#rook ceremonial robes vignette

[daily-out-of-context-twst]

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

octavinelle washroom

Heartslabyul | Savanaclaw

Ooh, Octavinelle’s washroom reminds me of a cavern, especially with the mirrors that look like rock shelves jutting out and the far right looking like a stone bench in the wall. It seems like there are also mirrors on the walls that resemble bubbles. And some kind of open-shell basin in the center of the back wall? The floor has that signature Octavinelle squiggle pattern (which I’m just now realizing much be a reference to those wiggly plants hanging from Ursula’s lair).

The ceiling has three… skylights??? But I don’t think they actually show the outside because otherwise it would look a lot more blue since Octavinelle is underwater. Maybe the glass is frosted or something. I’m not sure why this is, the best I can think of is maybe it’s supposed to look like sunlight coming from above?? Like in Ariel’s trove?? It seems to cast a watery effect into the washroom.

Looks like there’s a separate room for laundry. The boundary between the rooms is marked by an arch that looks like two tentacles forming a heart. (I don’t know if this was intentional, but live action Ursula does this.) There’s also two glowing orbs that remind me of the sun rising and setting in Ursula’s cauldron.

bdksbdkenkw THE TENTACLE LIGHTS ARE SENDING ME 😭 How do you think Azul and the twins feel every day walking into the washroom and seeing what looks like disconnected octopus tentacles lighting it… Does Azul feel disturbed and the twins just get hungry for breakfast????

Their washroom looks a lot different than I expected… I’m not sure if I entirely like it or maybe I’m mildly salty because they didn’t give them Ursula’s cool vanity? Notably, it also looks different than the Octavinelle “shower room” that is referenced in Rook’s Ceremonial Robes vignettes. These terms must be referring to two different rooms—either that, or maybe the newer washroom is a retcon 😂

[angelizs]

[Club Activities - part 2]

Summary: Crowley keeps knocking at your door, quite literally, wanting to hear your club choice. You might as well get this over with.

Notes: gn!reader, humor, it's kinda long, reader is oblivious, mentions of minor injuries but in a funny way dw, it's the looong overdue pt2

Part: 1.0 / 2 (you're here!) / 2.5 (soon!)

"So, have you decided?"

Crowley stands by the doorway. He looks completely normal, a pleasant smile plastered on his lips. You blink, sluggish, resisting the urge to slam the door on his face.

"It's five a.m. on a sunday."

"Yes, that's correct, good to see you're keeping up with the passage of time."

You feel there's a jab aimed at you for taking your time on choosing a club. Or on answering the door. In your defense, Grim was sleeping on top of you and you didn't want to disturb his sleep. Nor yours. You were hoping the Headmaster would just give up and leave you alone, but instead he only knocked louder. 

"Well?"

"Uh..." You take a bit to remember the first thing he said. "No, I still have some meetings to go to."

"Were the sports clubs not to your liking? I'm sure you'd do well in one, should you put your efforts on it."

"Nah, I'll pass."

"I see. Then, you'll tell me your decision by the end of the week, yes?"

"Since when did we agree on this." It was a question, but with your drowsy state it just fell flat.

"Since now, of course! I was very kind to let you take so much time to chose a club, but you must understand I'm under some pressure as well to make sure you'll have the best possible education here. We can't afford to lose too much time!"

You blink again, your brain still sleepy. "Oh. Alright."

Crowley claps his hands in an excited manner. "Wonderful! I'll be eagerly waiting for your decision, then!"

Only as you watch his retreating back getting farther away that it finally registers just what you agreed on. You groan, closing the door and leaning against it.

Well, nothing to do about it now. You should really get onto it, anyway. Still, your break will be missed.

Film Research Club (Vil, Ortho platonically)

You had finally left the sports clubs behind, time to try something new, like arts!

Since you've worked with Vil at the SDC, you were already used to his strict personality and thought you'd be able to handle yourself pretty well. You might not have that much experience with acting but you did know how to pretend everything was ok and your life wasn't falling apart, so you think you might have potential.

It was quite surprising to see Ortho there, but the sight of your friend's welcoming eyes and cheer made you feel relieved, relaxing amidst the Pomefiore students. They were intimidating, though in a different way the guys from the Spelldrive club were. The latter looked like they could easily beat you to a pulp, while the former looked like they'd give you a disgusted stare and call you a peasant in such a condescending tone you'd implode on spot. They were all very pretty as well, but you wouldn't let that make you self conscious since you knew no one could beat Vil anyway.

Speaking of, Vil himself comes to speak with you and explain about the club with a professional conduct as he says that Crowley had warned him of your special situation and that he'd let you help out, since they always needed extra hands on deck. You got hopeful at that, perhaps it was time for you to shine and discover a hiden talent of yours! These daydreams are soon crushed as Vil puts you on backstage duty and turns around, having something or other to talk about with the other members.

Well. That was... not what you were expecting. Ortho explains that in order to enter the club as an actor, you must audition beforehand and prove yourself worthy. That makes sense, you guess, so you accept it with grace. Backstage work might not be as exciting as being on the actual stage, but you had Ortho by your side to make sure things won't be too dull. And a side of you wants to make Vil proud of your work, so you suck it up and ask Ortho to lead the way.

Ortho shows you around the set you'll be working on for the day. It's one of Pomefiore's dorm ballrooms, and it's huge. You look in awe at everything, even though it's a bit plain in terms of furniture, it's quite detailed. In moments like this you remember Pomefiore's dorm is a castle, as you feel the royalty emanating from the ceiling, with it's luxurious chandeliers, to the walls, with it's intricate golden patterns, even at the floor, by it's quality.

He teaches you how to operate the lights and sound for a bit while the actors decide on what they'll film that day. You feel just the tiniest bit of jealousy at them, especially because Vil seems to be very focused on everything they say. Ortho must notice this (of course he would), and tries to cheer you up. After all, you're his friend! He doesn't want you to feel bored at the club when there are so many insteresting things to do!

You move from the more technical parts and go to the storage room, where they keep most of the props and extra accessories. You explore it, looking at everything but not touching, not wanting to get in trouble if you break anything on accident. As you're looking at an old mirror, Ortho picks up one of the pink cowboy hats and puts it on your head. It looks goofy, not matching with your uniform at all, and it makes you laugh.

You retaliate by putting a pirate hat full of colorful feathers that's way too big on him. It slides down and covers his eyes, making him look like a little kid trying on their sibling's clothes. Not to mention the feathers, that also clash with his body's design. You both laugh and go to different directions, trying to find more things to put on.

Ortho ends up with a vivid red sash wrapped around his waist and a wooden rod in hands, while you've got a pink feather scarf around your neck and a hollow steel rod in hands. You stare down at each other from your sides of the room, pretending you're on one of those western cowboy movies, even acting like it too. You drawl out something about the town not being big enough for the two of you. Ortho goes along, putting up the worst pirate accent with his robotic voice and telling you to prepared to be boarded.

Between giggles, the two of you meet at the middle, your rods clashing as if they were swords. You make exaggerated moviments that would be impratical in any fight while dropping the most cliche lines you can think of. Ortho dodges your attacks in slow motion and retributes with his own, making it seem more like some funny dance than a sword fight.

You were having so much fun you kind of forgot you were there to do a job. You're quickly reminded as the door suddenly opens and you, startled, let the steel rod slip from your hands mid attack and hit the wall with a loud clang. There stands Vil, hands on his hips as he stares at the two of you with one arched eyebrow, an unimpressed look on his face even after almost being hit right on it. You're not looking the most dignified, with your whole attire. Nor is Ortho, which helps you to not feel alone on the receiving end of Vil's judgment.

The three of you leave the props behind and return to the main area. More precisely, to the actors' dressing room part. It's not an actual separate room, but rather a space of the ballroom reserved for this. Most have put on their costumes and are adjusting the finer details, Vil instructs you to help them while he sets up the stage.

You try your best, but every actor sends you a glare as you approach them, making you turn on your heels and try another one. And another. And another. You're not feeling very helpful. How you wish you could just ignore it like Ortho does. The only thing you actually do is helping zip up some clothes when they can't reach their backs and do it themselves. You don't dare to touch their hair or you feel they'd explode you with their minds. There is one instance when you have to lace a guy into a corset, but you get a bit confused with all the laces. Maybe it's like tying a shoe? You pull on it with too much force at first, leading him to complain at you the entire time. In your defense, you've never done this before! You tie it up with a cute lace at the end to make up for it and scurry away before he could release more of his wrath upon you. You settle on following Ortho around like a lost puppy.

Finally, everyone finishes up and you move to the middle of the room, where the scene will be taking place. From what you gather, the movie they are making is about a royal family that's having their heir assume the throne, but there's a plot against him going behind the scenes. The main character seems to be corset guy, who still glares at you whenever you pass by his camp of vision, much to your (un)luck.

Ortho leads you to the first place he showed, since they'd start recording soon. You watch him work with the lights, turning them on dramatically as they start the scene and making it follow the main lead as he monologues about his woes of assuming such a big responsability and how he feels between the sea of people present. The actor does a good job, good enogh to appease Vil, who watches attentively near the camera. The thing is, he's trying to replicate a foreign accent and that, combined with his melodramatic lines, makes you have to stifle a laugh.

You try your best to stay quiet and pay attention to the story, but some of the lines and the way they dramatically deliver them sound so silly you can't help but giggle in your palm. Ortho looks at you inquisitively, tilting his head and trying to understand what you found so funny. You whisper an explanation to him, making him see the words in a different manner. As you laugh, he laughs along discretely, both of you having fun again.

Vil motions for you to keep your volume down, as to not disturb the actors and break their concentration, and you send him a thumbs up. Still, you keep on reacting, even mouthing their words with exaggerated facial expressions. Ortho seems much more interested in what you have to show than the lights, since he misses some of his cues and gets it later or sooner than intended. Which is also funny, since the confused looks on the background actors' faces are very entertaining. 

It comes to a point in which you're holding in your laughter so much you're a bit out of air, and you end up bumping into one of the controls, making the background music change suddenly, from a calm waltz to an action scenesque one. Your startled eyes meet Ortho's, and in true friendship fashion you both burst out laughing. Vil cuts the filming and strides up on you two, reprimanding you once again, and you feel like a guilty puppy being scolded by their owner. You must look like that too, since he sighs like an overworked mother and takes pity on you, deciding on something else for you to do and leave Ortho to do his job without distractions.

Vil gives you the role of an extra to play, just for you to have an idle conversation with the protagonist that won't last even five minutes. He shows you exactly how the scene should go, taking hold of your hand to conduct a dance and dropping casual chatter with you, looking you in the eyes, with a conduct that's so charming you're sure you feel your heart skip a beat (too bad it's just acting though). You feel like you can do that as well, so you hurry to change into one of the formal outfits and repeat the line Vil told you over and over again in your head, heart beating way too fast.

There is just one thing you didn't count on: you apparently have a bad case of stage fright. Or perhaps it's happening especifically because you know Vil will be watching you like a hawk. As you position yourself amidst the other extras, you feel your heartbeat accelerating and your hands start to sweat. You try to relax your tense shoulders and clear your throat, looking at the floor to steady yourself.

As your cue approaches, you move closer to the corset guy, whose attention snaps at you as soon as you enter his vision field. Even if his face looks polite, like a prince, you can feel the glare he's still sending your way, just on a more subdued level this time. You can also feel the stares of the others on your back and your tongue seems to have been tied. Your head comes up with a blank when you try to remember what Vil told you to say. Oh, this is not good. Why did this have to be so nerve wracking?

Time passes slowly, seconds feels like hours as the protagonist waits expectantly for your words. Trying to not disappoint, you blurt out a joke improvisation line, like the ones you see on movies sometimes. Unfortunately, your sense of humor is vastly different from Pomefiore's students', and the joke falls so flat everyone has to take a moment to recover. You wish for the ground to swallow you as Vil yells a "Cut!" and the other actors look judgmentally in your way. Maybe if you close your eyes it will go away? You can still hear the other's whispering, and although you don't understand what exactly they're saying, you can only guess they're mocking you. Welp, guess it's time to become a hermit at ramshackle and never show your face at school ever again!

It takes only a minute, but as soon as Vil has recomposed himself he commands everyone to be quiet. You open your eyes again, gathering all your courage to see the disappointed look on his face, but you're surprised that's not what greets you. Instead, Vil's got a nasty glare that's sharp enough to cut a man, and it's not directed at you at all! Vil procceds to reprimand the rest of the cast for being so inelegant as to make fun of a begginer and even mocks their need to feel superior. You've never felt more grateful for him in your life, maybe you can still go to classes after that, since no one will dare to mess with you and risk his wrath.

As the others look ashamed for being yelled at by their leader, Vil pulls you aside and tells you that maybe it's better to try something else if your stage fright is going to affect your performance so much. He sounds strict as always, but he has an almost soft look in his eyes as he congratulates you for trying to overcome that fear and that you did well enough for someone with no experience. You feel a lot better after that and thank him sincerely, promising to give it your all at whatever other job you can do to help! He smiles at your enthusiasm and it's as if the clouds have parted ways for the sun to shine. (The other club members look amazed, as they've never seen such a soft smile on Vil's face before.)

He then asks you if you know how to work with a camera. If taking pics with Cater to post on Magicam counts then yes, you do have some experience with it. Vil says he's got the perfect job for you: being part of the camera crew and helping to film everything. You accept, after all, how hard can it be, really?

Apparently, a lot. Vil had just left out a little detail from this job: you'd be filming the aerial angle of this scene. Which meant using Kalim's magic carpet. As you recall, you're not the most adept at riding it, flashbacks from winter vacation entering in your mind. Still, you had promised Vil you'd help on this, and you weren't sure if he'd find you another thing to do or get your complaining the wrong way, so you decide to give it a try anyway.

You wobble on it, camera propped up on your shoulder and secured by a sling strap just in case you losen your hold on it. (Which is very likely). Surprisingly, you manage to get the carpet off the ground without many complications, so things are looking up (quite literally)! And then comes the part where you have to guide it and you're almost thrown out of a window with the force it makes a turn. Your grip on it tightens and you try to wrestle it into submission, with little success.

Things procced like this, you trying to learn how to drive the carpet while making turns on the air and holding on for your life. (And making sure the camera is safe. You don't want a repeat of the chandelier accident from the start of the year, so you're not taking any chances). Anything you might have tried to film is probably so shaky and blurry it isn't even usable, but you have more important matters to worry about.

That goes on until you make a particularly sharp turn, causing the carpet to lose control and go spiraling straight to the floor. Luckly, you manage to land on a convenientely placed couch (has that been there before?) and doesn't get much hurt. You're clutching the camera to your chest in a protective manner, so it isn't damaged either. At least, not much, but it isn't anything the Ignihyde guys can't fix.

Vil and Ortho are by your side in an instant, asking if you're alright. Vil extends his hand and pulls you up like a gentleman, fixing your hair softly. He's really close to your face and you can feel your heart beating faster, though you're not sure if it's due to that or the adrenaline of the fall. Ortho reassures you that not even him got the hang of piloting the carpet, as it seems to only actually obey Kalim, and that you did your best!

You really did try, so you can safely say you won't discover any hidden acting talent any time soon. Time to check out other clubs. 

(Ortho tells you to drop by another time at practice and watch the recording with him, since he had a lot of fun! Vil tells you that should you wish and work hard for it, you may have potential and he'd be willing to help you reach it. You agree, since it was very nice to visit and, most of all, to get to see Vil on his element like this. There's an added bonus of you not having ended up at the infirmary as well, which is enough to put the club on a positive light in your books. It's a bit sad that's the standard, but oh well, nothing to do about it.)

Science Club (Trey, Rook)

Alright, art may not be for you, but maybe science is! Or... whatever it is that they do in this club.

It's a bit intimidating since there are way too many people there, more than you've seen in any other club. What could they possibly be doing to attract this many people?

Rook, as observant as ever, notices you before you've even set foot inside the lab, coming close to greet you and ask if you were going to join them for the day. You relutanctly agree, staying close to his side as he leads you deeper into the room, opening the path. You make sure to not bump into anyone and cause an accident.

Trey is at one of the work tables at the back, sharing it with Rook. He sends a calming smile your way and explains that it's a club with a vast variety of activities, as long as they're not of the physical sort. You sigh in relief, listening to him reciting things such as plant cultivation and chemistry experiments. You already have to do those things on your regular classes, so you're confident in your ability of succeding for once. Rook adds that this flexibility in activity has attracted many people, creating a beauté diversity of members. (Trey explains that there's a lot of odd people as he side eyes Rook).

You sit with them, since you don't know anyone else. Rook goes on about the experiment he'll be doing this time, something that will leave a beautiful impact and stay on the mind of anyone looking. It sounds a lot like what happens when you partner up with Ace and Deuce at alchemy class, that is, stuff is about to be blown up. You scoot closer to Trey.

Taking pity on you, Trey reminds Rook that there's an ingredient missing, since they had used all from the lab's storage on their last class, and offers to get it at the botanical garden for him, inviting you to come along. You jump at the opportunity, agreeing and getting up to follow him. Rook thanks his generosity and explains that there's no way a gentleman like him would leave all the hard work onto the two of you, so he follows along. Trey looks a bit annoyed, but you only wanted to get out of being roped into a crazy experiment so you don't mind much, as long as you keep Rook away from any potential explosive plants.

The fresh air from the gardens is much better than the stuffy feeling from the crowded lab, and you take a deep breath to appreciate it. Trey takes you to the temperate zone, the path filled with beautiful flowers of all colors and scents. The sound of the little river below you only adds to the pleasant atmosphere, the sun rays warming up your skin and soul. It's wonderful. You'd like it if your club classes were to take place there. It might be enough to convince you to join, the nature so full of life energizing your mood, a smile blooming on your face.

You pass by an area that has thicker vegetation and stands out from the whole, attracting your curiosity, so you ask Trey what could be there. He warns you to not wander to that side of the garden, as there were carnivorous plants being cultivated by the third years. You wave him off, saying you had those back in your world and they were pretty harmless. Trey looks at you in doubt, but decides to not question it, aceptting your answer and going back to his search for the missing ingredient. 

Since you have no idea what you should be looking for, you leave the boys to it, deciding to observe the flowers instead. Distracted, you end up getting farther away from them, the flora enticing you and putting you under a spell, demanding your attention. It's not until you bump into a tall... something, that you realize how far you had gone. You lift up your head, wondering if you had bumped into a tree, only to find two open hinged lobes dripping with sap closing on your face.

A scream gets caught in your throat as you take in the gigantic carnivorous plant in front of you, that's only coming closer. You didn't know that when Trey had mentioned them, he didn't explain that they aren't like the one from your world at all. Not only were they huge, but also seemed ready to eat a human at any given chance.

You're pulled by someone behind you, falling into a secure chest and feeling strong arms embracing your waist as the plant's jaw's close into the air where you were just a second ago. The sigh you let out shakes your whole body and you let your weight be supported by your saviour. You find out his identity soon enough, as a familiar voice by your ear calls you chéri and asks if you were fine.

After thanking Rook, he guides you to the main area of the garden with a protective hand behind your back, making sure you wouldn't stumble into any more potential dangerous plants, as he goes on about how they were "the hunters of the natural world" and how "such danger has it's own alluring charm, non?" You don't catch the glint in his eyes as he asks the question, too busy trying to get your heart beat back into a normal rhythm. 

Trey scolds you lightly for ignoring his advice, but he seems busier trying to equilibrate the plants he harvested in his arms and glaring at Rook, probably for leaving him alone to do all the work. Rook stays unbothered, putting his hands on your shoulders and staying close as he directs you to the exit, his usual smile stamped on his face.

As you put the fresh ingredients near the others that Rook had selected earlier, you notice some strawberries in the mix. You shot a questioning stare at Trey, making him laugh and explain he took the chance to harvest some of his hand grown special strawberries. He takes some from your hands, brushing your fingers together before lifting them up to inspect closely. The strawberries are a beautiful shade of red, making you salivate only by looking at them. Trey has a contemplative expression as he murmurs he should use them as soon as possible in order to make the best use of their ripeness.

You suggest him to make a strawberry tart with them and offers your help, on the light price of getting to eat it as well. He smiles and agrees to your proposal, telling you to follow him to the kitchens. You do, happily so as you carry some of the strawberries in your arms, leaving Rook to take care of the potions experiment. Really, you feel like you've killed two birds with one stone, so you pat yourself on the back for doing a good job.

Back at the first month of classes, you remember cooking with Trey, Ace, Deuce and Grim, and how much fun you had, despite the circumstances. With the group reduced to two, it might be more toilsome, but you were confident it would be worth it.

Trey finds an extra apron for you, tying it himself to make sure it would stay in place. He gently explains the steps to prepare the ingredients, helping you whenever you didn't understand something. It was quite nice, seeing Trey look so in his element, an unconscious soft expression on his face, as if he was enjoying himself. It's domestic, even, how you dance around each other in the kitchen, passing bowls and cutlery back and forth. He is good humored as he recalls stories from the club, making you laugh whenever he bemoans Rook's experiments.

The stories he tells are very captivating, so much so that you don't look at the recipe book, doing the steps on automatic. Once or twice you almost spill what you were mixing or use too much force to cut something, but it's salvageable every time, so you don't comment on it. You leave the crust on the oven for a bit too much, but it's only slightly charred, so you're pretty sure it's still edible. One of the flour bags slips from your hands and falls on the sink, covering your face in flour powder. Trey helps you clean up, but he's laughing at you and your now white hair. It comes to the point in which you're mixing the crème pâtissière and you get too close to the stove, making the ends of your sleeves to catch on fire. Trey quickly puts it out and runs your arm under cold water. The crème ends up a bit too lumpy, since neither of you were stirring it for a while, but it's not too bad.

Alright, maybe you're not the best at cooking. Still, arranging the strawberries in a circle on top of the tart was pretty fun. The last thing left to do is to let it cool. You lick your lips thinking about eating it once it's ready. You're about to help Trey clean the mess you've made in the kitchen when Rook bursts through the door, looking excited. He tells you there's no time to explain and takes you by the hand, dragging you back to the laboratory. You send Trey your best regards and wish him luck in cleaning everything alone. He sends you a pitying look back.

You should wish yourself some luck as well, since the motive for Rook to have brought you to the lab was for you to help him with the new formula he thought for his experiment. He explains that the one he was trying didn't have it's desired effects, as you could clearly see from the scorch marks on the table you were sitting before. He says that for the new formula, he'll need help to get the ingredients prepared and handed over, since he couldn't stop stirring it until everything was added in. You don't know how he came up with this solution, and honestly? You don't want to know.

Having no other choice, you agree to help him. He reminds you to put your gloves and safety googles on before starting, making a comment on how your cute apron would do as your lab coat. After getting into place, you follow all of Rook's instructions, preparing and handing over the ingredients he asks for. You have no idea what it is that he's going for, as your potions classes are still on a basic and more theorical level, but you decide to trust that he, as your upperclassman, knows what he's doing.

Dread pools on your gut as you watch the ingredients going into the cauldron. There's a hissing sound and bubbles emerge from the deep purple concotion. You have no time to react as Rook thows his arm in front of you just in time for the explosion to take place. You grip onto the table tightly and manage to stay upright, thanking the Sevens for your safety googles. If it were not for them, your entire face would be covered in a sparkling purple powder, some getting into your hair as well. Rook laughs and tells you that you shine bright like the sun. You look on unamused. Trey appears, having heard the explosion, and sighs, clearly being too used to this happening. He tells you and Rook to clean up as he starts to clean your mess, bless him.

Rook takes you to the nearest bathroom available, both of you trying to wash the explosion's results off. It has stuck like glue, and you have to splash your face with the cold water over and over for it to go away. You think there's still some of it on your hair, but can't bring yourself to care much. The apron wasn't enough to cover your body, so your clothes weren't spared either. Rook doesn't comment on it, but you can see him looking at you funny by the corner of your eye.

As you enter the lab, you see that the students that stayed after the first explosion had left. Rook wonders out loud on why they didn't like the innovation of his experiment, sighing as he goes on about the beauty of curiosity. You and Trey exchange glances as you clean everything together. You feel like you stayed way past the club's scheduled time and your arms hurt from moping the floor. At least you get to share your wonky strawberry tart. It doesn't taste as good as Trey's usual ones do, but you like it. You can't decide if it was worth all the trouble though.

Grim laughs at you once you get back to Ramshackle, your face is itching for the rest of the day, there's some sparkles in your hair for the rest of the week, your slightly burnt arm won't stop aching, you sent your clothes' laundry bill for Rook to pay. As much as you respect scientific advances, you feel that being involved in the research isn't for you (nor the cooking). Time to check out other clubs.

(Rook keeps approaching you at the halls to update you on how he's thought of possible changes to make the potion work. Trey comments he liked having company in the kitchen and help for cleaning up for once. They aren't very subtle. You don't even have to agree to visit the club again another time, as Rook has already volunteered you as his lab assistant and Trey has gifted you a recipe book with markings on which recipes you'll try to bake next. Guess you have no other choice but to go back now.)

Pop Music Club (Cater, Kalim, Lilia)

And back to the arts you go. But this time, instead of performing, how about playing some music? Joining the school band might be fun!

You're surprised to only find three people in the club. All the others had a bunch of people, but in this one, once you enter the classroom you're met with three of your friends hanging out in a couch. Why was there a couch in this classroom in the first place!?

It's not just three random people, either. It's the chillest and most extroverted people of the school, the ones that got along with everyone and were very popular. They whip their head so fast to the direction of the door once you enter you get a little worried for their necks. They seem elated to have a visitor, so you suppose this won't be so bad, even if you don't feel confident enough to play an instrument in front of other people.

Kalim jumps at you and envelops you in a big hug, a smile shining on his face as usual. Lilia pats you on the back, pushing you closer to the center of the room and welcoming you. Cater takes out his phone and takes a selfie with everyone, declaring it would go viral to have the cutest people of the school all together in one place and gushing over how many likes he'd get. They sure are a lively bunch.

Lilia plops you down on the couch, telling you to feel at home and winking. There's a center table with food containers in front of you, Kalim offers you a bite, explaining they made the snacks to bring to their club meetings, and Cater proposes to make it a culinary competition, in which you'd judge which one was the best. You were pretty sure you had left the cooking behind at the science club, what did it even had to do with music? Well, you weren't going to complain about getting free food!

Cater insists you try his first, a round tupperware with fried corn tortilla chips and guacamole in a dipping bowl at the center. It looks amazing, making your mouth water a bit. You take one of the chips, lightly lower it on the dip and take a bite. It's overall very good, the consistency and the crispness are wonderful, there's just one little problem: it's very spicy. Very spicy. Not the "oh no there's a tiny bit of spice in my otherwise bland food" type but the "my eyes are burning my thorat is burning my stomach is burning I'm going to burn from the inside out" type. And that's how you feel as you fan your face and drink the water Kalim brings you, though it only makes the burning worse, spreading it throughout your mouth and making your eyes water. Lilia appears upside down, hanging from the ceiling and scaring you, and offers you a glass of milk instead. You gratefully take it and chug it down as quick as you can.

Once you've calmed down, Lilia explains how he keeps milk around for Cater's food, that's way too spicy for his liking. Cater looks at you with puppy eyes, asking if you liked the chilli peppers he added to the recipe. You didn't, not really. It would be one thing to add some, sure, but it's like there's more pepper than anything else. You weakly smile at him and explain apologetically that it might not suit your tastes so much. Cater seems a bit down, but he only shrugs and jokingly says that not everyone can have good taste.

Kalim bounces up to you next, shoving his container in front of your face and telling you to try it. He proudly says he made it all without Jamil's help and that he hopes you'll like it. You look at the fried dumplings, remembering it's a sweet called awameh. It looks good as well, although a bit burnt, nothing that would stop you from eating it. You take one, getting surprised by how crunchy they ended up being, the sweetness exploding in your tongue. It would be very good, but you have the impression Kalim must have used the wrong measure of the ingredients. Yes, it was sweet, but it was way too sweet. Not only that, the sugar mixed with the cinnamon on the syrup also left you thirsty, as you downed another cup of water. It was like cinnamon was impregnated on your mouth, there was definetly too much.

While you accept your tongue will never be the same after the combo of strong flavours, Kalim reveals he tried to follow one of Jamil's mom's recipes for it, declaring it to be the best he's ever proved. He just got a bit confused when taking the measures for some ingredients, but he was proud of his work! You make a mental note to try to eat one of Jamil's awameh later, sure that it would taste delicious, and compliments Kalim on his efforts, suggesting gently to ask for help next time he has trouble with it.

The last one is Lilia, and you start dreading what might be hidden on his container. He seems preppy that someone will get to try his food, telling you that he's the one that cooks dinner at Diasomnia and how Silver and Sebek love his food. Cater and Kalim look at you with pity, shaking their heads. You've heard of Lilia's infamous cooking skills before, so you have to mentally prepare yourself before looking at what he prepared. It's... uh... something alright. Though it's unrecognizable, a dark glob that just looks sticky and burnt after the point. Your desperate look does nothing for Cater and Kalim to try to save you, as they look away furtively.

Aceppting your fate, you take one of the spoons Lilia brought and take the smallest bite possible while he stares at you attentively. It tastes foul, as expected, as if something had died in your mouth. You resist the urge to gag, trying to go for a smile and ending up with a grimace instead. It's horrible, there's no other way to describe it. All the rumors don't do it justice, it's way worse than what they say. You suspect you will get food poisoning later, as you down another glass of water. At least you're keeping yourself hydrated. Lilia seems to either not notice or pretend he didn't, as he keeps his cheery attitude and asks if you liked it. You nod weakly, hoping it would be enough for him to not force you to take another bite. He mercifully looks satisfied with the answer and you sigh with relief.

In the end you tell them you don't know which one was the best (you side eye Lilia's, thinking on how you knew which one was the worst at least). They don't look disappointed, content in having you prove their food as each munchs on their own snacks happily. You wonder how they manage to do it. Suddenly you miss Trey's baking and the wonky strawberry tart you've made.

As everyone sits together, Cater puts on some electropop song on the background that reminds you of the famous vocaloids from your world. You have an epiphany that Cater would listen to Hatsune Miku. You're not sure what to do with that information, staying quiet in shock as the other three talk between themselves. You remember him mentioning something like it when you went to do the SDC auditions, but you had other things to worry about and it must have slipped your mind. Once you've recomposed yourself, you ask what the food had to do with music, since the question had been burning in your mind for some time (not as much as your tongue burned tho).

They explain that the pop music club doen't really do much music, as the name suggests, they mostly just hang around to chat and chill. It has gotten them in a bit of trouble with the Headmaster, as they don't do anything that could actually be considered a club activity, causing him to have threatened to disband the club. Not to mention there's no new members for a while, no matter how much they try to attract more students. You consider joining this one just to spite Crowley. They clarify that they do play their instruments every once in a while to cover some song, but with their different music tastes they never reach an agreement on what to play most of the time.

You're curious on how they might sound as a band, sure it would be a chaotic but entertaining sight. You would ask to see this, if it was not for Cater excitedly declaring it's "gossiping time". They put on elevator music to play at the background and huddle close together, leaving a spot open for you to join their little circle, as if you were about to be in into the school's secrets. And that's exactly what happens, as the three of them seem to know about everyone and everything that goes on Night Raven College. There's so much drama you've never heard about, and you feel you know way too much about the lives of people you've never even met, but it's nice to create conspiracy theories about what would happen next in the soap opera that was other people's lives.

The topic changes to Magicam, since you were lowkey stalking the boy that had caused a ruckus in the cafeteria the past days. Cater likes his account's aesthetic, saying it passes the bad boy vibes he has, and whines about their club's magicam page. You weren't aware they even had one, so you ask to see it. It's... not what you were expecting. They might as well not have an account, since there are no photos other than their icon, which was the symbol of the club. Cater complains that they couldn't come to an agreement on how the page should look and were too lazy to try to work something out, so it has stayed like that for months.

Since you know how much he cares about this stuff, you offer your help! After all, it could be a lot of fun, and it'd feel as if you're the manager of the club. Cater lightens up with joy, throwing his arms around you and bringing you close to affectionately rub his cheeck on the top of your head, thanking you for being such a prestative underclassman. You enter your business mode, thinking on how you could go about this. It makes sense to promote the club doing something other than hanging out, so you tell them to pick up their instruments and pose.

You go around them and try many different angles. Kalim and Lilia have fun doing weird poses that makes very clear they aren't playing at all, but there's a charming genuine smile on their faces. Cater poses with his guitar like a professional, making captivating facial expressions that make even you swoon, only encouraging him to make different ones. He could be a model, you think, with how he knows all the right ways to smile at the camera and tilts his head just so to make him look cute and alluring at the same time, fingers skillfully positioned at the eletric guitar's chords, eyes lidded, hair messy deliberately, body facing forwards with confidence. He has everything to ace the rockstar persona, at least in looks.

You try taking some of them together as an unit, but none pleases you enough. There's something missing, but you can't quite put your finger on what. You give his cellphone back as you ponder about it. Cater looks through the photos, commenting how one looks "super cool~" and in the other he's "slaying". He decides it'd be a great moment to take advantage of his cuteness streak to take a photo with everyone together, yourself included. Cater drapes his arm around your shoulders and keeps you close to him, cheek coming to rest at your forehead. Kalim and Lilia make poses behind you two, laughing at how silly they look with all the filters Cater tries on. 

He ends up telling you to decide which photo looked better, as he couldn't chose just one, something like: "any photo with you would look cute, of course I can't chose!" You look through all of them, but only one gets your eyes, the only without a filter. Everyone looks genuinely happy, making your heart warm. Cater's is not looking at the camera itself, but slightly to the side, where you are, with such a soft expression you can't help but be endeared by it. It's him, not a forced smile and exaggerated pose, just Cater, happy. That's what the other pictures were missing. 

You show it to him, insisting it's the best and should be the first photo on the club's Magicam page. He pouts about the lack of filter, saying how the other ones look much cuter, but you explain that you like the real him much more than any filter, since nothing could ever come close to the real deal, no filter in the world could make him justice. You're very genuine with it too, since it's the truth. Cater stares at you, caught by surprise, and turns his face away from you, ears tinted pink, taking a minute to recompose himself, leaving you confused. Lilia looks on knowingly, smirking at him. You weren't alone in your confusion, as Kalim seemed to be just as clueless as you.

Your argument manages to convince him, though, as he soon comes up with an eye catching description and posts it, grumbling that you should be happy now. You are, actually, so you simply smile at him, giggling at his playful eye roll. Only after the picture was already posted and you entered on your own account that you notice your eyes were closed. You yelp and try to convince Cater to change it to another one, but he refuses, telling that you were the one that chose it so you should stick with it, sticking his tongue out at you in a childsh manner. You whine some more before giving up. Cater seemed really content with the choice, if the soft smile on his face as he glanced at it meant anything, so you let it be, resigning to your fate. You weren't even a member, so you hoped you wouldn't attract that much attention. (You really hoped Ace wouldn't find it, otherwise you'd never hear the end of it.)

He suddenly gets an idea to decorate the classroom to make it look more "magicamable", dragging Lilia with him to get the decorations. Lilia whispers something to him that makes him glance back at you with a red face, quickly scurrying away and leaving you and Kalim to look on in confusion. How weird, what had gotten into him? 

At that moment, the playlist shuffles, coming up with a song that has a very upkeep beat. Kalim jumps in excitement, saying that was his favorite song and he couldn't not dance to it. You can't help jumping your leg and moving your head to the beat, swaying to the contagious rhthym. Kalim notices and extends his hands in your direction, inviting you to dance with him. You know you're nowhere near his skill level and you'd look clumsy compared to his fluid moviments, but his earnestness convinces you to give it a try. You were sure he wouldn't make fun of you, so why not have a good time too?

Hand in hand, the two of you move together, not completly in sync, but in a rhythm that feels right, that's only yours. It's nice, seeing his content expression up close, foreheads almost touching, feet following the other's steps, hips swaying together. You spin once, laughing, he spins once, grinning wildly. You're lost in the trance of the hypnotizing beat of Kalim's heart.

The song gradually comes to a stop, making both of you calm down too. Kalim has one hand on your waist, the other still holding yours. You hold onto his shoulder, your noses touch, breaths coming in puffs, his eyes crinkle and it's warm, he's warm. Your chest follows his in it's rise and fall, your stomach does pirouettes, to the point you're dizzy, your cheeks feel hot. You start worrying you might have really gotten food poisoning from Lilia's cooking.

Before either of you say anything else, the sound of Cater's giggle burst your bubble, bringing you back to the real world. You whip your head to the door, watching as Lilia and Cater giggle deviously, Cater's fingers working fast on his cellphone's keyboard. You separate from Kalim's burning touch, your hands suddenly feeling cold, and stride up to them, demanding to look at what they found so funny. Lilia shows you, on his own phone, a videoclip of you and Kalim dancing together, nearing the end of the song. Your focus is initially on Kalim, as he glows, movements showing years of expertise, it's... beautiful. Then your gaze averts to yourself, and how, like you suspected, you were looking goofy near him, not matching the tempo at all.

You whine up at Cater again, asking him to delete the stories he posted, but he refuses, saying it was way too precious to miss. You lightly hit his chest and look up your lashes at him, pouting. His teasing expression falters, as if you were on the brink of convincing him. Lilia pulls you away and explains it was only on close friends anyway, so you needn't worry about the whole school seeing it. Kalim agrees that the video is very nice, beaming as he watches you two having fun. You sigh and give up, not having the heart to be a killjoy.

Lilia and Cater's hands are empty of any decorations, so you question them about it. Cater frowns exaggeratedly, drowning on dramatically on how they couldn't find any and how it was such a pity. Lilia covers his hand to hide a giggle, only making the action more obvious. Cater glares at him subtly. Kalim notices how the club's reserved time is almost coming to an end, deciding that to make a grand finale you should play an instrument, after all they should at least pretend they did something club related for you to report back to the Headmaster. And it'd be a lot of fun for you to play with them!

Lilia claps his hands together, agreeing it would be a most gleeful experience. He insists on teaching you how to play the bass, not wanting to hear whether you already knew how to or not. He gives you the instrument and shows how to hold it in the right way, trying to teach a few chords. It's a bit difficult to understand the confusing terms he uses, so he sighs and comes behind you, taking your hands in his and doing the movements, pressing his chest against your back, his deep voice right by your ear as he explains. You can't pay attention to it all, for some reason. You kind of feel dizzy again. Perhaps it's the food poisoning for real this time?

His fingers guide yours along the strings, gently pressing on the right spots, strumming the chords at the bridge. He murmurs the instructions, voice ressonating like the low pitch of the instrument, hot breath tickling your skin. You let him do as he pleases, dazed. The simple notes ring in your ears, lulling you into calmness, eyes closing as you let your sensations take the wheel, the frequency making your heart vibrate in your chest, as if dancing along, your head floating in the clouds.

It's all good and well until Lilia starts singing along. Or whatever it is that he calls "singing". In reality, he starts screaming some punk-rock lyrics right by your ear. Your heart jumps so quickly you swear you almost had an arrhythmia, your soul leaving your body for a second. Your eyes snap open so fast the lights from the classroom blind you and make black spots appear in your vision. You elbow Lilia in your surprise, thankfully making him stop trying to burst your eardrums. You get away, taking off the strap of the bass and giving it back to him. You think that's enough practicing for now.

Later on the day you confirm your food poisoning suspicions to be true. You've gained a new found respect for Sebek for enduring the poison Lilia calls cooking everyday and still managing to keep that impressive disposition of his. At least you helped the pop music club get more followers on magicam and spread their word out there. A bunch of people sign up to know the club, so you're all really happy! You felt like you've done a good job. (In the next week, the people arrive and see no sight of you, only of the dynamic trio. They don't show up again, leaving the members number back to it's original three.)

It was pretty fun, all things considered. You didn't get hurt other than in your pride and your social image, so it's a win in your books. Still, you're not sure you could handle their energetic and chaotic personalities combined like this evey week and risk getting deaf or suffering stomach failure. Time to check out other clubs.

(Cater comments on how the photos you took together got the most likes, insisting you come over again for a photoshoot. Kalim says he's got new songs to dance with you and that he's asked Jamil to help him cook for the next club meeting. Lilia tells you that you still have to take some more bass lessons to get the hang of it. Well, you suppose you could pass by sometime to be in the know about what goes on at the school and to get to prove Jamil's cooking. And to enjoy your friend's company, of course!)

Masterlist

[krenenbaker]

How about our dear Rook for bingo

AAAAA Une bonne question!

This man... this little weirdo... he has WORMED his way into my mind. He has made himself a comfortable little home in my brain, and is unable to be evicted.

I feel so MUCH affection towards him, I love his many eccentricities. He's so incredibly beautiful (though has a few, um, questionable style choices), and his passion is stunning. I wish he would allow himself to be more open with the people around him, but it is understandable that he isn't. (I also wish I could say he has done nothing wrong, but like my last character I answered for, he has done SO MANY THINGS WRONG)

He's an absolutely fucked up lad. And I absolutely love him for it

[thegoldencontracts]

Every Talent Floyd Leech Has

The sources are in parentheses. Feel free to ask questions or make corrections/additions!

Parkour (SSR Birthday Suit)

Incredibly High Intellect (Outdoor-Wear Vignette)

Photographic Memory (Outdoor-Wear Vignette)

Cooking (Lost In The Book With Stitch, Culinary Crucible)

Basketball (Beans Day)

Good Swimmer (Lost In The Book With Stich)

High Athleticism (Beans Day)

Dancing (Ceremonial Robes Vignette, Halloween)

Playing The Drums (Ceremonial Robes Vignette)

Playing The Saxophone (Port Wear Vignette)

Oddly Good Luck (Dorm Vignette)

Incredibly Good Reflexes (Bean Camo Vignette)

Fashionable (Both Birthday Interviews)

Naturally Clear Skin (Azul Ceremonial Robes Vignette)

Chocolate Making (2023 White Day Letters)

Academics—When he tries (Labwear Vignette)

Fighting (Book 3)

Good Actor (Book 4)

Blackmail (Ortho Athletic Gear Vignette)

Obstacle Races (Birthday Boy Vignette)

And, some bonus weaknesses!

Azul's Ire (Ruggie Ceremonial Robes Vignette)

Strong Perfume (Rook Ceremonial Robes Vignette)

Being Compared To Jade (Floyd School Uniform Vignette)

Being Scolded Ruins His Mood (Labwear Vignette)

[yuurei20]

"Vil has possibly never acknowledged having friends, or even school friends." I'm confused. Are you talking in that one event or in general? If it's the latter...what? Vil has said that Jack is his childhood best friend, and seems to be friendly with Rook, possibly seeing him as one. That statement contradicts the canon.

Hello hello! Thank you for this question! 👑🐺

I have not been able to find a line of Vil calling Jack his childhood best friend ("best friend" itself seems to be a word that has only been used four times in the whole game!), but if you happen to have a chapter or screenshot it would be very much appreciated! Always happy to update with the most accurate information m(_ _)m

The closest I was able to find is Vil's ceremonial robes vignette where he refers to himself and Jack as "同郷のよしみ," but in this case the word "friend" might be oversimplifying the nuance of what he is actually saying: Vil is acknowledging that they have something in common--their hometown--without referring to Jack as his friend! He is acknowledging their pre-existing connection without implying friendship or an emotional bond.

EN chose to go with "old friend" for this particular line, but it is not uncommon for EN to introduce the word "friend" into dialogue where it does not exist, which is why this series is based on content from the original game rather than the adaptation :> English adaptations will often simplify nuances for accessibility!

EN uses the word "countryman" earlier in this conversation, which I think is a perfect interpretation ♪

The realization of how very rarely anyone actually says "friend" (and Yana's interview where she says that the theme of the game is making problem children get along with one another) was the inspiration for this series!

Malleus, for example, has never referred to the prefect as his friend, but the word was not only added to his EN dialogue but the word "human" was replaced with "acquaintance"!

Between Halloween Year 1 and Halloween Year 3 Malleus promotes the prefect from "acquaintance" to "friend" in relationship development that hasn't actually happened in canon! Which I find fascinating ^^ The EN game really is its own unique experience!

Returning to Vil: he does seem to be friendly with Rook, but he has never actually said out loud that they are friends!

This does not mean that they are not actually friends, but refusing to acknowledge friendship aloud is also a theme:

Ace seems to be friendly with the prefect, for example, going to Ramshackle alone late at night so that they can watch horror movies together, but when others comment on how they are friends he will deny it 📝

Ace: "We're just in the same class. You don't have to read anything into it!"

It has been very interesting to track which characters seem adverse to the concept of friendship and which are not--are things building up to a climactic moment where characters like Malleus, Vil and Ace actually do admit that they have friends?

(In a mirror image of Ace we have Deuce, who is one of the only four people who have ever said "best friend" 👀📝)

I am certain to check new content as it releases for examples of anyone saying "friend" aloud and am updating this information as the characters evolve ^^

Am very excited to see if there will be character development and/or plot points in the future where the characters finally do refer to one another as friends!

[babybulbasaur920]

What Twisted Wonderland characters can say 🚬 the bad word for gay

(Inspired by Blake Jennings YouTube series)

Riddle: was probably taught to think it, cuz his mother gives me huge conservative vibes. Can theoretically say it, but you could not waterboard it out of him

Trey: I’m sorry, come for me if you must, but no. That hat is strictly for Reddit straight people. Like he most definitely has some “Live, Laugh, Love” sign in his room. Big ally though

Cater: can say it. Is the type to say it to your face and you think “did- did he just call me a slur?” And you realize five minutes later he’s bi

Ace: cannot say it. Not because he’s straight, because he used up his quota in middle school

Deuce: can definitely say it, but doesn’t because no one told him he could. Like Riddle, you could not waterboard it out of him

Leona: definitely can say it. Maybe. Gives me “normally straight but whatever happens after some drinks happens” vibes

Ruggie: look, I honestly am not a fan of him, but twink with a Everest level high voice. He can say it

Jack: eh, I’m on the fence

Azul: octopi are gay as hell. He can say it but won’t because this businessman is way to smart to alienate 94% of his classmates (victims)

Jade: eels can change between gender. He can say it. Doesn’t say it, because he’s a proper gentleman

Floyd: can say it. Doesn’t know it’s a slur, and laughs when you tell him. What, are you gonna stop him?

Kalim: no straight guy wears that much jewelry and is that obsessed with his “best friend” (Jamil, when I catch you😠). Can definitely say it. Doesn’t because Jamil told him it’s a bad word, doesn’t realize he is one of those for whom it is not a bad word

Jamil: girlboy swag. This bundle of pixels is like, right in the middle of the male and female gaze. Calling his classmates that word under his breath is how he gets through his day

Vil: yes. Without a doubt. But would he, is the better question

Rook: fuck yes. Like Vil, he wouldn’t say it, but it you pulled his hair and call him it, he may cream on the spot

Epel: can he say it? Debatable

Does he say it? Probably

Idia: sorry, have you read his ceremonial robe vignette? Boy is the general of the bisexual battalion, he can say it. For some reason it does sound really hateful coming from him though

Ortho: I plead the 5th regarding if this underage child can say it, lest I end up on Fox News. If he did, I feel it would be like if Hello Kitty said it. Like, would you really be mad? He’s bby

Malleus says it, but as it’s original definition as in, a bundle of sticks. He can say it in the gay way though. Bro gives new meaning to the word “dragon fruit”

Sebek also only knows it by the stick meaning but if he finds out it’s a slur, he would never say it again. I think he could, but he’d never tarnish his Waka-sama’s reputation like that

Silver, once again, knows it to mean a bundle of sticks. Something about him gives me asexual vibes, idk

Lilia, canonically bi and a discord kitten, he can say it. Thinks it’s funny to hear his kids say it, but would stop them if it became a problem

[mysteryshoptls]

SR Rook Hunt - Ceremonial Robes Vignette

"That rather intense moment"

[Pomefiore Dorm – Lounge]

Rook: Heh, I do so enjoy my little walks in the morning. The crisp air truly enhances the beauty of prey.

Vil: Oh, Rook. You're still dressed in your school uniform? Hurry and get changed.

Vil: Don't tell me you forgot today's ceremony? No one likes a man with no sense of time.

Rook: Of course not. There's no way I would have forgotten, Vil.

Rook: There's nothing to worry about, I will go change into my ceremonial robes right away. I still have time.

Rook: And perhaps I could undertake your signature appearance look-over, Roi du Poison, since it has been quite some time since I've been subject to one.

Vil: Do you think I would have for my Vice Housewarden someone who would require more help than the other students?

Vil: However, I will say that you should take a shower before changing if were just coming from outside.

Rook: Is that a problem? To be fair, I did not run amok or lay on the ground during today's walk.

Rook: I only exchanged some pleasant conversation with a sleepy-looking prey.

Vil: I wonder if that truly was all. Regardless, you should take a shower and rinse off all the dirt you've tracked in from the outside.

Vil: The ceremonial robes are a traditional and iconic garb of this academy, so it cannot just be worn haphazardly.

Vil: As you are to stand beside me as my Vice Housewarden during the ceremony, I will not allow for a single speck of dust to be present on your robes.

Rook: Is that also why you've mandated that I wear perfume whenever I put on these robes?

Vil: That's right. The scent you wear is just another part of your overall appearance.

Rook: Understood, I shall heed your words.

Rook: If I am to have the privilege of being the accompanying arrangement to your glorious bouquet, then even showers and perfume are a small price to pay.

[Pomefiore Dorm – Hallway]

Rook: How vexing… I had not expected the shower rooms to be out of order.

Rook: They said it would be fixed by tonight, but that would not allow me to be ready in time for the ceremony…

Floyd: Man, Pomefiore's always so sparkly. It shines just like how the ocean's surface does.

Rook: Oh, what luck… That's an Octavinelle student rounding the corner.

Rook: Bonjour, Monsieur Spontané.

Floyd: Oh hey, it's Seagull-kun.

Rook: Is that your nickname for me? It's wonderfully unique.

Rook: A gracious welcome to Pomefiore. Have you just strolled in here on a whim?

Floyd: I ain't taking a stroll, I'm doin' an errand for Azul.

Rook: I see, I see.

Rook: To tell you the truth, I am currently in a tricky bind. I was hoping to ask you for your assistance.

Floyd: Ehhh, don't wanna. I'm busy.

Rook: No need to be so cold. I have need of a shower, and yet the showers here are currently under repair.

Rook: Would I be able to utilize the Octavinelle showers?

Floyd: Huh? How should I know? And it's got nothing to do with me, if you're havin' a problem.

Rook: I beg you. At this rate, I will end up breaking my promise to Vil.

Rook: I am only asking to borrow your shower room. It shouldn't cause you any trouble.

Floyd: You just don't quit, huh. I said I don't wanna.

Rook: Hm… If I cannot attain your permission, it may not work out too well for you.

Rook: Are you still adamant in refusing me?

Floyd: Aha, you tryin' to force me to do whatcha want?

Floyd: Brave, ain'tcha? Want, you want me to squeeze you to a pulp?

Rook: Here

[spritz, spritz, spritz]

Floyd: Ack, what'dya just spray on me!? It smells weird…!

Rook: Weird is no way to describe this. Vil himself blended this special perfume for me.

Rook: Does not the musk and amber soothe you?

Rook: Well, even I have to admit that the scent is fairly strong that if I were to wear it, I would be noticed by my prey from a long distance away.

Rook: That's why I choose to only wear it when I must wear the ceremonial robes.

Floyd: Who cares about all that!? Ugh, I can't even scrub it out…!

Rook: No, I'm sure you can't. You should get changed as quick as possible. I think a bit of it got into your hair as well, so you should also take this opportunity for a shower.

Rook: Now you wouldn't be going out of your way by bringing me along to your dormitory's shower rooms anymore, wouldn't you say?

Floyd: Huh? You screwing with me?

Rook: Oh my, what a terribly ferocious glare.

Rook: I bet those sharp teeth of yours could easily tear through even the toughest fisherman's net… Fantastic!

Floyd: Bleagh… What's with this guy…? Your grin's creepin' me out. Fine, if you're gonna follow me, whatever.

Floyd: Ughhhh～ This really stinks. I'm getting' dizzy…

Rook: Heh. Well then, shall we adjourn to Octavinelle?

[Octavinelle Dorm – Lounge]

Rook: Floyd-kun, thank you for letting me use the Octavinelle showers. Dearie me, that was a saving grace.

Floyd: Maaan, that sucked. [sniff, sniff] …I think I can still smell it on me.

Rook: Heh. The scent is gone, don't worry. Looks like you were able to wash it all out.

Rook: It all worked out in the end, and you even had time to put on your robes. You're going to the ceremony as well, aren't you?

Floyd: Ugh, don't you ever shut up…?

Rook: Oh yes, while I'm here, may I finish applying my makeup?

Floyd: Makeup? You already did the stuff that goes around the eyes.

Rook: Vil's orders, you see. It isn't enough to just use liner.

Rook: I have an abundance of makeup and their respective tools to use for ceremonies… Look here, they can barely fit atop the dresser!

Floyd: Gah, that's so much.

Floyd: What, you got some weird-lookin' bottles, brushes, and pens…? What's this dark brown powder?

Rook: That would be for shading. It's used to contour the face into a more sculpted appearance.

Floyd: Uh-huh. Then, what's with this pencil-lookin' thing? Why'd you have so many different ones?

Rook: That's eyeliner. See how each one is a different color? I'll use a different one based on the type of eyeshadow I use, or where I want to draw a line.

Rook: Now then, if you'll excuse me. I need to start applying my makeup.

Floyd: Uggghh, it smells weird again.

Rook: Even so, I've chosen makeup products that have a more subdued scent.

Rook: Although, I suppose it's true that because I have an abundance of different makeup, that the more I apply, the stronger the fragrance will become…

Floyd: You don't like smelly things either, right, Seagull-kun? So why're ya goin' along with whatever Betta-chan-senpai says?

Rook: This is all to stand at Vil's side.

Rook: He is the fairest of all here at this academy…

Rook: All of this is just a small price to pay in order to be able to admire his beauty from such a premium seat.

Floyd: Uh-huh…

Rook: Heh, you seem to have taken an interest in my handiwork. Would you like to try applying some makeup?

Rook: Your mismatched eyes glow with a mysterious, unreadable glint that is truly beautiful. I'm sure makeup will only serve to enhance that.

Floyd: No way. That's a pain, anyway.

Floyd: 'Sides, it's gettin' pretty boring just watching you do stuff. Hurry and finish up, already.

Rook: Well then, I don't mind if you wish to leave me to it. I can lock up for you once I have finished.

Floyd: Nope. If I let some outsider wander around here, I'ma get an earful from Azul later.

Rook: Well, then I suppose there's no other options. You'll have to wait until I've finished.

Floyd: Whyzzat? Why don'tcha just quickly slap something on?

Rook: Beauty can only be improved by dedicating the time for it.

Rook: Oh, then what if you were to help dry my hair in the meantime?

Rook: It should shorten my time here if you were to use the hair dryer while I finish applying my makeup, wouldn't you agree?

Floyd: …What a pain… …Tch, fine. Hand me the hair dryer.

Rook: Wonderful, thank… Ack, hot!

[hair dryer blows…]

Rook: Non, non, Monsieur Spontané. I need you to regulate the temperature better.

Floyd: Huuuh, whaddya say? I can't hear ya!

[hair dryer blows…]

Rook: Ah, if the dryer is turned to its maximum setting and my hair is ruffled so, it will take longer to tame it later…

Floyd: Man, you got a lot of hair, Seagull-kun. It ain't dryin' at all.

Rook: Ah, Monsieur Spontané…! You handle me so roughly…!

Floyd: You even gotta complain about the way I'm doin' this? Shouldn't matter how I get it done, as long as it dries, right?

Rook: Aaaaah…!

Rook: [pant, pant] …Has my hair finally dried…? I never thought that rather intense moment would ever end…

Rook: …Hm?

Rook: Oh, my hair…

Rook: It's completely unruly!

Floyd: I mean, ain't it boring to just have your hair the same way all the time?

Rook: I see, this is…

Rook: Absolutely fantastic!

Rook: Neither Vil nor myself would have ever considered this style. Your innovative thinking has brought forth a new form of beauty!

Floyd: Eh, you for real?

Rook: I feel as though I've unlocked new possibilities for myself now! Thank you, Floyd-kun!

Floyd: You're so weird…

Requested by Anonymous.

[bun-lapin]

Confessions

Summary: Vil confesses his love to you.

A/N: Fifth one shot complete and this time it's back to Pomefiore with Vil! This was a very nice one shot for me to write. It definitely got me thinking about more abstract topics such as beauty but also respect and self-worth. I know that some people might not agree with me but I've always viewed Vil as a stern but ultimately nurturing and caring person. Especially after reading his dorm uniform vignette <3

Confessions series: Rook, Kalim, Idia, Floyd, Vil, Silver, Leona, Trey / AO3

The late afternoon sunlight pours in through the windows of Pomefiore’s dormitory hallways and your steps, brisk up until then, slow for a brief moment to take in the beauty around you. The soft glow of towering candelabras and the golden light of the sun mix in the air luxuriously and send dazzling lines of radiance everywhere your eyes turn. Your vision is filled with the sparkle of gold and the gemstone hues of violet and deep red. Breathing in deep, you notice the faint smell of perfume and for a moment you feel like you are inside a priceless jewelry box.

You continue down the hallway and finally stop in front of a familiar door. Your hand rises to knock and announce your presence, but before you are able to, the door swings open unprompted. The smell of perfume you had noticed earlier seems to rush out through the open door and swirls extravagantly around you and the beautiful figure before you.

“You’re here,” Vil states evenly. Holding a variety of robes and shirts in his arms, he smiles gently at you before stepping back from the door to invite you in with a small wave of his hand.

You step into Vil’s room and take in the new sight of several clothes racks, filled to bursting with various styles of garments, lining one side of the room. You make your way to your usual seat in front of Vil’s ornate vanity table and sit facing him. “I got your message. You said you wanted my help picking an outfit for an event?”

Vil stands in front of a full length mirror and studies his reflection as he alternates holding an expensive looking tuxedo and an equally expensive looking dress against his body. He glances at you through the mirror’s surface and says, “That’s correct. The event is a small, somewhat informal event. An opening ceremony for a local theater company. I'm going as a courtesy to a director I've worked with before.” Not satisfied with either choice, Vil returns both to their spots on the clothes rack and begins making another round of selections.

You raise an eyebrow with curiosity as a sudden thought flashes in your mind and you ask, “Why me? Why don’t you get Rook to help you?”

Vil turns to face you and crosses his arms over his chest as he studies you carefully for a moment. Raising one arm to his face, he slowly taps one finger on his elegantly tinted lips as he seems to consider your question until finally, a quietly alluring smile blooms over his mouth. He answers simply, “Because I only want you.”

You feel a light blush spread over your cheeks and you smile a little shyly and self-satisfied from Vil’s straightforward response. Turning to face the vanity, you try to distract yourself by examining the various makeup products before you and ask, “So when is the event?”

Vil gracefully strides across the room and sets himself on a small chair next to yours, facing the vanity mirror. “It’s this weekend.” He reaches out across the table, selects a feather soft makeup brush and lightly dusts it in a container of fine powder. With gentle and deliberate movements, he swipes the brush across his cheeks and quietly asks you, “Would you like to go with me?”

You briefly think about your current plans for this weekend, which are just to sit in your room and study. After weighing that plan against a night surrounded by designer clothes and beautiful celebrities, you smile appreciatively at Vil and answer, “I’d love to go with you.”

Vil returns your smile through his reflection in the mirror and continues to silently apply the makeup brush across his face. You turn your head to study your own reflection and trace your eyes over the familiar curves and bare skin of your nose, your brows, your chin. You watch a thoughtful expression appear on your face as you hesitantly ask, “Do you think I need to wear makeup?”

The soft brush in Vil’s hands comes to a sudden halt at the sound of your question, pressed lightly against his cheek. After carefully setting the brush back in its original spot, Vil turns to face you and lightly touches your shoulder with a kind and reassuring gentleness. Although he smiles warmly at you, there is a touch of sadness in his voice and behind his eyes.

"My dear, as I have told you before, makeup is not about need. It's about want. Do you want makeup on yourself? For some it can be a tool to accentuate and emphasize. For others, it is like armor to give strength and self-confidence. At the end of the day, no matter what anyone says, it is your face, your body, and you alone have the right to do with it as you wish. Always remember this, my dearest one."

In silence, you carefully turn Vil’s words in your mind like precious jewels. The obvious care in his voice and in his soft smile cause a feeling of warmth to steadily radiate out from your chest like sunlight and you smile genuinely at your reflection and then at Vil’s in the vanity mirror. You whisper softly, with an indescribable mix of emotions in your voice, “Thank you.”

With his important message delivered to you, the undercurrent of sadness drops from Vil’s face and his smile now is only serenity and quiet adoration. Turning his gaze briefly to the vanity table, Vil selects a beautiful crystal bottle of scented oil and then holds his empty hand out to you in an expectant and familiar gesture. You softly place both of your hands into Vil’s upturned palm and wait for him to begin.

After carefully placing two shining drops on the backs of your wrists, Vil sets down the bottle of oil and begins to lightly press his fingers in a series of graceful, swooping movements into your hands. The pressure he uses is gentle but firm and the tension you had not even realized you had been holding in yourself, begins to melt away under his expert attention.

Vil smiles, satisfied, as he watches your shoulders droop and your eyes soften with relaxation. With a few final strokes of his fingers against your skin he finishes your small ritual and holds your hands, warm and tingling from his touch, in silence for a few moments. You watch his eyes, dream-like and mysterious, sweep over your entire face. He sighs softly, almost with longing, and murmurs, “Light of my life, you’re even lovelier than you realize.”

You feel an intense blush bloom over your cheeks and you turn your face away from Vil’s gaze with a small shake of your head. You start to stammer out some excuses, denying the label of “lovely” when you suddenly feel the tips of Vil’s fingers under your chin. With tender gentleness, his hand guides your head back to face him and you see a small frown delicately wrinkling his brows. Vil’s eyes shine with determination and his low voice is almost heartbreaking, tinged with quiet worry and want.

"Please don't look away from me. Please don't ever look away. Gather me up completely with your gaze and treasure me the way I treasure you. My darling, you're more than a jewel, more than fame or fortune. You are a miracle. You are everything."

With his hand still under your chin, Vil draws his face closer to yours and your vision is filled only with the pale smoothness of his skin and the gently sparkling lavender of his eyes. His voice, softer than twilight, whispers, “Dearest one, don’t ever deny the irrefutable fact that you are lovely. More than that, you are breathtaking. Soul and body, you are beautiful inside and out. The most beautiful of us all.”

Your eyes widen at the weight of his words and the depth of feeling you see in his face. From the touch of Vil’s hand on your chin, to the scent of perfume and oil, all of your senses are awakened in a way you think should make you feel dizzy but in reality, you just feel completely present. Surrounded in elegance and beauty, in care and tender attention, you feel like a radiant jewel shining out from within a magnificent crown.

Raising his hand from your chin, Vil gently traces the curving lines of your face with a gracefully extended ring finger. His deliberate movements subtly outline your nose, your brows, your chin, and you feel the devotion and desire in him like flashes of sweet summer lightning from his fingertip. After a few more moments pass like this, Vil lowers his hand and softly calls out to you, as if addressing a divine revelation.

“Light of my life, remember always that I love you. Now and forever.”

[a-twistedheartslonging]

Rook hunt voicelines translated

Rook Hunt is so fucking cute AAAAA

All his questions are basically him just asking "do i look mysterious and cool? Do i look good? Do i look pretty? I got perfume on do you like it?"

Also the makeup line, carefully gently putting on eyeliner and having to carefully hold the face. Wanting to help. Just so adorable

I love him so much

Notable ones i thought just prove his oddly shy side and affection

Home Idle - Login: I myself was just thinking how grand it would be to run into you. What a coincidence! Or perhaps this is fate?

- first of all silly, so silly. He was thinking about us and he's like "i wish you were here" and then he's like "what a coincidence! Or perhaps fate or maybe destiny👀<3"

Home Idle - Groovy: Could you tell that I smell differently than usual? Today, I'm wearing perfume. Smells nice, does it not?

-he wants praise so bad, plus if you know the vignette he actually doesn't really like perfume and strong scents very much. But the way he's already like "it smells nice, doesn't it??? I put perfume on Do you like it?" Dork, silly, cute cute cute, he wants to recognition for his efforts but also he doesn't want to be pushy per se. Very subtle

Home Tap 1: Right now, I intend on adhering to decorum much stricter than I usually do. There is beauty in carrying myself so, as well.

Home Tap 3: There may be beauty one is born with, but beauty attained through sheer, hard work is a force to be reckoned with. Wouldn't you agree?

-these are just straight up the most in love shyest things in the world to me. "I put in a lot of effort into my looks and perfume and makeup and I'm following the rules and decorum way more than i usually do. Don't you think hardwork is beautiful 👉🏼👈🏼? " DORK ADORABLE DORK

Home Idle 1: I feel so dignified and mysterious when garbed in these ceremonial robes... Mmm, I just can't get enough of this sensation!

-he's so silly, he's feeling so pretty and nice. He loves it but also he's like "i look so cool and mysterious teehee"

Home Tap 4: Hey, the makeup around your eyes has smudged a little and is detracting from your full beautiful potential. If you'd like, I could fix it for you.

-wants to help you and also thinks you look good but also wants to have a hand in making you look even better. Wants to gently hold your face and carefully gently fix your eye makeup, you have to look at him and he wants to help you. He's asking to.

I LOVE HIM SO MUCH

He's a shy adorable dork full of whimsy and glee and also he's trying his best to both flirt and hang out but he's shy and says stuff to get compliments and praise and tries to fuss with your appearance to show he cares

He want's your attention and praise so bad.

"Oh dear, if you keep messing around like that, my robes will be all in disarray. Please do behave yourself now." Is one I ...certainly like.

I hate make up for a few reasons but I would let him do what he wants if it keeps the silly boy happy.

It's neat getting to see his shyer side, even bright extroverts like him can get a bit shy or flustered at times, I would love to see more of it for sure.

[catusbeanius]

One thing I love about TWST is how interconnected all the stories are! Even events and vignettes. My best example is the Halloween event and Diasomnia's vignettes. They're very good foreshadowing. Silver literally says (in his Halloween vignette pt. 2) "[I]f Lilia and Malleus chose to fight us of their own volition, could I oppose them? Would I be able to turn my blade against them?” (His whole dialogue there was amazing). He also says he was afraid of Malleus disappearing, not time stopping.

Imo, that's exactly how you use events and vignettes. They're supplementary to the characters/story/world and provide questions the main story can answer. Nowhere in the main story did Silver say "I'd hate it if Malleus disappeared rn. But time stopping? Whatever!" That's a facet of his character you get when your hard work getting gems pays off. The gacha system is still ass, though. Looking at you, Pop Music Club Lilia. Smh. I'm still salty about that.

Anyway, my preamble is over. This is a tidbit post LSKJD

Instead of just random fact, though, I want to share my favorite things about each character!

Tidbit (6.25) about Malleus:

You can tell how much he admires the Thorn Fairy.

In his Birthday Boy vignette pt 2. he offers to fill the party with briars—like the Thorn Fairy did. When the MC tells him that's dangerous, he says he thought it'd be an "amusing diversion." (He's so silly) I'm sure there's a few other examples, but I yapped enough already.

Tidbit (6.50) about Silver:

He's so naïve and candid, it's adorable.

He's not cautious of the Octavinelle guys. In his Fairy Gala vignette, Jade had a plot to get his dishes looking new, and Silver needed a translation bell; so they worked together. Silver also genuinely complimented the craft fairy's work and Jade thought he was being deceptive. In the White Rabbit Fest, a delinquent asked if he was scared and he was like "No, I'm okay. Thanks for asking, though."

He should know Octavinelle is bad news, though, because Sebek was hostile to Azul in his Labwear vignette. Tbf, Sebek quickly accepted his miracle detergent, so idk.

Tidbit (6.75) about Sebek:

He's so dramatic!!

He was sobbing every time Malleus sung during rehearsals for the Masquerade event (Sebek's Masquerade vignette pt 1) Like I mentioned before, he makes a big deal out of helping anyone. (A little off topic, but there's a cute moment in his Ceremonial Robes vignette where the MC hides under his arm!!)

Tidbit (7) about Lilia:

Everything <33 he's my wife!!

But if I had to pick one thing, it'd probably be his speech and dynamics with everyone.

My favorite line from him is "Growing boys need their calories. If the beast hungers, I say feed it." (from Sebek's Labwear vignette pt. 1 about Malleus)

You can just tell how much he loves them and how much they love him back. He'll tease Malleus and Sebek and they'll be dramatic about it, but it's all in good fun!

He protects Malleus from creeps (Rook) and Malleus protects him in turn!! (Lilia's P.E uniform vignette). Silver says thinking about cooking for Lilia keeps him awake (Apprentice Chef vignette pt. 2) , and Sebek trusts everything Lilia says (P.E Uniform vignette)

That's why his decision to leave them all is so damn heartbreaking. Like, girl, LOOK AT WHAT'S IN FRONT OF YOU!!!! I'm gonna shake that mf.

Their relationships are weird, but it's obvious what they are!! If you raise a kid, they'll think you're their father. SMH

Alright, I'm done yapping.

[twstinginthewind]

@twst-the-night-away my beloved posted an amazing idea in a chat today

And I had so much fun answering I want to share it here, too.

Deuce seeing Joker for the first time:

There were an awful lot of first-years being sorted through at the commencement ceremony, and Deuce was trying so hard to concentrate, he found himself not paying much attention to many of his fellow classmates at all, and was only vaguely aware of the other new students that shuffled along with him back to Heartslabyul. The next few days, too, were a bit chaotic, with everything that was happening with that new Ramshackle student, that pain in the butt roommate of his, and, oh yeah, that thing happening with Riddle. Plus in classes, he was keeping his head down a lot and trying so hard to focus!! So it took him until the second unbirthday party to notice her.

And he had no idea what took him so long. She had a laugh that he could hear clear across the rose maze, and when she came up to see if she could sample the housewarden's baking, he could barely form a reply, and just shoved a plate at her awkwardly. And she giggled at that, making his heart start feeling funny. And then the little nose wrinkle when she tasted the salty oyster sauce in the tart...

Unfortunately, Deuce was already down bad.

When she leaned over to whisper "You know, Deuce, I think perhaps housewarden Rosehearts should stick to his day job," Deuce replied with a devastatingly clever "kagsgsisjsv". Smooth. As. Silk.

And THEN he had NO idea how she knew his NAME and oh haha ok it turns out she sits behind him in like every class what the hell Deuce why have you not paid attention?

Epel seeing Punch for the first time:

Epel, he notices the big guy during club recruitment. Punch is unsubtly being approached by several of the athletics clubs, and is awkwardly and politely *turning them down*. The heck?? Look at that idjit's *shoulders*! Why's that big lug lettin' all that go to *waste*?! Why is he talkin' to that durned Ashengrotto?? Board games???? What??????

A discussion later (it turns out they share a class or three), and Epel finds out that Punch was just holding out for a hockey club, then saw his dorm leader's floating tablet and wound up getting talked into joining. For the love of lil' green apples, what is WITH this guy? Anyway, they become workout buddies as a result bc Punch doesn't want to fall out of practice just because he's not actively playing.

Epel occasionally tries (unsuccessfully) to get Punch to switch to spelldrive. Maybe one day he'll get a game with him.

More under the cut!

Trey seeing Joker for the first time:

So as we know (as per one of their ceremonial robes vignettes, i forget which), Cater and Trey got a good look at the incoming freshmen as they received their dorm assignments, and tried to guess where each of them would go. Cater commented to Trey about the long-haired girl with the red lipstick, and Trey got a good look at her just as the mirror announced her Heartslabyul assignment. She gave a huge, happy, relieved smile, and he, of course, noticed immediately that her teeth were just perfect. I mean, yes, cute face nice hair and this and that but that smile, huh. This girl flosses.

Rook seeing Bobby for the first time:

Rook periodically revisits his original dorm; he's still quite attached to Savanaclaw, and is very much an admirer of the wild beauty on display within the dorm. He first sees Bobby during one of his clandestine visits - he wasn't expecting to see anyone else using one of his rooftop hiding places, let alone with a bow and arrow! Ah, quelle surprise! And the lad seems to be a good shot, as well. How intriguing! Perhaps he should subtly leave a message regarding the upcoming archery competition in the courtyard...

Floyd seeing Joker for the first time:

What. Was. That. Sound??

Floyd poked his head out of the Mostro lounge kitchen. That music was different~! That wasn't a piano or a guitar or a saxamophone at all! That was chords and melody all at the same time, and a rhythm too! Ohhhhh man. He was itching to dance already. He pushed aside some other students, approaching the little stage where the lounge staged its live performers.

Okay, there was a bassist, boring. Some guy on drums, whatever, anyone can do a drum. Some singer. Okay. What was making that sound though??

Then he saw the last performer. And oh, she was cute. All squishy and adorable, with a big cheery grin. Long swirly hair that bounced with the beat of the music. And that INSTRUMENT! A keyboard on one side, an array of buttons on the other, and a big ol' whatsit. A bellows? Maybe? In between the two big panels, and it squished and stretched in and out while she played.

Floyd was poised to pounce. He wanted to try that, too! It looked so fun!! He was ready to clamber onto the stage when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He whipped his head around, glaring daggers that quickly retracted. He wasn't gonna be too mad at Azul, even if he was chewing him out for leaving a pan burning on the stove.

After all, he had to ask Azul who this girl was, and then he was gonna wanna try her weird instrument. Maybe he could squeeze it and her at the same time. That'd be fun.

Lilia seeing Sia for the first time:

Sia transferred into NRC as a third year student, and found herself in a slightly awkward position on her first day of classes. Everyone else already knew one another, and eyed the new girl with a hint of suspicion. She wound up taking a seat towards the back of the room, without wondering why there were so many available seats. Lilia was immediately curious. Who was this girl, who was willing to sit in the periphery of Malleus's overwhelming aura? Oh, and is that an oatmilk latte she has, too? He's never seen this kitty before. He'd have to say hello; it wasn't often that he was willing to acknowledge that he was the second-cutest in the room, but he would admit defeat this time, soon as he found out her name.

Sebek seeing Joker for the first time:

Sebek was absolutely aghast. He was glad that Coach Vargas had acknowledged that he was one of the top students in the class - as he SHOULD! Sebek was proud of the results of his training! - but because of that? He was selected as a peer coach to help out some of the human students that haven't quite got the knack of using their physical prowess and magic to fly. Honestly. They're human, he's fae, there's no way to teach that!! If Malleus hadn't made such a deal of how it would reflect well on him and the dorm, Sebek would have refused to do it outright!!

And what a pathetic human they gave him, too. Soft and overfed, sturdy enough on land but fell apart when a mere ten feet above the ground. And the yelling! He would firmly give his instructions, and she would practically scream back at him to stop being so loud and pompous! Ridiculous!! But he had to get her to do well, or his failure would reflect poorly on Malleus-sama.

So he tried. And tried. And shadowed her, giving constant directions, and just getting human attitude back. And just as she finally reached an adequate minimum height for their flight requirements, she whirled on the broom to scream at him again, went pale, and dropped like a stone.

So of course Sebek had to dive after her. And pluck her from the air to keep her from crash landing. And... huh. She's certainly clingy. And why does he smell roses??

He lowers his broom to the ground, holding onto her with one arm, and a red ribbon flutters to the ground after them. He looks down at her, her hair loose and windblown instead of the tight bun he'd been tapping impatiently all day.

And for the first time, he sees a smile cross those ridiculous red lips.

It wasn't unpleasant.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Hello, I'm not sure if you've explained it or not but going in the depths of Malleus and Leona's character relationship? Like explaining their interactions and how they actually think of one another

Many fan works tend to depict Leona and Malleus as extremely antagonistic toward one another. However, the truth is that their relationship is more like a one sided dislike or annoyance (on Leona’s part). It’s not uncommon for them to bicker or have some tension in their conversations even when they have the same goal in mind such as protecting a harp (Beans Day) or wooing a ghost (although Malleus is not participating for the latter, Leona still insists the ghost would prefer him to Malleus to get that dig in). They’re definitely still on bad terms), but Malleus is generally pretty neutral with Leona unless he is provoked.

Leona’s beef with Malleus is story relevant and makes itself known in book 2. He appears to primarily dislike Malleus because it is thanks to his sheer power that Diasomnia crushes Savanaclaw every inter-dorm tournament, essentially dashing Savanaclaw students’ hopes of being scouted and going pro. Buuut it seems like from the way Leona speaks about his rival, he has long since held these feelings and they aren’t linked to a single inciting incident.

Part of why Leona dislikes Malleus in general seems to be Malleus’s attitude. Leona describes his fellow prince as “pretentious”, “high and mighty”, and acting in ways that show disrespect to him (like in Malleus’s Dorm Uniform vignettes, when he casted a spell meant for objects on Leona). He may also take issue with Malleus’s “incomprehensible fae humor”, which Leona references both during Halloween and in Malleus’s Ceremonial Robes. Additionally, Leona outright states that he hates people who refuse to listen (Silver) and just march to the beat of their own drum (Rook), which are traits you can argue also fits Malleus (since Malleus didn’t really listen to the upset dorm leaders in his Dorm Uniform vignettes). Leona appears to prefer dealing with Malleus to Silver though, as he says that Malleus’s ears aren’t just “for show”. Interestingly, Leona might dislike Malleus less than Rook; Leona is wary of so much as wishing Rook a happy birthday and refuses to dine next to Rook… yet Leona does sit next to Malleus at the end of Terror is Trending.

Leona is one of the few students who isn’t afraid of Malleus and has the gall to openly insult him (or is rude) on more than one occasion. He doesn’t really show any remorse or intent to apologize. In fact, Leona understands very well what bothers Malleus and often acts on those points of weakness to goad him, whereas it is very rare for Malleus to start the fights. For example, Leona tells Malleus in Malleus’s Ceremonial Robes vignettes, “You thinkin’ you’re gonna get it next time? Well, sorry to break it to you, but no one’s ever gonna invite you,” and, “You’re never gonna have a chance to wear those robes, so put’em away for good already.” This, of course, angers Malleus and leads into the two insulting one another’s physical features and exchanging threats (removing horns, declawing, calling each other animals or implying a lack of humanity, etc.). They similarly insult one another in Terror is Trending (again, Leona instigates: “Hmph, look at Mr. High-Horse over here. Were you flattered to be asked [to have your picture taken]?”) and again in Fairy Gala (Leona again: “Ever consider gettin’ off your tail and cleanin’ up your fellow fae’s mess?”). I’m sure there are tons of other instances you could come up with; these are just the immediate ones that come to my mind. Leona is also resentful about the idea of ever asking for Malleus’s help. He’d rather ask anyone else, even Malleus’s second in command, than ask the guy himself. Funnily enough, Lilia and Silver see these heated conversations as proof of Malleus and Leona’s friendship. I feel like this could also, in part, feed into Leona’s dislike of Malleus, as people having the wrong idea about your relationship can be irritating.

Now, Malleus does appear to care about maintaining amicable relations with representatives of other countries. Often it is he who instructs Sebek to apologize to Leona for being rude—two major instances of this occur in Malleus’s Ceremonial Robes vignettes and during Vargas Camp. He even personally (and happily) welcomes Leona to Diasomnia in his Ceremonial Robes vignettes, viewing Leona as no different than any other guest.

This goes into the realm of speculation (so please bear with me!!) but it could be said that Malleus has a very… unique view of friendship? So Lilia and Silver may not be too far off when they say that Leona and Malleus are chums in their own weird way. In Glorious Masquerade, Rollo poses a real threat to Malleus and to his people—yet when Malleus experiences genuine fear for the first time, he seems more excited at the novel feeling rather than cower as a result of it. Following the climax, Malleus still presents the song he had prepared as a gift of good will for NBC. He also proceeds to play with Rollo’s guilt to get him to agree to sharing a dance. And THEN Malleus says he looks forward to being invited again????? These are all quite friendly gestures for someone who put you and all your people in danger, my guy… 😂 So perhaps Malleus just gas a very different way of approaching friendships? Hard to say, but that’s some food for thought!

Leona and Malleus have had moments of amicability, so it’s totally possible for them to get along. This happens primarily in Leona’s Union Jacket vignettes; in them, Malleus gifts the birthday boy an antique book in an ancient language (Leona’s best subject). The two then talk about enjoying the freedom of walking around town without an attendant or some servants trailing after them. Being of a similar social status, they are able to understand one another to some extent.

This is going into another point of speculation, but I wonder if Leona and Malleus recognize their similarities beyond this interview. I certainly have; they’re both arrogant princes that deeply desire what the other prince has, and I feel that their animosity, in part, comes from this realization (whether conscious or unconscious). I certainly get the sense that some of Leona’s hatred of Malleus comes from seeing his own desires manifested in him—of being that coveted prince praised for his power, his people lavishing him with affirmations, a crown… All the things Leona doesn’t have.

[twstgameplay]

[JP] Current Exams

From July 1st 00:00 ~ July 15th 23:59 (JST)

OMNI ATTACK: 197,500 HP

Ceremonial Robes Floyd Vignette: Floyd, Kalim, Azul and Jamil

Floyd has ATK UP (self/1T)

Floyd has DMG UP (self/3T)

Kalim has FREEZE (both foes/3T)

Kalim has DMG UP (self/1T)

Azul has ATK UP (self/1T)

Azul has DMG UP (self/3T)

Jamil has ATK UP (self/1T)

Jamil has DMG UP (self/3T)

Recommended Cards

SSR: Dorm Riddle, Dorm Leona, Dorm Azul, Dorm Rook, General Lilia, Knight Sebek, Rollo, Crewel

SR: Use SRs that would DUO with your strongest SSRs

COSMIC BASIC: 90,500 HP

School Uniform Jade: Jade and Kalim

Jade has SHIELD (self/1T) x2

Jade has DMG DOWN (single foe/1T) x2

Kalim has DMG UP (self/3T) x2

Kalim has ATK UP (self/1T) x2

Recommended Cards

SSR: Dorm Riddle, GM Ace, Dorm Leona, Dorm Azul, Dorm Vil, Dorm Rook, Boa Epel, Masq Idia, Dorm Ortho, Crewel

SR: Lab Riddle, Robe Azul, Robe Vil, Robe Epel, Lab Idia

REMEMBER

For Basic Tests: The list of recommended cards will work better if you keep in mind their DUO potential with SSR cards.

For Defense Tests: Always consider Healers for your team. It is always better to heal on 1st magic of Turn 3 or 5. If you use Continuous Heal, heal on Turn 1 or 2 but watch out for Curse.

For Attack Tests: Firepower!! DUOs are good, but depending on your cards, it may be more beneficial to use cards with buffs than weaker DUOs.

[pomefioredove]

Dove dove I wanna hear what do you think of epel's and Vil's relationship specifically from the ceremonial robes vignette I had this discussion with one of my moots but I have "brainnothinkitis" and can't put how I feel about it in words but it seems rather interesting maybe because I was more mom oriented raised??? Teaching posture is something so common to me but I wanna hear what you think about! It feels nice to see more pomi stand have a good day :3

sorry this took so long to answer, I wanted to really think about it and it's still not even coherent

BUT. yeah. I so get where you're coming from. I have this funny family dynamic thing where my paternal side are american farmers I basically never see and my maternal side are very traditional old money europeans. so, um. yeah. I was being taught how to set tables properly and host guests when I was like. three? I remember getting scolded a lot for things like posture and "sitting weirdly" (autism) and "acting weirdly" (autism) and not wanting to touch people (autism). at least vil wouldn't make anyone do la bise. or would he?? I shiver at the very thought

I think what stands out to me most about that vignette (besides rook being autistic I love him so much. I would switch places with epel in a heartbeat. outta my way gayboy I'm about to get it!!!! /ref) is that vil apparently has no reservations about straight up manhandling his students when he sees fit. why??? I don't know, I just find it really interesting. something that fic writers should think about more often

but anyway. I do think that the vignette is a good summary of the dynamic. of course, epel comes to understand and respect vil as a mentor and a friend later on, but there's still some amount of distance between them. now. rook is like the glue that holds that fucking dorm together. I think that this vignette represents that perfectly

those're my basic thoughts concerning the vignette. I got really distracted by imagining rook saying "naughty naughty!" in a french accent because that's extremely funny to me. for some reason

then I started thinking about what dorm I would be placed in and, as much as I could get by in pomefiore, it would probably end up being something terrible for me. like diasomnia with king codependent and his social anxiety nightmare crew

[random-twst-things]

do u know what level crafter gauntlet open? I did searching yet find nothing like literally so i kinda clueless here

I hate how unclear some of the instruction are smh, I wish they make the tut much more detailed cus Im dumb and slow af

also please do share some tips for beginner I literally crying screaming throwing up ripping my hairs off over here cause I didnt understand a single shi

thxxxx and have a nice day btw🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻😘😘😘💕💕💕

- 🦙

The Crafter Gauntlet is unlocked at Room Rank 3!!!

I totally understand what you mean though, I had so much trouble trying to understand the game mechanics as a beginner 😭😭

I researched a bit and added a few of my own tips for beginners, hope this helps! 🩷✨

Some tips I can share for beginners would be:

Send and accept friend requests: When going into battle you're able to use their cards. Some of those friends could have some really useful cards to use. I've had many instances where a card from a friend that I needed really helped.

Do not skip events: Many events can give you valuable resources and materials. These events may not give SSR Rank cards but they will give you an R Rank or SR Rank card if you participate in them. They give gems, thaumark and keys and other useful materials.

Save your gems: The game is playable in f2p and gives a normal amount of gems to do so, but do save your gems and don't waste them unless you really want or need a card. When it comes to Sam's shop there is a set that comes with 10 magical keys and is only 250 gems though it's only available once a month. By buying this set, it does save you a few gems. A normal 10 pull is 309 gems.

Team: When it comes to forming your team I recommend teaming them up based on the cards Duo Magic and Buddy Level. Train the cards that you would like, level them up and team them up based on Duo Magic/Buddy Level. The Characters give each other important boosts during battles based on their buddy level and could be a great help.

Lesson's: History lessons grant EXP that contributes to the cards level. The additional rewards are "Blooming Honey". Flight lessons grant EXP that contributes to the cards vignette level. The additional rewards are "Snacks". Alchemy lessons help increase the Buddy Level of cards, additional rewards are "Alchemy Tokens" and spell upgrades.

Card Ranks: Three different types of Rank cards. A R Rank card has a max level of 40 that can be extended to 60. A SR Rank card has a max level of 60 that can be extended to 80. A SSR Rank card has a max level of 80 that can be extended to 100.

When TWST allows you to pick a card to start the game, these are some beginner cards lots of people and I recommend (their info in there as well):

Riddle Dorm uniform – Highest ATK.

Leona Dorm Uniform – Highest HP.

Trey Dorm Uniform – High DEF and great healing.

Cater Ceremonial – His power boost is very good during the early game.

Rook Labwear – Decent HP and attack which helps beginners.

Malleus Ceremonial Robes – Gives power boost.

Card's: I recommend leveling and upgrading your cards one at a time. You want to upgrade all the cards or at least a few cards in each element. By doing this you can have a pretty big upper hand when doing battles because elementary bonuses play a pretty role in the game.

Tests: You should do these and try them as much as you do with the lessons. Unfortunately for me, I didn't know how much of a help doing these would have and didn't do them. Doing tests can give you interesting and good things when you get good results. They also help train your cards faster.

I really hope this can help you on your gameplay and journey for Twisted Wonderland!! ✨🍬

I can always go into more detail or add more things if they still seem a bit hard to understand 🫶🏽✨