forcing me to stop in my work as he eyed me, “You sure you want to know? I thought you’d decided curiosity really would kill the cat?”

I frowned at him, my shift in expression causing him to grin as I shook my head, “I imagine I’m already ‘in too deep,’ as you put it.”

He chuckled, the sound almost making me roll my eyes fondly even as he spoke in his usual sing-songy tone, “So long as you know~”

I hummed in response, half-impressed by how quickly Floyd’s mood could change as I focused on wrapping the bandage. I felt myself frown, though, as my thoughts inevitably drifted to Jade and what he was dealing with right now, “Do you think Jade’ll be alright?”

Floyd’s hand landed on my head, causing me to glance up at him in honest surprise as he shook his head amusedly, “I wouldn’t worry about him, Shrimpy. Jade’s got a better lie dance than anyone I’ve ever met.”

I snorted, smiling despite both myself and the situation, “And yet even I can tell when he’s keeping a secret.”

Floyd outright grinned at me, “But that’s why we like you, ya’ see? You’re a fun one, Shrimpy. Not like the rest of the guppies.”

The fond words that were cooed at me with blatant affection. But I didn’t let myself overly ponder that as I blinked up at him. Doing my best to remain unimpressed even as I finished my work and read between the lines of his statement, “So if I was like the rest of the ‘guppies’ I wouldn’t be having to deal with both you and your brother right now?”

Floyd’s eyes were all alight now, “You definitely wouldn’t have gotten my bid for hire. I’ll say that.”

I blinked, my eyes widening slightly before I realized exactly how much that made sense, and I crossed my arms, frowning up at him, “Are you saying you’re the reason I got hired and that Jade just did as you said?”

“How hurtful. I would’ve picked you out even if he hadn’t cast his vote,” I twisted to look back at Jade as he came back in, his footsteps somehow silent as he looked at me with a faux pout on his face.

“Shake the cops already, huh?” Floyd’s tone was almost bored as he looked towards his brother, who merely smiled with unconcealed smugness.

“Azul’s finishing up, but yes. It wasn’t particularly hard since everyone knows that I’ve been here at work while you’ve been out and about causing trouble,” Jade looked positively pleased with himself, and I felt myself smile.

Oddly relieved, even though I knew perfectly well that the police had actually been on the right path until he’d shaken them. 

It almost made me wonder what other horrible ways my views had shifted because of these two. Demons that they were.

My thoughts were interrupted though as Floyd’s arms wrapped around my shoulders and pulled me back towards me. Startling me slightly even as he pouted against my shoulder, “You could’ve taken a little longer. I was having fun with Shrimpy.”

Jade hummed, his amused gaze flickering between Floyd’s pouty expression and my sighing face, “And sacrifice my dear receptionist to you for any longer than necessary? I’m not that cruel, Floyd.”

Floyd snorted, and I braced for his choice commentary only for Jade to continue with a mere flick of his long fingers, “Now give them back, Floyd.”

I blinked slightly at Jade’s words, only for my surprise to grow even further as Floyd muttered something that I couldn’t quite catch and let me go.

Jade held out his hand to me with a smile, watching amusedly as I accepted it and let him pull me to my feet before I glanced back at Floyd in a mixture of surprise and confusion before I frowned and glanced back towards Jade, “I feel I should state that I’m not yours.”

Floyd outright laughed at me, causing me to frown his way even as Jade chuckled, “Well, of course not. But even you have to admit that satisfaction does keep bringing you back even though you know what a dangerous game you’re playing.”

I looked his way with arched eyebrows, ignoring the way my hand continued to rest comfortably in his, “Who's to say that it isn’t my job and salary that’s bringing me back?”

Jade sighed, his acting rather over-the-top as he shook his head before he met my gaze once more with a perfectly villainous grin, “Then I suppose I’ll just have to do better, won’t I?”

I snorted, shaking my head slightly at him even as Floyd grinned, his voice drawing my gaze back his way as he stood, “And on that note, I��mma leave. See ya’ next time, Shrimpy.”

I nodded, pulling my hand from Jade’s to wave farewell even as Floyd vaulted out the window. Leaving me to sigh and wonder exactly how long his bandages would last with that kind of activity.

I glanced over as I felt Jade’s hand lightly touch my shoulder, only to see him smiling amusedly at me, “Can I take this to mean that you’ll be staying for a while yet despite my brother and I’s antics?”

I hummed, not bothering to keep my own amusement out of my voice as I turned to face him more fully, “Well, I can’t get better pay anywhere else, and I guess I’m still at least a little bit curious about the strange case of Dr. Jade and Mr. Floyd.”

Jade’s grin split, his sharp teeth glinting slightly in the lamplight as he bowed slightly, “Then I shall have to do my very best to keep your interest up then.”

I grinned at him, “Best of luck then, Doctor.”

He straightened, far-too-pleased with himself as his gaze held mine, “And to you as well, my dear. I do hope our relationship continues to be a long one.”

And though I certainly wasn’t about to tell him, I couldn’t help but agree with his words. Even despite the risks.

After all, I knew him, Floyd, and Azul would all look out for me once I got in too deep.

[telephoniii]

hello!! idk if you accept requests, but i randomly thought of octavinelle trio with a reader who's also from the sea like them and on land they're a total sweetheart, upbeat and doesn't give off the vibe of scariness at all, but the trio know that they're actually pretty scary! Cuz back in the sea they were an orca or something (like. sweet but theyre actually scary is my vision) if the octotrio is too much then is just floyd ok?? Sorry for yapping too much AHHH ur work is so great ty for writing so much 🙏🙏

THE DEVIL IN DISGUISE

☆彡 in which you’re scarier than you seem

word counter: 180 per character

octavinelle boys x gn!reader

warnings: possible ooc, light bullying? (jade & floyd)

a/n: i love these boys, but they’re all pricks. lovable pricks. on another note, i think i’m going to officially open requests. i have a few that i’m working on and i’ve been having a lot of fun with them. they’re also nice for when it gets busy and I don’t have a lot of time to brainstorm ideas to write myself. anyway, i hope you enjoy :>

floyd leech

He thinks you are the CUTEST thing in existence. You're so fun! So squeezable! Floyd thinks that your switch in personality from land to sea only adds to how adorable you are. He is fully aware of your scary side, yet it only motivates him to tease and mock you more. On land, he'll try to sneak up behind you in the hallways. If you don't catch this man? He's picking you up, squeezing you, and twirling you around. Azul has told him to stop several times. Jade just wants to see you snap at Floyd, so he never interferes. If you do catch and stop him? He's pouting for the rest of the day while plotting his revenge. Everyone's going to assume Floyd's just picking on the helpless classmate who's too nice to do anything back. But he knows it's a facade. Which is exactly why he goes harder on you than anyone else. Riddle is PRAYING for you.

jade leech

You and him are similar in a way. Except he hides his true nature less well. Jade is quick to catch on and finds it extremely amusing. He wants to see how far this act of yours will hold up, meaning he's purposely putting you in situations that'd aggravate you. All while he wears an innocent smile. He takes up the role of a devil on your shoulder in a way. Jade is constantly trying to tempt you into revealing more and more of your scary side in front of others. Calling him out on this won't do you much good either since he's playing a similar game to you. He'll just give you that dashing smile of his and claim he has no idea what you're referring to. If you get caught up in trouble with other students, run out of your land potion way too quickly, get involved in an argument, etc, more often than not you'll find Jade somewhere nearby smiling at you. And something about that grin tells you he defiantly pulled some strings to make your life just a little bit harder.

azul ashengrotto

He's the only one out of the three who's slightly intimidated by you. But even then, it's less fear and more intrigue. Azul wants to pick your brain. Do you switch from sweet to scary on purpose? If so, why? What're you trying to gain from doing so? He'll do little things to let you know that he's well aware of your true nature. It won't be anything drastic like Jade, just little, snide comments here and there with a smug look. Azul has offered you so many job opportunities at the Monstro Lounge. A personality like yours is way too good for business. He actually holds you to a pretty high regard and isn't afraid to tell you that, calling you his 'star pupil' when you work for him. Azul tries to be close to you a lot. Is he plotting to make a deal with you? Most likely. He's trying to get your guard down so you're more likely to agree to whatever he wants to do with you. Your unique personality could be a great Joker card if he ever needs it.

[bones4thecats]

↳ Love in the Shadows of Parenthood II.

A Twisted Wonderland × Youth-Parent! Reader.

Chapters: Heartslabyul. Savanaclaw (here). Octavinelle. Scarabia. Pomefiore. Ignihyde. Diasomnia.

Characters Included: Leona Kingscholar, Ruggie Bucchi, and Jack Howl.

Prompt: "What of their S/O had a child before being with them?"

Possible Trigger Warnings: Teenage pregnancy (all), mention of parental abandonment, bad relationship, and accused cheating (Leona), child jumping from heights (Ruggie), and attempted kidnapping and child being used against parent (Jack).

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🦁 Leona respects women, it's a apart of his homeland's culture. Women are just as grand as the men there, and they proved it. You were no exception; you proved to be very strong. 🦁 He saw a little figure behind you, and was surprised to see a little boy behind you. His eyes looked into the beastman's and narrowed slightly, as if he was trying to protect you.

🦁 The boy, he found out, was named Leonidas, was shown to be very protective of you. He was only four years old, and you were eighteen. His green eyes were blown wide when you said that, and he yelled in shock, "You had him at fourteen?!" 🦁 Because of the obvious dedication and strength you had to be a single mother, nonetheless a teenage single mother, he began to help you out subtly. He began to have Ruggie bring things to Ramshackle to help with caring for both yourself, Leonidas, and Grim, he would have some of his dorm members walk with you both to keep you protected, and he even would bring Leon to his club meetings so you could have some free time. 🦁 He was like a father to Leona, and you loved that about him. It was when Leonidas grabbed Leona's pant leg and called him 'papa' that his emotions began to erupt in his mind; the feelings he had for this young boy, treating him like his own, and the feelings he had for you, love.

Leona snored lightly, his chest moving up and down as he breathed. His blankets were around like chaos. As if a storm had come through and thrown them about.

You walked inside silently, having just taken a shower to get the day off you. It was hard being here, but it was somehow easier to be here than in your own world.

Folding the towel and putting it on a nearby chair for Ruggie to grab later on, you turned around and stared at the sleeping beastman.

Your eyes brightened when you saw the area around his stomach moving up and down the opposite as his chest. It was like there was another being there resting. And there was.

Brushing your hand along his hair, Leona's eyes opened slightly. As if he wasn't completely asleep, which he most likely wasn't. "What's up?" He mumbled, moving slightly, his arm around his midsection as you giggled.

"Just wondering about the lump here." You whispered, pulling the blanket down to look at your son, his hair matching yours as it moved from the static.

"She looks peaceful." You said, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "Just like you." Leona replied, moving slightly for you to lay down next to him. Your smile got larger as you laid down, face on his chest as he hummed and kissed the top of your head.

"You know..." You started to speak, "I'm so glad that Leonidas is taking after you."

That peaked Leona's interest.

"Why's that?"

"His actual father... biologically, I mean, was a piece of hot trash. He was always so impatient... dishonest... he even accused me of cheating when I told him I was pregnant."

Leona's eyes narrowed in outrage, not at you, but at your ex. He then scoffed, "I'd call him more than just a piece o hot trash, but," he drawled, motioning to the child on top of him, "I'm currently around a four-year-old... so..."

You giggled, kissed your son's cheek and your boyfriend's before snuggling into the bigger one.

"I love you, Leona Kingscholar."

He let out a breath of content. "I love you too, Dear."

🍩 Ruggie came from a home where you cared for each other, helped out one another. So, finding single parents could be considered common. But, it was not common to find a teenage parent walking around. 🍩 When you came into Twisted Wonderland and grabbed Crowley's wrist, keeping him from touching your daughter, he felt his throat move to let out a squeak, a sound his kind made when greeting and interacting with fellow hyena-beastmen members. 🍩 Zara, your daughter, did take quite a liking to Ruggie. She liked to follow him in the shadows and try copying noises and movements he made. While at first this annoyed him, he began to enjoy the young girl's presence. 🍩 Anytime he had nothing to do, which was rare, he would come by and mess around with the child. He'd pick her up and toss her in the air to hear her laugh, he'd teach her how to make certain baked goods, and he'd even teach her how some animal's spoke. 🍩 Hearing the two laughing as Zara tried speaking to a rabbit, you would lean against the doorway and smile, taking photos to either send to your friends, Ruggie's friends, or even put them in a folder for safe keeping.

The familiar sound of Ruggie's laugh made you look up from the ground. There, flying on a broom, was your boyfriend and your daughter. They laughed, his deeper and more animalistic, while Zara's was more pitchy and innocent.

Your eyes lit up and softened seeing your daughter and love flying around, acting like father and child.

"Hi, mama!" Your daughter squealed out, waving excitedly as she flew above you.

Waving back, just as happily, you chuckled and called your welcomes back. You both knew Zara was very daring for a child, willing to do anything to get to both you and Ruggie. But, she really wanted her parent's embrace.

She jumped.

Ruggie's eyes widened as his body acted before his mind. The broom flew downwards and stopped abruptly. In Ruggie's arms was your daughter. She huffed and crossed her arms, upset her plan didn't work of jumping into her parent's arms, but she only stiffened when Ruggie began to scold her for such a reckless action.

"Why would you jump from the broom?" He asked, turning Zara around to look into his eyes as he spoke to her. "I told you the first rule of doing this was to keep your grip on me and not jump."

Zara looked at you and you just crossed your arms and furrowed your eyebrows. You were not saving her from this.

🐺 When you arrived in Twisted Wonderland, you were confronted by a second year Octavinelle student. He had caught sight of your son, Fang, walking around, and brought him back to you. Though, before you could take his hand, he asked for something in return. 🐺 Fists clenched by all witnessing; while deals were normal for Octavinelle students to try making, it peeved all, including the big three of the oceanic dorm, that this guy was using your son against you. 🐺 Jack in particular was extremely upset. It was engraved in his mind from birth, and from his upbringing, that you never used children against someone. Only scum did that. 🐺 Glaring at the male, you gritted your teeth and lifted your leg, kicking his chin. He slammed to the ground and Fang ran towards the nearest student, that being Jack, and watched in awe as you kneeled and grasped the student's hair roughly to speak eye-to-eye. 🐺 Jack would be lying if he said he didn't find it attractive how protective you were. Though, it did upset him later on that you were in that situation before with your ex, who wanted your son so much he tried kidnapping him. Thankfully, you dealt a similar punishment that day too. 🐺 After that day, Fang became very close to Jack, as he loved wolves growing up. He was only three-years-old, so he was very impressionable, which Jack made sure to do his best around the young boy. He didn't want him learning bad habits from you. 🐺 Over time, Ace began to nickname Jack so many things related to being a father. So much so that you changed his contact name to; Papa Jack💛 so Fang knew who he was talking too.

Laughs and cheers rang from your group. You were all in the courtyard messing around, the day had ended and there were no club activities yet, as they were postponed an hour from an accident in the lab teachers had to fix.

Hugging your son, you smiled and laughed at the boy's actions. They were hearing their nicknames for each other and made fun as the conversations went on. The funniest by far was the nickname Epel had given Ace; Naked Neck Chicken, from his idiocy of not blocking himself from punishment by not being dumb, rather allowing it to happening.

Fang's name was then called by Deuce, making the young boy look at the Heartslabyul first-year with wide, curious eyes.

"Yeah, Uncle Deuce?" He replied.

"What are your nicknames for the rest of us?"

Fang raised his hand to his chin, thinking as he hummed. You knew all of their nicknames, so you couldn't wait for your son to reveal them.

In order of the boys, Ace to Deuce to Epel to Sebek, he spoke;

"Rusty, Rebel, Bumpkin, Gabby."

Each of their eyes widened, mouths hanging open in shock at what the young boy called them.

RUSTY?! Ace mentally screamed.

I guess Rebel isn't the... worst option... Deuce thought.

B-BUMPKIN?! I DON'T EVEN USE MY ACCENT THAT OFTEN ANYMORE! WHAT IN THE NAME OF- Epel raged inside.

GABBY?! WHY GABBY?! Sebek questioned himself.

Jack blinked at the boy as he moved on to him. He raised his arms happily, wide as if asking for a hug and giggled before exclaiming;

"Papa Jack!"

Now everyone's attention was on Jack.

"Papa Jack?" Ace repeated, beginning to laugh as Fang jumped up and chanted the nickname over and over while hugging Jack.

"Papa Jack..." The beastman sighed, hugging the boy back.

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