#octanivelle x reader

[positively-mine]

You're a girl?!

how they find out you're a girl and their reactions

tags: afab (Floyd's part talks abt female anatomy), slight spoilers, lmk if there's any other

Series: ❤️ 🧡 🩵 💛 💜 💙 💚

Azul

After his overblot incident, he assumed that you both had ended up becoming acquaintance (he won't give up on his 2nd branch at ramshackle). So he's keeping an ear out for opportunities. Also since he has contracts with so many students, he hears an unusual rumour. The ramshackle prefect is apparently female? Well, he'll just have to check it out for himself. Sends jade to snoop around but not in a perverted way.

Once the rumours were confirmed to be true, Azul literally bursts into flames. The memories of treating you so ungentlemanly all come flooding into his head. And you saw his chubby baby picture??? Unbelievable. In all honesty though, he doesn't try to get into contracts with you. Doesn't apply to the people around you. We both know who I'm talking about. Even if your friends can't pay, he won't threaten you that he knows because there must be a reason why you're hiding it. He couldn't imagine how he'd feel if someone did that to him with his baby picture.

Jade

He knew from the start. I don't know how but he knows. It's like his secret power. Doesn't do much, but he likes to tease. Either when you're in a crowded space or when you're with your friends. He'll drop subtle hints that you're a female but nothing major. Just enough for you to know that he knows 😐

Overall 4/10 because he keeps messing around with you but since he's one of my favorites we'll forgive and forget. Won't tell Azul because it's HIS secret. So you don't need to worry about Azul threatening you into a deal.

Floyd

He knew as soon as he squeezed you. The minute he wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you up to his chest he knew. Something along the lines of "eh? Shrimpy, what's this lumpy things on your chest?" And it doesn't help that his voice is l o u d. Once it clicks in his head, he's smiling mischievously at you.

He seems like someone who will use your secret against you. He's bored? He'll come find you. You don't want to hang out? Do the rest of the student body know you're a girl? Yeah, so approach with caution. Once you stop showing any reaction towards his threats, he gets grumpy and pouts. Just make sure you placate him somehow. Because one day he really might just scream out to everyone that you're a girl.

reblogs appreciated!

[jelsah27]

Headcannon

MC could become House-warden in every dorm (except Pomefiore because Vil is too beautiful and all that lovely poison) but just doesn't

I mean come on MC fought Overblots with no power whatsoever and lived to tell the tale. anyway how i think they would go

Heartslabyul: Riddle's ultimate "scary move" has no affect on our plain human MC. could literally just get him angry enough to distract him then tackle the smol bean

Savanaclaw: Just offer Leona to take the responsibilities of Dorm Leader but he still gets to control all the dorm sports. (Also must offer lap nap privileges)

Octanvinelle: MC waits till Floyd's in a mood and offers to get Jade new terrariums. MC's outsmarted Azul before and can do it again, the eels are the wildcards.

Scarabia: Kalim could probably be convinced of anything, bless his heart. The trouble is making sure to keep Jamil as vice warden and take some of his workload please this overworked boy-

Ignihyde: Idia, if challenged might fight for it and give MC some trouble, he's got a competitive streak after all. But the moment its presented as a way for him to get out of socializing he 200% will pronounce MC Dorm leader and run away at Mach 3. (It won't hurt to offer playtime with Grimm too)

Diasomnia: Now my dear sweet Malleus. If he thought his friend really wanted it would hand the title over 100%. The real fight would be Sebek and having to deal with his screeching. Prepare Malleus merch to win him over, the more the better

[eclecticprincecollector]

Who calls who what

if yuu was raised by the great seven edition.

What they call you ( yuu)

Ursula calls you a fry ( which means baby octopus, cause you are hers)

Hades calls you little flame ( you managed to burn down the house once when you were a toddler, he was proud grandpop TM that day)

Scar calls you cub ( slipped out one day and he decided why the hell not, you were his their cub)

Grimhilde calls you Liebchen ( sweetheart)

Jafar calls you by your name ( but secretly refers to you as jewel or Azizi/aziziti ( my precious male/female))

Maleficent calls you elfling ( because that is yuu's ( your)species in my au and it kinda stuck for her)

Mary Elizabeth calls you rosebud ( because she found you sleeping in a rosebush ( Grimhilde despaired over your skin for days after that))

What reader ( yuu) calls them

Mama for a loving Grimhilde

Papa for an annoyed Scar

Grandpop for an amused Hades ( Planning the wedding #1)

Baba for a secretly indulgent Jafar

Mother dearest for a doting yet strict Mary Elizabeth

Grandmother for a fond Maleficent ( Planning the wedding #2)

Taglist

@twistedcece

[yomogi-mogi-mochi]

Unnecessarily Convoluted Analysis of TWST Dorm Architecture

Putting that Art History degree to use 💪 I am getting my Masters in art history, so I am like semi qualified?? to do this. Tried my best with some of the dorms since some don't have an explicit cultural/architectural parallel irl. And obviously lots of liberties taken since I'm sure the people at Disney were not going for historical accuracy

Masterlist here

Much of this analysis can from my Spolia fic (Malleus x Light Fae MC)

Diasmonia: Early Gothic

Gothic- but early gothic. It's got a few flying buttresses, indicative of technology in later gothic movements- but in combination to the lower ceilings (lower than later gothic), fewer levels (celestory, triforium, doric columns, and shorter windows makes me think it's early gothic (more towards Norman architecture/Sens Cathedral), because it's a lot simpler and less technologically developed than high gothic (larger windows, rose windows, higher and pointier style, flying buttresses, more decorative stuff like Corinthian columns and stained glass). Still, I think the Fae would be been more concerned with its structural integrity against the waves of time- therefore gargoyles become a very prominent symbol in protecting this eternity and preservation of architecture since it basically prevents rain/weather from eating away at the building.

There's some interesting symbolism with Malleus' fixation with gargoyles, but I'm sure you can make that connection on your own based on what's out in Chapter 7 and how he reacts to both Lilia's and MC'S impending goodbyes.

Gothic was actually a term used by the French to demean the style, since it was seen as more 'savage' and 'lower' than classical architecture- which is symmetrical, solid, and values very literal and realistic (albeit idealized) characterization. Gothic architecture in contrast is a lot more airy, focuses on light and windows, and values more allegorical representations, which is why it resonated so well with the religious ruler and monarchies because they were able to not-so-subtly point to their influence and power in every single way without it being in your face all the time.

Because of this very stank contrast, it was labeled as "gothic" because people were criticizing it to be "savage" and "unkept". The goths were painted this way because they were mainly responsible for Rome's downfall, leading to the dark ages. Regardless of the French ruthlessly roasting the goths, this type of design flourished after the dark ages because technology was beginning to be advanced once more, and materials were more readily available.

My theory would be that the fae began to first develop this architecture because they had the advantage of magic, but then the humans were influenced by it- which leads them to high gothic (Noble Bell College), as well as Baroque and Rococo architecture (like the Pomefiore dorm). The Fae kept their style of early gothic since they didn't really see a point in changing much- maybe just more decorative gargoyles called grotesque as a symbol of the Fae's gratitude in their protection against time.

Also the hallways have what are almost like ribbed vaults which was one of the primary and first symbols of gothic architecture because they allowed more weight to be distributed to the vaults, and therefore allow for bigger windows.

Another distict characteristics in gothic architecture are clearly defined elevations.

Traditionally, they will have the celestial at the top, then gallery, then the main arcade (especially as we get into the later gothic periods and buildings get even taller and taller). Of course Disney isn't completely accurate with these things, but it seems that they're sort of going for that vibe, as many things end up being as our contemporary notions of historical design often creates a vague iconography of things that is often a copy of a copy of a copy of the original medium.

However I do think the intention to mimic the original design is still there overall, and combined with many of the other elements such as the prevalence of pointed arches that are a symbol of gothic architecture, and the sheer number of windows that were allowed originally due to the technological advances of the gothic era (and of course Malleus' own obsession with gargoyles), I think it would make sense to categorize this is like "gothic adjacent".

If I were to redesign the diasmonia dorm however, I would definitely begin by fixing the exterior- but I think they were referencing Malificent's tower in the Disney movie than any sort of historical accuracy lol. You win some, you lose some.

Pomefiore: Rococo with a touch of Art Noveau

Very obviously modeled after French Rococo architecture- the illustration of the hallways of Pomefiore dorm are almost exactly like the Palace of Versailles

It is definitely a toned down version- but pretty spot on, right? When I first saw the Pomefiore dorm I immediately Googled a picture of the Palace of Versailles cause I knew I saw it somewhere. Autistic spidey senses at it again.

Honestly wish they went more all out with the chandeliers, and had painted ceilings on the dorm colors- but I feel like they got the general vibes right. It feels closer to Romanesque with its simplicity but it still holds an aura of decadence and frivolity that I like. Very rich, extravagant like it's members (maybe not so much Epel lol)

Elements of Art noveau in the furniture (the peacock chair) and the embroidery of the uniforms.

Also, the peacock chair sort of reminds me of James McNeill Whistler's Peacock Room. He was an American impressionist that was sort of the forefront of art nouveau, since impressionism was one of the mainstream movements that really began the explosion of Japanese inspired design that is also used in Art Nouveau aesthetic.

(Vil would definitely have this room if he could)

The carpet in the room reminds me of William Morris' designs, and just art nouveau in general.

As far as I can tell, the exterior is based on a variety of German castle styles from 13th century Romanesque styles, to 18th century Neo-Gothic styles. Which is coincidentally what a lot of the castles on Disneyland are based off of.

Everything is very florial, Corinthian, and extravagant. I love it. It's very baroque, I dig it.

Scarabia

Please don't come for me I'm not as well versed in Non-Asian and Non-Western architecture except for religious architecture in Turkey and Jerusalem so I'm gonna try my best with this one

So I think it mixes a lot of the icons we think of in association to Arabic architecture like domes, pointed/ogee (rounded, then pointed)/multifoil (multiple curves) arches, and ornate floral designs that derive from the use of calligraphy in Islamic structures (as iconography, or pictures depicting the faces and bodies of religious figures were not allowed).

And I think all those tiny buildings resemble Minarets, or tall towers built adjacent to mosques where the muezzin can issue the call to prayer. But the artists were probably like "hm. Not enough. How do we make it more arabic??" And of course the contemporary orientalist perspectives that dominate the artistic realm made they go "quick just add a bunch of domes"

I think Kalim's room and the lounge in particular best shows the general "airiness" that parallels Islamic acthicture (ie the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on UAE)

Open air courtyards are also a characteristic element of Islam architecture, which you can see with the areal view of the dorm, and also makes sense with Kalim's unique magic.

Jali window designs (the intricate gold metal covers on the arches) are also popular on Islamic architecture

The Haga Sophia in particular has been described to have a dome "suspended by the heavens", as the section connecting the building and the dome is made entirely of arches that allows the sunlight from the heavens to pour inside the building. Though the haga Sophia is a very special case, as it was occupied by varying religions with different architectural styles at certain periods- I think it's also a good representation of our contemporary prototype of Arabian architecture that makes up the final design of the dorm.

Ignihyde: Classical Greek

Looks like it's modeled after the Parthenon, which was built during the Classical period on Greece where Athens was flourishing as a center of mathematics, technology, and architecture. These are sentiments which becomes reflected in the Renaissance afterwards, such as symmetry and a very systemic way of approaching things. I think it fits perfectly with this dorm, since they're the "tech geeks" of NRC

It's got your pediment, your doric columns (would have preferred ionic columns but whatever Disney), your arcades. Pretty straight forward unlike the actual movie it's based off of lol (Hercules has so so many mythological inconsistencies. Like why are you talking about Achilles in the movie??? Trojan was hasn't even happened babe stop manifesting that shit)

I think the symmetry and order of Classical Greek design goes well with the overall futuristic look Ignihyde and the Island of Woe are going for. Pretty clever, Disney.

Heartslabyul: Tudor Revival Style

Though Alice in Wonderland is set in the later 19th century, I think the Tudorian Revival style than began in the beginning of the 20th century just shortly later fits best.

Turdorian revival style is characterized through half timbering, which is like the timber panels you see on the surface of the building; oriel windows (windows that jut out); mock battlements; and courtyards.

The Tudorian revival style also takes elements from Elizabethan era architecture and perpendicular gothic architecture, hence the long gallery and the tudorian four point arch)

The glass panes in the lounge leaves me to believe it's sort of like a glass house where part of the house is sort of like a greenhouse. This is characteristic of Victorian glasshouses that rose with the availability of timber, paint, and brick and the popularity of botany in the Victorian era propelled by botanical imports from British colonies. Architecrs like Joseph Paxton were also known for his opus magnum- the Crystal Palace, which held the Great Exhibition of 1851 (kind of like a world expo with the theme of industry and art) also popularize the movement- and was a significant sign of wealth, as glass and window taxes were especially high. But in the later century when iron and steel frame construction was advanced, people could be built out of iron and window panes, so they could be assembled easily, and also afforded by middle class citizens.

So it's basically a mix of Elizabethan and Victorian revival styles (tudorian and gothic), which is in theme with the Victorian period the original media is set in, albeit taking inspiration from styles little later in the period.

Savanaclaw:

Again- I am blind when it comes to Non-Asian/Non-Western architecture- but this one was kinda confusing cause it really doesn't have any architectural cohesivity??? Like it's just got a general "jungle vibe" which I'm not surprised at because Disney is infamous for glossing over non-white cultures and kind of just simplifying them into a "general vibe" which wow yikes my guy

Kind of reminds me of Mese Verde, which are structures made directly within a cliffside, or the Great Mosque of Djenné and the African Heritage house in Kenya which have very smoothed, natural designs that blend into the environment

What I could gather from my research and my juicy autistic brain, savannas are regularly subjected to wild fires- so a lot of the heavy, rocky architecture and interior style makes sense, opposed to one made of wood (which are mostly in the inside of the structure, besides the roof which I imagine is less likely to catch on fire). Much of the building seems also to be directly carved within natural rock formations- a very functional use of the resources around you- very savannaclaw!

The textiles in each of the dorm members' rooms resemble Kente fabric, a style of hand weaving from Ghana, originally reserved for royalty but now commonly worn for ceremonial occasions and such. Also unlike other African textiles styles, it's strictly a male practice. I think it would make sense for Sunset Savanna, a place where women are highly respected and perhaps take on more political and military positions- leaving largely men to the practice of textile making (both are honorable acts- not comparing the two). There aren't distinguished aesthetic styles of textiles that differentiate each weaving from another- rather, it is divided by technique and region- so this is not like a definite connection, just thought it was interesting to includle

Textiles seem to occupy the only decorative role in the entire dorm- so perhaps there is significant cultural significance? Maybe there is a certain region that's known for their practices? Or is weaving a symbol of adulthood or growth and therefore is why they're hung up in each of the dorm member's rooms with the exception of Ruggie, who may not have had the socioeconomic privilege of making one? Or does the practice vary across species? Much to speculate 🤔

Octavinelle: Art Deco and Art Nouveau

Saved this one for last because oh boy I don't even know where to start with this. Obviously the design is very creative and I love it, but there's a lot less historical elements I can use to analyze the style, kind of like the Savanah claw exterior.

But it leans towards the art deco style, which is most fitting for the business dorm I think.

Elements of Art deco like geometric aspects of design, thematic and aesthetic consistency, and decorative/geometric windows are seen throughout the dorm interior and exterior

But I think the art nouveau elements are also there too, with the cheeky sea-themed elements that use natural shapes and icons into the architecture, design, and surfaces of the dorm.

Otherwise, not much else to say about this dorm 🤷 it's not really based in anything historical but there are bits and pieces of art nouveau and art deco in there, but I definitely wish they would lean more into the art deco elements since I think it would go well with the general themes of the dorm values.

So uh, yeah. Told you it would be convoluted.

Feel free to add and or correct!

[officialdaydreamer00]

Just me thinking abt how every dorm could probably give you something fo match with their dorm (cough cough, they want to convince you to go with them unlike the other dorms—)

Heartslabyul gives you a checkered heart clip to wear on whatever you want

SavanaClaw gives a colorful necklace (similar to the one on Leona’s neck and Ruggie’s shirt)

Octavinelle gives a shell keychain to you

Scarabia gives you gold colored bracelets

Pomefiore gives a crown pin to pin on your uniform

Ignihyde gives you a watch with their color scheme

And Diasomnia gives you briar rose earrings

All of them just matching those items with you while also competing for your favored dorm

honestly i think it'd be like

because you received something from all seven dorms, you decided to spend each day of the week for each of the dorms.

on monday, you'd go with your heartslabyul friends. you opted to pin the clip on your blazer collar and kept it secured there for the rest of the day. riddle nodded to you, and he took it upon himself to fix your outfit if he ever deemed it 'unkempt'. no, it's not an excuse for him to be closer to you, obviously it's because your collar is a little crooked and you didn't notice that.

tuesday was with savanaclaw. you turned the colourful bead necklace into a bracelet, wrapping it around your non-dominant wrist. leona that fucking cat (affectionately) was smug as hell when he saw you with the necklace (now turned makeshift bracelet) he personally gave you.

octavinelle was wednesday. you didn't usually bring ramshackle's key in your pockets, so the keychain was attached to the side of your belt. floyd took great pleasure in picking you up and carrying you to places, "'cause lil' shrimpy will get lost in the sea of minnows without this big ol' eel!" or something along the line. jade only follow behind you two with a chuckle.

thursday quickly came by. kalim encouraged you to wear scarabia's gold bracelets that he gave you. how could you deny him, when he was asking you with such a bright smile on his face? he was dragging you around campus by the way, jamil walked behind the both of you and sighed like a tired disappointed parent he was lmao.

friday rolled by. pomefiore dorm leader vil himself handed you the crown pin. he also asked you to accompany him on a leisure stroll with rook and epel, and at the end of the day, he even bent down to give your forehead a lil smooch. his lipstick might be smudged, but your confused flustered face was entertaining enough for him to ignore it. be grateful for that potato.

idia had ortho pull you to an unused classroom on saturday, only to hand you a watch in ignihyde's colour scheme, dorm logo and all. idia himself might not want to go outside, so it's either ortho who dragged you around campus, or you all holed up in idia's room to play video games or binge anime.

diasomnia held you hostage (/lh) on sunday. well, malleus already gifted you the earrings on your late night rendezvous right after you came back from ignihyde. he invited you to the dorm the next morning, and kinda just keep you there for the rest of the day. lilia had the time of his life jumpscaring you the moment you got pass the gates, though.

taglist🏷️ @azulashengrottospiano @aqua-beam @axvwriter @siren-serenity @identity-theft-101 @ang33333333l @leonistic @twistwonderlanddevotee @savanaclaw1996 @red-viewe @bun-lapin @cookiesandbiscuits @loser-jpg @moonlit-midnight @minimallyminnie @dove-da-birb @silvers-numberonefan @thehollowwriter @jaylleoo14

reblogs are appreciated!

[alastor-simp]

Azul Ashengrotto🐙 with a reader who is like Uma from Descendants

- You had intrigued Azul the minute he saw you arrive to NRC. He wasn’t quite sure what it was, but your magical aura and beauty kept drawing him in

- Azul was a man of business, however, so he wasn’t going to let his fascination get in the way of that. As always he tried to introduce himself and offer you his services in the form of a contract, hoping you would accept it with ease, but you just gave him an sarcastic laugh and said “Dream on, Octo boy” and walked away , leaving him stunned

- Shocked, was the expression on Azul’s face as he realized you had a bit of a feisty attitude compared to the delicate flower he pictured you as. He ordered the twins to try and persuade you to reconsider, but you refused again and roughed up the twins a bit when they got too pushy. Let’s just say the Leech brothers know now, not to mess with you.

- After multiple refusals, Azul decided to call it quits, but you had other plans as you had your sights set on him and when you wanted something, you got it.

- He wasn’t expecting to have grown so close to you, but the more time he spent with you, the more he started to develop feelings. You can imagine his surprise when you told him that you ran a crew of pirates and are their captain.

- Besides being a captain, he asked what other talents/secrets you had, and instead of telling him you showed him. Jumping into the fish tank in Mostro lounge, you transformed into your cecaelia form in front of Azul. Let’s just say, you had this Octo cutie blushing up to his ears. Your tentacles were a charming aqua color, that matched perfectly with your turquoise hair.

- After that, you told Azul more about your world, your rival with the daughter of Maleficent and how Ursula was your mother.

- !?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? COME AGAIN. YOUR MOTHER IS URSULA!?!?!?!! ONE OF THE GREAT SEVENS?!?!?!?!?!? ……… Marry Me.

- The two of you got together eventually, honestly you weren’t expecting it either, but you grown to love and care for Azul, but don’t tell anyone else that as you had a reputation to uphold and the last thing you needed is your crew/friends seeing you go all soft.

- “Good afternoon, sweetie,” Azul said as he greeted you upon your arrival to Mostro Lounge. Grabbing Azuls bow tie, you yanked him closer to your face as you don’t like being called adorable pet names “What’s my name, Azul? Azul, flustered, answered you back immediately: “Y-Y/N.”

- Smiling, you kissed Azul, on the lips before letting him go. “That’s right cutie. That’s my name.” You grabbed his hand and walked towards his office, with him following behind you with hearts in his eyes and two eel twins giggling from afar, as Floyd recorded the whole interaction and Jade asking his brother to send him the video.

( sorry about how bad this is, still having trouble writing x reader stories, but hope you guys enjoy it :) )

[duskymrel]

EILF (Floyd Leech x Yuu)

synopsis: just a bunch of random silly goofy texts between you and your silly eel boyfriend

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i've literally never done a smau before this is probably straight ass 😭

n e ways Floyd's my beloved i love him sm omg

[insideous-beez]

Imagine a Azul x Yuu/MC dynamic where, right out the gate, Yuu is having NONE of Azul's nitpicking on debts and repayments.

Azul insists on "fair compensation" for any little favor, every second of time that could have been spent swindling some poor unfortunate soul, and how does Yuu respond?

"No. I will not pay you back because I'm a little thief. A criminal. Your time and favors have been stolen and I am not compensating you for any of them."

Azul is flustered. Flabbergasted. Frustrated and stunned that someone dare throw a wrench in his little debt-and-payment schemes lifestyle.

What's worse is how beloved Yuu is by the other dorm leaders. Usually Azul could resort to blackmail if his little guilt trips fail. But this is the Ramshackle Prefect, monster tamer and master of Overblots. If he pushed too far, Azul would quickly become calamari.

So the best he can do is ban Yuu from the Mostro Lounge.

...which only sours his mood, for some reason.

The ban doesn't last long. Jade and Floyd actually never told Yuu about the ban, much more aware of Azul's feelings than himself.

Begrudgingly, his avoidance of the Prefect turns into an acceptance of their little criminal tendencies... with some banter. You think he'd pass off on the opportunity to get their attention toss some passive-aggressive comments their way?

"Well, if it isn't the Prefect. Here to empty my pockets again?"

"Perhaps you should turn that heap of rotting wood into a ship if you intend on being a pirate."

"Ah, if it isn't everyone's favorite felon."

And each time, Yuu smiles. Azul's cheeks go red, and he can only hope it doesn't show.

It does.

Yuu also notices how he lingers

Regardless of whether it's a subdued conversation, silent time spent in each other's company, or full-out bickering. It's like Azul is reluctant to leave.

So Yuu shoots their shot.

"I'm planning a big heist" they say to Azul one day, smile full of mischief. "Since you're the target, wanna guess what I'll be stealing?"

Azul let's out a fake sigh, as always, and feigns annoyance at Yuu's schemes.

"I'd rather you just tell me."

"Aw, you're no fun," Yuu complains. Azul's heart leaps at their pout.

"Fine. Perhaps you intend to commandeer the Mostro Lounge this time?"

"Mmm, no, something more valuable than that."

What could be more valuable than the Mostro Lounge?

"Your heart. Or hearts? If you have as many as a normal octopus does. Technically I'm going to steal all of you, though. This Saturday at ten sound good?"

The merman only had one, but if he had three, they all would have stopped. His mouth hangs open in disbelief.

"I- I-"

"Alright! I'll pick you up then, Captain Calamari!"

The Prefect was going to be the death of him.

[lianreine]

Angst TWST X GN!MC

"I watch from a far as they shine like gold"

Just for context this isn't connected to any event in the twst so far I just wanted to write this-

<i found my border :>>

MC POV

As I watch the Ceremony begin...I smile as everyone gets their awards...

I cheer for my friends and comrades happily...but this moment feels too familiar...

Like the times in my world where I'd never get an award even if i tried- but! I didnt try now. Plus all the rewards are...magic related....

..

After the Ceremony I've lost my mood...it isnt anyone's fault but mine

I watch the liquid in my cup as everyone celebrates...

Someone comes up to me, I didnt bother to look up at them..

"Child of man? You seem...upset? Is there a problem?"

I turn my head to see Malleus

"No...nothing at all, just tired because of the night you know"

I force a smile as he smiles back at me

"Alright...I will leave you be...But any of us will be willing to help you if you are ever in need"

I nod with a smile as he walks away..

Anyone would help me...?

Could they...help me?

Drip...

Black ink fell on my drink...

I touch my face and look at my fingers...

Blot...?

But no...thats impossible..i couldn't blot...i couldn't i dont have magi!-

My hands feel hot as i realized my cup is boiling...I immediately drop my cup...

As Ink fades my sight..

No...no no no...this is suppose to be the happy ever after...

3rd person view

Everyone stops when the lights start to flicker..

They see Mc..looking down...and Blot dripping from their eyes..

"Child of man!-"

Malleus yells as the others get their pens ready..

Mc stumbles back as they look up..

"Im sorry...im trying...but...I can't control it any longer...it hurts.."

They get surrounded by blot...as the fog fades...

Mc is seen with their knees againts their chest as it seems...replicas of all Seven Over blots..

As if they protect her...their faces are blacked out...the other students are terrified..

Vil and Mal's overblot can be seen taking care of Mc...War has started.

[tinyletterz]

♡ winter wonderland— [ twst ]

: winter prompts with the twst students :

♡— contains: gn! reader, fluff!!

— [ note: WHY DID THIS TAKE SO LONG??? AND you guys are acutely enjoying my works?! what thank you sm for 75 followers! as always, ortho is platonic, the rest can either be seen as romantic/platonic ]

heartslabyul

— riddle takes you ice skating. he skates like a professional; it’s something he enjoyed when he was younger. if you don’t know how to skate he’s going to teach you, helping you whenever you slide and fall. after skating he’s going to bring you to a cafe and bask in the warmth

— trey is rather busy during the holidays, helping his family's bakery in the winter months. he's always thankful for your help in the kitchen, delivering orders to customers, or just keeping his siblings busy.

— cater wants nothing more than to sit in front of a fire with you. listening to the quiet cracking of fire and your voices filling the room just adds to the calming atmosphere. he would take a picture if he didn’t feel so comfortable with not moving, but maybe this is a memory to keep in his mind

— ace started a snowball fight with you. it turns out he’s very strategic in his plays and doesn’t just throw blindly. forts we’re built, words were said, and only one will remain victorious. despite his plans, he’s too easily caught off guard and you take the final blow

— deuce also takes you ice skating except he has no idea how. the entire time you guys are holding hands, trying to keep deuce from losing his balance. and if you can't skate either? oh boy what a ride the two of you will go on. and if there are little kids who can skate better?? they will make it their life goal to teach deuce to skate

savanaclaw

— leona drags you along with him to take care of cheka. his nephew wants to go to all different shops and restaurants, but his parents were too busy. now, because leona has to suffer, you do to. but cheka's so much fun to be around, playing with the other children in the snow, buying warm cookies from the cafe for you and leona to share. all of you are bundled up warmly you don't even feel the chilly wind pass by.

— ruggie invites you to charity events to help people in need. he knows how it feels, so he wants to give extra blankets and food his grandmother made for the people. your extra hands and conversation make the moment more meaningful

— jack brings you sledding. he is a trained veteran in the art of sledding so you’ll be perfectly safe. the moment is breathtaking as you slide down the mountain with the snow flying past. no jack’s tail isn’t wagging from happiness, it’s just really cold okay?

octavinelle

— azul is going to master the art of making hot chocolate with you. he's still new to dwelling on the surface, so there are plenty of things he's not used to. piling marshmallows on top of marshmallows, adding hints of vanilla and mint, finishing the warm drink with whipped cream. he truly enjoys seeing what concoction you brew up together.

— jade will bring you along to go hiking the snow-covered mountains. there’s so much wildlife that only blossoms when the frost arrives. of course he knows it’s cold, so he encourages you to bring layers onto of layers. while taking moments to stop he brings warm drinks and takes in the scenery with you

— floyd bought matching sweaters for both of you. they’re probably ugly sweaters too, but he thought they would look so good on you and him! he will follow you around until you wear the sweater and show you off to jade and azul

scarabia

— kalim will pull you outside with him to enjoy the early snow. as soon as he spots the first snowflake on campus he's already ready to enjoy the wintry scene with you. making snow angels, building snowmen, just simply enjoying the winter weather with you.

— jamil teaches you how to make traditional food from his culture even though he's sick. the cold got to him too quickly and despite your protest, he refuses to sit around sick and let you cook by yourself. it turns out to be a fun experience, even if you almost make a mess of the kitchen while telling jamil to get some rest.

pomefiore

— vil loves window shopping you with. seeing all the shops decorated with holiday decor, the flashing lights, the fresh smell of ginger in the air. he enjoys watching your expression when you see something displayed in the shop that caught your eye. and even though you're "not supposed" to buy something you see in the window, expect vil to purchase it for you.

— rook wants to enjoy the scenery with you by his side. it’s only once a year that the world really comes together to help those in need, the snow falling ever so gently, and the flowers that bloom when the ground is covered in snow. such beauty, how marvelous! and he gets to enjoy the scenery with you by his side

— epel visits winter markets with you. he used to go to them with his grandparents when he was little, so he wants to bring you with him. the handcrafted jewelry, freshly baked goods, and live music for entertainment. he wants you to enjoy yourself, while showing you the places he went while growing up

ignihyde

— idia thinks this is the perfect time to binge an entire season with you. it's way too cold outside and what better than to spend the time to do something meaningful? he has snacks laying about his room so you never have to leave, the temperature is just right, all that is needed is you to say yes to his invitation

— ortho builds gingerbread houses with you. he’s interested in the architecture and creating little gingerbread people to fit inside the house. he loves decorating and playing festive music to fill the rare times of silence. 10/10 best experience and ortho would love to do it again sometime with you!!

diasomnia

— malleus is another one who just wants to roam the streets with their lights. he'll mostly take you with him at night to enjoy the lights when they are brightest. he is like a child and wants to drag you to see all the light and their designs

— lilia can and will fight you with candy canes. it is a battle to the death and he is determined to win. he's going to poke you with the point he creates with the cane and it will be a duel to the death. hopefully, you are prepared.

— silver wants to take this time to learn to knit. if he’s going to be asleep for most of the time he would at least want to have something comfortable with him. he’ll come to you and ask if what he’s making is comfortable, he’ll come to you for color and pattern designs. don’t be surprised if you find him asleep in the middle of knitting because it’s just very comfortable

— sebek needs your help with baking. he wants to create something for the entire dorm so he goes to you, the most tolerable human. and despite his loud voice and the occasional bantering, sebek enjoys himself when spending time with you

[itzjustmonikas]

A Joyous Discovery

(Jade x reader with no specified gender)

-Due to Jades love for different unique plants, and him being apart of the mountain appreciation club, he often encounters many rare herbs, fruits, and vegetables growing in the areas he searches for different types of mushrooms. If he ever feels like it, he would sometimes bring home some of the side discoveries he makes and show it to you and Floyd. He would usually try to search it up and learn more about the plant, jotting key things he needs to remember such as the leaf shape and it's properties to remind himself of it's uses and learn to identify it if he ever comes across it again. If he finds out it's edible he would try to look for a recipe including the ingredient and make it, inviting you to join him from time to time and sharing the end product with you, Floyd, and Azul. As time goes on he begins to find joy in foraging for wild edible plants and begins creatively incorporating it into different recipes of his, branching out from following others's recipes. He finds it amusing to see the reaction of people being suspicious of him while trying out his original creations and end up loving it and wanting more. This one time he invited you over to the dorm and wanted to try out making a pastry out of Ramps and Ramsons (wild onion and garlic), it took a lot of trial and error to get the right ratio of ingredients and temperature for perfect flakiness and ideal flavor but you guys did it in the end. It was a hit with the others and Azul suggested on putting it as a seasonal item on the Mostro Lounge menu. You all thought it was a good idea as it was pretty cost efficient with the fact that the main ingredients are free and there is a surplus amount of it each year left unharvested. You guys all work together and harvested lots of Ramps and Ramsons and started prepping all of them for cooking while freezing out the extras that might not last long enough for the next restock. The pastry was an instant hit on campus, almost everyone rushed to the Mostro Lounge during lunch and there was barely anyone at the school cafeteria. The lines were so long that you guys could barely keep up so some students offered to help just to get a taste of the delicacy. It was so good to the point that even NRC staff members tried getting their hands on it. In the end, it made a lot of money and has become a staple item that students all know about and aims to have the next time it is available. After a longgggg day of working, all the other staff has already left and went to bed while you and Jade find yourselves sitting and enjoying dinner together. You guys finally get time to relax and chat together, talking about funny instances that happened throughout the day and sharing a laugh at some extra outrageous things. You both seem to have neverending topics to talk about together, ranging from schoolwork to close friends to future recipes and looking back on how you guys spend hours in the kitchen working together. Even though you were both physically and mentally tired, it was still a joyous moment that brought happiness and pulled you guys closer. Jade would definitely not mind working extra hard and being tired, as long as he gets to do it with you and enjoy moments like these to cherish forever.

I think this fic can also work with characters like Trey and Ruggie as Trey is good at baking and Ruggie knows a lot about foraging loll

I really hope you guys like this 💖 please let me know if there are any ways in which I could improve!My next post will be an Azul fic that I hope will be to you guys's liking :)

I chose to write about Jade because he is usually stationed in Mostro Lounges kitchen and most likely is tasked with finding new recipes, combining that with his special interest is this imagine~

[roseapov]

I know I was supposed to take a break to focus on my life BUT I just can't stop.

Tumblr already rooted deep within me and there is no way for me to go back, so I'm coming back to writing, slowly but surely.

I couldn't stop thinking about all of those scenarios, ideas to write, everything. I also had to follow my moots moves diligently (love y'all), so I wouldn't fall behind and during that time, I never really took any break.

That's why I decided to come back, as most of my schedule is already emptied and I finally have some relatively quiet and peaceful time for myself.

Which means more fics for you!

Now, I know I already announced The Great Diasomnia Fics Feast BUT I wanted to ask:

Which one of the dorms would you like to see fics of the most, as I finish with my ongoing works?

[sophiesephy]

( This is my first attempt at a Twisted Wonderland oneshot, please be kind. I am very attached to the Octavinelle boys and out of them I just want to protect Azul so much UwU. He is such a bb. He is such a vocal character who weaponizes words so much so its interesting if he is a mess when flustered )

Twisted Wonderland Headcannons/Scenarios One-Shot )

The Silver Tongued Azul

Azul Ashengrotto x Reader

Azul is quite aware his reputation is known around campus. But his feelings towards you had not been made known.

He would speak to you with full courteousness as if you were a client or customer to the Mostro Lounge.

When he would do something nicer to you than he would to any regular customer, he'd brush up on you being a valued patron. Everything should be according to plan. You should have no suspicions of his feelings. He gave his invitations to the Mostro Lounge under the guise of free drinks and food for being a good Prefect to the Octavinelle students.

For every slip of his tongue when said anything sweet, he'd have Floyd and Jade backing him to talk.

Until one day, he decided to give you an offer you could never refuse.

He will order Jade and Floyd to go retrieve you. Of course to you it looked more like kidnapping but let us not fuss too much details.

As extra Azul is with himself and his standards, he ascertained that he will be a little bit more extra with you tonight.

The finest silverwares and the best dishes Floyd could cook.

Mostro Lounge was already an underwater grotto of opulence but tonight was far different.

Floyd and Jade promised the housewarden their support but not their best behavior, not making any promises they won't tease.

—-

Azul sat across you and asked you if the decorations were to your liking and some chatter.

From a distance behind you, he'd secretly have Jade and Floyd have cue cards to aid him with the script he so painstakingly wrote weeks beforehand. He made countermeasures to never miss a word.

"It is a pleasure that you could accompany me in this beautiful evening. I, Azul Ashengrotto, have something to proclaim to you as a frequent visitor of our Mostro Lounge today. "

Every inflection of his speech was perfect. His attention towards you never left. And he made a move to change where he sat, moving confidently to sit next you.

" I, Azul Ashegrotto, would like to say that I… "

Subtly eyeing Jade's cue card, it read out those final three words 'I love you' but it proved much different for Azul to say it.

".... I… I…"

In the middle of his perfectly woven speech, his mind stopped at the sight of your eyes on him. In front of you, he was confused and in awe of your beauty at the same time.

But now his insecurities are flaring up and resurfacing once more. It was that utter fear of being rejected once more.

'What if I become that fat crybaby octopus again and she leaves me…? '

What if all these planning just falls to nothing" his nails dug on the cushion of the leather sofa.

The Azul, who was ever so eloquent and always silver tongued to persuade anyone into anything, is now wordless and internally hyperventilating in your presence.

He was always one who wants to impress you with the grandiosity of his preparation but he is becoming his awkward self once more.

"Didn't he memorize everything he is going to say, he's totally blowing it and turning into baby Azul." Floyd felt tears burning his eyes from stifling his laughter while Jade did the same but tried to cover his mouth primly with a gloved hand,yet losing it too.

Even Jade was interrupted by his attempt of hiding his laugh "Floyd, it is– (laugh) " "impolite of us to laugh at Azul's– (laugh) – blunder. "

You, a magicless and mortal human, have rendered Azul tongue-tied. His face was an interesting red hue, profusely blushing. If he could just crawl into an octopus pot right now he would. Actually thats what he thought. 'SOMEBODY HELP ME! I WANT TO CRAW INSIDE AN OCTOPUS POT RIGHT NOW AND CRY'

He did think everything through but never accounted his sudden flustered feelings with you this close.

Lucky he had drank his potion and in human form right now but if he was in octopus form, he would be spewing ink already. He could imagine it in his head.

"Yuu… I.. I.. I.. " each word was said in

jitters.

Normally it would be him referring to others as a poor unfortunate thing but right now, its what you would call him as you mentally facepalmed.

It ended with you speaking first to help him. The most merciful thing you could do to ease his mental torture.

"I… Already knew what you felt about me, Azul. " Your hand felt on top of his to stop his shaking.

'But how could you know… ? I took every measure for you not to know only up to this day'.

One touch sufficed to return him to the surface when he thought he was sinking back to the sea.

"You did?" His baby blue eyes blinked in confusion.

"Hm-mm. " You nodded in affirmation. You gave him the simplest answer with no explanation needed. "I always knew"

"But what do you feel about me?

Do you… Like me..?"

Slightly breathy was his voice as if one about to cry when he gave your hand a squeeze . Your answer being the thing he would hold on whether he'd have to feel rejected again just like his entire childhood.

You did not admit, you were nervous as he was but your answer was what he needed right now.

It gave you strength to reply with the softest voice to make the scared inner Azul come out of the octopus pot.

"I do. I really like you… For such a long time now"

Your words even caught the attention of the twins who watched, who stopped laughing. Honestly they had already mentally planned a pity party in the scenario Azul does get rejected. But they trusted Azul.

If anything, they trusted you more with Azul.

The jitterniess inside Azul disappeared and made the silver haired man clear his throat. "How embarrassing of you to see that but allow me to ask you, properly. Can I start from the beginning?"

You chortled. "Of course. "

—

Though impeccable he is with his words most of the time, to you, he is suddenly a bumbling mess who needs more time before he would return to his eloquent self.

But now, there it was.

Words were flowing out of his mouth like calm waters.

You two spoke for hours and felt relieved as Azul is himself again. You still had to admit, you loved his nervous awkward self too.

—

Repoising himself, Azul began again. There was a little quiver in his voice yet he recovered it immediately

"I, Azul Ashengrotto, would like to ask you

a proposition" In his effort to impress you, It was funny he spoke like it was one of his deals with a student. "I cordially invite you to the Mostro Lounge anytime. And more than just a guest but…

Dramatically he took in a breath.

Bringing your hand closer to his lips, he bowed his head and looked over at you from his lashes. "Would you give me the honor of being your date again the next time you visit?"

"I would love that" quietly you were in gratitude the dim lighting hid how pink your face were.

" If ever you need help in anything.

You know where to find me. I am more than willing to help you get your dreams. "

"Is this another one of your shady deals?" You raise your brow at him jokingly, remembering this was the case with the Anemone incident.

"I promise it won't be. "

Azul teased back, his gloved hand moving over to stroke your cheek. When he realized his action, he faked a cough and withdrew his hand.

With a snap of his finger, he summoned his vice housewarden who appeared as if he wasn't just laughing earlier. "You made quite an entertainment earlier but I'd say you did quite a performance in the end. " He spoke in lower volume to whisper.

"Awww I surely thought you'll turn into baby Azul again. " Floyd suddenly appeared behind Jade.

You were not in any way startled by the twins and just chuckled.

"Oh shut up. " Covering his mouth with a fist, Azul coughed to redirect their attention

"Jade, Floyd, can you please make a record to have Yuu exempted from the point card system. If she ever enters the Mostro Lounge, redirect her to my office and notify me. "

"Yes, sir" Floyd and Jade both had sly smiles.

Azul from the corner of his eye, sighed and shooed them away. "Can you two please allow me some privacy 'this time'?"

He gritted his teeth a bit and verbally emphasized the last part.

"Oh we'll allow you some privacy alright~~"

"Just summon us if you both need our help and some 'protection' "

Azul thought he couldn't get any redder so he chided them away. You admitted it took you a while to get Jade's joke before it hit you and had you blushing as well.

The two scurried off from the dating area to no longer spy at him there. But probably from the security cameras.

" Those two are unsufferable. " An exasperated Azul massaged his temples.

"I think they are lovely for supporting you. " You said.

"Anyways, where were we?"

"A date. "

—

[eclecticprincecollector]

Floyd Leech on roller skates

Floyd: Hey, guppy what are those things ya' have on your feet. Random guppy (scared): Huh!?...oh!these are r-roller skat-tes, s-senpai. Floyd( grinning menacingly): Hand em' over. In his office Azul(shivering suddenly): Jade...where is Floyd. part 2:

Might make this a series

[doormousedreams]

SO I'm finally working on the bumping noses series I started last year. I'm working on Scarbia now, but what dorm do yall want next?

[deucespadez]

OMG DEUCE CRUMBS AND AZUL FOOD THANK YOU SO MUCH GOR THE FOOD 😋😋

CONGRATS ON 1.5K ASWELL i remeber when u had less than a 100 followers!!

1.5K FOLLOWER CELEBRATION

SUMMARY: The Octatrio takes you to the ocean, where you explore a shipwreck with them!!

WARNINGS: Jade & Floyd being slightly threatening? They imply that they'll drown you lol sillies.

COMMENTS: i had this in the works for like a week and i really like how it turned out!! (i'm especially fond of the floyd parts hehe) THERES ALSO SOME DEUCE CONTENT BC I COULDNT HELP MYSELF but thats only in the beginning wahhwawah ANYWAYS i hope ygys like this one!!!!!!!! im excited to hear what you all think!!!!!!!!

You slowly unfasten your arms from around Deuce’s waist as the blastcycle skids to a stop. Vehicles in Twisted Wonderland are still incredibly hard to get used to, even though you’ve been here for longer than you want to think about.

“Thanks for the ride.” you lean back, swinging your legs over the side with a smile, “I appreciate it.”

“Ah…no problem.” Deuce replies, eyes darting from the seemingly empty shoreline to you, “Just…if anything happens, call me. Okay?”

You sigh, touched by his concern. Lifting your hand, you extend your pinkie to him. He wraps his pinkie around yours, and when you whisper that you promise, he nods and lets you go.

“Thank you,” Deuce whispers.

It’s nice having people who want to protect you.

He drives off and you wave, even though his back is turned to you and it wouldn’t be safe for him to wave back. Once the roaring engine has faded completely, you turn your attention to the beach. There’s a set of wooden stairs leading down to the bay, and you take them down. The sand feels warm and inviting, and you kick your shoes off without a second thought. It’s odd, your three companions should be here by now, but you don’t question it too much. Those three do what they want when they want to, and there’s no telling what they decided to do today.

You spend a few minutes swiping at the sand, collecting a small pile of pretty shells. It’s a modest collection, nothing to write home about, but the childish act alone fills you with a glee you haven’t felt in quite a long time.

Perhaps Azul was right. A trip to the sea really might be all you need.

“Hello, angelfish.” a familiar voice croons from behind you.

You turn and barely manage to contain your surprise when you see Azul in casual shorts and a shirt. Although it’s plenty warm outside, the mental image you have of him always wears a suit. It’s a nice change.

“Hello, Azul.” you smile, and take the hand he extends to you.

A kiss that burns hotter than the sun is pressed to the back of your hand. Your arms fall back to your side far too soon.

“I do hope you’ll enjoy this little trip I’ve planned.” he muses, turning his attention to the water, “There’s a shipwreck a little ways from here that Floyd and Jade wanted to explore, you see. Bad things happen when I don’t indulge those two.”

Something tells you that you are also part of that indulgence.

“Where are they?” you ask, scanning the wide expanse of golden sand, “I didn’t see them when I arrived.”

“Ah…” Azul winces and shakes his head, pointing a single finger toward the water.

You turn just in time to see two pairs of glowing eyes peeking up from the water. They’re gone in an instant, and if it wasn’t for Azul’s uneasiness you would have thought you imagined it.

“They’re very sneaky, aren’t they?” you murmur.

Azul nods.

You shake your head, mimicking Azul’s earlier actions. Except you decide to take the route the three of them probably wouldn’t expect.

And so you start walking towards the water.

Azul sucks in air through his teeth and grabs your arm as if warning you not to go.

“It’ll be fine.” you turn back to him and pat his hand, offering him the most reassuring smile you can manage, “If Floyd gets a little too rambunctious and forgets that I can’t breathe underwater, I’ll have you to stop them.”

Azul hesitates but lets you go. He does follow you though, which is rather endearing.

It’s nice having people who want to protect you.

Once you reach the water, you start to sink into the sand. You keep walking until it’s reached your knees. There isn’t any sign of them, but you’re sure Floyd will ambush you sooner or later. You start moving again, eventually wading into the deeper part of the shoreline. Azul watches you apprehensively.

Something brushes your foot.

You can’t help but jerk, but the ticklish sensation makes you laugh.

Someone pinches your thigh, and you swat at them.

There’s a swarm of bubbles that surrounds you, and for a second you swear you can see a tail flick out of the water before a giant merman jumps out of the water and body slams you into the waves.

“Shrimpy!��� Floyd cheers, squashing your faces together and splashing salt water everywhere.

“Hi, Floyd.” you giggle as he digs his webbed fingers into your sides.

“My my. No greeting for me?” Jade pouts, resting his chin on your other shoulder, “You’re so heartless, Pearl.”

“You didn’t even give me a chance!” you laugh, running your fingers through their hair, “Hello, Jade. I’m very happy to see the two of you.”

“Will you two be more gentle with them!?” Azul hollers, a sour look on his face, “They haven’t taken the potion yet, so you should be cautious!”

Floyd sinks into the water and blows annoyed bubbles. Jade just smiles serenely, making no move to leave your side. Azul groans loudly, exasperated.

“Azul, it’s okay.” you call, slowly making your way towards the shoreline with two mermen in tow, “If I didn’t want them here, I wouldn’t have come into the water.”

“Well, there you have it.” Jade smiles triumphantly, wrapping his tail around your leg, “The Little Pearl doesn’t mind one bit, do they Floyd?”

“Yeah, Jade. They don’t mind at all.” Floyd grins menacingly, wrapping his tail around your other leg.

“Guys, I need those.” you remind them gently, and they begrudgingly let you go.

It’s funny how they listen to you and not the man they call boss (who is still fuming on the shoreline.)

You clamber out of the water with the grace of a crab as Jade and Floyd continue to pinch at your legs. You’re only safe when Azul catches you in his arms, lips pursed and hair tousled from the wind.

“What’s this potion I’m supposed to take?” you ask, paying no mind to the splash of water that hits you in the shins.

“Ah. It’s a water breathing potion.” Azul hums, clearly proud of himself, “I brewed it myself, so rest assured, it will work. The potion allows you to breathe and see underwater with minimal difficulty. Your payment for the potion will be assisting us in collecting artifacts and such from the shipwreck I mentioned previously.”

You have a feeling that all that meant was your payment is spending time with us.

You suppose they are rather lonely, with their reputations and all. Azul especially, with that sensitive heart of his.

“Okay,” you say softly, following him as he leads you to a neat row of duffel bags. He leans down and unzips the one with a cute little octopus charm and produces a purple glass bottle. The cork is shaped like a clam shell, and you marvel at how pretty of a bottle it is for only a few seconds before you look at Azul.

The sea is dangerous, you remind yourself. But these three will protect you.

“Now, I will not be joining you.” Azul declares, taking out a book from the same duffel bag, “So you may go with Jade and Floyd.”

He plops down in the sand, opens the book, and ends the conversation.

What?

You must have stood there for far too long because Azul looks up at you over the rim of his glasses as if you’re the one doing something weird.

“Come on Azul!” Floyd yells from the sea, “Shrimpy doesn’t care!”

“Indeed. And you were so excited about this trip, too. I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want to come.” Jade sighs, shaking his head in disappointment, “There’s nothing to be done about it, I suppose. It looks like we’ll be getting the pretty little pearl all to ourselves, won’t we, Floyd?”

“Oooh, yeah!” Floyd beams, tongue flicking out between his sharp teeth, “All to ourselves, Jade.”

You see Azul’s eyebrow twitch.

Floyd groans, seemingly annoyed at Azul’s lack of reaction, and shifts his targeted jeers to you.

“Shrimpy! I can tell you why Azul doesn’t want to go!” Floyd yells, flailing his arms around, “He doesn’t want you to see his merform! He’s super squishy and slow!”

“Now, now. That’s rude, Floyd.” Jade chastises his brother, but his smile lets you know that he’s getting a kick out of this too.

“Well, that’s a good thing, right?” you turn back to look at Azul and kneel next to him, “I won’t be a fast swimmer either, Azul. Not as fast as Jade or Floyd. It’d be nice to hang back with someone.”

Azul says nothing.

You block out Floyd’s jeering and focus on him.

“Hey.” you whisper, “If you want to come along, you can. Don’t let me stop you. I promise I won’t judge how you look, hell I won’t even look at you if you don’t want me to. But I’d really like it if you came—”

“That is out of the question.” Azul says curtly, pushing his glasses up his nose.

You hesitate, debating if leaving him here would make him more comfortable.

Except you know Azul. And you know if he doesn’t join you three on this trip, he’ll regret it.

“Listen, Azul.” you murmur, keeping your tone gentle and firm, “I want to go with you. It won’t be the same without you. So if you want to come, you should. I don’t want to leave without you.”

Azul hesitates, and you know you’re getting through to him.

“So come on!” you place a hand on his shoulder and smile reassuringly, “It wouldn’t be fun without you. Who else is going to teach me about all the different coins you can find?”

“Gahh, fine!” Azul snaps his book shut and tucks it back into his duffel bag, hands shaking, “You run a hard bargain, my dear.”

You laugh, and your heart feels light. You lead Azul to the water and turn away as he prepares to transform. You hear a soft splash and you pop the cork off the pretty glass bottle. Tipping it back, the contents spill past your lips and down your throat. Not wanting to be messy, You place the cork back on and put the bottle on a nearby rock. A slimy hand reaches for you, and you turn to see Jade smiling up at you. Floyd is a little ways away, bouncing around in the water like he can’t wait for you to enter. 

Azul is nowhere to be seen, but that’s okay. You can only hope he’ll feel more comfortable as the trip goes on.

”Come on, Shrimpy!” Floyd yells, and that's all the encouragement you need to take Jade's hands and let him drag you into the water.

And he coaxes you into the smooth waves, just like a siren. His eyes certainly glow like he’s hypnotizing you, but you’re certain his beauty is enough to have the same effect.

Once your head is submerged, you open your eyes. Instead of the sharp pain you expect to feel from opening your eyes in the salty water, you’re able to see clearly. Jade’s still holding your hand as he drags you deeper, tail swishing as he darts around coral. You try your best to follow him as you cut through the water, and you know if it wasn’t for the care he puts into making sure you’re not getting scraped on the rough outcrops of coral, you surely would have been injured already.

Floyd swims down from up above and snatches you from his brother in the blink of an eye. You’re pressed into a slick, pale chest as Floyd bears his teeth playfully, swimming farther up.

“No fair, hogging Shrimpy all to yourself.” Floyd grumbles, clutching you against him like a prized catch.

“Now, now. No need to get aggressive.” Jade hums, swimming up to meet Floyd, “They were very much enjoying themselves with me, weren’t you?”

You’re saved from the growing conflict between the brothers by Azul, who pokes his head out from a small cavern in the coral.

“Our goal is to get to the shipwreck, not mess around.” Azul chastises him, and you marvel at the parts of him you can see (which just so happens to be his face and the upper part of his chest.)

He really is beautiful.

“Yes, boss.” Floyd smiles lazily, flicking his tail at him before swimming off with you in tow.

Jade smiles but says nothing as he follows after his brother, who decides to take a small detour. He spins you around a coral spire as if he’s dancing, holding your hands as you spin. His grin is toothy and wide, and his laughter rings clear even in the water, eyes shimmering as if reflecting the sun. He twirls you around like a dancer, and the water fans around you like a costume. It makes you feel like a performer, gorgeous and renowned, and you find yourself grateful for Floyd’s adventurous spirit.

“You see that, Shrimpy?” Floyd giggles, halting mid-dance to swim closer to the coral reef, “It’s you!”

You swim a bit closer, using Floyd’s hand as an anchor to keep yourself close to him. There’s a small shrimpy fluttering through the crevices, skittering across the coral-like an underwater insect.

“Do I really look like that to you?” you tease, shooting Floyd a doubtful look.

“Sure ya do! You’re tiny and you scitter around and you’d probably taste really yummy.” he teases.

He bites just beside your ear and you swat at him. Floyd laughs and swims circles around you, jabbing you with his hands and poking you with his tail. He’s more touchy than usual, you think, and it makes you want to hold him too.

The next time he circles you, you latch onto his tail. Floyd shrieks and flings his you through the water, shooting you towards the coral reef with his pure strength.

“Only shrimps this tall get to ride for free!” He holds his hand up just a few centimeters taller than you and sticks his tongue out.

“Only eels this tall get to receive hugs from shrimpies.” you say, holding your hand just a bit higher than him.

Floyd swims upward and bonks into your hand, looking very proud of himself. You hug him as he takes you the rest of the way to the shipwreck.

It’s a towering thing, made almost entirely of wood. There’s a gaping hole in one of the sides, and you assume that’s how it sank. Floyd giggles and you realize your mouth is gaping in shock. You slam it shut, embarrassed.

Jade and Azul are already examining items they found in the sand, Jade swishing around in the open water while Azul hides most of his body in another crevice. There’s a small treasure chest by Jade’s tail, full of coins and what looks like paper—?

You’ll have to ask them about that.

“It certainly took you long enough.” Jade chuckles.

Azul acknowledges you two with a curt nod as he sorts through coins that look older than Trein. He’s far too deep in his element to engage in pleasantries, you think.

“Floyd, I found some well preserved musical records.” Azul says mildly, handing Floyd a book that seems completely dry without sparing him a glance.

Floyd positively lights up and tears the book out of Azul’s hands, flipping through the pages that are indeed dry.

“Old merfolk spells.” Jade explains, smiling at your surprised expression, “We find paper books fascinating, you see. If the pages are protected by leather and metals they last underwater for quite a bit of time. We had to preserve them somehow.”

“That is fascinating.” you breathe, and Jade chuckles.

He grabs your hand and you turn to him questioningly. He gestures towards the large ship, towering over your little group. You gape at the structure again, and Jade laughs at your facial expression. The hole in the side of the ship looks just big enough for someone to enter it, and you find yourself wondering how it got there again.

Now that you think about it, the hole could have been made after the ship sank.

“Shall we?’ Jade murmurs, pressing a guiding hand to your lower back.

You let him lead you into the shipwreck, but he doesn’t allow you to enter until he’s checked the floor you’re on thoroughly.

“It’s all clear, my pearl.” he offers you his hand again, and you take it.

The second you’re inside, you break free from Jade’s grasp and swim around the room. There’s a collection of silverware in a rickety old cabinet. There’s an old chest that’s cracked open, and you can see scraps of paper peeking out from their age-old prison, suspended in the water. There’s an armchair with an intricately woven cushion, one of its armrests broken off.

Jade watches as you dart around the room, silently following you as you glance from item to item. You know he must think it’s amusing that you can be so enraptured by your own kind. He can’t blame you, though. Humans have always fascinated him, and you’re well aware he’s aware of you indulging him on many occasions.

Many people would be frightened if Jade Leech examined them so closely. You are not one of those people.

“Jade.” you whisper, swimming over to him with curiosity in your eyes, “Is this an old terrarium?”

Oh, you can tell that piques his interest. You point to a dark corner of the ship to a small table and a tiny, house-like structure. It’s made of some type of fibrous material, and two glass panes extend diagonally from the rectangular base. Jade swims over, gently taking the structure in his hands and peeking inside. His sharpened teeth glint in the slivers of sunlight as he beams, cradling the discovery as though it was worth more than all the gold Azul was sorting outside.

“Yes, it is.” he murmurs, voice soft as he coaxes you forward, “Humans didn’t care so much about how pretty terrariums were as long as they were functional. I’ve heard many merpeople talk about how boring these terrariums in particular are as a result of their lack of stained glass, but I can’t help but find this style charming.”

“Sometimes being functional is better.” you agree.

Jade gazes upon you with a softness he does not normally display. It makes your heart take a little tumble in your chest.

Jade opts to take the terrarium with him, and the two of you bounce ideas of what to put in the container back and forth. At one point you bring up taking some coral and sea floor rocks for decor, and Jade perks up like you’ve just reinvented the world of terrariums.

“I’ve been so fascinated by your world that I forgot about the beauties of mine.” he murmurs, lifting a silver knife to examine it, “Say, what do you think about using this knife as a plant marker?”

“You could carve the name of the plant in the handle.” you muse, and Jade nods with a wide smile.

“You have a fascinating mind.” he places a hand on your head, scratching gently at your scalp, “It makes me want to explore you, too.”

You feel your face grow warm in the chilly water.

With your suggestion in mind, Jade begins collecting the various plates and silverware he can find, debating how he can use each bit of his treasures. You watch him for a while as he darts around, storing the items you used every day in his terrarium as though it was a precious treasure chest.

“Isn’t there a story about how the mermaid princess believed that a fork was a comb?” you ask as he picks up a golden fork, “I think Floyd told me that one.”

“So he does pay attention.” Jade chuckles, turning his gaze to you, “Yes, indeed. She was so excited upon seeing one at the prince’s dinner table that she snatched it right up and began vigorously brushing her hair. As you can imagine, the prince was very confused.”

“That would have hurt her scalp pretty bad.” you murmur, furrowing your brow, “But she had the right idea, I suppose.”

Jade laughs, and you feel proud that you were the cause.

“Jaaaade!” Floyd pokes his head in and beams when he sees you, “Have you gone down to the bottom floor yet? Azul says there's a lot of fun stuff down there.”

“I haven’t.” Jade says mildly, “We’ve been having a grand time up here, you see. I daresay I got a bit distracted.”

Floyd sticks his tongue out and blows a raspberry, but with the unparalleled length of his tongue, it looks incredibly odd. You barely manage to stifle a laugh, and Floyd beams as though he’s just won a prize.

“C’mon, Shrimpy!” Floyd cackles, darting forward and snatching you up into his arms, “Let’s go explore!”

You’re surprised when Jade follows the two of you down to the deeper levels of the shipwreck. You expected him to continue perusing the selection of silverware, but instead he clutches his terrarium in his arms and swims after you and his brothers. Floyd’s chattering away about how you aren’t going to believe what’s on the lower deck and how it’d shock your poor shrimpy heart to death if you were alone. He giggles and wraps himself around you, covering your eyes as he leads you into an open space.

“Look, Shrimpy.” Floyd murmurs right next to your ear, peeling his hands away from your face, “Look at all those weapons.”

Floyd’s not wrong, this would be a rather creepy sight if you were alone. There are two long rows of cannons, each one covered in seaweed and coated in a strange green film. The seaweed reaches out for you in the water, almost as if they’re composed of dead souls that yearn for vengeance. Jade swims out into the room and swats away the seaweed as it clings to his tail. Floyd leads you after his brother and giggles when you shy away from the plant, hating the way it feels against your skin.

“Shying away from a little seaweed, Shrimpy?” Floyd hisses, playfully swatting at the tendrils that reach out to you, “Don’t worry about it. You’ll be fine.”

You’re relieved when you reach the end of the hallway.

Jade carefully examines a wad of mud that bulges from the opening of a nearby cannon, sediments peeking out from the sludge. Floyd busies himself with darting up and down the aisle, laughing and flipping around in the water. You let him drag him with you, and slowly get used to the texture of the rough seaweed clinging to your legs. Floyd twirls you dramatically and dips you, proclaiming loudly that dancers always do this in those silly little human movies, taking the opportunity to snap at your ear again.

He seems amused when you still don’t flinch.

“Floyd, don’t tease them.” Jade calls, a devious grin on his face, “We wouldn’t want them getting cold feet now.”

“I dunno, Jade. I think their feet are already pretty cold.” Floyd giggles, poking the bottom of your foot with the edge of his tail, “Cold as ice.”

Your toes flex at the ticklish sensations. They certainly do like finding all your weak spots, don’t they?

“We should warm them up, don’t you think?” Jade quips, tilting his head innocently.

“Maybe we shouuuuuld.” Floyd hisses, running his claws down the length of your arm.

They must see how your face twitches because they laugh and close in on you. What teases they are, whispering things to you like that. Just when it seems like they’re going to give you one of their famous squeezes, they stop.

“C’mon, Shrimpy. Let’s get you back up to the surface.” Floyd snatches up your wrist and yanks you so hard you’re certain he almost popped your arm from its socket.

Jade grabs your other hand, much more gently, and curls his fingers through the gaps in yours. You let them pull you upwards, powerful tails cutting through the water and they propel you up and out of the structure. Azul is nowhere to be found, and you must look confused at his absence because Jade squeezes your hand. You turn to him and he offers you a calm smile.

“Don’t worry, Azul is back on land. He’s had his fill of being seen for today.”

He doesn’t want you to see him in that form more than you already have.

“That’s okay.” you murmur, “He’s done more than enough already. I’m proud of him.”

“I’m certain he’ll appreciate the understanding.” Jade smiles his closed-eyed smile and nods.

The trip back is full of the same coral reefs, the same tails twining between your legs and curling around your waist, the same laughter from Floyd and quips from Jade. There’s a bittersweet feeling that wells up in your chest as you reach the shoreline again, knowing you likely won’t be back here for quite a while. Despite the rumors that the students of NRC spun about the Leech brothers, they weren’t nearly as dastardly as they usually were. You wonder if it has something to do with the joy of exploring a ship, of being in their element, of being able to talk about things they like.

“If you two want to talk about the things you like, I’d be happy to listen.” you say.

The Leech brothers share a look, one that seems as though they’re communicating without words. They turn back to you and smile, Jade’s grin is far less toothy than Floyd’s but just as happy.

“Keep talking like that and we’ll have to drag you down into the depths and keep you to ourselves.” Jade murmurs, eyes flashing, “Won’t we, Floyd?”

“Ohhh, yeah.” Floyd giggles, “Jade’s right. Who knows what’ll happen, hmm?”

Nevermind.

You laugh and shake your head, to which Jade chuckles.

Your head bursts from the water and you stumble onto the warm sand, where you see Azul sitting in front of three treasure chests. His brow is furrowed as he hunches over the coins, sorting them by year. You decide to sit beside him as the Leech brothers continue to swim. At some point, you hear Floyd slam his entire body into the water, and shriek as Jade slams into the water and pushes an even bigger wave back at him.

“Did you have fun today?” you whisper to Azul.

“I did, yes. I haven’t gotten the chance to explore a shipwreck since enrolling in NRC.” he pushes his glasses up his nose, and they make a soft clicking noise, “I found many more coins for my collection. I’m pleased.”

“I’m glad.” you say, and you don’t say anything else because there’s no need.

You do, however, find yourself splashing back into the water when Floyd calls your name a little while later.

You’re glad you came.