#interactions: azul.

[unblot]

@utsubotm : the first kiss is against his cheek, then another at his brow-- his forehead- his nose-- it continues until floyd stops to rub his face against azul's hair. he can't really curl around him the way he might had he been in his mer form. but both arms squeezing him in a hug will just have to do. / woe, flaz be upon ye

The sudden smothering is unexpected, but not entirely unprecedented. As opposed to his brother's preference of toying with his food before he eats it, Floyd often favors a more direct and hands on approach. Ordinarily Azul takes measures to prevent being either of their choice of prey, but Floyd just so happened to catch him off guard this time around. Yet even with all the measures he takes to be prepared every possibility, there's very little that could have helped him prepare for this.

Floyd's touch is overwhelming, Azul feeling the air leave his lungs like a helpless human dragged into the depths of the ocean. He drowns in Floyd's embrace, momentarily frozen & unable to fight against the sudden flood of something that had simply gone unspoken between them up until this point. Just as he starts to remember to breathe again, another biting kiss sears against his skin.

Floyd's placement of his kisses are not lost on Azul. Cheek, nose, brow, jaw, & so on. Practically every inch of exposed skin is accounted for, all except one. It confirms to Azul everything he already knows. This is not affection shared between loved ones, this is the attempted conquering of a predator upon prey. This is not love. This is possession.

Here they are at an impasse. Azul does not want to be claimed or controlled. And Floyd-- Floyd does not want Azul the way Azul wants to be wanted.

Floyd's grip slackens. At last Azul is able to find his breath again.

Their embrace ends just as abrupt as it started. Floyd is strong but Azul is stronger. So it's easy to pry the other off of him once he uses enough force.

The mer that Floyd is faced with now hardly resembles the suave & silver-tongued Octavinelle housewarden. In his place is a haughty & flustered octopus possesses all the clumsiness & idiocy expected of a teenage boy his age. His sleek hat has fallen from his head, the silver curls under it now disheveled and misshapen. Azul's glasses lay askew as well, threatening to fall off his nose before he hastily pushes them back up.

However, the most notable change to his appearance now is the deep blush painted across his cheeks and ears. A blush that Azul is doing everything in his power to ignore. Floyd may have succeeded in getting under Azul's skin, but he'll die before he relinquishes the power he's fought tooth & nail to possess. He won't let himself be devoured by anything or anyone, no matter how pleasant the sensation might have felt in the moment.

“ Floyd, settle down. ” Azul's voice is crisp, yet lacks its usual command as he steadily recovers from Floyd's ambush. “ There's no need to make such a spectacle in front of everyone. ”

It's only then does he even acknowledge the fact that they're not lone in the space. They may have closed for the night, but there are still a few bus boys cleaning a couple tables away, as well as a certain vice housewarden behind the bar. Even without looking he can feel his heterochromatic gaze on him, practically hear his low laughter.

That's all this is, isn't it? A joke, a game. Floyd only wants to make a mockery of him & undermine his authority. How stupid of him to be affected by childish antic. No matter, he won't lose himself next time. Floyd won't humiliate him like that again.

“ If you'll excuse me, I have to count the revenue made from today's sales. ” Azul smoothes out the creases from his suit, huffing quietly as he desperately tries to maintain his composure. “ Have a good evening, gentlemen. ”

With that he quickly strides in the direction of his office as fast as his puny human legs can carry him, careful not to spare a glance in Floyd's direction as he exits. Azul won't let him get the last laugh, he won't acknowledge the gleeful smile he's certain Floyd is baring him with that deadly maw of his.

Therefore he's unaware of the truth that lay behind him, turning his back on it without a second thought. And with the overworked bus boys focusing on their cleaning, the only one to witness the frown that falls on Floyd's face as Azul departs is Floyd's own twin.

[broh3m3]

azul and riddles

[crystallizsch]

Hello Ian! ♡

I hope you're doing well! ♡

I know how much you like GloMas, and with the rerun here I was wondering what your favorite scene/part was?

Thank you! ♡

hi hi sheep!! i hope you're doing well too 🥺💖💕

to be honest there’s a lot of favorite moments that i love for different reasons!! but if i had to choose a scene that lives in my mind rent-free it would be this:

these two ;;;

THESE TWO—

absolute chaos these two

TOP TIER DYNAMIC I'M TELLING YOU

i love it when twst puts together two guys I've never/barely see interact before, and then realize that their dynamic is actually really interesting/fun??? jamil and ruggie are both like very partners in crime and i love that

anyways this entire scene is just so funny it’s definitely one of my top favorite glomas moments 😭 and i specifically love just seeing jamil being unapologetically a terrible person (affectionate)

[unblot]

Azul gives a distracted sounding hum in response To Floyd's complaints, not appearing entirely disinterested but simply devoting more of his focus to his work rather than the conversation. Even so, no one is better equipped than him to multi-task even when he's eliminated his four other limbs in this form.

He continues reviewing the papers detailing the lounge's finances, remaining relaxed despite Floyd's extremely close proximity.

“ You're finished training the new hires? ” He doesn't ask if the training course has been completed, only if Floyd is done for today. He'd already instructed Jade to check in every hour should Floyd grow bored of his assignment. Azul has long learned to be prepared for anything and to expect the unexpected. In fact, working around Floyd's impressionable moods is practically second nature to him now.

“ -- You can take your break in here if that's what you want. ” The crisp professionalism in Azul's voice does not waver, yet there's an unmistakable softness to it, one reserved for the company of his inner circle. “ I cannot play with you though. This has a deadline. ”

@unblot asked: "Don't think I don't see you over there." It's not like Floyd not to make his presence known immediately -- At least not when he's in his more agreeable moods. "You know it's considered rude to lurk in doorways. Come inside and sit down."

It's also not like Azul to express sincere concern & sympathy, so he won't. But what he extends to Floyd is more than he would anyone else without the temptation of a deal to motivate him. / hi 👋

sometimes, when he was in the right mood, he liked to just watch azul as he was doing something. he may not realize it; but when he's alone he makes faces any time he's focusing really hard. the what doesn't really matter to floyd very much, just that it's nice to quietly observe things. content and silent, until of course azul catches him just standing there. leaning in the doorway with a strangely neutral expression.

come inside and sit down-

it's an offer, not a demand-- and floyd responds with a single note. hummed low as he comes into the room, to drop his weight down next to him.

" i'm bored. " he says simply, as he leans some to rest his cheek against the others head with a heavy sigh. but it's more than that isn't it-- he's frustrated because it's more than just boredom. there is a lack of something, and his mood has dipped because of it. and worse still, there is very little he can think to do for it. floyd fidgets with his own fingers, and lets a bit more of his weight lean as he does. satisfied to find that azul allows it, and lets him be. it's grounding in a way, not enough to fix the issue, but just so- that he doesn't grit his teeth anymore.

unprompted

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Slimy fellow meets slimy fellow.

Also known as Fellow meets Azul.

I thought this one would be more fun to write if I immediately cut to Fellow at the Mostro Lounge (following the reader's advice, of course)! Also, I will take any excuse to write the twins--

This ended up being a lot longer than I had initially intended, it's over 2k words (blame my Octavinelle bias)... Hope you enjoy!

So tell me, do you wanna go?

"Whoa, Giddie. Check out this classy joint."

Fellow whistled as he took in the majesty of the Mostro Lounge.

Plum carpets gave rise to a set of stairs, and up the railings were several plush, quilted booths. Each table had its own lamp, a shining orb held up by a gnarled arm of coral. There was a bar area too, complete with a row of sleek stools, the shelves behind the counter well-stocked with tins of tea blends.

Overlooking the entire establishment was a massive glass wall, where the ocean itself peered in on the patrons. Shadows of seaweed and coral ran along the seabed outside, rainbow-colored fish darting by in bursts. Jellyfish lights swung from the ceiling, casting the lounge in an otherworldly blue glow. Smooth jazz emanated from somewhere in the eatery, backed by the soft accompaniment of ambient sounds--water splashing, bubbles dancing.

As Fellow and Gidel stood there gawking, they hadn't noticed two lanky shadows approach them from behind--not until they uttered a greeting in unison.

"Welcome to the Mostro Lounge!"

Fellow jumped at the hands that clapped onto either of his shoulders. He met two nearly identical faces.

"Table for two?" Jade offered.

"Can we getcha started with drinks?" Floyd asked.

Fellow jolted back, pointing a shaking finger at the twins. "H-HIEEEEEEE!! I-It's you guys!"

Jade smiled politely, feigning ignorance. “Oya, Fellow-san. You appear to be rather jumpy today. You’ve come to just the right place to put that anxiety to rest.”

“Y-You’re not gonna wail on us?!”

“Wail on ya?” Floyd’s mouth was stretched eerily wide. “Eheheh. Why’d we wanna do that?”

“Quite right, Floyd." Jade nodded. "We would never harm an esteemed guest. This is a gentlemen's lounge--there is no fighting allowed."

"You're... not mad about what happened before?"

The corners of Jade's mouth twitched. A droll laugh, suppressed. "Think nothing of it. Call it water under the bridge. Floyd and I, we are not the vengeful sort."

Fellow stared at him as though Jade had suddenly sprouted another head. I don't buy that for one second!!

"So do ya want grub or not? Hurry up, cuz we got other customers to deal with," Floyd groused, jabbing at finger at the packed tables behind him.

Fellow eyed them both suspiciously--but his gaze darted between the shady eels and Gidel, who was patting his belly. His reply came out weak and reluctant. "Well... If you're offering food..."

"Then right this way." Jade bent, gesturing with one hand. "I believe this is your first time dining with us, so allow me to inform you of our specials."

He led the way, expertly weaving between Octavinelle servers and roaming guests. Fellow followed, Gidel lagging behind him, and Floyd held the back of the line, plucking up two menus from a podium as they passed it. As they briskly made their way to an open booth, Jade rattled off facts.

"You may order a la cart, but we also offer meal sets in which we have curated the perfectly paired the dishes for you. Substitutions can be made upon request to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. There is a separate specialty beverage menu. The Mystery Drink is our most popular item--we highly recommend it."

"Wait a sec!" Fellow held up a hand. "Food's great and all, but I was hopin' to hear about something else too."

Jade craned his head. "Oh? And what might that be?"

The fox beastman leaned in, cupping his mouth against Jade's ear. "Word on the street is, the big shot around here has the ability to make wishes come true. I want in on that."

The twins exchanged a knowing look. Their mismatched eyes glinted with delight.

"... Of course, dear customer. We can arrange an audience with Azul for you. However, please be advised that it requires that you order a certain amount of food. The meal sets are worth 3 points each, and the drinks, 1 point. You will need to accumulate at least 50 points total in order to secure a spot with Azul."

"No problem! Together, Giddie and I could eat a man out of house and home," Fellow chuckled. "We'll take one of everything you've got!"

“Out of house and home!!” For some reason, this made Floyd laugh. It was an odd, raspy sound, like branches and the wind scraping and rustling against a ratty window.

“What’s so funny?”

"Oh, nothin’. You just made me remember a funny joke,” Floyd reassured him. “Don’t worry. We’ll get your order ready for ya in a jiffy~"

"Azul, you have a new client."

Jade held the door open for Fellow and Gidel to pass through. Floyd lingered in the corridor like a bouncer guarding the room--or a jailer ensuring they stay in it.

The duo stepped into a neat office, flanked on both sides by towering bookshelves. The carpet they treaded on bore an intricate pattern of scalloped shells and swirls. Two deep purple couches were set across from one another. A coffee table was between them, its surface layered glass. Luminescent blue colored the base of the bookshelves and the interior of the coffee table.

A large chunk of the back wall composed a massive vault. Seated in front of it was a young man at a grand desk. He had silvery hair swept to one side, and sharp eyes behind thick frames. A pile of contracts say upon his desk, along with a lamp and a pot of ink. He deposited what appeared to be a fish skeleton in his inkwell and stood, smiling at Fellow and Gidel.

“Welcome to the VIP Room,” the young man purred. “I am the dorm leader of Octavinelle and the manager of Mostro Lounge. Azul Ashengrotto, at your service.”

“Honest. Fellow Honest. And this here’s my little buddy, Gidel.”

"Oh, there's no need for introductions, Fellow-san. I've already heard plenty about you from Jade and Floyd."

"Have you now?" A slight edge formed in Fellow's voice. "It sounds like my reputation precedes me."

Azul chuckled darkly. "Indeed. Ah, but that is why you've come to seek my counsel, is it not? You're seeking something. Please, have a seat." He gestured to the couches. "Tell me of your troubles."

Gidel happily planted himself down, but Fellow stood his ground and clenched his fists.

"It's money," he blurted out. "I need money, and lots of it."

Azul blinked. He quickly composed himself and gave a laugh. "If I could materialize thaumarks out of thin air, the value of them would surely plummet. May I ask what it is that you intend on using these funds for?"

"I want to start my own school. One that'll be WAY better than this crappy establishment for entitled rich kids!" Fellow waved at the overembellished office with his cane. "A school for everyone, no matter what their background or social class is! A school that teaches practical life skills!"

(The twins, listening in from the doorway, snickered amongst themselves. Azul shot them a glare.)

"Hmm... I see that you're an ambitious man, Fellow-san. As a businessman myself, I must commend your drive," the merman drawled, "and I am willing to help make it a reality, provided you are also willing to pay the price. You can't get something for nothing, as I'm sure you know."

Fellow's stomach dropped. He had anticipated this, but it didn't make the gut punch any less painful. "What's it gonna cost me?"

"I'm not asking much. Just a token, really--a trifle! You'll never even miss it." Slime coated each of Azul's words. "What I want from you is... your unique magic."

He went cold, the color draining from him. From the couch, Gidel startled, suddenly alarmed. "Life is Fun?""

"Correct." Azul's smile seemed more like a smirk now. "From my understanding, your spell is able to enhance one's optimism, making the subject more susceptible to suggestion and taking risks. Not only that, but it is subtle enough to avoid detection. It would be a great boon to have at my disposal. I could easily dispel any doubts my clients may have about signing a contract."

"But that's...! That's...!" Fellow sputtered, unable to come up with a coherent argument.

"That is my offer, Fellow-san. It's non-negotiable." Azul looked him up and down. Not that he has much else to offer.

"Tch...!"

He weighed the options.

Riches for his magic. A magic so measly that mightier mages spat upon it. His magic for riches. Riches so vast he could jumpstart his dream, ensure a golden future for him and Gidel.

Azul's words coiled around him like constrictive tentacles.

"I'm not asking much. Just a token, really--a trifle! You'll never even miss it."

Fellow wavered.

Maybe I should take the deal...

"...!!"

Gidel rose from the couch and tackled Fellow, latching onto an arm. Fellow stumbled backwards, nearly crashing into a bookshelf.

"W-Whoa! Hey, watch it, Giddie!!" he yelped, trying to pry the boy off of him. "Can't 'cha see I'm thinkin' here?!"

Fellow abruptly stopped. Gidel gazed at him with wide, pleading eyes. Wetness coated the corners, tears threatening to spill.

It's a part of you. It's yours. Don't give it up, he begged.

"Giddie..." Fellow's hand sank into Gidel's hair and ruffled it. "... Thanks for that. I needed it."

His resolve returned to him, hardening into steel. Turning back to Azul, Fellow replied, "Sorry, I've changed my mind. I think I'll work things out on my own."

"!!" Gidel beamed proudly.

"Are you certain? These endeavors can be a challenge without sufficient financial backing," Azul warned.

"Positive. I don't wanna kiss up to some board of investors to move up in the world!" Fellow seized Gidel's oversized sleeve. "C'mon, we've got places to be!"

"Well!" Azul huffed, looking displeased. "If you think you can manage!"

"We can, no worries!"

With that, Fellow steered himself and Gidel out of the VIP Room. They skipped along, humming a jolly tune. Azul waited for their sound to completely vanish before he jerked his head to the twins.

"I thought you said they'd be easy marks," he bellowed.

"Perhaps we misjudged," Jade suggested, brows upturned. "The child appears to act as Fellow-san's conscience--and a rather effective one, at that."

"We did almost get them though!" Floyd protested. "Hook, line, and sinker!!"

Azul sighed deeply. "There's no helping it. What's done is done. This time, they got away from us--but it's alright. At the very least, we've got their money!"

Silence threaded the room.

"... I said, at the very least, we've got their money." Azul stared at the twins, who were strangely quiet. "We DO have their money, correct?"

"My, I may have neglected to disclose our prices to Fellow-san," Jade said with a smile. "It seems he was under the impression that the Mostro Lounge's offerings were as free as the cafeteria's buffet is."

"And since we know you're soooo generous, we thought it would be okay to let'm eat their fill to rack up those points~" Floyd added. "'Sides, Jade and I wanted to see how you'd get along!"

Azul's expression splintered. "... So you two allowed Fellow-san and Gidel-san to dine and dash? All to get a rise out of me?"

"You could phrase it like that, yes."

"Yup~!!"

Panic immediately set in. His mind raced, running the calculations simultaneously. How many tens of hundreds of thaumarks he was losing out on.

Azul pushed past the nonchalant Leeches and to the door. Gathering all of his breath, he hollered down the hallway.

"All Mostro Loungs staff on deck, this is an order from your manager!! I want that redheaded fox beastman and his cat accomplice captured and brought to me STAT!! Is that clear?!"

"Wow, Azul's really losin' it!" Floyd cackled. "It was worth all that trouble just to see this~"

"I couldn't agree more, Floyd. Fufufu, there is never a dull day in Octavinelle."

[rath00ker]

NEW MANGA YUU JUST DROPPED

[sunny2ply]

[cerealmonster15]

every time I see this meme I think of Them

[rainbowsillz]

Azul Ashengrotto. | Character interaction | Genre: Dark?

⤷ Summary: He realized that everything was unreal. This world, his life, a mere playground for others in sake for entertainment.

He has always liked your expressions, it's a shame he can't touch or feel your warmth, although the first time that he defied his code, he has learned to pretend, reading his scripts, sometimes he can't help himself, he craves to see and hear you... more clearly.

“Shall we have a discussion together?”

Had you known, if only.. if only, you could reverse your time. You would not download this game as your friends suggested you.

Your future self lamented about your fate.

As you pondered what type of event was this about.

“Free of charge, let's say, it won't be harmful to you.”

It was a blatant lie, to cross a bridge, one must pay the toll.

The white haired merfolk addressed with a wide smile, there were options of words to choose. Yes or no, it depends with you.

....But then you can't move anything nor press on them.

You were albeit— curious about it, who wouldn't be? You were creeped out that there weren't the usual monologues.

“What the heck....? Did the system crash...?”

How could he had forgotten? You seemed spooked by this.

“Not Yuu's answer, I want your answers.”

You must be delusional, no, how... can a freaking 2D character verbalize with you, right—? Right? Have you lose it yet-?! And in perfect English too? He seems quite fluent in this... somehow?

“I'm going to 'delete' you out of this, I swear.”

That earned a fit of laughter from Azul as he gazed at you, with a hand on his chest and back with his feigned sorrows at you.

Despite the fact that he was in a sprite and on the screen.

His utterances to you will haunt you days and nights.

Your terrified face reflected in his narrowed turquoise pupils.

“I'm afraid you don't have the privilege, my dear player. Not when I already found a way to take you to Twisted Wonderland.”

[yuri-is-online]

Azul “WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU SHOT PEOPLE INTO THE SKY TO A ROCK?!??!” Ashengrotto

I'd also like to bring up the point that while there's water breathing potions I doubt they have anything to protect from the crushing depth of the deep ocean so I think he'd as freak the fuck out over the fact that humans have been that deep underwater. Very much in a WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!? HUMANS CANT GO THERE!” kind of cay

YES

I think twisted wonderland might have something that would allow humans to transform into merfolk, which would allow them to go into the deep ocean depending on the type of mer they became, but the concept of humans going as they are in submersibles is just odd. Then again he supposes your world doesn't have magic or merfolk so they don't have to worry about bothering anyone. Same with going to space, Azul's hatred of flying cannot be understated the thought of going that far up willingly is just so beyond him.

Azul is a very profit minded person, but his specialty and passion lies in hospitality and fixing niche problems. Space and deep sea exploration don't seem like fields he would want to expand his business into. He might be interested in the logistics of investing in those sorts of things? But the actual mechanics would just mystify him. The moon in the fucking sky give him a break.

[snailsrneat]

Azul Valentines Headcanons

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁

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

You can't tell me that this boy isn't the most nervous mf in the world when it comes to romance.

He ain't as bad as say Riddle or Deuce, but he's a close third place.

The poor boy doesn't even realize his feelings for the prefect until very late into their time together.

And when he realizes boy oh man is embarrassed.

Like he's supposed to be this emotionless businessman, powerful mage, and dangerous octomer, and here he is falling at your feet to beg you to just please let him take you out on a date.

And you're just some magicless human.

You're HIS magicless human.

And he'll be damned by the sea witch herself if he doesn't get that date with you.

Eventually after a lot of time and thought, he prepares the perfect date for you two. You of course saying yes(please say yes or else he'll have an anxiety attack in the VIP room in octavinelle).

He shows up to ramshackle dressed to the nines with flowers and whisks you away to your little rondevu.

You guys have a little picnic together in the woods just outside the campus, the scene is picturesque in a way.

Birds chirping whilst you two converse softly, staring lovingly into eachothers eyes, the wind blowing your hair out of your faces, the bright red blush covering Azul's pretty face.

There he gets down on one knee like he's about to ask to marry you but instead he grabs your hands and asks to be your boyfriend.

Who would say no to this man?

Once you say yes, he pulls you together and kisses you with such deep passion it almost makes you tear up.

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

Look, I know it's not February anymore, and I had originally planned to put this out on azuls birthday but some things happened and it got pushed back. But it's here now so ye :]

[the-travelling-witch]

saw this template and immediately knew who it reminded me of

i think it’s pretty fitting except for riddle who’d probably be one second away from collaring floyd (if it wasn’t floyd next to him though it’d be accurate again bc you can’t tell me he knows how to play uno or any other card game)

[merakiui]

Glorious Masquerade coming out tmmrw which means I can finally know the answer to THE most important question in TWST:

How did Idia get his hair to be short?

- Amethyst Anon

WAIT OMG YOU'RE RIGHT!!!!! :O I think he just pulled it up and pinned it??? Maybe the excess hair is hidden under his hat. :D or perhaps it's a magic thing??? I feel as if the answer is so obvious and simple, but I'm merely overthinking it LOL.

BUT!!!!! I'm very excited!!!! >w< I only have 50 summons saved for Mr. Azul, but I'm determined to bring tako home. This is my dream and my delusion all in one: he will come home!!! orz good luck bringing home anyone if you are summoning, Amethyst anon!!!!

[crystallizsch]

The thought came to me randomly buuuut I wonder....would Yuusha judge my yuusona for liking Azul? Because I KNOW Jovie would judge her back for liking Jamil if she did

oh yuusha would - and i wouldnt blame jovie for doing the same ;;;

jamil 🤝 azul (using the prefect to try and get what he wants and failing)

them: yeah he's the one for me

━━━━━━✦

i know there's more nuance and depth behind it but simplifying it this way is so funny 😭

anyways yuusha would still be chill with jovie regardless :3

bc yuusha respects azul even though she does NOT like him (like she respects him more than she dislikes him if that makes sense)

so she's (mostly) honest when she says she's happy for jovie

yuusha's questioning jovie's tastes while hers is basically the same guy but in a different flavor (and she knows it)

[nisobird]

divider here!

HELLOO! I'm Niso! mainly a twisted wonderland and HSR fan artist who draws mainly oc x canon („• ᴗ •„) hope you enjoy your stay on my blog!

Estella and Niss are the main ocs of my blog, yet i also have more twisted wonderland ocs that i'm also gonna leave on this post! (as you can notice i love the little mermaid...)

stars divider here

INFO!

my ask box is open!

you can ask anything about my ocs (please pleasepleas/J) I'll be more than happy to answer!

or if you want to just ask anything, show me your ocs or chat!

About my art

since i'm an uni student i can't draw much but if we are mutuals and you wanna suggest an art trade i have no problem ⸜(*ˊᗜˋ*)⸝ just it's gonna take me some time lol

if you want to use some of my art as an icon just ask honey !

sometimes i also open comissions on my free time! currently closed tho but i'll anounce here if open them again !

aside from twisted wonderland, i have in mind to post art about my other fandoms but that will be in the future lol

SOCIAL MEDIA

tumblr is literally the only social media where i post my art constantly lol but here these are if you want to follow me or something! (♡˙︶˙♡)

ART FIGHT - NeoNiso

TWITTER (X) - softnoctua

INSTAGRAM - Nisozzz

Proshippers DNI AND PLEASE DNI if you are those who like being weird towards the twisted wonderland students :) ty

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

sooooooooooo for the NRC family day interactions, i'm curious to see what would happen if riddle and step-dad ashengrotto met in the wild, because riddle has expressed that recently he's gotten interested in law. it would b cool for him to chat with the canon lawyer who taught azul about laws n contracts.

plus the whole, riddle being unsure actually because his whole life his parents had plans for him and planned for him on becoming a healer like them, but now he's interested in something else. n while i kno he reads about law, it would give him a lot of insight to actually, speak to someone who does this for a living, who maybe even suggests ideas of finding a way to combine both medicine and law, like medical law (branch of law) or medical jurisprudence (branch of medicine).

and other stuff too.

idk i just think a conversation between the two could be interesting, even outside of like, riddle's own interest in law; like another interesting thing would b his whole, family/homelife situation & the fact that riddle hints that his parents don't really get along that well + knowing that step-dad ashengrotto met mama ashengrotto while she was filing for divorce... just lots of ideas in me brain i think.

idk hopefully this isn't unintelligible sdfjsdklfd thank youuuuuuu

Thank you for submitting this really interesting idea ^^ This one is really long compared to the others, so I slapped a cut in to make scrolling by easier. This fic borrows ideas from a theory that I talked about a few days ago?

I don't know if I've ever mentioned this before, but I think it's cool that Azul not only has a stepdad, but actually gets along with him. Rarely do I see divorce portrayed as a positive thing (I mean, how often do we see wicked stepparents or a child that refuses to accept the stepparent), so Azul's family was really refreshing to see.

Not me taking inspiration from the divorce lawyer in Enchanted and various characters from Ace Attorney for stepdaddy Ashengrotto—

Family means Nobody is Left Behind or Forgotten.

The cafeteria was packed, and the ghost chefs were working overtime to feed the influx of hungry guests. Staff, students, and their family members had been coming in and out throughout the day, leaving not many tables open and the food line long. Some had taken to sitting cross-legged on the floor or spilling out into the hallway to make space for new arrivals.

One look at the gaggle of people along the walls and on the ground, and Mrs. Rosehearts had turned up her nose. "I won't have you sitting like a barbarian, Riddle. We'll find you a proper seat. Look, there’s one now. You sit—I’ll see what they have available on the menu and fetch you an appropriate meal.”

“Yes, mother.”

Riddle shifted uncomfortably at a cramped table. He dared not falter in his posture. Back straight, head high, hands neatly folded in his lap. He was a rose among those deemed the weeds called riffraff.

… It’s noisy, Riddle noted.

Indeed, it was. The cafeteria buzzed with activity, students exchanging chatter and laughter with their loved ones. Sharing bites of food and stories, nourishing their bellies and their souls.

A memory clad in flowers filled his mind.

“Riddle!”

He was back in the Heartslabyul gardens, colorful decorations and card soldiers in every direction. Flamingos and hedgehogs at the ready, the roses painted red, a dormouse in the tea pot. Cakes, tarts, and finger sandwiches sliced up and served with tea.

Ace and Deuce were arguing over something silly again. By the sumptuous spread of snacks, Cater was snagging pictures before so much as a bite. In the memory, Riddle made to tell them off, only to be stopped by the vice dorm leader at his side.

“They have so much energy,” Trey had remarked. “It’s livelier than usual today.”

Yes, that was the right word for it. Not noisy, but lively.

How curious that dining at Night Raven College is like this. At home…

There was a lone platter set for him, a sad, limp little square of food in the center. His mother, arms folded, to the right. His father, trembling in his chair, to the lift. Raised voices and scathing remarks.

Some days the dining room was empty altogether, save for himself and stacks of textbooks. When he did crossword puzzles and sudoku, the vocabulary and the numbers kept him company.

His heart twinged. Riddle frowned and curled a hand over his chest, as if trying to soothe the pain.

What is this? Why… do I feel this way?

"Excuse me, young man."

He jolted upright.

An older gentleman in glasses was beside him. His hair, peppered with streaks of white, was neat, and he was dressed in an even neater suit. He smelled like salt wrapped in a sea breeze, faint citrus and sunshine.

The stranger gestured to the spot beside Riddle. “Pardon me if I disturbed your train of thought. I wanted to ask if this seat was taken. I need a quick place to rest my legs, then I’ll be out of your way.”

Riddle took a quick glance at the line—which still snaked around the room, but at least his mother had vanished from view. Relief. “It’s open. Please, sit.”

“Thank you.” The man slipped in next to Riddle. He sighed, just as relieved as the boy was. “Much appreciated. I hope I’m not stealing this seat from one of your parents.”

“Not to worry, sir. Only my mother is with me today, and it seems like it will be quite a while before she returns," Riddle reassured him. “My father is preoccupied with work, so he was unable to attend."

It was partially true. Whenever possible, his parents actively avoided each other. Strategically taking specific hospital shifts just so happened to be a means to that end.

"I'm here with my wife and son myself, they're perusing the food. A shame about your father. Really. Perhaps he'll be able to attend next year."

"Perhaps."

Riddle hoped not.

He looked away, dodging the man's eyes. Fearing that his own would betray him.

A glint of gold snagged his sight, and Riddle's heart leapt. Pinned to the stranger's lapel was a small pin depicting the scales of justice.

The man took notice. "I see you've spotted my bar association badge."

"You're a lawyer, sir?" Riddle's question came out small.

"That's right." He tilted his head to one side. His smile was slight, yet encouraging. "Might you have an interest in law, young man?"

"Ah, well..." Riddle instinctively looked to the line again before his gaze darted back to his conversational partner. "Y-Yes, I suppose you could say that. However, I'm aware that it is a big commitment, and I have already resolved to pursue magical medicine."

"A career like that can be fulfilling as well," the man said kindly. "I have colleagues that specialize in medical malpractice and negligence. We also sometimes work with forensic scientists for certain cases.

"There is most certainly crossover between the legal and healthcare sectors. You could consider looking into those fields as a middle ground between your two interests."

Riddle blinked.

"Did I overstep my bounds?"

"No, I just..." Hesitation. "I'm not used to speaking like this."

"About your future?"

No, Riddle wanted to correct him, it's being given advice and suggestions, rather than expectations and orders.

"About straying from the path," he said, a quick half-truth. "It's difficult to compromise, even if the options exist out there."

"Hmm." The man nodded understandingly. "Changing course can be scary, yes. I don't fault you for thinking that way. If it would help in any way, you are free to ask me questions about my own experience. I'm no medical lawyer, but hearing it from the horse's mouth has helped some of my clients before."

"You would offer such a thing...?"

The man's eyes shone with the trace of a contained laugh. "I don't charge for the first consultation," he joked.

"Then..." Hope crept into Riddle's voice. "Could you tell me about your own specialization?"

"My firm mainly deals with cases of divorce."

Divorce.

The word was bitter on Riddle's tongue as he swallowed it. But the lawyer spoke it with such ease, like it was nothing more than the weather forecast for the day.

Divorce, divorce.

It had always been an option for Riddle's parents since the first problems had started between them, but never seriously considered, never discussed. His mother would sooner die than confess she was anything but right, that she had made the mistake of choosing the wrong man. And what would the community think? What would they say?

As a child most foolish, Riddle had prayed to the Queen of Hearts to share her secret to a successful marriage. No answer ever came, and it was then that he realized: divorce was never in the cards for his parents.

The man carefully took in Riddle's frozen expression. "It happens. I see it a lot in my line of work—and it is one hundred percent normal. People are like castles in the sand, you see. They change, their feelings change. They fall out of love. Part of my job is to ensure that the separation occurs smoothly.

"There is stigma attached to the concept of divorce, that it ruins families and brings them great shame. But sometimes a family is better apart than together, and they can find new happiness once they've picked up the pieces. Cutting ties can be the most liberating feeling in the entire world.

"I speak from experience myself. I met a lovely, bright-minded woman while she was going through her own divorce proceedings. Now that woman is my wife, and her son, my own."

Riddle's brows knitted. Disbelief and confusion crowned his features. "It almost sounds like a fairy tale. Can such a drastic change truly lead to happiness?"

"For me, it did. It may not be the case for you, because you and I are different people."

"Th-Then tell me!!" Riddle stood, slamming his hands on the table. Food and silverware rattled, people stared. He didn't care, his volume spiking. "How? How do I do that...? Please tell me. I don't... I don't know how to do it myself."

"That, I cannot say."

"Why not?! You... You said you would help me!"

"I did say that, didn't I? I said I would help you by talking about my own experiences. Tricky thing, wording. It's easy to overlook the fine print." The man pointed at him. "The rest is in your hands."

"I can't do a single thing," Riddle protested. It felt like roses were choking him. "My hands are tied. My path was determined a long time ago. Change is absolutely unacceptable."

The lawyer regarded him coolly. "Let me tell you something, young man. The law is the law because there is a human element to it, no matter how impartial, how black and white, we try to be. We write the laws, act on them, and interpret them. Likewise, you, too, are responsible for that interpretation.

"What is right, what is wrong, and what role you must play therein... these are things you alone determine, whether that be in career, in love, or in life. You are your own judge, and the decider of your own destiny. It is something only you are capable of, and no one else but you."

Riddle reeled his head, reacting as though he'd just been decked.

Right and wrong... The role I must play... Something only I can do?

Someone had told him something similar not too long ago. The words harsher then, and paired with a sound punch to the face.

"Is that all you are?!" Ace had demanded, fist clenched, still raw from making contact with his dorm leader's cheek. "An extension of your mom? Can't you think for yourself?"

The twinge to his chest had returned. Stronger, sharper. Like thorns tearing into his skin.

"... I see," Riddle said slowly. "I think I understand it a little better now."

"I'm glad to hear it." The man's smile broadened. He looked at something beyond Riddle, then rose from his seat. "Well, if you'll excuse me... It seems my family has finished their business. We should get going now."

"Of course. Thank you very much for speaking with me, sir." He humbly lowered his head to the man,

A voice came from behind the redhead. "Oya, what a surprise. If it isn't Riddle-san."

He immediately bolted up in horror. The dorm leader of Octavinelle stood before him, lips cocked into a smirk. A woman with the same silvery hair was next to him, cut in a sleek black gown and with seashells in her jewelry.

"Wha--?! Azul...?! What are you..." Riddle faltered with both his words and his calm.

"Oh? Is it a crime to come collect one's stepfather?" The merman sighed dramatically. "I was going to come over sooner, you know—but it looked as though you two were having quite the engaging conversation. I thought it rude to interrupt and cut it short."

Riddle's head whipped back to the lawyer. "Th-This is your stepfather?!"

"Azul, I didn't realize this lad was your friend. We were just having a nice talk about career goals."

"Career goals, you say? My, that sounds so interesting." There was something unsavory, slimy even, about the way Azul emphasized his interest. "I'm jealous, Riddle-san. We've shared our dreams with one another before, but never on such an intimate level."

"And just who in their right mind do you think would willingly divulge that information to you? Don't act as though we're friends."

Azul smiled wryly. "Aren't we? After all, we've been through both hell and high water together."

"It sounds to me like you boys are good chums," Mr. Ashengrotto remarked, exchanging raised eyebrows with his wife, "though you certainly have a strange way of showing it."

"Why haven't you told us about him, Azul?" his mother asked. "I'd love to have him over for dinner."

"Riddle-san can be surprisingly shy. I wouldn't wish to cast a spotlight on him."

"Who's shy here?! All you've been doing since you showed up is put me on the spot!"

Mrs. Ashengrotto put a hand over her mouth, stifling a chuckle. “If you visit us, Azul could invite his other friends—do you know them? The Leech twins. You could all get to know each other, and that could help you get out of your shell.”

“N-No thank you, ma’am!!” Riddle said (perhaps a little too loudly, and too quickly). The farther away I stay from those sketchy brothers, the better!! I wouldn’t be caught dead trying to cozy up to them!

“No? Maybe another time then. The offer is always there. Come to us when you're comfortable with it, dear.

"I guarantee you won't regret it," Mr. Ashengrotto chimed in. "She makes the best food I've ever had under the sea. Azul could pack away an entire bucket of her fried..."

Azul loudly cleared his throat. "While this chat has been amusing, I believe it's time we stopped hounding the poor, unfortunate soul and moved to the next item on our itinerary. I'm sure that Riddle-san is busy with his own matters as well."

"Yes, my mother will be back soon with lunch."

"That so? We'll be on our way then. Wouldn't want to disrupt your time together." Mr. Ashengrotto tenderly squeezed his wife's arm. His other hand found its way onto Azul's shoulder. "Have a happy Family Day, Riddle."

"Happy family day to you too."

With that, Azul and his parents departed. Their mouths moved, their expressions changed, playing off of one another. Saying things Riddle couldn't hear, nor understand even if he could hear.

The rose-red ruler, entrenched in a sea of people, was left with many thoughts racing through his head. Those gathered in the cafeteria, Heartslabyul, the Ashengrottos...

One question lingered like the last vestiges of sunlight on a lazy summer day.

Are these... what families are meant to be like?