tags: nsfw; threesomes, m/m/f; helping elbie heal through the power of smut and love word count: 1.9k
She held her breath as she waited outside their bedroom door. Her fingers curled into her palms, nails digging in ever so slightly with her nerves. They’d asked her to wait and she had. She’d waited, her heart pounding and thoughts racing, straining her ears just in case they needed her sooner.
The clock had never ticked so slowly before.
Steeling her nerves, she took a calming breath and knocked. When she heard no protests, she quietly slipped inside and—
Oh, now that was a vision.
Her darling Elbert was still wearing his day shirt, but most of the buttons were undone and the fabric disheveled. The rest of his clothes—and Alfons’s—were neatly set aside, showing the care and the time they had taken. At least, it seemed, until the final moments. They were in bed together, Elbert’s long and elegant fingers splayed over Alfons’s bare chest as the earl straddled his attendant—riding his cock.
She gasped quietly, her heart jumping. The sight was stunning, but she didn’t know how to react, didn’t know whether this was something to savor or—
Her worries cut there, because in that very moment, Elbert let out a moan. The sound was soft but unmistakable, as beautiful as the rest of him. And then he moved, slowly rocking his hips as more pleasured exhales fell from his lips.
Oh thank god.
Alfons caught her eye and reached out a hand, beckoning. “Come here.”
It took all of her self-control not to sprint over to their bed, but her steps were hurried. She abandoned her slippers, joining them on the bed. Her attention was focused on Elbert, and as soon as she was next to him, he leaned back, putting his weight against her. He tipped his head back, resting it on her shoulder as he gazed up at her. “Kate, Kate, ahhh…”
His porcelain cheeks were beautifully flushed, he was painfully hard, and his expression was one of pure bliss. Even as he looked at her, repeating her name, he continued to grind against Alfons of his own accord.
She cradled his face in her hands, stroking his cheek with her thumb as she kissed him gently. But Elbert didn’t give her gentle in return. He groaned, shifting up and devouring her mouth. His tongue sought out hers, demanding and greedy, faltering only when Alfons suddenly thrust up and broke them apart.
Elbert moaned, his golden lashes fluttering. “I… I never knew… it could feel like this.”
“Is it good?” She stroked her fingers through his hair. Her gaze flickered to Alfons’s hands, but they were still gloved, blocking his ability.
Alfons chuckled, kneading Elbert’s spread thighs with his leather-clad fingers. “It’s all him, my dear. Don’t worry.”
“How do you feel, El?” Kate asked, her apprehensions still not fully discarded. She wanted this to work, they all did, but at the same time…
“I… it feels… so good.” Elbert clung to Alfons, while his head lolled against her shoulder. His pretty lips stayed parted, letting pleasured little whimpers escape. “I… I want more.”
Relief swept through her. She nodded again, kissing his hair, his eyelids, his temple, his mouth. “It does. It does feel good. And that’s how it feels when you’re inside me, El. Like this… so full, so blissful, so loved.”
“So loved…” Something passed over his ocean-blue eyes, but it was dark and distant, and he went quiet.
Before she could react, Alfons traced his fingertips under Elbert’s chin and drew his face down, making eye contact. “Elbert, you’re here. You’re with us. You’re nowhere else but here.”
Alfons’s words were honeyed, but the sincerity in them made her melt. Immediately, the shadows faded from Elbert’s eyes. He looked back at Alfons, the blue of his gaze clear and vibrant. “I am. I’m here with you, Al…”
That was why. That was why they had started without her this time. In case it didn’t work.
Only a few days before this, the three of them had been entangled in one of their nightly arrangements. She had ridden Elbert while Alfons took her from behind, their hands and mouths on her making her shake with pleasure. Elbert had watched so greedily, so intently, drinking in every single one of her reactions.
And then, a short while later, his brow had furrowed when he’d fucked an orgasm out of Alfons, the soft little groans and muted mewls that slipped through their mirror’s mouth absolutely obscene. Elbert had stilled, frozen for a breathless moment before he traced his fingertips over Alfons’s stomach and whispered, “I want to try it… Al, I want to feel that too…”
They’d barely managed to convince him to wait, to let them all think and prepare. They never wanted to stop Elbert’s desires, but this new one was… It wasn’t wise to rush into it.
So they’d promised and plotted, and then she and Alfons had discussed it in private. Just in case Elbert… didn’t like it.
Because then, if the worse did happen, then at least she would be able to rush in and pull him back from the brink. And that way, Elbert would still be left with her as his savior, rather than losing them both.
But seeing him like this, with his fair skin blushing pink and his beautiful lips exhaling sweet moans, his long lashes fluttering in bliss… It was so worth it.
Alfons drew him into a kiss and any remaining tension disappeared from Elbert’s shoulders, his body going soft and pliant. Their lips met again and again, the kisses sweet and gentle. When they broke apart, Elbert turned toward her with a pleading look.
She was almost tempted to kiss Alfons first, just to tease him a bit, make him pout and grow more demanding. But there would be plenty of time for that later. Instead, she met his lips, sighing softly. His fingers fumbled with her clothes, undoing the buttons on her blouse and pulling on the strings lacing her skirt.
She stayed on her knees as the layers of fabric were shed away, her breasts pressed against his back, arms looping his waist so she could stroke him off as Elbert ground on Alfons’s cock. They were so beautiful together…
“I must say, I don’t think I’ve ever had a better view.” Alfons smirked, his gloved hands trailing further up Elbert’s thighs. The black of the leather was a stark contrast against the cream of his skin. “My Elbie and Kate, both perched above me. What a gift. Now, my dear, if you could just twist your wrist and brush your darling little thumb over his tip, I’d like to see his reaction.”
She did exactly as Alfons said, twisting her wrist as she stroked his cock, smearing the glistening precum building on his tip. Elbert shuddered, his whole body quivering, and then Alfons gripped onto his thighs and thrust up. Except, he didn’t stop at one like before. He kept pushing, sinking his cock into Elbert from below, until his earl was gasping in pleasure.
“K-Kate… Come here.”
Elbert found one of her hands and drew her around. She faced him and straddled Alfons’s waist with him, smiling when Elbert pulled her close. He nuzzled his face into her chest, hands kneading at her breasts and pulling one into his mouth, sucking on her nipple. He lavished her with his tongue, dragging his teeth over her sensitive skin, and let one of his hands slip down. She was already so wet, the entry squelched when he plunged his fingers inside her. He fingered her open as she cradled his head to her bosom, stroking his hair.
When he finally pulled his hand back, she almost protested—only to witness him licking her honey off his fingers with a groan. “I… Kate, I want to taste you. Let me eat you, ahh…”
“H-how?” she whispered, glancing back.
Alfons offered them both a smile. “Stand up. I’ll be gentle since I’m sure he’ll have your knees weak in seconds.”
She stood carefully, balancing herself atop their firm mattress. It was awkward for a moment, but then Elbert tugged her toward him. He kept her waist steady and threw one of her legs over his shoulder, hitching her in so he could bury his face in her cunt. She moaned as his tongue swept between her folds, her fingers twisting into his hair.
He didn’t waste time with faint, teasing licks. Instead, he spread her folds with the pads of his thumbs, opening her up so his tongue could delve deeper. As she trembled, forcing herself to stay upright, he ate her out hungrily, circling her clit with the tip of his tongue. He lapped up her nectar, his pleased moans vibrating against her bud as he sucked on it before thrusting his fingers inside.
Elbert darted his tongue, licking, sucking, fucking her open until she came, pleading out his name. And the whole time, he had continued to rock against Alfons.
When she came down from her high, Elbert helped her unhook her leg from his shoulder, and gently, he laid her onto the bed beside Alfons, a smile on his lips. “Don’t take your eyes off me. Both of you.”
Then, in a blink, he pushed down on Alfons’s shoulders, pinning him down. “Al, let me…” He shifted, first hesitantly as he drew up, then sank down. Kate watched him ride Alfons, how Elbert’s body greedily swallowed Alfons’s hard length, slowly at first, and then gradually growing more fevered. Every time Alfons tried to move, Elbert scowled and pushed him back down, controlling them both.
He murmured and gasped, taking Alfons’s cock as deeply as he could until he shook and mewled and came in pearly ribbons all over Alfons’s abdomen. “Ahh…”
Alfons blinked, almost cutely, before bursting out laughing. “Coming hands free your first time, how absolutely greedy. Did it really feel that good?”
“Yes… Because it was with you, Al.”
Surprise washed over Alfons’s face, his dark lashes blinking over ash-grey eyes. And then, the surprise melted into something soft and endearing, like pure and devoted affection. That expression on Alfons was so rare and all the more precious for it. She’d only ever seen it on a few occasions, reserved for the smallest and most precious of kittens—and for the two of them.
“I’m glad it felt good, El,” Kate said, taking his hand. She laced their fingers together and kissed his palm. “Are you satisfied?”
He paused, eyes brooding, then shook his head. “I still want you…”
“We can take our time tonight. You need to—”
“No. Now.”
Elbert’s movements were far too elegant for someone freshly fucked, yet he climbed off Alfons with barely a tremor and pulled her to him instead. His cock was still stiff, standing flushed and pretty against his stomach.
There was no patience in his movements, only greed. He hitched her hips to his, guiding her legs around his waist, and thrust inside her. She moaned, wrapping her arms around him. He then strained back, grabbing Alfons and yanking him over. “Again… Al, I want you… I want her and I want you, too. I want to be inside her and for you to be inside me… I want you both, I want all of us… together.”
Alfons chuckled quietly, touching a kiss to Elbert’s shoulder, then sighed as he met Kate’s gaze. “Oh dear. I’m afraid we’ve created a monster.”
1151 words. comfort. inspired by dark if and mirror mirror events. features: ikévil suitor × f! reader. any suitor, especially liam, alfons, ellis, maybe william, nica.
꒰ summary ꒱ you find yourself in a ballroom, and until the clock strikes midnight, you dance with a man whose name you don’t know…and yet, it feels like you knew him for a lifetime.
one night, a strangely vivid dream visited the nook of your mind.
gradually, it expanded, grew brighter to the point it blinded your vision in pure white, and blossomed explosively like a firework.
“what brings you here tonight, my lady?”
that smooth voice was a signal for the blinding light to ebb away, and through your dotted vision and squinted eyes, you could make out a man’s silhouette. he seemed to don dark-colored attire — a color that contrasted with the light colors of your surroundings.
“um…where am i?” what was left, and what was right? how long had you been standing there? in fact, what time was it now? a bout of vertigo struck you abruptly, causing you to stumble with a small squeal, but before you could trip over your — were those high heeled? — shoes, a pair of strong yet warm arms wrapped around your figure, accompanied by a sweet scent.
it felt like you were a piece of candy, being wrapped delicately with its wrapping.
“whoa there— are you alright?”
“y-yes! sorry about that, i’ll get off now.”
you pushed against the man’s chest, a bit harder than you intended; you could only hope he didn’t take it the wrong way.
the man chuckled, his closed hand covering his smile.
it was a shame you were unable to lay your eyes upon such a beautiful smile…or, wait, why was such a thought so certain? it wasn’t as though you remembered the name of the man, so how would you know if his smile was beautiful or not?
“before that, would you care for a dance with me?”
“a dance? but i’m not wearing an appropriate…” just then, you looked down at yourself, your heart feeling as though it might jump right out of your chest at the sight that met your eyes.
you were wearing a light purple dress, its hem nearly touching the shiny marble floor. it was indeed an appropriate attire for a ballroom dance. but, that left the question gnawing in the back of your mind: when did you even change out of your pajamas?
“but you are,” he replied, extending a hand of invitation your way, “and you look quite beautiful. so beautiful.”
you widened your eyes, hearing those words come out of his mouth as though they were the most natural words in the world.
you couldn’t help but search his eyes for any signs of empty flattery.
but no matter how you searched, those eyes were genuine through and through.
“am i…beautiful?”
you knew it was a bit selfish, but for some odd reason, hearing those words drew you straight to him like a magnet, and you asked such a question in hopes of hearing those words, or even a semblance of those words, even if it was just one more time.
“i’ll say it as much as you want if it will make you happy. you’re the most beautiful lady i’ve seen.”
you cracked a small smile before lifting your own hand, palm down. the man took that as an acceptance of his invitation, reaching out and gently holding your fingertips as though he were treating a treasure, and pressed his soft lips onto the back of your hand.
time — nonexistent as it already was — seemed to freeze then and there.
when his lips withdrew, you felt your cheeks burn and flush a little.
“then, once again, may i have this dance with you?”
“ah…of course.”
you felt swept in this man’s whims, yet they were whims you wouldn’t mind going along with either. even though you hardly knew anything about him, it simultaneously felt like you had known him your entire life, for an eternity before.
you two dipped your heads to one another in a greeting, and then with a light tug, the man pulled you in toward himself.
he was good at leading: every time he took a step, you seemed to naturally know where and when to step in response.
from somewhere afar, yet also near, an orchestra played a waltz.
one, two, three…one, two, three…
your steps mirrored the ticking of the clock. time seemed to blur in the wake of this dance that swept you off your feet.
“do you feel a bit better now?” he asked, continuing to dance. he even lifted your arm, prompting you to twirl around, the hem of your dress spreading and flowing outward with the motion. “at least — a little bit?”
“wh…me? feel better about what?”
“haha, did you have so much fun here you forgot?” he led you all around the ballroom; there was not a single place your shoes had not stepped foot upon in this room. “the fact we’re meeting here probably means you’re worrying over something. i couldn’t tell you what though, as i’m just here to make you feel a little better until midnight strikes.”
hearing the time limit, you couldn’t help but look outside, where a tall clock tower stood, imposing.
oh my god, i didn’t notice, but there’s not much time left until midnight now! no wonder he asked me if i felt better now…
“well, my heart does feel a lot lighter. i mean, you’re really good at dancing, time just flew by just like that during our time together, and…ah, sorry for rambling.”
he shook his head, a reassuring smile playing on his lips.
“i love listening to you. your voice reminds me of a song i could listen to forever…it’s really unfortunate midnight is striking soon.”
there wasn’t much time left.
a sense of urgency filled your chest to the brim, threatening to overflow, and as though to stall the merciless hands of time, you found yourself gripping the hem of the man’s sleeve.
“uhm!” you started, “will we— will we ever meet again?”
the man returned your uncertain voice with a confident smile. “if fate says so, then meet again we shall.”
he bowed down, as if he were making a sacred vow.
“but what if we don’t meet again? can i at least know your name?”
the man’s eyes narrowed, its depths wavering with a hint of affection.
“…my name is—”
the bells from the clock tower rang and echoed, even through the ballroom’s window, the sonorous sound drowning out the rest of the man’s voice.
midnight had struck.
just then, whether it was because the time was up or because this dance had allowed you to let go of whatever was worrying you, you felt like you were atop a light cloud then and there.
but, how light could a cloud feel before the weight of the dream became a burden?
you didn’t know.
but i would dance to the end of the world to find the answer with you.
when you awoke into reality and looked outside, though, you could only see the clouds up above, with no way to see what may perhaps lay beyond.
fin.
꒰ tag list . ꒱ @drachonia @weepinglycoris @velisle @candiedcoffeedrops @judesmoonbeauty @missaengg @kookie-my-little-sunshine comment to be added or removed!
“…don’t matter if i gotta use money, magic, ya name it. someday, i’ll make it happen.”
—how could he not, when the image in his mind was engraved in his soul so deeply?
indeed, it was so clear, it could probably last ten thousand years.
(II)
“wow, the moon is so big…” as kate walked down the hallway, she looked out the window.
outside, the moon hung from the sky, so full and large she felt she could touch it.
“they say witchcraft’s at its strongest when the moon is at its largest.”
“eek!” kate jumped and turned around, seeing victor standing right behind her. “v-victor! don’t scare me like that!”
“haha, you must’ve been fairly out of it if you didn’t notice. bewitched by the moon tonight?”
“hm? oh, i guess…” kate’s voice trailed off as she looked back out the window.
victor’s gaze followed, his voice remaining lighthearted. “i have a tickling feeling some magic is going to happen tonight.”
kate chuckled as well at his somewhat theatric words. “what, are you holding another magic show?”
“aw, miss kate, could it be you miss my magic shows? you know i’m always happy to show you my tricks.” victor’s eyes were like crescents as he smiled, but then his expression recomposed. “…but i mean a different type of magic this time.”
“a different type?”
the corner of his lips quirked up as he brought his index finger up.
“be careful when opening doors after the clock strikes midnight. if you open the wrong door at the wrong time, i can’t guarantee you will be able to return safely until the next full moon.”
(III)
“▧▧▧▧, ya doin’ okay?”
they laid on the bed — a far cry from the energetic disposition they had just some time before.
now, coughing was a regular occurrence. sometimes, they would shiver as well.
jude held onto their hand, grasping it as tightly as his coarse fingers could.
it was as though he wanted to capture any sign of warmth.
or before that, he wanted to find a semblance of it.
“i’m…sorry…”
their voice came out as a raspy whisper before more coughing resounded in the room. the hand jude held gently held his back in a silent urge for him to relax.
although it did little to ease his mind.
after all, what they had couldn’t be treated without medicine.
and medicine costed money — more money than what he could currently make in a year, he reckoned.
jude clicked his tongue, more so annoyed at himself than anything else. but this only elicited an amused, albeit weak chuckle from his sibling.
“why so hard on yourself?” ▧▧▧▧ lifted jude’s hand, and he let them guide his hand as though they were the moon. “…you’re already like the moon to me. so that’s why…”
“▧▧▧▧…” jude’s voice trailed off, his amethyst eyes becoming more misty as he heard their voice fade into a whisper.
“that’s why…if i can stay by your side…that is more than enough.”
“then i’ll stay by your side,” jude replied, “it’s a promise ‘til the end.”
they gave jude a smile before turning their head to look up at the moon, high above the sky.
“i wonder how far the moon is,” they murmured.
jude didn’t know the answer then.
he eventually did find out —— but only when their voice faded to nothingness.
(IV)
kate couldn’t get victor’s words out of her head.
maybe he was indeed joking, but also…what if he was not? what would happen, then, were she to open a door she shouldn’t have?
sighing while mulling over her own thoughts, she turned the doorknob to her door, eager to plop onto the soft sheets of her bed, when——
“ahhh?!”
opening the door, she was greeted by a blinding light.
so bright…!
it took her a minute to adjust to her surroundings, her eyes slowly presenting her with a sight that looked somewhat familiar, but was also a far cry from her room.
“w-w-w-wha…”
the first thing she saw was a fight breaking out.
or…it wasn’t so much of a fight as it was a child, a boy who couldn’t have passed his teen years, getting beaten by some adults.
what stood out to kate was the amethyst-colored eyes this child had, which seemed to gleam with an unyielding flame of determination, only kindled by the inevitable pain.
what is going on?!
kate was bewildered, for sure, but also, she wanted to help that child as well.
her body moved on her own then.
“stop right there!!”
the child’s eyes widened, but he quickly recomposed himself. it would appear he was accustomed to such situations.
the attackers tried to retaliate, but they didn’t know that kate had a good mentor named roger when it came to the art of self defense.
when the attackers fled (not without spitting on the ground in contempt though), kate turned toward the child.
it was then she noticed his silver hair with black streaks.
“you…”
is this jude?
kate reached out to him to check to see if he was hurt, but the boy slapped her hand away, shooting kate a glare.
“i never asked for your help, ya goody two shoes.”
well, that was more than enough to answer the question that popped into her mind some mere seconds before.
(V)
who knows how much time had passed.
the first few days, kate ran into (child) jude, and he would swat her hand away, glare at her, and run off somewhere she didn’t know.
he kind of reminded her of a cat.
but as a bit more time went on, the two started making small talk.
“how long are you going to eat stale bread?”
“none o’ ya darn business.”
“actually, i think i have very valid concerns about your health, jude——ah.”
kate put her hands over her mouth, but it was too late.
jude looked at her, his brows raised.
“i didn’t tell ya my name. what does that make ya, a stalker?”
“no way!”
and, as a week passed, kate would sometimes find jude sitting on top of some burlap sacks piled on top of one another, looking up at the sky.
usually, his amethyst eyes had some fire in them, but when they looked at the moon, they seemed so dull in comparison. it was like he was deep in thought, but said thoughts weighed down on him, making him look far from a child.
one day — or one night — for the first time perhaps, jude asked kate a question.
“…how far is the moon?”
“…around 385,000 kilometers.” adult you told me at one point, after all.
jude spared kate a side glance before looking back up. “…i see.” after a pause, his next words came out in a murmur. “maybe if i met ya sooner, things would’ve been different.”
somehow, seeing his profile in the darkness, illuminated only by the silver moonlight, made him seem infinitely lonely…
and kate couldn’t help herself as she wrapped her arms around jude.
at first, he stiffened, but he didn’t push her away; he likely didn’t have much vigor to do so at this point.
no words were exchanged between them, but none were needed.
but then, another question seemingly whispered in kate’s ears.
“then, do ya think it’s possible to go to the moon?”
it seemed like a simple question, and yet at the same time so vulnerable for a reason kate didn’t know of.
“yes,” she replied after a pause, “i do.”
“hah, ya sure know how to be a goody two shoes.”
but for the first time since she came to this mysterious world, she felt arms wrap around her back.
fin.
꒰ tag list . ꒱ @drachonia @weepinglycoris @velisle @candiedcoffeedrops @judesmoonbeauty comment to be added or removed!
꒰ summary ꒱ it would appear that elbert has procured a vial containing some mysterious contents.
“al.” elbert held up a small vial containing what roger called mysterious contents, the liquid within a vibrant pink color. “...is this beautiful?”
his friend spared a glance at the potion-like liquid and let out a sigh, an exasperated smile playing on his lips. he opened his mouth, about to say his usual, ‘no — not as much as you,’ when a thought occurred to him.
a thought laced with a tad bit of mischief.
“...i would say it’s beautiful enough to show to your adorable (y/n), no?”
a small pause. elbert whirled the contents in the vial with a thoughtful expression. “...i see.”
—“and that was what happened.” elbert finished his story of how he had this suspicious looking concoction, to say the least, rendering you speechless.
looking at how pink it was, you couldn’t help but wonder just what was roger making every day down in the basement.
or, more importantly...
“why did alfons say that? doesn’t he usually say something like ‘it’s not as beautiful as you?’”
“i did think that as well,” elbert whispered, “but at the same time, i trust al to give me the answer.”
that i get, but maybe... trust al a little less in the future. just a little less.
“so, uhm, what should we do with this...?”
“...do you want to taste it?”
“...what?”
“if it was a dangerous substance, al would have said so, i think.”
“...you think?”
if it was one of roger’s drugs, it probably had some strange effect to it, considering they have turned you doll-sized before. it would hardly be a stretch to say this wouldn’t do something similar.
you opened the cap and brought it to your nose.
“agh—” you coughed, bringing the vial quickly away from your nose. “what is this!? it smells sickeningly sweet!” some aphrodisiac?
elbert seemed surprised, his oceanic blue eyes spiraling and shadowing over with worry. he reached out to you, gently putting his hands on your shoulders in a reassuring gesture. “are you alright?”
“y-yes, it was just a bit... too sweet...”
elbert thought for a moment, and then his lips seemed to curl into a small smile, possessing an almost enchanting quality. “what if we kiss?”
“k-kiss...?” your mind was still a bit woozy.
“if we kiss a very sweet kiss...” elbert stole your lips, taking your breath away and seeming to clear away the cloud in your mind. the kiss lasted long enough so you could take in the scent that reminded you of the beach.
“...perhaps that may do the trick.”
fin.
꒰ tag list . ꒱ @weepinglycoris @velisle @candiedcoffeedrops @drachonia @.comment to be added or removed!
꒰ dedication . ꒱ @myusuchaa | an ikévil drabble! 🎃
441 words. halloween event. features: nica schwartz × gn! reader.
꒰ summary ꒱ you and nica accompany a child who got separated from his mother while trick or treating…
the man called nica was frivolous and teasing, a tad ruthless and sharp. but at the same time, he sometimes was a bit more sweet? in a way.
for example, you could recall this one moment…
“do you remember where your parents went?”
nica crouched down before a crying child, perhaps on a whim for all you knew. he wore a smile on his face, though you wouldn’t call it soft, per se.
“w-while i was trick or treating, my mama disappeared,” the child replied through sniffles.
“do you have any idea which direction she may have gone?” you asked.
when the child shook his head, nica shot a glance at you, his navy eyes narrowing and glimmering with a hint of mischief. he then turned back to the child, his lips widening into a meaningful grin.
“alright then.” he patted his shoulders. “how about you go trick or treating with me and my partner here? you’re bound to find your mom eventually.”
you nearly sputtered where you were. d-did he just say partner?! i didn’t hear wrong or misunderstand, right…?
you sure hoped you did — but given it was nica, you couldn’t be sure either.
“r-really?”
“yep. isn’t that right, spatzi?”
somehow, nica had a penchant for carrying the flow of the conversation. were you two on a boat, he would be at the front, steering, while you would end up sitting in the back.
somehow, you couldn’t say no.
the three of you walked together, trick or treating around the neighborhood. and although nica had proclaimed you two to be ‘partners,’ he had never once reached out to do anything partners would do, such as holding hands. that said, he would hold the child’s hand, perhaps out of necessity so they wouldn’t get separated.
eventually, the child was able to reunite with his mother. the two waved in farewell after profusely thanking you and nica with a bow. you two had waved back, though when they were out of sight, nica lowered his hand, a slightly dazed look on his profile.
“…nica?”
“yeah?”
“are you alright?”
nica didn’t seem all too fazed, if at all, by your sudden question. “haha, you ask the strangest things, don’t you? i couldn’t be more fine.”
silence——and then, “…if you say so.”
you two went the opposite way of the mother and child, toward the direction of the first star, the distance still there.
for a moment, a thought flickered like a star about holding his hand to see his reaction, but in the end you let the thought pass by you, letting it fade with the slightly sweet scent of candy.
fin.
꒰ tag list . ꒱ @weepinglycoris @velisle @candiedcoffeedrops @judesmoonbeauty @.comment to be added or removed!
꒰ dedication . ꒱ @drachonia | til 10 , 31 , 24! send me “ trick ” or “ treat ” and an ikévil character for a drabble! 🎃
445 words. halloween event. features: ring schwartz × gn! reader, nica schwartz, victor (minor), darius vogel (minor).
꒰ summary ꒱ some way, some how, victor had gotten ahold of some snacks and candies from the east. and one of them was a chocolate stick… (a/n: i know pocky didn’t exist back in the 19th century but for our purposes, let’s pretend they did ,,)
on a certain day, there was a curious delivery to crown castle. when you had asked victor about it, he said he had some snacks imported from the east to celebrate halloween, perhaps indulge in a “sinful late night snack.”
“oh, come to think of it,” victor said, “there happens to be a certain game that uses one of these snacks…”
“——and that is how the ‘pocky game’ works.” you clapped your hands together before the lobby before darius, nica, and ring, who all found themselves wanting to kill some time.
“does that mean the players will have to kiss in the end?” nica’s grin held a trace of mischief.
“k-kiss?!” ring’s eyes widened sharply.
“maybe, or maybe not. how about we test that theory out? you’re more than free to.”
in the end, you spun a bottle to choose the other player among the vogel members. when it stopped spinning, the tip pointed toward ring. darius was rather supportive, while nica seemed a little despondent at the results, but you also knew by now how good of an actor he was.
and so, you took out a pocky from the little box, putting the breaded end between your teeth. ring mirrored your actions on the chocolate end.
that alone was enough to close much of the distance between you two — you could even see his long lashes.
“w-wike wis?” ring seemed uncertain as he asked, the tip between his teeth.
you only nodded in response, the movement so slight, perhaps only ring could catch it.
he seemed calm (a bit surprisingly so); perhaps it was because he was so focused on the pocky, the close distance between you two pushed to the back of his mind.
but then, as you two started eating from both ends and approached the middle, close enough where your lips could meet in a kiss, it was as though a flip switched.
ring’s face suddenly started to flush, and letting out a “ah!” he jumped backward, his eyes shot wide open as he stood there, a bit frozen like he had just seen medusa.
“sorry, i—i didn’t mean to, uhm…” he trailed off, his cheeks flushing more.
“to what?” you tilted your head, perplexed.
“nothing!”
and with that, he bolted out of the room, leaving you staring at his back, just as shocked as he was, until he closed it behind him in a hurry.
you, darius, and nica all stared at the door, stared at one another, and then you all shrugged.
in the end, you weren’t sure if you were the one who played a little ‘trick’ on him… or if it was the other way around.
fin.
꒰ tag list . ꒱ @drachonia @weepinglycoris @velisle @candiedcoffeedrops @judesmoonbeauty @.comment to be added or removed!
꒰ dedication . ꒱ @yuoi-the-magnificent | til 10 , 31 , 24! send me “ trick ” or “ treat ” and an ikévil character for a drabble! 🎃
꒰ summary ꒱ they say the full moon can tamper with one’s sense of direction. in which case, only the mysterious, curious spirits may accompany you to the end.
the moon appeared larger than usual tonight, and around you were trees, and before you a winding path.
i could have sworn i was going straight, but this path zig zags?
your heart was beating out of your chest, the anxiety from being lost starting to make it hard to breathe. it was only your eye caught an amethyst glow in your periphery that your anxiety turned into rapture. your hand reached out to touch that orb-like light, relishing its slightly cool sensation as it faded to nothingness.
“didn’t anyone teach ya not to wander in places ya don’t know when the moon’s full?”
you turned at the voice, finding a silver-haired man. notably, he had wings, illuminated by the bewitching moonlight. fairies with mysterious powers were rumored to reside in forests, away from humans — he must be one.
“hah, what’s with that look? the road ain’t gettin’ any straighter with ya dozin’ off like some twit.”
“i could do without the twit…” you muttered.
“yeah?” his grin only widened. “well, seein’ as yer lost n’ cowerin’ round here, i see no bigger one than ya.” his voice was a bit teasing, maybe sadistic even.
he walked past you and ahead of you, not bothering to turn back. “wh—are you just going to leave me here?!” you shout, chasing after his distancing back.
“if yer gonna cause trouble, then don’t bother.”
so… does that mean i can, if i don’t cause trouble…?
at first, you took smaller steps, testing if he’d barrage you with more insults, but gradually, you found your steps growing more steady. being around him even started to feel safe. he didn’t talk to you, but he walked with smaller steps over time, as though making sure to pace himself so you wouldn’t lose him.
this continued to the end of the path, where he finally spoke: “oi.”
“hm?”
when you turned to him, you were met with a small pain on your forehead. it took you a moment to realize he flicked it. “ow…!”
“that’s yer punishment.” there was that grin again. “don’t go wanderin’ places ya don’t know, ya twit.”
that was the last thing you heard him say. your vision was blurry as sleepiness wrapped you in its gentle embrace, so you didn’t know what expression he was wearing, or how those amethyst eyes shone…
but his voice was a tad softer than it had been. that, you were sure of.
after all, for how mean he was to you on the way out of that forest, you would loathe to miss such a thing.
fin.
꒰ tag list . ꒱ @drachonia @weepinglycoris @velisle @candiedcoffeedrops @.comment to be added or removed!
꒰ dedication . ꒱ @judesmoonbeauty | til 10 , 31 , 24! send me “ trick ” or “ treat ” and an ikévil character for a drabble! 🎃
𖹭 ── 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 // nika x fem!reader, 2.8k wc, sfw.
𖹭 ── 𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 // pre-relationship, reader is (in denial) crown's fairytale keeper but not kate, nika being nika, likely ooc since there's only bread crumbs of his lore, al cameo, invented side characters, harassment from non-suitor, canon typical plot.
𖹭 ── 𝒕𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 // I wish cherry boy was as popular as his twin but sadly he isn't. So here's a little something i maid for him hehe (≧▽≦).
Twilight stains the sky in a messy palette of oranges, pinks and reds. Its rays spill into a certain room, enveloping it in its warmth. It goes on to veil the pure white walls, the ink splattered papers on the table, and — the soft profile of a person.
You nervously tug at the frilly hem of your apron, throwing quick glances toward the mirror and back at yourself. The reflected figure on the clear surface is donned in a maid’s attire from head to toe.
Sighing gently, you pull and tweak on its parts. From the lacy head-dress to the ends of the creamy bow tied behind your back, and to the concealed handgun on your garter belt. At last, you twirl around a bit, making sure there would be nothing amiss.
Still, immersed in your own thoughts, you fail to notice the pair of deep ocean eyes eagerly sinking you into its depths.
Your heart leaps through your chest when the sharp wolf whistle penetrates your ears. Head whiplashing, you glare at the culprit leaning against the doorframe. A cheeky grin from the dark-haired man welcomes you.
Nica.
The two of you have been going out on awfully many missions the past few months, courtesy of his white-clad leader, who proposed that both organizations should work together. Though you suspected foul hand to be at play from your Palace Reaper as well. Why else would you find yourself tied to the frivolous German each time?
“Where are your manners?” You cross your arms as you question, displeasure evident in your posture. A small chuckle escapes him, “My bad, Miss Robin.”
He taps his knuckles on the wooden material — twice, thrice — his rings clinking against it.
“So then, may I enter?”
Was he not practically inside already?
“Go ahead.”
Nica strolls in, turning to admire the delicate crystals of the chandelier and the brilliant gold that matched the otherwise pale room. Were you a stranger to his habit of unplanned visits, you would have thought it was his first time here.
Casting you a prolonged once-over as you button up your maid cuffs, he manspreads on the rich chesterfield, sprawling an arm over the top of it.
“Sure you can play your role well, cute Robin?”
“I think we should be worried about you instead, Clever.⁽¹⁾ Are you sure you'll be able to behave yourself?” You furrow your brows tensely.
The event you were going to attend was to last two days and three nights. Coupled with his charming penchant for going off script and improvising things by himself… You had a not-so-wonderful intuition that everything would eventually end up heading south.
He curves his lips impishly, visibly amused.
“Why wouldn’t I? I’ll be a good boy.”
“When pigs fly.”
“Autsch,⁽²⁾ after all the time we've spent together! I'm rather disappointed you still refuse to trust your partner in crime.”
You throw a glimpse at him from the corner of your eye. Not a tinge of sadness marred his features.
“There are,” you begin, “plenty of reasons as to why I shouldn't.”
A pervading silence follows as he falls unusually quiet. As if he were trying to figure out the convincing reason you had. The golden hour crowns him in its soft light, shadows fleeing from behind.
“Is it because I used my Curse on you before? I just couldn't help myself. We don't always have a choice, you know~”
You were not too fond of how you liked the way he drawled his words sometimes.
“Or maybe it's because I lent my hand for other uses? Buuut, I don't recall you telling me to stop,” his grin widens.
“Nica Schwartz.”
You swivel to face him, with a twitching smile and a raised nerve on your temple. The way he spoke had to be on purpose. Your mind inevitably flew into the direction he wanted.
Though you could not deny enjoying your banter with him. Few people manage to truly push your buttons — such as that cranky fairy or lascivious mirror, but never quite like the sly swan.
“Ja,⁽³⁾ Robin?” He asks in an innocent manner, which would be more befitting of his twin than himself.
“We’re running late,” you curtly state as you wrap your fingers around the handle of your leather-bound luggage. When you lifted it up, its weight dragged your hand down slightly.
You then make your way to the double doors, only to be stopped by blunt nails digging into your wrist. That and the coolness of adorned rings.
“Say, doesn't it look heavy for a little bird like you?” Nica had the sleeve of one arm rolled up, revealing the veins climbing on his skin like a vine.
“Sie könnten mich um Hilfe bitten.⁽⁴⁾”
It was not all that heavy, but who were you to refuse if he's so kind?
“Oof!”
A low, misty layer of fog covers the forest of oak trees. The wind wails a scream, tearing dead leaves from their spiny branches. One of them slams flat against the glass, which you were staring through.
Bump!
Every so often, the wheels of the crested carriage jolted when it collided with the rocks on the path. You fidget in the cushioned seat, annoyed at the feeling of polished boots digging into the side of your waist.
Much to your dismay, Nica thought it was apparently a good idea to stretch his legs in the already cramped space. This left you sandwiched between the wall and his lower limbs — and it was not the most splendid combination.
You travel a glance from the tip of his pristine shoes, to the river of white that ran across his trousers and vest, until you docked at the port of blue that was his eyes. If you stared hard enough, vague dark circles polluted the edge of the waters.
He must have been staying up late. Despite his slacking attitude, he knew when to take work seriously. Or rather, fool you into thinking you have the winning cards when he conceals a royal flush beneath his table.
“Am I that charming tonight?”
An abrupt question pulls you back from your shores to reality. He had caught you in his net. Biting your tongue lightly, you shift your attention to the scenery rolling past the window.
Poke!
Poke!
Nica nudges his foot against you.
“Robiiiin~”
“Stop,” you narrow your eyes in warning.
“Oh, this?”
Poke!
“Or thiiiis~?”
No words could describe the urge you felt to scuffle over and clasp your hand on his mouth. Tape it shut.
You steal a quick look at the smooth arch broadening on his face. It seemed to always dance on his lips. Rare were the instances you found it halting into a frown. Even then, it was likely feigned. Will all you ever see of him be his superficial side?
“What’s your pretty head thinking about now?” He doesn't move this time.
“The mission.” A lie.
“Nothing to fret about when you have me.”
“That’s if you don't get kidnapped first,” you retort. A surge of missing socialites is what drove Crown to investigate further into the case that could be human trafficking.
Oddly, the victims all had received an invitation to a banquet from the same organisation a week prior to their disappearance — Regal.
“Chances are that I could charm my way out of it, Robin. If not… Es wird für mich leichter sein, zu töten,⁽⁵⁾” Lazily tapping on the holster by his thigh, he flashes his pearly white teeth, as if it were a everyday situation for him.
Thump!
The landau stopped before the gates of the venue. Nica promptly sets down his legs, motioning his head towards the place, “Ladies first. I'll be joining you later.”
Upon entering the estate, you are greeted with a towering hallway of a golden hue; enormous paintings that cost more than money than you could ever make hanging on it.
You briefly peek into the open ballroom. Velvet curtains draped the windows, with ornate candelabras fixed to walls. The sound of violins and the piano flows into the room, but not many guests.
Your next stop should be servants’ quarters. Wooden baggage in hand, you saunter through the luxurious building, the layout of which you have memorized beforehand.
It was not hard to imagine someone could get lost here, given its size, you muse. Still, vanishing into thin air without any traces? A nigh impossible feat for anyone… Well, save for the curious Cheshire cat you knew.
“Oh!”
“Ah!”
Moments later, you unceremoniously crash into a petite figure while taking a turn around the corner. Vivid green, partly hidden behind a fringe of blond, widens as she stumbles on her heels.
“Sorry, I-” the two of you spoke at once. You pause awkwardly, waiting for her to continue.
“Don’t worry! I was in no hurry,” she steadies herself, a soft smile curving up the corners of her mouth. You take in her appearance — hair that cascaded down to her waist in thick drills, scattered freckles on her fair cheeks — and a surprisingly similar maid dress to your own?
“Wait, by any chance, are you new here?” a sparkle lit in her eyes at the realization as she too observed you and the case you carried. You nod your head, holding out your free hand, “Robin. Nice to meet you…?”
“Dahlia!” she shakes it with an extreme fervor. “The others and I have been talking a lot about you. Not in a bad way, uh I mean, it's rare for Regal to hire a new employee, so we were just really excited!”
It was the Queen's Aide who pulled some strings to let you enter as a maid, under the common alias Crown, and a certain Vogel member called you by. Strangely, you cannot recall a time where Nica called you by your real name.
Dahlia links her own arm with yours. “Come! I'll show you where the quarters are. And the rest of the place, but it'll have to wait until tomorrow. Oh, and maybe we can share a room?” She sings sweetly in a jovial tone.
She talks a lot; you note mentally.
After setting down your belongings, you head towards the grand ballroom where the gathering was held. A massive chandelier hung in the center of the vaulted ceiling, illuminating the horde of perfumed bodies.
The billowing, silky skirts of noblewomen graze your body as you shuffle in between them, clutching a tray with both hands. Bubbles pop off in the champagne flutes on it.
“It is rumored Count Fitzwilliam is looking for a bride…”
“Have you heard about what Lady Spencer did during the last outing…”
Conversations, both hushed and outspoken, were easily heard by you. The aristocrats paid no attention to a mere maid after all.
“They say we have an ambassador from another country here tonight,” a faint whisper makes you perk up your ears. “Whom?” another person inquired.
You concentrate on their words, feeling your heart pound faster for an inexplicable reason. It must be the adrenaline from trying to not come off as suspicious.
“I don't know his name, but they say he's German.”
“Did you get to see him?”
“From afar, yes…”
Pat!
You felt a sudden, foreign touch on your shoulder — not in a good way. It made the hairs on your nape rise warily.
“Why, hello there, lass…” A harsh, gruff voice.
Standing behind you was a man with wrinkly, creased skin and a head bald. Except for the auburn patches groomed evenly. He was dressed to the nines. A high born no doubt.
“Can I help you, sir?” you ask politely, despite how you felt uncomfortable in his presence.
“Such supple skin and bewitching body you have,” crooked fingers caress your hand, which grips tighter onto the tray. Mild irritation growing into a flame simmers in your eyes, “Excuse me?”
“You poor thing, all alone… I could help you become less lonely,” the invading touch slowly crawls up your arm.
Who did he think he was? Drawing in a sharp inhale, you grit your teeth, “Leave me alone. Or else.”
“Don’t you mean… pretty please?”
“—Master!!”
He paused mid sentence as a call interrupted him. With a dissatisfied huff, he grabs the stem of the last glass you carried, withdrawing from your side. You release a sigh of relief at his departure, scanning the crowd for who could have called him.
Familiar, curly locks of gold appear in your vision.
The night deepens, and the sea of people is still flooding the place. An ache struck your back and feet from how long you stood to distribute the drinks.
Unfortunately, your attempt at intel gathering has not been particularly fruitful so far. Most chatters were full of gossip and the latest trends.
But you did learn of one thing: apart from the revelry at night, Regal also held exclusive activities to engage in during the day. You reckoned it was a technique to make more visitors pay for a room and stay until the event is fully over.
Wondering if you should rendezvous with Nica about this, you try to search for his tall figure in the crowd. In spite of all the buzz surrounding the philanderer, you had not once seen him. Perhaps you were too absorbed into your task to properly notice him, or he passed by you without a single comment.
“—Mr. Schwartz! Mr. Schwartz!!”
Think of the devil. There he was. You catch a bevy of young noble women and men flocking to him. The sight of his usual disarrayed jacket was absent. Instead, it was worn snuggly on his well-built frame.
“Say, are you truly not free tonight?” A lady coyly twirls her hair around her finger with her strawberry lips stuck out in a pout.
Another one cooled themselves quickly with their hand fan facing up, “I’d love to dance with you~”
“Here, my trade card. You are free to drop a visit to my shop any time you want! I'll even give you a ten percent discount!”
It was apparent he was no short of desperate admirers. You tap your shoe on the hardwood floor softly, thinking about what your next course of action should be.
You could always meet up with him later, and there is still a floor you have not yet searched for clues: upstairs. Since everyone else was down here…
Fwoosh!
Startled by the sensation of a warm breath being blown into your ear, you scramble to grab your flailing tray. Your train of thought had been forced to halt. Again. At least there were no remaining glasses.
“My, my,” A rich, teasing tone. And you knew exactly who it belonged to this time.
“Alfons!!”
“One could easily get the wrong idea if you call my name out so passionately, Miss Robin. Especially... Your partner tonight.”
“He’s not sharing a Curse with Roger, Al.”
“If you will, please refrain from uttering that brute’s name next to mine. It is truly something out of a nightmare to hear.”
The manner in which he shook his head with a distressed expression — it was as if there could not be an ordeal more mortifying for him.
“Should I even ask what you're doing here?” To be fair, it was not entirely shocking for him to be here. Though, Victor did not mention he would be assigned to this mission…
“Here’s a better question. Don't you just feel yourself greening with envy by how they're fawning over him?” Alfons shifts closer, nearly touching heads with you as you both gaze at the star of tonight's banquet.
“Of course not!” Right then, Nica’s eyes meet yours. As if he really heard what you said. Air catches in your throat as a familiar, conceited smirk is formed on him.
“Don’t be mistaken. I wouldn't... ever like him,” you subconsciously clutch at your dress with one hand, crumpling up the delicate fabric. You were sure that he wouldn't come to like you either. You would nip any attraction towards him in the bud before it would ever have a chance to bloom.
Alfons clicks his tongue. “I would advise you to make wiser choices — but then again, the little robin who brought water for the sinners in hell was not so clever either.”
You lift your face to glare back at him, intending to rebuke. When you did, the space next to you was empty. Gone like the illusionary phantom he was. Or was he there in the first place?
What a shame. If only you had paid a little more attention to the black swan. You would have spotted how his smile faltered upon seeing that raven head with you.
𖹭 ── 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒉 // notes + tl. cross-checked with multiple translators, but if you think that it could be corrected or further improved please let me know!
1. LINE chat reference
2. Autsch ➛ ouch
3. Ja ➛ yes
4. Sie könnten mich um Hilfe bitten ➛ you could ask me for help
5. Es wird für mich leichter sein, zu töten ➛ it will be easier for me to kill
𖹭 ── 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒑𝒕 //
and that's the end of part 1! to be honest, i think i will be putting this on hold, since I feel that my skills have not caught up yet with this kind of plot-heavy fic.
feedback would be greatly appreciated so that I can improve my writing! I still have a lot to learn.
𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: i kinda felt like going back to my roots and writing some family fluff while i wait for october and try not to pass out from uni stress, lmao. simple stuff, just wanted to write for some characters i've grown fond of. a lil tough to write because of how complex alfons' emotions are about life stuff.
𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: not really anything warning worthy aside from just...family fluff. a little mention of his more bleak inner thoughts near the end (ends postiive), but that's about it.
Soft and tender notes reached Alfons’ ears as he entered the parlor of his home in the late hours of the morning. His wife’s long brunette hair trailed over the arm of the rocking chair as she cradled a dark-haired child in her lap, gently brushing back the straight and smooth hair from his little forehead.
“Let the birds sing, dilly, dilly
And the lambs play
We shall be safe, dilly, dilly
Out of harm's way.”
Her gemstone eyes flickered up to meet his from across the room, her calm stare turning to a beaming smile as she saw her husband linger in the doorway.
“Look who’s home.”
A tiny head of dark hair whipped up in excitement, the boy turning and scrambling down from his mother’s lap and bouncing toward Alfons with a bright and mischievous grin, much like his own.
“Alec, careful!” His mother called gently after him as tiny feet padded across the hard wood floors quickly.
“Papa’s home! Papa’s home!” The boy leapt into his father’s arms, giggling happily. Long arms caught the child as his aforementioned father lifted him effortlessly in his arms, “How is my little duckling?” He chuckled, feeling the tiny little arms squeeze ‘round his collar and chubby cheeks nuzzle the breast of his coat, eyes closing happily, “Mum read me a few stories that uncle Liam sent! And uncle Elbie came by with Erik to say hello! Ooh and after that we baked a pie together, Mum made our favorite flavor filling, too—” The boy brightened as he recounted the events of the day, his father’s soft as he sat down on the sofa with his son on his lap.
Smoke colored eyes drifted briefly during the story to his son’s mother, taking in the smile as she stared at their child lovingly. He recounted the many times she’d expressed how she wanted their child to look like him, and glancing back down at Alec, she practically got her wish. Narrow but pretty dark eyes, soft black hair just short of ink in color. The more he looked at his son, the more he contemplated his own negative thoughts. If someone had asked him several years ago whether he’d make a good father, he would have laughed in their face. Nowadays, however, Alfons was almost terrified at how much his own family had changed his outlook on life. That solemn reminder of being forgotten lurked in the back of his mind, always. But…this peace he was rewarded with at his home he’d made…it was something that kept him going. He would make every effort each mission to execute each plan to perfection, not a resource nor a second could be wasted, for he had a family to return to.
“—Oh! And I start school tomorrow, remember, papa?” Excited smoke colored eyes stared wide up at him, expectant for a reaction. He felt his muscles relax finally, reaching up to rub Xander’s fluffy little head, thumb rubbing his chubby cheek, “Yes, little one, I remember, growing so fast, aren’t you?” He lifted him into a hug, squeezing him to his chest and kissing the top of his head, chin resting there as he smiled at his wife, a fragile, but contented smile. All of this felt surreal, like he could let out too heavy a sigh and it would all blow away like smoke. But with each day he lived it, he learnt he was far more content to let things develop as they were.
He remembered being hesitant when he learned he and his lover had managed to conceive. Remembered the anxiety of what could become of them both should anything happen to him. But perhaps the thing he remembered most of it all was when he got to sit by her side, watching her cradle that little bundle with a patch of dark hair. That moment he reached out, only for a tiny fist to wrap around his gloved index finger. That moment rendered him wide-eyed in wonder, speechless and curious to how someone could capture his attention even easier than his partner. Of course, given the fact a child was practically a manifestation of them both, he supposed it wasn’t entirely impossible to have that unconditional love.
Brought back to reality by a faint tug on his coat by his eight year-old, he smiled softly, eyes crinkled in joy as he kissed his son’s head tenderly. Every bit of love he would pour into this family of his, until all of them were filled with too many memories to possibly forget.
That would be the thing that he would leave behind, no matter what twisted card fate may try to pull.
856 words. angst. very tiny spoilers for alfons’ rt. features: “alfons sylvatica” × gn! reader.
꒰ summary ꒱ you go to the festival and feel a phantom of a voice; you go to the room and feel a phantom of a hand.
that pie throwing festival was fun.
“your face’s wide open!” the splat of pie cream could be heard as something collided with your face before you could dodge.
“one point for the red team!”
there was little time to wipe your face clean; plates of pies were being thrown everywhere in the open park, and you hardly wanted to miss out.
you could always take a bath afterward. that’s what you had always done, after all.
…wasn’t it?
“take that!” you shouted, bursting into laughter as the pie you threw flew in the air in an arched trajectory before falling flat on someone’s chest.
hearty laughter and shouting could be heard across the entire park. you could dodge some shots — though maybe at the expense of another person — but right now, in this very moment, you just wanted to relish in the lively noise.
a sense of urgent desire drove your actions. it was as though a phantom was beside you, whispering the very words, “there is nothing more important than living in the moment, (y/n).”
because you knew that when everything ended, you would walk into the quiet of the city.
it was a strangely familiar sensation, as though you had walked these very streets, after the very same festival, sometime before. you had placed your arm on the rail somewhere near the lamppost that was about to light up the streets in lieu of the sun, looking out into the city from a distance.
it was all too familiar, yet foreign at the same time. or perhaps, something was missing, as though you were missing a single piece of a puzzle.
the picture was mostly complete, except for one thing.
but what was that thing?
every time you passed around this bridge, even during the day, you would feel a tiny twinge in your heart. it was like someone was wringing it.
someone you didn’t know.
you had a feeling you were forgetting something that truly mattered to you.
the ache was always there, but for some odd reason you couldn’t quite pin down. the ache morphed into pain, opening a hole in your heart, until your vision blurred.
was it because of how quiet and somber your surroundings had become after engaging in something so boisterous and lively?
only the gentle breeze could answer, drying your cheeks of the tears that fell.
—
the room when you came in was empty enough to leave behind no sign of life. it was not dusty enough, however, to suggest any abandonment.
after all, you had always kept it clean.
you didn’t know why, but you felt a deep attachment to this room. when you asked around, though, everyone had claimed no one has ever occupied this room before.
was this also a feeling induced by another life?
you walked around the room, tracing your fingers around the spotless furniture. finally, your hands stopped on a black cloth that covered something rather tall and narrow, if the cloth could hug its edges. before, you had a strange feeling, much like what you had felt before in the city around the bridge, that you shouldn’t touch that cloth.
but today, you found the courage in you to defy that voice that told you otherwise.
gripping the black cloth, you pulled it toward you, removing it and revealing what was beneath it all along.
the sight took your breath away.
before you was a mirror, tall enough to reflect your whole person. yet, due to how shattered it was on the surface, your own reflection became distorted with the fractures in the glass.
it looked as though someone had punched through it.
but who?
against your better judgment, your fingers made their way to the mirror’s surface, feeling something like a magnetic attraction. but you ended up cutting one of your fingertips, causing you to wince and immediately draw back, the pain breaking you from the mysterious spell this “magic mirror” had placed on you.
when you looked at your index finger, red blossomed from where you had cut it.
“i do find it oddly curious how you seem to have a penchant for getting hurt like this.”
who was that? this voice…
“well? let me see the cut.”
that’s right… this voice… his name was—
your thought abruptly cut off there, and once again, tears started to flow, though it didn’t occur to you that you were crying until you heard yourself hiccup.
you raised your arm to your face, wiping your tears with the back of your hand. but alas, it was a futile effort.
“hehe, first you cut yourself and now you shed tears like this. you truly are a handful sometimes. and yet, i do find your tears ever so endearing.”
you no longer knew if you were crying because of the cut on your finger, or because of the phantom warmth you felt on your cheek from someone you no longer remembered.
but if you knew one thing…
it was that the tears couldn’t stop falling to the ground now — as there was no longer any hand to catch them.
fin.
꒰ tag list . ꒱ @drachonia @weepinglycoris @letter-from-afar @candiedcoffeedrops comment to be added or removed!
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?
It certainly wasn’t Alfons. Not with the way he was perched on the edge of your bed, a wicked grin carved on his face, and a devilish gleam in his eyes.
And his cock buried deep in your pussy.
“Al….ahhhh…what's that?” you asked, your eyes now focused on an item that must have fallen from his pocket earlier when you undressed one another.
He tilted his head, glancing behind him on the bed and laughed. “Oh, that? It's my new toy.” Turning his head back to face you, he stared into your eyes, his gaze deep and intense as his bare hands pressed on the small of your back, guiding you up and down on his cock. “You wanna play with it?” he asked, stealing a kiss and nipping your lips.
You nodded slightly as words failed you.
“I'll need you to stand up.” With his hands on your waist, he lifted you up, soft whimpers leaving your lips as his cock slipped out from your pussy.
Holding the toy in his hand, you got a better look at it. Lying across his palm was a long strip of dark fur with something shiny – metallic, maybe? – dangling from one end of it.
“That’s not from one of Elbert’s –”
Alfons laughed, cutting off the rest of your question. “No. I bought this at a store.”
What kind of stores has Alfons been going to?
“Come closer,” he whispered, taking your hand in his and gently tugging your body closer to his. Holding the shiny part in his hand, he rubbed its rounded tip along your slit, the cool metal sending shivers up your spine.
Al looked up at you with a seductive smile, his gaze fixated on yours as he slowly pushed the plug inside your pussy. You rested your hands on his shoulders, your fingers digging into his skin as he filled you with the toy, his gaze never leaving your face.
Once it was fully inside you, he began thrusting it inside, the cold metal warming quickly inside your body.
He pulled the toy out with a flourish; holding the plug up, he was pleased to find it glistening, fully coated with your slick arousal.
“Turn around,” he said as he spun you in your spot. He pressed a palm on the small of your back, the feel of his bare skin against yours gentle and comforting. You waited, wondering what he was doing, as he took his time admiring your backside.
He pressed the toy against your skin, your body trembling, aware now of what was about to happen.
“This might hurt a little,” he warned as he began to slide the slicked toy inside you. Your breath hitched when it popped inside, your body stretching, accommodating its width.
“You're doing so good,” Al praised when the toy began to disappear between your cheeks. “It's almost in.”
Your moans were soft as he eased the toy inside, his thrusts slow and almost gentle.
“It's in.” He marveled at the tail that now cascaded down your backside. Running his hands down the length of soft fur, he gave the toy a quick tug. Gasping loudly, his lewd grin was hidden from your view.
He spun you around to face him again, the tail soft against your skin. Pulling you onto his lap, he guided you back onto his cock. Your body slowly sank down, his groans delicious as you swallowed his entire length.
“Good girl,” he praised, pleased at how well you took both his cock and the toy. Rolling your hips against his, you relished this newly found feeling of complete fullness.
You set the pace, your movements slow as you enjoyed the new sensations from the toy. Waves of fiery pleasure quickly built as your bodies rocked against the other. Wrapping your arms around his shoulders, you clung to Al, knowing you wouldn’t be able to last much longer like this.
His teeth grazed your shoulder, his breath fire on your already hot skin. He held your body down on his cock, your walls squeezing him tight, as he nipped at your skin. Stars danced before your eyes as your body flooded with fire, his cock painting your insides white.
Trembling, your body gave out, collapsing on his as you joined each other in a state of euphoric bliss.
Somehow, someway, you found yourself lying in the bed, with Alfons resting on your chest. With his eyes closed, and his hand clasped in yours, he looked almost angelic.
When he was like this, maybe he was the fairest one of all.
𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬: so i had some thoughts for fluff and i feel like this motherfucker (affectionate) deserves a little bit of love. he isn't released on EN servers yet, so i'm going off mostly what i've been told of him, which isn't much.
here's this song that helped me write for a little bit of ambience.
Alfons didn’t often get the chance to sleep in, always up before the dawn. It was about to be one of those days again as he prepared to creak open his eyes, only to meet a pair that shimmered a delighted gemstone green.
“Good morning!” Any other cheerful voice would have made his ears ring and his face contort in distaste. But the scrunching up his face did was when she leaned in to kiss him on his nose. The feel of her arms was something he would usually pull out of, do his best to make that gap wider.
But today? Well he didn’t give a damn. And today that was fine.
“How did you sleep?”
“Dreadfully.” He murmured in a husky tone, reaching up with a bare hand tentatively touching her cheek, “Perhaps a little bird will give me the strength to get up and face this awful day.” His fingers nearly reached the nape of her neck before hers laced through his and pinned it to the sheets. His dark eyes widened a fraction at the insistence, but the lips covered his kept him from any complaints. For now, he simply indulged in that tiny selfish voice in his head that he always did his best to stamp out. The worst part of it all was that he couldn’t help but sink into it. Sappy as it sounded, no pleasure came close to the bliss that was being wanted, adored, swathed and coddled in unconditional feelings. And when those gentle lips regrettably parted from his—
“And what brought this on?” His voice left even him a bit shocked at his own breathy sigh.
“I wanted my lover to have a good start his day, I think I might make it a routine, actually…” She tapped her chin thoughtfully, a playful grin on her lips as she leaned over him, long and pale brunette hair like a silky curtain that shielded from that harsh sunlight coming through his window. Her nose scrunched as she beamed over him, one hand still laced with his tightly while the other propped her up as she leaned over him.
He couldn’t help but smile back.
“What a greedy girl.” He murmured, his free hand tucking some of those long locks behind her ear.
1312 words. fluff. features: elbert greetia × gn! reader, alfons sylvatica, roger barel, victor (minor).
꒰ summary ꒱ elbert returns to crown castle after a week-long mission on a cruise, and all he wants is to be with you.
“the cruise is a round trip, but once you board, you will be on for the next week.”
elbert quietly listened to victor list the details of the mission he, alfons, and roger were assigned to go to, as though he were reading through a list of bullet points on a document.
“your mission is to confirm the illicit drug activities that have been reported there, and pass judgment as necessary.” with that, victor gave the three men before him a smile that was genuine, and yet somehow elusive in nature. “may you give into the darkness of your wicked hearts.”
when they exited the room, alfons let out a sigh, his lips curling into a small, wry smile. “it would seem you and i have a penchant for getting missions out in the sea.”
elbert closed his eyes, opting not to say much in response.
roger, seeing elbert’s solemn expression and the way he stayed silent, narrowed his eyes. “by the looks, you’ve got less than pleasant experiences on a ship.”
“…it’s fine. it’s just my first experience on a ship was…” elbert paused, searching for the right word to use.
before he could pin down such a word, though, alfons finished his statement. “it was so hapless, all we can do is laugh heartily when we think back on it. enough of that, though, we must prepare for this lovely cruise trip.”
“lovely, huh…”
elbert closed his eyes, ruminating on that single word alfons had uttered in sarcastic passing.
the trip would have been more “lovely,” even when they were boarding the cruise for a mission, if (y/n) was there by his side.
on the cruise, the full moon, serenely still in the sky, only observed the crimson happenings below.
“w-who are you guys?!”
when roger opened the door (by kicking it down, as “knocking wouldn’t have gotten them to open the door like that”) to a certain room hidden in the vip sector.
alfons followed roger inside, releasing a dramatic sigh. “must you make such a violent show? i was hardly aware you did not know something very handy called a doorknob exists.”
“haha, well, politeness isn’t exactly in my dictionary when we’re dealing with bastards like these.” his glasses seemed to gleam slightly as he turned toward the group, who had all stood up from their seats by now, frozen on the spot with some pointing guns toward the crown members’ general direction, but fully prepared to book it. “besides, if you called that violent, god knows what you’d call the scene that’s about to unfold here.”
“i can only pray this doesn’t turn into a bloody mess, but more times than not, prayers are only empty words.”
when roger handled the right side and alfons the left, elbert swiftly navigated through the chaos of the crowd, pinning his ocean-blue eyes on the target — a man in an eyepatch and a scar across his cheek.
amid the chaos, he was sneaking away toward what elbert presumed was the exit.
“don’t run away.” elbert’s voice was soft, yet deep and firm at the same time.
the man jumped and turned around before he stood there, his one visible eye widening, as though enraptured at seeing something new and refreshing for the first time. it was an expression elbert detested, and yet had unfortunately grown accustomed to from his time living in the greetia manor.
please… look at me with any other eyes but those.
finally, as though the effects of a spell elbert had unconsciously casted was ebbing away, the man turned around once again to run.
“only those with no brain would stay here of their own will!”
he closed his eyes, murmured a small “i see…” and then stepped forward himself, his toes touching the man’s shadow.
only when screams and cries broke out from the room did the haunting silence fall.
a week had at last passed, and elbert was very much looking forward to return back to crown castle… of course, he couldn’t say he was the most fond of being out in the sea in general (although he favored the sight of it), and not only that…
“…to think a large whale had come out of the water, soaking elbie from the top of his head to the tips of his toes! the woe, indeed.” alfons made a dramatic show of crying.
“you got soaked from head to toe, too, al,” elbert pointed out, a small smile on his face.
“that is very true — i must applaud your proficient deduction skills.”
“you two better take a shower,” roger said, his voice laced with worry, “unless you’re looking to get sick.”
“i would very much not mind getting sick; would that not mean less physical labor?”
more than the stress of the mission, though, there was one person he so dearly missed. someone he needed to see.
right this moment.
“…i will be retiring to my room.” elbert nodded his head as a parting gesture before he turned on his heels.
there, when he opened the door, he saw (y/n) lying in a fetal position on his bed, their eyes closed and chest moving up and down rhythmically; they were fast asleep. elbert slowly approached the bed, as though he were walking toward a treasure.
“(y/n)…” his voice came out in an almost hoarse whisper. it felt as though he hadn’t said their name in years, so he repeated it over and over again, like a broken record. “(y/n), (y/n), (y/n)…”
he wanted to engrave the sound of their name on his lips within him, and he wanted to whisper it over and over.
seeing them sound asleep like this, they looked just like a statue of a deity, and drawn to them, he leaned in to plant a kiss on their forehead, their skin feeling warm against his lips.
“mn…”
it was then they stirred, their closed eyes twitching, but seemingly not awake yet.
“…i have returned, (y/n).”
his voice was soft as he watched their eyes flutter open, the color still cloudy from lethargy.
“lord elbert…?”
how he loved the way their lips sounded his name out in a drowsy whisper.
(y/n) slowly sat up, rubbing their eyes. the entire time, elbert was drawn to their slow movements, his deep ocean blue eyes reflecting them, and only them.
“i missed you,” elbert said, “a week was too long… much too long.”
even a day is too long.
(y/n) slowly reached out toward elbert’s cheek, their fingertips hesitant as they brushed against his porcelain skin. it was as though they were checking to see if he was real.
but then their eyes widened.
“wh—you’re soaking wet!”
“yes… it happened during the mission.”
“are you not cold? i can bring a towel.”
elbert shook his head.
“i want you,” he stated, his voice seeming to deepen a notch, “just you.”
(y/n)’s cheeks seemed to darken, and elbert couldn’t help but smile fondly at that.
“i-if that is enough, then…”
(y/n) wrapped their arms around elbert, pulling him into their chest. being filled with the warmth of the embrace, he closed his eyes, burying his face in their chest, taking in their scent, the shape of their body... everything.
until i drown in you.
(y/n)’s fingers made their way to elbert’s hair, combing through his wet, blond locks.
it was silent, but it was a comforting silence.
“…welcome home, lord elbert.”
to hear their whisper was like a dream — one he never wanted to end. if only the night could stay eternal, the moon stuck at its peak in the dark sky that was spotted with flickering crystals.
“mn.” elbert smiled, albeit unbeknownst to (y/n), “i’m back, (y/n).”
back home, in the place he was meant to be.
fin.
꒰ tag list . ꒱ @drachonia @weepinglycoris @letter-from-afar @candiedcoffeedrops comment to be added or removed!
request; no, it’s for @flash-exchange with the prompt “sparklers/firecrackers”. requests are currently open (though with a queue)!
wc; 494.
tags; elbert greetia x gn! reader, may be a bit ooc, fluff, presence of fire, could be pre-established or established relationship, romantic undertones.
summary; you and elbert take a stroll together on the beach, where you light a sparkler with him under the moon…
it was a serene night on the beach — a night like any other, in a secret hideout.
“lord elbert.”
you stopped in your tracks, turning back to look into those eyes as deep blue as the ocean whose shore you two were strolling aimlessly upon. even in the darkness of the night, illuminated only by the full moon and the dimly flickering stars, you felt you can make out those colors with clarity, especially as his eyes widened slightly.
“i want to share another secret with you, here in our secret place. that’s why i brought these.”
holding out a bag with a beaming smile, you used your other hand to take out what appeared to be two sticks.
one for you, and one for him. two sticks — just for the two of you.
“are they just sticks?” lord elbert’s voice was soft, but you could glean a quality of curiosity. “what… do we do with them?”
his movements were a tad awkward and stiff as you handed him one of the sticks.
“of course, we’re going to light them.”
“…?”
you used a lighter to light a spark on the wire end of the stick, causing the flame to spark outward with a crackling noise that almost seemed like applause. after you readjusted your grip, you lit lord elbert’s stick.
he stared at it with an unchanging expression, but you could tell he was focused on it from the way the flames so clearly reflected in those glass-like blue eyes.
“is this beautiful?” he finally asked following a bout of silence.
“to me? yes, it’s very beautiful.” your lips tugged into a small smile. “both when it’s alight, and when the flame goes out.”
“when the flame goes out?”
“i mean, things are beautiful because they fade away. when you leave behind the used stick, it is proof that someone was here, using them. and i think that’s beautiful.”
lord elbert closed his eyes, as if deep in thought. in the end, his only reply was a small “i see.”
then, after sparing the sparkling flame one last glance, he threw the stick into the ocean, watching as the waves that approached the shore rhythmically swallowed up the flame.
just as you had said, the only thing that remained after the flame extinguished was a stick that can no longer be used, not by him — but not by anyone else either.
“wh—hey! why have it go out so soon?” your voice was a little dejected, though you didn’t feel all that mad either.
lord elbert didn't reply, but the silence with him was comfortable.
and just as you found comfort in his quiet, slightly melancholic nature, elbert couldn’t help but find a similar comfort that the sparkler, which had originally came from your hands, was used by no one other than himself.
it was a strange source of comfort, yet it brought a small, perhaps fleeting smile to his lips.
request; it was a prompt from @judejazza hehe ✨✨ and requests are currently open!
wc; 1 958.
tags; jude jazza x gn! fairytale keeper! reader, injury fic, slight presence of blood, may be kinda ooc (this is my first time writing for jude and ikevil), pain inflicted on reader, best to assume pre-established relationship, jude is softer if you squint a bit 👀
summary; you had gotten injured after a mission because you took a hit for jude, but roger is out right now, and so who ends up treating your injuries? well, who else is there but jude?
you had made a mistake — except that you hadn’t. that is to say: you didn’t think you made a mistake, but in the eyes of the man before you, he apparently seemed to think otherwise.
“ow ow ow, jude,” you hiss, gritting your teeth together in an attempt to distract yourself from the sharp sting on your arm inflicted by a certain ruthless fairy. “be more gentle—please.”
“gentle?” jude repeats your words, albeit with a more cold tone and wicked grin. “i betcha you’re hopin’ for that quack of a doctor to come and treat your wounds so ‘gently’ right about now, but what a shame he’s out. the goddess of luck just ain’t on your side today.”
actually, you don’t mind being with jude... not that you’d admit such a thing to his face.
that, and you could find it in your heart to, i don’t know, be a little more nice.
despite that, though, you know that jude very well could have just left you there. if he was a truly harsh, truly cruel person that others may make him out to be, that would be exactly what he would’ve done. when you think of it like that, you really can’t bring yourself to mind.
that alone was enough to give you a sense of comfort.
you start to retreat into the confines of your own thoughts, and for a while, that is enough to withdraw you from the pain of the wound, letting it fade into a throbbing ache in the background.
that is, until another sharp pain brings you (unpleasantly) back to your senses. “ack, jude, really, if i wasn’t watching you, i would’ve thought you were out to reopen my wound, not treat it, i swear.”
“aw, does it hurt? what a shame ya won’t be protectin’ me next time.” his voice drips with sarcasm, but the next moment his smirk drops into a more serious, or maybe angry, expression. “if ya got the time to complain to me, ya got the time to sit and reflect how much of an idiot ya were back there. should i maybe look at your head first? or if ya prefer to reflect, you can sit on your knees to reflect yourself.”
“i don’t need to be on my knees for you to treat my arm,” you manage to talk back, your shoulders raising and eyes narrowing in a defensive posture.
you had responded the way you did in a somewhat sore attempt to hide how hurt you had felt by the words that pierced through your heart like a blade lathered with a generous coating of poison.
to your surprise, though, you see the silver-haired man before you grin. “oh? seems at least you got some guts.” jude then narrows his purple eyes, which reminds you of a field of violets in a moonlit night and makes you feel strangely calm, as he clicks his tongue in exasperation. “but talk ‘bout a joke goin’ over the head,” he mutters, though his hands continue to clean the wound. it seems he is no longer interested in pressing on the wound purposely for his own amusement.
“...it doesn’t hurt as much.”
the comment was meant for yourself, but it seems it had reached jude’s ears as he directs a glare in your direction. “yeah? want me to do it again?”
you feel a shiver rush up your spine like a spider crawling upwards, causing you to stiffen in place.
“n-no thank you.”
you two fall into a silence after this, letting jude focus on your wound. occasionally you hear him mutter how he was going to make roger pay tenfold for increasing his workload, but it doesn’t escape you how he still pays close attention to your wound.
as he does, the weight of your actions from the mission finally settle in your mind.
at first, when jude had called you an “idiot,” it really did hurt your feelings. you know his words are intentionally harsh, and if he wanted to be nice, he would find a way to twist those words to make them sound mean. but thinking back on the incident that had landed you two in the basement of crown castle as “doctor” and patient, you know the words he had spoken are the truth, even though he had casually waved it off as a “joke.”
— some time ago.
“jude, are you sure we should just walk back? we can always hail a carriage.”
“nah, the mission from queenie’s officially over, but there’s something i gotta check first. goin’ by foot’s faster in this case. if ya going to stick with me though then don’t get in my way.”
as a fairytale keeper, you don’t have an obligation to stick with jude any longer. if you wanted, you could simply go back to the castle, write the report, and submit it to victor. but there is a miniscule feeling tugging in your chest.
perhaps it was an innocent curiosity. a sudden, maybe “idiotic” feeling bubbling inside you urges you to nod your head, say “yes, let me come with” regardless of any rationale. it threatened to overflow.
outside of missions, what was jude like? you knew he ran another business, and that he has made a sea of enemies by now, but what else?
“…please take me with you, jude.”
a smirk graces jude’s lips. “just remember ya asked for it, so don’t come runnin’ to me if ya end up cryin’.”
the meaning of those words would sink in soon after, when apparently someone who is within this vast “sea of enemies” charges head-on toward jude from a blind spot.
jude starts to turn around, but when you see the silver gleam of a knife, your body moves on your own.
he could have protected himself all right. you know that well in your head.
so why did you take a blow for him? for jude, of all people? was it some attempt to cling onto any sense of justice in this dark world that muddled your sense of morality, maybe?
by now, jude had started wrapping gauze around your arm. you simply watch the bright red of your own blood spread like a flower blooming on the white of the fabric.
“…jude?”
“yeah?”
you had thought you were ready to confess your thoughts to him, but much to your chagrin, once you actually open your mouth to speak, the words come out with a slightly trembling, hesitant quality.
“about what you said before. i think… you were right.” you suck in a breath to try and recompose yourself (to little avail). “what i did back there was… idiotic, as you say. i’ll admit that.”
jude doesn’t respond, but you can tell he is listening, even without making eye contact with him.
you take his silence as a cue to continue — or rather, to finish your thought. “but, i don’t think that makes me, as a person, an idiot.”
jude scoffs. “a person is defined by their actions, whether they like it or not. if ya got good intentions but the way ya go ‘bout it is shitty, there ain’t no one who’ll give a damn.”
“that’s quite funny coming from you,” you blurt out before thinking, earning yourself a sharp look from those stormy violet eyes of his.
“ya know that’s besides the point, smartie. if ya really want me to think otherwise, i hope you’re prepared to pay back the debt ya owe. if not… well, at least ya ain’t idiotic enough to not know.”
he finishes wrapping the gauze around your arm then, though he doesn’t let go without giving your arm another squeeze, a threatening motion in its essence.
“ouch! okay, alright, i get it! i will pay you back, so stop squeezing my arm and pressing on the wound!!”
“next time don’t go dawdlin’ around tryin’ to protect me if all ya gonna do is get hurt and give me more work on my plate.”
you see jude’s eyes glare at you, maybe even gleaming slightly due to the lighting. his expression doesn’t bother to conceal his annoyance either. but once again you had come to the realization that — twisted as it was — this was his way of warning you, as one may arguably remember best through pain.
it was his way of protecting you.
his words were mean, but he never once abandoned you; he never left you behind. hell, here he was, probably having better things to do right about now, treating your arm (though that was only because roger was out).
the thought tickles your mind and makes a smile break out on your lips as you try to stifle laughter. jude, on the other hand, doesn’t seem so amused.
“ah? the hell’s so funny?”
“nothing.” more stifled laughter.
“aw, ya can’t be that much of a freak.” jude once again has that wicked smirk playing on his lips, glowing in his eyes. “how ‘bout i sew your mouth shut first for lyin’ through your teeth?”
“say what you want, but i know you won’t actually go through the pain of doing that.”
when you see jude’s eyes widen slightly, you can’t help but let out a small victory cheer in the depth of your heart for catching him off guard, even a little bit.
it was a small victory indeed, though, for jude managed to recover quickly.
“well if ya can go ‘n talk back to me like that, guess ya feel better.”
now it is your turn to feel surprised as jude suddenly lets go, turning his back on you and walking back upstairs in long strides. you lift your arms to reach out for him, unable to move more than that due to surprise for a brief moment. when you can move, you jump off the table on which you sat while jude was treating you to follow after him.
“ah… hey, jude! wait for me! would it kill you to walk a little slower?!”
though you can’t see his expression from where you are (and so you could be completely wrong), you have an inkling at least he isn’t wearing as harsh an expression as he had when he was facing you.
[jude seemed a little mad today.
i do get where he is coming from, too, i really do. that said, a part of me felt that if i hadn’t taken the hit for him, then he would have taken it for me. i’m not sure if he respects me at this point (maybe he just finds me annoying) but still, i’m convinced it’s in his nature to protect others.
like a guardian fairy, he can’t… not protect others. even if it’s in his own, jude way.
that’s why i couldn’t help thinking if jude is the one protecting others, then who is there to protect him?
maybe that person isn’t me, and i think i ended up in jude’s debt rather than earning any semblance of thanks. but even so, i can’t help but feel i want to become that person someday.
perhaps it’s simply naïveté, but that’s why until that day may come, i hope i can at least stay by his side.
“what a shame you won’t be protecting me next time…”
i know you probably won’t see this note, jude, but i just want to say that unfortunately, i don’t think this will stop me from trying in the future, nor do i really regret it.
——after all, just like you have your own promise you want to keep, i, too, have one of my own i do not want to break.]
(found on a crumpled notebook page, ripped neatly out from the book)
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