#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.

[r-aindr0p]

I still have 3 hours left of waiting before I can resume my progress in book 6 with every team at once so here's a few shitposts in the meanwhile, it's really fun to read so far

I went to bed around 5 am yesterday, hopefully I go through the second half before that time tonight (after the last 3hours of waiting-)

[broh3m3]

azul and riddles

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

I want mama leech to beat up mama roseheart

But in all seriousness, I want mama Ashengrotto and mama Spade to talk about how much they love their boys and how proud they are of them (bonus points if you have the boys being bashful/embarrassed)

I remember seeing a fan art where Mrs. Rosehearts nags Mrs. Leech about her "indecent" outfit (because she's a mermaid; she's not used to concealing and constrictive clothes)... and then Mrs. Leech calls Riddle's mom an "old bitch" or something 😭Mr. Leech has to step in before the two throw down.

Decided to go with the second prompt because I'd like to avoid (physical) fights on NRC Family Day if possible! ^^

Family means Nobody is Left Behind or Forgotten.

"There's this really cool on-campus cafe, mom. Here, I'll take you there for dinner--my treat!"

Well, he had stayed true to his word. His butt was planted in a cushy, plum- colored booth, Dylla seated across from him. She swiveled her head around every few seconds, her glossy mouth agape as she took in her new aquatic surroundings. The jellyfish fixtures overhead, the glass partition separating salt water and seaweed from the eatery, the bar with its shelves of rare tea along one wall.

And their waiter?

"A-Ashengrotto-senpai," Deuce greeted him nervously, "you're working the floor today?"

The merman had shockingly dressed down, casting off his hat, scarf, and the dorm leader's jacket he draped over his shoulders. He was in a violet bowtie and simple white button-down shirt, his sleeves rolled up past his elbows, suspenders and a cummerbund accentuating his slight waist. A lightweight, flexible look for squeezing through tight spaces and sliding dishes onto tables before darting away to the next task.

"Yes." His clear blue eyes flicked up from his notepad. With a bare hand, Azul indicated the crowded restaurant. "As you can see, the Mostro Lounge is quite busy today. Normally I work in the back and oversee the establishment--but on days like this, a manager must be willing to roll up his sleeves and walk the talk."

"Oh, it's nice of you to step up like that!" Deuce perked up. "Your parents don't mind you being busy...?"

"Let us say it is a family affair." Azul removed the pencil from behind his ear and tapped it on his note pad. "Now then, do you and your sister need more time to decide what to order?"

"Sister!!" Dylla gasped. "Ahahahah, you didn't tell me your classmates were so funny, Deuce!"

"M-Mom...!!"

"Oya, have I made a mistake?" Azul's lips pulled back into a smirk. His words were slick and sweet--perhaps overly so. "I could have sworn that this beautiful, vibrant young lady was your sister. Your age doesn't show one bit, ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you. Deuce-san and I go way back."

"Really?! He didn't really mention you in his calls back home. It was mostly about Ace-kun, Yuu-kun, and Grim-kun... Was I missing something?" Dylla asked, shooting her son a questioning look.

He gulped. Sweat started to bead on his forehead. "E-Er... Ashengrotto-senpai helped me study for the fall finals," Deuce said vaguely. No deals, no anemones, no indentured servitude mentioned.

"Did he? What a helpful senpai!! It sounds like you're keeping real busy between the tutoring and the part-time job."

"You humble me, Mrs. Spade! I wouldn't be able to run as successful of an operation as I do without the support of the rest of my team." Azul's grin grew. "And, of course, without Deuce-san's own efforts. I commend him for his commitment to the pursuit of academics."

"I know, right?" Dylla belted out a laugh and smacked her son--hard--on the arm. "Deuce is the hardest working man I know!! He did so much to turn his life around since his middle school days, went completely clean. It brings a tear to this old lady's eyes."

Deuce was peony at this point, flushed with pride and embarrassment. “I-It wasn’t much,” he mumbled, bashfully scratching his chin.

"Oh, you don't say... I'm intrigued. I would love to hear more about these tumultuous middle school days," Azul purred, leaning forward--his pencil and notepad at the ready, "and how Deuce-san has changed since then."

Cheeks lit aflame and cherry red, Deuce piped up. "M-Mom, PLEASE!! W-We're here to eat. We can't keep holding up Ashengrotto-senpai when he's got so many tables to wait on."

"My bad, kiddo! Can you fault your mom for wanting to chitchat with your classmates?" Dylla chuckled, shuffling her menu. "... I'm just glad you have so many good friends and reliable upperclassmen looking after you at school."

"Reliable upperclassmen? That sounds like my Azul for you. He's always been one to lend a hand to a poor, unfortunate soul in need--takes after his grandmother in that respect."

The octopus merman stumbled, almost dropping his writing implement. A full-bodied woman in a sleek jet-black gown emerged from the sea of guests and wait staff. She ferried a wicker basket piled with warm bread rolls, which she laid out before the Spades with a smile.

"Fresh out of the oven," she chirped, "and complimentary for Family Day, so eat up!"

"M-Mother," Azul sputtered--and was it Deuce's imagination, or was his senior's calm slipping? "I thought we had agreed you would stay in the kitchen and allow me to handle the front."

"You hadn't come in for a while now to pick up the bread rolls for this table, so I thought to come out and deliver them myself. Can't keep the customers waiting, you know!" Mrs. Ashengrotto wagged a finger at him, as if telling off a misbehaving dog.

Deuce and Dylla took a deep whiff of the rolls. They smelled rich and hearty of wheat fields and butter on a warm summer's day. The steam from the basket rolled up, coloring their faces pink and causing them to salivate.

"You made these yourself? They smell so good!" Dylla clapped her hands in delight as she plucked up a roll. "I can only make basic egg dishes! Baking is a whole different set of skills."

"I dabble a bit here and there! Baking is primarily a human thing, dear--but when Azul came back from his land boot camp, babbling about all this 'baking' nonsense, I knew I had to try it with him."

Azul had frozen, his eyes wide with panic. "I think that's enough sharing, mother!"

"So Ashengrotto-senpai was a diligent worker back then too..." Deuce clenched a hand into a fist. "That's so impressive!"

"Isn't it? Azul absolutely loves to learn new things! Didn't have many friends in his youth, so he'd study the day away curled up in his little pot--"

"Aaaaaaah, MOTHER...!" Azul yanked away from her and, placing both hands on her shoulders, attempted to steer her away. "I think I heard a new order being called in! You should tend to that this instant!"

"Wait, I didn't get to finish hearing the story!!" Dylla protested. She had a mouthful of bread, so her pleading was somewhat garbled. "What was that about a pot?!"

“H-Hold on, mom…! Sit down and chew your food first, or you might choke!!”

Their shouts mingled with the noises of the lounge. People, both children and parents alike, sipping slow jazz and eating up the underwater atmosphere, the air spiked with salt. Somewhere along the way, their voices were lost, becoming one with the group—like the many waves of the ocean weaving together in a larger body.

Mothers and sons, the bonds tight as that of the moon and its serene sea.

[rizdoodles]

Akshara and chcoo meet up for first time

(Akshara may look lean and small but stronger than you think)

Choco! Choco? I think... Choco isn’t paying attention to the prefect???

Choco! Make an effort! It’s rude to snub people! 😠🫵

[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

[rath00ker]

NEW MANGA YUU JUST DROPPED

[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.

[ocean-blue-orchids]

Ok I’m going stir crazy I need to write

Send me an ask with your TWST Oc’s introduction post and I’ll tell you what shady deals Azul would make with them (and also how my 3 Octavinelle ocs would interact with them during that time)

If it’s a Ramshackle Prefect I’ll assume it’s chapter 3. If it’s not, I’ll either take suggestions or you can let me cook up something devious

These will probably be bullet points with an excerpt of the contract and maybe a little Drabble

[dgiterart]

*a normal conversation between to friends..?*

Elay(digiter): I'm in love with jade any thoughts..?

Shuu( @oya-oya-okay ): and prayers your gonna need them....*thought* or is it him that needs it?*thought*🤔

I can literally imagine this interaction between these two 😂😂😂

[kittycatred]

Ghostie!! Im so glad you respawned!!

Did it hurt when Dark killed you? He feels awful for it, but are you okay?

Is this the game you originated from ?? Is that why you're here now?

Im glad your not er....transparent anymore though!!

"w—okay again, who the hell is 'ghostie' ?? that sounds as if a child came up with that name ?! and— stop calling me that !! my nametag clearly says azul !!"

"....'dark'.....'killed'....?? ive— ive never died im so...confused....?"

"or well, i might as WELL be dead whilst being in this retail loop !! do you fathom how long ive tried to get out of this job !! i want to be an author for cursors sakes !!"

".....and, game....? transparency....? are you insane....?

"or well, it wouldnt put it past me if this WAS merely a game, theres already the rumors of beings such as "animators" existing, although id see it more as a curse, but no, this is unfortunately, my life."

".....surely im meant for more than just a cashier...right....?"

[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)

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

azul meeting leech parents and leech twins meeting ashengrotto parents?

Family means Nobody is Left Behind or Forgotten.

Azul meeting the Leech parents!

“Ahhh, you must be Mr. and Mrs. Leech. It’s wonderful to finally meet the parents of my dear vice dorm leader Jade and my invaluable associate Floyd. Azul Ashengrotto, at your service.”

His smile was dialed up to 11 as he produced business cards from within his jacket. One for the father and one for the mother, then an extra card apiece in case the first were lost or damaged. Azul handed them over with a flourish. Only Mr. Leech accepted a single card, slipping it from the boy by pincering his index and middle fingers like a crab’s claw.

He held it out for his wife—a hand covering her mouth, hiding her expression. Mr. Leech ran his own gaze over the printed text, reading simultaneously. Name, positions, contact information. His eyes slightly narrowed, in that almost imperceptible way that Jade’s did.

Ah, there’s the family resemblance.

“I would provide you with my own, but I’m afraid you would have to sign an NDA first. Due to the nature of my… occupation, there are many legal hoops for others to jump through.”

“An NDA!! I see that you’re a man after my own heart,” Azul gushed. “I’m a businessman myself, so I completely understand the importance of keeping trade secrets. Please, think nothing of it. Just keeping my information on file is enough for me.”

With a nod, Azul’s business card vanished into Mr. Leech’s suit. “Agreeable young man.”

It was difficult for Azul to hold his smirk at bay. Bingo. I’ve gotten an ‘in’.

“Ehhhh, how strange. You’re a little different in real life than how Jade and Floyd described you,” Mrs. Leech piped up, giggling.

“Oh? And how, may I ask, did they describe me?”

“Let’s see… What was it again? Do you remember their specific wording, angelfish?”

“I believe it was… ‘A cute, squishy crybaby with an absolutely terrible personality. High-strung and hopelessly greedy. Prod him in the right places and his composure will break down completely. A treat to bully.’ Something to that effect.”

“Wh-What…!!” Azul sputtered, his jaw agape. “I-I am no such thing!! I STRONGLY refute their claims.”

Those two…! Making me sound like an utter buffoon to their parents!!

“My, myyy~” Mrs, Leech drawled, latching onto her husband’s arm. “Did you see that just now? His cheeks turned bright pink and his eyes went sooo wide. He really is as adorable as Jade and Floyd said he is!”

“Is that so? Hmm… I’m getting hungry myself. The young man is starting to look rather appetizing.”

“A-Are you joking!?” Azul demanded, bolting up from his seat. “If so, I do not find this the least bit amusing…!!”

“Fufufu. Perhaps you can kindly recommend a hearty octopus dish or two from your eatery’s menu.”

“Ehehehe~ I’m so pleased that Jade and Floyd have such a fun friend around at school!”

“This is no laughing matter!!”

Jade and Floyd meeting the Ashengrotto parents!

“Mr. and Mrs. Ashengrotto.”

“Azul’s mom and dad!”

"It's nice to see you again, ma'am," the twins said in unison. They wore a matching smile, showing all of their sharp teeth. "And it's nice to finally meet you, sir."

“Ah, I recognize you.” Mrs. Ashengrotto’s eyes lit up with realization. “You’re the Leech boys that would come by and drag him out to play with you. You used to be so small—look at you now, you’ve grown so much!”

“Yup, that’s us!”

“We were little rascals back then. It was terrible of us to pull Azul away from his precious studies." Jade chuckled into one hand. "But not to worry, we've been on the straight and narrow ever since those childhood days. Isn't that right, Floyd?"

"Yeah, Jade~"

"It must be fate that you were brought back together at Night Raven College." Mr. Ashengrotto's laugh was warm and hearty, like a stew in the dead of winter. "What do you three get up to nowadays?"

"Lotsa stuff! Azul's got this whooole operation going on, and we're there to help him out," Floyd replied cryptically. "Jade and I advertise and do crowd control! Azul's the brains, he handles the plans and money and whatever."

"Advertise" as in, "luring unsuspecting souls into making deals" and "crowd control" as in, "dealing with debtors who tried to weasel out of those deals". Trinkets, money, talents. Everything Azul collected had a chance of being paid for in blood. Dirty prizes--but it was a secret none had to know.

"You work well as a group," Mrs. Ashengrotto remarked. "Reminds me of myself and my own restaurant staff!"

"Well, Azul does often speak about how he respects you. It does not surprise me that he works to live up to your sparkling reputation." Jade's eyes cut to a table across the way, where Azul was seated and chatting with his own parents. He appeared to be flustered about something, having risen from his seat, his mouth flapping in protest while Mr. and Mrs. Leech grinned widely. Jade himself smirked at the sight.

"He's been a blast to be around!" Floyd agreed, slinging an arm around his twin. "Azul's suuuch a good leader. Think we'll be stickin' with him to the ends of Twisted Wonderland and back, hehe."

"That's right, Floyd."

Until he becomes boring, he had once claimed. It had been winter break, and they were seated on the floor of Scarabia's lounge, mancala beads in hand. Azul had agreed, had already considered that inevitability.

But Moray eels were not known for their honesty. The truth, they only spoke out of his earshot.

"It's nice that you'll always be there for each other. I envy that deep bond you share." Mr. Ashengrotto raised his glass--provided free, courtesy of Azul. "A toast? To the future of our boys and their friendship."

Mrs. Ashengrotto followed her husband's lead. Then Jade, then Floyd.

Their glasses met in the middle with a resounding clink.

[thegoldencontracts]

She makes me feel something visceral I had to sketch it out

(don't question the Undertale ref Idek she just kinda reminds of papyrus for some reason)

[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)