At first, this comic was only supposed to be 2 pages, the first and the 3rd one. But i wanted to draw Ruggie making fun of Leona, so I added page 2. (and yes, I love their spelldrive uniform but GOSH the leg protections is a pain to draw!)
then the last page... don't know, i though it was funny if Vil and Leona got the same idea at the same time to make fun of Epel but didn't expect the other to do it x). It made me laugh when I wrote it.
Epel's embarassement is as the same level as calling your teacher "mom" or "dad" btw.
I actually wanted to add a part with Jack jealous (especially toward Leona) but unfortunately, I didn't got the right idea so I just stop there :').
The Private (not) Thoughts of a Moray Chapter 7: I don't need reminders on how you don't feel the same
Gender Neutral Reader x Jade Leech
Chapter 7 preview:
“Look I want Jade to stop being all—” (Name) waved their hands in vague motions and shrugged.
“—Jade-like with me. And you want Aspen to be happy while at NRC, and we’ve just established what—or who—will make him happy!”
Azul’s eyes widened in understanding. A horrified understanding.
Oh no. No, no, no, no!
“I see where you’re going with this and—”
“Com’ on Azul!”
“NO!”
[wc} - 8,092
[notes] - tehe. Azul's POV an a flashback to switch it up. ik it's been a hot sec but i'm happy to hear yall's thoughts with the change to lmk what you think! Also for the tag list, some of the users might be outdated as I'm unable to add you, please feel free to send in another request to my form if you need to update your name for the tag list!
Chapter 7: I don't need reminders on how you don't feel the same
Azul remembered very clearly when it was announced that the Prefect not only had magic, but that (Name) was also stuck here in Twisted Wonderland for the rest of their days.
It’d been the one of the last official housewarden meetings of the year, mostly to prepare for graduation for the dorm’s seniors.
Azul sat in the mirror chamber in his usual spot, though Malleus’s chair was finally filled for once. The fae seemed pleased that Crowley had remembered to invite him, even if it was one of the last meetings.
What had been most surprising, however, was the 8th chair pulled between the prince and Riddle, which had contained the Ramshackle Prefect.
Said Prefect looked rather nervous, rubbing their temples every so often, as if they had a headache that wouldn’t go away.
“The Headmage is running late, again.” Riddle grumbled, who checked Idia's name off the list as the elusive man sat in his spot between Riddle and Vil. “As are you, Idia. I’ll allow it once, since you decided to come in person this time.”
“You say ‘this time’ like we’ll be having another meeting. I won’t be housewarden-ing after this year, thank the gods.” muttering the last bit of his sentence, Idia rolled his eyes and sat down, immediately fiddling with his sleeves.
“So relieved, are you not sad that we’ll no longer be on campus with your dear friends, Shroud?”
Since one of his horns had broken, Malleus seemed more expressive, even going so far as to tease his classmates.
It unnerved Azul and the others back then.
“I doubt it.” Jamil was sitting in Kalim’s usual spot, which was another unusual change to the housewarden meeting. The small coins in his braid made a small jiggling noise as he shifted in his seat, looking down anxiously at his phone.
He’s most likely waiting for some text on some sort of ruckus from Kalim, I’m sure. I do wonder why he’s in Kalim’s place, most likely he wouldn’t say if asked.
“Trey mentioned that you guys leave for internships for your senior year,” the Prefect looked up and leaned over to ask Malleus, “Does that mean we won’t have our late night rendezvous anymore?”
“Y-your what?!” Riddle had coughed, choking on his water as he made the most grievous decision to stay hydrated.
Azul raised a brow at the two. It certainly would’ve been helpful to know that the two were close.
Dammit! If only I’d known, oh the shame! I could’ve built a repertoire with Malleus and extended my network into Briar Valley! Doing so with Silver wasn’t really working out like I’d hoped.
A small shiver, like someone grazed the back of his neck with their finger, fell down Azul’s back, for some reason drawing him to the Prefect’s gaze.
The Prefect’s eyes flitted over to him, slightly wrinkling their nose at him, as if they could tell what he was thinking before furrowing their brows and darting over to a visibly disgusted Leona.
Ah well, I suppose I can still make this work.
Vil chuckled, “My, how scandalous! I didn’t realize how close you too were.”
Visibly confused, the Prefect and Malleus shared a look and both asked, “Scandalous? Gargoyle seeing?”
“Ah, that would make more sense.” Vil looked a bit disappointed, but for different reasons.
“Now your casualness with him at the SDC makes more sense.” Jamil’s neutral face gave way to a slight smile. “Still can’t believe you actually managed that.
The Prefect giggled, leaning over to nudge Malleus.
“Well I didn’t exactly care or know about the royalty here. He’s just my mysterious tall friend that haunts my dorm in the middle of the night, right Hornton?”
Several of them choked at hearing the nickname leave their mouth. Azul could feel the ink threatening to shoot from his throat, while Leona looked close to losing his mind at the hilarity of such a childish nickname. Idia and Riddle side-eyed Malleus for a less than desirable reaction.
Jamil and Vil didn’t seem too surprised at the name though. Azul noted, clearing his throat of ink and phlegm.
“Oh! We should meet at your club again before you leave! You haven’t shown me all the gargoyles you carved yet!”
“Of course, I believe Silver and Sebek offered to take over the graduation preparations for Lilia and myself, so I will have plenty of free time.”
The Prefect and Malleus leaned in close, talking with small smiles as the Mirror Chamber doors slammed open.
“I regret to inform you, but none of you will have any sort of free time these next few weeks, graduation or not!”
Crowley dramatically entered the room, his coat swishing as he turned to close and lock the chamber doors shut. Once the doors were secured, he turned back around to face the 8 students, his eyes meeting the Prefect’s, who immediately made an unimpressed face.
“Normally, this last meeting would be to review what is needed for the graduation ceremony,” Crowley continued to speak as he stalked around the table, “as well as discuss housewarden transitions for the juniors, however—”
The headmage stopped behind the Prefect, who shifted uncomfortably at everyone’s eyes on them.
“—due to certain…events that each and every one of you played a significant role in, a very blotty one, let’s say…”
Each one of them stiffen at the headmage’s comment. Malleus in particular, glanced at the Prefect briefly before looking away in what Azul could only assume was shame.
“…we will now have to also organize the official commencement of Night Raven College’s 8th dorm, and the official acknowledgement of our transdimensional student!”
Various sounds of confusion and concern left the housewardens around the table. Leona in particular looked annoyed at the prospect of more work.
“What does our overblots have to do with the herbivore and their rickety dorm?” he yawned, ears flickering. “Ain’t they going home anyways?”
“No, actually! You all made that quite impossible!”
A pause. Everyone, minus the Prefect who looked rather tired, stared at the headmage as they processed his words.
“…I’m sorry, could you elaborate, headmage?” Riddle’s face was slowly turning red at Crowley’s accusation. “How is it that we are at fault? Is it not your job to find the Prefect a way home? You’ve been taking an awfully long time doing so, haven’t you?”
Azul covered his mouth, hiding his smirk. He was rather amused at how Crowley’s feathers puffed up like his namesake. He opened his mouth to explain, before the bird was interrupted by Idia.
“Yeah, and IDK why it's our bad they got all nosy and decided to butt into our biz.” Idia replied snarkily, any nerves now out the door. “They didn't have to be all up in any of our blots—”
“Well, I’m not sure you can say that.” Jamil piped up, returning Idia’s deadpan stare with his own.
“You did take Grim.”
“IDK man, didn’t you take them both hostage?” Idia replied, the tips of his fiery hair turning orange ever so slowly.
“Sounds like a skill issue LMAO!”
Vil scoffed, “Don’t deflect Idia, take some responsibility for your actions at S.T.Y.X.”
“You almost poisoned them Vil,” Riddle snarked, glowering at the now irritated celebrity, “I hardly think you’re one to talk—”
“If I recall, you almost beheaded them, Riddle, yes?” Azul couldn’t help himself. Seeing such a bright ruby red in the deep depths of the Northern Sea was a rare sight.
He did understand why Floyd loved seeing the red as the hot-tempered student’s face and neck flushed a deep crimson.
“W-why, you—well I’m hardly the worst here!” Riddle sputtered before getting up from his seat and pointing an accusatory finger in his direction.
“You almost made them homeless just so you could try and open another cafe,” he directed his ire at Leona, who was attempting (and failing) to ignore the discord. “You almost disintegrated them into dust because they caught you cheating during the spelldrive tournament.”
Caught up in his rant, inhibitions and common sense out the window, Riddle then jabbed a finger in Malleus’s direction.
“And you,” Malleus raised a brow at the younger housewarden. “Threw a tantrum because you weren’t invited to a party of all things, you put us all to sleep! The entire island! You invaded our dreams, you almost killed the entire student body—”
A booming roar of thunder interrupted Riddle mid-rant, as Malleus’s face darkened as he glowered at Riddle. He and the others flinched, Azul glancing out the window to see if a storm was forming. Thankfully, Malleus’s magic, as powerful as it still was, had been far diminished without two full horns.
Though, it seemed that Malleus was less concerned with Riddle’s outburst as he was with a shuddering Prefect.
Reaching over, Malleus’s expression softened as he gently rubbed the Prefect’s head affectionately, who was currently hunched over, clutching at their head in pain. The room quieted down as the housewardens, even the apathetic lion, looked at the magicless human in worry.
Riddle visibly shrank and hesitantly leaned down to look at the Prefect, a soft apology leaving his lips as he pressed the back of his hand to the human’s forehead.
Ah, Riddle is rather fond of the Prefect, isn’t he? They do look close to puking though.
“…are you alright, Child of Man?” Malleus murmured, barely loud enough for Azul and the others to make out.
The Prefect curled into their chair facing Riddle, murmuring about the coolness of his hand as they pressed it harder against their forehead.
“'m fine just…talk softer. I can hear everyone…’n everything, I can feel so much, ‘n everyone—youse all so loud…” they whined, while Crowley cleared his throat, attention back on him.
“As I was trying to explain before you all became so…excited, you all have made it quite impossible for the Prefect to go home because, well to put it bluntly, the magicless Prefect is no longer magicless because of you!”
Immediately, there was a loud cry of confusion as everyone, besides Malleus and Riddle who were still comforting the Prefect, started to bombard Crowley with questions.
“No way, that’s like, totally main character energy!” Idia gasped, leaning over to stare at the Prefect in fascination.
Jamil reached over Malleus to try and make eye contact with the Prefect. “No kidding—wait does that mean you can cast any spell that we can? Seriously?!”
“That doesn’t make any sense, you can’t just suddenly know magic!” Vil looked at the Prefect with disbelief.
Leona gestured his head at Azul. “Not unless you’re octopunk and his contracts—”
“—I am quite talented outside the skills I’d gained from my contracts, which may I remind you,” he sneered, wrinkling his nose at Leona, “you oh so delightfully destroyed.”
Leona rolled his eyes, but before he could retort, Riddle interrupted, “Wait, how did we do this? And why is this preventing them from going home?”
Crowley clapped his hands rather delightedly as he explained, “Well, it seems that our dear Prefect was indeed magicless, however…”
“I’m like a sponge.” They finished his sentence, gently pushing Riddle and Malleus’s hands away as they mouthed a ‘thank you’.
“Yes! Essentially, they came from a world with no magic whatsoever, leaving their soul colorless, void of magic.” Crowley continued, beaming ear to ear.
“This left them to be like a vessel for any exorbitant excess magic to enter their soul and add its color onto them!”
The Prefect nodded in agreement. “Yea, you guys are like dry watercolors, the overblots like a wet paint brush, and I was the ‘lucky’ blank canvas!”
Looking rather satisfied with themselves, they leaned over to mutter to Malleus, “See, I told you, I’m real good with metaphors.”
Why does he like them again?
Another poke to the back of his head, but he looked up instead of behind. Azul and the Prefect suddenly made eye contact, to which they squinted at him in offense. For what he had no clue.
I suppose that explains why Jamil is here instead of Kalim.
“I still don’t see why this would prevent them from going home.” Vil questioned the headmage, holding his hand to his chin in thought. “After all, just utter the name of their home and step through the Dark Mirror.”
“Unfortunately, not for the spell I would’ve needed to cast.” Crowley shifted on his feet as he explained, “The mirror would have to read their soul again, match its specific aura to their world, and then would be able to access their home.”
And if they’ve been absorbing our magic through their soul…
“My soul no longer matches my home. The mirror would have no way to find it.” The Prefect answered wistfully, looking down at the table as their eyes became shiny and their voice cracked. “We… already tried a while ago.”
Azul heard the others murmur amongst themselves, surprised perhaps that they actually would’ve left.
“But the mirror just kept shifting between your guys’ homes. It didn’t help that Grim caused…such a mess too.”
The group shivered at the memory of the chimera and the destruction that followed its wait. None of them, no one really, ever thought the cute, small gray creature could be capable of such destruction.
They weren’t sure what to expect after he ate all their blotstones, but it seemed that Malleus’s blot stone was the catalyst.
“You’re not much different from Grim then, are you?” Azul spoke up, drawing everyone’s gazes.
“You’re like a chimera of all our magic, does that not cause you distress? I can’t imagine the sudden influx of magic from no magic is doing your health well?”
They nodded, pausing to rub their temples again.
“Mmm, yeah. Lot’s of headaches…and sounds.”
Sounds?
“And colors, and smells, and this and that and it’s honestly awful.”
The Prefect took to curling in their chair once again, opting to rest their head against the frame.
Azul could hear the others mumbling to themselves, confused like he was about what you were talking about.
Malleus again leaned down, brushing their hair from their face and whispering something to them. The Prefect shook their head, and waved at Crowley.
“Can you tell them? It hurts.”
Crowley gave the Prefect a pitying look, titling his head curiously.
“Of course, I am ever so kind.”
If he heard the snort from Idia, Crowley ignored it.
“From what has been gathered from investigations done by myself and S.T.Y.X., our dear Prefect’s ability to absorb the excess magic produced during your overblots, and little Grim’s consumption of the blot stone after, assisted in your successful recovery from said overblots.”
Crowley slowly began making his way to the Prefect, the sound of his cane ominously ringing through the room and into Azul’s ears.
“If they were not there to act as a ‘sponge’, then you would have rapidly succumbed to your condition, leaving naught but your bodies and rampaging beast of strife and blot. Thus, their soul is no longer just theirs, but now intertwined with all of your own.”
With a final ‘clink’ of his staff on the ground, Crowley stood behind the Prefect, the lights of the green scones on the wall giving the fae an ominous glow. His golden claws reached over their seat, gesturing to the Prefect with open palms.
“They can no longer return home because of you. They have become but a canvas painted with the colors of your souls, colors that refuse to blend together. They have become a chimera of your making, intentional or not. The Prefect of the Ramshackle House, has become a beast, and has become your responsibility.”
Azul hadn’t been happy to hear that back then. While Azul didn’t dislike you per se, he wasn’t thrilled to hear that he had to now care for you as if you were his hatchling. He was less thrilled when Crowley explained that they would all have to spend a good month at S.T.Y.X. not only under further monitoring and tests, but also teaching you all the basics of magic that most of them had been learning for all their life.
Though, as much as he hated to admit it, he did become rather fond of you after the ‘camp’ as Crowley called it. Like a barnacle on the side of a ship, you’d grown on him.
And, well, he supposed that he didn’t mind the other seven as much anymore.
Still, with all that Crowley had spouted about responsibility, the bastard hadn’t even thought to tell them the very crucial detail about your apparent psychic abilities.
And, well Azul thinks that he has a right to feel this way after everything that happened, but Azul was a bit hurt that you didn’t feel inclined to share the news with him.
Rude. Speaking of rude…
The silence was, ironically, the loudest thing in the room.
Both were waiting for the other to start, Azul staring at the Prefect as they took interest in the bookshelves in front of them.
“Now (Name), be an adult and look me in the eye. We have rather important matters to discuss.”
You don’t have any excuse either, I know you can hear me.
Their lips thinned, as they snuck a peek up and met narrowed, light blue eyes. Azul raised a brow, tapping his foot against the floor as he huffed in annoyance.
“(Name).”
“Azul.”
“Ah, they speak! And here I thought you’d become mute.”
They wrinkled their nose and sighed, finally turning their head to face Azul in defeat.
“Lemme alone, I’m just…gathering my thoughts!”
Gather your excuses more like it…
Azul cringed, hand rubbing against his temple as he glared at (Name). The prodding he felt randomly suddenly made sense.
“Ugh, it does feel weird having you poke around in my head, now it’s like I can’t stop feeling it.”
“It’s not like I can help it…I didn’t even know you guys could feel me.” Slouching in their seat, the Prefect shared a tired look with Azul. “I’m always talking to Ace, Deuce, and Grim through their heads, and they’ve never mentioned anything.”
Azul snorted, finally relaxing his shoulders, and he shrugged his coat off and over the back of his chair.
“Well, I’m not surprised, as resourceful as the three of them can be, they aren’t the smartest.” An image of the three with the anemones on their head flashed through his mind. “I know from first-hand experience, you know?”
The corner of (Name’s) lips curled up in amusement as Azul felt another tickle to the back of his head. Well, at least they’d found amusement in his schemes now.
“Yeah, still, it’s weird. I feel more…I don’t know, sensitive? More fragile? When we were all together, it was like static was filling my head.”
(Name) looked down at their hands, tracing the inside of their palm with their thumb.
“I swear, I could taste colors, I could see sound. I mean, it was like my feelings weren’t even mine they were—”
Shutting up mouth mid-sentence, (Name) sighed and gave Azul a weary look.
“It wasn’t like this before, it’s gotten worse the longer I have this—” They waved a hand around their head and shrugged. “Magic, the more I have to worry about. It’s not fair, Azul. I didn’t ask for this, you know…”
Looking up, Azul knew now that they felt the wave of guilt at the flash of shame, before he promptly tried shaking it off into one of sympathy.
“I know, I’d offer to take the burden off your hand, but I’m afraid that the use of ‘It’s A Deal’ would cause more trouble amongst the others for the both of us.”
Azul pursed his lips and hummed, “Though, I could imagine the numerous benefits to such a power, the knowledge to be gained, the people under your thumb, it’s endless really…”
(Name) rolled your eyes and scoffed, making Azul smirk.
“Oh hush now, are you surprised with me, really?”
“No, not really, though I’m surprised you haven’t gotten to the elephant in the room.” Azul furrowed his brows in confusion, as they glanced up with a tilt of their head. “You know what that means, right—”
“Yes, yes. I think so…” You humans and your weird sayings.
Azul clenched his fist and gave them another glare as he felt something like a breath blowing on the back of his neck.
“The ‘elephant’ being our mutual friend, yes?”
He couldn’t help it this time as a sudden feeling of nervousness washed over him as he thought about coral hair and green eyes.
“Yes, friend is a bit of a stretch though, isn’t it?”
“Hmm, I suppose so, the way he speaks of you isn’t necessarily…friendly.” Azul sighed, rolling his eyes.
(Name) let out a humorless laugh, clicking their tongue. “Yep, I know exactly just what he thinks, no surprise to you, huh? To be honest, it’s a bit much, dealing with it every day.”
“Quite frankly, I’m getting tired of how often he brings you up. He talks about you as often as one would a significant other.”
“I mean, not surprising coming from him.” (Name) paused at Azul’s confusion, hesitantly continuing, “Well, based on his thoughts, it makes sense that some of them probably get out to you…”
Both remained silent for a moment.
His thoughts? What kind of thoughts is he…?
Azul didn’t even care about the weird tickles this time, as he watched (Name’s) cheeks turn dark and look away again as they giggled nervously.
“Ha…trust me, you don’t want to know, Azul. He gets very detailed, too detailed. Explicit is the best way to—”
“HE WHAT?!”
Jumping from the sudden shout, (Name) watched as Azul stood abruptly and started scrambling over, making them yelp and crawl backwards on the couch as he approached.
“Explicit? EXPLICIT?! You’re mistaken, yes?” Azul let out an incredulous laugh as he rambled. “There’s no way he remotely thinks of you that way, it’s preposterous!”
An offended scoff left (Name’s) mouth, though they seemed embarrassed, curled into the corner of the couch with Azul hovering over them.
“It’s not that ridiculous, from the sounds of it you should be more than familiar of what Jade thinks of me—”
“Jade? Oh, Jade!” A sigh of relief left Azul as he settled down on the couch next to them, giving (Name) an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, my dear, I believe we have a misunderstanding.”
He gave an amused look and smirked. “You have Jade in mind? I’m not surprised, I know of course, but I was speaking about someone else.”
Letting out an ‘oh’ sound, (Name) relaxed back into their seat, but now as confused as Azul was moments before.
“Well, who else would I be talking about?”
“My brother, of course.”
Another bit of silence between he and (Name) awkwardly drew out as they stared at Azul, perplexed.
“Brother?”
“W-w—yes, my brother. Surely you know…”
Several memories ran through his mind. All of a green-skinned, skinny octopan. Light pink hair, green eyes, and an unmistakable glare, one he’s sure (Name’s) become familiar with in the last couple of weeks.
“ASPEN!” It was Azul’s turn to jump as they shouted, jumping on their knees and practically shoving their nose against Azul’s in revelation. “ASPEN IS YOUR—Oooooooh!”
Slowly, (Name) sunk back into the couch, mouth agape as Azul stared in amusement.
“Oh, it makes so much sense! That’s why he knew about the summer—and the—and with Jade—oooh…”
Seriously? Did it take you until now to realize?
“Hey! I had suspicions!” They huffed, narrowing their eyes at Azul who just raised a brow and scoffed.
“I didn’t say anything.” The corner of his lips quirked in amusement though. “I thought you weren’t trying to listen in?”
“I’m not! You’re right next to me! I can’t help it!”
(Name) threw their arms up in exasperation, slumping until half of their body was laying on the floor. Pouting, (Name) looked up at Azul, who was giving them a curious look.
Peculiar. “So, you really can’t control it then?” Seems like quite the hassle.
“It is.” Azul gave them a side eye as they shrugged and continued. “A hassle. Trust me, anything useful that could’ve come from this is nulled by the fact that I can’t filter anything out.”
“No? I suppose that would explain why you fell ill so quickly earlier.” The both of you cringed again as the memory of you on the floor filled your heads. “Perhaps you need something to control the telepathy, like my contracts?”
Perhaps it would negate some of the side effects like his contracts did for him.
(Name) hummed at the idea, eyes darting over to the door, as if someone was there.
Although…
“It did take me quite some time to develop them, enchanting something like a contract isn’t necessarily difficult, but ensuring the terms apply correctly and as intended is.”
(Name) nodded along, though still focused on the door rather than him.
“That’s also your thing.”
“It is also my thing.” Azul eyed them still half on the floor before gently smacking their side with his cane. “You should sit up right, you’ll just make yourself sore laying like that.”
(Name) stuck their tongue out at Azul, making him roll his eyes, though they complied. Opting to stand and stretch, pacing around the room.
Are you alright?
Simply nodding in response, they suddenly shook their head, eyes darting back to the door as Azul could faintly hear the sounds of students walking down the hallway.
So then, if we wanted to, we could have full conversations like this?
“Eh, kinda?” (Name) waved their hand in an iffy motion, pursing their lips as they explained. “Grim, Ace, and Deuce all kinda do, but it’s hard to respond when other people are around.”
“Sounds right, none of them are exactly subtle, are they?”
A snort left his friend’s mouth, covering their grin as they nodded.
“Ace can be, but when all three of them get together, it’s like all their brain cells collectively die.”
“Funny that you’re not including yourself there.”
“Hey! I’ll have you know I am competent like—” (Name) waved their hand flippantly. “—90 percent of the time.”
That still leaves 10 percent.
They clicked their tongue and huffed, shuddering as a rather loud group of students passed again.
Rubbing their temples, they sat next to Azul, making him raise a brow.
Prefect?
He reached a hand out, hovering over their forehead as he hesitantly pressed his palm against them.
“Riddle and Malleus have both done this for you before, it helped, yes?”
The corner of their lip lifted as (Name) nodded against his hand. “Yeah, a spell actually. Ice magic on their palm. Make it feel like there’s an icepack.”
Azul nodded in understanding, bringing his hand back to cast a spell with his cane against his palm. It was easy, as he thought about the feeling of icy waters of his home against his skin. He pressed the palm back against his friend’s forehead as they sighed in relief.
“Thanks…better not owe you for this though.”
A soft chuckle left Azul’s lips as he rolled his eyes, though the thought of using (Name) to clear out one of the storerooms crossed his mind.
“No, no. This is me taking my part in caring for you.” My dear chimera.
Azul shivered again from a tingle in the back of his head as (Name) wrinkled their nose at Azul.
“Don’t call me that. And why do you want me to clean a storeroom filled with flowers? Why do you have a bunch of flowers?”
Sucking air through his teeth, the octomer, responded, “My apologies, I don’t mean it in a belittling way, and that…is a story for a mutual friend of ours to share.”
He didn’t need to feel the ghosting of (Name’s) mind prodding into his own to know that they knew who he was talking about.
“And I wouldn’t, not for something as little as this” Not to you anyways, someone else is another story. “I do think the others would be cross with me if I put you to work too often.”
(Name) nodded in understanding, seeming more relaxed than earlier before, though they occasionally darted their eyes back to the door.
You must be able to tell when even the quietest person walks by.
“I will say, more of your behavior as of late has been explained. I was surprised to hear how alert you’ve been since the year’s started. I assumed it was either due to last year’s experience, or the stress of suddenly taking on students in the dorm.”
It isn’t because of that, yes? My brother hasn’t been causing you too much strife I hope?
A hum left their mouth, as they finally pushed his hand away, leaning against the arm of the couch.
“Nah. He’s been fine, though don’t expect me to come working shifts in the cafe anytime soon. Even though I could use the extra cash, it would get too overwhelming.”
“Yes, I imagine so. Though, I would enjoy having you work a few shifts again.”
With Jade especially, perhaps it would—
“No. Nope.” (Name) shook their head and made an ‘x’ with their hands. “I already deal with him too much for class. And I think your brother would actually start planning my murder if he found out that me and Jade were spending all that time together.”
Azul clicked his tongue as he crossed his legs tapping his finger against his knee.
“You know you could take a bit of responsibility for turning my vice into a lovesick fool. Because of him, suddenly I had to account for budgeting fair food for your haunted house.”
(Name) scoffed, eyeing at Azul as they huffed.
“Hey, that wasn’t my fault. Jade’s the one who came up with that on the spot. Which, by the way, made Aspen and Wynfred way more intense lately.”
A sigh left his mouth as he pushed his glasses up to pinch the bridge of his nose.
“Yes, I’m aware. Besides the whole student body gossiping and laughing at the poor soul who dared to request a date from his senior, I’ve had to deal with Jade complaining about how much of a pest the both of them had been.”
if Jade wasn’t good at his job, I’d start taking matters into my own hands
He watched as (Name) frowned, asking, “What does that mean?”
Azul paused, lacing his hands together as he pondered his next words carefully.
“Well, originally, I was considering allowing Jade to take over all of the Halloween sales. He’s been asking to do so anyways so that he’d have as much one on one time with you. Though knowing what I know now…”
Tilting his head, Azul ‘innocently’ batted his eyelashes at a tense (Name) as he cooed.
“I think I’d just let him know about your little ‘gift’, maybe it would make him, as you humans say: ‘man up’ and confess if he knew that you already were aware of his feelings.”
Azul waved off the mix of anger and concern you were giving him, sputtering over words as he continued.
“Oh, don’t worry. I won’t, it wouldn’t be good for business if I had a depressed, rejected eelmer moping around the dorm. I already have to deal with Floyd and his moods over R—ah.”
Stopping himself mid sentence, Azul gave them a sly smile, poking (Name’s) nose as they glowered at him.
“Don’t be so sour, and don’t mind that last part. As much as I would like to win my little bet, it would do more harm than good if I were to intervene at this time.”
The crabby expression left their face as (Name) let out a soft, questioning noise.
“Bet?”
Azul nodded, explaining with a flourish of his hand.
“Yes, you see the twins and I made a bet over the summer, due to how desperately they’ve been pining after their loved ones, and how annoying they’ve been over it. We each betted on whether or not they’d succeed in obtaining their mates by the end of the year. Whoever does so first, gets awarded the betting pool. It grows by 100 thaumarks for each week they don’t succeed.”
(Name) nodded, glancing down in confusion before looking back up at Azul with thinned lips.
“And who did you bet on?”
“Oh! I bet that both will end up remaining miserably single at the end of the year! So far my win has been remarkably assured! They’re both utterly pathetic!”
Azul couldn’t help himself, despite their disapproving look, laughing at the thought.
“And knowing about your ability, I am absolutely positive that Jade will lose. And the rate Floyd is going, so will he!”
(Name) shook their head, sighing as they paused and gave Azul a confused glance.
“Wait, who is Floyd trying to—”
“Ah ah ah! Do try to let me keep some things to myself.”
“Oh come on, I’m probably gonna find out eventually! You were thinking of the color red, that only leaves like a handful of people, so—”
“Cheeky, aren’t you? You can find out on your own. Organically.”
Azul felt a familiar, ticklish chill as he proceeded to hum an old song from home in his head. Smirking as (Name) stared at him in intense focus, Azul mockingly rocked his head to the beat, finally breaking out into a grin as they huffed and pouted.
“You get the hang of things too quick. At least let me have some fun with it.”
Pretending to ponder, Azul hummed to himself before uttering a single, “No.”
(Name) rolled their eyes, opting to halfheartedly kick Azul’s knees, barely making him shake.
“Whatever, I’m sure I’ll find out from Aspen soon, he’s always talking shit in his head to Floyd after his shifts. Really likes to compare him to Jade, he said something about being a bad courter or something.”
Ah, yes. The root of this original conversation.
“About my brother…”
Nodding, (Name) paused and tapped a finger to their chin in curiosity.
“Yeah, about him. Aren’t you guys different species? Jade called him a little squid once. Is he like a half-brother?”
Nosy, nosy, nosy!
Azul chided them in his head, making them stick their tongue out as he scrunched his face at them.
“Ugh, childish. And no, stepbrothers technically, but we’ve been together since we were barely older than hatchlings, so it makes no difference to us.”
“Really?”
Azul raised a brow, though he had a suspicion that the doubt in their voice came from a place of reason.
“Am I to assume that Aspen doesn’t hold fond thoughts of me then?”
Maybe it was his own nerves that made (Name) pause, head turned to the door slightly once again.
“I can read minds, doesn’t mean I understand them all the time. He’s not super nice most of the time, but calls you Zully a lot, if that means anything.”
Azul blinked in surprise, embarrassingly pleased at the thought of his baby brother perhaps still holding a bit of fondness for him.
“He’s also actively wishing me pain and death every time he spots Jade with me, so I kinda assume that maybe he’s just built like that.”
“Ah. Yes, that sounds like him. Ugh and don’t remind me about him and Jade.”
Azul tapped his fingers against his knee again, watching as (Name) got up, holding a hand up as they stalked closer to the door.
“What in the seven sea’s names are you doing?”
“I thought I…I don’t know…”
A frazzled look fell on (Name’s) face as they slowly walked back to Azul. Though they remained standing, eyes darting back every few seconds.
Should I be concerned?
“Do you…hear someone?”
“I’m not sure…but back to the topic at hand.” (Name) looked back at Azul and crossed their arms. “You’re worried about Aspen, right? What about? You know I’m not gonna do anything to him.”
“Well, yes. Before the whole mind-reading business, I was sure that despite his icy demeanor, you’d stubbornly persist in being polite at the very least.” Azul scoffed, remembering the way his brother would get particularly mouthy at him when Aspen decided to speak with him.
“But I know him. I may not have your gift, but I know he’s trying to cause some sort of trouble for you. And my mother made me promise her that I’d help keep him out of trouble, so spill it. What is he up to?”
Azul rested an elbow on the back of the couch, leaning his cheek against his palm as he watched them sigh.
“I mean, yeah he’s a bit much sometimes. He’s the whole reason I have to figure out how to deal with Wynfred now.”
“You can just tell him no. No need to please everyone you meet.”
(Name) pouted, clicking their tongue.
“It’s not just that! Being rejected by your crush sucks! It’s a whole different kind of humiliation, I just want to put him down gently.”
Leona’s right. You’re much too soft.
“It’s not just that!” They scoffed, frowning as they said, “Guys being pushed by Aspen, and I understand that too. You don’t get to see or hear what I do.”
Azul made a noise of confusion, until it shifted into one of disgust at their next words.
“The way Aspen looks each time Jade, only for him to barely even look at him. He sees Jade talking to me, and, I don’t know—” (Name) paused, biting their lips as they pondered their next words. “It’s sad. It seems like he’s been pining for a while, never getting the attention he wants.”
(Name) went silent, seemingly lost in their thoughts.
“Yes, we’ve already established your frustratingly endearing tenderness to others.” Azul waved his hand dismissively, ignoring the way (Name) growled. “And don’t remind me of his infatuation with Jade of all people.”
“But that's the whole reason he’s so rude to me!” (Name) argued, pausing again as their eyes darted back to the door again. “I’ll be honest, I’m a little frustrated. I get why he doesn’t like me—”
They paused, shuddering again as they shook their head.
“—But it’s not like I asked for any of…Jade to happen. I’d be just as happy as he would be if Jade was focused on him instead of me.”
They made a vague gesture before sighing and flopping into the couch arm. (Name) looked up and stared at the ceiling, as Azul gave them a sympathetic pat to their knee.
“That’s understandable, I’d be more than happy to assist in that regard…though you’d have to sign a contract with me.”
Azul chuckled as (Name) tossed their pillow at him shielding himself with his hands. He watched as they shot a hand up into the air, and with a flourish, presented him with a middle-finger.
“Is that answer satisfactory?”
“Mm, rather vulgar, but I suppose it will do.” Letting out a mocking sigh, Azul patted their legs as they decided to stretch out over his lap. “I loathe being in such a predicament. Our dear Jade and Aspen are both just so troublesome, aren’t they?”
“Puh-lease, you don’t even know half of what Jade’s been thinking.”
Azul raised a hand up, a disgusted look on his face as he shuddered.
“Don’t. Don’t even tell me. I’ve known the twins long enough to know that I don’t want any knowledge on what goes on in their heads.”
He watched (Name) grumble under their breath, going quiet and then smacking their hands to their face as he watched their cheeks and neck flush.
“Hmm, yes. Judging from that expression, I would definitely like to remain unaware for once.”
(Name) could only respond back in strangled mumbles and whines.
“If only there was a way to…how do you humans say it?” The stone birds? Birds on the stone?
“Kill two birds with one stone?”
Yes! I suppose having you hear my thoughts isn’t necessarily a downside.
“Hehe, yeah, it’s too bad we can’t…” (Name) trailed off, making Azul give them a funny look, as their eyes grew wide in realization.
“—IT’S PERFECT!” Azul let out a high-pitched yelp as they bolted up with a grin on their face. “AZUL! I know how to fix our problems!”
“Oh? Do tell?”
“Look I want Jade to stop being all—” (Name) waved their hands in vague motions and shrugged.
“—Jade-like with me. And you want Aspen to be happy while at NRC, and we’ve just established what—or who—will make him happy!”
Azul’s eyes widened in understanding. A horrified understanding.
Oh no. No, no, no, no!
“I see where you’re going with this and—”
“Com’ on Azul!”
“—absolutely not.”
“—it’ll be easy—”
“Don’t care! Suffer!”
“Azul!”
“NO!”
“Yes—”
Eerily, and like a statue, (Name) went still, eyes narrowing as they slowly turned to the door again. He’s sure that if they hadn’t been so focused on whatever was happening on the other side of the door, they’d be in an upset in how much they currently reminded him of Jade in the moment.
Their steps didn’t make a sound as they carefully treaded to the door, hands folded behind their back as they tilted their head.
Azul watched, using his cane to get up when he suddenly heard the doors fly open and the thump of a body hit the ground.
“ACK!”
“Hello Aspen.” (Name) hummed out staring down at the sprawled man on the ground, the ends of their lips gave a slight smile. “I thought I felt someone out here for a while—HEY!”
His brother has always been much faster than Azul ever was. More athletic overall, honestly. Which is why Aspen was able to nearly propel himself up and out the room in a blur of grays and lilacs.
Rolling his eyes, Azul trailed as (Name) chased after, shouting out for the fleeing to come back, snorting as he heard the thump and groans of Aspen, then two scuffling.
“Get off! I heard all about you and your mind-reading, you witch!”
“No! You don’t understand—”
“I understand plenty! Playing with his feelings like that—”
“I’m doing nothing like—stop moving! I’m your damn housewarden—”
“Then fucking act like one! And get your hands off me!”
Azul strolled into the hallway, covering his mouth as he watched the comical scene of the two wrestling and rolling on the hallway floor. (Name’s) hand reached out to yank at the scarf wrapped around Aspen’s neck, while the latter pulled at their hair making them yelp.
“You two are going to hurt—oh!” Azul jumped back as (Name) was suddenly kicked away towards Azul’s feet, Aspen scrambling up and dashing down the hallway. “Aspen, can you please—(Name)!
They chased after, body colliding against Aspen’s as the two took another tumble to the ground.
Honestly, these two.
Azul shook his head as he followed after, watching as (Name) groaned, the other taking the opportunity to turn them and pin them to the ground by their shoulders.
“Ow! Hey, get off!” (Name) and Aspen’s head collided as the former forced their way to sitting up, a loud, thick ‘thunk’ echoing.
“OW!”
“FUCK!”
Seeing the red on (Name’s) lips and Aspen rubbing his chin, Azul rushed over, noticing the shadows coming from the turn of the hallway, covering the pair.
“Ah. Is this why you haven't returned to me yet, Child of Man?”
Malleus?
Azul watched as he was almost at the corner, seeing the way (Name) and Aspen both looked up and froze, turning brilliant shades of purple and red respectively. As he turned to follow their gaze, the sudden silence from both made more sense.
The entryway to the rest of the lounge was crowded, a small group of staff and students peeking through to watch the commotion that (Name) and Aspen had caused with their tussle. Jade, Malleus, and Grim at the former’s feet, fuzzy face messy and covered in crumbs.
“Hello Malleus. Jade, is there a reason you’re bringing him to my office?”
Jade was always good at masking his emotions when it was required. Ever since he was a child, Jade would ensure that he’d approach any and all situations with the correct tack.
It was as unnerving as it was rare when he failed to do so, eyes boring down at the two on the ground, wide and mouth ever so slightly agape.
Aspen bristled, as if just suddenly realizing that him straddling (Name) down and clutching at them left quite the impression.
“JADE! You—it’s not—we—I—Prefect say something!”
Aspen was practically glowing from how deep his blush was, the color growing to his ears as one of the prying students let out a wolfish whistle.
“Oooooh, what’s Pinky doin’ on top of a housewar—”
Said student, and the rest of the crowd quickly dispersed, when Jade whipped his head around, though with what face Azul wasn’t sure. Whatever expression he had scared them off well enough.
Malleus seemed amused, based on the look he was giving the eelmer, glancing down at the two with a smirk.
“Here I came, requesting to be brought to my human,” Jade turned back, face back into a calm, polite facade as his golden eye seemed to glower at Malleus. “To see what is keeping you from me, and I see you entangled with this one.”
Aspen squeaked as Malleus’s eye darted to him, narrowing as the fae held his hand up as he hummed.
“Should I be concerned? Does my human require my aid?”
If Malleus noticed the way Jade clenched his fists, ever so slightly squinting at him, he gave no mind.
“NO! It’s nothing Mr. Draconia sir!” Aspen was scrambling off and away as Malleus approached the pair, though he caused (Name) to groan in pain as his hand jabbed into their side. “I’m going now! Very soRRY—”
Azul was quick to snatch the back of Aspen’s collar, pulling him in close, like a cat with her kitten scruffed.
“I don’t think so. I think a discussion is needed between you, myself, and (Name). Now.”
The last thing we need is for him to start spreading word about you (Name).
(Name) perked up, though their eyes kept darting back to Jade, whose gaze was now focused on them, now soft as Jade reached down to offer a hand.
“I do believe that they require first aid before any discussions, allow me to—”
“I’m fine! Hornton can help me, he’s been teaching me spells so…”
Azul covered his mouth to hide his smirk, as poor (Name) scrambled back to their feet, he could practically see the steam coming out of their ears as they tripped over themselves. They end up reaching for Jade’s hand to steady themselves, glancing up at him with a soft smile before taking their hand back and looking to Malleus instead.
“You should probably come too. He, um, heard about the thing.”
(Name) tapped their head, making Malleus nod in understanding.
“I see, of course. Are you coming beastie, or will you continue to gorge on your feast back at the table?”
Grim had taken to latching onto (Name’s) legs, tail whipping back and forth as he glared as Aspen, squirming in Azul’s firm hold.
“I’m coming! Can’t leave my henchhuman alone for one sec, or rude freshies get all handsy!”
The three followed Azul and a squirming Aspen, though he paused to turn, eyeing Jade as he followed the group with a small smile.
“I appreciate the attentiveness Jade, as always, but this will be a private meeting for the four—”
Grim huffed, making Azul roll his eyes.
“The five of us. It’s a delicate matter, you understand?”
Though he didn’t need (Name’s) telepathy to know what Jade was thinking, the way they scrunched their face told him all he needed to know.
“Are you sure Azul? I am happy to prepare some refreshments, especially since we have Prince Malleus,” If said prince noticed the ever so subtle disdain in the way Jade said his name, he cared not. “And such a visitor should be tended to.”
“I’m sure Jade. Just focus on the lounge, I’ll call if you’re needed.”
Jade nodded, eyes flitting to (Name) for a moment before he turned towards the cafe. Though, he looked back over his shoulder for a moment.
Azul decided not to point out to his friend that they did the same as Jade left.
continuing to catch up on things, including Skully officially joining the haunted shed in the back of campus that Crowley forgot about Ramshackle Gang!
enjoying it so far!! I've only seen bits and pieces of the manga so it's mostly fresh to me, and it was a pretty fun first episode. :D :D :D (though I did hear that the opening bit with Crowley was, uhhh, not in the manga) (HEY WHAT. WHAT DID THAT MEAN CROWLEY. HEY.) (I...I guess that's why they posted the episode 8 game teaser when they did HUH)
I did particularly like how everyone's reactions to the mirror room being set on fire (for, if it follows game canon, the second year in a row) was just. a beautiful encompassing of them all. half of them are just standing around insulting each other. Crowley's in the middle going "hmm somebody should do something about this probably" while Azul is trying to interest him in an exciting new fire-related investment opportunity. Kalim got set on fire despite Jamil's best efforts and is just running around in the background as Rook immediately starts being weird about ~the beauty of the conflagration~. Riddle is in the process of actively exploding. Leona's trying to sleep. Malleus is sitting at home alone and wondering where everyone else went. and my beautiful precious Vanrouge children?
at this point I think the reason they change protagonists every arc is because if any of them had to put up with these idiots for more than a single storyline, they would not survive.
Considering who will probably be in this year’s Halloween, I am praying SO HARD for more father and son spotlight on their spooky adventure. I doubt Diasomnia would get another Halloween SSR but maybe they’ll want Lilia to complete the set!
father 👏 son 👏 sandy-claws-kidnapping-bonding-time 👏
personally I'm thinking of who hasn't gotten a Halloween SSR yet -- out of the (presumably) upcoming guys I think it's just Lilia, Floyd, Deuce, Jack, and Ruggie? any of whom would honestly be fantastic choices. (and Halloween's a special enough thing for Twst that I'm not sure if Lilia and Floyd already having Stitch SSRs disqualifies them from Zero...honestly SSRs or no I just want to see the chaos gremlins run wild in Halloweentown, they will have SO much fun.)
(now watch as the Halloween event turns out to be something completely different for some reason) (Tower of Terror event with anime ikemen Rod Serling) (...actually that's amazing can we do that also now --)
Are Alexandria and Dorothy based off the Fox and the Hound? I thought that at first because of the animal associations. But is Alexandria actually a fox beastman?
they're based off of Amelia and Doppler from Treasure Planet! :D Alexandria's a ginger cat -- I did think about giving her some stripes to make her more obviously a cat instead of a fox, but I was afraid she might look a bit too...y'know...Garfield-y. or maybe that other orange striped comic strip cat?
CAN WE SEE THE RSA SPORTS INSTRUCTOR OC IN MORE DETAIL/MORE CLEARLY ?
Pretty please?
she's part of an OC duo! ...hopefully who they're based on is more obvious in color. :') at one point I had a try at drawing 'em (sorta) on-model, which is to say, huge doofy shoes for everyone:
Alexandria and Dorothy North -- Alexandria is the previously-mentioned RSA sports instructor (not an alumn, but hired for what Ambrose calls "merit" and what everyone else calls "absolute ruthlessness in whipping these lads into a winning formation") (this is, in fact, what she considers a light, sporty outfit). Dorothy is a magical collections archivist for the Sage's Island library (plus the occasional independent work for both NRC and RSA) (no such thing as school loyalty when there are BOOKS). they're married! 💍
they're sorta more a design exercise + filler that came about from needing a placeholder character, so I don't have like. a ton of lore or anything about them. ...except that Alexandria and Vargas have the world's pettiest and stupidest rivalry, of course.
I need to know your opinion on what classes rsa might have that nrc doesn’t. Like chivalry class might be a thing for all we know but I SWEAR THEY MIGHT HAVE A HAIR STYLING CLASS CAUSE ALL THE RSA MOB AVATARS HAVE THE SILKIST SMOOTHEST LOOKED RAGS FOR SOME REASON WHILE NRC MOBS HAS STUDENTS HAIR BEING FLAPPED BY A CARPET. ( not literally but still the comparison can make it seem like it)
Although I admit, everyone’s hair is nice 💕
counterpoint: all those things are just natural to RSA students. they wake up every day with naturally beautiful shiny silky hair that blows gorgeously in the slightest breeze as they take turns helping elderly chipmunks cross the road. the classes they really need are ones that teach them to be less...that...so they don't get taken horrible, horrible advantage of by the mean boys across the island. >:(
what are your hopes and theories for the next birthday series :)
personally, my hopes are for street clothes! we've had the sleepy loungewear, now I wanna see what they wear to go make fun of people at the local mall. 👀 bonus points for comfy wintertime clothes!
(also I desperately need to see what Malleus considers a casual daytime ensemble)
The amount of love I have for the absolute GROUP that is idia, malleus, Ortho and Lilia caused me to burst into tears while reading that comic u posted(fantastic work). They r literally so adorable. It makes me sad that allotted idia has about 3 friends and one is his brother. He and Malleus should be friends bcs I love them. I love their moments in book 7 sm. They r so silly. (And idia is my silly little guy) i just want everyone to get along. (Great art, i was very nervous to send this)
thank you!! :> I also agree that Idia and Malleus should be friends; I think if they ever actually had, like, a hangout or something, they'd get along really well? they've both got sort of that dry deadpan going on. and, let's be real, they would both love snarking about Leona when he's not around to hear them.
I did NOT expect to see Malleus become part of the Shroud family business. Do you think Idia is ready to adopt the magic lizzard prince?
the total narrative perfection of Malleus doing an internship at Styx was tempered only by my disappointment that they're going to have him be doing, like, cataloguing and artifact restoration and not actually anything that involves using a computer. :( like. I mean. that's perfect for him actually but I wanted to see Malleus let loose in a server room like a confused giraffe wandering around in a commercial printing shop. I demand Idia trying to teach Malleus how to use the company dropbox. I want to see him try to explain the concept of a password keychain. this is going to be even harder than trying to explain programming to Riddle in less than three minutes, and it's not going to work out nearly as well.
(they'll be lucky if they manage to make it past the entrance without incident)
THE GREAT MALEFICIA SCOLDING OF ALL TIME IT GOT MALLEUS AND LILIA RUNNING BACK TO NRC
Malleus going to STYX!! Lilia becoming an ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER!! Oh my heart!!
THE. VANROUGE. ADOPTION. PAPERS. AND THE ENGRAVED PEN. SILVER BEING SO HAPPY HE HAS TO SRCUNCH UP HIS FACE SO HE IS NOT GRINNING IN CLASS!! WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE UPDATE WHERE LILIA CALLS HIM HIS "MUSUKO" IS NOT VOICED, I AM GOING TO SCREAM DURING THE VOICING WAIT!!!
Ace trying to copy Jack's UM and ending up becoming hairy lmao
Sebek making friends!!!
Grim's foreshadowing when talking about UMs!! (eating everything!! consuming all!! GRIM!!! NO!!!)
THE PAJAMA PARTY WITH DIASOMNIA AT RAMSHACKLE!!! THUS BEGINS DIASOMNIA'S SUPPORT ROLE FOR BOOK 8!! I'M SO EXCITED!! EGO!!
AND THE ADOPTION PAPERS ONCE AGAI—
THE VANROUGENING WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF TIME, AND I WILL BE THERE FOR EVERY DELICIOUS SECOND. give me MORE scenes of them being so so stupid about each other. give me more of Silver getting so excited every time he sees his new pen that his face instinctually overcompensates and he ends up failing every class. give me more legal paperwork they have to fill out together while affirming their mutual unconditional love. I've never been happier.
however I regret to say you are forgetting what is clearly the #1 absolutely MOST important thing that everyone can and WILL be reminded of at every single opportunity, even if Sebek has to forcibly create said opportunities himself, repeatedly, often within thirty seconds of the last one
my boys have gotten everything they've ever wanted and I am so proud of them 🥲
