summary: a beaded competition for yuu's affections type of post: drabbles characters: all students additional info: platonic or romantic, gender neutral reader, reader is yuu, based on an ask I got a while ago, fluffy, predictable sappy ending
Word travels fast at Night Raven College.
Gossip, secrets, whispers exchanged in the darkened halls, from student to professor, to professor to ghost, to student again.
The Ramshackle Prefect was beaming, bright as the dawn itself on Monday morning, a string of blue plastic beads on one arm. They seldom smiled so much, and for good reason- but Monday, they were glowing, holding out their wrist, and telling anyone who would listen about the gift their "best friend" had given them. It was an enthralling sight.
Deuce Spade, the poor, sweet boy, had become patient zero.
Word travels faster at Night Raven College when it's about the Prefect.
Deuce Spade had claimed title of best friend with a string and sixteen translucent plastic beads, something that made Ace Trappola itch. He didn't care! He didn't! Of course, he stayed up all night, trying and failing and trying again, to tie the tiny knot on a black-and-red beaded bracelet. But that didn't mean he cared!
It's on your arm, right above Deuce's, on Tuesday.
"Thank you, Ace!" you had smiled, announcing it to the entire unbirthday party. "You really are my best friend!"
Ace looked over his shoulder to smugly grin at his dormmates. "Aww, this old thing? It's nothing, just thought your wrist looked a little lonely with only one,"
It was a rather strange sight: the housewarden of Heartslabyul, his scepter and crown set to the side, his back hunched as he strung black, red, and gold beads over his desk that night. Riddle Rosehearts marched over to you first thing in the morning, set his bracelet in your waiting palm, and marched away, his face redder than his hair.
Trey Clover had forgotten all about homework, promising Deuce two week's worth of dish duty in exchange for beads and string. Forest green and black. He was too shy to give it to you himself, and left it at your doorstep in a basket of tea leaves and leftover tart. It smells of vanilla.
Cater Diamond made sure to snap a pic of his bracelet on your arm, black, red, and orange beads, with his and your initials right next to each other. "#BFFs #besties"
His Magicam story was viewed over 6,000 times.
...Mostly by the same people, over and over.
Ruggie Bucchi had a different take on the situation. See, he didn't have the kinda cash to spend on beads and string and fancy charms, and so you wore a striking dandelion crown to your classes on Thursday morning.
Jack Howl braided you a simple, brown-stringed band to wear on your wrist or ankle or wherever you liked it. You had told him you loved it, rumor said.
Then, all came to a halt.
Word spread that Leona Kingscholar had tried gifting you an expensive, golden-beaded bracelet from his home, (one that would haven taken up half your forearm), and you had refused it. You couldn't possibly accept such a nice gift, you said.
You would, as it seemed, only accept handmade friendship bracelets.
Kalim al-Asim kept Jamil Viper up all night, weaving and unweaving, beading and unbeading, doing and redoing and redoing again, until he had perfected your friendship bracelet in all colors of the rainbow. Little did he know that Jamil had already given you one that afternoon. It smelled of spices, giving away the fact that he had made it in between cooking meals.
Azul Ashengrotto told his staff he was taking a morning off to study, went to the beach, and collected shells in every shape and color. He strung them on black fishing line, and smiled as he gave them to you, free of charge. "Just something to remember me by when I'm away," he said, his face redder than it felt.
Floyd Leech had started one, but became bored of the tedious beading after ten minutes and decided to dedicate his next basketball win to you instead. Jade Leech finished it, and, while his brother was distracted, lined the teal-and-black striped beads with mushroom-shaped charms.
Vil Schoenheit never half-asses anything, friendship bracelet or not. He would do most anything to hear those sweet words of thanks on your lips (not that he'd admit it), even if that means taking hours out of his busy schedule to dye white yarn in wine and weave it with his gilded initials and red, bejeweled hearts. He likes seeing himself on you.
Rook Hunt, ever the nonconformist, fashions you a necklace out of broken bow strings and an arrowhead from his favorite quiver. He puts it on you himself, his fingers brushing against your throat and lingering on the back of your neck for a moment too long, as if enjoying the feeling of your heartbeat.
But Epel Felmier outdoes them all.
For on Friday morning, you come to class with a bracelet of lavender-painted wooden beads, his initials carved into the soft oak, and he comes in wearing the same bracelet, but with yours.
How had no one thought to make a matching one for themselves???
Idia Shroud 3D prints a bracelet in your favorite color, and Ortho Shroud engraves the flat surface with your favorite characters... they make two more for themselves, as if in a sort of secret club. It gives Idia quite the thrill to think about, though he'd never say it.
Sebek Zigvolt hmphs at the idea of showing such loyalty to a mere human, until Silver and Lilia Vanrouge return from an early morning stroll with baskets of acorns, flowers, and pine nuts for bracelet-making. Sebek and Silver both make theirs in earthy wooden tones and shimmering shades of rose and violet. Lilia sneaks in a few animal teeth and bone fragments. For good luck.
Malleus Draconia, tedious as it is, spends his Sunday morning spinning his own string, and lining it with beads, tiny in his hands, and small pieces of smooth glass and stone from Ramshackle. He gifts it to you with a blessing, a promise of your eternal friendship, in this world and the next.
By the end of the week, your arms are heavy with beads, shells, stone, nuts, flowers, and charms, covered from wrist to elbow. You can't move without sounding like a wind chime, jingling and clinking with each step.
Your friends eagerly await your praises, not-so-subtly asking which bracelet is your favorite, or, frankly, who is your best friend?
You promise an answer soon.
Thus, on Monday morning, you arrive with only one bracelet.
Sloppily made, in soft blues and grays, with the cut-out logo of a tuna can label stuck to your wrist, and a smiling Grim holding the hand beneath it.
Love your works. Can I request a fluffy romantic sleepover scenario with the housewardens x female reader please? Thank you
The Sleepover
( ✧ ) ────── boyfriend stories . fluff - no prns .
- [𝐜𝐡.] dormleaders
- [𝐩:𝐬] Kissing / Physical Affection . Comfort Fic / Hurt-Comfort Vibes . Established Relationship
Note: Finally did your request @alastor-simp, hope you like it!
Riddle Rosehearts
You were already brushing your teeth in Riddle’s private bathroom when he poked his head in, fresh from changing into his immaculate sleepwear: crimson silk pajamas, white trim, buttoned all the way to the top. His hair was slightly tousled from the towel he’d used to dry it, and without his uniform or dorm leader posture, he looked… young. Softer. Like the boy beneath all the rules.
"You’re using my toothbrush cup," he murmured with a little smile.
"And you’re wearing the pajama set I got you for Valentine's," you shot back with a grin.
He blinked, mildly flustered. "They’re... comfortable."
Once the two of you were settled in his bed — everything folded just so, duvet fluffed to Riddle-standard perfection — he reached out, guiding you closer with a hand at the small of your back. His touch was gentle, like he was afraid you might vanish if he wasn’t careful.
“You always bring a kind of chaos with you,” he whispered, his nose brushing against your cheek, "but… it’s the kind I think I might need."
You laughed quietly and nuzzled into the crook of his neck, breathing in the scent of rose tea and crisp linen. He had a book on his nightstand, half-read, but he didn’t reach for it tonight. Instead, he just lay there with you, fingers tracing idle patterns along your back.
At one point, he pulled back just slightly, enough to kiss your forehead — once, then again, just a little to the side.
“I’ve always believed rules bring peace,” he said softly. “But with you here, I realize… peace can be warmth, too. Messy, unpredictable, but warm.”
You curled into his chest, heart quietly glowing at the rare emotional vulnerability he offered. His arms tightened around you, and the two of you drifted into sleep with your hands intertwined, the silence broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves outside and the rhythmic heartbeat beneath your ear.
That night, Riddle didn’t dream of tea parties or exams — only strawberry constellations and the way you smiled at him when you thought he wasn’t looking.
Leona Kingscholar
Leona’s idea of a sleepover was less about planning and more about dragging you into his world of naps and laziness — but the romance in it? Unspoken, constant, and powerful.
You were already under the covers in his massive bed, wearing one of his soft, oversized tank tops that smelled like sandalwood and summer heat. Leona lay beside you shirtless, his arm lazily thrown over his eyes, his tail flicking against the sheets in contentment.
"You keep fidgeting," he drawled, not opening his eyes. "You're worse than a sand flea."
You smirked and rolled toward him, draping yourself across his chest. "You love it."
He cracked one golden eye open. "Tch. Unfortunately for me, yeah."
Leona wasn’t one for mushy words in the daylight, but here, in the quiet dark, he became a little different. He let you touch the soft curve of his ear, his tail loosely wrapping around your leg in that instinctive, possessive way.
“You’re comfortable,” you whispered.
"Mm. So are you," he muttered, his voice deeper and more intimate in the silence of the room. "You're the only person I let in this close. You know that, right?"
You nodded against his chest. “You don’t have to say it. I can feel it.”
Still, after a long silence, he spoke again — low and gruff, but honest:
"...I used to sleep alone by choice. Thought I preferred it that way. But now… if you’re not here, it’s like the whole damn room feels wrong.”
You smiled softly and kissed his collarbone, and he exhaled — a quiet sound of surrender. His hand found your waist under the covers, warm and grounding, holding you like you were part of him. Not an accessory to his life, but a vital piece of it.
Outside the window, the breeze whispered through the night like a lullaby. Leona’s breathing evened out, one hand tangled in your hair, his body curved protectively around yours.
And just before sleep took him, you heard him murmur:
“Stay the whole night. Stay for the morning. Hell… stay as long as you want. I’m not lettin’ go.”
Azul Ashengrotto
You knocked gently on the door to Azul’s room, feeling your heart flutter. Though you'd been dating for a while now, staying the night in his private quarters was still a rare treat — something he hadn’t quite gotten used to offering, even if his expression always softened when you asked.
The door creaked open slowly, revealing Azul — no glasses, sleeves rolled, a surprised blink in his silver-blue eyes.
“Y-you’re early,” he stammered, then gave a quick, embarrassed smile. “Not that I’m complaining, of course.”
His room was dimly lit with soft, bioluminescent blues, the ocean theme present but muted — elegant. Nautilus shells adorned the shelves, and the low hum of water magic pulsed subtly through the walls like a heartbeat. You walked in with your overnight bag and saw that he’d already prepared a second cup of tea, neatly arranged beside a stack of parchment and a spellbook. As always, Azul tried to make things perfect.
He gestured toward the velvet couch near the fireplace. “I thought perhaps we could start with a little tea and reading, or — if you’d prefer — I could show you a new potion I’ve been working on for relaxation…”
You dropped your bag, walked over, and gently wrapped your arms around him instead.
Azul froze.
Then, after a long second, he let out a breathy chuckle and rested his forehead against your shoulder. “You always manage to disarm me, you know that?”
Later that night, when you were in your pajamas (he lent you one of his oversized Octavinelle robes — comically big, but warm and smelling like sea salt and citrus), the two of you lay beneath a navy blanket, the enchanted ceiling mimicking the ocean surface above.
Azul, no longer the composed businessman, pulled you close — shy at first, then more confidently once he felt your hand reach for his. You nestled into his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath the silk.
“I used to think I was safest alone,” he whispered, thumb brushing across your knuckles. “But when you’re here, the silence feels... gentle. Like I’m not just waiting for the tides to shift anymore.”
He kissed your temple — tentative but full of meaning — and tucked you close beneath his chin. The light from the ceiling dimmed as you both drifted into quiet conversation, then soft silence, wrapped in each other and the ebbing tide of sleep.
And that night, Azul didn’t dream of contracts or power plays — only the comfort of someone who stayed not for what he could offer, but simply because they loved him.
Kalim Al-Asim
Kalim greeted you the moment you stepped into the dorm — arms wide, grin beaming like the sun. "You're here! You're really here!" he cheered, practically tackling you into a hug that lifted you off the ground.
You laughed as he spun you once before setting you down, his joy infectious and unfiltered.
His room was extravagant, but in a cozy, familiar way. There were layers of vibrant blankets and embroidered pillows, gold and crimson drapery fluttering from the warm breeze that wafted through the arched windows. The ceiling above was open tonight — enchanted to reveal the real desert night sky — thousands of stars twinkling in full view.
“I made sure the cooks prepared all your favorite snacks!” Kalim said, dragging you to a low table overflowing with treats. “And I told Jamil to take the night off so it’s just us!”
You spent hours sprawled across a plush nest of pillows, laughing, sharing stories from the week, feeding each other fruit dipped in honey. Kalim, ever the affectionate one, would rest his head in your lap when he got sleepy, or tug you into his side like a human blanket. He was completely at ease around you — happy, open, unafraid.
And when it was finally time to sleep, he practically glowed with excitement.
"You can have all the pillows you want!" he offered, already tugging you onto the oversized bed. “Actually, never mind — just sleep right next to me.”
So you did. You curled up against him under layers of soft, embroidered blankets. Kalim’s warmth wasn’t just physical — it was the kind that radiated from someone who loved deeply and sincerely. He pressed a soft kiss to your hair and whispered into the starlit hush:
"Did you know? When I was little, I’d wish on stars for someone like you."
You smiled, snuggling closer. “And did the stars answer?”
His arm tightened around you. "They must have. ‘Cause I can’t imagine anyone better.”
The sound of Kalim’s breathing slowed and deepened, his body warm and relaxed beside yours. He slept like someone with nothing to fear — and you slept like someone who finally understood what it felt like to be cherished.
The stars above shimmered, silent witnesses to a night that felt like magic wrapped in gold and laughter.
Vil Schoenheit
Vil’s room was its usual masterpiece — pristine, elegant, and softly illuminated by gold sconces and candlelight. A gentle mist of his favorite essential oil diffused through the air, and a playlist of low, instrumental piano music played quietly in the background. He was waiting by the vanity, brushing out his long golden hair with slow, deliberate strokes when you walked in with your overnight bag.
"You're ten minutes late, liebchen," he said, arching a sculpted brow, but there was a sparkle of mischief in his amethyst eyes.
"Fashionably late?" you offered with a grin.
He scoffed, setting down his brush. "Lucky for you, I allow a certain level of chaos when it's you."
You knew Vil was careful with his routines, his space, and especially his sleep — so the fact that he invited you into this deeply personal bubble meant more than he ever put into words.
After your evening skincare ritual (which he guided with precision, dabbing product onto your cheeks with a tenderness that surprised even him), you changed into matching silk pajamas — his idea, naturally. As you both slipped into the large bed with its silky ivory sheets and plush pillows, Vil turned to you, perfectly composed but visibly more at ease in the soft light.
"You always look at me like I'm... human," he murmured, running a hand gently along your arm. "Not a celebrity. Not a dorm leader. Just me."
You rested your head on his chest, fingers tracing lazy spirals over his heart. "That’s because I love you. Not the brand. You."
Vil let out a slow breath, his usual guarded exterior melting. “Then allow me a rare indulgence, darling.”
He turned and kissed you slowly — no theatrics, no pose — just warmth, sincerity, and quiet devotion. When he pulled away, he tucked your hair behind your ear and laid his forehead against yours.
"You’re good for me," he whispered.
Later, when the candles flickered out, and all that remained was the sound of your breathing and the occasional rustle of sheets, Vil pulled you close in his sleep — face softened by dreams, lips parted in a small smile. No mirrors, no cameras, no critics. Just you, and the safety of love unspoken but deeply felt.
Idia Shroud
When Idia first invited you over for a sleepover, you honestly thought he was joking. Not because he didn’t love you — you knew he did, deeply, painfully, in the way that made him stutter and overthink every time you smiled at him — but because this was Idia. The man whose greatest battle wasn’t a raid boss, but eye contact.
So when you stood at his door with your overnight bag, you expected him to panic.
Instead, the door hissed open, blue flames flickering low and soft, and there he was: hoodie a little too big, slippers shaped like some obscure anime mascot, and a red face that could probably power a toaster.
“Y-you really came,” he mumbled, eyes wide behind his glasses. “I had like... a 14% chance calculated, based on previous patterns... but you actually— I mean—uhh... welcome?”
You stepped inside, and instantly felt like you’d been dropped into a neon-saturated sanctuary. His room was dark but glowing — monitors lit up the walls with shifting colors, plushies of his favorite characters lined the shelves, and you spotted a giant beanbag throne next to his bed, already prepped with snacks, sodas, and a pair of wireless headphones.
"You made this for me?"
He shrugged, face still crimson. "I-I mean, it’s not like I didn’t maybe spend a whole day setting up your preferred snack distribution pattern and optimal screen brightness levels for sleepover mood… but whatever… it’s n-not a big deal or anything."
It was a big deal. For Idia, this was like handing you the keys to his soul.
You ended up curled together on the beanbag in front of the biggest screen — playing co-op games, fingers occasionally brushing on the controllers, until the competition dissolved into you leaning against him, both of you giggling at the absurd in-game dialogue.
Eventually, the controllers dropped. The games turned into streaming anime. The anime turned into whispered headcanons. And then... silence.
Not awkward. Just safe.
Idia, surprisingly, was the first to shift closer. His arms wrapped around you slowly, like he was still trying to believe it was okay to touch you like this. You leaned in — close enough to feel the way his breath hitched — and rested your head against his shoulder.
"I don’t get it," he whispered.
"Get what?"
"Why someone like you would choose a low-stats, cursed flame introvert NPC like me."
You looked up and pressed a gentle kiss just beneath his jaw.
“Because you’re my favorite character.”
He was so quiet after that, you thought he might’ve frozen — but then he exhaled sharply, tucked his chin against your head, and murmured, “...Critical hit.”
Later, when you crawled into his bed (covered in a ridiculous galaxy-print comforter), Idia pulled the blanket over your shoulders like he’d seen in one of his many slice-of-life anime. You were both lying face-to-face, the soft glow of his floating tech illuminating the pink in his cheeks.
“I know I’m not good at real-life stuff,” he whispered, eyes avoiding yours. “But if you’re here… I’ll try. I’ll keep leveling up.”
You kissed him softly, and he practically melted.
And when you fell asleep, your hand resting in his, his voice barely made it to your ears:
“…I’ve never felt like a main character before. But with you? I think maybe I’m the protagonist after all.”
That night, for the first time in forever, Idia didn’t stay up obsessively doom-scrolling or replaying every awkward moment in his mind. Instead, he held you close, your warmth anchoring him, and let himself drift into a dream where he was loved — glitchy, nerdy, brilliant him — exactly as he was.
Malleus Draconia
When you arrived at Diasomnia that evening, the halls felt quieter than usual. There was a stillness in the air — not heavy, but ancient, as if the castle itself knew this night was special.
Malleus met you at the tower stairs, eyes glowing faintly green in the dim torchlight. "You came," he said softly, as though he hadn’t fully believed you would.
He took your hand — large, cool, and gentle — and guided you up to his room. It was more like a sanctuary than a bedroom: high arched windows let in streams of moonlight, and ethereal green flames floated in glass orbs along the walls. A dragon-carved fireplace crackled gently, filling the space with warmth and flickering shadows.
"I’ve never hosted a sleepover before," he said, watching you set down your bag.
You turned to him, smiling. “Then we’ll make this one perfect.”
He offered you one of his robes — dark velvet, embroidered with silver thread in patterns resembling stars and wings. You swam in it, but it was warm, and it smelled like lightning and old magic. Malleus’s room didn’t have a regular bed — instead, a nest of pillows and woven blankets near the hearth, surrounded by books and ancient tapestries. He invited you into it like a dragon offering a place beside his hoard.
“I hope it’s comfortable enough,” he murmured, lying down beside you.
You curled against him, the size of his body making you feel effortlessly safe. His hand rested lightly on your hip, his claws careful, reverent.
“Malleus?” you asked softly. “Do you ever get lonely up here?”
He was quiet for a long time, then whispered, “Not anymore.”
The two of you spent the night sharing stories — of your childhood, your dreams, your fears. Malleus listened with unwavering attention, his gaze fixed on your face like he was memorizing every blink. When it was his turn to speak, his voice dropped to a lullaby cadence — telling you about ancient festivals, about storms he’d danced through, about how long he’d waited to feel this warmth with someone.
At one point, you yawned mid-sentence, and Malleus chuckled.
“Rest, my treasure,” he said, cradling you close. “I will keep the night watch.”
You drifted to sleep in the arms of a fae prince, surrounded by timeless magic, moonlight, and the kind of love that felt eternal — as steady as the stars above and as deep as the ancient roots beneath the castle.
And somewhere in the silence, Malleus pressed a soft kiss to your forehead and whispered:
"You are my dream in a world where I thought I would never have one."
may I please request Headcanon of the overblot gang + Adeuce when a reader that’s normally very sweet and shy goes absolutely apeshit and TEARS INTO some bully, absolutely roasting the hell out of them please? Thank you :3
of course anon!!
type of post: headcanons characters: riddle, ace, deuce, leona, azul, jamil, vil, idia, malleus additional info: romantic or platonic, reader is gender neutral, reader is yuu
being the magicless newcomer makes you a favorite target for some of Night Raven College's less kindly students.
your loved ones know this, too, so when a group of brutish first years approach, they're ready to defend you. except...
Riddle had seen them coming towards you and already had his hand on his magical pen
how stupid of them to pick on you in his presence
a week or two without their heads would serve them well
but before he can even step between you and the ruffians (very gallantly, I might add; he had it all planned out in his head),
you just...
...oh
even he blushes at the profanity you spew
he didn't even get to scold them
...then you turn back to him with that same sweet smile as if nothing had happened
Ace had actually been the first student to get an earful from you
once at the beginning of the year, and never again
now, he takes great pleasure in watching you verbally eviscerate the other students
it's a... guilty pleasure, we'll say
and Deuce knows not to intervene
he tried... once
after all, he's been in your place before
nothing's better than the feeling of putting some snob in his place
BUT OF COURSE, that's the old Deuce
...he just lets you go on because he knows he can't stop you
...not because he's enjoying it. obviously
and here Leona was, thinking you were some helpless little herbivore...
but can you blame him?
you're always so... cute
skipping around Savanaclaw, all happy to be helping out Ruggie and Jack after practice...
you were bound to run into trouble, looking like an easy meal
he almost feels... bad for you...
but before he can step in and tell the freshies to buzz off, you...
damn, you've got a mouth on you
you switch up real quick on them, and they scamper off to go lick their wounds
color him impressed...
Azul was on his way back to the dorm when he heard you shout
you sounded... upset
and as much as he would like to, he can't just walk by and let you get bullied
damn sympathy...
so, he follows the sound of your voice, ready to intervene... on...
...nothing
a group of embarrassed freshman run past him, scattering in the opposite direction
he steps around the corner
and there you are, perfectly fine, if not a little winded
...of course
and he didn't even get to be your hero... tch
"Always full of surprises, aren't you? Just don't give Floyd any of those new words to use,"
it's none of his business... it's none of his business...
until it is his business
Jamil wouldn't have come running to your rescue like some prince
but he is in the middle of a civil conversation with you!
how insulting! honestly!
those freshmen must take him for some kind of witless fool
just this once, he'll teach them not to disrespect him...
of course, he doesn't even get a word in
he's never seen anyone so...
so...
...brutal
your insults are poignant, your tone sharp and dangerous, your usage of puns perfect...
you're like a work of art
Vil has no problem with putting others in their place
and he has a particular dislike of the brutish, arrogant students at NRC
he can actually sense their unwashed presence in the hall before he sees them
one little snide comment and...
...oh...
oh, my
you verbally tear them to shreds, insulting everything from their shoes to their posture, their cowardice, even their own insults
...goodness
he's going to have to have a talk with you about your language later
but, for now...
...he's enjoying this little performance of yours
Idia starts the most heated discourse over his faves and biases online, but this is different
this is real life
and the second he can feel a shift in the atmosphere, he's hiding behind you
you can handle it yourself, right? you've done it before!
honestly, he has no clue how you deal with the normies at this school
delusion, probably
he'd die if anyone talked to him the way they talk to...
...NEVER MIND!
you're using words he hasn't even heard in real life
even he is freaked out
you can get real scary when you want to, huh?
...maybe he'll just stick with you for now...
poor Malleus
he actually kinda sorta wanted to defend your honor...
he could be your fairytale prince!!! he could!!
it's the gentlemanly thing to do, anyway
and, better yet, he wouldn't even have to say anything! just one glare from him and the perpetrators would run screaming
...the one benefit to his reputation
but, of course,
you are not as innocent and weak as you seem
and he can't help but feel... impressed? with your ability to defend yourself
after this is all over, he'll have to joke that you should join his guard
I need some teasing romantic fluff, can I request the housewardens reaction to being pulled into a random room by their lover and being smother with kisses. Please and thank you 💖💖
Kiss And Make-Out
( ✧ ) ────── boyfriend stories . fluff - she/her .
- [𝐜𝐡.] dormleaders
- [𝐩:𝐬] suggestive themes . mentions of making out ofc
Note: Honestly thing took me shorter than I thought it would to write Lol. And I tried my best to not make it extremely suggestive... But I then realized I have free will and just made it regularly suggestive.
Riddle Rosehearts
The hallway was quiet, lined with the dignified wallpaper and polished wood of Heartslabyul’s east wing. Riddle was walking beside you, dutifully listing the upcoming events for the next dorm meeting, when you suddenly grabbed his wrist.
"Wait—what are you—!" he sputtered, blinking rapidly as you tugged him into a nearby, empty reading room.
The door slammed shut behind you. Bookshelves stood in neat rows, sunlight streaming through high windows. But you didn’t give Riddle a chance to take in the room. You spun him to face you, pressing your body close, your hands already cupping his cheeks.
“[Name]!” Riddle gasped, eyes wide, ears turning red. “This is highly improper—”
You kissed him before he could finish.
His breath hitched as your lips met his in a flurry of soft, passionate kisses—one on the lips, another on the cheek, then two more down his neck. His back gently met the shelf behind him, a soft thump muffled by his uniform. He stood stiff for a second, flustered beyond belief, but then…
"...You're being completely unreasonable," he mumbled between kisses, although his hands were now resting on your waist. "I can't focus when you do that."
But he didn’t stop you.
Your kisses moved down to his collarbone, and Riddle squirmed just a bit. His face was a flaming red now, his breathing shallow. You could feel the way his heart was thudding under your fingertips as you ran your hands through his soft red hair.
“I’m trying to behave…” he whispered.
“But you’re so cute when you’re flustered,” you replied sweetly, stealing another kiss from his lips.
Eventually, he buried his face in the crook of your neck, letting out a quiet, surrendering sigh. “Only you could get away with something like this…” he muttered, arms now wrapped around your waist. “But if Trey walks in, I’m blaming you.”
Leona Kingscholar
You knew Leona was headed back from Spelldrive practice—his shirt clinging to his broad chest, his hair tousled, golden skin glistening with sweat. You had timed it perfectly.
As he turned the corner toward the dorm hallway, you jumped out from behind a tapestry, grabbing his shirt with both hands.
“Tch—what the hell—”
You dragged him into an unused music room, slamming the door behind you.
“Oi, herbivore, are you trying to start a fight?” Leona snapped, eyebrows furrowed, tail lashing in confusion.
But your only answer was kissing him hard.
The snarl caught in his throat immediately vanished as you caught him by surprise, hands sliding up his toned chest, lips moving over his with soft, heated insistence. For a moment, he stood stock-still, blinking, your kiss leaving him dazed. Then you kissed the corner of his mouth, then under his jaw, and he let out a slow, very audible groan.
“You really woke up and chose chaos today, huh,” he muttered against your lips.
He let his bag drop with a thud. “You could’ve waited ‘til I showered, but nah, you want your king like this?”
You nipped at his lip playfully, whispering, “I want you like this especially.”
That was enough.
Leona’s hands gripped your hips with a growl, spinning you and pressing you back against the wall, kissing you with fierce hunger now. His tongue brushed yours, his fangs grazing your lower lip as he kissed you harder, deeper. His tail flicked behind him, betraying his rising desire.
“I should punish you for ambushing me like that,” he murmured against your ear, voice gravelly.
“But I won’t.”
His smirk was dangerous and lazy all at once.
“Not yet, anyway.”
Azul Ashengrotto
Azul had just finished another long meeting in Mostro Lounge. You waited until the twins had left him alone in the hallway before you struck.
“Azul, can I borrow you for a second?” you said sweetly, tugging at his sleeve.
“Ah, certainly, my pearl—wait, where are we—?”
You pulled him into a supply closet of all places. It was dimly lit, a little dusty, but private. Azul looked around in confusion, pushing up his glasses.
“I—is this about the contract I was drafting—?”
You didn’t answer. You kissed him.
The poor boy short-circuited. He froze as your hands slid into his hair, tugging just enough to make him gasp. You kissed his lips, then his cheek, then the underside of his jaw, and he visibly shivered.
“[Name]—w-wait—why now? I-I didn’t prepare—!” he stammered, glasses askew, already blushing violently.
You wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him again, long and slow this time. Azul's knees buckled slightly, and he caught himself by gripping the shelves behind him. His breath was trembling as you ran your fingers down his sides.
“You… you’re going to kill me,” he whispered, eyes wide behind his fogged glasses. “This is too much for a man of my constitution…”
But even as he said that, his hands found your waist, gently pulling you closer. His lips brushed your ear.
“I suppose I shouldn’t complain about having such an affectionate girlfriend…”
You smiled. “You love it.”
“…Don’t tell the twins.”
Kalim Al-Asim
You caught Kalim just as he was coming down the golden staircase in Scarabia, humming to himself, all sunny and unbothered. His eyes lit up the moment he saw you.
“[Name]!! I was just about to look for—WHOAAA!!”
You didn’t let him finish. You grabbed his wrist and yanked him into the nearest room—one of the spare guest suites with gauzy curtains and sun spilling in through the arched windows. He stumbled in after you, laughing the whole time.
“You’re so full of surprises today—ACK!”
You tackled him onto the cushions, landing right on top of him with a mischievous grin. Before he could ask anything, you started kissing him—peppering his cheeks, his forehead, his nose, and his lips with kisses so fast he couldn’t even catch his breath.
“Wha—mmf! Wahahaha—[Name]!! Wait!!” Kalim laughed uncontrollably, trying to catch your hands in his. “You’re kissing me too fast—I’m gonna pass out from happiness!!”
You finally paused just long enough to look down at him. His white hair was a little messy, his golden eyes gleaming, his face flushed and grinning like the sun itself.
“Was that all for me?” he asked breathlessly, cheeks glowing.
You nodded and leaned in again, kissing his lips a little slower this time.
He melted under you like butter on hot sand.
“Wow,” he murmured, now dazed. “You’re… amazing. I think my heart just did a triple somersault. I should throw a party just to celebrate this moment!”
You laughed, resting your forehead against his. “You really would, huh?”
“Of course!! I’ve never felt this lucky in my life!”
Vil Schoenheit
Vil was walking briskly through the upper halls of Pomefiore, hair and uniform immaculate as ever, when you stepped directly into his path.
“Vil,” you said, breathless and determined.
He arched a single, elegant eyebrow. “Yes, darling?”
Without answering, you grabbed his hand and pulled him into a side hallway, then pushed open a door into one of the unused dressing rooms. The full-length mirrors and velvet furniture gave the room an intimate feel—one Vil would usually approve of.
“What exactly are we—mmph!”
You shut him up with your lips.
You kissed him firmly, again and again, ignoring his stunned stillness. His back lightly hit the vanity table, and your hands found his jaw, tilting his head as you kissed a path from his lips to his cheek to that spot right below his ear.
Vil sucked in a sharp breath.
“[Name]… this is hardly a—ah—suitable location…” he said, voice breathy despite himself.
You kissed down his neck, and he gripped the edge of the table hard enough for the wood to creak.
“…I’m trying to remain composed,” he hissed, eyes fluttering shut. “You’re ruining my lip gloss.”
You kissed him again, slower this time, tasting the faint berry gloss on your lips. “I’ll buy you another one,” you whispered.
His hands finally slid up your arms, resting on your waist. His expression softened, pride melting into fond exasperation.
“You’re so bold when you want to be,” he murmured, brushing his forehead against yours. “But you should know… if you keep kissing me like that, I might not let you leave this room for a while.”
Idia Shroud
You had to be sneaky with Idia—if you startled him too hard, he’d vanish into a puff of blue flame and digital pixels.
So when you saw him walking back from the library with headphones in and Ortho floating behind him, you waited until he was alone—just outside the server room in Ignihyde.
You pounced.
“AHHH—SYSTEM ERROR, WHAT THE—?!”
You yanked him into an empty tech room and closed the door behind you. Idia stumbled backward, hair flaring slightly blue with panic.
“W-Wait, are we being chased?! Is this a boss battle? Did you glitch through reality again—?”
You didn’t let him finish.
You kissed him. Right on his startled, slightly parted lips.
His brain blue-screened.
Idia’s body stiffened like a glitching NPC. You kissed him again, this time on the cheek, then again, trailing little kisses along his jawline. His hoodie bunched under your fingers as you leaned into him, holding him close, while his hands flailed in the air like he didn’t know what to do with them.
“M-M-M-M-Moe overload—emergency shutdown imminent—!!”
You giggled and pressed a softer kiss to the tip of his nose.
That seemed to reboot him. Slowly, his shaking arms wrapped around you, awkward at first, but growing tighter as you kept going. His voice dropped to a whisper.
“Are you real? Like… for real real?”
“Very real,” you said, kissing him one more time.
He leaned into you then, forehead pressed to your shoulder, still flustered but clinging to you like you were the only stable thing in his world.
“…You’re OP,” he mumbled. “Totally broken character build. It’s unfair. Nerf girlfriend pls.”
Malleus Draconia
It was late evening, just after sundown, and you spotted Malleus walking alone through one of the lesser-used halls of Night Raven College—moonlight catching on his horns, his cape flowing behind him like royalty incarnate.
“Malleus!” you called, jogging up beside him.
He turned with a small smile, the kind that he reserved just for you. “Ah, my love. What fortune brings you to this path?”
Without warning, you grabbed his hand—cool, calloused, always gentle—and tugged him through the closest heavy oak door. The room was empty, dark except for the faint shimmer of magic-laced torches. Dusty furniture and a grand window gave it an old, castle-like feel. Perfect.
“Where are we going?” he asked, tilting his head. “Is there danger?”
You didn’t answer. You pushed him back gently against the wall and kissed him.
His eyes went wide, not in shock, but in the quiet kind of awe that only Malleus seemed capable of. You kissed his lips, then his cheek, then the pale stretch of skin along his neck. Your hands moved to his shoulders, pulling him closer, kissing him again and again—slow, soft, reverent.
“Dearest,” he whispered, voice thick with emotion, “your affection is… overwhelming.”
You kissed the tip of his jaw. “Is that a problem?”
“…Not in the slightest.”
His voice dropped low, velvety and deep, as he rested his forehead against yours. “You wield power greater than most—did you know? Not in magic, but in how effortlessly you undo me.”
You smiled and kissed him again, this time slower, and something in him finally gave way. His arms wrapped around your waist, pulling you close as his lips met yours again, more certain now, more claiming. His kisses were intense and unhurried—like time stopped for you and him alone.
“If this is what it means to be mortal,” he whispered between kisses, “then I never wish to be a god again.”
celebrating your birthday with the twst boys hcs part 4, ft. diasomnia, the after party w/ the first years
read part 1 here read part 2 here read part 3 here
general tags: gender neutral reader, sfw, hcs for both prefect and non-prefect reader, platonic and romantic hcs, food mentions, runs on the assumption that reader wants to celebrate their birthday, not beta read
author's note: oops forgot to post the last part! finally done with this series of hcs, after this... my next writing post will be another one-shot so see u then!
total wc: 4.9k+ words (700-1.2k+ words each character)
MALLEUS DRACONIA
If you consider him a friend at the very least, please send him an invitation should you hold a party (which, considering what we know of the NRC birthday culture, seems to be expected).
If you’re a close friend and/or his partner, it should go without saying that you should invite him, else he’s definitely going to be more upset than usual with this particular instance. He’s not lashing out or throwing a tantrum about it, but he does feel saddened by the choice.
If you tell him in advance, he’s going to spend a lot of time thinking about your invitation and your birthday in general. He’s probably sitting down in Diasomnia’s lounge, looking as if he’s brooding over something incredibly serious like the state of affairs in his homeland, when in reality he’s thinking about what to give you as a gift.
In general incredibly grateful to be invited. Whether you tell him the day of or weeks before, he’s simply beaming at the thought. It looks a little ominous to an outsider, especially because Malleus is smiling with his teeth, fangs and all, but his inner circle get the details and they understand he’s just very proud of himself.
Sebek and Silver are probably applauding and nodding their heads in approval at the announcement because yes, who would be silly enough to not invite the Young Master, the chance to have someone like him celebrate you (Sebek) and finally, someone has not forgotten to invite Lord Malleus, and even invited him personally (Silver).
(If you’re not close to Sebek, Sebek is heavily contemplating if he should present you a gift as well since Malleus is doing so)
Meanwhile, Lilia’s teasing him about it. Malleus is in too much of a good mood to tell off anyone for what’s coming close to pandering, like yes, behold! An invitation! You just know if the invitation comes in a physical form, he’s presenting it to the three of them. His more childish side comes up just this once.
And then he keeps the invite somewhere safe somewhere in his room.
In terms of helping you prepare a party… Well, he cannot say he actually has any experience in the preparation aspect, whether it be setting up the decorations or making food, but ahhh, since you’ve invited him he’s willing to show his gratitude. Magic will do the trick, won’t it?
(If you insist on doing things without magic, he’ll probably still do it, chuckling about how interesting it is for you to make demands of him. Also considers it a good learning experience, of which he can make discoveries from)
Let’s avoid having him set up any tech needed though.
If you’re the Ramshackle prefect, he does give you the option to host your party in his dorm, but he likes Ramshackle a lot so either place works for him.
During the party itself, reactions might differ in extremity depending on your relationship status with Malleus, and how public the both of you are about it.
If it seems to be similar to the current canon friendship between Malleus and the Ramshackle prefect, expect a lot of people to carry mixed emotions. Surprise, shock, intimidation—all of it bundled up into essentially them finding you fascinating and terribly brave, perhaps fearless, at how you casually have the Malleus Draconia at your party, clapping along to the obligatory Happy Birthday song playing in the background.
Most guests will still find themselves a little intimidated at Malleus’ presence if it’s well known that the two of you are close (or dating!), but it’s easier for them to wrap their heads around it. This is not Malleus the prince, but Malleus, a person you find dear, and clearly adores you back.
If Leona is also in attendance and he is also a close friend of yours (or your significant other), expect a gift measuring contest. Yes, they’re mature, but they’re also boys in a boarding school. Enough said.
Malleus… honestly does not know how to party it up! unlike most of your guests probably do. Most celebrations he’s attended are terribly formal, or more festival as opposed to party, but with some observation on his part and guidance from you and/or Lilia, or whoever he decides to ask, you can probably get him to fit in well enough. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, after all.
Ah, but there’s no need to coddle him. As much as he enjoys time with you, he can manage on his own. He’s not the best at communicating but he was not born yesterday either. The day is about you and he is certain he is not the only one who wants to celebrate you, so go along and talk to everyone else. You are allowed to simply return to him when you’re done.
The fact that he’s trying, even when he’s not the most successful, is quite sweet.
In terms of gifts, Malleus is a good gift giver. Knowing who you’re giving a gift to so that you can best appeal to them is important in maintaining and forging diplomatic relations.
He remembers the things you’ve told him about yourself, about what you happen to like—of course he does, considering you actually listen to him talk about gargoyles, so he chooses a gift based on that. And even when he gets an idea, he spends a good amount of time pondering what specifically to get you.
If someone teaches him how to order online, or someone does it for him, and you’ve shown interest, he’s getting you your very own special artifact… a Gao-Gao Dragon-kun (EN: Drago). Predictable, but still cute.
If you and Malleus are together, he’s obviously serious about you and definitely sees a future with you. Sees no problem in giving you more than a few gifts, but if you really insist on just one, well…
Jewelry is a traditional, and perhaps expected, gift from him. Obviously high quality, with the finest jewels and crafted with real silver or gold, whichever suits you best. Might get it crafted for you specifically, but he might also give you an ancient piece (or set), one with history and meaning behind it.
If you’re not into jewelry, it’ll probably still be something shiny, probably still bejeweled and created with the most precious of metals, something you can keep around you—a bookmark for the current book you’re reading, a hand mirror, a tassel on your bag.
If you allow him, he’s going to attach a spell on it as well, just a little something to keep you safe.
Honestly, if you just make a request about something hard to find (but in his scope, particularly something more vintage or considered ancient these days), he’ll be able to procure it. If you’re human, will probably say something like, Fufufu, how bold of you to make requests from a fae. Are you prepared for the fate that would befall you should you not prepare something in return?
He says that knowing the price was already paid, a.k.a. getting to celebrate with you.
In conclusion, time may flow a little differently for someone like Malleus, but because it’s the day you were born, he takes special care to track the days leading up to your birthday. Yours is one celebration he will not allow himself to miss.
SILVER
Silver, if you tell him, makes it a point to remember your birthday (especially if you’re someone special to him, but even as a friend — or even a friend of a friend — he does remember). However, if you don’t tell him in advance, he gets concerned that he fell asleep while you were telling him about it.
Whatever it is, while he would never get upset with you, he would still appreciate a clarification that no, this really is the first time you’re telling him about it and he wasn’t being insensitive or anything of the sort. A gentleman to his very core.
Similar to Sebek, due to Silver’s training, he’s a good choice if you need assistance in setting up your party. Even if you’re not from Diasomnia, he’s politely excusing himself in your dorm as he helps you (and anyone else helping you) with lifting tables and chairs around, or lifting boxes of ingredients to be used in cooking, or lifting– basically, he lifts a lot.
Feel free to drag him along to cook with you, even though he and others are mentioning that the birthday celebrant shouldn’t be cooking their own birthday meals. Whether he convinces you to stay out of the kitchen or not, Silver’s putting his effort into making something you’d like… as well as practicing making meals for someone.
According to him, he has practice when it comes to baking cookies because he tried to make some for his father when he was younger, so he might make some for you.
Throughout your party he really does his best to stay awake to celebrate with you. You and everyone else think fate or some deity out there must have taken a shine on him because he does stay awake, always managing to catch himself before he falls asleep.
He’s not exactly the type to dance the night away with you (although if you would like a slow dance away from prying eyes, he might just be up for it if he happens to like you), nor is he as competitive as some of your other guests, but he’ll join a few select party games… of which he likely got dragged into by Sebek (trying to challenge him) or Kalim (for that second-year solidarity).
Silver is just willing to go along with whatever you want to do for your birthday. Since Silver doesn’t exactly have the luxury of time most days, this is a great opportunity to hog him for yourself for an impromptu hangout/date!
And he really does mean anything. Do you want to go to town to visit a cafe or restaurant? Do you want him to take you horseback riding? Just hang around somewhere on campus and talk? Your word goes!
Let’s hope you’re not afraid of small and cute forest creatures because if you’re Silver’s close friend or lover, the little birds and the squirrels are going to drop by to give you a gift. It’s very much a “because Silver likes you, the animals like you by association” thing.
Silver’s one of those people who don’t care too much about keeping the gift a surprise, even as his significant other. If he’s unsure, he’ll ask you what you want — it can be specific or something general, and he’ll select a gift based on that.
What he lacks in the element of surprise he makes up for in presentation — the gift wrapper he uses is very pretty and neatly done, and when you read the tag you’ll find his note to be, while formal, still full of heart. He’ll prepare flowers as well if you happen to like them! He seems quite serious at first when he gives you a gift, but after a few seconds he eases into a smile that’s very charming and prince-like.
(The only time he’d be a little clueless about what to do is if you were his father’s significant other and the two of you weren’t close. What should he give you? He feels like he’s in a weird position, having to ask his father about what he could possibly give you.)
To conclude, while Silver is normally quite serious, he goes out of his way to make your birthday as pleasant as possible, and it seems that everything really does go right for him — he manages to not fall asleep in front of you, he’s smiling more than he usually does, and he devotes the day to you as opposed to training.
He doesn’t even seem to realize that his charms have been dialed all the way up to the point that it’s a little blinding to the untrained eye, but as his friend or significant other he’s a much appreciated presence and sight.
SEBEK ZIGVOLT
Dramatic baby boy. As an acquaintance he doesn’t particularly care if you tell him about your birthday a month before or on the day of… unless you’re friends with his Young Master Malleus or Master Lilia, in which case he does wonder how worthy you are to be their friend, but will pass on the message.
As a friend will pretend he doesn’t care that much, but definitely remembers your special day if you tell him in advance. Strolls up to your party like “you’re not celebrating hard enough, good enough! You need my assistance, don’t you?”
Also if you invite him as a friend, his immediate assumption is to wonder if you’re telling him to get Malleus to come to your party as well, or to put in a good word about you to Malleus, or —
Has a bit of a hard time wrapping his head around that you might actually want him around not for Malleus related reasons. Have patience with him, please.
If you’re a close friend or significant other, he definitely wants to know in advance. He seems haughty, and to an extent that’s true, but the idea of failing someone important to him (e.g., Malleus, and in this case you), or not being good enough, both of those scare and motivate him simultaneously. He wants to prepare something special for you.
If you’re close, he freaks out if he finds out the day of. It sounds like he’s blaming you but his brain is already working twice as fast, wondering what preparations he can make and how he can celebrate with you. He disappears and you wonder what he’s up to, he’s actually asking for permission to skip some of his duties for the day.
Strong boy! If you need help making the preparations, he is certainly one of the guys you can go to. He’s physically strong and an expert at running around all over the place (because of constant Malleus searching), so he’s a solid choice for an errand boy.
Sebek and art… he can appreciate it well enough, but creation isn’t his forte. If you ask him about how to decorate and what looks nice, he’s either relating it to something to do with Briar Valley or Diasomnia, or, at the best case he’s relating it to the decor he saw his parents and siblings put up for his birthday parties.
Competitive. Whatever birthday games you have, he’s trying to win. It’s kind of funny since he’s so tall — especially if his opponent is Jack or another tall boy like Floyd, just watching these boarding school boys fight over some silly party game you chose only to get a cheap prize you bought from an online shop in bulk.
Winner of the “loudest happy birthday greeting” contest/game no doubt. “That’s not a real game?” Well, clearly someone put it as one of the games to rig the system so Sebek gets a win.
He eats a lot! The party guest that makes you feel reassured about your food choices because of his appetite. You might notice that the food he touches the least is the one he happens to know is your favorite.
Especially if you’re close, he watches you like a hawk just to make sure you’re doing “the important birthday activities” which is singing and dancing and celebrating and eating your favorite food.
If you’re in a relationship, your guests may notice that he’s barely said a peep about Malleus today. Actually, hasn’t he just been praising you all day? The first years probably tease him about it, and won’t stop for a while (a.k.a., until they find something new to joke about, as most friend group inside jokes work)
Gifts… if you’re not that close, not quite friends, he really does think you’re just there to worm your way into his heart to get to Malleus, so he just offers to talk to you about Malleus. If that’s what you want, go ahead and listen, but try to let him know if that’s not the case because he will not be stopped, he can go for hours.
If you’re his friend, Sebek’s honestly quite thoughtful. The gift is still very much him, either some nice stationery or a book he thinks you’d like based on your interests, but it’s a good sign that he actually does treat you as a friend and listens to you as well.
If you’re Malleus’ or Lilia’s significant other, he also gets you a gift regardless of how close you are to him. It’s a matter of respect, of course. Probably looking for a sign of approval or praise, he doesn’t want to disappoint you because that might end up disappointing Malleus/Lilia.
As his significant other, he tries to be romantic… meaning, he takes advice from Lilia and books (note: many of the books he uses as reference are quite old) on what gifts one should give their significant other. He pens letters and poems that have odd analogies and big words, even pulls out the cursive, but if you’re his significant other you’re probably already used to it. It’s certainly not the first time.
No clue about his budget/allowance, but the type to specifically pick out something high quality, that you can keep with you for years, and practical things that he can spot you using in public as well. It fills him with a lot of pride like yes, my significant other is using something I bought! Aren’t I a wonderful partner?
Overall the more you manage to worm your way into his heart and the more he thinks of you, and the better of a birthday party guest he makes. He’s surprisingly very enthusiastic about your birthday, and is incredibly willing to take the lead to “teach you how to celebrate”.
LILIA VANROUGE
Lilia is the type of person who, even if he doesn’t know your birthday, talks like he does know it. Good at getting you to doubt yourself, if you actually told him, if maybe he has the ability to read your mind or if he overheard you while you were telling someone else. If you buy his bluff, you probably end up mentioning it casually, thinking he already knew.
“Oh yeah, I’m going to have a party tomorrow. Will you be able to drop by?”
No, Lilia did not know, but he’s definitely crashing, so thank you for inviting him.
But if you’re a close friend or partner, would definitely prefer that you tell him by your own volition as opposed to him getting the information out of you.
In terms of helping you out for your party, funnily enough he doesn’t always have the time for it, especially if it’s a last minute preparation, but he does want to help you whatever way he can!
(He could just use magic, but that’s boring. Probably helps you hang some streamers and other aerial decorations, though)
Honestly, controversial opinion, I think you should let him in the kitchen (with supervision from you), especially if you’re not low on ingredients or anything of the sort. Not for all the food or anything, maybe a dish or dessert that interests him (or something with beans, because, you know… Master Chef Lilia). It’ll probably be a fun experience! The worst that can happen is that he sucks and gets a laugh out of you (if he makes you eat the food… just say you’re saving it for the party or something)
During the party itself he, Cater, and Kalim are singing happy birthday and dancing around. Definitely pulls you along to dance, it might surprise you with how easy it is for him to lead you around and even dip you — just how strong is he, actually?
Take lots of pictures with him and get them developed! Give him some as well! Sure his memory isn’t failing him, but he does want something tangible to remember a special day by.
In terms of gifts, it will depend on how “dear” you are to him. It should be a given that regardless, he will give you a “cute and cool, charming, boyish” gift. Maybe it’s a cute trinket with a mascot from Briar Valley/a game you happen to like, or a hairpin or tie with bat charms and ribbons attached to it, a choker or some other accessory in black or pink, something that screams, “you know what? this is on brand for Lilia/doesn’t this remind you of Lilia?”
Definitely gives it to you while he’s hanging upside down. Unless he knows you’ll be upset/mad, will also try to surprise you by popping up out of nowhere to greet you.
Not to be too redundant but food cooked by him is always a possibility. It’s the thought that counts, after all (though if you taste it, you’d find yourself surprised that it actually tastes quite good. He must have either asked for help or was particularly careful in cooking, maybe someone had to go through taste testing until he arrived on a “perfect” dish)
If you’re Silver’s significant other and you know about the fact that he’s Lilia’s father, he’s offering to show you Silver’s baby pics as a present (+ some stories to accompany it), and if it’s really serious he probably getting you something meaningful, maybe a nice accessory that reminds you of Silver’s eyes… or has a protective charm on it. Silver adores you, so he takes care of you by association. You might as well be one of his already.
If you don’t know he’s Silver’s dad, still gets you something anyway. It’s funnier if you’re not close to Lilia at all, like a “huh, Lilia got me a birthday present. Do you have any idea why, Silver?” moment
This probably also extends to an extent with Malleus, as Lilia’s very glad that spring has finally come for him, and even Sebek. Maybe not in the Silver level, but you do get some nice stories from their childhood, and maybe some advice
If you and Lilia are close friends or in a relationship, your gift might come from a different land (and honestly, a different time), something with a culture and history behind it, one that Lilia can tell you all about. He’s an engaging storyteller, he talks like he was there when the item was crafted, or that he was the one who picked it up from some battlefield years ago.
Lilia likes an element of surprise in his gifts, and if he jokes about getting you some object or decoration five times your size you have to wonder if he’s joking at all.
Especially if you’re in a relationship or his “platonic soulmate”, he gets a little… sentimental, particularly when everyone’s left the party. It might not be that obvious in his facial expression, but you can definitely pick up on it in his tone — rather, he lets you pick up on it. This especially applies if you’re human. He pushes aside the usual teasing compliments and jokes about his age to make way for more serious and meaningful praise and compliments.
Overall, compared to you, Lilia’s had a significant amount of birthdays, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t see the value of celebrating them. He finds life to be something precious, especially the lives of his loved ones, so he pulls out all the stops to make sure your special day is a happy and memorable one.
If you don’t have any plans to go on a date with anyone (in which case Ace will complain about how you should put your bros before your you knows), the rest of your evening is reserved for the first years to celebrate — meaning, you, Ace, Deuce, Jack, Epel, Ortho, Sebek, and of course Grim.
When they’re telling their Dorm Leaders and Vice Dorm Leaders about it (well, all of them except Jack. He doubts Leona really gives a damn where he’ll be), they’re like Oh no, we’ll definitely be back in our dorm rooms to go to bed!
They won’t be. Riddle can see a sleeve of Deuce’s pajamas peeking from his bag, and Trey saw Ace opening a new box of toothpaste in the bathroom. It’s your birthday, so they’re going to let curfews and rules and whatnot slide this time.
Vil just has that motherly instinct so he knows Epel is going to stay up all night and fall asleep on some couch or unclean floor, so he simply instructs the lilac-haired boy to bring his night routine skin care products. Whether Epel actually uses it is a problem for the Vil of the future.
Sebek is just… a very obvious boy, who’s oblivious to the fact that he’s obvious. Lilia can read him like a book, and really has to spend a few minutes convincing him that no, he’s not abandoning his duties to the Young Master Malleus by having one (1) sleepover at a friend’s place. Malleus isn’t going to get in trouble tonight of all nights. Sebek only lets go of his reluctance when the Diasomnia Dorm Leader gives his approval.
Ortho’s probably the only good boy who actually just says it straightforwardly to Idia — there’s a 99.99% chance it’ll become a sleepover, so he asks his brother to help him prepare.
Idia’s occasional sweet moments (that aren’t reserved just for Ortho) shine through. Aside from some party and board games, he loads Ortho’s bag with a bunch of unhealthy snacks. That’s what people eat in sleepovers, right?
If people thought the first years were being particularly troublesome during your party, that was them holding back. When you choose to enable them? When they’re away from the eyes of their dorm leaders? They’re far worse, far more chaotic.
(Although they all think they’re the most reasonable one in the group, the one with the most brain cells. Other than Ortho, they all lose brain cells when they’re together, bless them. As for Ortho, he just chooses not to use his big brain for the sake of having fun)
This includes Jack and Sebek, who genuinely just need a push to let loose. Competition is the easiest way for the both of them to relax and have fun. Especially Sebek. Yes, he WILL (try to) defeat everyone in a silly human game of TWSTer what about it?
Ortho is 100% the banker in TWST’s Monopoly equivalent. He’s the one stopping Ace from getting a few extra bills from the bank (because yes, they’re playing the old version with the bills and not the inferior credit card version). They also all have different understandings of the rules so they spend a good 10-15 minutes settling on which to follow and which rules they’re making up.
They have a good amount of food for the sleepover, from your leftovers from your party earlier in the day, to whatever food everyone else managed to bring. The only one who doesn’t bring any is Sebek, and he says everyone should be grateful he didn’t bring any, for reasons more obvious to him than anyone else.
It’s wiped out by sunrise though. Mostly because of Grim and Sebek.
They start a not-too-serious fight at some point, where you are obviously the one recording everything with your phone (or developing photos with the Ghost Camera).
It’s Ace, Deuce, and Epel obviously, with Sebek yelling at them about their rowdiness (while not stopping them), Ortho making predictions about who will come out on top (also not stopping them), Grim laughing loudly while munching on food (obviously not stopping them), and Jack sighing deeply (stopping them… eventually)
Ace taps out first, lol. Everyone roots for Epel.
The obligatory two in the morning truth or dare game involving everyone’s damaged egos and social media pages, and their seniors questioning them about what the hell happened last night and why did the prefect post a picture of you doing… the morning come.
Ace, Deuce, Epel, Grim are definitely the dare people. Ace in particular is all dares because he thinks people who pick truth are boring (in truth, he just doesn’t want to spill embarrassing stories about himself… which is a sentiment that doesn’t last that long)
Ortho is a mixed bag who alternates between truth and dare, but no one really goes that hard on him. Ortho still gives really interesting stories (most of which involve Idia) that make everyone go huh!
Jack and Sebek are truthers, but they do end up doing a dare or two if they don’t want to answer any particularly personal (or embarrassing) questions
(If you happen to be dating one of them… or, excluding Ortho and Grim, you’re dating multiple/all of them/y’all are a polycule, well, truth or dare gets even worse, but in a fun way!)
The truth or dare game is followed by the just as obligatory three in the morning heart-to-heart session where everyone gets embarrassed about the past and contemplates about their futures, and everyone also cries a little (or a lot, but no one’s going to admit that)
Followed by the four in the morning passed out on the floor all huddled up for warmth because everyone was too lazy to get in a bed or on a couch.
To wrap it all up, the first years are at their most powerful and embarrassing when they’re all together but they’re also the only group ever, go stan the first years thank you.
masterlist
and we're done! while these hcs aren't my most... eloquent writings, i still had a lot of fun, and it was really cute seeing people in the tags/reblogs talk about how their birthdays were coming up/had just passed and that they enjoyed reading/were going to read it on their birthdays. so so cute!
Falling Behind
Synopsis: The Prefect has ADHD and was medicated for it back in their old world, but when they go to Crowley for help getting a diagnosis here, he brushes them off. They proceed to struggle until finally breaking down. (+ Crewel basically steps up as a father figure)
TW: Pretty descriptive with the negative effects of The Prefect's ADHD, Talk of medication, The Prefect cries, Crowley says the usual things people who deny/downplay ADHD say, Crewel has the "Help me help you talk" with The Prefect, The Prefect cries and is overall just GOING THROUGH IT
NOTE: I went off of my experience as a person diagnosed with ADHD and medicated for it. My experience with it won't apply to everyone else with it, but rest assured this won't be a fic that portrays ADHD like a silly, goofy little quirk. (This is a pretty self-indulgent fic, tbh)
Many people who are diagnosed with ADHD and medicated accordingly have the thought cross their minds every once in a while of "Do I really need the medicine?" When you're on ADHD medication for long enough, you forget what it's like to not function at the level you do when taking it. The memories of the difficulty focusing can slip away with time and leave you doubting. You were no exception.
Key word is were.
When you got thrown into Twisted Wonderland you learned pretty quickly that the medicine in fact does help and that you in fact do need it.
But how would you even go about getting it here? You'd need a diagnosis and for that you'd need a psychiatrist and for that you'd need money (and an official identity which you did not have as an alien to this world).
You tried bringing it up to Crowley, but he brushed it off. He said the same lines you had heard 100 times before, many of which you found yourself thinking from time to time: "You just need to make yourself work. You're unmotivated." and, while he didn't say it out loud, you could clearly tell that what he was really saying was that you were lazy.
You suppose you should have expected as much. No headmage that gave two hoots about mental health would be running a school that has no student counselor.
After that interaction you had resigned yourself to the fact that you'd have to come to terms with being a student and doing schoolwork with no relief to your condition.
You tried your best, you really did. You sat at your desk for hours on end as you tried to finish a simple homework sheet, but hours passed with virtually no progress being made. You couldn't force yourself to focus. When you did your body protested. Your brain refused to allow a single proper thought to form and your eyes wouldn't focus. If you forced the issue further, it only got worse. Your brain and eyes felt somehow heavier than usual and sometimes you swore they were slowly liquifying to a goo in your skull.
You didn't bring it up to your friends. You felt weird talking about it with them. One too many times being told you were faking or doing it for attention you suppose.
Your grades began to slip. Deadlines popped up when you could have sworn you had more time. You made little mistakes you chastised yourself for. You knew the material. You knew you knew the material.
. . .so why were you messing up.
Assignments piled up and slipped through the cracks. It's not like your teachers could notice how out of character this was for you. They didn't know how well you typically functioned when medicated, and it's not like you told them about the disorder in the first place.
Each night you held back tears of frustration as you tried desperately to get any work done. You weren't one to cry easily. In fact, you hadn't cried since you got to Twisted Wonderland, and even before that it had been a while since you last allowed tears to drip from your eyes.
But everyone has a breaking point.
You had gotten so far behind on your assignments that it was decided you needed more than to simply stay in the classroom to work during lunch and you were put in after school tutoring (although it felt more like detention).
The first few weeks you managed to keep it together. You taped over the holes that chipped away into your composure and did your best to hold down the storm of emotions that thrashed violently inside of you.
Another day of after school tutoring came around. By now not even Grim was having to stay for these sessions. There were other students that were in them, but they were in a separate classroom. You knew what was happening even if nobody outright said it.
You sat in Crewel's empty classroom for the second week in a row. The clock on the wall ticked impossibly loud. Every sound around you was amplified tenfold and you could feel it wearing on you. Your arms shook in a sick combination of frustration and exhaustion as you tried in vain to get one question done.
You could feel the ugly jaws of your pent-up emotions gnashing away at your already tattered walls of composure.
Crewel sighed as you once again failed to answer the question: "Look, I really do want to help you, but in order for that to happen I need you to cooperate and listen to me. Right now, it feels like you aren't doing that."
You had had this conversation with him before; with all your teachers for that matter. You used to it. YOU WERE USED TO IT.
You chanted the phrase in your head over and over again.
"What do you not understand."
He didn't say it in a malicious way. He sounded genuine, just. . .exhausted.
He didn't know. He wasn't aware of the storm in your stomach slowly making its way to your eyes. He didn't know.
You don't blame him, but when he said those words you finally broke.
It wasn't anything grand or dramatic like you see in movies. A small catch of your breath in a short-lived attempt to hold it together and then tears. You choked on your sobs as you tried to quell them. The only thing worse than crying is crying in front of people.
Your knees curled up onto the bench, up to your chest, and you hugged them: trying to hide your face and muffle your sobs.
It was no use. Crewel already saw the tears.
He was momentarily stunned at how suddenly you seemed to break down and could only watch as your whole body shook with the sobs you were trying so desperately to hold in.
When he finally snapped out of it he was still unsure of what to do, so he did the only thing he could.
You felt his large, fluffy coat be draped over your shoulders before he somewhat awkwardly sat a comfortable distance away from you as he waited for you to calm down.
When your sobs finally quieted to small whimpers he apologized for making you cry.
You explained it wasn't his fault and, after a bit of silence, you explained to him what was wrong.
He sat with you and listened patiently as you told him about your ADHD, the trouble you'd been having since you got here, and finally recounted your interaction with Crowley.
He led you to the infirmary not far from his office, telling you he'd be back soon and to rest for the time being.
Luckily for Crewel, the headmage's office was just about as far away from the infirmary as it could be.
He could scream as loud as he wanted without disturbing you.
By the time he returned to the infirmary it was late. He was about to apologize for leaving you there so long but stopped himself.
There on the bed was your exhausted form curled up in his coat and sleeping peacefully.
The next day he asked you a few more questions, and the day after that, he accompanied you to the doctor's office. (you didn't bother asking how he managed to get you registered as an actual person)
You went through suspiciously less steps than you had back in your old world to get the diagnosis, but you just chalked it up to the fact that it was clear by your appearance that you had been going through it.
You got your medicine the same day. Wait. . .did Crewel just tell the pharmacist he was picking it up for his child?
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under a trance!
✦ PAIRING: mammon x reader ✦ SUMMARY: mammon goes under anesthesia. shenanigans ensues. ✦ WC: 0.7K
| MASTERLIST
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“Yer’ so cute.”
The sight in front of you could only be described as endearing. It was cute, unbearably so. The ditzy look on Mammon’s face and his dopey smile makes you want to pinch his cheek, but you refrain from doing so to maintain some form of dignity.
“Thanks?” You answer, shifting his current position to sit upright, prompting him against the wall as he flops around like a boneless pack of goo. You stifled a laugh. Lucifer had assigned you to pick up Mammon from the dentist, which you had initially assumed was for a regular dental checkup. Though looking at the state of the demon in front of you, he definitely had undergone some kind of procedure.
“Who are you?” Mammon threw his arms over you as he leaned into your chest to take in a deep inhale, “You smell so good.” He mumbles with his cheeks squashed against you. His half-lidded eyes were hazy and you couldn’t stop yourself from giving him a quick pat on the head.
“I’m your human.” You said simply. His face scrunches up into an adorable frown as he pulls back to pout at you. The sound of the door opening sends Mammon scuttling back with a groan, knocking his head against the wall. Thankfully, demons are hardier than they look, and after a quick checkover, you twisted to see who had entered the room.
“Ah, you’re here to pick Mammon up right?” A person? demon clad in all white, presumbly the dentist, questions you. He peers past you to look at the patient, who is hissing at him and taking a defensive stance. It was pretty amusing to see a full-grown man curl in on himself to exhibit behaviour similar to the cats that Satan feeds.
You nod.
“Great. He just took out his wisdom teeth and is now under anesthesia. The effects should wear off pretty quickly.” The dentist starts, tapping on his clipboard before handing you a stack of instructions. He then continues to overwhelm you with a long list of aftercare steps that you have already forgotten. Noticing you were distracted, Mammon had taken his chance to cling onto you again, nudging your hand to find its place on the top of his head. You take it as a cue to start petting him.
It was kinda sweet how little inhibitions the Avatar of Greed had when he was medicated. It makes your stomach do a flip whenever he directs you a dorky grin. It almost makes you wish that he could be more forthcoming but his brand of tsundere was what appealed to you to fall head over heels in the first place.
Somehow, the admission that demons had wisdom teeth came to you as a surprise and the thought of it was pretty funny. Briefly, you wonder if the other brothers had already gone through this process.
From your position on the bed beside Mammon, you idly continue your action of stroking his head while he mumbles gibberish into your chest. And you’re pretty sure he’s also slobbering on you if the wet patches on the front of your shirt were any indication. (And of course, you jumped at the chance to take multiple photos and videos and had already backed it up.)
“Mammon.” You tried to admonish him. He lifts his head dazedly at the sound of your voice, and you can’t help but change your tone to coo at him. It was so adorable to watch him preen under your attention. It was a rare sight to see him like this and you were going to exploit every opportunity you could.
You kiss the top of his head.
“No… I have my treasure…” His voice had shifted to a sleepier tone even as his arms tightened around you. But seriously, he has you in his arms and he’s still thinking about Goldie? You were slightly offended at the thought.
“Ya smell like them… My treasure. Treasure!” Mammon roared, suddenly biting the corner of your shoulder hard. A flash of pain jolted through you at his unexpected movement.
“What the-- Ouch!” You quickly swatted him with the back of his hand, glancing down at your shoulder to see the damage sustained. A clear impression of the bite mark was imprinted right on the edge, though thankfully, it wasn’t as deep as it had felt.
You pull back to look at him disapprovingly.
“Treasure!” He slurs happily with a dumb look. This time, you kind of wanted to punch him.
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a/n ▸ dorky mammon has my heart. also i know I'm terribly late for his birthday whoops
"But they need a safe and secure environment!"
"And that, Crowley, is precisely why they should attend Royal Sword Academy instead of Night Raven College," Ambrose the 63rd replied. "Since when have they ever been safe and secure in your school?"
"Granted, there have been a few isolated incidents here and there, but we have been enforcing measures to make sure they do not happen again." Crowley grit his teeth, knowing Ambrose was going to back him into a corner.
Inside the large courtroom, to one side on the large wooden gallery sat fifty representatives of Night Raven College under Headmage Crowley, and on the other side, fifty representatives of Royal Sword Academy under Ambrose the 63rd. The chair in the middle of the courtroom remained empty...that was, until now.
You pushed through the heavy wooden double doors, almost noiselessly entering the court. Everyone's eyes snapped to your figure striding down the aisle to sit down in the chair. You scanned the hall, seeing many familiar faces.
If you had been unacquainted with these particular faces, you'd have thought they'd be thrilled at the prospect of you leaving NRC. However, you knew better.
Riddle sat still, his right heel impatiently tapping the polished wooden floor. He tried his best to look composed, but you could see the worry bleeding through his features.
Leona wore a faux-disinterested expression, and on closer inspection, you could see his jaw clenched, tail twitching in agitation. He crossed his arms while glaring daggers into the RSA boys that sat across the room.
Azul had his usual businessman smile, and if you blinked, you would miss the split-seconds when it quivered, threatening to give away his distress. His gloved hands gripped his knees, and he continued to make eye contact with you, as if he would be able to influence your decision.
Kalim was more open about his concerns. He had an uncharacteristically serious face, and would not look at you. He remained staring at the headmage, willing a solution into existence. Every once in a while or so, he would glance at Ambrose the 63rd, before the frown on his face deepened.
Vil was…biting his nails. You blinked. If one of the most composed housewardens had unraveled like this, you could not being to fathom how the others were truly feeling. He turned to Rook every few seconds, unable to calm himself down. Rook tried to reassure Vil that you would make the right choice, although he did not look like he believed it himself.
Next to Vil was Idia, who surprisingly came to the court in person. His omnipresent sneer had turned into a heated glower. Neige, who had tried to give Vil an apologetic smile, shrunk back in his seat from the sheer aura Idia gave off. His golden eyes almost burned into yours, unreadable.
If the other dorm leaders were stressed, Malleus was absolutely distraught. You could hear thunder rumbling outside the building, Lilia frantically trying to appease the prince with promises that his dear friend from Ramshackle would not be going anywhere.
You recalled how Grim had to be restrained prior to the hearing.
"Well, MC," Ambrose the 63rd started. "The choice is ultimately up to you."
You shifted in your seat to sit more comfortably. You looked up to the podium where the RSA headmage stood. "From what I've heard, Royal Sword Academy is just as prestigious as Night Raven College. Before I consider anything at all, I would like you to tell me what RSA can offer that NRC cannot."
Ambrose beamed. "I'm glad you asked! Royal Sword Academy believes in the comfort and convenience of its students, and you will find that your accomodations are grand and proper, and not some rickety old mansion," He stared pointedly at Crowley, who coughed into a curled fist and looked away. "In other words, we can assure your safety."
Neige and Chenya nodded encouragingly from their seats in the gallery. You gave them a small smile. "My safety…" You trailed off, looking at the housewardens, who seemed to squirm uncomfortably under your gaze. "What about your academics?"
"We follow the standard Board of Magical Education, just like Night Raven College. If you join Royal Sword Academy, you would be enrolled for free, as a gift." Ambrose continued, gesturing to the panel of RSA students sitting behind him. Most of them had heard about you from Neige and Chenya, and you were someone they had grown to admire; heroic, brave, respectable, and wouldn't they be just the luckiest if Royal Sword Academy had a student like you?
You couldn't decide which side was worse to glance at; the hopeful, glowing faces of the RSA students, or the despairing, pleading faces of the NRC students.
You chose to look at your steepled fingers resting on the cold wooden surface of the table, before clearing your throat. "I need to think about the implications of switching schools, especially with an unusual admission case as a half-student like mine. I also have to consider Grim, because he is my responsibility, and we were enrolled together as one student. If I leave NRC, how will he continue his education?"
"Oh, well he could always enroll at RSA with you too!" Ambrose smiled, as if everything had already been decided.
"I'm afraid that's not possible sir. Grim will not only have trouble adjusting to an entirely new environment, but since the teachers at NRC are familiar with his study patterns, they will be able to give him better guidance. I wouldn't want this to affect him adversely, you see."
"You would rather your familiar learn under the guidance of a villain than a noble samaritan?" Ambrose retorted, looking genuinely alarmed.
"I beg your pardon? That's not a very nice thing to say about impressionable young students, sir." You said, trying to sound as offended as possible. "They are all individuals, dealing with their own personal struggles and trauma. Why on earth would you call them villains?"
Ambrose's smile dropped, realizing he may have screwed up. Crowley perked up at your words, and a glimmer of hope flickered across the gloomy mass of NRC students.
"I apologize. It was…a slip of the tongue. However, I do have one thing that may interest you. It is something you've been looking for, for quite a long time now. Something neither Crowley, nor NRC will ever be able to provide you." Ambrose clasped his hands together in excitement, which sent unease coursing through the NRC representatives.
"Oh?" You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is the something that neither Crowley nor NRC will be able to provide me?" A half-agitated, half-excited chorus of whispers filled the courtroom.
"A way back home."
The final nail in the coffin.
You were stunned into silence, and so was the rest of the courtroom. Ambrose stood in triumph, sure that he had the cat in the bag.
"A way back…home?" You repeated, looking at Ambrose to make sure you hadn't heard him wrong. He nodded, his eyes twinkling. A million thoughts ran through your head as you sat in your seat. All this time, the headmage of Royal Sword Academy knew how to get you back to your world? You didn't know whether to cry or rejoice; however, you did neither, instead opting to look at the NRC representatives gallery.
Crowley's face had paled, and he buried his head in his hands in resignation. He seemed to be muttering to himself about how he "was not kind and generous enough" and that you deserved so much more than a lousy headmage like him. Your heart wobbled, and you had to look away.
Unfortunately, looking away meant your gaze landed on the students, who were naturally, staring right at you.
Ace and Deuce were gripping each other's sleeves, with almost comically distraught matching expressions. Deuce was tearing up and Ace didn't seem to be too far behind. Trey's face had darkened, and he was peering over his glasses to look at Chenya, mouthing words you weren't sure you wanted to decipher. Cater's fake, bright and cheery persona had slipped away completely, and he looked at you almost pleadingly; there was no way you would leave him like everyone else, would you? Riddle stared at you blankly, and for a moment, you could almost see the frightened little boy in him again. You had saved his life, helped him get over his trauma, and had been so kind to him inumerous times afterwards. And you would leave?
Ruggie gulped, and he searched your face for something, anything that said you would refuse Ambrose's offer and come back with them. Jack had a vice-like grip on the edge of the table, and cracks had started to form in the wood. His expression was unreadable, and his tail stood up in the air, barely moving. Leona slammed a fist into the table, yelling angrily in protest. The nerve of this old geezer to target their one weakness.
Jade frowned. Well that wasn't a very fair deal now, was it? As ambiguous as he was with others, he looked genuinely upset at this new development. He knew how much you missed your home, him missing his own quite often. Floyd's eyes were wide with murderous intent, and he would've stood up to strangle Ambrose if it weren't for Jade's pulling him back down. Azul knew this was the one thing they couldn't persuade you out of. You had a whole family, friends and places you missed, and to be entirely truthful, they hadn't been very nice to you; why would you want to stay?
Kalim started freaking out right then and there. He blubbered to Jamil, asking him to do something about it, anything that would make Ambrose take his words back. Jamil gritted his teeth, and tried to steady Kalim before he hit something and hurt himself or someone else. He knew how much this offer meant to you, and if he was you, he would've taken it in an instant. He was happy that you would finally get what you had been looking for all this time; so why does he feel his heart lift when he sees the hesitation in your eyes?
Vil stopped biting his nails, and you couldn't help but feel a little frightened when you saw the look in his eyes. It was all too familiar; you had seen it before, at the SDC after Neige's practice performance. Rook had fear etched into his knitted brows. Was this truly the outcome? He prided himself on being able to read his fellows like a scandalous magazine, and yet, he could not tell what it was that made him doubt you. He was unable to see what you were thinking, what you were feeling. Epel had started screaming profanities at the RSA students, letting his accent slip. How could those bratty, pampered boys smile in the face of their suffering like that? He thinks they were even crueler than the "villains" people thought the NRC students were.
Idia's fingers moved quickly over the touchpad, franctically researching RSA's past. He knew if there were any underlying scandals that RSA had tried to cover up, it would be sure to deter you from going. After all, what school didn't have any scandals? This would be a piece of cake, or so he tried to convince himself. Ortho did not understand what was happening. Was there a glitch in his programming? What was he feeling, and why did he dislike it? You were leaving, and that would be a bad thing. But why? Is it because you would no longer be around to hang out with him?
Malleus. He stared at you, and only you, as if there were nobody else in the room. Not Silver, who was shaking him by the shoulder, not Sebek, who was loudly expressing his worries, not even Lilia, who crouched down in front of Malleus, trying to get his attention. His eyes were blank, as if someone had blown out the light in them. You feared he would do something quite drastic if you so much as looked at the RSA students. Sebek glanced back at you, panic written all over his face. He was uncharacteristically silent, eyes pleading. Lilia frowned at nothing in general, trying to figure out why he wanted you to stay so badly when he was used to this scenario. Silver blinked multiple times, trying to convince himself that this was all just a bad dream, and that you weren't really leaving them.
You took a deep breath; you had made your decision. You dipped the pen in the ink well. The room became dead silent, only filled with the light scratching of the quill against paper. Crowley looked up, peeking through his fingers, afraid to find out what you had chosen. You stood up, and suddenly the courtroom was the most suffocating place you had ever been in.
It was almost as if everyone was holding their breath at the same time.
"Thank you, Headmage Ambrose," You started, walking up to him. The horror seemed to plaster itself onto the NRC representatives' faces one by one in slow motion, as you handed Ambrose the 63rd the paper, until... "I appreciate your offer, really. And I know you're a noble samaritan, as you say, so you'd oblige and let me take you up on that any time I wanted, right?"
"Of course!" Ambrose smiled gently.
"Then I hope you don't mind, but I'll stick with NRC. I'm rather attached, you know?"
The first thing you heard was Crowley crying out in triumph, followed the deafening cheer from the NRC students.
The second thing you heard, was a very loud chorus of "CHILD OF MAN", "HERBIVORE", "HUMAN" and "POTATO" before getting mauled by NRC in what was possibly the biggest group hug you'd ever gotten.
You’re the unofficial Vil Schoenheit handler, a role you assumed when you started dating him. Whether it’s calming his temper or redirecting his wrath, you’ve become the only one capable of keeping poor midguided souls from biting the dust.
aka the 7 times you save someone from getting poisoned or worse.
Instance 1: Chaos Duo
The serene backdrop of NRC’s gardens frames Vil Schoenheit like a painting come to life. Dressed in flowing silks and adorned with the perfect balance of sunlight and shadow, he’s mid-pose when—
“Yo, Vil! Say cheese!”
Ace and Deuce leap into the frame, pulling the most exaggerated faces imaginable. Deuce’s eyes are practically crossed, and Ace looks like he’s mid-sneeze. The photographer audibly chokes on his spit.
Vil freezes. The air goes cold. The birds stop singing. Somewhere in the distance, a withering rose drops a petal.
“What,” Vil says, so quiet it’s terrifying, “was that?”
“It was Ace’s idea!” Deuce blurts immediately, shoving Ace under the metaphorical bus.
“Thanks a lot, traitor!” Ace snaps back.
Vil’s eyes narrow. “You,” he hisses, voice dripping with venom, “have the audacity to ruin my shoot?”
By the time you arrive, the photographer is hiding behind a bush, and Ace and Deuce are sweating under Vil’s glare. The two freshmen look like they’re seconds away from turning into frogs—or corpses.
“Vil, sweetie,” you interrupt, stepping between them and the storm cloud forming above his head, “what’s going on?”
“These plebeians,” Vil says, gesturing at Ace and Deuce like they’re bacteria under a microscope, “thought it would be funny to sabotage my art!”
“They’re idiots,” you agree, shooting the freshmen a glare. “But let’s think about this. What if... this makes your shoot even better?”
Vil arches a perfectly sculpted brow. “Better?”
“Yeah!” you say, channeling all your persuasive powers. “When people see this, they’ll notice how your beauty shines even in the presence of—” you gesture vaguely at Ace and Deuce, “—mediocrity.”
“Mediocrity?” Ace repeats indignantly.
“Shut up,” you snap before turning back to Vil. “Think about it. They’ll see your grace, your poise, and how you completely outshine everyone around you. It’s contrast, Vil. Art loves contrast.”
Vil strokes his chin, considering. “You may have a point...”
“Totally! And, like, who would take them seriously anyway? Look at Deuce’s face. He looks like a confused pigeon.”
“Hey!” Deuce protests, but Ace is already nodding.
“Yeah, yeah! Vil, this just makes you look even cooler! Like, people will see this and be like, ‘Wow, he’s untouchable, even next to these losers.’”
Vil finally exhales, his wrath ebbing. “Very well,” he says, smoothing his silks. “I’ll allow it. But only because the juxtaposition highlights my perfection.”
Ace and Deuce sag in relief, clearly missing the word “juxtaposition.”
Later, Trey finds you in the hallway. “I heard what happened,” he says, looking both exasperated and grateful. “Thank you for stopping Vil from poisoning them. Again.”
You shrug. “All in a day’s work.”
Instance 2: Just Leona.
The group is gathered in the cafeteria, the usual buzz of conversation swirling around. Vil sits at the head of the table, eating his meticulously prepared salad—a work of art with perfect symmetry, vibrant greens, and an edible flower garnish.
Leona slouches in his chair nearby, tearing into a steak with all the grace of a feral lion. He pauses mid-bite, glances at Vil's plate, and snorts loud enough to turn heads.
"What's that, Schoenheit? Rabbit food?"
The air grows thick. Vil’s fork stops mid-air, his gaze snapping to Leona like a hawk spotting prey. "Excuse me?" he says, in that icy tone that sends chills down spines.
Leona smirks, undeterred. "You heard me. All those leaves and petals—looks like something I’d feed to the herbivores back home."
There’s a collective oh no from everyone nearby. Jack visibly stiffens, eyes darting between the two like he’s watching a live-action disaster. You’re pretty sure Grim just whispered, “This is gonna be good,” from somewhere behind you.
"It’s called maintaining one’s figure," Vil snaps, placing his fork down with calculated grace. “You wouldn’t understand, considering your diet seems to consist entirely of undercooked meat and mediocrity.”
Leona leans back, looking as smug as a cat in a sunbeam. “At least I eat like a king. Meanwhile, you’re over there grazing like the royal gardener.”
The tension escalates. Vil’s hand twitches toward his fork, and you’re suddenly very sure he’s planning to plant it somewhere deeply unfortunate on Leona.
Time to intervene.
“Vil,” you cut in smoothly, leaning closer to him, “can I just say, you look amazing today? Honestly, I don’t think anyone else could pull off a salad with such elegance.”
Vil blinks, momentarily startled, before his lips curve into a faintly smug smile. “Well,” he says, primly dabbing at his mouth with a napkin, “I do have a certain flair for refinement. It’s not something just anyone can achieve.”
“No, it’s not,” you say firmly, throwing Leona a warning glance. “And anyone who doesn’t see that is clearly just... jealous.”
Leona snorts again but doesn’t push further, clearly uninterested in escalating now that Vil’s focus is on being praised rather than plotting homicide.
Jack gives you a subtle, grateful nod, visibly relieved that he won’t have to referee another dorm-versus-dorm war.
As Vil returns to his salad with renewed dignity, you sit back with a sigh, silently adding prevented cafeteria murder to your list of daily accomplishments.
Instance 3: Theatre Club Madness
It starts, as all things do, with Floyd and his unique brand of chaos. This time, it’s a priceless antique vase from Pomefiore’s lounge that met its tragic end because Floyd “wanted to see if it could fly.”
Spoiler: it couldn’t.
Vil, who witnessed the entire ordeal, was seconds away from summoning a storm of consequences when Floyd, in a rare flash of survival instinct, promised to repay the debt.
“I’ll help with your little drama thing,” Floyd had said with a grin too wide to trust.
That promise didn’t even make it a full day.
By the time Azul appears in Ramshackle, wringing his hands, you already know something’s gone terribly wrong.
“Vil asked Floyd to star in some action scenes for his theater production,” Azul says, clearly on edge. “But Floyd... Well, he’s Floyd.”
You sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose. “Let me guess. He skipped?”
“Skipped, vanished, and laughed about it,” Azul confirms. “Vil is furious. I fear he might—”
“Poison the Lounge’s water?” you finish for him.
Azul nods gravely.
Which is how you find yourself in Pomefiore’s theater, holding a script titled The Tragic Tale of Honor and Glory and wearing an outfit that feels heavier than your life choices.
Vil sits in the audience, arms crossed, as you nervously adjust the overly ornate shoulder pads. “Darling, I adore you,” he says smoothly, “but if you ruin my vision, we will have words.”
“Right,” you mutter. “No pressure or anything.”
Rook, of course, is thrilled. “What a magnifique turn of events! A real-life romance brought to life on stage!” he says, twirling a prop sword before handing it to you.
You glance at the script and immediately regret every decision that’s led you here. Floyd’s role isn’t just action-heavy—it’s absurd. You’re supposed to fend off imaginary enemies, deliver heartfelt speeches, and somehow “leap gracefully” across a prop chasm.
“Are we sure this isn’t a punishment?” you whisper to Rook.
“Every great artist suffers for their craft!” he replies, as unhinged as ever.
Rehearsals are... an experience. Vil critiques your sword stance, your dramatic pauses, and even the way you hold the fake shield. “You’re not a barbarian,” he snaps at one point. “This is a knightly role. Show some dignity!”
The only thing keeping you sane is the occasional glimpse of Vil’s smile when you nail a scene. He’s still your Vil—meticulous, demanding, and, beneath it all, proud of you.
By the end of the day, you’re exhausted, but no one’s been poisoned, and Vil is satisfied.
“Darling,” he says as you collapse into a chair, “you might just be a natural.”
You groan in response, but secretly, you’re glad. If starring in a play keeps the peace and earns you a proud smile from your perfectionist boyfriend, it’s worth every ridiculous leap and over-the-top speech.
You're not letting Floyd off the hook though, he now owes you a blood debt.
Instance 4: Runway Disaster
It happens in slow motion. Kalim, with his usual sunshine energy, bounds over to greet Vil during a fitting for his latest custom runway outfit. In one hand, he holds a crystal goblet of bright red juice.
“Kalim, no—” Jamil tries to intervene, but he’s too late.
One excited gesture later, the goblet tilts. The juice spills. And Vil’s pristine white couture ensemble is suddenly dyed a tragic, splotchy crimson.
For a moment, the room is deathly silent. Kalim freezes, his smile faltering as Vil’s expression shifts from shock to something that resembles a villainous Disney queen summoning her final form.
“Oh no,” Jamil mutters, stepping back like a man who knows better than to get involved in an impending disaster.
Vil’s fingers twitch, and actual poison gas starts to swirl faintly around him.
“You…” he begins, voice deadly calm, eyes narrowed at Kalim, who looks like he’s considering whether running or apologizing is the better survival tactic.
Before Vil can unleash his fury (or toxins), you jump in, grabbing his arm like a brave but foolish hero.
“Wait! Think of the headlines,” you blurt. “The great Vil Schoenheit doesn’t panic when disaster strikes. He innovates. He adapts. He turns accidents into opportunities!”
Vil pauses, glancing at you with an arched brow. “Go on.”
“This isn’t a catastrophe—it’s a creative challenge,” you say, channeling your best salesperson energy. “You can redesign the outfit on the fly, show off your genius in real time, and prove why you’re the best.”
Jamil, who’s still lurking near the door, lets out a faint groan. “Don’t drag me into this—”
“Perfect!” you cut him off, pointing dramatically. “Jamil, help us. You’re good with details. Kalim, you’re... great at handing over fabric?”
“I am?” Kalim perks up, always happy to help, even when he’s the source of the problem.
Vil exhales sharply but lowers his hands, the faint poison clouds dissipating. He turns to you, his lips twitching upward in something resembling reluctant approval. “At least someone here recognizes talent when they see it.”
Half an hour later, Jamil is threading needles with the speed of a man who just wants this ordeal to end, Kalim is cheerfully sorting through fabric swatches, and Vil is in full designer mode, issuing commands and adjusting details.
You’re stuck holding a pin cushion and occasionally offering words of encouragement, but hey, no one’s been poisoned, and Vil’s outfit is somehow looking even better than before.
When it’s finished, Vil studies the revamped ensemble with a critical eye, then turns to you.
“Not bad,” he says, which, coming from Vil, is practically a standing ovation.
Kalim beams. “This was fun! Let’s spill juice more often!”
Jamil groans audibly, and Vil rolls his eyes, muttering something about how his brilliance is wasted on “uncultured chaos.” But when he glances at you, there’s a soft glimmer of gratitude.
Maybe you won’t have to stop a literal poison attack every day, but you’re definitely earning your stripes as the official Vil Schoenheit Disaster Manager™.
Instance 5: Epel, why?
Epel’s first mistake is thinking he can sneak a greasy burger into the Pomefiore lounge. His second mistake is sitting right in front of Vil to eat it.
The moment Vil spots the offensive food item, his entire posture stiffens. Slowly, he sets down the teacup he was holding, a faint air of menace radiating from him.
“Epel,” Vil says, voice dangerously calm, “are you seriously eating... that in my presence?”
Epel freezes mid-bite, the burger hovering inches from his mouth. “Uh, I mean... it’s just a quick snack—”
“It’s processed garbage,” Vil snaps, his tone sharp enough to cut diamonds. “Do you even know what’s in it? Chemicals, preservatives, and enough grease to clog your arteries by the time you’re twenty-five!”
You can almost see the poison aura starting to swirl, and your instincts kick in. There’s only one way to de-escalate this. Compliments. Lots of them.
“You know, Vil,” you interject brightly, sidling closer to him, “I’ve been meaning to tell you how absolutely flawless your skin looks today. Did you do something different? A new serum, maybe?”
Vil blinks, momentarily thrown off. “I did switch to a more concentrated vitamin C serum this morning.”
“Wow,” you gush, “it’s really working. You’re practically glowing! Honestly, you look like you just stepped off the cover of a magazine.”
Vil preens slightly, his focus shifting from Epel to himself. Epel catches your subtle hand signal—Run, you fool, run while you still can!—and starts to edge toward the door, burger clutched tightly in his hands.
Rook, who has been lurking silently nearby as usual, suddenly claps his hands together, eyes sparkling. “Ah, mon cher ami, how touching! Such devotion, such cleverness, to save our dear Epel from the wrath of Monsieur Vil! Truly, a love as radiant as the sun itself!”
Vil narrows his eyes at Rook, then at you, clearly aware of what you’ve just pulled. For a second, you think he might ignore your distraction entirely and summon some ancient Pomefiore curse to turn Epel into a cautionary tale.
But then he sighs and shakes his head. “You’re insufferable,” he mutters, though there’s a faint, reluctant smile on his lips.
Later, as Rook waxes poetic about your “unwavering dedication,” Vil leans in close and murmurs, “I hope you know that if it were anyone else, I wouldn’t have let this slide.”
“I know,” you say, grinning.
“And you owe me a handmade, organic, non-processed dinner tonight,” he adds, though his tone is more affectionate than demanding.
Fair enough. You’ve just saved Epel from doom and earned yourself a little more of Vil’s soft spot in the process. Not a bad trade-off.
Instance 6: Housewarden meeting
It all starts when Idia mutters the fatal words under his breath at the housewarden meeting.
“Skincare’s just a corporate scam for gullible people, anyway.”
The air goes still. A deathly quiet spreads across the room, save for the faint thump of a pen dropping somewhere in the background. You look up in horror, eyes darting to Vil, who has frozen mid-reading. Slowly, methodically, Vil sets the paper down with the poise of a storm brewing on the horizon.
“Excuse me?” Vil’s voice is icy, his gaze locking onto Idia with the precision of a predator that has just spotted its prey.
Idia, realizing his monumental mistake, turns pale. His flaming hair flickers nervously. “Uh—uh—wait, no, I didn’t mean—uh, you know, for other people, not you! Definitely not you, You’re obviously an exception—uh, outlier—uh—uhhhhh...”
You can see it in Vil’s eyes: hexes. Hexes upon hexes. Idia’s social credit is about to go into the negatives, and it’s up to you to stop this trainwreck before it derails completely.
“Vil, darling,” you say quickly, sliding up beside him and placing a calming hand on his arm, “why waste your brilliance on people who clearly don’t understand skincare? They’re the ones missing out. Why not show them how effective it really is instead?”
Vil’s brow raises, his attention turning to you. “Show them?”
You nod earnestly. “Absolutely. A real-world demonstration. I’ll be your model. You can prove to the entire campus how flawless your methods are by working your magic on me.”
Idia, still rooted to his chair, looks at you with wide, desperate eyes, mouthing, Thank you, oh my god.
Vil considers this for a moment, the dangerous glint in his eyes dimming slightly. “Hm. That does have potential. It’s true that nothing speaks louder than results...” He narrows his gaze at you. “But don’t think this will be easy. You’re going to follow my instructions exactly.”
“Of course,” you say, internally praying you don’t end up with a ten-step skincare routine involving rare herbs and unicorn tears.
Three hours later, you’re sitting in Vil’s dorm room with half your face slathered in a gold-infused sheet mask, while he critiques the lighting for your before-and-after photos. Idia has not only escaped with his life but is actively hiding in Ignihyde, no doubt sobbing into his console for letting this happen.
The next morning, Ortho drops off a neatly wrapped package with a note:
"Thank you for keeping Big Brother from turning into a toad. This is our thank you. Please use it wisely. - Ortho"
Inside is a supply of snacks that Vil would never allow, soda and a very generous gift card.
At least your skin has never looked better
Instance 7: Fashion Show Debate
It happens during the final stages of Vil’s meticulously planned fashion show rehearsal in Pomefiore’s grand hall. The decorators are frantically running around, while Vil oversees every detail with the precision of a hawk. It’s flawless—until Sebek’s voice booms through the air like a thunderclap.
“FASHION IS A POINTLESS PURSUIT WHEN COMPARED TO THE NOBLE ART OF SWORDSMANSHIP!”
Every head swivels toward Sebek, who stands tall, arms crossed, utterly convinced of his own wisdom. He continues, undeterred by the growing silence. “Who cares what you wear when you’re on the battlefield?! True strength lies not in silks and satins, but in the heart of a warrior!”
Vil freezes mid-step, his clipboard trembling in his hand. Slowly, he turns, and you swear you see the faintest shimmer of poison green pooling in his eyes. His glare could cut through steel.
“Excuse me?” Vil says, each syllable sharp and measured.
Sebek, being Sebek, barrels on, entirely oblivious to the danger he’s wading into. “Clothing is irrelevant when facing an opponent of true skill! A warrior’s resolve is their most valuable armor!”
Lilia, lounging nearby, starts wheezing with laughter, clearly finding the whole ordeal the height of entertainment. “Oh, this is delightful. Do go on, Sebek!”
You, however, sense disaster brewing. The tension in Vil’s jaw could snap diamonds, and Sebek’s volume seems to be increasing with every word. If this isn’t diffused soon, you’re going to witness Sebek walking the runway in a cursed tutu and heels.
Thinking quickly, you stride over to Sebek and place a firm hand over his mouth. “Sebek, remember the gargoyle incident?” you say in a low voice.
Sebek freezes, his face going pale. You lean in closer for effect.
“You know,” you continue casually, “the time you spent twenty minutes praising a gargoyle in the castle courtyard because you thought it was Malleus in the dark? Magnificent presence were your exact words, I believe?”
Sebek’s eyes widen in pure panic.
“When you finally realized your mistake,” you add, voice dripping with mock sympathy, “you begged me to swear on my life that I wouldn’t tell Malleus. Do you think he’d laugh? I think he’d laugh.”
Sebek emits a muffled noise beneath your hand, his entire posture deflating. He waves his arms frantically in surrender. You let go, and he turns stiffly to Vil, bowing his head. “My apologies. I spoke out of turn.”
Vil raises a perfectly arched eyebrow but seems satisfied with the reluctant apology. “As you should be. Now, be silent, or I’ll personally ensure you end in heels forever.”
Crisis averted, you glance at Lilia, who gives you an approving wink. Sebek, meanwhile, retreats to the shadows, muttering under his breath about unfair tactics and treacherous secrets.
As the models resume their walk, Vil brushes past you with a quiet, “Good work, darling. Though I’ll admit, I wouldn’t have minded seeing him in heels.”
It’s one of those rare, quiet evenings where the world outside seems to hum in stillness. You’re sprawled on the bed, scrolling aimlessly through your phone, savoring the precious downtime. The soft creak of the floorboards is your only warning before Vil’s hands are gently pulling you into his arms.
Startled, you set your phone aside and look up at him. “What’s up?”
Vil doesn’t answer immediately. He sits on the edge of the bed, arms encircling you as if shielding you from the entire universe. His expression is unusually soft, his gaze tracing over your features like he’s memorizing every detail.
“I’ve been thinking,” he says at last, his voice quieter than you’re used to. “You do so much for me. More than I deserve sometimes.”
You blink, caught off guard. “What are you talking about? You deserve the world, Vil.”
A faint smile tugs at his lips, but there’s something vulnerable in the way he looks away for a moment. “I know I’m... a little demanding.”
You snort, which earns you a mock glare. “Okay, fine, maybe a little more than a little." You laugh “But it’s not like I mind.”
“You should. Most people would,” he counters, but his tone is softer now, his hand brushing a strand of hair from your face. “You’ve been working so hard to keep up with me, to make me happy, even when I’m being a diva.”
That makes you laugh, and the sound seems to melt the last of his hesitation. You cup his cheek, thumb brushing lightly against his flawless skin. “Vil, it’s not hard work. It’s a labor of love.”
His eyes widen just a fraction, and then his smile blooms—gentle, radiant, and so genuinely Vil. He leans forward, resting his forehead against yours. “You’re impossible,” he murmurs, but the affection in his voice betrays him.
“And yet you love me anyway,” you quip, grinning.
Vil huffs a laugh, his arms tightening around you as he pulls you into a proper embrace. “Hopelessly.”
You stay like that for a while, wrapped in the warmth of each other, the world outside forgotten. It’s just you and Vil, caught in a moment that feels like love personified—sweet, steady, and infinite.
(this is kinda a spiritual successor to the how to tame your dragon malleus fic)
Been thinking about this eel and wanted to explore his character some.
-- Floyd realizing he likes you/falling in love with you --
Not proofread because it's late.
I was going to add two more but I'm tired and wanted to put something out.
Trying to decide if I'm going to put out more new stuff or circle back around to older stuff.
I.
Floyd is used to things being in black and white. No nuances. It's like survival of the fittest--you live or you die. You're living in one of the harshest environments and his brain is constantly circling back to HOW? It baffles him because you have no claws, your teeth aren't designed for raw catching, and he hasn't met a lander alive that could run fast enough to catch their food unless it was near death.
So HOW are you doing this with no magic?
Under the sea if you couldn't provide for yourself, you made yourself useful. If you worked for his family, that meant serving as muscle or as an informant. You looked better for getting information out of people than you did squeezing them.
Well, not the way he and Jade squeezed people, anyways. You squeezed them with kindness.
Yeah, he'd heard rumors that you were doing odd little jobs like the Savanaclaw runt. Mostly making little lunches and snacks. Sometimes you'd do a 'dorm night dinner' where you went over to another dorm and cooked!
Azul had been begging you to cook for the Lounge, to do a limited-time meal deal, but you could make more money cooking for the dorms. It was funny to see the Octomer practically foaming at the mouth as he tried to calculate earnings versus an enticing deal to get said earnings.
As long as they're not doing anything else, Floyd's relaxed eyes sharpened as his brows knotted together in a suggestion of annoyance. But why did he care, right? The law of the ocean, of the mers, was doing what you needed to do, right?
Why did it bug him so much? He knew you weren't doing anything else but why did the idea that you would--or could--make him want to take someone down in a death spiral?
The spaces between his fingers began to itch as the webbing threatened to emerge.
You shuffle your way into History of Magic wearing something that Crowley slapped together; it doesn't fit you as well as it could but Trein is the last one to make an issue of it. Floyd's gold eye twinkles with interest as he spots the cup in your hand. He likes to think the tea he smells is from Jade since you work at the Lounge with them but it could also be from Kalim or Goldfishy.
The fact that you can have tea, a small luxury in this foreign world, impresses him.
Yes, you do quite well, don't you?
"Hey Floyd," you sit down with a sleepy smile, setting out your meager supplies before holding the cup happily in both hands.
Ah. That's how.
Your smile makes him squirmy and he wonders if that's what his prey feels like before they meet his pharyngeal jaws.
---
II.
He only gets into fights because he's bored. Usually. Every now and then he and Jade will be called down to the Coral to help their father with a 'business venture'; that's an exception. The only other exception is when Azul sends them on a 'last call' visit.
Except for the occasions where he and Jade defended Azul himself, of course. That was way back in their childhood when he and Jade would terrorize the absolute shit out of those hateful mer-brats! Memories of pulling their scales off without getting caught or biting chunks out of their pretty tailfins when trying to go after smaller fish bring a smile to his lips.
Today he found a fourth reason he didn't expect: you.
He wasn't surprised to see Savanaclaw harassing you, not totally. These beastmen were at the mercy of their instincts and traits, too. Mainly stupidity, but having creature influence didn't always help things.
Just like he couldn't help himself from striking when it was convenient. When he was sure he couldn't lose. Moray eels were consumed with cowardice unless conditions were favorable and on land all fights were in his favor. The beastmen were strong, sure, and physically fit but there was a difference between being built for power and built for speed.
Jade may have taken to his land legs first but Floyd was still nimbler than people gave him credit for. The long legs were deceptive, he knew. It also helped that he spent a lifetime in the Coral where the sea sculpted muscle and got him used to dealing with a resistance that didn't exist on land.
"Kinda dumb to mess with the hand that feeds ya, huh?"
Leona would have their ASSES if he knew they were corning you and trying to bully you. Maybe cop a feel? Floyd swung his fist forward the second one of them turned their head to acknowledge him and it was one.
It was a blur but he was used to that. The Coral had obscuring kelp beds, bursts of water carrying all kinds of debris, and seafloor sediment that provided nice cover when needed.
All you needed were teeth and claws. And the scent of blood.
One of them was bound to get a good lick in. He'd be disappointed if they didn't, honestly. The one who tried to grab his earring would know he did something wrong tomorrow; at least two of his fingers were broken. Broken fingers don't matter to an unconscious guy, though.
"I didn't need your help!" you're glaring up at him. Floyd can't help but laugh. He blinks blood out of his eye. Somewhere near his eyebrow there's a wound throbbing.
"'Course ya did, shrimpy!" Floyd leans towards you, genuine smile showcasing pointy teeth.
"No, I didn't! They were starting to back off!" you hiss, pointing up at him.
"And now they're all the way off." Floyd shrugged, poking one with his foot.
"I'm telling Jade," you scoff. You both know Azul won't let him into the Lounge like this. Floyd detests the infirmary and had to be dragged there when he fell ill with his first stomach bug (Jade and Azul thought he was dying). The nurse gets on his case and the area smells too clean and chemical-y for his liking.
He flops down, waiting patiently and highly amused as you rummage through your thrift shop bag for medical supplies. You'd learned to start carrying stuff on you between Grim's overzealous fire-casting and Riddle's overblot. Floyd hums contentedly as you blot his face, nose wrinkling reflexively when he smells the alcohol wipe. You dab ointment on the wound above his eyebrow, scoffing and pulling his chin out of the crook of your elbow. Floyd snorts, pressing his cheek against your arm.
You smack a band-aid over the wound and he clicks his teeth as you glide your finger over the tender part. "You're such a good shrimpy, taking care of your moray," Floyd teases you, yelping when you pinch his cheek before starting off for the Lounge.
He lets you get a good distance ahead before launching off the ground. "Floyd?! Floyd, no! Stop! Don't do it!" you made the mistake of turning your head to look at him as the grass crunched under his shoes, breaking out into a run.
You shouldn't dart off in front of a predator. That activates the hunting instinct.
His laugh echoes as he catches you effortlessly, scooping you up and throwing you into the air like a toy. "Don't worry shrimpy, I got ya!" Floyd laughs, tossing you again.
---
III.
You're hard to find on your days off and that's really annoying to him. Sometimes Vil whisks you away for a spa day, sometimes you're holed up with that blue-burning recluse playing video games. Floyd has turned up empty-handed more often than not, which is impressive considering he's a hunter by nature.
The prey is illusive. And kind of offending him since you're dating but you're not here right now. He'd come find you if it wasn't that time of the month where they were stuck in their true forms, waiting restlessly for the latest delivery of the transformation potion.
No one knows how it happened, really, not even him. Most mers trade trinkets or hunt for their partners but he didn't do any of that. Not officially. He'd cook you something the second you stepped into the Lounge and comb the waters around Sage's for interesting stuff to give you but you didn't acknowledge those courting attempts so they didn't happen. You thought the way he opened and closed his mouth was just a sign of boredom and never did it back.
So yeah, it took forever for you guys to be a thing by mer standards.
You guys were dating by lander standards, though. Little things like you keeping him awake in class and him walking you to the next. He'd buy you something to put in your hair and you'd wear it the next day. When Azul found out you were the only one who could tie his bowtie without him complaining or undoing it, it was his favorite part of getting ready for a shift. If Crowley wasn't so stingy with the phone he gave you, Floyd would be blowing it up.
He continued his lazy laps in the Octavinelle pool, clicking his teeth and sighing sadly. A moray really shouldn't be without their shrimpy. It was cruel.
As if he'd summoned you, you showed up with a float. It meant you wouldn't be swimming with him today but Floyd could live with that. "Don't even think about it!" you warn, hearing the water pitter behind you as he breaks the surface. Floyd has yanked you in more than once on your 'float' days, blaming it on his predator nature. Leaning down to look through the awkward tent of your arm, one foot splayed across the float and trying to draw it close as you wiggled onto it, you met Floyd's mischievous gaze.
The fins at the side of his head flutter, your boyfriend ducking down until his heterchromatic eyes just touch the water. He pulls strong arms slowly and dramatically from the water, setting them softly on the deck as he flexes the muscles of his hands and lets the light play on his claws. "Think about what?" Floyd can barely get the question out, laughing already. His pupils thin as you successfully push off on the float, sending yourself across the water.
Just like that, he's gone. You peer over the top of your float to keep an eye on the lazy, winding shadow. He moves faster than that, you've seen it! What is he--
"Delightful to see you!" Jade pops up at your back and you yelp, losing your grip on the top of your float. If not for Floyd being on the other side and slinging his corded arms over you, you'd be in the water. He laughs at your near-heart attack and the little scrunch in your nose as water flings all over you. "Sam hasn't gotten our order in, I take it?"
"No," you glare at Jade. "He hasn't."
The calmer twin smiles in his usual unbothered way. You've learned to see the sadistic delight in it now. "I'll let Azul know. We'll be working on things below if you need us. Thanks for keeping my dearest brother company." Jade makes his way down and doesn't miss the chance to flick more water on you with the last bit of tailfin. You hiss, rolling over into Floyd's waiting lips.
"Shrimpy!" he sings, genuine delight slipping into a low purr as he peppers kisses up the side of your face and heaves his slick body onto your float. He's unexpectedly soft due to the weird 'hydration' coat they make. It doesn't dull the prominence of his scales and the feel of scale and slick against your skin makes your spine tingle.
He's either going to drown you or shred your float. You're bobbing in and out of the water, head thrust up to try and keep something dry. Floyd knew your prey instincts would kick in and make you flail; he's practically purring at the fact you've wrapped your arms and legs around him. He throws himself back, arms behind his head.
You relax when you realize he's become your personal float. A float that's very happy with himself. You've ridden on his back before but lying on his chest was new; even with your arms around him it still amazed you how strong his back was. Especially his shoulders.
"Happy?" you lay your cheek on him, eyes drifting along the swirls of blue and teal that surround the whitish-gray of his chest.
"Happy!" Floyd hums.
You were sick of the taxes imposed by the aristocrats in your already poverty stricken village. Your idea of a solution? Kidnap their young master , and make them reduce taxes as the ransom, of course. Only problem is that you went into the wrong manor and kidnapped the wrong young master.
crossposted from my ao3!
It’s far too late for a sane person to be awake, let alone breaking into an aristocratic manor, but here you are, perched atop a wrought iron fence. You inhale deeply, the cool night air doing nothing to calm the wild thudding of your heart. Sure, you’ve trespassed on fancy estates before—who hasn’t?—but this time, you’re aiming high. Really high.
Tonight, you’re going to kidnap the young master.
It sounded less ridiculous in your head, but the village’s plight had pushed you this far. Unfair taxes, people going hungry, all thanks to the greed of the lord’s family holed up in their luxurious estate. Someone needed to stand up for the people. That someone just happened to be you.
You’d never kidnapped anyone before, but how hard could it be? Grab the rich guy, ask for a ransom—specifically, less ridiculous taxes—and stroll away like a hero. Easy.
The manor looms in front of you, all dark windows and dramatic architecture. It's almost too easy to slip past the guards. You start to wonder if they’re just really bad at their jobs or if this is some elaborate setup. Still, you can’t help but smirk. You’re so good at this, it’s almost criminal.
Well, it is criminal. But you know, details.
Inside, the place is eerily quiet. Every shadow seems to be watching you as you slink through the halls, making your way toward the young master’s room. You’ve heard the rumors—aloof, cold, basically allergic to feelings. Intimidating him into compliance? Piece of cake.
After a few minutes of creeping around like a ninja, you find a room with the door slightly ajar. A faint light flickers inside. Jackpot. You steady your breath, grip your very intimidating (okay, slightly makeshift) weapon, and push the door open.
Sitting at a desk, seemingly unfazed by your dramatic entrance, is the young master.
“Ah,” he says, turning slowly to look at you. There’s a glimmer of... curiosity? in his eyes. “A visitor. How... unexpected.”
You blink. This is not going to plan. Where’s the panic? The yelling for help? The appropriate reaction to being ambushed at night?
Determined to salvage the situation, you wave your weapon and try your best "intimidating kidnapper" voice. “You’re coming with me! I’m here to kidnap you, and if you want to see your precious manor again, you’ll lower the village taxes!”
There’s a beat of silence.
The young master raises an eyebrow. “You’re kidnapping me? How... amusing.”
Amusing? You falter. “This isn’t a joke,” you insist, shaking your weapon for emphasis. “I’m serious! Ransom, taxes, starving villagers—ringing any bells?”
Instead of, say, panicking or fleeing, the young master stands up from his chair, all calm and composed, like this is a perfectly normal Tuesday night activity. “Very well. I suppose I should humor you.”
You blink again, utterly at a loss. “Wait... you’re just agreeing to this?”
“Of course.” He tilts his head, giving you a strange, intrigued look. “I’ve never been kidnapped before. It sounds rather... interesting.”
And just like that, he strolls toward the door as if this is his idea. You scramble to follow, wondering what exactly you’ve gotten yourself into.
As you lead him through the estate, you’re still grappling with the bizarre reality of the situation. Here you are, attempting to kidnap someone, and the guy is practically rolling out a red carpet for you.
“You know,” you mutter, glancing over at him, “most people don’t just let themselves be kidnapped. It’s not really how this works.”
He turns to you with a serene smile that’s entirely too pleasant for a hostage. “Why should I resist? You don’t seem the type to harm me.”
You narrow your eyes. Is he flirting? Intentionally or not, this guy’s nerve is off the charts.
“I didn’t catch your name,” he says suddenly, voice smooth as silk.
“I’m not giving my name to my hostage,” you snap back. This is Kidnapping 101.
“Ah, of course.” He nods, clearly amused. “Then I’ll introduce myself instead. I am Malleus Draconia.”
Your stomach drops to the floor. Malleus Draconia. THE Malleus Draconia. The name practically vibrates with power and danger, and you suddenly realize you’ve made a colossal mistake. You haven’t kidnapped the young master of the manor—you’ve kidnapped the prince of the fae.
“Oh no,” you mutter, horror creeping into your voice. “Oh no, oh no, this is bad. This is really bad.”
Malleus watches you with mild amusement, an eyebrow raised. “Why the sudden distress?”
You whirl on him. “You’re Malleus Draconia! I— I wasn’t supposed to kidnap you! This is a mistake—like, a huge mistake. I’ll just let you go and we can pretend this never happened, okay?”
But instead of looking concerned, Malleus just smiles wider, a wicked little gleam in his eyes. “Let me go? But I’m having so much fun.”
You gape at him. “You... want to stay kidnapped?”
“Indeed.” He seems completely unbothered by the sheer absurdity of the situation. “It’s been quite some time since I’ve had such an engaging evening.”
Well. This is officially the weirdest night of your life.
The night only gets stranger when you run into his retainers.
“Young Master!” a voice bellows, and you look up to see a tall, green-haired fae charging toward you, fury in his eyes. “What is going on here?!”
Before you can even explain, Malleus casually steps in. “Ah, Sebek. Allow me to introduce my kidnapper.”
Sebek freezes mid-charge, eyes wide. “Y-Your... kidnapper?!”
Malleus nods with an unnervingly calm smile. “Yes. Isn’t it wonderful?”
Sebek’s brain seems to short-circuit, and he storms off, shouting something about telling Lilia and Silver. You groan, burying your face in your hands. “This is a disaster.”
Malleus, of course, chuckles softly beside you. “On the contrary. I think it’s rather amusing.”
Of course he does.
By the time Lilia and Silver arrive, you’ve already resigned yourself to your fate. At least they’ll make your execution quick, right?
But Lilia just grins mischievously, clearly enjoying the spectacle. “Well, well. This is certainly the most interesting kidnapping I’ve seen in centuries.”
Silver, on the other hand, just raises a brow. “He seems to be enjoying himself.”
Malleus smiles at you, as though being abducted by a random stranger is the highlight of his week. “Quite.”
You’re about to protest when Malleus turns to his retainers with a firm nod. “I’d like to speak to my kidnapper alone.”
Sebek looks like he’s going to explode, but Malleus’s sharp glance shuts him up. Lilia throws you a wink as they all leave, and just like that, you’re alone with the fae prince. Again.
Malleus steps closer, his calm mask slipping just a little. “You know, I’ve grown quite fond of this little adventure.”
You blink up at him. “Are you serious?”
He tilts his head, lips quirking into a smile. “I propose a deal. I’ll help your village with the taxes. In return, you’ll... continue kidnapping me.”
Your jaw drops. “Wait... you want me to keep kidnapping you?”
“Yes. It’s been rather fun.” His eyes twinkle with amusement. “What do you say?”
You sigh, rubbing your temples. “This is the weirdest deal I’ve ever made.”
Malleus grins, entirely too pleased with himself. “Wonderful. Now, shall we shake on it?”
And so, your bizarre, extremely non-traditional kidnapping arrangement begins.
Every few days, it’s the same: you sneak into his manor (more like casually walk in, since he always leaves the window open for you now), and the two of you embark on whatever adventure catches your whimsy. Sometimes it’s sneaking into human markets where Malleus marvels at the mundane—like street food or ridiculous trinkets. Other times, you explore abandoned castles with winding, forgotten hallways that echo with untold stories.
It’s almost normal now, the way he expects you to “abduct” him with little more than a raised eyebrow and a soft chuckle as you half-heartedly demand his presence for another outing. The most feared prince of the fae is now, apparently, your willing partner in crime.
The first time you take him to a local fair, though, you realize just how out of his element he truly is. Malleus spends a good twenty minutes, completely entranced, watching a cotton candy machine.
“Is it... magic?” he asks, his (very pretty) eyes locked onto the swirling pink clouds as the vendor twirls the sugary fluff onto a stick.
You can’t help but laugh, the sound coming out far more amused than you intended. “Nope. Just sugar spun into fluff. You’ve really never seen this before?”
Malleus watches the process with a reverence usually reserved for ancient relics, finally accepting the cotton candy as if it’s some kind of delicate treasure. He takes a cautious bite, his expression lighting up like a child’s.
“Incredible,” he murmurs, his voice filled with awe. “It dissolves on the tongue.”
You bite back another laugh at the sight of this powerful fae prince, someone who commands fear from almost everyone around him, completely taken by spun sugar. “Glad you like it.”
After that, it’s a night of him eagerly trying every strange, sticky fair food he can find, utterly fascinated by things as simple as corn dogs and funnel cake. You can't decide if it’s endearing or a little embarrassing, but either way, you’re having more fun than you’ve had in a long time.
As the weeks pass, the more you look forward to your little "kidnapping" escapades, and that in itself is a whole other problem. Malleus’s wide-eyed curiosity about the human world is... strangely adorable, and while he’s still every bit the regal fae prince, there’s something endearing about the way he asks you questions about everyday things with such genuine interest. He’s surprisingly easy to talk to, his quiet intelligence making for great conversation—when he’s not completely sidetracked by things like human street food.
The more time you spend with him, the harder it becomes to ignore the truth creeping up on you. You’re starting to fall for him. It’s ridiculous, and yet... here you are.
Of course, not everything goes smoothly.
“Human!” Sebek shouts dramatically one afternoon as you and Malleus return from yet another outing. “How dare you abduct the Young Master again!”
You roll your eyes, half-expecting this by now. “Sebek, I’ve told you before. He wants me to kidnap him.”
Sebek bristles, sputtering indignantly, his green hair practically standing on end. “Lies! The Young Master would never allow—”
“Sebek,” Malleus interrupts, his tone calm, but with that unmistakable edge that immediately silences his retainer. “I went willingly. Again.”
Sebek’s jaw drops, looking like someone just told him the sky isn’t blue. “But... Young Master...”
Malleus gives him a slow, deliberate look, his lips curving into a faint, almost predatory smile. “You should try it sometime. You may find it... enlightening. Although,” he turns to you, his voice soft but with an unmistakable possessiveness, “you’ll have to find another human. This one is already mine.”
Your breath hitches as Malleus’s words hang in the air, and you can't help but feel your heart skip a beat. Sebek, meanwhile, looks utterly scandalized, his eyes wide as saucers. Lilia, who has been watching the whole thing with far too much amusement, claps Sebek on the back.
“Don’t look so shocked,” Lilia chuckles. “Let them have their fun.”
Sebek looks like he's about to explode, but instead storms off, muttering something about propriety, while Silver smirks quietly from the sidelines.
One night, after another "kidnapping," you find yourself sitting beside Malleus on a hill overlooking the village, the faint glow of the fair still visible in the distance. The stars hang bright overhead, and there’s a soft stillness between you as the cool air nips at your skin.
Malleus’s voice breaks the quiet, low and thoughtful. “You’ve given me more than I expected.”
You glance at him, curious. “What do you mean?”
He turns to you, his dark eyes holding a depth you hadn’t seen before. “Companionship. I hadn’t realized how much I longed for it until... until you.”
Your heart does something funny at his words, the raw sincerity of them tugging at something deep inside you. Without thinking, you reach out, brushing a stray lock of hair from his face, your fingertips grazing his skin. The air between you seems to still.
“I’ve grown... quite fond of you,” he murmurs, his voice softer now, almost vulnerable.
You swallow, feeling your pulse quicken. “Malleus, I—”
But before you can find the words, Malleus leans in, his eyes never leaving yours, and you feel the warmth of his hand gently cup your cheek. The world seems to fade away as you both hover there, caught between anticipation and something more.
“I do believe,” he whispers, his lips brushing against your skin as his eyes darken with something you can’t quite name, “that I’m falling for you, my little kidnapper.”
Your heart stutters, and before you know it, you’re closing the space between you, your lips meeting his in a soft, tentative kiss. For a moment, everything else ceases to matter—no fair, no adventures, no strange arrangements. Just the two of you, finally giving in to the pull that’s been drawing you together for weeks.
When you pull back, breathless, Malleus smiles, and it’s the softest, most genuine smile you’ve ever seen from him. “Does this mean,” he says, his voice still low and teasing, “you’ll continue kidnapping me?”
You laugh softly, feeling the warmth of his words settle deep in your chest. “I suppose I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”
Malleus grins, his fangs glinting in the moonlight. “No, I suppose not.”
And honestly? You wouldn’t have it any other way.
This is my first time posting here so i have no idea what i'm doing and the formatting is probably off because i'm on mobile but i'll slowly figure it out.
A Place for me to reblog fics i love so that i dont have to keep digging through my main to refind them. TBT = To Be Tagged
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