Hello I'm Batty! Everyone here can call me Bats, I'm somewhat new to posting here on Tumblr! But aside from that fact I'm really into writing and TWST, so I've decided this is where I'll be posting the entirety of my Lilidia timeskip fic "Lagging in Love"
It's been a few years after everyone had finally graduated from the NRC. However two gamers still interact every night, MuscleRed and Gloomurai, the two play together every night almost into morning forgetting their important jobs. Steadily their online relationship grows into something more, MuscleRed and Gloomurai start E-Dating?! Months pass between the two before curiosity finally gets the best of them and they decide to meet up.
Hopefully this fic will do well with everyone
Idk
Lilidia is just one of my favorite ships and it brings me so much joy
So I hope to share with you all my greatest wonder!!
(saw Sol's profile on artfight and there's brief mentions of his tattoos in his bio, and I was trying to get a better guess at what they might look like lol) (ty for your answer)
OHHH lol I completely forgot I had him on art fight!! Thank you for asking, I can totally still show if you need it 💕
Haha either you're talking about the sketch lines in the image or his three super secret tattoos. I had to look back and forth in the post to see if I mentioned them because I was shocked anyone knew. But the marks that you can see are just plain old sketch lines I never removed lol.
But You still are correct about Sol having tats! Genuinely there wasn't much of a story behind them aside from I thought him having some degenerate ones would be funny.
Tattoo #1 - Tramp Stamp
While sketching him out I was super obsessed with Adding tramp stamps to characters so in a separate art piece I had added a tramp stamp that says "Poggers" with all kings of whorls and sparkles around it.
Tattoo #2 - Amongus S
I had left the drawing I had mentioned previously unattended for too long and I found my friends drawing a fancy S tattoo with an Among us character attached
Tattoo #3 - OwO Whats Dis?
I had gotten bored and tried drawing more art of him and gave him a thigh tattoo that said "OwO Whats Dis?" for fun. Genuinely not a lot of thought put into it.
All of his tattoos I guess are supposed to summarize how much of a shut in loser he is.
(sometime I might post some of the art I made of the first two)
Last song: I thought it was Rabbitology, but according to Spotify apparently it was the Milgram Futa cover of Salamander by Deco 27 (it's one of my least favorite deco songs tbh, but I LOVE the cover! 💕)
Last series/movie: I think it was The Greatest Showman?
Last thing I ate: I made coffee around five hours ago? I'm about to go make spinach and garlic ravioli tho!
Last place I went to: A few thrift shops, and an antique store today (I was gonna go somewhere else originally, but I got sidetracked- 😅)
Last video game: Either twst or Fire Emblem Fates? Idk-
Thank you for tagging me, Hana and @valleyofyarrow 💙💙💙
Last song: The Schuyler Sisters from Hamilton
Last series/movie: I’ve been rewatching Witch Hat Atelier while my sister watches it!! Last movie I really remember is Project Hail Mary tho I may be forgetting
Last thing I ate: Fries
Last place I went to: Family friend’s home
Last video game: Tomodachi Life Living the Dream
Tagging: @amenoyozakura @linabirb @artsy-y-foxy @kawaii-queen-kaiju @scint1llat3 but no pressure as always <3
Last song: if～ひとり思う～ from Fire Emblem Fates. SPECIFICALLY THE HEIRS TO FATE VERSION THAT SHIGURE SINGS AND THEN SPIRIT OF HIS DEAD MOTHER JOINS IN DURING THE CHORUS VERY FAINTLY 😭😭😭 -Ame found dead on the floor from emotional devastation-
Last series/movie: Lord of the Mysteries since the special episode dropped recentl! I do need to catch up on Witch Hat Atelier however asldkjslkfjsdg
Last thing I ate: Coffee (I know this isn't a meal but I didn't also eat breakfast today;;;)
Last place I went to: The supermarket
Last video game: Tomodachi Life Living the Dream
Tagging but no pressure!: @hanafubukki @twinklecupcake @tophatcats @bunnpir @theolivetree123 and anyone else who wants to join!
☆ Last series: Something Very Bad is Going to Happen. This was SO good, no spoilers but I really recommend it, not too long too!
☆ Last thing I ate: A croissant with cherry jam on it. Wasn't as good as it sounds sadly
☆ Last place I went to: Uhh the train station I guess ? Now I'm heading back home (yay!!)
☆ Last video game I played: Cult of the Lamb. Was fun but really easy to beat, not sure I'm ever going back to it
Tagging @auroreamethyste, @rain-spice, @yam-lord, @valoricky, @toychimera, @misteria247, @delayedharm, @ikuina-takashi, @battyboyfriend, @theafrochick, @turtleducker & any lurking mutuals.. I see you
Rapid fire sounds of clicking a mouse and keyboard filled a certain bat Fae's room, seconds and minutes became hours as they played stupid MMORPG's with their dearest online friend. Lilia had become so sucked into the game that he almost missed the time in the corner of his monitor.
Shit.
He was supposed to be getting ready hours ago, how long had he been playing with Gloomurai for it to be morning already? He hadn't even gotten a wink of sleep.
Lilia sighed tiredly opening the chat window and typing quickly
> Musclered: hey I gtg
Musclered: sorry Gloomurai
Musclered: same time tonight?
He sighed beginning to stand from his setup still watching the screen as he stretched his old bones.
The cracking of his back made him snort "my youth is escaping me"
>Gloomurai: Boo
Gloomurai: this is such noob behavior from u
Gloomurai: yah see u then tho ;)
Gosh that brought a stupid smile to Lilias face as he reached over and logged off of the game leaving his friend online.
Lilia walked to his closet dressing himself in his formal attire and drifting into a daze thinking of his friend, he sometimes couldn't help but wonder;
who was Gloomurai behind the screen?
What did he look like?
Was he different online than in person?
How did he have so much free time to game with him for so long after so many years?
Was he beastman?
Was he human?
Was he a fae?
He began to brush his hair while thinking.
He wondered what color his hair was, was it coiled?
curly?
Wavy?
straight?
Would he mind if Lilia brushed his hair?
Woah that's a bit invasive.
Right?
Maybe?
Oh seven.
Lilia had these thoughts every now and then but just like now he had snapped out of them to focus on the day.
With the final click of the leather strap on his boots Lilia was officially ready to deal with the distasteful politics of the Briar Valley alongside his trustworthy king Malleus Draconia. Lilia had been an unofficial advisor of sorts, as well as a form of guard. After his dismissal from the fae military all those years ago he had never fully found his place again despite Malleus keeping him in the palace as an aide.
It was difficult,
Respect was hard to regain, even if what happened wasn't his fault.
Lilia strode out of his room his head held high as he closed the doors behind him and he made his way down the halls.
Seeing the soldiers young and old holding their posts, Lilia bowed his head only to them in respect before making his way into the throne room. As he approached the throne he could already see Malleus being read some diplomatic scroll of agreement by what seemed to be a younger fae, no doubts from the village on the East side.
Lilia came to stand at Malleus's side next to the throne, he listened to the reading carefully.
However, he couldn't help his mind from wandering. The new event was coming up soon in game, how would he an Gloomurai handle it? Would they wed their avatars to one another get the bonus? Would they grind through cheats and codes and small work arounds to beat the boss and then gain the bonus? Would the game give them the bonus regardless due to their avatars living together? That counts right? Their game beds were beside each other, just like a married couple? That would work probably.
"And what do you think about this Lilia" Malleus's voice pooled snapping the bat fae from his thoughts
"Hm?" Lilia perked up
"About sending a few extra guard to the East due to the spike of... Disagreements between the forest and others" Malleus said raising a brow at Lilia
"Ah! Yes, this seems to be a good idea. Nonviolent approaches would be very important, we should proceed as peacefully as possible to keep our boundaries. Gentle force" Lilia said giving a closed eye smile and bowing his head slightly
The young fae nodded his head and looked between the two before awkwardly walking off leaving the corridor.
"Lilia, you seem out of it" Malleus said looking down at the right hand beside him
Lilias chuckled and nodded "I suppose I am, I apologize my king" Lilia said with a wistful sigh "I assure you, I will 'Lock in' I do believe that's what the children these days say" the bat fae chuckled
Malleus shook his head with a sigh "take the day off Lilia, today's assignments are light and I can handle them myself"
Lilia blinked in surprise "but-"
"Absolutely not" Malleus interrupted "as your king, I command you to take the day to rest and get your mind back on track"
Lilia sighed and bowed to Malleus with a defeated laugh "Yes your Majesty, as you wish"
Lilia made his way out of the throne room afterwards yawning, maybe this wasn't so bad after all. He could finally get the rest he wanted and needed now, maybe he could log online to play some games later?
That would be a good idea
On the way back to his room Lilia saw the familiar flash of deep green nearby. Lilia couldn't help but chuckle.
"Oh hello old friend, it seems you're losing your edge"
A man stepped out from the shadows, clad in deep green armor
"Hello Lilia, it hasn't been all that long and you know it"
Lilia smiled stepping forward and removing the mask from the man's face "I know, I just enjoy being dramatic Baur, and you know it"
Like yes I have Lagging in Love written out plot wise like what is planned to happen, but actually written out? Not yet, I need to be forced to lock in.
Eighteen years had passed since Lilia Vanrouge graduated from Night Raven College.
Not that anyone in Briar Valley particularly cared.
Titles mattered more than accomplishments within the royal court. Ancient bloodlines held greater value than talent ever could, and Lilia despite his reputation possessed neither a prestigious family name nor noble standing to shield him from the quiet disdain of aristocracy.
It was almost amusing.
After all, the same nobles who dismissed him in candlelit banquet halls slept peacefully each night because of wars he had won for them.
The same nobles who refused to acknowledge him outside official ceremonies lowered their heads immediately when military matters arose.
Respect born from necessity was still respect, he supposed.
Though only barely.
The towering doors of the throne room creaked shut behind the final advisor of the evening, leaving blessed silence in their wake.
At last.
Lilia exhaled slowly through his nose, crimson eyes drifting toward the stained-glass windows overlooking Briar Valley’s sprawling capital below. Moonlight blanketed the kingdom in silver hues, illuminating twisted black forests and glowing fae lanterns scattered throughout the valley like fallen stars.
Beautiful.
Quiet.
Exhausting.
“Was that truly the last of them?” came a voice from the throne.
Deep. Calm. Slightly tired.
Malleus Draconia sat alone atop the throne of Briar Valley, one gloved hand propping against his cheek as stacks of untouched documents rested beside him. The crown upon his head shimmered darkly beneath emerald firelight elegant and heavy in equal measure.
A king’s crown.
Even now, years after the coronation, the sight still felt strange sometimes.
The former Queen’s passing had shaken Briar Valley deeply. Court politics turned vicious in the aftermath, old noble families clawing desperately for influence while Malleus still painfully young by fae standards ascended to the throne beneath the watchful eyes of an entire kingdom waiting to see whether the heir of the Draconia line would flourish…
Or crumble beneath expectation.
They underestimated him.
Terribly.
Lilia smiled faintly.
“Yes, My King,” he answered, voice lighter now that the court had emptied. “Unless another duke wishes to wage civil war over flower arrangements.”
Malleus sighed.
“I still fail to understand why the eastern court considers lilies offensive.”
“Neither do I, and I attended the meeting.”
A quiet laugh escaped the king before exhaustion settled over his features once more. Subtle. Brief. But Lilia noticed it instantly.
He always did.
“You should rest,” Malleus said after a moment. “You have overseen military inspections since dawn.”
“And yet I remain devastatingly youthful.”
“Lilia.”
Ah...
There it was again.
Not a king addressing his right hand.
Family.
Affection softened Lilia’s expression for only a heartbeat before his usual grin returned in full force.
“Worry not, Your Majesty. I intend to spend the rest of my evening engaging in highly important strategic exercises.”
“…Gaming again?”
“It sharpens the mind.”
“It causes you to scream at strangers through your headset.”
“In my defense, they deserved it.”
Malleus closed his eyes briefly as though enduring a terrible burden.
“Goodnight, Lilia.”
“Goodnight, Malleus” Lilia said with a soft whisper
The throne room fell silent once more after Malleus departed through the towering back corridors reserved for the royal family.
Only then did Lilia allow his posture to sag.
The smile slipped from his face like water.
Oh seven, he was tired.
Centuries of warfare had been easier than noble politics.
He gathered the remaining documents tucked beneath his arm and stepped into the palace halls. Guards straightened immediately upon seeing him, armor clinking sharply as they saluted.
Unlike the nobles, the soldiers did not look at him with quiet disdain.
The fae army adored General Vanrouge.
He had bled beside them. Fought beside them. Protected them.
That loyalty had never needed noble blood.
Lilia offered the younger guards an amused salute in return before continuing down the moonlit corridors toward his private chambers.
The second the doors shut behind him, The great Ex General and the current Right hand of the King of Briar Valley vanished entirely.
His cloak hit the floor first.
Then his boots.
Then several classified military reports.
One unfortunate document drifted directly into a candle flame.
“…Ah.”
He stared at it for a moment.
Then shrugged.
Probably not important.
Across the room, hidden beneath glamour magic and several books meant to appear scholarly at a glance, a soft array of colorful lights blinked patiently in the dark.
Lilia’s grin returned instantly.
Now this.
This was the best part of the day.
He dropped into his chair with far more enthusiasm than dignity, the glow of his monitor illuminating sharp crimson eyes as the game loaded across the screen.
WELCOME BACK, MUSCLERED.
A terrible username.
Absolutely magnificent.
His fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard as he logged in, already opening his friends list before the main menu had fully loaded.
Offline. Offline. Offline.
Then.
ONLINE -- Gloomurai.
Ah.
There he was.
Warmth bloomed unexpectedly in Lilia’s chest, small and embarrassingly genuine. Strange how someone he had never met could make the endless noise of court politics disappear so easily.
A notification appeared immediately.
> Gloomurai: ur late
Gloomurai: did ur meeting finally kill u?
Lilia snorted loudly enough to echo through the room.
His hands flew across the keyboard.
> Musclered: Tragically no.
Musclered: Though one moron did speak long enough to make me consider violence.
Musclered: Are you prepared to witness unparalleled greatness tonight?
The response came instantly.
> Gloomurai: if u explode another potion station im logging off and unadding u
I threw all these sketches together a year ago as a gift/celebration and then didn’t finish them until now. I don’t know how the incel bagged a goth baddie, but that’s how it always goes, huh?
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