#naera raumon

[midnight-bay-if]

Nsfw

RO reactions if the MC was wearing a very elaborate and delicate lingerie (hooks, straps, bows, knots, fragile lace) and challenged them to remove the lingerie without damaging it? Who's up for the challenge? (Who just rips the lingerie)

S: They are definitely up for the challenge. They are meticulous, careful, and patient. There will nigh be a thread out of place by the time they have reached the skin underneath.

Rain: Rain is floundering. They don't want to damage anything, but their hands are shaking and making the entire process painful. Their desperation will eventually lead to just tugging at the material.

Taj: No way. Don't even try it. If the lingerie can't survive being tugged, then in their eyes, it wasn't worth the money in the first place.

N: Oh, absolutely N will play your game, but you better expect punishment for making them wait. They will drag out every moment, slowly pulling it apart between whispered phrases of longing. In the end, you will be the one impatient for them.

Umbra: They can be careful when so inclined, but I fear they would be far too distracted by how intricate the lingerie is, and the fact you were wearing it for them. In the end, the desire to service you will win out and something is going to tear.

[midnight-bay-if]

What would the ROs do if they woke up to find the mc had left the room to sleep like on the couch or something because they didn’t want to wake the ROs up with nightmares?

S: Their eyes flutter open, noticing the hand they rested on your waist now clutches the cold sheets where you once lay. They do not hesitate to search for you but are stricken by what they find. You, curled into a ball on the couch, whimpering in fear from whatever haunts your dreams. It's a familiar picture, and it pains them that you feel obligated to bear it alone when you have been so gracious with their own nightmares.

Without a word, S carefully manoeuvres themselves on the couch so their chest is pressed against your back. They slide one arm under your head while the other cradles your arm, intertwining your fingers in theirs. "Do not isolate yourself needlessly, darling," they whisper, pressing a soft kiss to your shoulder. "We are aware of one another's darkness, yet here we remain. Please, do not starve me of my strength."

Rain: Rain is a light sleeper, so the moment the mattress rises from the lack of weight, their eyes flutter open to find you perched on the edge, readying yourself to leave. Before you can move, however, Rain reaches out, laying their hand atop yours, tugging your attention.

"Can't sleep?" They ask with a bleary smile.

"Nightmare," you repeat wearily, "It's okay. Go back to sleep. I'm going to sleep on the couch."

Rain's brow furrows, their lips thinning into a displeased frown. "Please stay. I don't like sleeping alone, you know?" They lean forward, pressing a soft kiss to the back of your hand that they hold. "If you are concerned about your nightmares keeping me awake, you needn't be. When alone, I do not sleep at all. I finally rest when I am beside you. Stay."

Taj: It takes until the morning for Taj to realise you sneaked out of bed in the night. Expecting to gather you in their arms the moment their eyes open, they are disappointed to find your side of the bed long cold. Grousing, they drag themselves out of bed to go hunt for you. They find you already in the kitchen making a pot of coffee, dishevelled hair and dark circles under your eyes.

"Didn't sleep well?" Taj queries, a cold stare you recognise all too well. It's the look of being perceived.

You shrug, trying to play off what you know they have already seen. "Nightmare," you offer, a slither of the truth, "but I didn't want to disturb you, so I tried sleeping on the couch."

Taj snarls, closing the distance and wraps their arms around your waist, resting their chin on your shoulder. "Don't do that."

"Do what?"

"Pretend. I hate it." Their breath hitches. "I didn't even realise you were gone. I hate that, too. Wake me next time."

"You know you hate it when I wake you."

"Not if you're scared. Not if you need me."

N: N stretches their limbs, cursing the crick in their back as equally as the hard lumps in your mattress. They really must convince you to purchase something a little more luxurious. You'll thank them later. Their eyes flutter open, expecting to see you pressed closely to them, your rhythmic breathing lulling them sweetly back to sleep. But you are gone. Instinctively, they want to reach out with their mind to locate you, but they push it back down. Boundaries.

It's still dark, but N has no problem navigating it. The apartment is small, so figuring out where you have gone doesn't take a genius. Moments later, they find you curled into a ball, shivering and whimpering in your sleep. They tut, shaking their heads.

"I really wish you would ask for help, my dear," they whisper to themselves, kneeling until they are level with you. They press a hand to your forehead, allowing some of their warmth to seep into your skin. "Allow me to lay to rest whatever is troubling you inside that noggin' of yours, love, or at least let me stand beside you. Do not hide from me."

Umbra: Usually, Umbra spends their nights curled up at your window or lying beside you, guarding your sleep against those who might impose. It mostly depends on you. They like watching you fall asleep pressed against them because sometimes, on occasion, they allow their own eyes to shut. They do not need to, but being with you inspires hopes of ordinary domesticity; it reminds them to live.

But it never lasts long. The moment you shift in your sleep, and the fidgeting and the whimpering starts, Umbra is awake and alert. They once asked S what they might do to help in such a situation, but there is no magic cure, just reassurance. "I am here," they whisper, unsure if you can hear. "You are safe. You are safe." The words are a safety net they sometimes question whether they know how to wield.

You wake with a start, shoving yourself to the other side of the bed, chest heaving and hands shaking. You stare at Umbra, eyes wide, fear gripping your throat. "I'm sorry. Did I disturb you?"

"No," Umbra replies simply. "You never could."

"Would you prefer me to sleep elsewhere?"

"Why would I prefer that?" They query, cocking their head to one side. "I cannot protect you if you are anywhere else."

(Hopefully this was okay!)

[midnight-bay-if]

Ro's reaction to MC who teasingly leans in to give them a kiss on the lips.... only to kiss them on the cheek on purpose *cough* on accident

S: They wait readily for the moment your lips press against their own, leaning forward in anticipation, only for you to artfully dodge their advance and kiss their cheek instead. Not wasting a moment, S reaches up to grasp your chin in their hand, firm enough to keep you still but not enough to restrain should you wish to break free.

"This will simply not do,” they mutter, leaning close enough to count the shades of colour in your eyes. “Now you have tantalised me, and I can be demanding when lured. Do not leave me wanting, darling."

Rain: They are smiling. A smile that quickly falls upon the location of your lips changing direction. They do not let you move far. Before you have even fully basked in their reaction, they are chasing you with their lips. You laugh, dodge, laugh again, and ultimately surrender to Rain's attack, letting them press a soft kiss to your lips.

"There," they whisper, pulling back barely a hair's breadth, "I used to be too afraid of the chase, MC, but no more."

Taj: They feel stupid for having waited for it. You leaned forward as usual; nothing about your body language suggested mischief, but it should have. The quick kiss on the cheek should have been sweet, but it wasn't enough. They want more. They swipe out a hand, fingers curling over the delicate line of your wrist to hold you in place. They bring your hand up against their chest, resting it against their beating heart.

"I've never enjoyed being teased, Koel," they mumble, ears twitching.

"Liar."

N: It's a game they play well. The kiss on the cheek does not come as a surprise, and N is already planning their next move. They smile languidly, their cheek resting on their hand, waiting for you to move again. And you do. You lean forward closer, readying yourself to relent to their waiting lips. They don't give you a chance. They lean to the side, pulling back just out of reach. Your sigh of frustration is music to their ears, and they laugh.

"I'm sorry, my dear, I could not resist..." This time, they initiate the advance, cupping your face and neck to keep you steady. "Allow me the chance to apologise properly."

Umbra: At first, they don't realise you are being playful. They see you tug on their sleeve, gesturing for them to lean forward slightly, so they do. They think you mean to tell them something, something for their ears alone. Instead, you gently kiss their cheek and pull back with a cheeky grin. But Umbra is still there. Still in the moment of your lips pressing against the cold expanse of skin.

They reach up, hands trembling, as they press the tips of their fingers against the heat of the spot your lips just were. "What did I do to earn that?”

[midnight-bay-if]

If the MC is the type who feel uncomfortable or disgust by even slight of contact, how would the ROs react to the first physical contact that MC deliberately made because they're comfortable around the ROs?

S: With anyone else, the touch may have been inconsequential - the slightest contact of fingers as they passed on a file to your waiting hand. A fervent apology teases the tip of their tongue, but when you do not flinch, it dies in their throat. In fact, you smile at them before turning around to the cabinet and filing the document away.

You seem entirely oblivious to how you have provoked their heart. Who knew the most tamest of touches could provoke such a stimulating heat?

"Is everything ok, S?"

"Undoubtedly so, MC; never better."

Rain: It had become a ritual for the two of you. After a long day, free time permitting, you would both curl up on the couch at a respectable distance, a large bowl of popcorn between you, and pick a VHS from your father's collection. For you, it's a way to relive parts of your childhood; for them, it's a way to become more acclimatised to human nature. It's something just for the two of you, something special.

Something made all the more remarkable when, whilst enraptured by the latest film pick, you both reach into the popcorn bowl, and your fingers brush against one another. Rain yanks the hand back, afraid to see you recoil from them, but you seem entirely unruffled.

Rain stares at you, nonplussed. You meet their gaze with a shrug before launching your sweet projectile at their nose. Laughter bubbles at the pit of their stomach, but the joy is brought upon them from an entirely different place.

What had they done to deserve this moment? To deserve all the moments? They have no answer, but it's worth everything.

Taj: Keeping personal space sacred was easy enough for them. In fact, when it became apparent you were not one for physical touch, Taj felt as if they might finally have something in common with you. Little else, mind, but in this, you could agree.

So, when Taj offers to share their pastry, they hope you do no protest when they tear it in half with their hands, handing one half to you with some trepidation. You smile, reaching out to take it, your fingers brushing against Taj's with only the lowering of your lashes to indicate you noticed at all.

Their thoughts run wild, the newfound tremor of their hand betraying their racing heart. Whether their increased heart rate is born of fear or longing, they cannot say, nor do they wish to dwell on the answer. It's stupid, ridiculous; they might care that you feel safe in their presence, and they don't know how to handle it.

"You're staring at me eating," you point out, a little self-conscious.

Taj shakes themselves, turning to their half, grateful for the distraction. "Eat up quickly. And don't tell Rain, or next time they'll be hounding me for their share."

N: It had been a difficult ask to get them to alter their habits. Intimacy was their most effective method of communication. It's what they knew. Words could be tricky, trying, and, more often than not, a trap. Touch was sensuous... soft... safe, at least for them. But, it was never anything you responded well to. So, they learned to curb their touch rather than their tongue, often tripping in the attempts.

But still, you responded. The newfound honesty their efforts brought to the surface was... alarming. The moment they lay a hand on your shoulder, instincts taking over, and you did not flinch, was more alarming still. When had it become okay? When was permission granted? They have to bite down their need to chastise, to chasten. How dare you lower your guard? They have done nothing to earn your confidence.

The venom of their thoughts does nothing to quell the overwhelming fondness threatening to sequester them.

"Too soft," they whisper through grit teeth. "Too weak." They know it is not you they speak of.

Umbra: It had been entirely by accident. Umbra dislikes the idea of touching another's skin just as readily as you while desperately yearning for it in the dark. It was nothing they ever permitted themselves to seek because nobody other than you would be sufficient. But it would be a cruelty to subject you to their chill, to the odorous stink of death that stalks them and keeps them cowed.

It should have frightened them how easily your arms wrapped around their waist despite their warnings. How you nuzzled against them, salving the affliction that has them chained. They shouldn't want it; now they have it and refuse to let it go.

"I know I ask much," they begin, feeling heat for the first time, "but may we stay like this a moment longer?"

(I got carried away again. Ah, well. Hopefully, they will be at least enjoyable.)

[midnight-bay-if]

How would the RO’s react to accidentally walking in on the MC changing during the crushing phase?

S: They already have their question prepped, glancing down at the papers in their hands with purpose. Their mind is cluttered, chaotic; they need to ask you now before the next item on their itinerary takes precedence. So, momentarily, manners are left aside. They push open the door to your bedroom, the question already on the tip of their tongue, when they come face to face with you, holding out a shirt to your bare torso to cover your modesty.

"Ah, apologies, MC!" They declare, whipping their face in the opposite direction to you so fast you would think they had been struck. "Forgive me; my question can wait." They leave the room without waiting for a response, closing it securely behind them. Red-faced, cheeks burning, they wait patiently beside the door, knuckles white from the grip on the paper.

They squeeze their eyes shut, desperate to push the mental image out of their mind. This is not how they first wanted to see your skin bared. "Idiot, Selby. Damn idiot."

Rain: Rain is still learning. Personal space and privacy were foreign concepts back home. So, when Rain decides they want to talk to you, they do not even stop to think about the closed door separating you from them. They push it open, stepping into the room without a second thought. When they see you standing there, half-dressed with wide eyes, their cheeks heat up, but otherwise, they do not blink.

"MC, I was thinking--"

"Rain!" You scold, doing your best to cover yourself more.

"Oh," Rain mumbles, some of Selby's etiquette lessons coming to the surface of their mind. "This is rude, isn't it?" Mortification wraps into guilt, and Rain quickly turns their back. "So sorry, MC! I forgot! I wasn't trying to look, I swear!"

It's a lesson they will not forget again.

Taj: As far as they are concerned, they are trapped in your suffocating apartment against their will. They could be at the Selby Manor with their own room, filled with home comforts and surrounded by quiet gardens with only the birds for company. Instead, they are pacing one room with headphones on, doing their best to drown out Rain's incessant chatter. So, when they decide to push open the door of your bedroom without knocking, are they doing it on purpose to be irritating? Yes. But would they have done it if they knew they would greeted with the sight of your bare, flushed skin? No. Of course not.

"Fuck!" They exclaim, slapping a hand over their eyes. "Couldn't you put up a sign?! Or, I don't know, fucking tell us you are getting changed!"

"But it's my room--"

Taj doesn't wait for you to finish your sentence, slamming the door shut behind them. They drop their forehead against the door's wood, breathing heavily against it. When the image of you doesn't immediately dissipate, they begin banging their head against it.

"Stop thinking about it. Do. Not. Think. About. It. Damn it, S is going to kill me."

N: If anything, it is your fault. You have already expressed an interest in a quiet mind in moments of solitude. N is only trying to accommodate your requests. So, when N stumbles upon you half-naked, it is only because you asked them to come to find you in person should they wish to discuss anything.

Your startled cry as you cover yourself with your shirt is adorable, actually.

"Oh, MC, you really shouldn't have," they tease, smirking, leaning against the door frame. "If I had known your mental blocking was intending to entice me into your room, I would have come in sooner."

"I wasn't..." You huff, the frustration they find so endearing bubbling to the service. "Please leave."

They shrug. "Have it your way, my dear," they reply, pushing off the doorframe. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me."

Umbra: They have spent far too much time on the outskirts of civilisation, watching from afar. Boundaries are a new concept to them. Learning human behaviour from the shadows at a distance has left their education in some areas needing improvement. Umbra is just excited to be close to you, always. Even if you can't necessarily see they are present, they would happily watch you from the darkness.

There was never anybody around to teach them it was wrong.

You taught them enough to announce their presence - that they no longer need to skulk in the shadows. You are happy to have them near. But the lesson failed to teach them that sometimes they have to wait for a response before entering your space.

They knock sharply, already reaching for the door handle. "MC, It's Umbra. I'm announcing myself," they state bluntly, pushing the door open, made all the quicker by the startled yell you release as your feet tangle in your pant leg. Umbra shoots to your side, dismissing your half-nakedness in favour of checking for injury. "MC, are you okay?"

"It was a good attempt, Umbra," you say, trying to be encouraging. "Maybe next time, wait until I say you can come in?"

[midnight-bay-if]

Hmhmhm, if you're up for it: MC tackling their RO out of the way of some danger and oh no! Now MC is pinning them against a wall/the ground/whatever and is taking slightly too long to let them up!

(I'm always up for some... tension, haha. Sorry, this took a while to get to! I have around 20 asks in my inbox right now. It also wasn’t specified whether the ROs are in a relationship at this stage, but for the sake of extra tension, I wrote it as if they were not. You know, for fun, haha.)

S: They are used to preparing for every inevitability. Their plans are organised, considered, and timely. But you are something of a wildcard, unpredictable and difficult to control. So, mid-fight, they are surprised, but shouldn't be, when you barrel into them to prevent their attacker from making a swipe for their head. Instead, their body collides with the floor, your weight pressing into them. They hear Taj dispatch the attacker, but they are much too occupied with how your breath tickles their lashes. It seems you are equally transfixed, neither moving to free yourself from the other.

It’s S who coughs and breaks the moment first if only to save themself the embarrassment of explaining the heat of their face. “Ah, forgive me,” they say, attempting to pull themselves out from under you.

With the spell broken, you move just as quickly. “Right. Are you… okay?”

“Hm? Oh, yes. Thank you for the timely assist,” they offer, readjusting their shirt and pointedly focusing their attention elsewhere. Then, they smile. “Perhaps a verbal warning the next time you deem to thrust yourself upon my person?” The double entendre was not lost on you.

Rain: Fighting was never really Rain’s forte. Or, well, not any longer. Luckily for Rain, S mostly agreed with Rain’s pacifist nature and endeavoured to control a battle with as little bloodshed as possible. Rain knew basic hand-to-hand combat, but if they were beside a bed of water, Rain was much more useful. They were not. Taj always hovered close to Rain, ready to defend them at any moment, but they were already caught up with several attackers. It is you who comes to their aid this time.

Without a second thought, you push them down to the ground after a particularly vicious swing of a dagger swipes towards their stomach. It’s enough to save their skin, if not their clothing. Taj finishes the job, breaking away long enough to knock their attacker out. Rain stares up at you, wide-eyed, in disbelief. What you did was terribly reckless, yet you did it for them. They don’t know whether to kiss you or kick you.

“Are you okay?” You ask, chest heaving. “They didn’t hurt you?”

“No,” they gasp, their eyes misting over. “My clothes didn’t survive the ordeal, but otherwise…” They trail off, trying to ignore the heat of you seeping through the frayed piece of clothing. “MC?” They whisper, tucking a loose piece of hair behind your ear. “Please don’t do that again.”

Taj: They rely on synergy during a fight. If they are not fighting alone, it takes knowing exactly what Rain and S think during a fight to navigate it successfully. It’s a reliance on their skill and S’s knowledge of their own that makes them an effective team. You, on the other hand, are an irritant. Your insistence to involve yourself means Taj, while combatting two separate assailants, has one eye trained on you at all times. It’s instinctive. It's not an instinct they are at all pleased about, either.

So, when another combative runs out towards your back, Taj is the first to notice. Dipping beneath a fist aimed for their skull, Taj skids across the ground towards you. Before the man can careen into your side, Taj does so first, knocking you flat beneath them. S, never being far behind, intercepts the attacker and finishes the job. Taj glares down at you, breathing hard, hands flat on either side of your head. You stare back up at them, doing much the same thing. The eyes soften almost imperceptibly when they realise how terrified they felt.

Growling, they push themself off of you, flinching away as if burned. “Try to pay attention, Koel. I won't make a habit of saving you," they lie.

N: In the Haels, they had seen a great deal of death. Much brought on by their hand. It was familiar. Like home. Even in an army, however, nobody truly cared for their fellow soldiers. It was every demon for themselves, as it should be. If you survived, you were strong. If you didn’t, well, you ceased to matter. So, it was quite amusing being pinned beneath you after being knocked out of the way of a deadly blow. How quaint. How strange.

Their heart hammered against their chest, their palms clammy, as they stared up at you with wide eyes. At first, it doesn’t completely compute why your elbow is crushing against their gullet. Then Umbra finishes off their would-be assailant, and all becomes clear. You had risked yourself for them. Why? What did you hope to gain? Their co-operation? Their compliance? Their… submission?

They mask their fear behind the salacious mask they are so prone to wearing. “It’s about time you threw yourself at me, my dear,” they goad, ignoring how their chest clenches. “Mm… I had hoped for a softer landing. Pillows, silk, by candlelight, but I’ll accept whatever it is you have to give.”

You don’t apologise when you dig your elbow deeper into them as you rise.

Umbra: They move without thinking. They do not need to. Their body has a way of directing itself, flowing like water as they dance across the battlefield; death follows. And yet, they are used to watching from a distance. Once, you would have been safe from such horrors as they carried them for you. They failed in this once before, and you forgot. They do not want to repeat this mistake. They want you to remain unscarred, unbroken, and untethered from darkness. So, they continue to dance.

But having you so close leaves them distracted. They focus too heavily on your movements and fail to notice another assailant lying in wait in the darkness.

“Umbra!” Your voice calls to them, so they turn towards you instinctively. But you are rushing towards them, and before they can even process the change, you tackle them down from the line of bullets destined for their chest. N expertly dispatches the shooter, blood splattering across the ground beside you. Neither move, fear gripping you still. Their hand hovers close to your cheek, shaking. They want to hold you, to describe the depth of the feeling, but words fail. As they so often do.

It is you who makes the first move, pushing off you with flushed cheeks and trembling legs. You hold out a hand to them, one they cannot bring themselves to take. “Thank you,” they offer, pushing themselves off the floor. “I… I will do better.”

“Just be safe,” you reply, denying Umbra’s declaration. “I need you to be safe.”

[midnight-bay-if]

Hey, hey!!😊

Quick ask, what would ROs do if they saw someone hitting Mc? (I feel like I'm going to see the chaos that the ROs are going to create, pure fun 😎)

Bye, bye!!

(Oh, dear... Yep, you'll unleash the beast with an ask such as this. The beast being all of the ROs because all of them are capable of being monsters if pressed, haha.)

S: S watches you from a distance, as they so often do when they are around you. It isn't on purpose. Their eyes are naturally drawn to you when their mind begins to wander. But what they wander to this time is less pleasant. They don't know who it is with you, but it is obvious the conversation isn't going well. Then, they strike you across the face. It happens in moments, but it slows down for S.

In theory, S knows you can handle yourself well enough. The hit was sloppy with little technique; they have seen you take worse. Yet the indignity of it all only makes them feel... angry.

"You do attract some odd sorts, MC," S says, stepping between you and the assailant, arms crossed with muscles flexed. "Now even rodents are vying for your attention."

The stranger steps forward momentarily, blind rage cutting through common sense before reason again takes hold. They weigh their chances against the two of you before quickly scuttling away with their head dipped low.

"I could have handled that, S."

S turns back to you with a soft smile. "I know. That was for me." S reaches out and gently caresses the area that was struck. "Let's find something cold for the swelling. Then you can tell me all about how you managed to anger the pest."

Rain: Rain's been a little distracted by their surroundings. They still have much to learn about the human world, which can be a lot to take in. So, they don't realise they have been gradually wandering further and further away from you; not until they turn around to ask you a question, and you aren't there. They are momentarily confused until they spot you a little away being confronted by someone who looks especially angry.

The man leers into your space before reaching out to slap you across the face. It shocks them. The blatant violence against you is harrowing and difficult to believe despite it staring them right in the face.

Rain sprints to close the distance, setting themselves between you and the attacker with a face of fury reserved for only the worst of creatures.

"Back off. Now."

The man scoffs, clearly not very impressed. "This has nothing to do with you. This is between me and them."

"Wrong." Rain pulls out an official-looking badge that denotes them as a government employee. "I suggest you walk away before this becomes my problem further."

The man tuts, shakes his head, then turns on his heel with a quick step.

"I had that handled, Rain."

Rain sighs. Then turns to you and shrugs. "At least he's gone now. Let's get some ice for that cheek, shall we?"

Taj: Taj has zoned out. Sometimes, they have to do it in public to stop themselves from feeling suffocated by the people around them, which gets them in trouble a lot. S can be whittling away battle plans on the fly and will quiz them once finished, only to find Taj had stopped paying attention about halfway through.

So, it isn't immediately apparent to them that you have begun to draw back. But they do not step too far away before their ears twitch, alerting them to a change in surroundings. They turn back, expecting you to already be rushing to catch up, but instead see you waylaid by a furious man shouting spittle in your face.

Taj is already rushing back in your direction when they see the closed fist contact your cheek. A burning heat engulfs the pit of their stomach, and their vision hazes red as Taj pounces onto your assailant, forcing them to their floor as their fists and claws start going wild.

"How dare you?! You filthy little--"

You have to drag them away. It isn't pretty. The man's face is bleeding from multiple lacerations, terror in his eyes as he crawls to his feet and dashes down the street.

Taj is breathing heavily, their skin burning hotter than usual. They feel tiny lumps of skin collected under their fingernails from where they dug them into the human's face. It was wild, untamed. They want to keep going.

"Taj?"

Taj inhales sharply, closing their eyes as they count to ten in their head. 0ne, two, three...

They feel your hand on their arm and open their eyes again.

"Are you... all right?" Taj finally says. "Are you hurt?" A warm hand encompasses your cheek with much more gentleness than they showed the man.

"We need to go. Now," you command, tugging on their sleeve. "Hopefully S will know how to fix this."

N: It is common for N to fill the silence with the sound of their own voice. They have a lot to say, and their voice is lovely by the way. So, when you are wandering the street, and N is gesturing wildly as they recount the tale of their day, they don't immediately notice you lagging behind. "And that is when I said, 'Nice try. Next time try using your actual legs to--" They stop, eyebrows creased and turn towards you.

The instant they do, a resounding slap fills the space. Your head turns with it, but otherwise, nobody moves. N feels the Hael in them raging. The fire that keeps them tethered unleashes inside them, boiling their blood dangerously.

But they do their best to mask it, hiding behind an insidious grin.

"And who is this delightful individual, MC?" They ask, reaching out to grab the woman's hand before she can pull back, gripping it tightly. "You always make such interesting friends."

Sensing their darkness, you place a placating hand on their shoulder. "It's okay, N. I can handle this."

The woman senses it, too. N may be smiling, but there's no amusement there. She's scared; all previous bravado has wilted to nothing. So, N lets her go.

"Scuttle away now, my dear," they say, waving their hand away as if dismissing a servant. "Before my hand slips."

The woman does as she is bid in record time, and N's smile slowly twists to a snarl. "Wretched cur."

"It's fine. I'm fine. Let's just drop it."

N inhales deeply, the hatred still burning. Then, they firmly plant a smile back on their face. "Of course, my dear. Let us go about our day together, unspoiled. You should probably get that face seen to. We can't allow your perfect features to become marked, can we?"

Strangely enough, you don't bump into the woman again on your usual morning routes. It's almost as if she has vanished entirely from Albach Bay.

Umbra: Umbra spent some time away from you today. They are getting better at it. Their instinct is still to remain close, watchful, a silent sentinel destined to guard you. But they have since learned that it can be unhealthy to have such a strong attachment to a living person—unhealthy for the recipient and harmful for the provider. It's not something they particularly understand, but they want to learn—for you.

But now they are keen to return to your side. It's been two hours, after all. That's more than enough time for something dreadful to have happened. They need to see you. To see you safe.

They round a corner, their face lighting up when their eyes catch you. The other person with you barely gets a second glance. Until that person lifts a hand to you, anyway. Then, Umbra is instilling that face into memory. Within moments, a cloud of black smoke disappears and reappears beside the assailant, a black dagger curled beneath his throat, pressing against the skin.

Black smoke pillows out of Umbra's eyes, the typical whites of their eyes pitch black. Within a breath, a dagger is pressed close to the man's throat, nicking at the skin.

"How dare you?!" The voice is raspy, much lower than Umbra's usual tone, and joined by a myriad of dissonant whispers.

You reach out, grasping Umbra's arm to stop them. "No, Umbra! Don't!"

Your voice cuts through the fog, the black in their eyes returning white as they turn to you. "But this man--"

"Does not deserve to die!"

Umbra feels your anger and disappointment in them. It cuts deeper than any dagger could. But they do not know how to differentiate between those who hurt you and those who should die for it.

Umbra drops the knife from the man's neck, stepping away to let him run. And run, he does. Umbra watches a moment longer, allowing the man to shriek and holler far into the distance.

"We should go. Now. Hopefully S can fix this."

Umbra follows, their dagger arm still itching.

(I may have gotten slightly carried away again. Why do I do this? lol)

[midnight-bay-if]

How would each ro act after the first morning after waking up next to mc?

(I'm so sorry if these aren't perfect, but I'm not sleeping so well at the moment. I'm really behind on asks, though, so I still wanted to power through and answer this anyway. I hope it's okay!)

S: S blinks the sleep from their eyes, the morning sun cutting through the gap in the blinds and clearing the haze in their eyes. For a moment, it's a morning like any other. They turn their head to look at the alarm clock on the bedside table. 6:55am, precisely five minutes before their set alarm. Perfect, as usual. They lean over to switch it off.

Then, you shift beside them, the mattress dipping with the movement. S turns their head towards you, a soft smile tugging at their lips. You lay on your side, one hand tucked beneath the pillow that cradles your head. S watches for a moment, taking in how the light of the morning gently caresses your skin. Heat blooms in their chest, admiring how soft your expression is.

Careful not to wake you, S leans forward to press a soft kiss on your forehead, lingering there a moment before slowly climbing out of bed to prepare themselves for the day ahead. After a quick shower, they will go downstairs to prepare breakfast in bed for you. In the meantime, they will let you sleep. Your soft, peaceful look as you sleep is worth protecting.

Rain: Rain rubs their eyes, yawning as the midmorning sun burns threateningly through the dark curtains holding the light at bay. They stretch out their arms above their heads, ignoring the snap of their elbow as it straightens out. They hum, a smile already on their lips before their mind can catch up to why.

A soft sigh pulls their attention to the usually empty space in their bed. As Rain's eyes rest upon your face, their smile widens to a grin, butterflies fluttering in their stomach. Unable to resist temptation, they reach out, tenderly running their fingers across your cheek. They can't believe you are real—that this moment is real.

The excitement bubbles up inside them until it can no longer be contained. They nudge themselves over to your side of the bed until they are a hair's breadth from your space. Slowly, they slide their arm beneath your head before flinging a leg over you, craning it back towards them to enclose the space between you. Your eyes flicker open as Rain presses their forehead against yours.

"Good morning, dear," they greet cheekily. "Sleep well?"

Taj: Taj lies on their back, staring up at the ceiling as they have done much of the night. They have the scuff marks above them memorised at this point. Some chipped paint, a random stain leftover from a slipped tile where the rain soaked through, and some slight yellowing from the nicotine of their cigarettes when they are too lazy to smoke outside.

It's all they have been able to do to stop themselves from staring at your sleeping face all night. Taj never expected this. They never expected someone to want them intimately enough to have this. There's been the odd tumble beneath the sheets in their past, but they were alone again by morning. It's the smart thing to do. The easy thing.

Taj dares a glance to the side, your face much more visible with the rays of sunshine poking through the blinds. Nothing about what they have with you is easy, yet sleepless nights have never felt so welcoming. A hint of a smile sneaks at the corner of their lips as Taj finally turns their body to face you completely.

"I don't know what you're doing to me," Taj whispers, hoping your sleep swallows the words. "... but you better not take it back."

N: N stretches languidly, a heavy sigh on their lips. Their skin tingles with the spectre of your touch trailing the same paths from the previous night, creating an indecipherable warmth to build in their chest - a warmth so pleasant it makes them stop, their breath catching in their throat. Memories of the previous night flood their mind; their brows crease, their lips forming a displeased line.

N finally takes in the room around them, the bed they share with you. It's their first time waking in your bed as the sun rises - a level of intimacy they suddenly feel unprepared for. This isn't them. This isn't what they do.

Passion is an instrument they have tuned well. The strings play a sordid melody under their fingers, designed to entice and entwine. A momentary escape before the strings snap. By then, it's already too late. N has taken precisely what they desired, leaving nothing left.

It started that way with you, too: a new composition with a new instrumentalist, but the steps remained the same. So they believed. Before they knew it, they were dancing to your tune of soft words and intimacy with terrifying enthusiasm. And they do not understand it.

"You are frightening, my dear."

Umbra: Everything feels new. Umbra doesn't typically sleep; they have no need to and have never desired to, either. The dark is full of nightmares, danger and shadow. The night is who they are; it's where they belong. That is, until you. You helped them step out of the shadow, to become a person who touches, who feels, who basks in the light.

So, Umbra's eyes blink the sleep from their eyes, a single tear drop escaping through the blurriness. They turn to you, expecting to see you huddled tight under the blankets to ward off the cold. Instead, you lean close, one leg intertwined with theirs as if basking in their chill. Umbra inhales sharply, their throat choking the emotion from them. The sight of you so peaceful, so still in their presence, is overwhelming.

Umbra dares to run a hand through your hair, no longer afraid you will recoil from their touch. They smile to themselves, their lips cracking with a beautiful sting as they stretch.

If waking up feels like this, Umbra chooses it every time.

[midnight-bay-if]

heyy, first off just want to say that i absolutely love the story so far and i'm so excited to see where it'll go in the future <3

anywaysss, how would the RO's react to the MC having to be used as like a honey trap to get info for a mission?

(also my first time doing an ask so if this is messed up, i apologise)

(Thank you so much! I'm also excited, haha. And it's not messed up at all! Don't worry!)

S: They see the benefits of such a plan, but it isn't their favourite method of completing a mission. It often leads to too many complications, most of which would be thrust upon your shoulders should things go awry. It leaves you at the forefront of danger, which they will never be entirely comfortable with. So you had better believe they would be lingering close by, just in case.

"I will have eyes on you the entire time, darling. If you feel uncomfortable, or you believe your cover to be blown, do not hesitate to call upon me. I will be beside you in an instant."

Rain: They don't like it. They feel sure S should be able to develop a better plan that doesn't involve you acting sweet for such a dangerous person. It isn't jealousy but genuine concern for your safety. They at least trust that S won't let anything too nefarious happen, but there is no way they can sit still while it's happening.

"Are you sure about this, MC? Perhaps I could do it instead?" It sounds ridiculous out loud. Rain does not have the confidence for such a thing. "Fine. But I'm going to be watching. If I sense anything off about their body language, I'm intervening. I can't lose you."

Taj: "You've got to be fucking kidding me."

Their vehement refusal holds no real orders. They fell for you exactly as you are; they would never try to change who you are. But their displeasure is palpable. They hate everything about the idea; the danger, the charm, the temptation, all of it repulsive. The sweet, whispered words you share in the dark and under blankets are supposed to be theirs. They want them to be. Perhaps it's greedy, but it doesn't feel that way when they are utterly starved for you.

"There has to be a better way, Koel. Lean on me. Work with me. Let's do this together.

N: They go quiet. What could they possibly say? Luring people with sickly sweet nothings or sensual promises of pleasure has been their weapon of choice for a very long time. Even you did not escape its clutches. People use whatever is at hand to survive. They cannot begrudge you the same, but... this feeling in their chest... it hurts. Indeed, you must realise so much of their facade has been stripped back since meeting you, and all their soft, soothing melodies are yours and yours alone.

"I will be waiting close by, my dear. If you need me, I will be whispering on the edges of your consciousness. Do not hesitate to call."

Umbra: Unsurprising that another would find you so perfectly alluring, but... they do not like it. "There must be a better plan," they suggest hopefully, tugging at their sleeves in a self-soothing gesture. "I could easily corner them in a dark alley and scare the information out of them." It wouldn't be any particular hardship; they understand how horrifying they are. But you deny it. You always do. Soft, brave, kind; it's who you are. You see that in them, too, but the truth is, Umbra is only that with you.

"If they hurt you," they warn, danger edging its way back into their voice, "there will be no where in any world for them to hide."

[midnight-bay-if]

i kinda took this ask from another if, but..

How would the ROs react to knowing there is one bed in the room their in and MC is like “You should take the bed, I’ll sleep on the floor/couch” even if they know MC haven’t been getting the best sleep in a while

(I’ll have to assume this is at the crushing stage. Gotta love the ‘only one bed’ scenario.)

S: “I’m afraid not,” S states decisively, already situating themselves on the couch, their feet propped up on one arm, “manners dictate that I be the one to offer up the bed, MC. I know you have not been sleeping well recently.” They smile softly, their eyes perceiving you in a way that should make you feel uncomfortable but instead offer only comfort. “Get some rest. We need you at your best.”

Rain: “Well, couldn’t we just share the bed?” Rain asks, shrugging, before realising how the suggestion might sound. “But not in a creepy way! I sleep with Taj all the time. Wait, not like that! Ugh.” Their voice comes out in layers of frustration, but they quickly shake it off, take a deep breath, and try again. “We both could use a decent night’s rest, and the bed is big enough for two. We could top and tail?”

Taj: “Fine by me,” they agree readily, making a point of bouncing on the bed, propping a hand behind their bed in an exaggerated show of comfort. It was supposed to be a joke, a slight dig under your skin to coax out your more argumentative side. Except, you lay down on the couch without complaint, bending your knees and curling up into yourself without a word. Taj tuts, rolls their eyes, and turns over. Well, whatever, right? Why should it be them that lose sleep? The argument that they would have had with you plays out in their head, and even without your participation, they still lose. “I can’t do this,” they grumble, dragging themselves over to the couch. “Move, Koel,” they order impatiently, “I can sleep anywhere, it’s a gift. Take the bed.”

N: “Are you certain, my dear?” They grin, their eyes turning salacious. “We could always share.” They saunter closer to you, leaning forward so their breath tickles your ears as they run a finger down your cheek. “I could ensure your sleep is peaceful, or perhaps you would prefer a dreamscape of passion?” They can’t stop themselves from laughing when you pointedly turn on your heel to get yourself comfortable on the couch. “Suit yourself,” they offer with a shrug, “I can’t promise my own dreams won’t bleed over, however.”

Umbra: “I don’t even need to sleep, MC,” they point out, shaking their head and gently taking your arm and guiding you towards the bed. “Take care of yourself first, always, and I will take care of the rest.”

[midnight-bay-if]

How would the ROs react if MC came home soaking wet from the rain with a kitten in their arms and said "it's ours now"

S: They sigh, pressing a hand to their temple as they ward off the headache they already feel coming. “Very well, darling. I will find some towels.” It is difficult not to glance around the room at their perfectly polished surfaces with everything purposefully placed and not mourn.

But then they turn back around to see you softly cradling the kitten in your hands with a soft smile, and they give in. Perhaps they could allocate extra time in their schedule to more cleaning duties?

Rain: Rain gasps, excitedly rushing to you as you hold the tiny kitten close to your chest. “They are adorable!” They gush, kneeling down to ‘coo coo’ and wiggle a finger in front of the kitten’s face. “Maybe we should call them Taj. It would drive Taj crazy!”

“Absolutely not.”

*Okay, okay," they murmur, hovering closer to the kitten. "Taj junior, then."

Taj: Taj immediately springs up from where they sit. “Where did you find them?” They ask, coaxing the kitten out of your hands and into theirs, their ears twitching as if to communicate with the kitten.

“They were alone in the rain.”

Taj scowls. “The mother was definitely gone, right?”

You nod sadly. Taj understands your meaning without needing to speak a word.

“Let’s get some blankets. I’ll head out and get what I can. There has to be somewhere in this shi— uh, town, still open.”

N: “Oh, absolutely not,” N chides, shaking their head, pointedly looking everywhere but the kitten in your hands. “I will not share you with a rodent.”

“She’s not a rodent!” You scold before returning your attention to the kitten with warm eyes. “Don’t listen to the big, mean, demon, okay? They have no concept of cuteness.”

“Excuse me? I am the very definition of cute. And if you want me to purr, my dear, you need only ask.”

Umbra: Umbra’s eyes widen at the sight of the soaked kitten. “They look so cold…”

“Yeah, I need to get some blankets. Would you hold them for a moment?” you ask, holding the kitten towards Umbra, who quickly backs away.

“I… I’m not sure if that is a good idea. They are already so cold… I don’t want to hurt it.”

You shake your head, smiling. “You are fine, Umbra. You won’t hurt it.” You hold out the kitten for Umbra to take, who does so as if the kitten were made of glass. “I’ll only be a moment.”

Umbra stares down at the kitten nervously, but the moment the kitten bumps their head against their hand, they relax. "You're not afraid of me... Most people are afraid of me."

[midnight-bay-if]

On the fake dating lets say the Ros and Mc are dating. But let's say Mc is with someone who not an Ro for the mission. 🫣 how would the Ros feel and act to knowing they have to watch or whatever? That Mc is with someone else?

(I hope this is okay! Sorry it took so long!)

S: S barely bats an eye. You're on a mission, after all, and they trust you. They trust the relationship you have built together. And when you return, they will congratulate you on a mission well done in any way you wish.

Rain: Rain finds it somewhat amusing. Every time the person makes some casual flirtatious remark or places their hand on you in a familiar fashion, Rain marks the attempt out of 10 on how much they know you will like or dislike it.

Taj: Taj is seething. Every time the person's hand rests on the base of your back or their lips inch close to your ear to whisper something close and intimate, Taj digs their nails deep into their skin. Their tail swishes almost violently as they glare from the rafters. Better for them to be out of site because there is no chance their anger wouldn't be noticeable to their mark. And even if Taj is pissed, they don't want to do anything that could possibly put you in jeopardy.

Expect them to be very annoying when you are finished, though.

N: N becomes insufferable. Every time a hand begins to wander, or you giggle a little too long at a "joke", you hear a snide remark inside your head. "I don't think it was that funny, my dear. Careful now. Or someone might suspect", or "Do they realise where their hand is right now? Would you like me to remind them? I promise I'll be gentle."

Good luck in drowning them out.

Umbra: Umbra's emotions ball up inside them in a messy knot until it becomes impossible for them to pull on the strand of one without tangling with another. They trust you, but they do not trust them. They love your smile but hate watching you smile for another. It's an ugly mask it creates on their face. Still, they will wear it. People should see just how unsightly they can be. Especially the person pawing at your back.

[midnight-bay-if]

Hi! I want to say I love your IF so far ❤️ Also, how would the ROs react (relationship stage) if the MC gave them a kiss every morning before getting on with the day but one morning they accidentally forgot?

(Thank you so much!! Aw, this is cute. Here we go...)

S: They are waiting. It's usually like clockwork; a part of their day they have weaved into their very strict morning routine. They even lean forward in preparation. Nothing.

You breeze past them, and their brows furrow in confusion. Have they done something? Did they forget something important? Unlikely. They are usually good at remembering key details, especially regarding you. Well, this useless speculation is pointless. Better to just communicate directly.

"Is everything okay, darling?"

"Yes, why?"

"Well, I couldn't help but notice you skipped over our kiss this morning. I wondered if there was something on your mind?"

Your response will determine their course of action. There isn't a thing they wouldn't do to ensure that kiss remains a part of their morning routine forever.

Rain: They don't realise straight away. Rain can be very scatterbrained on busy days. So, when they wave you off for the morning, and the quiet begins to build, only they realise something is off. It plays on their minds. They are forgetting something; they know it.

Then it hits them—your kiss. Now, they are panicking. What could this mean? And how could they have possibly forgotten? Are you drifting away from them? Well, the only thing to do is plan a romantic evening together to fix this mistake. Expect candles, a relaxing bath, and maybe even a massage if you're up for it. They will eventually ask about the kiss, but it feels important to remind you how much you are loved first.

Taj: There aren't many things Taj looks forward to, but the little moments with you are the few precious things they covet. So, when you pull back without sharing them, Taj's ears twitch, and their tail sways.

Tsk. Who cares anyway? They don't. In fact, it's kind of gross how often humans feel the need to exchange bodily fluids. It makes no difference to them whatsoever.

It becomes obvious to everyone else who watches Taj's restless foot-tapping that they are, in fact, bothered—very much so. Don't expect them to bring it up first, however. Taj can be petty... and patient. It would take a kiss to break the curse of their silent spell.

N: Considering you have to practically pry N's hands off you most mornings, it would be very surprising to them if they hadn't even been able to sneak a kiss from you. They would never admit it, but it bruises their ego to think you may not be as bewitched by them as they are you.

The passive aggression is the first indicator. "Did you have a nice day, my dear? Oh, good. How darling for you. You didn't feel as if you had forgotten something, then... or someone?"

It would be wise to shut them up with a kiss quickly.

Umbra: Umbra isn't above puppy eyes nor following you around like one. They have very little concept of shame. So, when you don't press a soft kiss to their lips first thing in the morning, Umbra becomes like your second shadow.

The third time you turn around and accidentally step on their feet because they ARE RIGHT THERE, you sigh. "What is it, Umbra?"

Umbra glances down sheepishly, twiddling their thumbs. "You didn't kiss me... Would you let me kiss you instead?"

It still takes a lot of courage for Umbra to feel deserving of asking such a thing from you. But they are getting better at believing they are worthy, thanks to you.

[midnight-bay-if]

ROs react to them being away for awhile and then finally back only to find the MC is in bed with their clothes, snuggling them close while also wearing their favourite/wore most shirt 👀

(This is nice after the angst I just had to write, haha.)

S: The last thing they wish to do is disturb your sleep, but the sight of you so relaxed, so carefree, while being so close to a part of them fills them with unbridled joy. They inch closer to the bed with soft footsteps before sitting on its edge. They gently caress your hair, whispering: "I'm home, love. I hope your dreams have been pleasant."

They don't expect an answer. It's enough to see you sleeping soundly.

Rain: They cannot contain themselves. They have already spent the time away wishing away the hours, desperate to return to your side. It's not ideal that their return is marked by the clock striking midnight, but they have waited long enough already.

They rush into your bedroom, a huge grin on their faces. The door bounces off the wall to announce their arrival, and you shoot awake in alarm, but only long enough for Rain to jump onto the bed, narrowly missing planting an elbow into your ribs. "Sorry, sorry, sorry..." they mumble, smoothing a hand over your torso before their fingers settle on the material of their favourite cardigan. Their eyes mist up as they realise you have missed them just as much. "The next time S asks me to go on a mission away, I'm saying no. Not unless you are with me."

Taj: If anyone asked, they would deny it. No, barely any time has passed at all. How could they possibly be missing you in such a short time away? Yet, when they return to your apartment in the pitch black, they do not hesitate to head straight to your bedroom; their feet pace quicker than usual.

At first, they have no intention of waking you. They just want to see you. To see your face and know that you are well. But when their eyes set on your sleeping face, cuddled against a hoodie they were wrangled into leaving behind, they understand why you so ardently asked. With a sigh reserved solely for you, they kick off their shoes before coming to the other side of the bed. Taj lifts the covers up from behind you before slipping between them, pressing themselves close to your back, caressing your arm. "You can release my clothing now, Koel. I am here."

N: N doesn't hesitate to flick open the bedroom door with a dramatic amount of force, announcing their return. "I'm home, my dear!" They call out with little regard for the late hour. Once you've groggily rubbed at your eyes, slightly confused, N catches sight of one of their favourite shirts on your person. "Oh, you've even prepared a welcoming home present for me," they tease, their smirk hiding the jump in their chest and the heat blossoming over their cheeks. "You shouldn't have. Will you give me the chance to unwrap it, my love?"

Umbra: It's rare enough for Umbra to be away for an extended period of time, but this trip seemed exceptionally long. With practised steps, umbra crawls up the side of your apartment building where they know the window will open, waiting, just in case. They crawl through, as silent as the night itself, their eyes adjusting to the darkness absent from the moonlight. Their eyes rest on you, drinking in the details.

Then, they spot their leather jacket curled into your arms. At first, they are confused. Their jacket is rough, sharp in places, with rough edges, much like them. Yet, you hold it close, tightly, as if afraid it would vanish into smoke. A tiny, melancholic smile tugs at the corner of Umbra's pale pink lips because this is so much like you-- holding on tight despite the bruises because you have chosen to love the imperfections.

Umbra kneels beside you, placing a cold, pale hand over yours. "I am home, MC. I came back, just like I promised."

(Sorry this took a while to get to. I hope it was okay :))

[midnight-bay-if]

What would be the reaction of the ROs if a package arrived and the MC said it was an accessory they bought for the RO to wear because they think it would be nice on them. But when the RO open the package they see a dog/cat collar due to a misdelivery? The ROs don't know that it's a misdelivery and MC didn't see it bacause they are washing the dishes or something like that.

(I see you, anon. I see you. Retconning the 90s setting so you can get a collar for your RO. I understand. Also, sorry about the wait!)

S: Their brow raises into a sharp arch as they pluck the collar from the box, holding it up by the tip of their finger. “Are you certain this was for me, darling?” They ask a hint of amusement in their voice. “Because I rather think this would suit you much better.”

Rain: Rain’s face burns red at the sight of the collar in the box. Suddenly, they are re-evaluating their whole existence. “I didn’t realise that this kind of thing was your taste.” Biting their lip nervously, they reach into the box and pull the collar out. They hold it in their hands, assessing it, before testing it around their neck. They turn to look at their reflection in a nearby mirror, and somehow, their skin turns redder. “But… I suppose it doesn’t look bad.”

Taj: Taj growls at the sight of it. They pluck it out with their forefinger and thumb, holding outwards as far as possible as if at risk of catching something from it. “Is this supposed to be funny, Koel?”

The anger in Taj’s voice makes you stop dead in your tracks. When you turn to face the fire in their eyes, your mouth drops open. “N-No, that’s not what I ordered, I swear!”

The sincerity in your voice wipes away some of the anger. Taj drops the collar back into the box as if burned. “I am definitely buying you a cage, little bird.” You are grateful for the jab when you see the corner of Taj’s mouth inch upwards. "I need somewhere to put you when you've been bad."

N: "Oh, my," N utters, an excited lilt to their voice. "I never knew you were the type, my dear." N pulls the collar out of the box, holding it against their against their skin.

Sensing that N was strangely excited. You turn, and your mouth drops. "Wait, no that's not--"

N waves you off. "It's okay, MC. Everyone has their vices. I'm happy to fulfil any fantasy you might have. All I ask is that I see you in this collar... just once."

Umbra: Umbra raises a sceptical brow at the collar, packaged neatly inside the box. Did you get a pet? But you said it was specifically for them, right? Well, you know them better than anybody, so if you believe this would suit them, then it probably will.

Without a second thought, Umbra takes the collar to a mirror. They awkwardly use the reflection to try to wrap the collar around their neck and poke the prong through the holes. Once it's in place, Umbra stares at their reflection for a moment. Well, as long as MC is happy.

"MC. I've tried it on. Do you like it?"

Your bright red face is answer enough.

[midnight-bay-if]

👻🎃 It's spooky season! 🎃👻

ROs reactions to an MC who gets very scared/anxious watching scary movies? Like to the point of hiding their faces in the ROs necks or insisting they can't sleep by themselves after?

(Sorry this took so long! But it’s still spooky season so I’m not too late, haha.)

S: They find it incredibly endearing. They have watched you, time and time again, put yourself in harm’s way with real-life dangers. And yet, fictional horror stories (often with questionable acting) are what gets your blood really pumping. “You do realise we could turn this off, right, darling?” They muse, with a smile. “I certainly have no qualms about turning it off.” If you insist you enjoy horror movies despite them scaring you, S sighs but leans back and throws an arm around you, pulling you tight into their chest.

“Well then, I’m right here, love.”

Rain: Rain also gets frightened at horror movies. You’ll both be huddled under blankets as you peek over them to watch the movie and when the tension reaches its crescendo, you’ll dive underneath, pulling the blankets entirely over your head. Rain will try to act braver for your benefit. “I-It’s okay, MC. We’re fine. It’s not real.” But the whole time, their voice is wavering and their hands shaking.

Taj: Taj is amused. They don’t even watch the movie, are too busy watching every twitch and every flinch, and are just waiting for the next jumpscare to get you. Taj will let you do whatever you want to them to make you feel better, just as long as they can chuckle or smirk in return. Dig your nails into their skin when you jump? Sure. Punch them in the arm as a reflex whenever the jumpscares make you jump? Okay, but Taj is going to laugh. Then, when it’s over, Taj will pull you in tight as you lay together on the couch.

“None of that was real, Koel,” they whisper sincerely. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

N: They do not know what to make of this particular anxiety of yours. You are deathly afraid of horror films yet willingly choose to put one on? And why? Why are you afraid of something unreal when sitting beside a Demon prince of Hael? There are literal horrors in your life. They puzzle over this every time you flinch at something happening onscreen. They put it down to the strangeness of humans, and they won’t deny it feels nice when you tuck your face into the crook of their neck to hide away.

“Come here, my dear. This big, bad demon will keep the monsters at bay.”

Umbra: They don’t understand why you put yourself through such a thing. They hate seeing you distressed, but it feels nice when you tuck yourself in closer to them, gripping his shirt, or taking their hand when you feel anxious. It’s a reminder you feel safe with them. They never believed it would happen, but the proof is right here. Whenever the horror onscreen makes you jump, yelp, or shake… Umbra’s hand begins to itch. They have to consciously remind themselves it isn’t real. There is no real threat to you. They are grateful when the movie ends.

“Shall I get some ice-cream? You always say ice-cream helps everything.”