#when you crash in the lounge and azul pushes his glasses up.

[skele8rity]

twst has been so funny catching up with. i finished book 3 a couple weeks ago (spoilers ahead) and i was telling my partner (who is caught up relatively) about how it would be sooo funny if leona was Doing All That just to get some sleep and get us out of his fucking hair. like being around us is just that annoying. wouldnt that be hilarious. i could see him doing that. its probably not that but imagine he looks at azul for this and goes "i cant fucking take it anymore."

and my partner bless their heart they had to purse their fucking lips and just nod and mumble "yeah thatd be crazy.... haha..."

[rel124c41]

THE LOOK ON YOUR FACE IS THRILLING, AND I CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF IT. jade leech

♛: It’s coming. It is the end of the world, armageddon and doom’s day. It is the feeling of walls closing all around. It is like missing on a pre-order sale of a figure you had coveted for months! It’s coming. Crashing right into Idia. Jade places a hand on his shoulder and Idia fights with the sudden numbness in his legs. “Idia Shroud. How fortunate of me to have run into you.”

tags: mind manipulation, emotional constipation, pining, not actually unrequited love, pop culture refrences, manga & anime, male-female friendship, board gmae club (twst), fights

Azul and the word ‘mistakes’ are oil and water. They keep themselves separated from one another, boundaries drawn quite clearly. Though it has been his pride since his first year attending Night Raven College, Azul cannot always be there during its operating hours. Schedules eventually collide and two events overlap. And though it was an honest mistake of Azul’s to forget a club meeting, Jade was surprised to see which had reigned more important to his house-warden's attention.

“Keep a keen eye on the bar. Most tables are already in rotation for waiters. I do not anticipate any unruly customers this evening,” Azul says, folding the scarf five times in his arm. 

Dorm coat draped on his chair and dorm hat rested on the hanger, it seems evident that Azul will actually be leaving.  Of course, Monstro Lounge has managed to sail without her captain. It has perhaps experienced a few scratches in the helm but nothing more. Truthfully, the worst she had suffered was under the hand of her own captain during his incident. Jade smiles at the memory: tables splintered down the middle, a flower field of glass shards, dehydrated fish upon the marble floor. Since then, nothing that they cannot handle! But still Jade wants to push, just a bit! 

“And if we have the misfortune of taking in an unamiable student?”

It is unlikely to happen. Today is a Tuesday, they are not in the middle of any exam season and no holidays are around the corner. Today is perhaps one of the most quotidian days of the year.

“The same old, same old, you know. Call in Floyd if you need assistance. No stains this time.”

“And if Floyd is wrapped up in something else? Would you really leave me here, with no protection?” Jade puts his fingers to his lips and bats his eyelashes once. “Poor and unfortunate me.”

Azul makes his way to the door and fixes him with a glare. “No stains this time,” he repeats. 

“Of course.” 

Jade lifts a hand to push the bridge of Azul’s glasses up. How entertaining it is when he bristles under the slight touch. Scoffing, Azul leaves his office to the roaring waves that await him. The eelmer giggles as his captain abandons the ship. And when an hour later, a customer gets short with him at the bar, Jade is benevolent enough to remember the little pledge of his and simply wrings the breath out of him with his own tie instead of anything more drastic. However, the customer falls limp off his stool and Jade judges this might be the best time to retrieve their captain. 

He puts down the drink for the Diasomnia student’s friend. “I’ll be back. Don’t go anywhere ~” his tone is saccharine but his grin is venomous. And the terrified student does not dare to move an inch as Jade abandons the ship. 

It is very unusual for something other than profit to capture Azul’s attention. What matters most to Azul is coins and contracts, then whatever monetary profit that he can squeeze from each item.  Perhaps a game of poker that he is betting on would prove more profitable than a mostly uneventful Tuesday in the lounge. But, valuable time spent playing board games? Jade surmises that is a bit strange of his housewarden. He takes a right turn down the college’s hallway. 

The Board Game Club’s meetings were typically Wednesday, but the designated classroom for the club was empty both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Perhaps they bummed up the date of the club meeting because of a riveting match of Sorry. Not that Jade himself would get the appeal. To each their own. He takes another right. 

Jade guesses that Azul won’t be too upset by his disturbance. If that fae student had simply refrained from species targeted insults and focused his animosity towards his drink being made wrong, it would have been smoothed over. Not that Jade made his drink; as rare as mistakes are from Azul, they are even rarer from Jade Leech. He takes a left and opens the clubroom door.

His eyes widen momentarily before his typical expression returns. Jade expects to be met with a crowd of people that he would have to navigate through to locate Azul. But the place is desolate besides the table where Idia Shroud and Azul reside. And as Jade is an observative person, he does not fail to notice the claymore resting on the table’s edge. His skin buzzes. Oh are you perhaps –The thought is snipped when he feels a ruffle of limbs push through the space made by himself and the corner of the door. He lowers his gaze to apologize when his eyes widen much larger than before. 

“Excuse me, Jade,” you move deeper into the clubroom, a bowl of watermelon in your hands. 

“No, my apologies, Prefect,” Jade assures and places a hand over his heart to cover the wrinkles in his purple dress-shirt. Are his clothes wrinkled? He had not even considered checking after incapacitating that Diasomnia student. He straightens his already straight posture and discreetly pats his clothes down. Gloved hand over his breast, he can feel that quivering rabbit pace of his organ. 

Diligently, he follows after you. “Have you switched from Track & Field to Board Games this semester?” It is unexpected of you. You had only ever missed one of the twenty-six Thursday club meetings due to an illness. Perhaps, your physical prowess was complete and you were focusing upon intellects. If that is the case, he could tutor. His strong suit was not board games but with a mind that is always mapping out the second or third steps of a plan, he could prove to be quite of use. Would you use him? Should he ask you if you  –

“No, I'm still running at Track. But, today is the final day of the big Idia versus Azul showdown,” you place the bowl of watermelon down on the table. “To be frank, I think both of them are liars and this will go on till graduation.” You take your seat … to Jade’s displeasure, in a chair shoulder to shoulder with Idia Shroud. 

“Oya, knowing them both, I’d wager you might be correct, Prefect,” Jade smiles despite your seat. “Have you –”

“Jade.” His organ quiets down, regaining the typical pace of a wolf rather than a rabbit. “Did I not put you in charge of the lounge today,” and though Azul smiles, he has just barely managed to leash the snarling beast of aggression that wants to make itself known on his face. 

“Oh yes, but you see, there has been a complication. I endowed the lounge to Floyd for the time being. Perhaps, we should switch positions?”

False kindness melts off his face as Azul groans into his gloved hand. Jade notes it is odd of him to release his guard in front of you. To show genuine dissatisfaction, unhear of. Idia, he can understand as Idia seems to be the only one Azul finds on equal standing but you? Have you two perhaps gotten closer? “Not necessary. I will take care of it.”

“Rung in a friend to avoid losing Azul-shi, fufufufu,” Idia grins. “What a cheat~”

Azul sends Idia a glare. “Nothing of the sort. I’ll get this matter sorted then we shall continue. Unless … you would like to phone in an excuse to prolong your inevitable downfall? Ortho perhaps?”

“Damn, and it was just getting riveting.”.

“Can you really call a game of Monopoly riveting,” Idia asks you.

“Well, not riveting in like the terms of Evo Moment 37 but riveting in like entering the basement in RE: Biohazard. The anticipation of it all,” you defend. Idia chuckles at the comparison. However, the laugh is snipped by Jade’s irate voice.

“Don’t worry, Prefect. I shall return Azul so he may defeat Idia shortly.”

Idia shrinks back at being acknowledged by one of the twins. He puts a cube of watermelon in his mouth to avoid carrying on conversation. You, everlastingly polite, supply both vice housewarden and housewarden with a wave. “Looking forward to it.”

Jade flashes you a smile. A tiny centipede of teeth wiggling on his pale features. Teeth that are sharp enough to bite into steak like dull human teeth bite into whip-cream. And despite his unnatural teeth that unnerve others, your lips inch up a slight bit. As they say their own goodbyes, you hum and return to analyzing the Monopoly board too. Outside the door, Azul turns towards Jade sharply. Where Jade’s teeth are razor-edged, Azul’s glare is of a similar caliber. 

“There are no stains, just as promised. Aren’t I too good to you?”

“You’re comparable to a splinter.”

“Fufufufu, so cruel, Azul.” The words hardly mean anything. It was an unexpected but welcome surprise to see you. Perhaps, Jade could even manage shrinking off the responsibility of Mostro Lounge to return and spectate with you. Yes, that sounds ideal.

──────────────────

Jade did not get to return to the club meeting nor was the scolding from Azul pleasant. If Jade was more impressionable like Floyd, he would have spent the last two days sulking around. But his brother is who he is and Jade is who he is. So, he continues along seemingly unbothered.

Jade did thrive in observation, however. Collision of two stars was too ephemeral; Jade preferred being the satellite, influencing slowly. Glimpses of you fed him until today where he could feed you.  Of course, he would not deprive himself of food either. The returning violetish-red heat of the lava lamp of blood under your skin, hand, and fingers, passing by him to grab another serving. That pleasant burn of your body heat would soon return to him tonight.

He had attempted various times for you to open up about your interests. They were as successful as trying to get a flower to bloom during the off-season. You wilted at the emotional tweezers snapping at your petals. Resolutely, you bite your tongue. Though, he admired your foresight to never reveal too much. He still remembers three weeks ago that you had mumbled into your hand “, no, you wouldn’t find my interests all that interesting.” And Jade should have denied that acquisition or at least persuaded you otherwise. But he predicted that if he had pushed, it would have revealed his hand of cards. Instead of balancing a bit of mushroom on his fork, he would have been balancing his poor, unfortunate heart on the prongs. He too had the foresight to never reveal too much. 

So while he took great delight in your shared Thursday nights, you two were crashing into an inevitable pause. But, no, he should focus on cooking. After Track and Field, body hot and stomach empty, you dragged sore feet to Mostro Lounge all to see him. He provided free food and you provided the conversation. And if you stop providing conversation, he’d resolve to beguile your pretty tongue. 

Afterall, you were a busy student. You made the choice he was worthy enough for your time. Jade was no stranger to the value of that ticking march. So the conversation too must become valuable as what fills your stomach, or Jade would be seen as an inadequate provider. 

The timer dings. Putting down his pen, Jade crouches to the mouth of the oven. You are unexpectedly optimistic about trying new foods — a trait both of you share that makes him more endeared towards you. He pulls the mushroom lasagna from the steel tongue. 

Unlike Azul and Floyd, you will humor him in trying his mushroom-themed plated meals at least one. At the very start, he tested you and put a slightly paralyzing type of mushroom in both of your portions. Your reaction was amusing, poking at the dead pink member with fork prongs, seeing if you would start to slur certain letters, not the least bit unnerved. Perhaps, you thought it unintentional because you did return the following week. You even made intriguing observations on the meals he served you. Enoki blooms: you compared those to coral reefs. Hen-of-the-wood mushrooms: you compared those to a dissected brain. 

Jade is delighted to hear your pending reaction about tonight's dish, cutting into the pasta. You should be here soon. 

Once the dish is sliced and portioned, he moves to check the voices coming from Mostro Lounge. Some unorganized customers? Some intruders? He keeps the cutting knife on him, concealing it behind his back. Cannot have you getting you harmed by any brutish students, though with that sword on you, you should be — hm. Oh, you are here!

Under the gleam of the lounge’s cobalt lightning, you look riveting. Stubborn droplets of sweat remain on your biceps and cheeks but it does not subtract from the sight of you. Your forearm muscle slightly bulges as you hold your sword’s handle to your hip. As you talk with whoever is on the other side of the entrance, you slightly straighten up. Jade wonders if something is wrong and tightens his once relaxed hold on the knife. However, the grip is nothing to the tremendous squeeze he gives the knife upon hearing your huffing snickers. 

Now who was making you —

“No, I promise! Gojo’s feats can walk Diavolo like a dog.” You start forming words around a laugh. “When Diavolo looks into the future, he’s gonna see the strongest sorcerer kicking his ass.”

The other voice starts growing louder, so you join along. “Dude! I swear! — No, Jotaro is not winning! He literally has infinity, no JoJo is beating him — But you can’t! Wait! Hahaha, Joseph and Gojo would be drinking instead of fighting — Come on, Dio is not winning that.” 

You are so caught in power-scaling that Jade’s presence surprises you. Muscles bulging, you jump slightly as an aerial voice sings, “I hope I’m not interrupting anything too pressing. Am I, Prefect?” 

Jade has both of his hands on the door frame. Faithful cutting knife still clutched in his dominant hand, he crowds over you. His body bent forward, left foot toes tapping on the ground. A weaker individual would have swooned or shivered at the lack of distance between his chest and your skull. His presence engulfs and swallows you like you are Jonah sitting like a pill on the whale’s tongue.

Instead of shivering or swooning, you relax and answer, “No, just some power-scaling between Idia and I.”

Smile dropping, Jade turns his focus onto the eldest Shroud. He had not realized the two of you were so close. What meets Jade’s glare is just the floating tablet that Idia uses. And though he is safe in Ignihyde, a full body shiver spiders its way through Idia’s bones. Despite his polite smile, Jade’s eyes are two coals of vexation. 

Is that a knife in his hand! All the blood drains from Idia’s already moon white face. 

“Hm, power-scaling. How interesting. Is that a method of testing your own strength against one another?”

“Um, close. It’s more like between,” but you slowly trail off and do not finish your sentence. 

“Ah, you’ll have to tell me more over this lasagna I prepared. Mushroom ragu and prosciutto cotto. The pasta sheets are even handmade.”

“Hah, yeah I will. Um, Idia, I—“

“I’m afraid I only have enough servings for two.” That is a lie. There are enough servings to provide you and Grim a week’s worth of dinner. There is a second lasagna already tinfoiled for you that you will be taking home. 

He knows your routine to prepare protein meals.  He also knows that Dire Crowley provides low income that makes meat a rare treat instead of what it truly is, an everyday diet necessity. And though you two at ten P.M. will go through the same dance of ‘oh, i can’t accept this much food’ and ‘I insist’, Jade smiles at the thought of cornering you once again into taking his cooking home. 

“A-ah, that’s completely fine. I have to run maintenance with Ortho. I’ll see you around, Prefect?”

“Yes, yes, see you, Idia.”

“Bye bye~” When you are not looking, Jade reveals the front gallery of his teeth. Thin lips pushing up and up to give Idia a warning smile rather than a winning smile. 

Intelligent Idia Shroud employs the unused emergency motor to make a swift escape. 

──────────────────

To be honest, one of Jade’s favorite days is the day of Azul’s overblot. Unfathomably cruel, others would criticize if they knew. Trey might even shrink away from the friendly terms they established; Jade smiles at an image of uneasiness etched on the baker’s face. Though Azul’s foundering had been entertaining, it was not the fondest memory of that day. No, it had been you. You and your scrambling friends. You and your sword. You and your wrath. 

You always had that claymore on you. Perhaps even more commonly than you were seen with Grim. Snaked around your waist with a baldric, no matter where you spent your time, it stayed. It was an extension of your body. 

Jade came to learn much about it through honed investigation. One: you acquired it from Sam’s Shop after Riddle Roseheart’s overblot. Two: it was prematurely infused with magic to give the user support, ideal for some magicless as yourself. Three: it had a blessing put upon it by Malleus Draconia, making it unbreakable. Jade’s mood had soured quite some time ago from unearthing the third fact. Though his own magic was not on par with the prince, he would have bled and forgo sleep if it meant he could add a spell you wanted added to your claymore. To protect you, he melts at the thought.

Despite that, it was still magnificent seeing you work with your sword. Raw, nude desperation to attack each movement. If you missed one counter, you would suffer far most of all. Jade mourns that you had not actively participated in the fight against him and Floyd in the Coral Sea. Your physical prowess was both elegant and gauche. You reminded him of a shark-mer locking onto the smell of blood but you reminded him too of a struggling seal with its neck between a shark-mer jaws. Winning and losing. Volatile in every swing that you did. Most people were at the very least stunned when seeing his mismatched eyes; however, they were nothing compared to the color of yours. Two moons trapped in red skies. When Azul had thrown your body into Mostro Lounge’s centerpiece aquarium, you had broken a blood vessel in your eye and it only made you more irresistible. Watching your stumble, crawl, limp back to your claymore, past the flower field of glass and starry night skies full of dehydrated, dead fish, lifting back up your secondary arm and yelling out in pure wrath, “ Azul Ashengrotto!”

He shivers at the memory and almost drops the glass he was polishing. 

Yes, you had acted as splendid entertainment that day. When both Ramshackle and the photograph were temporarily taken, your eyes were weak. You glared at him and Floyd but it was a childish glare. The hardened stare of a child who had gotten their favorite bear taken away by an adult or older sibling. A powerless yet vexed look. You were pitiful and laughable to Jade before the hour of Azul’s overblot.

But since then, Jade had yet to see any of it resurface. Not that that disappointed him. As you had already caught his eye, he would be even harder to shake off than Floyd. He was going to remain. A flea that can only be torched off and, in removal, singe the skin it has burrowed into. 

Sighing, Jade put the last polished glass up on the bar-shelf. Enough reminiscing. He keeps remembering those bright, evocative sclera and iris, he will be forced to retire to his room and take care of a physical burden. Now, next Azul wanted the aquarium whipped down, then I should check upon Floyd’s process in the kitchen. So much to be done. As Jade crouches to grab the window cleaner, he realizes one essential thing. 

He never wants you to look upon anyone but him. It’s a desperate, unattractive yearn in him. If he could capture your precious face in his hands, eyes tilted up towards him, glaring, it would feed him to the fullest he had ever known. 

──────────────────

Idia tries to keep his physical presence in school down to one time per week. If it is a good week, he physically enters Night Raven College zero times. If it is a terrible week, he steps foot on college ground twice. 

This week has been horrible to Idia. He entered the college once each week for the Board Game Club. The rules he and Azul mapped out stated that both of them needed to handle the dice with their own flesh and blood to avoid a cheating move. Then, he is entering Night Raven College a second time to retrieve the paperwork from Dire Crowley on Winter Break preparation. Today Ortho’s ancient curses exam was keeping him busy. Oh, woe is him. All of this grows into pulling the blue of his lips into a desolate frown. His glum mood is already making him anticipate the worst to come. 

“Just get this done as quickly as possible” he mutters through gritted teeth . 

His anxious nature makes him more susceptible to what he knows is going to go wrong. It is written all in the air. It’s coming. It is the end of the world, armageddon and doom’s day. It is the feeling of walls closing all around. It is like missing on a pre-order sale of a figure you had coveted for months! It’s coming. Crashing right into Idia.

Jade places a hand on his shoulder and Idia fights with the sudden numbness in his legs. “Idia Shroud. How fortunate of me to have run into you.”

Sevens, please hear Idia, and let his death be swift and please don’t let anyone see his browser history. Amen.

“Classroom 3-B is void currently. Come.” Not like Idia has much choice. The door clicks behind them. Shivers convulse in Idia as Jade pushes him to sit down at a desk.

The look on Jade's face is deadly. Shadows cut and slice over his oily pointed features. Almost Rembrandt-like, the darkness on his face is painted by the jaw of the light overhead. The intensity of his glare would cause even wool to ignite in seconds. His eyes glimmer like yellow embers or olive beetles of hate hate hate. Idia could envision smoke starting to float up from his eyelids with the fire they held within. The housewarden is glad for the seat because his legs are numb now. Terror pins him down as Jade calculates. 

This might not be effective, Jade surmises. Idia Shroud is a third year student, advanced in magic studies, and sometimes resistant to magical attacks. But – an image of your wrathful eyes appears in his head. But he had calculated all the risks beforehand, plan after plan, for days. Manipulating his premature failures to even turn into successes. Idia Shroud was a skittish individual, if his resolve was shaken then he could win this battle, here on the stage.

Jade slams his hands down to the desk. The sound will disrupt his mental fortitude. One of his gloved hands striking out to grab Idia’s face in a vice grip, he pulls his mug forward. The close proximity will unnerve the touch averse housewarden. With his index and thumb, he pulls the blue shaded skin of Idia’s eyelids. “Shock The Heart.”

Jade waits with bated breath. Searching in the housewarden’s face for a twitch or spasm. He cannot feel if his magic was effective, which wasn’t too surprising, but … “What are your opinions on the Ramshackle Perfect?” 

“Hm? (Name)?” Jade’s eyes turn sharper. He still can’t gauge if Idia is influenced by his unique magic. Yet, as panic settles in, the word vomit that Idia drools out is satisfactory enough. 

“Um, well! They’re kind of stoic and standoffish but really staunch too. Energy is trying way too hard to be ‘mysterious’. And they don’t make friends easily because of it. But they’re great! You know, Mifune from Soul Eater and Teresa of the Faint Smile, totally their kins.”

Kins? Are you perhaps related to someone that he hasn’t heard of? The thought of missing information about you vexes him. His grip tightens up on Idia’s face and his lips are squeezed together, hushing his sentence. 

“Do they have relatives in Twisted Wonderland?”

“N-No, they have no family in Twisted Wonderland.” Idia speaks through the hole in his squished lips.

“Hm, then who are you comparing them to?”

“Anime characters. Ones that stand on business. Same personality and same True Neutral Myers-Briggs type. They both wield swords and their strength is unnatural.”

Yes, Jade knows this. Impatience burns his skin. He knew because when you and Jack Howl had been helping around the lounge by proxy of your trio of friends, you had broken off a bit of a table in your hand with the ease of snapping a graham cracker. Your unexplainable strength was perfect for you surviving in the Coral Sea. And he knew you wield a sword, anyone with eyes knew!

You were stoic, loyal, and strong. All of this Jade knew because he had been observing you! 

His unique magic might not hold for too long with Idia. He needs information that is new and valuable, or else he will be stuck with prodding Ace or Deuce or either of their acquaintances for information. Already, Jade had calculated out how to talk to you and get you two on friendly terms. Thursday’s meals, offering help with botanical garden exams, and being ready to assist. All that paled in comparison to the friendly terms settled between you and Idia. What did he have, that spineless housewarden? If intellect was the key to your heart, Jade had that and then some. 

His nose scrunches at the question he is about to ask. “What does the Ramschakle’s Prefect find … desirable in people?” What do they look for in a mate? If anyone knew, it would be Idia or that senseless trio. 

“Formal with ulterior motives. They’re totally into your character archetype. Really gets them going. Shit, last week, they were being super cringe and ranting about the Falling Devil when she –” Idia luckily stops himself when he sees the startling intensity that Jade is staring at him with.

Was this perhaps … a code of sorts? 

“My character archetype?” 

“Your personality is appealing to them,” Idia seems to gag around the next word “, ugh, romantically. A normie crush”

Idia immediately regrets his words. Because as the spell starts to splinter off him, his brain returning, the look he is confronted with is even more terrifying. Idia panics that he might be in the hands of the more openly unhinged twin because Jade’s face is split ear to ear in a wide grin. 

“Fufufufu, is that so~”

──────────────────

Night Raven College’s beauty is most prominent to you during the night. Up the stairs, down the hallways, into the Hall of Mirrors, there is an inkling of hypnotizing beauty in a college that is otherwise a pain in your ass. Burning cat eyes of lanterns dance on the top strip of walls. Marble statues in the Hall of Mirror seem to shine, oily in their strict features. Mostro Lounge is exceptionally gorgeous with its low cobalt lights. 

As winter draws nearer, days shorten. You have gradually lost the fear of walking alone at night. Everything that went bump in the night seemed trivial in the face of a rose tyrant or dethroned lion. You felt what bruises on bones felt like. That causes anyone’s well of fear to eventually dry up.

So, stepping into Mostro Lounge, you are quite surprised when a tiny droplet of fear falls on the tip of your nose and rakes down your body. Because, well, the scene in front of you is quite startling.

This can’t be – No, it’s definitely not. 

What catches your eye is not the company. The company, though weirdly dressed, is expected. You are fearful of the way all but one of Mostro Lounge’s booth-table has been cleared away to Sevens knows where. On the tabletop rests a delicate medusa lamp. The five heads are nude fluorescent bulbs blown to the shape of jellyfish. Plates and silverware for two are present too. Even a tea kettle has joined the group. Why won’t you two be sitting at the bar like usual?

You try to shift your attention to the meal in the center, avoiding what you do not want to acknowledge. From this distance, it perhaps looks like a type of filet of steak or chicken. Something you have never tried before obviously. You try to distinguish what mushrooms were used. Maybe if you focus all your attention on that, you can avoid it. Steam still rises from the plate. And your foolish eyes follow the gray wisps up to the nightmare. A vase of red roses decorates the frightening table – coincidentally or purposefully? Your favorite flowers. Roses still are your favorite despite Riddle’s overblot. You had only told your Heartstlabyul friends that. 

Trying not to panic, you decide to look at your company, especially since he is approaching you. 

Usually, Jade stuck with his student uniform despite how late you two kept each other. Personally, you hated peeling off layers to change at night. But tonight, he has switched his attire for a simple button-up and his usual slacks. His tie and gloves are still on but his sleeves are rolled up. In your scan, you notice he is wearing Floyd’s Santoni charcoal gray shoes. 

You look past Jade, trying to gauge if you can grab that chicken or steak and make a run for it. Tragically, Jade is already in front of you. You innerly grumble because you know Track and Field has mostly drained you of most of your energy. Well, nothing you can do now.

Hand over his heart, the eel-mer greets you with his polite, trained smile. “How lovely of you to make it tonight, Prefect. You look quite breathtaking.” He closes his eyes and hums at you. Trying to appear less predatorily? You remain tight-lipped but the silence does not deter him. Instead, he scoops your callous hand and presses a kiss to it. “I have prepared a, let’s say, compulsive meal tonight that I would be honored to share with you.”

EW! You repress a shiver quickly.  “So-sounds good.” Jade drops your hand and, once he is turned, you quickly scrub the kiss off on your sweats. This isn’t what you think it is – It’s a mind-game of Jade’s and you love deciphering those. Try to enjoy it, (Name), the inner voice scolds. 

You follow and take your seat when he gestures at it with one hand. Still standing, he begins to cut up the portions of your shared meal. Ah, so it is chicken and typical field mushrooms. 

“I believe I have already disclosed this information to you, but please let me continue, Prefect.” He grabs your plate and starts filling it. “Agaricus campestris, known by many as field mushrooms, actually share a resemblance with one of the deadliest mushrooms, amanita phalloides. It has been used in many assassins attempts. It has snatched the life of a Pope, Roman Emperor, and a Russian tsaritsa.” Returning your plate, full of half of the main course’s field mushrooms, he reaches out to fix a bit of your hair. “How cleverly deceitful Mother Nature can be, yes?”

Okay, this is more like it! Though Jade is certainly acting more Jade-like tonight, you can deal with this in stride. You refrain from lifting up your fork as he starts to fill his own plate. “Mother Nature certainly has a sense of humor that is both sycophantic and prepotent. She is such a whore.”

Jade openly laughs at that. Finishing his own portion, he sits and continues, “I think she is giving her subjects a word of warning. Those who don’t finish their food will taste death.”

Your first hint? No, it is too early and you should not jump like a humping dog on every word of Jade’s. “Even she plants her roses with thorns. Her prettiest creation even bites. That warning that she will certainly turn on you, eventually. She would take her tea with both poison and honey. Don’t you think, Jade?”

“An astute image of her. ‘Mad honey’ and regular honey on her spoon. Would you perhaps like to try the blend tonight before we feast?”

“Of course,” you chirp. As he pours you a cup, you continue, “Tonight’s blend won’t happen to be roasted oolong?”

“A keen nose on you, Prefect.” You assume that this one is safe and you waste no time in sipping it once it is in your hands. This seems to be the right move in the game because Jade’s expression flickers. It … It grows a bit softer around the edge, happier? You drain your cup to the middle and absentmindedly stroke the ridges on the ceramic squid design. 

“Perhaps, a tea made for a Pope?”

“Ah, more commonly, oolong is a blend dancing on the tongue of a Russian tsar.” 

Your pride takes a hit; you got one of the answers wrong. Finger moving down the squid’s arms, you take in a bit of the scenery. Usually, clues are not in the backdrop but it is never an impossibility. You look back at Jade and see he is staring at you with a certainly strange look. Hm, odd. You turn away. But you think you finally got it. 

Confidently, you push your plate into the middle of the table and finish your tea. Perhaps the outfit and scenery change was only a red herring to deceit you away from the real mind-game. The meal is most certainly poisonous! Inside, you beam at guessing correctly until you hear a hesitant voice. 

“Are you not going to eat?”

“No, I don't think I will.” Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner.

“Is the food perhaps not to your liking?” Well, that tone of voice is certainly concerning. You turn away from the aquarium you had been looking and return to Jade’s sight. Panic is almost dotting his features; his teeth pulled back in a vulnerable grimace. “It was my mistake to make a meal you hadn’t tried before for this. I know your fondness of trying new meals but I might have overstepped. I’ll remedy this. My apologies, Prefect.”

HUH! You quickly grab back the plate before Jade can touch the edge. Why did that voice unnerve you so – “No, no, I just.” Great, now you have to find a way to remedy a mistake you made. “I just wanted to test your resolve to this.”

To you, you are talking about the mind-game Jade is playing. To Jade, he thinks you are talking about this date and the relationship that he wants to foster with you. Rejuvenating, he chuckles and shows his full smile. “I want you to know I am very committed to this.” 

Still, unsure of your steps, you wait till Jade takes a bite of mushrooms first as you focus your fork at the chicken. The conversation dims down like the autumn sun. Though, it has never been unpleasant with Jade. Eating and nourishing your bodies: that is a big part of Mother Nature’s hierarchy of needs. Company is less than food, but it has never been absent from that hierarchy either. You always enjoy meals with Jade.

Am I doing this right? Jade questions.

Jade peeks around the roses as he watches you eat what he can provide. He is grateful that you are eating the mushrooms; field mushrooms were both fascinating and delicious. He knew how to differentiate between various mushrooms in the fungi field and had yet to make any mistake when selecting them. Moving onto the next step, Jade hopes that your aversion to eating at first was just a malnourished mistake. 

Finger by finger, Jade removes his gloves. Delicately, he plucks one of the roses out of the vase. He had retrieved them from Trey that morning, specifically asking for the thorns to remain to the baker’s confusion. The thorns prick at his rather soft human skin. Under your watchful eye, he takes the stem and squeezes off the head of the rose.

“Roses, your favorite flower, correct?”

That fear comes back like a returning tidal wave. You feel your spine lock up and you swallow around your bite. “Yes, I enjoy them very much. How did you know?”

“I have my ways~” He takes the rose and tucks it behind your ear. Anxiously, he wanted to feel some warmth on the tip of them but nothing sits there but cold sweat from Track and Field. “Though I have a fondness for the ecosystem of fungi, the floral kingdom is not without its appeal.”

Your heart hammers. No, no, no need to panic, (Name). Perhaps you are jumping to conclusions and are mistaken, an inner voice speaks out. Slowly, you unfurl your tensing hands and ignore the blood you had drawn. Yes. You are mistaken, you reason. 

“I actually grew a fondness them because –”

“Because it is your middle name.” You only revealed that to Grim. And well, the recorded files that Crowley had on you in your school information center. So, your surprise is a guarantee. 

“Yes, hah. It is.”

“Both of you are parallel in your looks. I can see why Heartslabyul graciously accepts your company. Though, really, I sympathize with anyone who wants to keep your company.”

“Hah, well, being a Prefect is certainly time consuming. Grim, Ace, and Deuce are certainly not the best at dodging trouble.” You place one of your hands on the leather and squeeze your nails tightly into your skin. 

“Yes, I certainly remember that. Some of my fondest memories actually came from the time after those three made their deals with Azul.”

You stay silent. 

“(Name), you know that mistakes are a rarity from me. However when I am around you, I feel that I am always balancing off the edge of falling into one big mistake. And though I take everything in stride, I find the thought of making mistakes with you is far from thrilling. But, I’m willing to remedy those mistakes whenever the time comes.”

This – This, you realize it with impending horror. Harshly, your teeth snap together. This is – Your palms are slick with new sweat. THIS IS A DATE!

“And, I know, that perhaps —“

“Please, Jade, please stop.” The look on both of your faces is shared: a pained expression for entirely different reasons. Immediately, his faux politeness is dropped to reveal worry. You, terrified you, cannot handle a confession in this world. 

“(Name)…”

“I have to go.”

You quickly push away the plate and stand. Stirred by the motions, the rose balancing on your ear falls to the ground. “The meal was delicious. You’re a brilliant cook, Jade. I just —“

“Please, let me apologize to you.”

“No. No, it’s alright.”

“(Name).” 

Your strict avoidance of looking Jade in the eye is ruined as he grabs you by your wrist. Quickly, your eyes climb up to meet his face. What returns your look is terrifying. No, it is not a smoldering look of anger that three-fourths of the student body is terrified of. The vulnerability in his eyes terrifies you. In Jade’s face, there is the slight hint that this was not a meticulously crafted confession. In his face, you can tell he does not like the action of confessing. Showing his hand of cards, slitting his wrist, wearing his heart like a cufflink on his uniform. 

Well, fucking hell, you don’t like this either! Romance, you simply cannot. “I have to go, Grim needs me back at Ramshackle.”

By some miracle, you manage to free your wrist. And the look on his face is easy to tear your eyes away from. 

──────────────────

Has anyone ever been isekai-ed twice? 

You gnaw around the cover of your phone. You know you will be scolded when Idia gives your phone another upgrade for higher speed or more data space, but that concern pales in comparison to the terrifying concern you’ll need to face. Now you understand Idia’s apprehension to leave his dorm. Perhaps, you can lay here and rot away. Wait till your skin sinks down like pastry crust and your bones moss over the sheets. You will nourish yourself slightly. Perhaps, three cigarettes? Or another bottle of vodka? Which would be more of a soothing balm to the flame that has engulfed your skin? Your thoughts are cut when the phone in your mouth buzzes.

Isekai Shoukan Wa Nidome Desu, not worth the watch bro was trying too hard to be Guts LOLOLOL

Good, reliable Idia. Despite all your stress, you can always smile at someone who has similar, admittedly nerd-routed humor such as yourself. You type back, Do you think the black carriage can cart me to another universe?

u probably haven’t buffed up your stats enough to cash in another isekai

Is that your ‘sweet’ way of saying I don’t deserve a second try in a new universe?

not sweet, just based

Kys actually. I have like a real problem this time. 

something you can’t just punch through? u’re literally Saitama just punch your problems

This is emotional, I can’t punch it.

EW! IDIA LOGGING OFF. NO NORMIE EMOTIONS HERE.

Idia

NO

Okay, you forced my hand. Yoko Littner ¼ Bunny Scale Figure. You patiently wait. The dots appear, sink away, reappear until …

boxed? You are already digging the box off your display shelf when your phone vibrates. You confirm it is boxed, even sending a picture and verbally highlighting how the tape is still intact. You can almost feel the bone-deep sigh Idia must have taken as the bubble returned. k normie, what’s going on?

So, you recount it all for him. Fleeting touches, warmth on your tongue, the ease of banter, and the security that you had felt in your long-standing friendship only to be disarmed by words that sent a ripple of lightning down each vein in your arm. You could not comprehend it. Just … Jade Leech? Fucking Jade Leech. One whose intellectual prowess could perhaps even puppeteer the downfall of any house-warden. And he had looked upon you with such affection. The whirlpools of his eyes reaching out towards you. His eyes … mutilating your common sense … God, why did you long to see that look again? Why did he say that to you? To manipulate you for what purpose? 

You wish you had punched him.

As soon as you revealed to Idia that the person who had confessed was Jade Leech, your steady back and forth came to a halt. Idia? Idia. What do you know? Two minutes passed. Idia Shroud, remember Yoko.

okokokok listen, he used his unique magic on me! i am not in violation of any normie code, none! but … a week ago Jade caught me off guard and asked me your, uh, type. pls don’t be mad. 

A tiny tiny part of you is flattered to see Idia try to keep benevolence in your friendship. The oldest Shroud is not one to worry about friendships. However, that tiny part is smothered by something much bigger. Crunch. You look down at the electronic you have broken in your grip. Anger growing, you start to scream. Not even words, just ah, ah, hah, ah, AAAAA!

──────────────────

“If the Prefect takes down one of those eels, it wouldn’t be so bad. I still haven’t forgiven them for the exam scheme.”

“Yeah, but wouldn't they have a vengeful Floyd on their hands?”

“I say one down, one more to go. My Henchman’s got this.”

“Isn’t it so romantic! The tenacity to fight for another’s hand in love. The agonizing beauty of having to harm that certain someone. Like a lioness who sees herself unfit to be a mother devouring her cubs. Quelle vue! Blood drawn by the brawn of love. Hah.”  

The three shiver at the intruding voice. Maybe if they do not look at him, he will find another person to entertain himself with. Minutes pass by and they still feel his presence. Cracking first, Deuce is the only brave soul who turns around to greet Rook Hunt. 

“Bonjour to you too, Monsieur Spade. Do you know how long Monsieur Mastermind has been coveting our fair Trickster?” It seems like he is asking out of genuine curiosity instead of bragging that he himself knew before. 

“Actually, none of us knew. Apparently, it’s been a while. The Prefect said Jade integrated Idia before confessing.”

“Hm, and Roi de Ta Chambre is missing from attendance. Perhaps jealousy?”

“Nah, more like fear. (Name) almost tore his tablet apart when they crossed paths on our way to potionology.” Ace chuckles at the memory. 

“My Henchman isn’t too happy about it.”

“Still, I figured (Name) would just ignore it forever. Any emotion they can’t solve with anger is just pushed to the side.”

“Their emotional intelligence is sooo low.” 

At Ace’s words, they all cast a look out onto the center of the track-field. Jade stands, arms folded behind his back. Oddly, he has only chosen to waive his jacket and rolled up his button-up’s sleeves. He is comparable to concrete whereas you are like a spinning power-drill. You are pacing back and forth, randomly swinging your claymore at times, pacing again. You switched your uniform for a tight black shirt and white tai chi pants. Content is Jade’s expression, watching you warming up to fight him.

The crowd has grown quite a bit. On the farturn and backstretch, most of the crowd has accumulated. And at the start of that farturn is Azul behind a fold-out table, sign shouting “Place your bets. Jade Leech vs Ramshackle’s Prefect.” Outstretched like a cat, Floyd is the only one of the crowd lounging on the bleachers. 

Deuce is quite surprised to see that every housewarden has shown up. Even Malleus Draconia is flanked by his two bodyguards, his vice-housewarden floating a bit off ground and excitedly rambling in the taller fae’s ear. There is a sizable gap in where Malleus is standing among the crowd. 

But, he also feels quite bad because he isn’t too sure who to support. You had gone to Azul Ashengrotto with a proposition that you said should reach the ears of a certain eel-mer. Your conditions that you and Jade would battle on the upcoming Sunday morning. If Jade bested you, he would be granted a date. If you bested him, the matter would be dissolved. Deuce was anxious about seeing perhaps one of the brutalest rejection of his life.  To surely be beaten up by the person you desired, he groans at the idea. Poor Jade. 

Thankfully, Rook Hunt leaves to stand by his own housewarden. The crowd waits anxiously, wondering who will start, before Ortho Shroud enters the green of the track-field. To the trio’s surprise, you do not seem agitated at the interruption. The boy comes up to you both, hand altering itself into a megaphone. 

“The rules are,” the crowd hushes “, if either opponent is knocked into the red of the track, they lose. If either opponent's injuries stop them from fighting, they lose. If either opponent vocally forfeits, they lose. Jade Leech will be fighting to win a date with Ramschakle’s Perfect (Name). Please start in 59, 58, 57…”

You track Ortho leaving the green. Somberly, you take steps to make a little gap between Jade and yourself. You gradually stop fiddling with your claymore; from flipping it to and fro in your hand to letting it lie cement at your thigh. Victory was simple and foreseeable for you. Ace had asked you before if you planned for a fight against Jade Leech, one of the finest alchemical students. But you recited what you said during each overblot, “All I gotta do is win.” The simplicity was laughable, even you know this but, you glance up at Jade, all you really have to do here is one thing: win.

“4, 3, 2, 1. Go.”

Magic in Twisted Wonderland comes in categories. The basic elemental forms are flora, water, fire, and cosmic then it branches off into sub-genres. Certain magic in Twisted Wonderland is palpable and, most important to you, able to support the weight of a body. So when Jade miscalculates and flings a beam that you can jump upon, you waste nothing. 

Being airborne is thrilling. You tuck your legs up to your rear as you cup your claymore’s handle in your hand like a child holding a fragile insect. Ground rapidly approaches you. Arms up, back arched, eyes front. You swing down with all your might with the full intention to slice Jade Leech down the middle like an unbirthday tart. These first three minutes will give you plenty of time to judge how he fights. You got to observe him in the Coral Sea; that gives leverage. 

Jade goes to counter what seems like an attack raining straight down. You maneuver your body with the pressure of the spell, drop your right foot, and snap right towards Jade’s body. Got in, now deal a blow. Shoulders inches from each other, you wind up like a baseball player and go to lock eyes with Jade. 

You expect frustration. You expect his typical calculated yet distant look. Yet - tch! You drive your sword into a swoop. No matter what his eyes look like, time to win. 

You two dance in a tsunami of black-red sparks and thumping air. You two whip around each other, arms repeatedly tearing in and out to the collision of yours and his attacks. When either of you stumbles, the other relentlessly pushes. You can admit as a flora attack pushes you back that Jade, despite his eyes, is calculating each motion of yours. Trying to get two steps ahead but stumbling along. You both stumble in your little dance, too evenly matched.

But, the count in your head ends; three minutes have passed. Time to get serious. As Jade raises his pen to the sky to send a wave of energy at your body running towards him, he stops. Not in submission but because you have disappeared from his sight. Where did you –

Hm, Jade’s back is surprisingly muscular. Swimmer muscles? You can feel it through the tight shirts both of you are wearing. On your own latissimus, the turbulent avalanche of blood roaring through his system pounds at you. Back to back, you gently decline your head to rest on his dominant shoulder. His scent is quite sweet too when he is sweating like a cooked lobster.

You move your mouth near his ear. The words you speak cause his sturgeon scales to sway a bit. “Jade.” His back shivers under yours. “I’m gonna show off a little, kay?” Then once more, you are gone.

Jade catches a flash of silver, swooping right down to his neck. Time does not even allot for him to counter against your claymore specifically. Instead, he sums up magic to bubble around him and push everything back. Finally, you return to his vision, feet dug in soil and running right back at him as soon as the magic presence wilts off his pen.

To the left, to the right, to the left again, the dance resumes. Cornered right back into defense, Jade mourns. You attack faster than before, faster than what he witnessed at Azul’s overblot. Your claymore moves like a flickering light. You move around him and manipulate him to twist like a puppet to counter each strike. Down to his legs, up at his shoulders, behind his back. Unlike the noticeable strain in Jade’s face, you remain pouting.

His scent. You attempt to cut his left arm off and he counters. His scent. Why was it still distracting you! You pivot your feet, fall down in a swooping arc, and attempt to cut his tendon. That scent was all you could think of. Not that anyone could tell as you were moving both faster and more dynamically than before. He smells so good, you agonize. It bleaches the inside of your memory. To rid yourself of it you would probably have to crush up peppers and grind them into your nose until it bled. You had been around sweat enough in Track and Field but none sweated so saccharinely. With a vertical swipe, you try to cut off the hand of his that holds his magic pen.

Jade counters and you two are caught in a standstill. You two push at each other, magic pen and claymore vibrating against one another. Speckles of dirt start to fly up from the ground. The jet black strand of Jade’s moves wildly at the air pressure. Is that bastard locking you close to him on purpose! Sparks start to fly off the middle of your blade. Elbows lowering, you strain against the spell but you will – you – you will find that weak area in his counter. 

It comes in one explosive burst as you push harder and send Jade a mile or so back from you. The ground settles. Typically, you would make no mistake to run back in and continue, but - ugh! Quickly, you start to rub at your nose. Murmurs start up again but you keep scrubbing. The stench of bacteria from blisters and new blood is a welcome relief. Once his smell is thoroughly gone, you get right back into it. 

You planned to close that distance but it seems Jade Leech did not let an opportunity go to waste. As expected of him –

You sweep underneath the crackling violet of a cosmic attack and redirect a burst of thorns aimed for your heart. Some time was allotted for Jade to think when pushed down, but you will not allow that to be unfortunate for you. You said you were going to show off, so show off you will. Tucking your non-dominant hand to your breast, you cut a canyon’s mouth into the fire attack Jade sent at you. 

Again, you two clash, synthetic grass leaping up like a million frogs. You unlock from the exchange, tilt your blade, and start stabbing at him. “Tch,” is all you get from Jade as he tucks himself to become smaller and dodge each incoming stab. By the shoulder, by the ribs, by the tip of his nose. Rapidness and precision is your groundwork. Jade jolts back and forth to dodge each incoming strike, playing into your hand.

Then, unexpectedly, you abandon your claymore by the effort of launching it into the air. You can see it in Jade’s eyes that he sees this as an opening. Then in his next blink, your foot is connected to his ribs. His heart pounces on your sole. You grant him a small smile then thrust all your strength in your kick. 

He has to use two air spells to stabilize himself. Two caverns blown into the field. Damn, you had meant for that kick to knock him into the red.

Without looking, simply outstretching a hand behind yourself to catch your sword, you wonder if Crowley will make you pay for property damages. So be it. With that too enticing smell drawn out of your nose, you can go all out.

You start closing distance when – shit! You are suddenly knocked off your feet when Jade lands an attack at the place your running feet were going to land. The fall you take is not elegant. Your dominant shoulder bounces once then twice more on the ground. Your bones clang but you manage a grip on your sword. Metallic warm blooms on your tastebuds, did you bite your tongue? Groaning, you go to stand up when suddenly Jade Leech is towering over. Face shadowed, eyes bright.

Ah, teleportation magic. 

Instead of threatening your life like all the overblots did or moving in to kill you, Jade says with his typical sycophantish smile, “I was thinking of cooking maitake mushrooms for our first date, Prefect.” Smug bastard!

You smile wide around the blood coating your teeth, “I actually prefer portabella.” In a blink, you pivot your body to wrap around the back of his leg. Like a scorpion launching an attack, you swipe at him. The connection is perfect. You watch a squirt of blood spit from the back of Jade’s thigh. As you are rounding your body back up around him, you laugh, " if you really want to win this, you need to fight with at least seventy percent more effort.” Then, another perfect collision that makes you giddy of all things. His head is thrown back by an elbow to his nose.

And to complete the full rotation, you aim your sword towards his neck once more. But you are caught by surprise when that elbow did not knock around his brain enough to disorient him. Where your sword should have landed is intercepted by his magic pen. Another time-wasting standstill. This time feels different though. Rotating your wrist up and down as you might, you cannot gauge a weak point and you are forced to look at him.

Red is slick down his upper lip and chin. It shines violet, blue, and a blackish-green in the light of his counterspell. Tidiness is swept and rustled out of his typical hair-do. The ‘J’ of his black stand resembles more of a combination ‘K’ and ‘Z’ the way it is blown through. His matched eyes? Arrowed directly onto you. Olive brown and canary yellow, wide and crazed. And that look – That look!

Di-Did your heart just skip a beat? No. No. No. What is wrong with you today! You are never so distracted by an overblot or sparring partner. You never had some kind of revelation during your training with Silver or battles with Riddle, Leona, or Azul. Are you falling ill of all things!

Your face luckily does not change. The only indication of your inner crisis is a bulging vein in your arm. Relentlessly, your claymore and his magic pen scraping against each other, you try to dictate where his weak spot is. Clump by clump, ground starts to be serrated by your combined efforts. Then, fuck! Your face crinkles with pain. Bits of magic jump over your weapon and start to cut paper-thin lines on your cheek. One. Two. Three. Tiny whiskers of hot pain. You grind your red teeth and push even harder. You silently mourn the opening you lost before as Jade starts to push you back. You are growing angrier. 

Separate from this moment, Silver mutters under his breath, “The Prefect is going to win.” He meant to keep it to himself, but –

“Huh? How can you tell?” 

“I- Master Malleus. Well, because,” and before Silver can start, there is an explosion of noise in the crowd. Joined by an explosion of red coming from Jade’s left shoulder.

Crouched on the ground, behind Jade, you cross both of your arms to your chest. Red rain drops down onto your back as the appalled noises grow in volume. Uncaring, you spin back and once more throw your sword into the dry blue skies. You plant your feet. Instead of feeling the pulse of Jade or smelling his sweat, you shift all attention to the Earth like you should have from the start. The gumminess from the blood in your mouth gradually fades away. Your labor torn veins gradually relax. Air is cold. You are warm. As Jade struggles to comprehend where you even went, you perform tomoe nage on him backwards.

Jade only sees four images: your face when locked in a standstill, emptiness, emptiness again (in the form of sky), and then he is blessed with your face again as you retrieve your claymore from the air and hold the tip of it to his throat. Laid on the ground, he gasps. That expression has returned to your face. Wrath. Your scleras are white but it is still the same. A tightened and angered expression that one would think could cause a head to implode with a single look. Crazed and wide. The rhythm of your wrath thumps around him like crashing waves. The ferocity of predator’s teeth and riptide’s rocks in your eyes. Sevens, he wanted a life with you. Yearned for you to join him, Floyd, and Azul. If this is the last time, you’ll talk to him – if this is the last time, you’ll see him – His heart aches like a fresh bruise at the thought, hurting more than the slash from his shoulder. If you will no longer cross paths with him again, then he needs to say what he always wanted to. He needs to reveal his hand. Pierce his heart on a fork so you can eat it whole. 

“Sevens, you’re beautiful,” Jade rasps. 

HUH!

You leap back. Your claymore clatters to the ground. You care little for the starting murmurs of confusion, spinning your head away from him to put a hand over your mouth. Mortified, your fingers collide with skin and reveal you are starting to blush of all dreadful things. You turn your head back towards Jade. He is looking at you with th-those soft eyes again. You turn away faster the second time.

Your fingers start to climb up towards your nose bridge and eyelids. Mortification is an inadequate word for you now. Hotter than Grim’s or Idia’s flames, you swear your cheek could start expelling smoke in the dry autumn air. Instead the air whispers and theorizes: “Is it over? Who won? Did Jade poison them before the fight? Is that a forfeit? Do I still have a chance with the Prefect?” 

For the first time ever you do not care about retrieving your blade from battle. If you had to encounter those eyes, you could not direct the head on your shoulders to act civilized. Why did he have to be so – ugh!

With a huff, you start walking towards Ortho. Your eye must be drawn in a monstrous glare because the robot boy turns his head back and forth to avoid your gaze. You school your features as you get closer. When in front of him, you raise your dominant hand and say “Announce Jade as the winner. I sprained my wrist.” 

Ace and Deuce vocally make it known that they are confused and bewildered. You do not spare them a glance, watching as the yellow of Ortho’s eyes shift, little rectangles in the artificial irises shrinking and rotating. His gaze lasered down on your arm. “Prefect, your wrist is not –”

“Announce that Jade won.”

With a smile, you turn towards Ace, Deuce, and Grim. Somewhere that feels as far off as another country, Ortho’s hand changes back to the megaphone and announces “Jade Leech is the winner! As a result of injury!” That makes little difference to your overall mood. Your smile grows and you ask your friends, "Are you guys willing to walk poor, unfortunate me to the nurse?”

“S-Sure, Prefect.” Deuce agrees, catching on.

Sighing, Ace crosses his arms and remarks “ Always relying on the magic-able students, aren’t we, Prefect?” 

“Yeah,” you agree, knowing you saved them both four times over. “A magicless student like myself needs all the help she/he can get. Come on, Grim. My wrist is injured, but my shoulder’s completely fine.” You crouch and Grim reclaims his usual spot.

“(Name),” he whines in your ear “, you better not skimp on feeding the Great Grim because of your new boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend. And it’s just one measly date; you three will always be more important.”

“You got a good head on you, Henchman!”

“Damn right.”

“Still, Jade Leech? Do you want bodyguards for this date,” Deuce asks you as you all start walking. 

Another tiny smile crawls on your face. Now that you are a safe distance away, you think you can finally look back. The crowd is peeling away in sections. Some students are cheering. Others are forlorn. The most miserable of them seemed to be gathered near Azul Ashengrotto’s betting table, where the octo-mer is counting his thaumarks. In the center are your claymore (which you are slowly itching to retrieve) and Jade Leech and his twin brother. You chuckle watching as Floyd goes through the motions of shaking his brother excitedly by the shoulder, throwing his own arms up in the air, whooping and hollering, and taking Jade’s limp arm to raise to the sky. 

At this distance, Jade’s eyes are blurred upon his face and safe to look at. He is staring straight at you. Hm, he does have some appeal, you muse. Raising your ‘injured’ wrist, you wave to him. “No, that won’t be necessary. I would’ve mopped the floor with him.”

“Huh? But you lost?”

“Huh? Did I say something,” you respond to Grim, faking a sheepish look. You return your arm to your side. “Ow, my wrist really hurts, guys. Ow ow ow~”

──────────────────

The worst part of it all was the wrist splint. That black, velcro monstrosity wrapped on your lower arm seriously took a nasty chip off your pride as a student of Silver Vanrouge. You bowed so low to him that your forehead hit your knee. However, that was not even the cherry on top. You had to cry out in pain every time Ace or Deuce took your ‘injured’ arm and pinned it behind your back instead of fighting back like you wanted. Though Riddle did collar them, the day the nurse ‘cleared’ you, you made it known that that would never happen again. Ace did actually have to borrow your wrist splint after.

You did get your sword back. You swear on the Seven, you were having withdrawals from the first night away from it. Tossing and turning enough to cause Grim to bite your ankle. Jade was gracious enough to return it two days after the fight, just as you were zippering up your coat to meet up with Tsuntaro. He even polished it for you!

You exchanged your thanks and then stood for too long at your threshold, waiting for him to leave. You were unsure if you could really look him in the eye. When he knocked and you received him, you busied yourself with looking at your sword. 

“You know, I could provide a spell that might be of use to you for your weapon. Free of charge. I know that it already has –”

“Jade.”

“Yes?”

“I really don’t want our date to be at Mostro Lounge. There’s an ax throwing place on the island. We can take a bus route to get there.” You finally look up.

Wrathful eyes are not what makes you swoon. To you, there is little appeal being crushed by pulsing anger. Jade’s eyes are completely antonymous and devoid of that fiery emotion, but they still burn you because, because — Well, he is looking at you as if you yourself hung stars in the sky and whittled the mountains’ edges by your hand. He is looking at you with such warm affection. And you, emotionally constipated you, are smitten with that warm expression. 

Ears tinted pink, Jade  says “, Yes, arrangements can be made for that. This weekend?”

“This weekend.”

When the cloud of jade green fireflies arrive by your gate, you actively have to ignore the way Jade bristles and glares. You learn that day that a hand placed upon his lower back calms him down perfectly fine. A trick you will use later. And use it later you did~

It had been about two months since your first date. The winter break came and went. You defeated Jamil Viper, suffered a few snake bites but nothing tremendous. Then at Kalim’s party, you had to defeat Jade’s seven evil attempts at getting a kiss from you. Both successful, as expected of Night Raven’s Prefect. Another success of yours? Defeating the newest game Idia gifted you as an apology with an S rank, which you were journeying to Mostro Lounge to tell a certain someone about. 

“Hey, you can’t just cut the line!”

Well, that might not be good. Steadily, you place your hand over the auburn pommel of your sword. Eyes narrowed and piercing to find the line-cutter, you turn. And for some reason, the host panics. “A-Ah! It’s just you, Prefect. Go ahead. Sorry!”

Hm, did the matter resolve itself? Well, you hope the host finds the line cutter eventually as you venture deeper into Mostro Lounge. You scan briefly over the tables and aquarium lighting. Persistent cobalt shadows are quite enchanting to you now. Gratefulness pushes your lips up a small amount when you locate Jade Leech among the swimming blue. 

“Jade!”

The vice-housewarden’s head almost comes off his neck at the speed he looks towards you. That familiar, once tortuous look returns to his eyes. “(Name), what a pleasant surprise.”

“Jade, put down your tray.”

“Hm? Whatever for?”

Well, at least you gave him a semblance of a warning. Advancing on him the whole time, you reach chilled hands to the back of his neck. His pulse is relaxed; you think it’s a shame because you love hearing its rapid speed. One hand cups his cervical and he reasonably tenses because last time you did this, you spun him into a headlock. But that’s not the agenda and he can start to piece it together as you push his head down to meet lip to lip. Ah. That beautiful pulse is back. 

His lips are well kept, soft and thin. This close you can smell the sweat of a hard day on him. You tilt your head to the left to deepen your first kiss. It is no question to invite tongue into the kiss, though it certainly catches Jade by surprise. 

You can tell Jade is upset that he had not put down his tray because the dishes upon it are rattling. And his one free hand is tightly holding onto your waist like a snapping turtle locked onto a finger. You push up harder into the kiss and almost start laughing when his reaction is a muffled groan. “Ag - Agh,” his throat hums at you. 

During this rather inappropriate display, your hands have been focusing on running through his hair or gliding over the skin of his neck. Boldly, you inch one hand down his arm and wrap it around to hold the middle of his back. AH! His pulse is exploding now. This time you actually do need to pull away to laugh a bit. 

Your laughter gradually stops as you hear Azul Ashengrotto emerge from the kitchen, chastising both of you for your display. In your ear, Jade asks “Do I get to know what I did to be rewarded with such a pleasant surprise?”

And in the face of teeth that could tear your throat out, you hum “I just ranked S on my new game.”

“In my lounge of all places! You two are so indecent. You have dorm rooms; Perfect, you have an entire house to yourself. You couldn’t have possibly waited; you just had to come in during rush hour on a weekend!”

Jade smiles despite being clueless of what you mean. “Well aren’t I one lucky eel~” And he means it, the efforts and mistakes made to get to this moment … Jade’s smile grows as he watches you and Azul bicker. All that effort was worth this.

[smolcinnamonchipmunk]

Late Night Check-In

(I was going to make a oneshot based off of the Firefly Fairy AU, but eventually settled on this because I was struggling with it.

This is going to be after my vent oneshot, but you don’t need to have read that for this to make sense since I’m basically going to set the scene again. Bit of a downer because it’s coming down from the tension of the last one in the first half, but not too down I think and I think it’s more fluff? I’m sorry if anyone’s OOC ;-;)

Count: 7382

TW/CW: Soft, safe, non-sexual oral vore, vivid mentions of dream death

Unsurprisingly, when Syn woke up late in the morning and sent a text to everyone that tried contacting them while it was dead… Well, it was a bit of a Merry-Go-Round of people coming over to check on them and berate them, both physically and over text. They had been groggily getting themself a glass of sweet tea and opening some tuna for Grim when their front door was practically slammed open.

Actually, no. It WAS slammed open.

There was a massive crash from the lounge that Syn ran over to investigate with Grim, finding that Kalim and Jamil were sprawled out with the magic flying carpet they rode in on using two corners to push itself back up from the floor. Before they could ask if either was okay, Kalim had leapt to his feet and tackled them, crying while asking what happened. Jamil commented on how unsafe his carpet flying was, peeling the other man off of Syn long enough to check him for injuries while they tried to explain that they only left for a couple days and forgot to leave a note.

Only to reiterate it over and over as more people almost immediately burst into Ramshackle.

Ace and Deuce rushed in, Ace smacking them upside the head as both proceeded to shout about how worried they’d been, getting interrupted by Riddle, Trey, and Cater close behind while they explained.

The only ones that didn’t show up over the course of several hours were the Diasomnia dormmembers (probably because they didn’t have Lilia’s number, they weren’t close with Silver, Sebek hated their guts, and Malleus didn’t know how to operate a phone well), Idia, Azul, and the NRC teachers.

That was more than fine with them because it got really crowded and loud with everyone that came inside.

The afternoon and evening passed in a blur, the students they knew coming and going over the course of the impromptu get together.

A little bit of time was spent with Syn explaining that they forgot to leave a note, a good hour being spent where those present vocalized both their worry, anger, and relief, and then Kalim somehow roping everyone into a celebratory party in their own lounge now that they were back.

It all happened so fast that Syn felt like they blinked and suddenly there was a bunch of food and sweets, and everyone just seemed so surprisingly happy.

They were sure some said some really moving things, but they literally couldn’t recall anything by the time Jamil convinced Kalim that it was too late in the night to continue partying after everyone else had gone home. They just stood on their front porch waving Kalim and Jamil farewell with a smile that dropped as soon as they walked back inside and closed the now bent door.

They’d have to try and figure that one out later since the lock was broken and the wood was cracked, but they’d never seen any strangers around Ramshackle so safety wasn’t their first thought.

Syn spent the next hour or so cleaning after the plethora of guests that had swept through, putting the extra food in the fridge for Grim - who went into a food coma on the couch - and turned in for the night.

The next day was spent just trying to enjoy the calm before they got another round of lectures from the teachers Monday, Grim thankfully not wanting to drag them off anywhere. He was content just sat next to them while they both watched dumb videos on Magicam.

When Monday did come around, they woke up with Grim and felt that bone-deep exhaustion settle again, ignoring the ever growing darkness under their eyes as they trailed after the cat to classes. They smiled and greeted Rook and Ruggie, taking the expected lecture from Professor Crewel before receiving one from Vargas and Trein as well during the day.

Even Crowley, seemingly lazy as he was, came across them in the hall and scolded them for scaring the entire campus into a search frenzy for two days. And then he scolded them for being late to their last period when he talked through the break time in between classes.

Outwardly, they tried to act as normal as they could, smiling and taking the lectures with a serious face. On the inside, they just wanted to waste away and questioned why they came back in the first place if their presence AND absence were just causing problems for everyone else. It was definitely a feat to try and ignore the line of questioning that plagued them.

“You sure you don’t want to go to this Unbirthday Party,” Grim asked, placing his paws on his hips while Ace and Deuce had their arms crossed in front of them. In spite of having no eyebrows, he looked relatively concerned.

“It might help with some normalcy,” Ace suggested, tilting his head slightly, Deuce nodding in agreement.

“We know you said you had needed some time away, but we just don’t want you turning into some kind of shut-in,” the other man said, uncrossing his arms to put a hand to his chin in worried thought. Probably thinking of a particular upperclassman.

Syn rolled their eyes in amusement, replying dramatically, “Oh, what would I do without my Number One and Number Two?”

Snickering, they put a hand on their hip and added, “I’ll be fine! ‘Sides, I don’t think I could become a shut-in with everyone around. I didn’t realize how many people I knew until Ramshackle was flooded with y’all. I’m just a little tired from the party Kalim threw on Saturday. I’ll come to the Unbirthday party next month, kay?”

Ace, Deuce, and Grim shared a look that Syn wasn’t particularly fond of before Ace shrugged and sighed.

“Alright. Don’t want to drag you if ya don’t wanna go. Just, try to get some rest or something,” he said. “Don’t be surprised if Cater or Trey reach out to you.”

“Gotcha covered,” Syn gave the trio a small mock salute. “I’ll probably pass out the second I’m back at Ramshackle, so don’t wait up for me.”

Ace, Deuce and Grim all gave some small farewells, the most enthusiastic being Grim’s “See ya, Syn!” before they walked down the hall.

Syn kept a smile and waved until the three walked around a corner out of sight, sighing deeply and dropping their arm. Grumbling to themself under their breath, they reached up and rubbed the back of their head tiredly with the other arm, turning around with their eyes closed for a moment.

Only to exclaim in surprise when they opened their eyes and saw large red ones right in front of their face, reeling back to avoid walking into the other person with enough force that they fell on their butt.

“You’re back.”

“L-Lilia,” they yelped, their initial surprise and fear fading to tired relief as they breathed a small sigh of relief while the floating upside-down man chuckled at catching them off guard. “Do you always have to do that?”

“Khee hee. Sorry. It’s difficult to resist popping up when you always give reactions like that,” the fae twisted in the air so that he ‘stood’ the right way up before planting his feet on the ground, amused expression quickly turning to a more serious frown. “I understand that you went missing for two days?”

Syn winced at the question, standing up and shoving their hands in their pockets nervously as they replied, “Yeah, I, uh, forgot to leave a note. I’m fine, and I’m sorry for everyone having to make search parties and stuff, and making everyone worried while I was gone. It won’t happen again.”

Lilia hummed in thought for a couple seconds with dark-red eyes narrowed in contemplation, making them shift a bit at the lack of immediate response. They’d been bombarded with both chastising lectures and quick ‘I’m glad you’re okay’s, so the several seconds of silence were a bit anxiety-inducing.

“Well, at least you don’t seem to have come back harmed,” he eventually said with a smile, crossing his arms over his chest. It felt like he was holding back from saying something else, but he added, “Now the Diasomnia dorm won’t be covered in frost anymore, I hope.”

“I- Huh? Why would me being gone cause your dorm to frost,” Syn asked, blinking in confusion. They’d never stepped in Diasomnia’s halls yet.

“Oh, just some cause and effect, khee hee,” Lilia chuckled again, raising a hand to his chin with a smile more knowing than they’d like. “Malleus will be glad of your return. Expect to see him near Ramshackle during his walks at some point these next few days.”

“Mal-? Oh, right, Hornton,” Syn shook their head, completely forgetting that they’d found out the man’s real name a couple weeks ago. At this point, Hornton and Malleus were still different people in their head just out of the sheer habit. And, he’d said he was okay with them using the nickname so they hadn’t really put much effort into calling him by his real one.

The fae in front of them laughed lightly at the nickname.

“Khee hee hee. Yes, dear Hornton.”

“I mean, he’s always welcome to come over,” they said. Before they could stop themself, they smiled politely and suggested, “Grim’s gone to an Unbirthday party tonight, so I don’t know how long that’ll be. Hornton is more than welcome to come over and hang out if he’s able.”

Syn immediately froze in place with their polite smile.

Why did they just invite someone over when they were still struggling with their thoughts and emotions?! This was going to be horrible for the poor fae, but they can’t just retract it! Especially not when Lilia’s eyes widened in surprise before his face lit up, apparently very approving of the idea while they forced themself to continue smiling.

“An intriguing development,” the man smiled, red cat-like eyes closing as he happily told them, “I think Malleus will be more than willing to come over! I’m glad he’s getting along with at least one schoolmate enough to receive such an invitation.”

“I’m glad you think so highly of my invitation, I guess,” Syn replied, internally screaming.

“Why, of course! Any friend of Malleus is a friend of mine,” Lilia put his hands on his hips, the statement just making them feel more obligated to not retract their open invitation. “I shall tell him posthaste. Hopefully he hasn’t wandered far and you’ll be able to see him tonight.”

“No rush if he’s busy,” they kept up the pleasantries while really hoping he had better things to do than visiting them, Lilia disappearing in a shower of sparks similar to when Malleus would disappear at the end of their conversations with him.

Syn groaned a bit at the man’s departure, burying their face in their hands for a second while whining to themself. “God, why did I do that?”

Sighing, they resigned themself to heading back to Ramshackle, hoping beyond hope that Malleus would lose track of time or be too busy for a visit, thoroughly convinced that no one needed to deal with their tumultuous mental state right now. Hence why they declined the Unbirthday Party and had been fully prepared to just sleep when they got back to their dorm.

But, c’est la vie, whatever, all that jazz. They’ve made a commitment and now they gotta stick to it.

Walking through the winding halls down the cliff to Ramshackle, they immediately felt like they needed to clean up. It wasn’t the messiest, but it was ingrained into them to basically deep clean before known visits. Did they like that instinct? No, but it helped kick them into gear and clean after themself and Grim better than they normally would, at least. Made them feel somewhat accomplished.

Because they’d already cleaned after the party on Saturday, it didn’t take as long for the lounge at least, and they cleaned their shared room with Grim. But, the rest of the building went without a maintenance clean as they found themself almost immediately exhausted and flopped on the couch once they were satisfied.

Syn waited nervously for their supposed visitor to come, expecting a knock on the door or a flash of light somewhere to announce the arrival of the horned man. However, hours passed with neither hide nor hair from Malleus, Grim coming home to them scrolling absentmindedly through Magicam.

“I thought you said you were going to go to sleep when you got home,” the cat said, putting his paws on his hips disapprovingly as he walked into the lounge.

“Well, I was,” Syn defended themself, sitting up and placing a hand on their chest. “But then Lilia caught me off guard and, before I knew it, I was inviting Hornton over to hang out! I can’t just RETRACT that, it’s rude.”

“Hornton?” Grim’s eyes widened in brief surprise. Reaching up, he rubbed a pawpad against his forehead as he sighed. “Ugh, I guess you’re right. But, if he’s not here, I’m guessing he hasn’t shown up yet. Pretty lousy way to treat an invitation if you’re asking me.”

“I’m not asking you. Besides, he tends to wander off, so Lilia probably never even got to tell him. That or he doesn’t want to see me yet,” they replied, sitting up and stretching before standing.

“Well, you’re going to go to bed,” he huffed, paws on his hips as Syn quirked an eyebrow at him, torn between questioning him and daring him to do something to make them.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” Grim said firmly despite their amused smile, tail flicking back and forth. “The last thing I need is for you to go off on another multi-day excursion because you’re not taking care of yourself.”

“Ouch,” Syn’s smile turned into a frown, feeling a pang in their chest at being reminded of recent events. They deserved it after worrying everyone for a couple days though. Sighing after a second, they reached up and rubbed the back of their neck. “I was gonna dare you to make me, but I’d rather you not set the building on fire.

“Alriiight, I’ll go to bed,” they whined, starting to walk to the stairs to head upstairs. The sound of soft pawsteps behind them on the wooden floor made them glance and see that Grim was trailing behind them up to the bedroom.

They changed into their pajamas, yawning as their body began to anticipate the potential of sleep. Turning out the light and plugging their phone in, they slipped beneath the sheets and blanket as Grim hopped up onto the bed with them. They had to resist the urge to question it, suspecting that it was to assure himself that they weren’t just going to disappear more than him being sleepy

Still, after a few minutes, Grim was snoring lightly while curled up beside them.

Syn’s body, meanwhile, decided to make them suffer in contradiction as they laid there. Exhausted, their eyelids felt heavy as though they could immediately fall asleep, yet something just refused them sleep. No position offered solace, even those that were the comfiest.

Time passed either staring at the ceiling or the walls. A couple hours of dazed exhaustion as they tried to sleep that was only broken by glancing at the clock on the wall beside the mirror to check the time in the dim light.

Eight o’clock. Nine o’clock. Ten o’clock.

Eventually they were able to sleep, but it was more of a light doze than anything that left them restless and turning every half hour to hour. Thankfully, Grim was a heavy sleeper and just muttered about tuna under his breath despite their moving around.

A distant rumble and crack caught their half-asleep attention, the brief thought of maybe some rain helping before the room lit up with lightning and there was a crash of thunder that rattled the building and destroyed any chance of peaceful sleepiness in an instant.

“M-Myah!” Grim yowled in surprise while Syn bolted upright, adrenaline rushing through them for a few seconds before starting to fade as they got over the shock of a sudden loud noise. Over the sound of a sudden downpour that was making Ramshackle feel chillier than before, they heard the sound of a single, sharp knock on the front door.

“Mrr, who the heck is at the door this late at night,” Grim grumbled, curling back up on the bed grumpily.

Syn glanced at the clock, seeing that it was after midnight and tiredly replied, “Maybe it’s Hornton? He’s the only one I can think of… I’ll go take care of it, you stay here.”

“Mmm.” the cat let out a barely audible acknowledging noise that had Syn snort slightly in amusement.

Getting out of bed, they slipped a binder on beneath their shirt real quick before padding downstairs in their socks, walking up to the front door of the foyer and opening the door to the looming figure beyond. Groggily rubbing an eye with the back of their hand, they greeted, "Hey, Hornton."

"Syn." Illuminated by lightning cracks, the horned man's face was difficult to discern. But, he'd rarely called them by their actual name and the uncommon occurrence was enough to send a shudder of adrenaline down their spine a bit. But, the sense of immediate tension lessened slightly as the downpour lightened the smallest amount.

Still, it was a bit daunting so late in the night.

"Uhh, you're probably wet from the rain, so.. come on in?"

"Rain?" The fae seemed to straighten slightly in surprise, letting out a soft 'ah' as he glanced behind him. There were a couple seconds that went by in quiet contemplation while Syn struggled to remain focused before he commented, "The rain will no longer be an issue."

"Huh?" Syn gave him a look of confusion before realizing the rain had either settled to a drizzle or stopped completely. Given that he had the capacity of instantaneously rebuilding a stadium and calling it easy, it wasn't too far off to guess he had somehow made the rain disappear. "Oh, I mean, it wasn't really an issue but, uh, thanks, I guess? Do you wanna come inside though? Ooooor go on a walk? I’m awake enough that I probably won’t be able to get to sleep for a while.”

“I’d like to ask you what happened for your absence,” Malleus said, frowning slightly. “But I didn’t realize how late it was. Lilia found me only minutes ago with your invitation when I returned to the dormitory.”

“It’s fine. Though, if we’re going to the topic of my ‘excursion’, I’d much rather walk and talk,” they sighed, not really surprised that Malleus also wanted an explanation. They slipped on their spare shoes that were beside the door and stepped out beside the man. Closing the door, they rubbed the back of their neck and said, “Feel free to lead the way. I’ll just… answer questions, I guess.”

Malleus nodded and stepped off the porch with them trailing behind, both of their footsteps the only sound in the night other than crickets. There was no more rain but the air held a cool mist from the downpour, a light fog over everything as they walked through the Ramshackle gate.

Syn decided to get a headstart on the apology.

“Sorry for worrying you and everyone,” they started, their voice feeling too loud in the quiet night. They continued a bit softer, putting their hands in their pajama pockets. “I don’t know if my explanation has circled around everywhere, but I forgot to leave a note. I didn’t mean to cause such a big scare around campus.”

A few seconds passed in silent thought from the man, Syn starting to think that fae really like just drumming up suspense and making their anxiety worse by dragging out responses.

“When I said I’d like to ask you what happened, I meant ‘why did you disappear’?” Malleus asked, neon green gaze falling on them. He was a very difficult person to read, but usually they didn’t mind since, if he didn’t want to talk to them, he could literally teleport away from the conversation. Not that he’d ever done so.

Now though, they didn’t know if he was upset or not when they glanced at him.

“I just needed some time away,” Syn replied automatically. “From the stress and stuff. I just got a bit overwhelmed, but it won’t happen again.”

He let out a brief hum.

“Was there anything specific?”

They frowned, glancing to the side up to the man’s eyes, trying to weigh potential pros and cons. Trying to see if they were too tired to explain further. Or, if they were tired enough TO explain further with lowered walls.

“Maybe. Maybe not. I’m not sure,” Syn glowered to the side as they answered him genuinely. “Everything just sort of got to me suddenly. The multiple overblots, still knowing so little about this world, being back in school life and the talk of the campus, and being eaten practically once a week. I’m surprised I lasted as long as I did without a snap sooner.”

“Eaten?” Malleus’s voice held an intense surprise that overshadowed when he’d been given the nickname ‘Hornton’. He stopped, his reaction startling the human as they also halted and looked up at him as he turned to face them. “What do you mean, Child of Man?”

“Heh?” they weren’t sure if he was joking, their mind lagging as they processed the genuine surprise and mild concern on the fae’s face. Brow furrowing a bit in confusion, they said, “Yeah, eaten… Did… Did you not know? I was called ‘Fish Food’ for weeks before I offhandedly complained to the eel twins about it.. It was flying around with all the other gossip about me.”

“When did this happen? Were you injured?” the man asked quickly and placed a hand on their shoulder, looking them over as though to check for a sign of wounds that would have long since healed if they had been harmed.

Syn was so startled by the sudden contact, the fae having never touched them before, that they instinctively took a step back at the quick change in demeanor while holding their hands up in surprise despite the black gloves covering his hands. “Woah, woah, I’m fine! I’ve never really been hurt by it… or, injured, I should say. I’ve gotten used to it.”

They didn’t mention the occasional nips or scrapes, mostly from an excitable Floyd, or the panic and mental toll at the beginning because they could see his face begin to darken rapidly as a crack of thunder sounded VERY close by with a flash of green lightning.

“Who?” Malleus didn’t yell or exclaim, the question spoken with barely restrained anger that had Syn’s hair standing up slightly. Or maybe that was the magical pressure in the air that threatened to go from merely noticeable to devastating in an instant if his restraint slipped for even a moment.

“I-I mean, does it really matter when I’m okay,” Syn asked nervously, tapping their fingers together at their shoddy attempt to relieve the tension. When he only narrowed his eyes further, they sighed and added, “I’m not gonna tell you because I FEEL like you’re so mad that you’ll pop into their dorms and kill them right now.”

“I am not mad.”

“You’re literally so angry that I can feel buzzing in my bones from electricity,” they raised an eyebrow at the very obviously pissed off fae, his pupils slitted so much that his eyes were almost only glowing irises. Cautiously, they reached a hand out and placed it on his upper arm, gently saying, “I’m fine, Hornton…. Although, I’m very surprised and touched by your reaction.”

Malleus stiffened at their touch and they worried they’d crossed some sort of unspoken line. But, he relaxed after a couple moments, dark expression fading as he closed his eyes and inhaled. “Of course. You’re important to me.”

Relieved to have dodged a very angry fae, Syn was entirely caught off guard by his comment, unable to keep themself from bursting out into laughter after several seconds of startled staring. They didn’t mean to but their laughter rang out sharp and clear, nearby crickets going silent at the sudden loud noise nearby that ruined their singing. Laughing so much, they had to double over with their arms to their stomach.

God, it’d been awhile since they’d laughed that hard.

“Did I… say something amusing?” Malleus asked as their laughter petered out into giggles.

“Hehehe…” Syn straightened with a hand covering their mouth, abdomen and cheeks hurting. Struggling to regain their breath, they replied, “S-Sorry- heheheha! I just… hehe, wasn’t expecting that. Kkh. Hehehaha!”

They spent another few seconds reining in the remnants of their laughter, part of them wanting to relish the happiness that came with laughing that chased away the other negative emotions. Eventually they cleared their throat and hummed a bit, looking up at Malleus and finally giving him a proper response.

“I didn’t mean to metaphorically laugh in your face,” they said, giving him an apologetic smile at his continued confusion. It turned a bit more melancholic as they continued. “I just… well, one of the reasons I left was because I didn’t really expect anyone to mind if I was gone so it felt like I wasn’t harming anybody. I meant to leave a note, but I also didn’t think anyone would be alarmed if I up and vanished one day either given how many times I’ve almost died. It’s.. surprising.”

Malleus stared at them for a few seconds, seemingly a bit alarmed before a serious expression settled on his face. Almost angrily, he spoke from the chest as he firmly stated, “You’re my friend.”

Syn’s smile became a bit more nervous at the almost forceful declaration, going, “I don’t like how you said that. You said it with a-.”

They were alarmed when the fae stepped closer and grabbed their arm, preventing them from backing away instinctively as he said a bit louder, “You’re my friend.”

“Why are you yelling at me ‘you’re my friend’-?”

“You’re my friend,” Malleus exclaimed, practically forehead to forehead with them, his hair drifting in front of their face as he stared intently into their eyes.

“Oh, god!” Syn yelped, thrown entirely for a loop. Not only was this the most contact the two of them have had, but also the most forceful and expressive the man has been in their presence, usually a cool, collected, stoic yet smug guy that seemed like nothing could really irk him. Even his enthusiastic gargoyle talks didn’t surprise them this much.

And then he pulled back as though the whole thing had never happened, a pace away and out of their space.

“I was concerned when you disappeared,” Malleus said adamantly, the closest to pouting they’d ever seen him as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Syn blinked, struggling to process the last several seconds with their tired brain, slowly replying, “I- uh, appreciate it. Y-you’re my friend, too…. If it’s any consolation, I’m never gonna leave like that again.”

He narrowed his eyes at them slightly in suspicion before sighing slightly. “Good. I’d prefer it if you stay safe and out of trouble.”

“Tch. Good luck with that in this school,” they couldn’t help but scoff slightly, not looking forward to waking up in mere hours for classes. The thought made them groan a bit. “Ugh, I wish I could sleep in class like Leona can.”

“If it’s too late in the night, I can escort you back to Ramshackle so you can rest,” Malleus offered, as though he wouldn’t walk with them to the gate anyways.

Syn sighed a bit at his suggestion and rubbed the back of their neck.

“I mean, I probably should head back. I don’t think I’ll be going to sleep anytime soon though… oh well,” they shrugged, starting to head back in the direction the duo had come from towards Ramshackle. Despite knowing they wouldn’t be getting much sleep, the thought of it did cause them to yawn and they stretched their arms out in front of them as they walked.

“Do you struggle with sleep, Child of Man,” Malleus asked in curiosity as he easily matched their tired stride. Whatever tension the duo had started the stroll with was mostly dissipated. “I’m used to Silver, who struggles with wakefulness.”

“Always have,” Syn replied, kicking a rock absentmindedly. “It takes a while for me to fall asleep and very easy for me to be roused when I’m just starting to doze. I sleep like a rock when I am out, but I also wake up every half hour to an hour for some fucking reason. And not even taking THAT or tossing and turning into account, my dreams are rather active, so sometimes I’ll wake up more tired.”

“What do you dream?”

“Well, depends on the night. Sometimes I’m being chased, sometimes someone’s breaking into whatever home my mind conjures up. On the uncommon occasion, I’ll kill someone in my dreams. In self-defense, of course,” they hurriedly added, just in case, and sighed sheepishly. “People that break into my home or someone that tries to assault me kind of deal… On the rarer occasion, I’ll die.”

“ … That sounds. Unpleasant,” the fae commented quietly, surprising them. Then again, fae probably didn’t think about mortality as much.

“I mean, unless I’m waking up in a cold sweat, I don’t really worry about it. There’s really only one instance that gets me, and that’s when I had my neck slit by a box-cutter, ran to the parking lot of the building in my dream and felt myself slowly getting colder… But, it’s fine!”

Syn gave Malleus a reassuring smile, one that wasn’t very reciprocated.

He, instead, looked mildly concerned and a bit curious as he stared at them for a second or two before inquiring, “Do humans usually dream of death?”

“Uh, probably not everyone, but I’m sure it’s a decent chunk. My dreams don’t really bother ME, per se, I just wake up more tired,” they shrugged, having accepted it. A yawn escaped them. “Besides, even if I get a full night of sleep somehow, I’m still exhausted the next day, so not really a point in fussing over it, you know? Do you dream, Hornton?”

“Sometimes. Though, with the years I’ve spent alive, all my dreams tend to blur together vaguely most of the time,” Malleus closed his eyes in thought, raising a hand to his chin. “I have a couple notable ones.”

Syn expected him to recall some dream he wanted to tell them or maybe even start another topic, waiting patiently as they continued walking and yawning a bit. But, one second turned into several and felt more awkward than anything.

“I can help.”

“Huh?” they blinked in surprise at the sudden small statement, looking to the side at him. “Help? Help with what?”

“Your sleep,” Malleus answered, both of them reaching the Ramshackle gate and stopping. They turned to face him and crossed their arms over his chest, tilting their head curiously as he added, “I can enchant your sleep so you may rest easy without interruption for the night.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do anything like that,” Syn said, smiling as they waved him off. Even though it was probably just a drop in the bucket of magical capability he had, they didn’t want to take advantage of it. “I’ve lasted this long just fine.”

“Think of it as a gift in return for your invitation,” he replied, crossing his arms over his chest with a small smile of his own. “I worry for your sleep given that I understand humans need plenty for their well-being.”

“No- I-,” they struggled on how to respond. On one hand, they really didn’t want him wasting his magic on them. On the other hand, they were raised that denying gifts was a rude thing to do and felt like fae had similar customs. Maybe they could sweet-talk their way out of accepting? “Really, you don’t have to. Your company alone is gift enough. I don’t want you to think you have to give me things or do favors in return for just hanging out. We’re friends after all.”

Malleus blinked a bit in surprise at their response, seemingly caught off guard. Likely, not many people had called him a ‘friend’. He seemed almost torn and Syn thought that maybe he was caught off guard enough to not press about his gift, but instead an almost mischievous smile grew on his face.

“Indeed. We ARE friends,” he mused, raising a hand to his chin thoughtfully.

“Uh, yeah,” Syn said slowly, having a feeling that this was going to backfire in some way. “We’re friends… What are you thinking?”

“Well, Child of Man,” Malleus shifted closer to them, making them a bit nervous. It wasn’t until their hip hit the metal of the fence around Ramshackle that they realized he placed himself between them and the gate. “I’m thinking that, as your friend, I must INSIST that you allow me to help you regain lost sleep and energy.”

“Hornton, you really don’t have to do that,” they insisted their own side, “I don’t want you being bothered by me or anything.”

“I don’t have to, but I’d like to. Besides, I’ve grown curious during our walk,” he replied, leaning down to be more towards their level and inhaled before exhaling a green-tinged burst of smoke that hit them square in the face.

“Hornton!” Syn coughed instinctively as the smoke entered their lungs, trying to wave it from their face as they did so. When the smoke cleared enough for them to see, they stiffened at the sight of being only inches tall. Again. Inhaling sharply, they couldn’t help but exclaim, “God, fucking- really?! I’m too tired for this shit.”

“Then let me offer my assistance,” Malleus’s voice from above didn’t surprise them and the man knelt down beside them, deftly scooping them up off the cobblestone path with a hand.

Given the amount of times they’d been scooped up, plucked up and dangled, they just averted their gaze from the drop below to avoid their fear of heights and focused on the face of the man that shrunk them with a light glower, holding onto the fabric of his gloves. Arguably, he had the gentlest hold so far. That still didn’t stop their heart from quickening in their chest.

“Let me guess,” Syn said as he straightened to his full height and held them up to see. “You’re curious about eating me.”

“My, am I that easy to read, Child of Man? Or, have you perhaps endured more than I thought?” a brief flicker of the earlier anger drifted over his face for a moment before it was replaced by amusement. “Regardless, your boldness even in your position is fascinating given all the potential danger.”

“I mean, I haven't really been hurt while being eaten yet, so I’m sure I’m safe with you,” they replied, thinking that if they could survive Floyd, that this would be fine. A walk in the park even.

This close and this small, they could see his pupils dilate a little at their response like Leona’s did sometimes. Though, while the lion’s was almost strictly predatory, Malleus’s gaze held something else that they couldn’t decipher in their tired state coupled WITH predatory intent.

“I see… in that case, allow me to continue,” Malleus hummed slightly, raising his other hand and tapping the top of their head with a finger that crackled with green magic, sending a sharp shudder down their spine.

“Ouugh, what was that,” they asked, sticking their tongue in distaste at the somewhat unfamiliar and powerful feeling. They couldn’t help but hold a hand to their chest as it settled into their bones. It wasn’t unpleasant, more of an internal warmth, but it was still unexpected in the moment.

“A simple protection spell. Though, you’ll find it more potent than the classic potion that goes around,” he said, smirking smugly. They felt like he enjoyed showing off sometimes, but the only time they’d seen him use magic before was the stadium.

“Makes sense then,” Syn murmured, guessing that meant he didn’t possess a secondary stomach like their infamous Octavinelle trio. Their heart skipped a beat when the fingers around them twitched ever so slightly, probably imperceptible even to the fae as he lifted them slightly higher and opened his mouth to speak.

But, despite being far more used to this than anyone else, they still couldn’t help but stop him and try to stall, saying, “W-Wait! Shouldn’t we at least let Grim know? I don’t want him to worry that I’d run off again.”

Malleus paused and blinked in surprise, raising his other hand to his chin in thought.

“I suppose that’s a valid concern given recent events,” he commented, glancing towards Ramshackle before turning his gaze back on them with a small knowing smile. “I’ll inform him afterwards. For now, don’t think that dragging this out further will somehow get you out of this.”

They let out a small yelp when they were brought a bit closer to his face. More specifically, his mouth.

“Hehe… am I that easy to read,” Syn asked nervously, rubbing the back of their neck. Their reaction was just his smile turning into a full smirk. They sighed. “Yeah, that tracks.”

The fae chuckled, pointed fangs showing for a moment in his amusement.

“You’ll have to forgive me if I’m a bit enthusiastic,” Malleus hummed, a glimpse of his tongue swiping across his lips in anticipation catching them off guard. “I don’t think I’ve indulged in a delight like this for decades even if this is considered for your wellbeing.”

Opening his jaws and tilting his head back, he lifted them above his face.

White pointed fangs framed the inside of his mouth as he began to lower them, a forked tongue snaking over his bottom teeth for them to be placed on. Warm, humidity began to dampen the fabric of their pajama pants around the ankles before their feet pressed into the squishy but firm surface of his tongue as more of their weight was placed on top.

Cursing idly under their breath, Syn found themself placed atop the muscle within seconds, letting out a small noise when the two ends of his forked tongue curled over their shoulders and they were quickly drawn inside of his jaws once his fingers let go.

It was definitely a lot warmer than they were used to, but the feeling of saliva immediately drenching their clothes and hair was familiar. They tried not to think about how tasty they must be to have so much of the student body practically drooling over them so much and shifted idly.

Their movements were responded to by the tongue starting to roll them around his mouth as he began tasting them, savoring whatever flavor he could procure from their exposed skin as tastebuds pressed against them. So used to this unorthodox procedure, Syn only pressed back if things were getting a little too restricting while grumbling tiredly. But he was also probably the gentlest at this part as well, surprisingly so, as though each prod or twist would cause them to crumble in his mouth like some delicate confectionery. Still, everything was almost tense like he was very much holding back as well.

The most surprising part, however, was an unexpected rumble that seemed to emanate from the back of his maw.

“What the fuck,” they asked themself, wondering if it was a growl like Leona would emit if he ate them while particularly pissed off. But, no. They realized after a few seconds of tired confusion that he was PURRING, of all things.

Or, at least, that’s the closest thing they could equate it to.

And given all their experiences coupled with the fact that the only things they’d been around that purred were fluffy, huggable cats - sans a usually grumpy Leona who apparently CHUFFED and not purred when they asked him about it - they thought this was the most fucking adorable thing to happen whilst being eaten in their increasingly exhausted state.

So tired, surprised, and startlingly endeared, Syn didn’t realize he had stopped tasting them until the tongue beneath them pressed up for a moment and they found themself swallowed.

Yelping on instinct, they were drawn down his throat, the rumbling getting louder. A light pressure followed them until they slipped past his collarbone, notable by the increased constriction and thundering heartbeat that rivaled strong breaths from powerful lungs.

Purring, heartbeat and breathing faded slightly in the couple seconds it took for them to slip into what they would only guess was his stomach.

“Are you well, Child of Man?” Malleus asked from above, the purring lessening with the concern in his voice. “You were far more still than I expected...”

“Y-Yeah, ‘m fine,” Syn called back up, untangling themself from the bottom of the organ to settle against the stomach wall. They couldn’t help but rub an eye sleepily, feeling like the purring was definitely part of the cause. “Just tired and used to this is all… were you actually PURRING?”

They felt everything around them jolt slightly, surprising them along with a startlingly hesitant question. “I-... Yes, I was. Is that not acceptable in this situation?”

“No, no, you’re fine,” they quickly said, raising their hands despite the man not even being able to see the attempt of a placating gesture. A tiredly amused and mischievous smile wormed its way on their face, adding, “It’s cute! Not even Leona can purr apparently.”

“Kingscholar?” Malleus asked before everything fell into a brief silence that made Syn question if mentioning the lion had hit some sort of sore spot. But, the purring started back up as he said with a surprising amount of smugness. “I see… In that case, I’m glad you’re not bothered by it.”

“Not at all,” Syn replied, though they didn’t tell him that it was helping either. The last thing they needed was to give him reason to eat them again. Crossing their arms over their chest, they reminded him, “Don’t forget to let Grim know about this, okay? You don’t have to say you ate me, you can just say I’m spending the night or whatever.”

“I’ve not forgotten,” he chuckled, everything moving slightly as he presumably began to walk again. “I must ensure your sleep however, so please, listen.”

“Wait, you EATING me wasn’t the whole thing to get me to sleep?”

“No,” Malleus purred louder for a moment, amusement dripping from the one word alone. “It was merely to ensure you wouldn’t try to resist or run away. As much as your fearlessness and tenacity are endearing, it’s not ideal when you refuse my assistance.”

“Ugh, of course,” Syn groaned a bit, crossing their arms over their chest and leaning back into the stomach wall with a slight huff. “I mean, fair, but c’mon man.”

They were met with a purr-laced chuckle before he said once more, “Please, Child of Man, listen.”

“Listening,” they replied grumpily, wondering what he was going to say.

But, he said nothing.

Instead, the purring petered out and he cleared his throat before beginning to hum out a tune. A lullaby from the sound of it. It was a pleasant surprise, the song unable to be escaped from within the man humming it.

“Huh.” Syn found themself tilting their head slightly, finding the tune even more effective at taking hold of the grogginess at the edges of their mind. Before they knew it, they found their eyes struggling to remain open as their body relaxed into the curvature of the shifting wall they laid against.

With the sluggish thought that they should take advantage of the hours until class time, they allowed sleep to overtake them, slipping into dark warmth. Both within and without.

[qierxing]

Be Still, My Heart!

Yan!Twst Isekai AU

Pt.1 Persevere, My Player! | Pt.2 | Pt.3 Oh, Woe is me...

CW/TW: Strangulation, implied dubcon

It feels like time doesn’t pass the way you want it to. 

You want to breathe a sigh of relief when winter break rolls around, but there seems to be a strange heckling happening amongst Ace and Deuce, who both nag you to go join them in their respective homes for the holiday. The rest of the Heartslabyul gang join as well, stubborn about having to be separate from you, but Grim manages to fend them off, screeching that he would NOT tolerate having his henchman abandon him at Ramshackle. 

Their faces darken, but ultimately they each disappear in the mirror without more trouble. You can’t say that about Leona—he practically threatened to drag you with him to Afterglow Savannah to meet his family. What for, you have no idea. It doesn't help that Ruggie, despite being buried behind mountains of food, also bugs you to join them. Jack doesn't say anything, but you can see how his ears shift back as his tail wags apprehensively in anticipation. They both leave with tails between their legs at your shaking head.

And then it’s all too quick when you’re embroiled in Jamil’s plans and dragged to Scarabia dorm against your will. (You tried to fight against his magic, but you guess you don't have that kind of plot armor) Weird–you don’t remember Kalim being this enthusiastic about seeing you nor Jamil being this kind to you in the game. You try to enjoy the luxurious foods the Scalding Sands has to offer, but it's hard to do that when Kalim has practically pushed himself into your side, beaming and piling up your plate not unlike a hovering mother. You push to stop him, afraid of this outright favoritism further deepening Jamil's resentment; but you're shocked speechless when he just quietly refills your glass and tells you to eat more with a smile so genuine, you think you're dreaming. 

The brainwashing begins, but it seems only you are free from Kalim’s ire, and you’re unsure whether to be glad to be spared of the dreadful death march or fearful of the fact that his hand on your waist is tight and unyielding as he bellows out commands for his house mates. 

The obvious favoritism makes it that much easier to be alienated by spiteful and bitter Scarabian students and more painful knowing that Jamil was the cause of it all. And when Kalim’s eyes sparkle at you as the two of you soar in the night sky, your heart clenches as you think about how Kalim was so blind to Jamil's pain and anger. Or maybe he's choosing to willfully look away, afraid of what lies in his vice housewarden's eyes. Or is it just because he really is so innocent as a spoiled rich kid? You often wondered this when you read through the dialogue back home.

If there was one thing you hoped with all your might to change, it was the part where you crash into the Mostro Lounge. It may have been a foolish thought, but you really hoped that you would have better senses to control the carpet to escape back out to Ramshackle—but to no avail. And soon as your dizzy gaze clears, you’re face to face with three sharp grins. A fight ensues, as per the story, but what you did not anticipate was Azul kneeling down and cooing at how frightened you must be instead of insulting you in the game. The difference is chilling, in your opinion. 

Grim fills the trio in about your situation–even though you tried desperately to silence him–Azul's grin stretches wider and your heart drops.

"Why, we must lend a hand to help our dear classmates!"

You forgot how much Azul coveted Jamil in the game. Two kindred personalities: of course he would just be over the moon at the chance to rope Jamil into his house. But why is it that it seems that he has another motive for helping Scarabia?

There’s a kindling of rage in Jamil’s eyes when the five of you trot right back up to the snake’s den, figuratively speaking. It sparks and seethes when his eyes catch onto the way Azul’s arm is wrapped tightly around your shoulders and your defeated looking face. His fingers twitch, and you start to fear Jamil overblotting right then and there.

For once, Kalim’s disturbance is welcomed. He’s back to his usual self, grinning and beaming as he announces another feast. You wonder if you can beat a hasty retreat back to Ramshackle, but as the thought comes to your mind, Kalim grabs your hand and drags you to the lounge area, much to your chagrin. You’re sitting firmly in between him and Jamil, and the latter makes quick work to make sure you’re well within his coil to not make any rash moves to leave.

The Octavinelle trio makes quick work of sniffing out Jamil’s plan and soon enough, Jamil overblots, unable to take the fact he has been exposed. However, Jamil grabs you and sends the others flying. While you’re somewhat glad you’re not facing the fate of your fellow companions, you’d almost take being thrown than being in the grip of Jamil, whose snakes are winding their way around your limbs. It’s getting harder and harder to breathe and as tears flow down your face, Jamil smirks so widely, his bloodshot eyes dribbling black ink, and from there, it goes black.

You don’t recall what happened. If anything, you’re too scared to ask, because there’s a myriad of dark, diamond scale shaped bruises on your hips, your legs, your arms, and your neck. You can’t even speak, for one, because it feels like your throat has swollen and clogged. Jamil doesn’t meet your eyes and Grim doesn’t explain either, pupils looking guiltily to the side. Kalim is bawling, but you just want to go back home. You can’t, you can’t—

“Great Seven, [First]—!” It’s Azul who notices first how much you’re hyperventilating and despite how much you thrashed, Jade and Floyd manage to pin you down to the stone floor. You think you hit your head. You might’ve bit someone, because the taste of iron still lingers on your tongue. But it doesn’t matter, because somehow they manage to knock you unconscious. 

You wake up a second time in the same familiar bed for the past few days. What you don’t expect is that Ace and Deuce are there, and the mere sight of them makes you hug them and start messily sobbing. By the time your tears have mostly dried, you’re so drained and tired that you can’t comprehend the dark look the two exchange. You know around this time Kalim is throwing another banquet to celebrate Jamil’s recovery, but you can’t even fathom finding the energy to attend. When Grim tells you about the party, you only quietly tell him to go on his own—you’ll be heading back to Ramshackle. Grim worriedly asks after you but you shake your head and tell him to have fun, that you’re just a bit tired.

Ace and Deuce escort you back, but they stubbornly insist on staying until you ‘feel better’. If it weren’t for the fact that you threatened to call their parents yourself and tell them they’re shirking their family celebrations, you might’ve had to continue to deal with the two. Finally, the silence that falls on Ramshackle has never been so calming, the creaking and groaning soothing your heart, a contrast to the dry brittle wind that blew through sand grains. 

A card is left on your doorstep, and you’re not even phased as you open it to read a ‘Happy Holidays from M.D’. You feel a twinge of guilt for not being able to greet Lilia nor Hornton, whose true identity you’re well aware of. As you ponder over the card, two shadows loom over you.

“[First]!” The card nearly crumples in your grip as you process the voice and look up to see the very two people you don’t want to see. Kalim grasps at your shoulders, ruby eyes glinting with sincere worry and guilt as he goes on and on about some kind of apology and wanting to repay you and you’re this close to having another meltdown when Kalim is finally dragged back.

“Give them some space, Kalim.” Jamil’s calm voice sends shivers down your back and you resist the urge to slam the door in both of their faces, if only to maintain a polite facade. You tell the two with a shaky voice that there’s no need for repayment but it’s overall steamrolled by the both of them finally in agreement over one thing: they have to repay for all you’ve done for the two of them.

They attend to you in bed, cook for you, and help you fix leaks and cracks in Ramshackle, but there’s a sense of unease always lingering. Maybe it was the distrust left over by dealing with Azul, but now, you’re more afraid of what you have to owe Kalim and Jamil for taking the time of their day to look after you. Even if Kalim smiles and hugs you so sweetly, even if Jamil brings you the most fragrant and delicious tasting foods, you can’t help but only feel overwhelmed. It’s only when duties call them back and Grim returns, that you can finally breathe easy.

The snow fall has stopped and the weather lightens in the coming days. When the Headmaster finally returns from his own vacation, you visit privately and request some more days off. He grants it easily, surprisingly, most likely at the haunted dead look within your eyes, and you lumber off to your dorm to seclude yourself. You don’t want to see anyone from NRC if you can help it. Grim doesn’t question the extended break, only glad for more days off.

The stories of the villains are unfolding, but it’s not unfolding the way you expected it.

“Hi there, my name is Neige! Neige Leblanch!” You’re standing in stunned silence as the RSA student beams at you. Of course you know who this man is. This…most definitely wasn’t in the story. Pomefiore’s arc—it hasn’t even started! Was Neige supposed to be on NRC’s campus this early in the game? 

“[First]…” You can only respond robotically. Actually, why is this guy here at Ramshackle grounds?!

“Sorry to bother you, do you happen to know where the main building is? I think I got myself lost.” He asks sheepishly, rubbing his head with his signature sweet smile. 

Of course, you escort him back to the main castle and the two of you actually hit it off rather well. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s actually genuinely kind and thoughtful and there isn’t anything you need to worry about in terms of faux paus. He gives you his phone number to call and text, despite your protests (after all, you don’t really want his adoring fans to come for your throat next), but he insists, taking your phone and inputting it himself. He finally waves goodbye, telling you to text soon. You want to be glad that you met him but…

There’s a small wiggling suspicion. The castle is so easily viewable from all parts of the campus—there’s no way he would have not seen it. Could he have…? No. You shake your head. In the end, there’s no way he, who was essentially Snow White's counterpart, would have asked you for directions with malicious intentions. 

Right?

[brainlessrot]

Twisted Wonderland characters as “If i jump at them they will most definitely catch me in their arms” Part 3/5

Contents ;; GN!MC (referred as Prefect) mentions of minor injuries, can be seen as platonic or romantic!

Characters ;; Octavinelle and Scarabia Dorm members

☰ Menu

| Part 1, Heartslabyul |

| Part 2, Savanaclaw | 

| Part 3, Octavinelle + Scarabia | <

| Part 4, Pomefiore + Ighnihyde |

| Part 5, Diasomnia |

| Extra part, Staff Members |

Prompt: Ace dares you to jump at the first person to come around the corner to see if they'll catch you.

Azul ;; seven help him, he's still not completely used to his land body, even less legs! He'll be falling flat on the floor

Great, now you're about to murder this guy just because Ace told you to. Look at him! He's just trying to read his (evil little) book! And here you come, ready to jump at him, and even if it makes you end in jail, you can't chicken out of it now.

The moment he hears you running at him as if he was a bucket of chum makes him freak out. He's looking around wildly trying to figure out what is happening, his weird, fleshy legs aren't responding to him. like his tentacles would, and he stays frozen in fear.

When you jump at him, he lets the book fall at his feet, lifting his arms. Was that a weak attempt to hold you or was he only trying to protect his face? After all, glasses are very expensive. Perhaps both, perhaps none.

His body crashes against the floor quite harshly, you must admit, and you even fear that you actually ended his life, but his groaning states that no, even if his usually perfect dorm uniform was quite… ragged and disheveled to be nice, he was still breathing and alive. Good! Now Grim doesn't have to worry about you getting him tuna from jail!

Now, you help him up, asking for forgiveness. He's still quite dizzy, so please help him get to his dorm, and maybe treat him to something nice.

Jade ;; ah… you would be better off falling down a cliff. He will surely grab you, even if he has to drop something… but it will have a price for you.

You looked at Ace, begging him with your eyes to back let you back off of the dare. You did NOT want to die yet. The only response you got was a shitty smirk and a push from Ace.

You noted mentally that you would make his life terrible for making you do this.

You took a strong breath before bolting in his direction, at which he quickly reacted, looking at you with a surprised face, but only for a second, before the corner of his lips lifted slightly, a sardonic smile on his face that showed his sharp and dangerous teeth.

“Oya?” He dropped the stacks of papers and notebooks he was holding, probably for class or for the lounge. It didn't matter either way, as they laid forgotten at his feet while his arms were now occupied with your body, his hands under your legs to support your weight. “What are you doing, Prefect?” His smile sent shivers down your spine, and you tried to get as physically far as possible, but his hold on you didn’t allow much distance.

“Hmm, don’t you think you could have gotten quite… hurt?” You believe he was the danger. As he saw you struggle, he tightened his grasp on you for a second, before actually letting you down. You could feel the way those teeth that showed behind his smile could sink in your flesh and tear it apart, and you did not want to experience it any time soon, so you sank further away from him.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Your body froze as he stared at you, his arm pointing down at the mess you had created. “Don’t think you’re getting away without paying for causing this chaos, it’s your fault, after all.”

Yeah, Ace was mentally preparing what outfit he was going to wear at your funeral.

Floyd ;; depends on his mood, either he grabs you and slings you over his shoulder like a potato sack and runs away, turns around and leaves without acknowledging you or (in the worst possible scenario) slams you against the floor for annoying him, lets hope its the most peaceful option.

Your eyes widen, you don't even know how to react. Sure, he could catch you (and squeeze you in the process) but if he was in a bad mood, you could also end in the hospital easily, and you did not want to put your life on a dice roll. Idia was the RNG god, not you.

But apparently, today you were the Seven’s favourite, since Floyd, the moment he laid eyes on you, smiled and enthusiastically waved his hand high in the air.

“Lil’ Shrimpy!!” He started speed walking at you, and you used that to your opportunity, starting to sprint in his direction.

His smile widened, showing off his sharp teeth. He stopped moving, opting instead to spread his legs to get a better footing and opening his arms, ready to catch you.

You both were smiling as you crashed into each other. He quickly held onto you, spinning you both around for a couple of seconds.

“Shrimpy!!!! That was so fun! Let’s do it again!!” His arms around you are tightening, not enough to crush you or break a rib…yet, but enough so that you could not squirm against his hold. “Ohh, but if I’m late, Azul will punish me by making me do the dishes…” His smile faltered, but it quickly was replaced by one of his toothy grins. “I know! I know! I’ll bring you with me!”

And then, he slung you on his shoulder, putting a hand at the back of your knee for support. You tried hitting his back but he didn’t care, only laughing and even shaking you around as revenge. 

You got very strange looks as you both walked through the corridors towards the mirror chamber.

Kalim ;; HE TRIES, he is capable of lifting you up, but he might get startled and fall with you.

Uh oh, you’re gonna make Jamil’s headache even worse.

Kalim smiles as he sees you. If he was the sun, he looked at you as if you were his sky. He smiled bright enough to blind you, but that didn't stop you coming at full speed at him.

The moment you did not stop, he looked confused, almost scared. Did you turn on him? Absolutely not, he told himself, you were way too nice to sell yourself to one of those noble families that wanted him gone, he trusted you.

Therefore, he was not that startled when you opened your arms and jumped at him, his smile widened even more, which would torment you until your death if you actually made him topple over and hurt even a single ONE of the hairs in his head.

Jamil, even at Scarabia Dorm, could sense that some trouble was happening.

He actually managed to grab you on time! He held you tight to his body, spinning on his heels a couple of times, twirling you both. His laugh crackled through the air, and damn the Seven, it was so contagious. You could not manage to not laugh with him.

He lets you softly on the floor, but still holds onto you, his arms around yours.

He gently swayed you both around, going around some flower pots in the garden.

As he hugged you tight, his foot got caught on a stray root, and as his hold on you was pretty strong, dragged you down with him.

You were worried that you hurt him, but he only laughed, his eyes closed and wrinkling at the edges.

"Woops." Was the only thing he said before you joined in his giggling.

But let's not forget Jamil, who was now running around in search of Kalim.

Jamil ;;  poor jamil, he will most definitely catch you, but may scold you afterwards, please dont stress him out even more, if you say you trusted him to catch you, he’ll be a blushing mess

He had been sent to retrieve the notes Kalim had accidentally left at Crewel's class when he spotted you and Ace. And the way he whispered to you didn’t give him any good feelings.

He tried to spin on his heels and speed-walk away from you two as fast as he could, but as quick as that might have been, it wouldn’t surpass the speed at which you were already running at him.

Even as he tried to zig zag to get you off of his trail, you did not give up, so, the only thing he could do now was accept his fate. He spun around again. For the seven, he only wanted to finish his chores quickly and go back to Scarabia!

“What do you want prefe-EHK.” The moment he was facing you he had you already jumping at him, and the only response he could muster was dropping Kalim’s notes to pass his arms around you so you both wouldn’t fall and get hurt. He was, to say the least, shocked, what were you trying to do? Why would you do that? How could you do that? Why him!? It’s not as if you were sure he would have caught you, you could have fallen to the floor! He could have just ignored you, and continued walking away!

He tried asking you, but as you told him that you did it because you were sure he wouldn't have done that, he hid his face in your shoulder, unable to look you in the eye.

The moment he left you on the floor, he tried to clean the mess you had caused as quickly as possible, and refused you (multiple times) when you offered to help him. When he was done, he left as if he had never been there, well, except for a forgotten piece of paper with messily scribbled words on it.

“Thank you.” It said.