summary: you had your struggles with understanding social cues, which the overblot boys challenge further as a sudden revelation brings to light their adoration of you.
pairings: overblots x gn! reader
cw: none that I can think of?
note: so this is based off of how I suck at reading social cues sometimes and I thought it would be cute to see how that would work with emotionally constipated characters 💀
wc: 4.5k (~600 words per character)
Master List
❥ Riddle Rosehearts
This was a nightmare for any Heartslabyul student. You, who had trouble with social cues, taking jokes too seriously and sarcasm sometimes flying over your head, vs Riddle Rosehearts who was in vehement denial of his feelings for you. It was like watching a terrible rom com for everyone around you two. When Riddle blushed around you, you chalked it up to him being nervous (he was trying to better himself, so being nervous about taking new actions only made sense). When Riddle felt his heart pounding whenever you were around, he swept it as nerves being around a friend without feeling the need to control everything. In fact, you both were so bad, everyone gave up on their initial bet, as they started to believe neither of you would catch on. It wasn’t until nudges from your friends finally opened your eyes to the others behavior.
“Riddle always goes easy on you, it’s not fair,” Ace would whine, falling backwards on your couch.
“No he doesn’t?” You frown, crossing your arms as you recalled the many lectures you have received from the red headed housewarden.
“When was the last time he beheaded you?” Deuce asked, genuinely curious.
“I’m magicless,” You raise an eyebrow. “It would have no effect, so does it really matter?”
“But it’s uncomfortable,” Ace points out, jabbing a finger at your chest as the duo try to break through your inability to connect to seemingly simple dots. “You think he’d still gain some satisfaction from that.”
You open your mouth to further plead your case, but you find yourself pausing, internally agreeing with Ace (not that you’d tell him that). The last time you had been beheaded was around the overblot, and since then it was just scoldings and lectures.
“And when your tie is crooked, he fixes it for you,” Deuce chimes in.
“And when your hair is messy, he smooths it out,” Ace tags along.
A dawning look of realization flashes across your face, and the duo eat it up. Finally, FINALLY you seem to notice that it does seem a bit unusual, that he’s not being his usual intense self, nor does he dote on anyone else like that.
A similar situation goes on with Riddle, Trey and Cater pointing out Riddle’s affection for you, but in more subtle ways.
“You really care for them,” Trey hums, mindlessly finishing his homework.
Riddle pauses his talk of how his day was, unknowingly rambling about you, and how you shaped it. His face flushes, but he does not reprimand his friend (progress), instead he contemplates the meaning.
“Haha, totes,” Cater agrees, focusing more on his phone than the homework on his table. “It’s cute how you both are so oblivious to each other.”
Riddle feels his blood pressure rising, and he’s unsure if it’s because they are talking to him so casually about his feelings that he totally doesn’t have, or if it’s because he’s flustered at how they nailed it right on the head.
“Don’t be presumptuous,” Riddle huffs, double checking his homework to make sure it’s all accounted for and correct. “We are good friends, nothing more and nothing less.”
“You double check their bag to make sure they have all their supplies accounted for,” Trey mumbles mindlessly.
“And you don’t hesitate to give them something if they need it,” Cater points out.
Riddle’s face was bright as a tomato as he clears his throats and excuses himself to his room.
While everyone thinks they finally won, that the torment would finally end, and you both will realize each other's feelings and mushy happiness ensues…it only got worse. Every interaction becomes a guessing game of what the other’s intentions are while trying to balance your own emotions, and the Heartslabyul students continue to suffer.
❥ Leona Kingscholar
Oh boy, if Riddle and you are a nightmare for everyone around you, then Leona is your own personal nightmare. Every insult you took to heart, every swipe of his tail left you feeling like you did something wrong, and it got to the point that you tried to avoid the lion beastman altogether. You couldn’t annoy him if you weren’t around, right? Wrong. In fact, Ruggie had seeked you out because the prince was in a foul mood, and Ruggie swore it was due to your absence. You really couldn’t wrap your head around the hyena’s logic, as Leona had been nothing but indifferent, if not displeased when you were around.
“He’s always like that,” Ruggie waved you off, dragging you to the botanical gardens where the prince laid. You swore he was lying though, as Leona’s tail swished, ear twitching as you approached, and you felt way too overwhelmed. There was no way he wanted you nearby, you just couldn’t wrap your head around how he possibly likes your presence in any way possible. ‘He’s bad at showing affection’ Your inner Ruggie chimed, but you stood tensely anyways, unsure if you should stay or leave.
“What are you doing?” Leona grumbled, one green eye opening lazily. You felt his stare penetrate into your soul, you swore he was glaring you down for intruding in his space.
“S-sorry,” You nervously mumble, hand fidgeting with the hem of your sleeves. “Ruggie dragged me in here saying you wanted…company? But clearly he was wrong, sorry again.” You decided to try and bolt, hoping the apology would satisfy the lion enough to distract him from your escape, only for a hand to grab your ankle.
Your heart beat erratically in your chest, head spinning as adrenaline fills your veins. You felt like you had just stepped into a horror movie called social anxiety and terrible life decisions (though being transported to some weird world was not your decision). Leona’s claws briefly imprinted on your skin as he dragged you closer, nearly causing you to fall.
“Shut up,” He tsked, hand not letting you go (like he knew you were two seconds away from running for dear life). “C’mere, ‘m tired and I don’t wanna deal with this right now.”
You blinked, unsure where exactly he wanted you to go, body tense with stress and uncertainty, head swiveling, like you’d surely find an escape somewhere. Instead of escape, perhaps hiding in your dorm room for the rest of the day to try and recuperate from this intense and scary experience, Leona seemed to have enough of your ‘obliviousness’, reached up, grabbed your shirt, and quite literally drag your standing frame to fall onto his which was laying on the ground. You nearly screamed as you careened towards his chest, your breath nearly leaving your lungs as the lion cushioned your fall, arms wrapping around your back as he closed his eyes.
You did not relax, if anything, your body turned into stone, holding your breath as you wondered who you pissed off in your past life to deal with this. You must’ve killed someone quite important.
“Relax,” Leona sighed, his warm breath caressing your ear. “‘M not gonna bite…unless you want me to.” You did not relax for several more minutes, not until his breathing evened out and you were sure he was unconscious. You laid there, bones feeling like jelly as the adrenaline wore off, mind reeling with what the hell was currently happening.
Leona’s mixed signals were quite literally your worst enemy in a world of magic, constant overblots, and a neglectful headmaster. You were never sure if the lion hated your guts, or if he secretly liked you? Leona hated how you couldn’t decipher his near impossible signs, wishing you could read his mind, not wanting to ruin his ‘image’ in front of his dorm members. The only one having any hoot or holler would be Ruggie as you both awkwardly navigated around the other. Ironically, you both did fill the role of predator and prey perfectly.
❥ Azul Ashengrotto
Ohhhhhhh boy. Azul absolutely has a hate love relationship with your inability to pick up on certain social cues. Some moments, you could read the room well, tell when someone was upset, or sad, or even so happy they were crying, other moments he wanted to slam his head against the wall as you took all his words to heart, even if he was trying to flirt or make a stupid joke. The twins made the situation ten times worse as they liked to mess with you.
“Azul mentioned that he’s quite tired today,” Jade would hum innocently, fixing you a drink at the bar.
“Oh, did something happen?” You would ask, falling straight for the bait Jade laid out perfectly.
“You could say so,” Jade’s grin widened, mischief and amusement swirling in his gaze. “Said you kept him up all night.”
Your brows furrow, unsure what the eel meant. You hadn’t texted (especially not called) anyone last night, too exhausted with all the socializing you had been doing and had some unwind time. So you’re not sure what you had done to keep the merman up the previous night.
“Did I do something?” You asked, genuinely concerned if you had made a mistake. Perhaps you had done something offensive in their culture? Or insulted him unknowingly? (You weren’t proud to admit that you had done that before).
Instead of being helpful, kind, or friendly (things Jade were not known for), he merely shrugged, pushing you a drink and moving on to the next customer, an extra shine of glee in his eyes at your misery.
Floyd wasn’t much better.
“Can you both just get together already?” Floyd whined, slumping in his seat across from you as you tried to focus on homework. Of course he ruined that.
“What?” You questioned, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“You and Azul, duh,” He rolled his eyes like it was the most obvious thing. You merely blinked, trying to connect whatever dots that Floyd just created.
“Why would we be together?” You ask, dropping your pencil, completely forgetting the frustrating work that was assigned (it’s not like you had the context to answer it anyways). “You mean like dating?”
“DUH,” He groaned, like this was physically paining him. “What else? You both clearly like each other, just kiss and get over it already.” It felt like your face was on fire as you tried to process whatever the hell he was spewing.
It honestly left you confused. You thought Azul was just being nice, a friend trying to make up for his transgressions against you and your friends (and sometimes you questioned his intentions as he had conned you before). Sure, sometimes he would say something that would fluster you, a compliment here, a light touch to your shoulder there (even you knew that was out of character for the reserved business man), but the twins had opened your mind to a whole other venture you hadn’t even thought about.
Azul noticed a change, not obvious, but you seemed to finally be taking in his advances. Your eyes would widen, like the dots were finally appearing in your head, sometimes it even seemed like you were looking at him in a new light altogether (cus you kind of were…). His fond frustration melted into excitement. Finally, what felt like stagnation started to gain traction, and it even emboldened him to up his moves, to make sure you couldn’t question his intentions. After all, if you struggled understanding what his gestures meant, then that meant he had to make sure that his intentions were obvious (maybe just communicate your feelings properly…).
❥ Jamil Viper
Hahaha…so Jamil is kind of the embodiment of subtle care, especially when he refuses to acknowledge his own feelings. At first it’s in ways you don’t notice. How his eyes trail after you, making sure you’re okay. The way he eyes your meals, always cataloging how unhealthy they are, noting how you shiver during a chilly day only in a short sleeve shirt, or how you always seem exhausted even if you got a full night's sleep (which can be rare with the aduo around).
Jamil tries to shove these mental notes to the side. It’s not like he has the time to take care of anyone else with Kalim running around, you are your own person after all. Yet he strangely found himself with an extra portion of the lunch he prepared, shoving it towards you without thought (too much thought actually), or how he shrugs of his sweater (his safe space really), and tosses it towards you as the chill seeps into him instead, or how he picks up any slack, talking to your friends when you couldn’t keep up, or walking you to your dorm early as he makes up excuses to get you in the comfort of your own place.
At first you didn’t notice, thinking he was being kind, or perhaps even feeling forced to because Kalim asked him to, but that changed when he excused you from Kalim’s party. The people surrounding you had you feeling like a zombie as you tried to hide in a corner, eating some snacks as you held a drink, hoping the walls would encapsulate you. Kalim had begged you to come, which was why you were there, but it ended up just like you expected. Jamil noticed, as he always does, and offered to walk you back to your dorm, a routine you started to expect. Of course, Kalim had blocked your escape, a pout with big watery eyes tugging on your heartstrings. Before you could give in, zone out for another hour and ponder why you hate yourself, Jamil cut in.
“The prefect is tired,” Jamil points out, and you wonder if it’s that obvious.
After this moment, you began to notice the subtleties. Perhaps not all at once, but even you couldn’t deny how Jamil didn’t treat anyone else the way he treated you. You weren’t sure if it was anything beyond friendly, but you noticed that he seemed to care for you in a way that he didn’t for anyone else, and it was something you cherished. In fact, you both fell into a weirdly domestic relationship that never dared to press against the walls of friendship…that was until Jamil himself slipped up (something he never does, mind you…he is quite whipped).
“You’re way too kind to me,” You couldn’t help but grumble as you accepted the week's worth of breakfast and dinners Jamil had prepared for you (you were quite bad at making those).
“It’s nothing,” The vice-housewarden waved off, a faint blush coating his tan cheeks.
“Seriously,” You don’t drop it, too moved by his kindness towards you. “No one has ever done anything like this for me before, you always make sure to make meals with textures I like, altering things to avoid foods I don’t like, and not to mention how you portion them to my exact liking! I feel like I don’t do enough to make up for all the work you put into me.”
Jamil’s brows furrowed, both bashful at your acknowledgement of his work, while also upset at your self admonishment.
“You don’t have to do anything,” Jamil shakes his head. “I do it because I want to. Trust me, I’d go crazy if I didn’t do this, who knows what you’d be eating otherwise.”
Your heart stuttered at his admission, the revelation of how deep his care ran for you striking you somewhere soft and gooey. It was only then when the question of whether Jamil liked you romantically dared to breach your brain.
❥ Vil Schoenheit
Vil wasn’t one to coddle anyone, not that you needed coddling, but this meant that his standoffish attitude would not be diluted. Vil isn’t nearly as bad as Leona, but his actions still managed to confuse you. You thought he wanted nothing to do with you, a notion you could understand. You could be reserved most times, quiet, almost like a shadow. The complete opposite of glitz and glam that was Vil Schoenheit…yet that seems to pull him in all the more. He would critique your uniform, comment on how it was too big in some place, yet somehow too small in others. In fact, you thought he was lowkey bullying you at first, always picking you apart, making you feel small and unwanted…only to piece you back together.
He’d personally tailor your uniform, grumbling about how ‘you can’t trust anyone to do things right these days’. He’d fix your hairstyle, explaining how the few trims, or complete makeover fits your face better, how the framing of a few pieces can make or break your beauty. Beneath the harshness, you learned to decipher that this was his way of caring (even if it could be quite shitty sometimes). And to say Vil didn’t notice how his comments hit you would be an insult to his social training. Of course he noticed the way you seemed to shut down after a particularly harsh comment from him, which made him shift tactics.
Instead of scolding you, or pointing out something he deemed atrocious, he merely fixed it instead, and you let him. You didn’t have time to get dressed properly? It’s fine, he’s fixing the wrinkles and crookedness for you. You didn’t style your hair properly? There’s a few minutes to spare before class, he’s dragging you to the nearest mirror as he styles it himself. You didn’t pack a proper lunch? Don’t worry, prefect, he happened to bring extra.
At first you’re not sure how to take in the change. You feel like it’s some elaborate prank show, the cameras hiding in the corners (there aren’t any, but Rook sure is). Yet the longer this behavior goes on, you learn to accept it, and you even like it (which you find oddly strange yourself). You hadn’t been cared for like this before, and especially not in this world, so you found yourself eating up the affection.
“The love that blooms between Roi du Poison and Trickster is magnifique!” Rook bellows, hand clutched over his heart as he dramatically swoons.
You had grown used to his exclamations of passion and love, so you simply deadpan at the hunter.
“What are you even talking about?” You question, face scrunching at his claims.
It was quite comical actually, as Vil was currently applying a brand new lotion he had helped create himself to your arms, and you had the audacity to be confused (I would be too though so I can’t rag on the reader too much).
“Ignore him,” Vil mumbles, focused intensely on how your skin was much softer with his care and how he was going to keep it that way. “He likes to spout nonsense all the time.”
“But is it nonsense when the Queen deems the Trickster important enough to care for himself?” Rook asks, head tilting as his grin widens. “I have not seen you spoil anyone so, Roi du Poison.”
Vil’s face flattens, his usual humoring of Rook evaporating quickly (he didn’t want to be ratted out like this). Yet it was too late, as your mouth opened in recognition of Rook’s words. He had a point, you had seen Epel get scolded mercilessly and then forced into punishment many times by Vil, yet if you do something similar, you get a light slap on the wrist before he drags you along, your punishment usually pertaining him taking care of you in one way or another. You weren’t sure why it didn’t click before, but now you couldn’t help but second guess all of Vil’s intentions, and what that means for your future.
❥ Idia Shroud
Idia was…hard to get to know. You tried being friendly, yet he would shut you out. You tried to invite him out, but he would deflect. You tried parallel play, yet you couldn’t help but notice how he glanced at you like you were a starved tiger and he was the closest meal available. Bummed that you weren’t getting anywhere, you also didn’t want to make the blue-flammed hair man uncomfortable, which meant leaving him alone. It saddened you, but you knew you couldn’t make friends with everyone.
Little did you know, you had it completely backwards. Idia was drawn to you like a moth to a flame. You were similar to him in a way, which made him rethink his entire life. You tended to be quiet, speaking when you were spoken to and falling into the shadows, yet you weren’t like him at all. You had friends, you smiled and talked freely about topics you were passionate about, and even stood up when needed.
Yet, worst of all…you were terrible at some social cues. He even found it amusing at times, cackling when you took a joke at face value or when you looked confused when someone said something sarcastically, only to get it a few seconds too late. You didn’t know this, of course. He rarely left his room, and he found himself stalking Grim more often than he could count, which meant you were there too.
If it were up to him, you would never know, and things would stay exactly as they were. Him in his room alone and you none the wiser to his stalking, yearning, observations. Of course, his dear little brother would never leave it at that, taking in his brother’s infatuation, liking towards you. Which leads to a various amount of goofy, yet terrifying situations. Such as Ortho inviting you to his room without him knowing, and making the most unsevenly sound ever when he got jumpscared by you. Or how he almost bolted the second he saw you at the board game’s club, only for Ortho to block his exit (he nearly jumped out the window at your smile).
And gosh, he couldn’t get over how oblivious you could be sometimes, your comments making him feel like a warm, gooey mess, and you were completely unaffected! It really wasn’t fair. You made it look so easy, and he wishes he could complement you as easily (little did he know, you struggled with it as well, you were just better at hiding it).
“You have really cool hair,” You compliment, eyes wide with wonder.
Idia could only stare, hair tinting pink along with his pale cheeks as he internally shut down.
“Sorry, was that weird?” You ask as Idia continues to stare at you with the blankest eyes known to man, causing you to second guess yourself. Was that weird of you to say? Perhaps you weren’t supposed to mention his hair at all? Did you make him self conscious?
“N-not at all,” Was all he could stutter, eyes averting to anything but you.
It wasn’t until Idia started to text you that you realized you had things backwards. Sure, in person you both were awkward and unsure, perpetually questioning all your actions, while online things flowed more smoothly. Sure, you would take a few minutes, up to a few hours to respond, but Idia was busy with his games anyways, so he didn’t mind (sometimes he did, but he would do the same thing so he understood). He also talked more freely, rambling about his passions and eager for your approval. It wasn’t till one fatal text, that you realized he may have liked you more than just a friend.
Ugh, you can’t be srs
Ur lit too cute for this world
He deleted it as quickly as he sent it, but it was too late. You were already spiraling.
❥ Malleus Draconia
Ha. Hahahahaha. So, take the ‘you don’t know you’re betrothed’ trope, and multiply it by 10. Jk…kinda. So in reality, you both are kind of bad at social cues. It’s mutual. You both are quite slow to unravel any feelings. In fact, you both bond at how similar your social experiences are. Both used to people tuning out your passionate rants about the topics you loved, so you learned to keep it to yourself (until you met each other). Or how you both can be awkward in social situations, unsure what to say at certain moments and look towards the other for reassurance.
In fact, this was what caused Malleus to cherish you so. Not only were you patient and understanding, but you understood, to a certain degree. It caused the dragon to latch onto you, wishing to show you his gratitude for your friendship. You were in a similar boat. If you were exhausted from existing in the world, you knew Malleus would bring you somewhere quiet, somewhere no one could reach you if you did not wish. He would do things for you that you weren’t used to, and cared for you in ways that warmed you. After feeling alienated, Malleus was a person who showed you you weren’t alone.
Due to it being a relationship you both feared to lose, neither of you thought of anything more. Why should you question something that worked so well? Something that neither of you had to think twice about? Something that came as easily as breathing?
“Another gift?” Lilia chimes, hanging in front of Malleus upside down, amused grin tugging on his lips.
“They mentioned wanting this,” Malleus replies, like the thought of you wanting something was irrevocably wrong, and he himself will fix it.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re courting them,” The bat fae hummed, eyes crinkling with joy. Malleus blinked, brain working overtime, because Lilia had a point. Malleus’ love for you was as deep as a never ending void, he would do anything in his power to make you happy, and all he wanted in return was your smile aimed towards him (though he also finds your bashfulness adorable).
It was then that Malleus went from friendship mode, to courting mode. You, on the other hand, were completely unaware. I mean why should you have thought differently? He treated you no differently than before, it was only his intentions that switched. Of course, this only amused Lilia all the more, after all, who doesn’t love to watch young love bloom? (Sebek)
“At this rate, you’re gonna become fae royalty,” Ace grumbles, eyeing yet another gift that appeared in your dorm.
“How in the world would I do that?” You asked, genuinely confused. Malleus was one of your closest friends, sure, but in order to become royalty that would mean marrying him, and you doubt the dragon fae saw you in such a light.
“You’re basically drowning in jewels!” Ace exclaims, pointing out the jewelry that adorned you. Your face flushes at the implication, and the creeping dread of the possibility of Ace having a point.
“Mal said he had extra…” Even your defence sounds pathetic.
“You even have nicknames for each other,” Deuce points out.
“I have nicknames for you too,” You glare. “Dumb and dumber.”
Your deflection does nothing as the two continue to tease you relentlessly for how unaware you were about something so ‘obvious’ (it really wasn’t but okay). The next time Malleus treats you to something, whether it be a fancy dish catered to your liking, an outing you mentioned you wanted to do, or another ‘small’ gift he just stumbled upon, you can’t help but notice the hearts in his eyes as he awaits your reaction, and it’s only then do you realize you’re doomed.
kalim falls in love with you so easily that it honestly scares jamil a little. because kalim loves people naturally. he is affectionate, warm, endlessly eager to shower the people around him with attention and kindness. he makes friends quickly, trusts easily, and gets attached without much hesitation. so at first, nobody thinks much of it when he starts gravitating toward you constantly. of course kalim likes having you around. everyone likes having you around. he just happens to be more enthusiastic about it than most. except eventually, even kalim realizes something feels different. because he doesn't just enjoy your company, he craves it.
it starts innocently enough. kalim begins seeking you out first thing in the morning because seeing you somehow guarantees his day will feel better afterward. meals become more enjoyable when you sit beside him. school events become exciting because he gets to experience them with you. whenever something funny or interesting happens, his immediate instinct is to turn toward you first just to see your reaction. and honestly? he barely notices how attached he's become until other people start pointing it out.
"you've been following the prefect around all day." kalim blinks before looking over at jamil in confusion. "huh?" "you heard me." jamil sighs tiredly while crossing his arms. "every time they leave the room, you magically appear five seconds later." "...oh." kalim pauses thoughtfully. "wait, really?" jamil stares at him flatly. "yes, really."
the strange thing is that once kalim notices it, he still can't bring himself to stop. because being around you feels good in a way he can't fully explain. calming. exciting. comforting all at once. your presence slips naturally into every part of his routine until he genuinely struggles to remember what his days felt like before you became part of them. if he goes too long without seeing you, he gets restless without understanding why. if you seem upset, his mood drops immediately. and if someone else captures your attention for too long, this weird unpleasant feeling twists in his chest before he can identify it properly.
which is how kalim learns he can get jealous. poorly. "you've been talking to azul foreverrrr!" kalim complains dramatically while slumping across your shoulder later that evening. you blink in confusion. "it was like ten minutes." "that's forever!!" "kalim—" "and you laughed at his joke more than mine!" "...are you pouting right now?" "n—no.." he absolutely is.
things like physical affection makes everything worse. kalim is already naturally clingy with people he likes, but around you it becomes almost ridiculous. he wants to hold your hand constantly, drape himself across your shoulders during conversations, pull you into hugs whenever possible just because he can. one time you kissed his cheek casually in gratitude and kalim spent the next three hours smiling so brightly that even jamil looked concerned.
the problem is that kalim falls hard once he truly cares about someone. and he cares about you far too much. because unlike many people in his life, your affection never feels tied to his status or wealth. you spend time with him because you genuinely enjoy him, not because you want something from him. you scold him when he's reckless. laugh with him naturally. worry about him sincerely. and every bit of it settles warm and aching inside his chest because kalim is not used to feeling this... chosen. that realization affects him more deeply than he expects. especially late at night when things become quieter.
because underneath all his brightness, kalim carries loneliness more heavily than most people realize. growing up surrounded by servants, guards, expectations, and constant caution made genuine relationships difficult. people smiled at him often, but not always honestly. many cared more about the al-asim name than kalim himself. but you? you look at him like he is simply kalim. nothing more. nothing less. and somewhere along the line, that became precious enough to terrify him a little.
the realization itself happens during one of those soft quiet evenings in scarabia after dinner. kalim is rambling happily about some idea while the two of you lounge together surrounded by pillows and warm lantern light. eventually his words begin blending together because you start smiling at him in this terribly fond way that makes his heart stutter strangely in his chest. then you laugh softly and reach over to fix a piece of jewelry that had slipped crooked against his skin. such a tiny gesture. careless. gentle. and suddenly kalim feels everything crash together at once. every instinct to stay near you, every spike of jealousy, every ridiculous amount of happiness he feels whenever you choose him first. all of it settles into place so naturally that for a moment he can only stare at you in stunned silence. because oh. he's in love with you. completely and utterly in love with you. and judging by the way his chest feels too full to contain all this warmth suddenly, he probably has been for a while now.
"...kalim?" you blink at him curiously. "why are you looking at me like that?" he opens his mouth. then immediately smiles so brightly it nearly blinds you. "no reason!" you narrow your eyes suspiciously while kalim throws himself sideways into your lap dramatically to hide the fact that his entire face feels warm. meanwhile, buried beneath all his excitement and affection, one quiet thought keeps repeating over and over inside his chest. please stay. please keep choosing me like this.
trey clover, cater diamond, leona kingscholar, vil schoenheit, rook hunt, idia shroud, malleus draconia, lilia vanrouge (separate, established relationship) x gn! reader
warnings: cursing, cringe, minor angst in some
I LOVE WRITING THESE!!! im quite rusty and sleepy so forgive any errors..
trey clover
cater diamond
leona kingscholar
vil schoenheit
rook hunt
idia shroud
lilia vanrouge
malleus draconia
Extra part for Malleus: You stared at your phone in disbelief when a knock came at your door. That was quick.
Plodding down the stairs of Ramshackle, you opened the door to see Malleus Draconia in all of his glory, staring at you. A small chuckle bubbled up in your throat as you noticed his demeanor. The cool-headed, intimidating heir of Briar Valley seemed antsy for once, shifting slightly as he gazed at you with unmistakable fondness.
"Child of man," he breathed out, "you needed to speak with me?"
You thought back to your attempt at the prank. It was probably never going to work on him anyways.
"Yeah," you grinned, opting to drop the gag, "I just wanted to tell you how much I love and appreciate you."
You leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek, intertwining your fingers with his.
Malleus Draconia was left frozen. The power you had was amusing. To be able to reduce one of the top five mages to a lovesick puddle was no small feat. Who said your lack of magic capabilities left you defenseless?
"Why don't you come in?" You asked.
He followed you without a word, as he would for as long as you'd permit him.
end note: to avoid having to go look up translations (i know how you feel), rook's part is from the song "Tu es partout" by Édith Piaf! Translation:
"I see you everywhere in the sky
I see you everywhere on the earth
you are my joy and my sun
my nights, my days, my clear dawns"
and the thing he says at the beginning is: "I cannot imagine a summer day without the accompaniment of your smile."
💭: ace "accidentally" gets doused in a love potion after a slight mishap during alchemy class. he suddenly becomes unbearably clingy and dramatic with you, much to the dismay of the first-years. there's just one teeny tiny problem: it's completely fake.
ace finds that it might be possible to fool you by spraying an uncanny amount of cheap perfume.
pairing. ace trappola x gn! reader ft. first-year gang
wc. 3.6k
warnings. crackfic, reader is prefect, ooc ace cs i know his ass is too prideful for this (probably), ace humiliating himself for 3.6k words, oblivious(not really) reader, second-hand embarrassment
a/n. so ace-pilled holy shit i was lowkirkenuinely cringing writing some of these lines bye i love my little fumbler 🥹🥹✌
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam—if there is a will, there is a way.
An irrefutably classic phrase, one that is strewn across the vast sea of modern literature, and in moments that blend with the mundane life. It, at its core, resonates with the very sentiment of human perseverance and unyielding nature—defiant, arrogant, yet all the more unapologetically humane.
It is an honest attestation to humanity—a primordial inheritance that has bled through one’s flesh and bones since breath was first given, and dust became living.
The phrase has always been bracketed for conquerors and geniuses, for those who have stood on the precipice between will and subjugation—life and death. It is a consensus that has outlived empires, etched onto monuments, and passed down through blood and scripture—scrawled in the handwriting of sleepless architects who drew lines until the graphite snapped, and in the frantic, ink-smudged margins of poets who starved just to feed a single verse.
It is also laced in the mutters of delusion posed by lovesick fools.
“You’re utterly pathetic, do you know that?”
Ace waves his hand absentmindedly in return, not even bothering to look up from where he has draped himself across your lap in a boneless and shameless manner. He leans his weight entirely to your side with a heavy sigh, polluting the air with the violent smell of cheap roses and synthetic hibiscus.
The air around him is thick with a scent so aggressively floral that it feels like being hit in the face with a funeral wreath. It’s a cloying, syrupy catastrophe of concentrated sugar that seems to radiate off his blazer, making nearby students cough and retreat—even Grim had abandoned you ten minutes ago after loudly declaring that his “snout hairs are being burnt through.”
“I’m touched by your concern, really,” Ace sighs dreamily, his voice dropping into a honey-thick register that makes Epel look like he’s about to physically gag. “But love is just a cruel and incurable affliction.”
“What in tarnation are ya saying?” Epel replies, horrified. “You… you reek of perfume from Sam’s shop!”
“It’s a love potion,” Ace corrects solemnly. “Get your facts right.”
“I told you, it was a complete accident in the lab.” Ace murmurs, his fingers tracing idle, lingering patterns against the lines of your palm. He’s been “unable” to let go of your hand for the last forty minutes, yapping about how the warmth of yours grounds the hazy territory of his tangled mind. “One minute, I’m just stirring the cauldron, the next—bam—pink smoke right at my face, and suddenly, the Prefect is the only person in the world that matters—it’s a tragedy, isn’t it?”
He tilts his head, resting it on your shoulder and peering up at you through his lashes with a gaze he clearly thinks is “smoldering” but is actually just intensely focused on making sure you aren’t suspicious.
Epel stares at him aghast, disbelief painting his countenance as he tries to blink away the ridiculous sight in front of him. Deuce stands slightly farther away from the scene, partly to stay away from inhaling that biohazard and mostly to save himself from embarrassment, looking deeply conflicted about whether he should intervene or let his friend continue to descend into social suicide.
“You really should pay attention to the steps Professor Crewel gave us.” You sigh, trying to steady him as he practically melts against your form.
You do not notice the collective agony radiating from everyone else.
Ace suppresses a smirk against your shoulder. He’s a fencer—he knows all about finding an opening, no matter how cornered or tight it might be. If he can’t find a way to your heart through normal, non-embarrassing means, he’ll simply build a bridge out of lies and stinky perfume.
He slackens his shoulders, his gaze turning glassy with manufactured devotion, and with devastating overcommitment, he squeezes your hand like a maiden grasping her final earthly tether.
“Prefect,” Ace calls out softly like he’s moments away from collapsing into an early grave (you swear you can see Deuce grind his teeth in cringe). “I don’t think I can survive this cruel affliction alone.”
Deuce makes a strangled noise. “Ace, it’s not possible to die from a love potion!”
“Oh, Juice… You truly don’t know anything.” He sighs, burying his face into the crook of your neck, inhaling deeply—unfortunately, it turns out to be a massive tactical error on his part, because he ends up breathing in a mouthful of his own gas chamber of a perfume. He chokes for a split second, but he recovers with the terrifying tenacity of a man who could take on Lebron in a match.
“See? Love is the most twisted curse of all.”
Epel physically recoils. “Oh, no way you said that.”
“Ace,” Deuce hisses under his breath, face impressively red from secondhand embarrassment. “You said you were only gonna act a little weird!”
“Well, excuse me for being committed to the role.” Ace shoots back before instantly melting back into his lovestruck persona the moment your attention diverts back to him. His expression softens with almost terrifying speed, eyes half-lidded as he gazes up at you, as if you personally hung the stars, the moon, the sky, and everything under heaven. “Sorry, Prefect… loud noise makes my symptoms worse.”
You, completely oblivious to the fact that a standard love potion doesn’t require a daily application of five ounces of lavender eau-de-toilette, merely pat his head with a sympathetic sigh. “Does your head hurt? Maybe we should go to the infirmary…”
“No! No infirmary!” Ace stumbles out quickly in a panic, his voice cracking slightly before he clears his throat and drops it back into that low, dramatic purr. “The school nurse doesn’t have the cure. Just… let me stay like this for five… or fifty… more minutes.”
He is, without a doubt, a top-three fumbler in the history of Night Raven College. He has alienated his friends, ruined his favorite blazer, humilaitingly seen by a handful of his upperclassmen, and smells like three different air purifiers in the dead of summer—but as he feels you wrap an arm around his shoulders to keep him from sliding off your lap, Ace decides that not even Sun Tzu can outsmart him in a strategic battle.
Ace is a genius—holy shit, he’s for sure one hell of a tactical genius bastard.
He presses closer, a smug and completely hidden victorious grin stretching across his face against your shoulder.
Epel mutters something under his breath that sounds suspiciously like “yeah, bet the nearest mental institute might help ya instead,” but he doesn’t dwell on it.
Unfortunately (or fortunately?), Ace’s “condition” unsurprisingly somehow follows you everywhere.
EXHIBIT #01: THE HEARTSLABYUL UNBIRTHDAY PARTY.
You can feel stares drilling straight into your soul, but you try your best to feign ignorance, opting to enjoy a slice of tart in lieu. Beside you, your sticky parasite doesn’t seem to get the memo, as he effectively continues to paralyze you by using your shoulder as a personal pillow, his arm looped tightly through yours.
“Prefect… the tea is too bitter,” Ace whines, his voice dropping into that theatrical cadence that nearly makes Trey drop his spoon. “The only sweetness I can tolerate right now is your presence. Feed me a forkful of that strawberry tart? My hands are just… so weak from the potion’s tolls.”
“If your hands are weak, Trappola, I can detach them from your wrists, if you’d like.” Riddle seethes from the head of the table, his teacup trembling with a dangerous clicking sound. His face is a shade of red that rivals his cape—half from the sheer, unadulterated public indecency of the display, and half because the sugary foulness permeating through the air is ruining the aroma of his Earl Grey.
“A—Ace, please, Housewarden Riddle is looking right at us,” Deuce whispers frantically from across the table, looking paler than paper. “You said you were just going to ask the Prefect to walk you back to the dorm!”
“I can’t help it,” Ace sighs dramatically, tightening his grip on your arm and leaning his head further on your shoulder. “If I’m not near the Prefect, I might seriously stop breathing—it’s the potion doing it, I’m telling you! You wouldn’t want to explain a corpse at an Unbirthday Party, would you, Housewarden?”
His fellow dormmates look the other way with varying degrees of expressions that encapsulate their desperate prayers of coming out of the party alive.
“I am going to count to three,” Riddle says, his voice lowering into a terrifyingly calm note as he pulls his magic pen. “And if you are still doused in that unsavory cologne and violating personal space boundaries, I will see to it that it will be Off With Your Head for a straight month!”
EXHIBIT #02: THE LIBRARY.
“Look at this section, Prefect,” Ace mutters, his warm breath hitting your neck, sending a shiver down your spine that he definitely notices, given his shit-eating grin that he doesn’t bother to conceal. “See, the ancient kings fought wars for land and territory, but I’d give up the whole world just for a single glance from you, y’know?”
From across the table, a poor Scarabia student groans into his hands. Genuinely, get this corny shit out of my face.
Seated in the quietest, cramped corner of the library, as dust motes dance beneath the dim lights, the supposed “study session” for your upcoming history quiz is completely overturned the moment Ace decides to sit so close to you that he is practically in your skin. His chin rests heavily on your shoulder, his chest pressed against your back, while his hands “helpfully” guide your fingers across the page.
So much for trying to pass Professor Trein’s class.
Suddenly, a shadow falls over the table in the form of Sebek Zigvolt, who, with his arms crossed, stares at the two of you with a snarl of pure, righteous indignation.
“Trappola!” Sebek starts to bellow, before remembering where he is and dropping to a harsh and aggressive whisper that still rattles the desk. “What is the meaning of this indecent display?! Get off the Prefect at once! Your vile stench insults the very air Lord Malleus breathes!”
“Ugh, talk about bad timing. It’s called romance, Sebek. Not everyone is emotionally repressed.” Ace doesn’t even have the decency to look ashamed, dropping his chin back onto your shoulder and tightening his hold on your waist with an arrogant, proprietary tug that cements his position. “Prefect, my head hurts… tell that loud pipsqueak to go away.”
“Loud pipsqueak?! Why, you impudent, malingering fraud—”
Before Sebek can burst a blood vessel, you hurriedly lift your hand to Ace’s forehead, your fingers brushing against the fringe of his bangs as you press the back of your palm gently against his skin.
Your brows knit together in concern, your thumb unconsciously smoothing a strand of his hair away from his forehead. “You do feel a little warm… maybe the potion is affecting you more than we thought.”
Ace nearly fucking ascends.
The moment your cool fingers brush against his forehead, his entire brain short-circuits. The smug grin completely vanishes, replaced by a bright red flush that creeps up all the way up to the tips of his ears. Your thumb idly smooths down his hair, and Ace suddenly realizes that playing dead might actually become a reality if his heart keeps hammering against his ribs this thunderously.
Sebeks merely gapes at you in utter, speechless cosmic horror, his chest locked mid-breath as he watches your hand actively comfort the enemy. His mouth opens once, then closes again with an audible click as he struggles to process the cataclysmic level of gullibility unfolding before him in real time.
“Prefect,” he says slowly, voice immensely strained with the effort of remaining civil, “surely you cannot be believing this buffoonery.”
Ace gasps as though Sebek has just insulted his entire lineage. “Why are you all against our love? Is it a crime to yearn? Is it a cardinal sin to be entirely consumed by the most profound and inescapable emotion known to mankind?”
Ace clutches weakly at your sleeves with the grace of a tragic heroine abandoned at sea, his eyelids fluttering with a level of vehement agony that is likened to a mourning opera singer. He blind-grabs your free hand from the desk, clutching your knuckles against his chest right over his furiously beating heart.
“Don’t look at him, Prefect,” Ace pleads, his voice trembling and delicate like spun sugar—so terribly artificially sweet just like the overwhelming wave of vanilla floating directly up Sebek’s nostrils. “If the world stands against us, then I’ll stand against the world.”
Sebek’s face violently transitions from an offended purple to a vein-popping, volcanic shade of crimson.
EXHIBIT #03: THE CAFETERIA
“Ace, I genuinely wish from the bottom of my heart that you will fall into a ditch and never be seen again.” Epel deadpans, his fork hovering precariously close to his plate of baked potatoes.
His knuckles are white from his grip, and his face is gnarled into an expression of raw visceral disgust that is worse than when he’s talking about lifestyle lessons with Vil.
Across from him, Jack quietly nods in agreement while trying—and failing—to eat his lunch through the suffocating floral fog emanating from Ace’s blazer.
“I can taste the perfume.” He says, disgruntledly, his ears flattening so far back that it’s practically pinned to his skull.
“That sounds like a personal problem,” Ace replies without shame.
The humid midday heat of the cafeteria has essentially aerosolized Ace’s three layers of perfume, turning your circular table into a high-concentration chamber that can suffocate a small woodland ecosystem. Nearby students have already cleared out, dragging their trays three tables away just to escape the fumes, leaving the first-year gang isolated in the red zone.
Poor Jack, being a beastman with heightened senses to top it all off—it’s a miracle he hasn’t passed out yet.
“Prefect,” Ace pokes your arm, his tray sitting almost untouched in front of him because, apparently, lovesickness has also robbed him of the ability to feed himself, “can you cut my omelette and feed me? I think I’m going to faint…”
Epel massages his temple. “Please stop talking.”
You glance between Ace’s sprawling state on your shoulder and his untouched lunch. “Is it really that bad?”
“See? Prefect gets me,” he sighs. “Unlike you heartless people who mock a man suffering through the torment of forbidden love.”
“There’s nothing forbidden about it!” Deuce whisper-yells, looking seconds away from ripping his hair out of second-hand humiliation. “You literally made this whole thing up!”
Ace gasps loudly enough to earn several irritated looks from nearby upperclassmen.
“Deuce…” he breathes out quietly, eyes full of faux betrayal, “how could you expose my medical history in public?”
“That is not what medical history means!”
“Wow, look at him trynna act smart.” Ace snickers near your ear, completely unfazed by the fact that Deuce looks like he’s about to pop a blood vessel. He slides a fraction lower, his shoulders slumping deliberately as he lets his weight anchor completely against your side.
“You were the one who asked me to help you!” Deuce hisses, lurching toward his direction with a desperate tone of someone attempting damage control, his voice pitched low enough as he jabs an accusatory finger toward him. “You said—and I quote—bro, it’ll just be a little joke for like ten minutes. Ten minutes, Ace!”
“Well, plans evolve, Deucy Juice.” Ace merely shoo’s him, letting his head drop onto your shoulder again, his hair tickling your neck as he shifts closer, shamelessly stealing warmth and attention as if it’s his God-given right.
Jack looks greatly disturbed as the seconds tick by. “You’re making us lose our appetite.”
“That sounds like jealousy.” Ace replies instantly before reaching his fingers over to play with the hem of your blazer. “It’s okay, I get it. I’d be jealous too if I saw us together.”
Epel slams his forehead directly against the table.
EXHIBIT #04: THE BOTANICAL GARDEN.
The golden sun bleeds a heavy, bruised orange through the glass panes of the Botanical Garden, but the natural fragrance of rare flora has been completely eradicated.
By evening, the entire first-year population has become unwilling participants in Ace’s one-man theatre production.
You sit on a stone bench near the temperate zone, trying to review your notes for the day, but it proves hard in practice when Ace is practically poured over your lap, his legs stretching across the bench, while his face is buried into your side.
He lets out a drawn-out sigh loud enough to constitute a public disturbance.
“What now?” Grim groans, his paws clamped so tightly over his snout that his voice sounds like it’s coming from underwater. “You’ve been leaking that fake flower juice all day! My ears are ringing from your whining!”
“Nothing,” Ace replies, his voice a lazy murmur that rumbles right against your ribs. He shifts slightly, dragging his cheek along the fabric of your uniform. “Just thinking.”
“About what?” You ask, not looking up from your notes.
He cranes his head up to gaze at your eyes, looking at you through the messy, unstructured fringe of his bangs, lips curling into a devious smirk. “...You.”
“Oh, how touching.” Grim snarls right back at him.
“Ugh, just throw that damn ginger back to his dorm, henchhuman!” Grim’s muffled voice wails from behind you, now burying his face into a nearby bush brimming with exotic plants to save his nostrils.
Before said ginger can concoct a two-page excuse for why the scent of Heartslabyul’s air—especially if away from you—would further detonate his predicament and cause the fall of NRC, Ortho's buoyant voice beats him to it.
“Incredible!” Ortho chirps cheerfully, his mechanical voice cutting through the (frankly repugnant) air. “My atmospheric sensors indicate that the floral fixative concentration in this exact three-meter radius has nearly reached the level that is technically classified as a skin irritant! Ace, are you attempting to pheromone-bond with the Prefect?”
What the fuck.
“...Pheremone… bond?” You repeat, weakly.
“...Ortho,” Ace says carefully, in the tone of someone who’s trying to lace an emergency exit out of a conversation. “Look, buddy, my guy.”
“I’m just curious!” Ortho continues, his eyes blinking with the bright, faultless energy of someone who has absolutely no idea of the scale of the bomb he just dropped. “Pheremone-bonding is a documented cross-species courtship behaviour—I read about it in volume three of Advanced Magical Biology—where one party attempts to establish a scent association with a preferred individual through sustained proximity and repeated olfactory exposure!”
Ace nearly faints for real this time. The absolute, paramount confidence that he’s been riding all day as he flaunts it right at every possible chance shatters into a million jagged pieces. A violent, red blush erupts across his face, spreading from his cheeks down to his neck and up to the tips of his ears.
“Ortho, shut up!” Ace panics, his voice cracking spectacularly as he scrambles out of your embrace. He bolts upright, stumbling over his own legs as he storms right up to the floating guy.
He stands on his tiptoes, his face completely ablaze as he frantically swats at the glowing holographic charts floating in the air. “Why do you even have graphs for this?! Delete them! In fact, burn them!”
“But these are important visual aids!” Ortho protests, dodging Ace’s flailing hands with effortless ease as he floats higher into the air. “See? This chart clearly displays the increase in physical clinginess whenever the Prefect directs positive attention toward you! Would you like me to print a comprehensive report for your Housewarden?”
“What?! No! No one is printing anything!—”
While the two of them are locked in a high-stakes, hyper-panicked screaming match—Ace frantically jumping up and down to try and drag the other out of the air—Grim slowly peeks his head from the shrubbery. His blue flame ears twitch as his eyes dart between Ortho’s glowing charts, Ace’s crimson face, and your completely serene countenance.
Grim blinks—he looks at Ace, then looks back at you. A sudden, sharp realization strikes his brain, and he waddles over to your side on the bench, completely ignoring the chaotic noises in the background.
“Wait a minute…” He mumbles, pointing a paw directly at your face. “Henchhuman… you knew from the beginning, didn’t you?!”
You look at Ace, currently yelling at the robot three feet away, entirely stripped of his cool-guy facade and looking thoroughly like a thief caught red-handed. You let out a small, amused huff and calmly reorganize your books.
“Mhm.” You hum noncommittally.
Grim’s jaw drops, his tail snapping wildly in the air. “You knew?! And you just let him drag you around all day?! You let him ruin my nose hairs with that cheap flower juice for nothing?! Why didn’t you just punt him out the window?!”
“Well,” you reply smoothly, leaning back against the stone bench as you watch Ace fervently try to jump-kick Ortho’s thrusters, a soft smile tugging at your lips. “He just looks so cute trying so hard to find an excuse to cuddle with me. I figured the least I could do was let him have his win.”
Grim drags his hand down his face so hard it might as well leave a physical mark on his face, groaning loudly into his paws at the realization that he is trapped in a greenhouse with a shameless yearner and an absolute enabler.
CHARACTERS: first years
summary: your underclassmen has a crush on you (you're a second year cause you got trasported by the magic mirror a year earlier)
I got inspiration to make this fic when i saw Ate Cherry!! post her headcanons on tiktok<33 AJAHDIWHIWHEIAWHEAWI I KEPT GIGGLING I TELL YOU!
Just how will the boys act when they catch a crush on NRC's magicless model student. One who has gained the respect of their peers, seniors, and professors, someone who worked to earn a place at the school despite being transferred involuntarily. The most reliable and welcoming prefect of the school got their heart skipping a beat, what are they like when they're with the most esteemed prefect?
Ace Trappola
He would do anything in his power to try spend time with you (annoy you lovingly), after all he doesn't get much of your time being a year below you and all.
Asks about you a lot, especially asks Jamil whom you share a class with, "Hey Jamil-senpai, we got a buncha sweets from the unbirthday party earlier, want some? No? Then give this to the prefect for me".
He's not slick, he asks which one you liked best so he can bring some more next time, he fills the pastry boxes to the brim and says it's for 'Grim too'.
Suddenly he wants to show off all his card tricks, stopping you randomly in the hall asking you to pick a card.
If he see's you in the basketball court to watch a game of his, he'll either show off or be distracted by you, most of the time it's both
His ego will be 100% crushed if you treat him like a kid, will copy trey and riddle's action to seem more mature.
Making you laugh at his jokes make him so giddy and want to squeal, kick his feet, and twirl his hair like a girl who sees her favorite anime character on screen.
Get's cocky when you praise him
Somewhat unnerved when you see past his unserious facade and see right through him
He definitely looks at Magicam posts about couples to cringe at, only to find himself taking pictures of the both of you and flexing on Deuce
"Who's the luckiest person rn?"
"You're not even dating?"
"Shut up and just be jealous!"
"Of what? You're not dating??"
You hear Riddle's scolds in the hallway, the sight of Ace and Grim fill you with dread, what on earth did they do now? Questions later you told yourself before inserting in their situation. After redirecting Riddle's attention to another responsibility you told him you'd take care of the troublemakers in his stead, despite his protests he'd calmed down and walked off to find professor Crewel to help move papers.
"Mrah! Hench-human!" Grim climbed on your leg to sit himself on your shoulders, head resting against yours as he sighed in relief, "Man I seriously owe you one, walking around with Riddle's heavy collar is a problem I don't want to deal with" he chuckled scratching his neck, you sighed, stepping closer towards him"If you feel so indebted to me then do me a favor and stay out of trouble" fixing his uniform by buttoning up his undershirt and straightening his tie. He held his breath, your shampoo smelled so good, your fingers ghosting on his neck felt heavenly, he could ignore Grim as long as you were close to him. SEVENS GET AHOLD OF YOURSELF YOU SIMP, he yelled at his conscience.
You stepped back and held Grim in your arms, "Yeah, thanks... EHEM! I have a game next Saturday if you wanna watch", he held his head high trying to avoid eye contact as well as the embarrassment of his question. "Don't bother [---], he'll probably lose anyways" Grim yawned, "That's a lot of talk! Sorry but I don't take criticisim from someone who cant even hold a basketball" You patted Grim's head to refrain him from getting in another fight, "I'll be there" you accepted smiling at him softly before heading to your next class, Ace walked to his next lesson with the most satisfied grin, already planning his training so that he wouldn't embarrass himself during the game.
Deuce Spade
He admired your dedication to your studies and hobbies but most importantly your model student vibe.
He finds himself wanting to do better, so that he could feel he's the same level as you and worthy of your attention. (awwe T-T )
He's so honest and nervous with you, Ace gets secondhand embarrassment about the things that comes out his mouth.
"You were so sick today! I mean not sick as in sick, pretty- I mean yeah you look p-pretty good, great! You look great,a-and the potion you made earlier was so cool!" "That was hard to watch, don't mind him he's always weird"
Thankfully you pay no mind to his nervousness, which helps him get more comfortable around you, give him time, he'll start talking casually after a while.
He loves it when you rely on him, need an extra pencil? He's got 12 backups, Need to move stuff around Ramshackle? He's there to help as soon as you told him you were too busy to hang out. He opens doors, jars, stubborn wrappers, everything.
Deuce also texts Ace about you, the difference is that he sends messages of him overthinking his interactions with you.
"Hey do you think what I did earlier was too much?"
"Why are you texting me when I sleep 5 footsteps away from you"
"I think I came off a bit weird..."
"OH MY SEVENS, ALL YOU SAID WAS THANK YOU, SHUT UP"
If you ever show up to a track event, he runs even faster, which straight up looks like sonic, and he gets all bashful if you compliment him a bunch afterwards.
Your mood affects him too, if you're happy it makes him happy, if Ace did something that pissed you off, suddenly he's pissed at Ace too. And when you're sad he tries his best cheering you up, but he does it so awkwardly you end up laughing, mission failed successfully?
He gets all giddy when you notice his efforts to be better and talks about you to his mom
Deuce had another history exam coming up, usually he'd ask help from Trey or Riddle, unfortunately both tutors had important things to attend to leaving him to his lonesome. Deciding to suck it up and study by himself, he got confused on a few parts, yes, but it was self doubt that made him struggle. 30 minutes in is session he was ready to ask for help from anyone, hell, even Azul if he had to.
"Sorry did you wait long?" his eyes widened, speechless as you placed study materials of your own while sitting beside him. "Prefect, what're you doing here?" "Trey asked me if I could help you out, you have history tomorrow yes?" flipping through his notes and references eyes focused on the text. A strand of your hair falling to your face, you tucked it behind your ear, pen still in hand, while the other was scanning his flashcards. The way the light hit your face made you look serene, the comforting scent of your perfume, the slight furrow on your eyebrows, and the fact that you were helping made the scene all the more angelic. He felt his mouth go dry and face flush as he told himself to BE NORMAL!
"350 years?" "No, 530" the boy burried his face in his palms feeling most dissapointed at himself, he wanted to impress you and do well and all he's done so far is mess everything up, as he wallowed in his despair he felt a warm hand rub his back "You don't have to pretend to know everything, if you're confused about my discussion, ask me instead of nodding along, it's ok", he didn't believe that you were magicless at all, especially since you somehow always lifted the invisble weights on his shoulders. "Was I that obvious?" peeking at you from his palms, you nodded laughing softly, after a few more hours, with your guidance and constant encouragement, he answered your mock test perfectly and got all your oral questions right. He'd been tutored before but never once had he felt so happy and reassured the entire time, "I just want to say thank you for your time, I really learned from you, I don't jus feel like I'll do well, I know it!" The other students turned from their chairs and shushed him, feeling ashamed he whispered apologies to those he distrcted.
Jack Howl
Get's to know you through the heartslabyul duo, lowk loves that you have a moral compass and sense of justice, trusts you a lot because of it.
Asks Ruggie for your preferences once and now he has Ruggie AND Leona teasing him for liking you.
"Oho? Is the pup finally turning into a big boy?"
"Shyeheheehee, aww leave the loverboy alone he can't help it!"
"If you didn't want to tell me just don't"
His muscles WILL involuntarily flex if you hold onto his arm, you'd think it's cause he wants to show off his HARD work, but no, he's just a bit nervous
You often catch him following your example and doesn't notice until you point it out, he gets slightly embarrassed
Also a very acts of service guy and quality time kind of guy, he especially loves eating with you while you talk about anything at all as he passes you juice he poured out a can for you, totally cause you're his respected upperclassman nothing more nothing less.
DENIAL, his tsundere heart will try and pass his feelings off as admiration and 'looking up to you' but deep down he knows he likes you more than that but refuses to acknowlege it.
He finally gives into his feelings once he realizes that fighting it off and ignoring it won't make him like you less or make his feelings for you go away
When he gets shy but obviously happy he had those cute downward smiles ( ˶˘ ³˘)♡
He will always be on his best anything when you're around and tries to act more mature than usual even if he wants to participate in the Adeuce's games and competitions.
Heart goes all fuzzy when you help him improve himself
"Awwe you didn't have to help me out, I could have carried these by myself" teasing the poor boy with hand to your chest as he carried a sack of soil walking beside you, "It's nothing...No offense, but this is the same size as you, plus it's a hassle going back and forth from the shed" you sighed in defeat as you look down at your arms carrying stacks of little clay pots and a packet inside one that contained seeds. "What're you going to make with this stuff anyways?" his gruff voice softening, "Ingredients for Professor Crewel's class, he needs more of this stuff for a first year lesson next week" his ears perked up, curious "Wonder what were making..." he hummed "That's gonna be a surprise, I can't keep giving you hints for all your lessons, people might think I favor you more than I already do"
The dramatic statement caused him to stop in his tracks, what did you just say? Favor? HIM?! He shook his head like a dog shaking off water and caught up to you, "What do you mean by—" "Oh! There's a lot of space here!" You crouched on the unoccupied spot spacing the pots you placed on the floor as Jack opened the sack and helped plant ingredients. As his gloved hands patted the soil his eyes wandered, maybe it was the blooming plants around you or the pollen that blurred the rest of his vision and made you the only thing he could see in extreme detail, your soft lips as you murmured instructions, the slight glint in your eyes when you realize your using the proper method in this little gardening project, whatever it was he couldn't look away.
The scene was quite domestic in his perspective and he didn't want to ruin this moment. While watering the seeds you had asked why he seemed so knowlegeable about plants, which led to a 2 hour tail wagging conversation about the succulent plants he had nurtured and researched about, and maybe even inviting you to plant one with him on your free time since your interested?
Epel Felmier
Most likely met you through Rook talking about the beauty of your resilience
He tries to act more "manly" around you, he genuinely hates it when you find him cute, and though he's learns from Rook and Vil to see it as a strength he still has trouble getting used to it. When you make him feel reassured and more comfortable with that side of himself, and remind him it doesn't make him less of a man inevitably made him fall hard
He makes apple carvigs of things you like or mentioned you're interested in
You once helped him wipe off his smudged makeup, now he runs to you for makeup tips instead of Vil, whether your good at makeup or not he'd rather learn makeup with you/from you, cause apparently Vil's instructions are too long
Will come to Ramshackle to gorge on food Vil banned him from eating "I can't take nother day of that bland crap! So what if they got weird chemicals on em? Better than unseasoned chicken I tell ya!"
He'll let his accent fly loose, no need to act so prim and proper when he can be himself with you
If you compliment one of his cardigans he WILL give one to you and prolly brag to ace how you're wearing one of his clothes
Will show off his flight skills when you're out on the field or at a spelldrive match
When you try to carry a lot of things he'll want to help, mostly cause he wants to show off how stronger he's gotten
Wants to have your opinion when he tries wearing clothes that aren't his usual style
"Honestly, why not ask Vil for help?" you sighed patting his face with tissue to pick up oils, dirt, and sweat off his fair complexion "He once took an hour explaining proper cleaning techniques on 7 different brushes that looked all the same!" "That just means he's knowlegeable, you should take advantage of that and use it to improve" He huffed knowing you were right but was still too stubborn to listen, you chuckled at his very visible frustration as you lightly reapplied his makeup.
"But I get what you mean, he can be a bit overwhelming" "RIGHT?!" his eyes flew open, holding your wrist as his face held agreement with a touch of annoyance. You stared at him in surprise, realizing his hold on you and his sudden closeness, he got to see your features up close like he's never before. Your eyes and beautiful hue it had, your nose and forehead that gave him cuteness aggression, and the slight gape on your lips that made him want to close the gap. His face spread red all the way to his neck and ears in embarrassment once he heard your laughter letting his grip on you go and creating more distance.
"Oh you poor thing! I'll be sure to ask Vil to go easy on you the next I see him" "...P-please do" He shut his eyes again internally kicking himself for such a reckless act. You two continued to laugh and chat while you gently patted product on his skin. "Ah~ Young love! Such a beautiful act of devotion, and to think Monsieur Pomette would develop such feelings for the Trickster! Youth is truly the prime of romance, truly fantastique!" Rook clutched his chest as Vil creased his brow, "How crude, since he has so much time to criticize my methods of teaching then I shall have a 2 hour session of it's importance" he glared at the first year's back.
Sebek Zigvolt
Beats Jack in the denial stage, this guy is not accpeting it and gaslights himself trying to convince himself you're just another sophmore he respects, until it drives him stir crazy
He'll find himself contradicting himself though, and gets flustered when Ace teases him about it "Nonsense! This is clearly respect to it's highest form! I should have known someone like you would not understand!" "Yeah whatever makes you feel better man, I've got other stuff to do than argue with a brick wall"
He really appreciates your patience and gentle tone when you speak with him, he gets a little quieter to hear you better
Very happy if you recognize his liege's greatness with him too
Will seek you out if he hears people disrespect your name
You help him see the beauty of human nature and he'll never notice how he slowly starts to drop the nickname of human when talking to you
HUMAN WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HIM, WHY IS HE SUDDENLY EXPECTANTLY AWAITING YOUR HAND WRITTEN LETTERS? He told you once that he preferred traditional forms of communication and you noticing small details about him made his face fume, but not in anger
Lilia will nudge him into the right direction to understand his feelings, the old bat enjoys youthful romance it seems
It will take him a while to accept his feelings for you but once he does, he is not quiet about it
Will court you by fae standards but you don't really understand so you accept his gifts thinking it's out of platonic kindness which frustrates him to no end but he ends up frozen every time he tries to voice out his feelings in preson.
"[---]! YOU LEFT YOUR NOTEBOOK WITH ME WHEN YOU WHERE EXPLAINING HUMAN SLANG TERMS"
Oh right I forgot lol
"THIS IS NO LAUGHING MATTER! ONE MUST BE MINDFUL OF THEIR BELONGINGS"
Even through the screen I can hear you 😭
"Why are you crying?!"
No sebek I'm not actually crying, it's just an expression 😓
"Why must humans find new ways to complicate things"
So how did talking to Lilia go? Can you finally understand him?
"Absolutely! Lilia even praised my use of terms, I lowkey killed him out there!"
You cackled in your room startling Grim but he brushed it off too tired to argue with you and went back to sleep. You turn to your side tapping on your keyboard, you genuinely hope he doesn't use these terms in person or else you wouldn't be able to hold it in and neither can Ace and the rest of the group.
Good on you for learning so quickly :))
"I am beyond grateful for your guidance, therefore I must return your notebook at once!"
Sebek the sun's already setting just give it back tomorrow morning
There was no doubt about it, he'd made up his mind and he's sticking to it. Upon his arrival he left the notebook with you thanking him as he headed back to his dorm. "Wait! won't you stay for a little while?" he halted, his heart screamed at him to indulge in your presence but his mind said otherwise "I cannot stay here longer than I already have, our dormitory has curfews I must oblige by, as they are my liege's instruction!" he replied stil walking facing away from you, knowing he'd be unable to stop himself had he turned around and followed your dissapointed tone. Your lips turned downwards, as you look at him with those longing eyes he can't stop glaring back at, the wind softly blowing your hair as if urging him to tuck it behind your ear. GOODNESS HOW COULD I THINK OF SUCH THINGS! He scolded, quickening his pace towards the hall of mirrors as his ears and face painted red.
trey clover, cater diamond, leona kingscholar, vil schoenheit, rook hunt, idia shroud, malleus draconia, lilia vanrouge (separate, established relationship) x gn! reader
warnings: cursing, cringe, minor angst in some
I LOVE WRITING THESE!!! im quite rusty and sleepy so forgive any errors..
trey clover
cater diamond
leona kingscholar
vil schoenheit
rook hunt
idia shroud
lilia vanrouge
malleus draconia
Extra part for Malleus: You stared at your phone in disbelief when a knock came at your door. That was quick.
Plodding down the stairs of Ramshackle, you opened the door to see Malleus Draconia in all of his glory, staring at you. A small chuckle bubbled up in your throat as you noticed his demeanor. The cool-headed, intimidating heir of Briar Valley seemed antsy for once, shifting slightly as he gazed at you with unmistakable fondness.
"Child of man," he breathed out, "you needed to speak with me?"
You thought back to your attempt at the prank. It was probably never going to work on him anyways.
"Yeah," you grinned, opting to drop the gag, "I just wanted to tell you how much I love and appreciate you."
You leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek, intertwining your fingers with his.
Malleus Draconia was left frozen. The power you had was amusing. To be able to reduce one of the top five mages to a lovesick puddle was no small feat. Who said your lack of magic capabilities left you defenseless?
"Why don't you come in?" You asked.
He followed you without a word, as he would for as long as you'd permit him.
end note: to avoid having to go look up translations (i know how you feel), rook's part is from the song "Tu es partout" by Édith Piaf! Translation:
"I see you everywhere in the sky
I see you everywhere on the earth
you are my joy and my sun
my nights, my days, my clear dawns"
and the thing he says at the beginning is: "I cannot imagine a summer day without the accompaniment of your smile."
The halls of NRC, the dark warmth of Ramshackle Dorm, the chilly winters of Sage Island, the bright summer sands of the beaches off campus. He could kiss you anywhere, and everywhere.
But, dear Prefect, just how does he do it? That truly is the question, isn’t it?
or: the NRC boys (minus ortho, plus rollo and the known RSA boys as of 5/11/26) and how they kiss you
warnings: kissing, malleus always sounds weirdly sexual no matter how i write him but i think that’s just because that’s his vibe, implied 16+ scenarios (if you squint and spin your brain on your finger like a basketball i guess), religion mentions in rollo’s
Riddle Rosehearts
when riddle kisses you, it’s a little clumsy, like he’s not used to it
he never does grow out of that awkward moment right before the kiss
you bump noses everytime → you both try to move the same way and laugh when it just keeps happening
he melts into kisses every. single. time. his hands always find your face after he finds his rhythm
he tastes like strawberry tart and lemon teas
he can never kiss you without turning bright red → he stutters over every word when you pull away
he will never ask you, nor will he initiate ← you will know his desire by the hand on your knuckles and the way his eyes follow your mouth when you speak to him, but nothing more will be spoken
read his cues. he will be endlessly grateful
as your relationship progresses, he will become more comfortable with initiating contact, so just be patient with him!
he will always kiss you goodnight, even if you’re angry, even if he’s angry. he wants you to know he loves you even in anger.
Trey Clover
trey kisses you deliberately, half teasing half loving
this is never a quick endeavor → he holds you by the jaw and pulls you in deeply no matter what kind of kiss it is
goodbye kiss? it lasts at least ten seconds. same for any others
he wants you to know that he’s thought about it, that he’s not taking you lightly. his kisses reflect that thought process
he always tastes faintly of some kind of batter, but it’s always a little different every time he pulls you in
his hands find your waist and settle there with purpose as you kiss
if you put your hands in his hair he will marry you
take his hat off as you kiss him in front of his dorm room and you might just spend the night → he wants you to know him the way no one else does
Cater Diamond
cater kisses with the kind of avoidance that only comes from getting used to leaving
he’s never quite there when he kisses you casually → he pecks your lips or kisses your cheeks but he walks on eggshells over the idea of being that vulnerable
he claims any public space is a trashy space to make out in → he doesn’t wanna suck face in the hallways of NRC likes two horny side characters in a 2000s romcom
but… if you give him time, he’s worth the wait
he kisses with desperation, emotion you are rarely allowed to see
quick kisses are plastered on magicam like paint on roses but he won’t ever take a picture of the way you smile when he puts his palm on the back of your neck
the first time you kissed for real, he started to cry
kissing you is like air to him, he feels like he’s been choking for his whole life until he felt the way you melt into his lips and his arms
he feels understood when it’s just you and him, and he can’t help but get scared that he’ll have to leave once more
he tried to push you away, but the feeling of your lips on his threw those plans out the window
he tastes like spicy ramen and chips almost every time → sometimes he tastes like spearmint gum (like your first kiss; he was nervous, okay!) and you know he planned on kissing you the whole time
Ace Trappola
when ace kisses you in public, it’s peppered with a raspberry and a joke
he’s determined to make you laugh every time → you roll your eyes and wipe his spit off your cheek and he is so in love with you it’s not even funny anymore
your first kiss he accidentally smacked into you and bit his tongue → he won’t make that mistake again
in private, he’s softer and he kisses like he means it
his hands search for you and they don’t seem to stop → he just likes to know that you’re there and you love him
he tastes like cherry anything → tart, lollipops, even just the actual fruit; it’s addicting
he kisses you on the couch like a high school boyfriend and he finds you in hallways just to deliver one more in case you’ve forgotten how good he is at kissing
he says he’s a better kisser than you as a joke → he secretly thinks you’re better than he is
“prefect, did you eat egg salad or somethin’ at lunch?” ← he’s always just kidding, but he likes when you flush that pretty pink and hit him in the arm with a scowl
he lets you shut him up with kisses, and he always laughs in between the space where your lips meet. without fail.
Deuce Spade
deuce kisses you with tension in his shoulders and a stiffness in his lips → he’d never kissed anyone before you, and he’s scared to get it wrong
he’s the kind of guy to watch tutorials on youtube; he just wants to do it right for you!
his whole world was tilted the first time your lips met his, and he can never go back to the way it was before that moment of connection
he melts into every kiss but it always starts incredibly formal → he will never touch you any way that makes you uncomfortable
he asks every time
“is this okay, prefect?” with his hands cradling your face and his eyes hooded with barely restrained need → he’s always wanted you, and he will never get used to the fact that you’re really his
his hands always end up at the small of your back when the kiss gets deeper like a heat-seeking missile
Leona Kingscholar
when leona kisses you, it’s borderline lazy
he kisses you fully alert the way one would expect him to kiss you half asleep
but when he’s half asleep, his kisses are heavier and much slower
he wants every moment with you to last a lifetime, and he recalls each memory with the reverence of someone who doesn’t want them to wear out or turn to sand
his hands find your hips → he wants to stabilize you, to keep you safe and away from harm every time
he just can’t help the way his lips quirk up when his kisses steal your breath → yes he’s smug, but he’s allowed to be isn’t he?
“don’t strain yourself, herbivore” he loves to daze you and pretend nothing happened
your reddened face is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen and he won’t deny it (although he doesn’t mention it either)
if he ever lost you, he’d be a wreck, and he knows it
Ruggie Bucchi
ruggie kisses are punctuated by a light nip and his trademark laugh
they’re meant to take you by surprise, and they always do
he kisses you like he’s starved and you’re a five course meal → you’re his, and he’s so used to owning nothing but the clothes on his back that he can’t help but hoard you away
when he kisses you seriously, you can always tell by the way his hands grab at your shoulders as if to keep you from pulling away
he likes to hear your breath hitch when he lands one, and he revels in the idea that he might be able to get that kind of reaction from you
his teeth find your bottom lip like muscle memory and he loves to laugh at the way you startle
his kisses are cut off by wide grins that pull his lips off his teeth; he just can’t stop smiling like a lunatic and it’s making it hard to lay one on him
Jack Howl
jack kisses you like it’s a challenge and he’s trying to improve every time he does it
his tail wags noticeably and he can’t help but get a little embarrassed
his hands always search for your chin to pull you in just a little more
his ears twitch when your breath hitches → he loves to hear the way you love him
he gets flustered if you deepen the kiss, but he pretends not to
he’s the kind of guy to kiss you every time you meet and every time you part
kiss him before his track meets “for good luck” ← he always ends up performing a little bit better
Azul Ashengrotto
azul still flushes bright blue each time you kiss him
if it were up to him, you would never stop kissing him, but alas, he has work to do
he likes to drop hints, subtle comments that might sound like initiation but really aren’t → he gets nervous, don’t be too harsh with him
his fingers shake when you kiss him, but they intertwine with your own and he feels better
if you put your hands on his waist or his face he just might cry
do NOT wear lipstick because he won’t wipe it off but he won’t let the tweels see it either (they always know when he’s been kissed somehow. maybe it’s that dopey grin on his face? couldn’t be.)
Jade Leech
jade kisses like you’re an experiment, or like a puzzle he’s piecing together
he finds it fascinating that he can earn any kind of reaction from you, and he likes the idea that he might be seeing a part of you that no one else has
he always tastes like mushrooms; it’s earthy and familiar
the first time you kissed him his composure fell completely, and he didn’t speak for at least forty seconds
he’s never physically initiated kissing, but he talks big
“prefect, it seems you tried to kiss me this morning, but you must’ve missed, for it was delivered to my cheek instead. would you like to try again?” ← jade i hate you
Floyd Leech
floyd kisses are fast and always different
he likes to keep things interesting, and to be honest, he was a little skeptical that he wouldn’t get bored of kissing
but holy shit
when he first kissed you it was like an explosion happened in his brain and now he can’t go two seconds without your lips on his
he likes to pick you up (just like the movies) but sometimes he squeezes too hard lol
“shrimpyyyyy!” ← he always punctuates his greetings with little pecks now
(not as cute, but he has a fondness for using his tongue and his teeth)
Kalim Al-Asim
kalim kisses with the kind of love that’s hard to explain
every kiss feels like you’ve been off at war for decades and he’s finally seen you again
the first time you kissed when he finally pulled away he started laughing and couldn’t say anything but the word “hi”
he loves to put his hands in your hair but his fingers always end up at that spot on your jaw right under your ears
his knees get a little shaky every time and he feels a jolt of electricity when your lips collide
he could do it again and again and again
it silences him immediately and he gets weirdly calm after
jamil thanks you lol
Jamil Viper
jamil kisses you like you’re dying, or he is, or perhaps both
he kisses you the way parting lovers do; pyramus and thisbe anyone?
“i suppose you’re right, prefect. we should be going soon.” ← he waits a beat and then kisses you again (you’re never getting where you need to go)
he’s in love with the way you taste
he feels like you’re taunting him everytime you talk to him and you don’t kiss him → what else would those lips before?
plealse don’t kiss him in front of kalim he might die
Vil Schoenheit
when vil kisses you, it is equal parts stylish and vulnerable
you are never at a bad angle when you two kiss; he tilts your head to the exact degree he needs you and he leans in
it’s almost picturesque, but this does not mean it’s not soft and sweet
his kisses are best in his room, alone → these are slow, like he has all the time in the world
his hands always curl at your waist and pull you in slightly, as if he needs to feel your skin on his at every moment
he hums contentedly every time → you never fail to make him deliriously happy
he loves to see his lipstick smudged on you (he wipes it off after, but he likes the image)
Rook Hunt
i think we all know rook’s preferences
rook kisses you with the devotion of a samurai or a man being sent off to battle
he could recite full sonnets about how it feels to kiss you, and if it were up to him he’d never stop
his hands hold you so delicately you’d think you were glass → he wants to treat you like the deity he finds you to be
he’s never felt something so perfect as your lips on his, and he never wants to let that go
try to peck him. try it. i dare you. he will pull you in with a “such a tease, mon cœur” and you will never hear the end of it
his lips ghost over your skin before you fall asleep and right before you wake up → he wants the first thing you know in the morning and the last thing you know at night to be that he loves you
Epel Felmier
epel kisses are a little clumsy, in the best way possible
he tastes like apples (cider, pie, with cinnamon, you name it) and he smells like faded perfumes and soil
his hands never quite know where to go but they always end up at your waist
there’s an enthusiasm in his kisses that is read in almost everything he does → he knows what he wants, and he’s eager to be the best at it
he pulls you in with a strength most people don’t realize he possesses; he’s a bit of a man-handler hehe
overall he’s eager to please and he’s obsessed with your lips more than anything
Idia Shroud
idia kisses are always a little awkward in the sweetest way
the first time you kissed your teeth bumped accidentally and he fell off his bed
he tries to catch you by surprise → it’s the only way he can do it that doesn’t feel cringey
he has maybe seen a few animes that show kissing and tried some tactics on you… but he will NEVER admit this
he finds himself chasing the high your lips give him more often than not, and that interest is what helps him get over his own anxiety
you will probably never get a kiss in public (this is scary) but in his room he’s much more confident about it
he’s the kind of guy to pull away after a bit and just start nervously laughing
pretends to die and throws himself onto his pillow all dramatic like if you giggle while he’s kissing you (he smiles if you start laughing harder though, he’s doing it all for your enjoyment)
he never stops getting flustered by you not even after months of kissing
one kiss? mmm…. another one…. but what if…. one more. mmm…. another one.
his hair turns pink all over and he can barely look at you uwaaaaaaa
(can you tell i love idia?)
Malleus Draconia
malleus kisses you both like he knows what he’s doing, and like he’s learning something new
he’s curious, he wants to know everything that could pull a reaction out of you, and he has no qualms about using his findings against you
his hands are so gentle when they’re on you → he couldn’t imagine being rough with you. ever.
he likes to steal your breath, he finds it amusing that he can leave you panting
he’s the kind of guy to pull away after the first kiss and just look at you a moment before chasing after your lips like a man starved
no feeling will ever compare to the way your lips feel
he lays in bed with you sometimes and thinks about family, about marriage, about waking up every morning to your kiss and he decides it’s worth it; even if human lives are so much shorter, he’d rather a burst of happiness then the slow stumbling walk of regret
Lilia Vanrouge
lilia kisses are bursts of energy that always catch you by surprise
you find yourself recreating the first spider-man movie very often (catch the ref, darlings)
his hands are on your spine → he likes to press you to him, he wants to feel your warmth tangle with his
lilia is legs tangled together and giggles between kisses and yet you’ve never felt this kind of devotion before
he’s willing to spend the rest of his fading life with you and i think that’s beautiful
kisses out in public are pecks and nose kisses intended to make you roll your eyes and laugh
kisses in private are intended to make you realize that there is a love in the universe that is greater than anything, and it is all for you and you alone
Silver Vanrouge
silver kisses are innocent and straightforward
he’s the kind of guy to chase after your lips when you pull away → don’t laugh, he just can’t stop
“prefect, may i kiss you again?” my my, how forward! what would lilia say? (nothing he would literally say nothing)
he dreams about you now, and if he wakes to find his bed empty he feels an ache he’s never really felt in his chest before; i guess you have to stay and monitor this with him, it could be a heart attack
he never does anything without your permission and he’s just the sweetest
sleepytimes boy i love you
Sebek Zigvolt
sebek kisses are ALWAYS clumsy and ALWAYS leave him flustered
every time he pulls away he’s ruddy-faced and straight spined → it’s silly please kiss him again
refuses to kiss in front of malleus i’m sorry
he bows and presses his lips to the back of your hand before using said hand to pull you towards him and leaning to press his lips now to your own
he’s a knight first and your lover second, but this really does have its perks
he’s never been anything but a gentleman to you when it comes to this
if you can handle his yelling, honestly? you can handle anything he throws at you dear reader
he’s grateful you can ❤️
Rollo Flamme
rollo kisses are chaste, but you can feel the restraint behind them each time
hands intertwined with yours and they never stray → he has self-control; he ought to use it
sometimes you catch him off guard and you can practically touch the desperation that leaks from him as he pressed his lips to yours
he’s never wanted anything as much as you and he doesn’t know how to feel about that
give him time, he’s worth it i promise
he likes your temples; this is really where he kisses most often
something something the most reverent place to kiss a lover something something temple of god something something
Artemiy Artemiyevich Pinker (Che’nya)
che’nya kisses are unpredictable but sweet
he appears sometimes out of nowhere to plant one on your lips and then leave with a broad cheshire grin
he can’t get enough of it, and it really shows
“prefect, you’re purrfect” please get him outta my face
no but he does get serious with you sometimes → these are the best che’nya kisses
his fingers curl at the nape of your neck and he tastes like tarts almost every time
he smiles into kisses there is no stopping him
Rielle Corallia
rielle is obsessed with kissing
he searches for you like a heat-seeking missile and kisses you no matter where you are
every time it’s different and every time it’s the greatest thing in the world
he kisses like he’s memorizing the way you feel, like he’s letting his curiosity get the best of him
another one another one another one → you are never getting rid of him
he holds you by the hips, he likes the feeling of what makes you human
some days they find your wrists, feeling your pulse under the skin; he really likes that
Minajael Tealrajah
minajael’s kisses are confident and cool
he dips you sometimes (often) and he can’t help but smirk into the kiss
don’t be fooled though, he’s a huge loser for you
definitely another kiss chaser, he won’t let you go until he’s finished
you pull away to fast and The Eyebrow comes out woof i would kiss him again to make him feel better
he pouts if you don’t kiss him for the exact amount of time he wanted you to
he holds you by the chin and his other arm wraps around your waist to find the small of your back
Neige LeBlanche
neige kisses are sweet and slow
he always asks permission first, there is no exception
his hands grasp either side of your face like he’s holding glass and it’s glorious
he tastes like apples and cinnamon :)
he’s the kind of guy to thank you after you kiss him (don’t bring it up it was an accident !!)
he loves you and he loves to show you that all the time
it takes him five minutes just to say goodbye he’s too busy blissed out on kissing you
What would malleus/sebek/silver do if MC said they don't mind them, but Lilia makes them super uncomfortable? Let's break up a family 👐
So you know how some terminal momma’s boys are completely and utterly blind to whatever their spouses go through despite the fact that they are vocal about how clearly uncomfortable they feel because of how their in-laws treat them? And when they’re confronted with the Ultimatum of ‘it’s either them or me’ and It’s kind of like that.
Insert the dilemma.
First, Malleus would not take your ultimatum well…
Malleus loves Lilia and asking him to let go of his only remaining living parental figure, who might I add was the one of the two major triggers to his overblot, is going to send him into an emotional turmoil that’ll go over as well as a hurricane that rains fire.
He would do literally anything to make you love him in turn, nothing was impossible to him. But much to his This is impossible for him. Either he picks you and has to lose his father, or picks his father and has to lose his chance of having your love back. His horn could be chipped or completely intact, regardless the weather is going to be gloomy for a few weeks as he mulls over his decision.
He’ll try to argue some compromises. Compromises like ‘Lilia still travels for long periods, so you won’t have to deal with him everyday’, or ‘He’ll make sure that you don’t interact’ but as you refuse him more and more, sticking to your guns, he starts to feel very powerless because he can’t choose either of you.
Until he isn’t.
Let’s not forget Malleus is the fourth strongest mage in the world. That comes with the disadvantage for you of him being limited by only his imagination. If you won’t be happy with him if Lilia’s around, why not just get rid of that problem by, simply, erasing your discomfort from your memory?
Then he wins and has the best of both worlds, you and Lilia and no more of that unnecessary choice. Isn’t that great?
Silver’s a little worse off here, having to pick between the fae that raised him, who up until you he loved more than anything in the world; and you, the person he loves more than anything in the world and will continue to love more than anything in the world.
Obviously, he’s going to be upset. Not angry, just upset. Being forced to pick between his father and you is a choice he doesn’t want to make, because he loves you both and doesn’t want to lose either of you.
So insert common gaslighting technique called ✨Downplaying ✨
Listen, Silver is a green flag yandere that’s slowly turning into a red one. But if you put him in the middle of a war between having an unwilling you and his dad or having a willing you alone, he’d rather have both instead of one.
So instead of picking sides, he’s going to justify it by saying that it’s not as bad as you think it is. Lilia’s the one he went to about advice for wooing you, so whatever his father is doing that creeps you out Silver will justify that it’s just Lilia trying to help him show his love for you. He’ll make excuses for his father all day long if he has to, Silver’s not giving up either of you if he can help it.
Oh, and by the way, he’s going to tell Lilia about this. Expect that Lilia is going to be less hard on you, not just because Silver asked him to but your cooperation makes Silver happy, so he’ll give you that inch. Don’t try to take the mile.
Sebek isn’t upset, more outraged.
His utmost respect for Lilia makes him believe that he knows best, so the fact that you’re discomforted by his presence to the point where you don’t want to be around him is a sign of disrespect so blatant that he can’t stand it.
Strap in for a 2+ hour lecture about you should be honoured to be even his presence, because who do you think advised him on how to give you the love and respect (within the already too broad yandere boundaries but still) that you deserve.
Look, Sebek is aware of your discomfort. If it’s so bad that it’s something that’s going to threaten your relationship together then, he will separate you in a way you might not like.
That is him locking you in his dorm room, and not letting you out. You won’t be able to interact with Lilia if you can’t ever be in the same room as him. And while he’s going to hate doing it, he will bite his tongue and ask Lilia to stay out of his dorm just to make you happy.
Bonus~
Lilia thinks that your attempts at getting rid of him are amusing. He knew they were never going to work, they tell him about everything and when they’re too blinded by their love for you to actually take you for themselves he helps them with that too.
So obviously when they came to him for advice, or rather raving about how disrespectful you were being for Sebek, about how you were willing to be with them if he wasn’t around, he would of course give them whatever advice they’d need.
But for once, Lilia doesn’t feel as if this is something to punish you for. You’re young and since you don’t mind being around them if he’s not there, perhaps it’s just because you’re hoping for a different type of love to bloom. And what would be the point of all his efforts if he didn’t give you time alone for a garden to be seeded.
Of course, he’ll advise his boys as such and he could stand to travel again, to give you and whoever you were paired with the privacy you needed, but don’t expect him to never return. He wouldn’t mind returning to the sound of a newborn crying.
A/N: I have a thing where I LOVEEEE Zoology and studying animals Hyenas and Eels being my favourite!
Summary: Ruggie’s affection shows in little, unmistakably hyena habits he still has around you. These habits that made you fall for him
╰┈➤⸝⸝★ Twisted Wonderland୭
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ Ruggie never really notices most of his hyena habits until you point them out. To him, they are just normal little things he has always done small instincts that stayed with him since he was young but once the two of you start dating, you begin noticing them more and more, and honestly… You can't help but tease him about them, even though those habits were what you fell in love with him for
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ Ruggie is naturally more active late at night. It is not unusual for him to text you at ridiculous hours because he cannot sleep, or because he wanted to send you some memes
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ Sometimes you wake up to a message from him at two in the morning asking if you want to sneak out with him to the botanical gardens or the cafeteria
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ He loves walking with you at night. Something is calming about it for him when the campus is quiet, the cooler air, the lack of other students around. He often falls into step beside you without thinking, close enough that your shoulders brush together every now and then
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ His ears are ridiculously expressive. They twitch whenever he hears your voice in a crowded room, perk up when you say his name, and flatten when he is embarrassed. If you compliment him unexpectedly, his ears immediately pin back while he grins and pretends he is not flustered. Leona even teased him about it as if the lionbeastman doesn't do the same for his partner
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ Ruggie has a habit of sniffing people he is comfortable with. It's subtle, he leans a little closer when he hugs you, rests his head near your shoulder, or presses his face into your neck for a moment. He likes how you smell and always points out any new colognes/perfumes/soaps
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ Ruggie absolutely loves it when you play with his ears. At first he acts annoyed about it, swatting your hand away and muttering something about you treating him like a dog. But the second your fingers scratch lightly behind one ear, he practically melts
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ When you keep petting him, he starts making soft little laughing sounds under his breath without realizing it. They are quieter than his usual loud cackling laugh and 'Shishishi' noises more like little breathy giggles that escape when he is especially content
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ He is very protective of his food because of how he grew up, but he starts sharing his food with you without even thinking about it. He will push half of his sandwich towards you, save the last doughnut for you, or hand you the better portion of whatever he managed to get
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ The first time Ruggie gives you food from his own plate, it is honestly a huge deal. He tries to act casual about it, shrugging and saying he is “not that hungry anyway,” but internally, he is absolutely panicking because sharing food is one of the clearest signs that he trusts you
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ Ruggie is the type to quietly “escort” you places without making a big deal about it. If it is late or if he thinks someone is bothering you, he walks beside you with his hands in his pockets and a lazy grin on his face, but he is paying attention to everything around him
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ He gets a little clingier than he means to, Hyenas are social animals, and Ruggie likes staying close to the people he cares about. He will lean against you while sitting together, rest his chin on your shoulder, or casually hook an arm around your waist
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ If someone makes you uncomfortable, his whole demeanor changes. His ears go back, his smile sharpens, and he quietly steps closer to you. Ruggie is not usually the type to start fights for no reason, but he can get pretty territorial over the people he loves
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ He likes playful chasing games more than he will ever admit. If you steal one of his snacks or grab his dorm uniform bandanna around his neck and run, he immediately bolts after you with the biggest grin on his face laughing
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ When he is especially happy, his tail gives him away subtly (unlike Jack...) his tail swishes behind him when you hold his hand, when you surprise him with food, or when you praise him after he works hard especially with Leona
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ Ruggie loves hearing your laugh. Sometimes he says something ridiculous on purpose just to hear you giggle, because once you start laughing, he cannot help laughing too
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ If the two of you are alone together, he sometimes makes soft little noises to get your attention instead of saying your name outright. Little hums, whistles, clicks of his tongue, or quiet laughs which somehow became a way for you to know if he was nearby
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ If you fall asleep next to him, he absolutely stays there. Even if he complains about his arm going numb or how inconvenient it is, he never moves away. He just sighs dramatically and wraps an arm around you tighter
━━━ ．°˖✧ 🐾🍩 ˚₊ ⊹ Ruggie is not always good at saying how much he loves someone out loud. He shows it by saving you a seat, walking you back to your dorm, fixing something for you, bringing you snacks, or making sure you are warm when it gets cold he can't afford much, yet he puts in effort to make you show he cares
Summary: Night Raven College has never been lacking in drama and intrigue, especially where the magicless Prefect is concerned. And through all those adventures, she may have just stolen a heart or two... or more?
Or
Various mini-fics where the Twisted Wonderland cast duel it out for the Prefect's affections.
Warnings: AFAB reader, she/her pronouns, fluff, cannon typical shade, I really did not mean for Lilia to catch strays twice in this fic but here we are
Crossposted on my AO3 TheGhostInTheKitchen
Riddle vs Floyd
Riddle knew he was distracted. This wasn’t like him at all. He’d been happy, more than happy, to help (Y/N) when she had asked him to help her study for her upcoming alchemy exam. But now, as they sat across from each other in the library, warm afternoon light casting golden rays through the book stacks, he couldn’t seem to even bother looking at his textbook. Rather, he found himself watching the girl across from him. How she would frown at a particularly confusing equation, tracing a sentence with her finger as she copied it into her notes, tapping her pencil against her lips as she silently read. Oh, Seven, he was staring at her lips too much.
Riddle had to stop himself from flinching as (Y/N)’s eyes glanced up to him. He could already feel his face heating up as she smiled at him. Her eyes cut to behind him quickly before coming back to him.
“Incoming, twelve O’clock,” She said.
“Sorry?” Riddle asked, trying not to sound as flustered as he felt. Before he could even try to clear his head of the embarrassing pink hearts and sparkles that seemed to be clouding his vision whenever he looked at (Y/N), the back of Riddle’s chair was yanked back on the rear legs. He pinwheeled his arms, legs kicking out on instinct, as he grabbed anything to try and regain balance.
“How are my two favorite guppies doing?” Floyd asked, looking at Riddle upside down with a sharp grin stretched across his impish face.
Riddle started turning red for an entirely different reason than before. “Floyd!” He snapped. He threw himself forward, causing the chair to slam back down on all four legs, hands slapping down on the study table.
“Yes, Goldfish?” Floyd said.
Riddle was completely ready to tear into Floyd for his chaos, a pretty standard routine for both of them by this point. But then he remembered who he was in the room with. His reprimand stuck in his throat. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his chair, back straight, lifting up his book. “As you can clearly see, I’m helping (Y/N) study. We don’t have time to entertain you.”
Floyd started shaking Riddle’s chair. “Boo. What do you need to study for anyway? This is easy stuff.”
Riddle was about to snap again when (Y/N) saved him by saying,“Don’t be mean, Floyd. It’s for me, not him. We can’t all be master mages like you two.” She chastised without any real power behind it, more like a line from a script she knew by heart to try and placate his naturally volatile personality.
Floyd pouted, collapsing into a chair next to her and propping his chin on her shoulder. “I’m never mean to Shrimpy.”
She made a half-hearted “MmmHmm,” sound and ruffled his hair while going back to her notes.
Riddle felt his teeth grind together as Floyd looked at him sideways, smiling slyly.
“Hear that, Goldfish? Shrimpy called me a master mage.”
“I believe she directed that to the both of us. Although perhaps she’s being too kind to some parties.”
(Y/N) lightly kicked Riddle’s foot under the table. “You don’t be mean, too, Riddle.”
“I - I’m not - I would never -!”
She laughed. “Don’t worry about it, I’m just teasing you. But hey, could you help explain this part to me?” She flipped her book around, tapping a section.
Riddle gave a silent sigh of relief as he focused back on the book. But before he could properly read the section (Y/N) indicated, Floyd snatched it out of her hands, holding it high above his head.
“Oh, I know this stuff!” He exclaimed. “I remember reading about this when we first got on land. There’s a way better book to go over it. Uhh, what was it called again?” He pretended to struggle for a moment before calling out the title, author, and exactly what section of the library it could be found in.
“That’s perfect, thanks, Floyd!” He beamed. “Wait here, I’ll go grab it.” As she went around them, she briefly touched Riddle’s shoulder. A silent thank you for his help? An unspoken token of affection? A warning not to let Floyd get on his very last frayed nerve? Who could say. But the ghost of her hand tingled as he watched her disappear into the stacks.
He turned back to the study table, only to be met with Floyd’s wide eyes staring directly into his, the merman’s face less than an inch from his own. Riddle let out a rather undignified yelp as he reflectively threw himself back, his chair almost toppling over for the second time that day.
“You’re all red, Goldfishie,” Floyd said. “Not like the kind of red when you’re playing with me or yelling at those guppies in your dorm. It’s different.”
Riddle brought a hand up to his cheek, feeling the heat radiating from his blush. He cleared his throat. “Yes, well, it is rather warm in here.”
“No,” Floyd said, drawing out the O. “I don’t think that’s it. I think you’re all red because of (Y/N).”
It took Riddle a moment to connect that Floyd had used (Y/N)’s real name instead of his nickname for her. He blinked a few times, saying, “So you can be civil and use someone’s proper name, then.”
Floyd shrugged. “(Y/N) is (Y/N), like how Jade is Jade and Azul is Azul. It’s different from Goldfishie. But you get it, right? You feel the same way about her, too.” Riddle stared at him, mouth moving but no sound coming out as he tried to process Floyd’s accusation. Although, could you really call it an accusation if it was true? In response, Floyd just laughed, leaning back and clapping his hands together. “I was right, right? I knew it! You’ve got a crush on (Y/N)~.” He sang the last part teasingly. He sighed, crossing his arms on the study table and laying his head down on them. “Too bad, though, cause I like her too.”
Finding his voice again, Riddle narrowed his eyes. “And what gives you the impression she feels the same about you?”
“Why do you think she feels the same about you?” Floyd threw back nonchalantly. “She’s real pretty, and nice, and brave, and smart, and doesn't swim away like the other guppies around me. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. What’s that land term? She makes me have beetles in my stomach, or something.” He sighed happily. “It’s like how Pop talks about Mama.” Breaking out of his romantic stupor, he snapped back to Riddle. “How about a game, Goldfish? We don’t tell (Y/N). It wouldn’t be fair to try and influence her decision by making her feel guilty and confess too early. You got to work for what you want, right? We’ll let her decide. The deadline can be a week before summer break. How about it?” He held out his hand to Riddle, looking at him expectantly.
Riddle felt like he was staring down the devil at the crossroads. He felt insulted by the insinuation that he treated (Y/N)’s feelings as a game. But then, maybe that was just Floyd’s unique vocabulary. Although this situation felt less like a game and more like a declaration of war.
And if that’s how it was going to be, fine. He was Riddle Rosehearts, after all. Heartslabyul House Warden during his first year, top of his class, master mage with a unique spell that could send Floyd on his backside in three seconds flat.
If this was war, then so be it.
He clasped Floyd’s hand tightly, glaring at him as the taller boy grinned in victory.
“Aww, look at you guys getting along.” They jumped apart as (Y/N) reappeared behind them, holding the alchemy book.
Floyd hooked an arm around Riddle’s neck, bringing him in close. “Oh, yeah, Goldfish and I were just talking about a cool new game! I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. There’s a really great prize at the end. But it’s a secret.”
“Well, good luck. If it’s between the two of you I’m sure it’s going to be a battle for the ages.”
She had no idea.
Let the games begin.
Malleus vs Leona
“Leona,” (Y/N) said. She tapped his back a few times. “Leona, I have to get up.”
“Mmph,” He grunted, tail flicking at her hand like it was a bothersome fly.
“Leona, my leg’s asleep.”
“So am I.”
“You just talked to me.”
“I’m sleep talking.”
She laughed and Leona smiled. He could listen to that sound all day.
They were in the conservatory, stashed away in one of the many groves of trees, one of Leona’s favorite places to hide away and nap. What had started as (Y/N) bringing him lunch in an effort to give a sick Ruggie a break had ended with Leona pulling her down and using her lap as a pillow.
“Seriously, though,” She said. “I’m already late. I was supposed to meet up with-”
She was abruptly cut off as she was unexpectedly pulled out from under him, his head smacking to the ground. Grumeling, Leona looked up, only for his annoyance to increase ten fold.
Malleus stood over him, blocking out the sun, holding a surprised looking (Y/N) behind her back and under her knees, like some noble prince and princess in one of those old sappy stories his mother used to tell him.
“Kingscholar,” Malleus said dryly.
“Lizard,” Leona responded in kind.
“Hi, Hornton,” (Y/N) said, either ignoring or trying to dissolve the tension rapidly building between them. “Sorry, were you waiting for me long? I guess I lost track of time hanging out with Leona.”
“Yeah,” Leona said, pushing himself to stand. “We were having a grand old time before you interrupted.”
Malleus narrowed his eyes. “I’m sure. However, the child of man and I have an appointment this afternoon. If you’ll excuse us.” Still holding (Y/N), he spun around and began marching out of the conservatory.
With a growl, Leona pushed himself up and stalked behind them.
“What’s the rush?” He said. “Afraid (Y/N) has better things to do than stare at some old stone statues all day?”
(Y/N) put up her hands. “Oh, no, I-”
“(Y/N) had wanted to learn some of the modern fae language,” Malleus said. “After the events of the fairy gala, and considering the pixie population here at school. And who better than I to tutor her?”
Bell-like chimes immediately emanate from Leona’s mouth, causing Malleus and (Y/N) to both freeze. Leona smirked at Malleus, who had been able to clearly understand what the beastman said while (Y/N) simply looked on in admiration.
“I know six languages,” Leona said, casually flipping his mane back.
Malleus smirked. “I speak nine.”
“I know a couple phrases in French!” (Y/N) said. “So I can tell what Rook is saying, like, a quarter of the time? That’s really impressive, though!”
“Thank you,” “Of course,” Malleus and Leona both said at the same time.
As the two continued their stare-down, (Y/N) wriggled down from Malleus’s hold. “So, yeah, the fairy gala! You really missed out, Hornton. I know there was a reason you couldn’t come with us, but it was beautiful! And the guys looked great on the runway! Leave it to Professor Crewel to pull off a whole capsule collection in less than a day.”
Leona smirked. “You thought I looked cool, huh? Well, maybe it wasn’t an entire waste of time, then.” He frowned and added under his breath, “But I swear I can still hear Vil nagging me in my sleep.”
“Perhaps, then,” Malleus said, taking her elbow and pulling her closer. “You should allow me to escort you to a ball in the Briar Valley. There is an upcoming masquerade celebration for a meteor shower. We dance through the night, there are strolling performers, the royal chefs prepare the most amazing feast. I’m sure you would look beautiful in Briar Valley attire.”
Leona took her other arm, pulling her back to him. “Festivals in the Sunset Savannah are way more exciting than whatever stuffy charade they get up to. You liked visiting Sunrise City last time for the Bead Brawl, right? We can stop by the hot springs again, just the two of us.”
“Really, Kingscholar, do you have no sense of decorum?” Malleus pulled her to him again.
Leona tightened his grip as he tugged her back. “You’re the one who interrupted in the first place.”
“Um, guys?” (Y/N) asked. The two princes continued as if they hadn’t heard her at all. (Y/N) sighed. “I wonder if Riddle has a foreign language study guide?” She said to herself.
Both of them snapped to her, exclaiming at the same time, “No!”
Ace vs Jamil
Floyd was suspicious. Crabby and Sea Snake had been acting weird during basketball practice. They started out fine, Sea Snake being snippy and rolling his eyes at everything, Crabby talking a big game and only half way delivering.
But things had changed about half way through when Shrimpy had come into the gym. She has tried to sneak in, slipping into the bleachers with a book. But Crabby had laser-focused his attention on her almost immediately, missing a cue from another player and getting slammed in the face with the basketball. Floyd cackled and he caught Sea Snake trying to hide his smirk behind his hand. But the Scarabia boy quickly frowned when Shrimpy came rushing over to Crabby, fusing over him like a, what was the land term for it? A mother duck, or something like that.
“I’m seeing spots,” Ace lamented. “I think my nose might be broken.” He held Shrimpy’s hand as she fussed over him.
“Do you want to sit down?” (Y/N) asked. “I can get some ice for you.”
“Oh, he’s fine,” Jamil said, tucking the basketball under his arm. “Not like he has many brain cells left to damage anyway.”
“Hey!”
“Maybe if you stayed on your toes more like me you won’t have this problem.” He took Shrimpy’s other hand, turning her focus to him. “Honestly, (Y/N), I don’t know how you put up with it. You can always come to me if-”
“She can come to her best friend if she needs anything, thank you very much.”
“Yes, her friend. Thank you for pointing that out.”
Coach Lobster blew his whistle, calling everyone back into formation. Sea Snake and Crabby took their places across from each other, glaring. Floyd started bouncing on his toes in anticipation at the change of energy. Lobster tossed the ball up to start play, and Sea Snake jumped, smacking it away from Crabby’s hands. The two weaved and dodged around each other, almost completely ignoring the other players. Floyd found the whole thing hilarious, thinking the two were like fighting beta fish, competing to impress their potential mate.
Finally, Crabby was able to get control of the ball, ducking and spinning under Sea Snake’s outstretched arms. In just a few short dribbles, he made it to the three-point line. Smirking, he looked over his shoulder at Shrimpy still watching from the bleachers.
“This one’s for you, (Y/N)!” He called confidently. He lined up the shot, hopped as he threw the ball, and watched dejectedly as it fell a foot short of the basket.
Sea Snake swooped in, easily catching the bouncing ball, side eyeing Crabby with a confident tilt of his head. “I’ll show you how it’s done, (Y/N).” He set up for his own shot, flinching at the last second as Crabby tried to knock the ball from his hands. The ball hit the rim, clanging and falling out of bounds.
Sea Snake glowered. “I had that shot, Ace.”
Crabby shrugged, pretending to be non-chalant while also returning Sea Snake’s dirty look. “Just trying to keep you on your toes, Jamil. We got to practice to be ready for anything, right?” Crabby said, throwing his words back at him.
They both turned from anger to embarrassment as Shrimpy called out, “Don’t worry, guys! You’ll get it next time!”
Floyd snatched the ball out of the hands of one of his teammates. “Hey, Shrimpy!” Floyd called out. “This one’s for you!” He easily made the shot from the half-court line. Shrimpy whistled and clapped. Floyd grinned wider as the two bessotted boys glared daggers at him.
At least this would make the rest of practice more interesting.
Deuce vs Azul
“Look out!” Deuce jumped back just in time to miss (Y/N) as she sped past on roller skates. She wobbled to regain balance, two trays held high with precariously perched drinks threatening to fall. Deuce lurched forward, pressing underneath the trays to help settle them, ignoring the heat in his palms as they pressed against the back of (Y/N)’s hands.
Regaining composure, (Y/N) sighed, smiling at him. “Thanks! Still not used to carrying stuff while skating. It’s making it a lot faster to meet orders, though!” She gave him a wink that did something funny to his heart before twirling away, threading through the tables of the Monstro Lounge.
It wasn’t uncommon for (Y/N) to pick up shifts for the Octavinelle side business. With her available funds always in a perilous position, depending if Crowley decided to remember her existence that week, it never hurt to find employment from a more reliable supervisor.
Or, as Deuce thought glumly, as reliable as you could call Azul. Deuce still didn’t trust the landlocked merman as far as he could throw him, or anyone else in this dorm. There was pretty much only one reason he’d come here, and that was to check up on (Y/N). Especially since she’d gotten that new uniform specifically when she worked at the Monstro Lounge. The skirt fluttered and swayed with each glide on her skates, the puffy cap sleeves giving the whole thing a maid-like appearance, the soft lavender of the vest complimenting her complexion perfectly.
And it wasn’t like (Y/N) needed anyone to check up on her! Sure she got into trouble sometimes, they all did, but Deuce knew well enough that she was perfectly able to take care of herself. Still, he pushed back against the protective instinct to jump up and punch the next guy who happened to look at (Y/N) in a way he didn’t like.
Deep breathes, Deuce, He thought to himself. Keep your composure.
“Well, welcome to the Monstro Lounge!” A familiar voice chimed. “It’s so rare to see you back here after all that unpleasantness earlier in the year.”
Deuce felt his back molars grind together as he looked at Azul. The other boy smiled in a way that Deuce was sure was meant to be welcoming, but he couldn't help but read it as slimy. Azul threw his arm around Deuce’s shoulders.
“You mean when you tricked me and a bunch of other people into becoming unpaid labor? Or after, when you stole a bunch of people’s magic and almost killed us?” Deuce said.
Azul waved the comment away. “Semantics. Anyway, that’s all in the past now, right?”
Deuce plucked Azul’s hand off. “Sure. Semantics. Look, I’m just here to walk (Y/N) back to her dorm after her shift.”
“Oh, of course, of course. You know, it’s been great having her here. Seeing her every day, for hours on end, in such close quarters. We’ve become quite close, I’m happy to say.” There was a gleam in his eye as he purposefully goaded the underclassman.
“Oh, yeah,” Deuce said. “We sit together in class every day. And study together all the time. And hang out at Ramshackle. I’d even say we’re best friends. And you’re just her part-time boss, right?”
Azul wasn't a fool, and he wasn’t nearly as oblivious as he considered Deuce. While it might have taken a hot second for him to acknowledge his own feelings for (Y/N), and maybe a night of agonizing self denial as he tried to fight off the warm-fuzzies that came whenever he merely thought about the girl, he’d come to the conclusion that by the end of the year, he’d have (Y/N) return his affections, no contract required. Of course, that meant taking out the competition. And, as much as he would loath to admit it, (Y/N) was extremely close to her fellow first years, the spade card soldier unfortunately included.
While it might have taken Deuce a little longer to exactly name the emotions that stirred in his chest the longer he knew (Y/N), he wasn’t as clueless as Azul thought he was. If you’d asked him before, back when he was a delinquent, he probably would have brushed off any mention of a crush or the blush of first love as nothing but chick-flick claptrap. But now, actually experiencing it for himself, he more than understood why romance novels were so popular.
They both watched as (Y/N) zipped by. She caught them looking and waved a hand in greeting. Both boys smiled and waved back, imagining her smile was only ever meant for them.
“You know,” Azul said. “I think Octavinelle purple looks good on her. Much better than, say, Heartslabyul red.”
Deuce could swear he felt a vein pop. “I think you’d look better in-”
“Hi, guys!” (Y/N) said, interrupting at just the perfect moment. The tension eased out of Deuce’s shoulders like butter on a hot pan. “Got you guys something. On me!”
In front of Deuce, she slid a tall glass of fizzing blueberry soda, swimming with bursting boba pearls and topped with condensed milk slowly diffusing into the drink. “I had them mix it with a shot of protein powder. You’re getting ready for that track meet, right? You’re going to be awesome.”
For Azul, she set a delicate bone china tea cup, decorated with purple peonies against a light blue background. The aroma of green tea, swirled with a light pink strawberry syrup floated up between them. Tiny crushed freeze dried strawberries bobbed in the steaming tea. “Got to take it easy, boss. This should help your throat feel better. You said it was feeling sore this morning, right?”
Azul smiled gratefully and took the tea cup. “Thank you, (Y/N). What would we do without you?”
(Y/N) shrugged. “Anything for my two favorite guys. Got another order here. See you!”
Deuce and Azul smiled and waved, only long enough for (Y/N) to be properly out of eye sight. They sipped their drinks as menacingly as possible, glaring at each other in an unspoken challenge.
On the other side of the Monstro Lounge, Jade was setting up a betting pool.
Idia vs Vil
It was inevitable at some point, Idia knew, that he’d have to leave his dorm room eventually. That didn’t make his trek across the snow laden campus any better, though. Normally, when he had a special order come in, Ortho would be able to grab it from the mail room for him. But this time it had been delivered to the school store by mistake, and his little brother was deep asleep in his charging chamber with an in-depth diagnostic program running. Of course, Idia could have waited for Ortho to wake up, but every second he went without the new exclusive Premo memrobelia while knowing it was so close already was torture. So, he chose a different kind of torture, slinging on his heavy coat and ventruing out to retrieve the package himself.
It was still snowing lightly as he stepped into Sam’s Mystery Shop, the flakes evaporating inches from his hair. He started to stomp the snow from his boots, but thought better of it quickly, not wanting to drag attention to himself with the noise. There was some sort of satisfying revenge in the thought of tracking melted snow through the store for forcing him to come out here, even if it wasn’t their fault his mail had been misplaced.
He tapped his fingers rapidly at the checkout counter as Sam slipped into the back store room to find his package. Just as he was finally starting to calm down from the overwhelming irritation of being perceived, his heart jumpstarted back to a thunderous beat when he heard a familiar voice call out, “Idia!”
Swallowing hard, he turned around, seeing (Y/N) waving at him from a display of winter clothes. He waved back, expecting her to turn back to what she was doing, but his mouth went dry and his heart dropped into his stomach as she came over to him. His thoughts rushed as he tried to remember if he’d showered that morning, if he’d used mouthwash, was he wearing his good coat, should he smile now or would that look creepy with his sharp teeth, was he -
His mind went from overload to bluescreen as (Y/N) pulled out a deep blue and lavender striped scarf from the box she was carrying and wrapped it around his neck. “Here, this one’s on me. Sam’s letting me sell some stuff I knitted to get some extra cash. You’re dripping snow everywhere, you know? Are you cold?” Idia regretted his ‘revenge’ now.
“A-ah, no, I’m fine,” He stuttered out. He tried to quickly recall every dating sim he’d ever played in a desperate attempt to figure out how to talk to a pretty girl IRL.
“There’s not much point in setting up a stand to sell if you keep giving things away,” Another voice chimed in from behind them. Vil stepped up, hands on his hips with that familiar calculating and slightly disapproving look, although his eyes softened and he smiled that perfect, practiced, magazine-ready soft smile as (Y/N) looked back up at him. Idia couldn’t help but notice Vil had a similar scarf and a pair of mittens personalized with a VS clasped in one hand.
Was that the kind of guy she liked? High maintenance, pompous, proud, tall? He was tall. When he stood up straight, anyway, which he didn’t like to do since it brought even more attention to him than his bright blue fiery hair did. Ugh, this was exactly why he preferred to talk through a screen. Although, even Idia had to admit there was something special about being able to stand directly next to (Y/N).
Vil, likewise, couldn’t help but wonder if Idia represented the kind of personality (Y/N) found attractive as he observed the other boy tug at the scarf she has so fondly wrapped around his neck. A silent genius, yes, but also a shut-in, a rambler, barely enough confidence to fill a tea cup until some invisible switch flipped and suddenly he would go on and on about how amazing he was. Honestly, the only real competition Vil saw in Idia were his amazing cheekbones.
“Vil’s helping me set everything up,” (Y/N) said, unaware of the silent sizing-up the two others were doing. “It’s great to have someone who knows what they’re doing.”
Vil tossed his hair like he was in a shampoo commercial. Idia rolled his eyes. “Well, I only promote products I believe in.”
“Still, it was nice of you to post about it on MagiCam. I never thought my hobby would get 5,000 reposts in ten minutes.”
“It was the least I could do,” Vil said, not-so-subtly flaunting the monogrammed mittens. “Your skills continue to astound me. Perhaps you should come to Pomfiore this evening for dinner and I can-”
“I’ll take it all!” Idia blurted out. He slapped down a heavy black metal credit card on the cashier table. Sam seemed to materialize right out of the shadows, smiling brightly and swiping the card before anyone could get another word in.
“Whoa, Idia!” (Y/N) said. “That’s way too much!”
“Naw, don’t worry about it,” He said, shoving his hands deep in his pockets. “Ignihyde gets super cold anyway since we need strong AC to keep the computers cool. So you’re doing me a favor.” He pulled the scarf up to cover the bottom half of his face, hoping it would hide the blush quickly forming on his pale face, to say nothing of how the edges of his hair were sparking pink. “Plus, it’s like a SSR rank pull since you made it.”
“(Y/N), spudling,” Vil said, putting a hand on (Y/N)’s shoulder to gently direct her attention back to him. “Since you’re out of stock, I’d love to put in a few more orders for personalized items. I have several contacts back in Maquillaville who would be thrilled to receive something so high quality. And, if you’d like to come with me during winter break, I’m sure having an in person model with the designer herself would do numbers. I’m sure Sam here could put in an order for more yarn. Alpaca, cashmere, velvet chenille, and the like. No, don’t worry about the cost, I’m more than happy to pay for it. It's important to support small businesses, after all. Wouldn’t you agree, Idia?”
"Doesn't the Shaftlands get, like, six feet of snow during even a mild winter? The Isle of Heroes is way nicer to spend winter break. You-You know, if you wanted to come over to my place during break instead.”
“Oh, yes,” Vil said sarcastically. “I’m sure (Y/N) would love to spend her free time miles under water in a sterile facility where we nearly escaped with our lives. That sounds like a dream.”
“Um, actually,” (Y/N) said, feeling like she was interrupting something. “Kalim already invited me and Grim to his place. Trying to make up for last winter break, I think. But thank you for thinking of me!”
As Sam bagged up Idia’s new knitwear and discussed with (Y/N) about how much yarn she needed, added to Vil’s tab, of course, the two third years exchanged looks. Maybe they could call a temporary truce for the time being in light of a common enemy.
Sebek vs Jade
“I think I caught something!” (Y/N) cheered. She yanked back on her fishing pole, heels digging into the soft sand of the bank of the river.
She and Sebek stood in the dappled light in the forest around NRC campus. They had taken the easy trek out to a clear river that ran across Sage’s Island, just in time to catch the salmon migration as they went from freshwater to salt. Sebek had asked her to accompany him that morning, with an attempt at nonchalance while also blushing furiously and not being able to meet her eyes. Grim had declared that, even if it wasn’t tuna, fresh fish was still fresh fish and eagerly pushed his hench-human out with the knight. Although she had laughed afterward and said that she would have loved to accompany him, even if she didn’t have an extra mouth to feed.
Sebek looked casually over at her exuberant flailing, his own posture as straight as his own fishing pole. “You’ve caught a rock.”
“What? No, I-” With a yelp, (Y/N) suddenly fell back as her fishing hook dislodged from the riverbed rocks it had been snagged on. Sebek dropped his pole and lunged with his arms out to catch her, only to be beaten to the punch by a figure that stepped out of the trees.
“Careful now,” Jade said, (Y/N) cradled rather fondly in his arms. “This isn’t exactly the way I pictured you falling for me, but I suppose it will do.”
(Y/N) felt heat rise to her face immediately. Before she could formulate a response, her mouth opening and closing uselessly, Sebek grabbed her hands and jerked her back upright.
“Thank you,” Sebek said, not sounding at all grateful. “Now if you’ll excuse us.”
“Oh, not at all,” Jade said. Purposefully ignoring Sebek, he stepped behind (Y/N), looking over her shoulder at their collected equipment. “I didn’t expect to run into anyone during my hike today. It’s quite a lovely surprise. What brings you out, (Y/N)?”
“It’s the salmon run,” (Y/N) said, picking her pole back up and trying to fix the line. “I’ve never been fishing before, but Sebek’s helping a lot.”
“I see,” Jade said, glancing sideways at Sebek. “My, Sebek, I wouldn’t have taken you for one to lure our dear Prefect out alone in the middle of the woods. And not a chaperone in sight! What would your prince say?”
Sebek spluttered at the accusation. “How dare you! As a knight of Briar Valley, (Y/N) is more than safe with me! Much more so than with someone already proven to be a swindler and confidence man!”
“Oh, how you wound me, Sebek.”
“Wait, I’ve really got one this time!” (Y/N) interrupted. A brightly colored red salmon jumped out of the water, the end of (Y/N)’s finishing line caught in its mouth.
“Start reeling it in!” Sebek commanded. “Keep your rod up and pull it towards you.”
“You want to give it side pressure,” Jade said. “Move your rod to the other side of how its swimming.”
“That will just make the line slack! You’re going to lose it!”
“Keeping the rod that straight will snap it.”
“I’ve been fishing since I was a child training with Master Lilia, I know what I’m doing!”
“Ah, that would explain the outdated methods, then.”
Amidst their arguing, neither of them noticed (Y/N) take a step forward to try and steady herself against the surprisingly strong fish. Her foot landed just the wrong way on an algy-covered stone, her leg buckling under her, sending her cascading into the river and the fish zipping away to freedom.
(Y/N) spluttered, wiping a hand down her face to get rid of the dripping water. She supposed she was lucky enough to have fallen into a shallow portion of the river, even if she was still soaked through. She pushed against the slippery rocks, turning herself around only to slip again, landing on her back.
Huffing in finality, she laughed at herself. “Can I get a little help here?”
“Honestly, human,” Sebek said, voice crossed with frustration and affection. “What would you do without me?”
“My, so presumptuous,” Jade said. “Here, (Y/N), let me help you, free of charge.”
(Y/N) looked up. The sun created halos around their forms, both extending a hand down to her. She gulped, hand hesitating in the air. Finally, she took both their hands in each of hers, hauling herself up out of the water. She tried not to notice their disappointed expressions as she wrung out her shirt. “Thanks, guys! Maybe I’m not built for the great outdoors.”
“Nonsenes!” Sebek said. “You’re progressing quite well for a human.”
(Y/N) winked at him. “Oh, just for a human?”
Sebek blushed, clearing his throat and turning away. “Y-Yes, well, all things considered, I suppose you have become quite… formidable, given recent events around school. Even with your unfortunate disposition, I can see why Prince Malleus has grown fond of you.”
“Just Hornton, huh?”
“I told you to stop calling him that-!”
Jade dropped to his knees, one hand coming up to hold (Y/N)’s knee and the other cradling the back of her thigh, just underneath the hem of her shorts. She let out a tiny gasp of surprise and Jade had to bite his lip to keep himself from smiling too obviously.
Sebek, however, had no compunctions about hiding his emotion. Fangs bared, he marched over, ready to snatch Jade by his collar and throw him into the river, or, more preferably, all the way back to campus. “What do you think you’re doing?! Such crude behavior is completely inappropriate in front of a lady!”
“Just a moment,” Jade said, unbothered. He ran his hand up the back of (Y/N)’s leg, taking note of the goosebumps that followed. With a deft twist of his wrist, he dislodged a black, blobby leech from her skin, holding the wiggling thing up for them to see. “Please excuse me, (Y/N). I thought it best to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.” He flicked the leech back into the river.
“A leech,” Sebek muttered. “How appropriate.”
Jade grinned. “A distant cousin, perhaps?”
“I was referring more to the blood sucking.”
“Hey!” (Y/N) said, trying to lighten the mood. “I might not have caught anything, but you got a couple of big ones, Sebek! How about we light up a campfire and start cooking these?”
Sebek puffed up his chest in pride. “Of course! For a trained knight to the Draconia throne, this sort of thing is nothing!” He dropped to a pre-cleared area and started arranging various logs, sticks, and other kindling they had collected earlier into a short pyramid shape.
“Ah,” Jade said. “So you’re choosing to make that type of fire.”
“And? This is a perfectly standard way to cook in the wilderness!"
“I’m sure. But, as the founding member of the mountain lover’s club, I’ve been out in nature my fair share as well. I think you’ll agree this configuration is much more efficient.”
(Y/N) sighed inwardly. It was going to be a long day.
Ruggie vs Kalim
Kalim wasn’t used to this feeling. He wasn’t used to wanting anything, at least not something he couldn’t easily have. He wasn’t used to craving what someone else had. He’d always been the kind of kid to share his toys, give freely to whoever asked, with no thought of repayment.Yet anything he could ever want or dream of was always at his fingertips. The entire concept of envy was inexplicable to him.
But now, standing in the small garden tucked behind Ramshackle dorm, watching (Y/N) and Ruggie laugh together as they pulled weeds, there was a strange twist deep in his gut. Was this what jealousy was?
Trying his best to push the gnawing feeling away, he plastered on a bright smile, waving his arm above his head as he walked over to the two. He purposefully ignored the way Ruggie’s eyes narrowed and ears went back, instead focusing on (Y/N) looking up at him with the sweetest smile he had ever seen and a glitter in her eyes that made his heart flip. He was enraptured by the sound of her voice as she detailed all the work that had gone into the little backyard garden and how proud she was of its crop. She couldn’t have done it all without Ruggie’s help, she said, bringing back that twitching, strange feeling in Kalim’s chest.
Was it so bad that he wanted her to rely on him like that? To have her first instinct be to come to him for any problem, no matter how small? To speak about him as if he was the air she breathed, like he spoke about her?
He swooped down and lifted up a basket of zucchini, taking her hand to pull her up with him. He talked about throwing a party in her honor. She was amazing, didn’t she know that, for working so hard to make something so amazing? He felt like he was flying on a magic carpet as she laughed and thwacked his chest with the back of her hand.
Kalim wasn’t used to the feeling of want. But he was more than ready to do whatever it took so that ‘want’ would become ‘have.’
Ruggie was used to this feeling. This feeling of wanting, of coveting, of hunger. He was also used to the feeling of perseverance. Of fighting for what he wanted. Of digging his teeth in and not letting go. He knew the weight of his own determination, the ache of hard work, the bloom of succeeding after long hard exertion.
What was new to him was that hollow feeling being filled by nothing more than a few kind words and a sincere smile from a certain magicless girl. A girl who had stumbled into his life out of nowhere, turning everything upside down and chaotic but quickly becoming someone he couldn’t picture the rest of his life without.
He watched Kalim hoist a basket of zucchinis over his head, smiling brightly as a few leftover yellow flowers fell from the vines. Ruggie sunk his teeth into a tomato, relishing the way the juices dripped down his chin, but his eyes never wavering from the other boy.
Was he worried? No, not really. Sure, there was some apprehension watching how Kalim’s hand touched (Y/N)’s back as she leaned down to look at something he was showing her. But he wasn’t worried, not really.
Ruggie had known plenty of boys like Kalim, whether from interacting with them at NRC or his grueling days back home in the slums of the Sunset Savanna. Boys like that were easy to figure out, all overstuffed with their own confidence that came with being born with a silver spoon in their mouth. They were used to things being easy.
Ruggie jumped up, easily sliding himself between Kalim and (Y/N), pretending he had interrupted to show her a caterpillar slowly gnawing on a large leaf. He relished the way she gasped in delight and gently stroked the caterpillar’s back. Every smile, every sincere compliment, every laugh she gave him, the warmth of their hands brushing as they had worked in the garden, felt like refreshing rain rushing through a dry riverbed.
Ruggie’s eyes cut up every so briefly to Kalim’s face, catching his small frown at the interruption. He had to bite his lip to keep from grinning.
Ruggie had always been a fighter, and he wasn’t about to give up on his love so easily.
Bonus: Malleus vs Ace
It took Ace a minute to realize his eyes were open. It wasn’t until moonlight started to peak behind the clouds and pour in through the large windows of the Ramshackle living room that he realized what had woken him up. Rubbing sleep out of his eyes, he pushed himself up off the couch he was splayed over. He wasn’t sure when he had fallen asleep. He’d originally come over after getting hit with his House Warden’s signature spell again and wanted a quiet place to stew. But his bad mood had quickly devolved into a night of eating way too many snacks, jokes, and video games with his favorite Prefect.
The floorboards creaked as he heard movement from above, padding down the stairs, and passing by the living room to the front entrance. He saw (Y/N)’s familiar silhouette pass by the door.
“He-Hey!” Ace called out, voice still a little groggy from sleep. Tripping over himself, he rushed to the entrance hall. Why would (Y/N) be up so late? Was she running from something upstairs? Did something weird happen with the ghosts? Was she okay? Was there something-
Ace froze as he whirled around the corner, staring at the front door. The tall, dark, looming figure of none other than Malleus Draconia blinked back at him in surprise as (Y/N) hopped on one leg to pull her shoes on.
“Oh, Ace!” She said. “Sorry, did I wake you up?”
“Uh,” Ace said, now all too aware of the dried drool on his chin. “What’s up?”
“Hornton and I were going on a walk,” She said, like it was the most casual thing in the world.
“In the middle of the night?”
“It has become routine,” Mallues said. “There’s something beautiful about exploring the grounds at night. It’s much more… intimate.” He seemed to smirk at the way Ace’s eyes narrowed at him as he said that. “Althought I didn’t expect you to have company.”
“Oh, yeah,” (Y/N) said, pulling on her coat. “The guys crash here all the time. At least it gives me an excuse to clean up some of the other rooms here. Ready to go?”
“I’ll come!” Ace quickly interjected. He tried to downplay his insistence by saying, “I mean, I’m awake already, so might as well, right?”
“Oh, yeah, sure! Is that okay with you, Hornton?”
Malleus pressed his lips into a thin line, looking down at the red head who stared back up. In any other circumstance, Malleus might have felt impressed at the younger boy’s insistence at not backing down. He smiled softly, taking (Y/N)’s hand and patting the back of it, taking pleasure in the way Ace stiffened. “Of course, my dear child of man. Whatever would please you.”
“Great!” She said, squeezing his hand once. She stepped around him, opening the door for the two boys. “Don’t forget your coat, Ace.”
As (Y/N) admired the fireflies that gathered on the Ramshackle lawn, Malleus and Ace stopped on the front steps. There was a moment when they both admired her, a carefree moment in a normally tumultuous environment. And then they remembered they were standing together, and not alone with the object of their affection, and the mood quickly soured.
“I wasn’t aware you frequented Ramshackle Dorm,” Malleus said.
“Oh, yeah,” Ace said, casually. “I’m here, like, all the time. (Y/N) and I are practically besties, you know? Like that.” He held up his pointer and middle finger crossed together.
Malleus narrowed his eyes at his underclassman. “I see. Then, of course, you know all about the ball we had at Noble Bell College during the student social last year, yes? Why, I remember catching her in my arms as we fell through the floor when the fire lotuses bloomed. And then we danced the night away, hand in hand.”
Ace tripped going down the front steps. He hadn’t known that particular saccharine detail, but there was no way he was about to admit that.
“Y-yeah, well, then, she probably told you all about when we were in Playful Land, right? We went down a rollercoaster and she totally grabbed on to me real tight. I mean, it was great and everything, for a while, anyway. Bet I looked super cool swooping in to save the day at the end.”
“Intersting. Lilia told me you were quickly trounced by the fox’s unique magic and only managed to be spared by sheer coincidence and good luck.”
Ace grimaced. “Yeah, well, he was stuck in a cage turning into a puppet the whole time, and he’s like a million years old, so maybe he doesn't remember right.”
Malleus narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps you don’t remember who you’re speaking to.”
Ace could already tell that whatever he was going to say next would be a bad idea, but by the Seven, he was going to say it anyway. He was saved by (Y/N) coming back up the steps. She stood between them, hooking her arms through each of theirs.
“Come on!” She said. “The night’s not getting any younger. I’m glad you're both here. There’s nothing better than hanging out with my two favorite guys. Don’t tell Grim I said that.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” Malleus said with a soft smile.
Ace casually bumped her with his shoulder. “But I’m your most favorite guy, right?” (Y/N) laughed and shoved him back.
“Hey, so,” She began, tone more serious and quiet now as the trio meandered through the silent streets of Night Raven College. “I mean it, really. I don’t know how I would have survived this long if it hadn’t been for you guys. Not just the Overblots, I mean. But, like, everything. Things have been pretty hard from the word ‘Go,’ but knowing you both are here to help me… It just means a lot, is what I’m trying to say. I don’t know how I can ever really repay you.” She blinked hard, eyes suddenly misty.
Both boys paused, their competition temporarily forgotten. Malleus stepped in front of them, taking both of her hands in his and leaning down so they were eye level. “My Dearest (Y/N),” He began. “I believe I speak for both of us when I say your happiness is of the utmost importance. No sacrifice is too great if it leads to your bliss.”
“Yeah!” Ace jumped in. “You know, not to get sappy or anything. But with everything going on here, you know you can count on us for anything. We’ve got your back, no matter what.” Ace looked past (Y/N) at Malleus. “You know what I mean, right?”
Malleus definitely knew what Ace meant.
Bonus bonus: Ace and Deuce vs Jade and Floyd
“Well,” (Y/N) said, dusting off the stubborn sand that still clung to her clothes. “All's well that ends well, right?”
“Is that what we’re calling it?” Azul grumbled.
The five of them, (Y/N), Grim, Azul, Jade, and Floyd, looked over at Jamil and Kalim. The taller boy was sitting cross-legged amongst the many piled high pillows and low couches in the Scarabia dorm common room. He was still clearly exhausted from his Overblot, but nonetheless he kept trying to stand and move around. Kalim would, not unkindly, push him back down, darting everywhere like an anxious bird to pick up various snacks, blankets, and tea to present to Jamil. Grim had already descended on the spread and was devouring a plate of baklava. Rushing over with a plate of petit fours, Kalim’s foot caught on the edge of an elaborate area rug, causing him to trip. He fell flat on his face, but popped back up with a smile, having saved the tiny cakes from damage. Jamil sighed, shoulders slouching, his face collapsing in his hand.
“Well enough,” (Y/N) decided with a smile. “Seriously, I can’t thank you guys enough. You’re lifesavers, literally.”
Floyd threw his arm around his brother’s and (Y/N)’s shoulders, bringing the three of them in a tight hug. “So, Shrimpy owes us one, huh? That’s fun. Got any ideas, Jade?”
“Oh, I’m sure we could come up with a way you can repay us,” Jade said with a sly smile.
Azul rolled his eyes at his friend's antics, heading over to schmooze with Jamil.
(Y/N) felt her face heat up at the close proximity to the two boys, not to mention that particular look in their eyes that seemed a cross between playful affection and a predator that had just spotted its next meal.
She laughed nervously. “Well, yeah, sure. Or maybe we can call it even from that time you kicked me out of my house.”
“Aww, you know we didn’t mean anything by it!” Floyd pouted. “It was all part of Azul’s deal! We were just following orders, you know?”
“Yes, I’m sure you took absolutely no pleasure in throwing me out on the streets.”
“If we’re discussing pleasure,” Jade said. “I think a return visit to Ramshackle would be a fine way to settle this debt. There is some sort of charm I miss in that dilapidated old building.”
“Hey, I’ve spent a lot of time fixing that place up!”
“Perfect,” Jade said, leaning down so his face was level with hers, mouth next to her ear. “ Then you’ll have to personally give us a tour of all the improvements."
Floyd squeezed a little harder, his own face coming down to her other ear. “Everyone’s still gone for winter break. Must be lonely up there. Jade and I can come keep you company.”
Flustered and face burning, (Y/N) stuttered out, “Uh, well, if you wanted to come hang out I suppose that’s okay-”
“(Y/N)!”
The new voice broke whatever carefully crafted mood the two eels had cultivated. Looking up, Jade and Floyd with an annoyed frown and (Y/N) with curious wide eyes, they looked to the entrance of Scarabia that led to the mirror portal.
(Y/N) was worried it was a mirage at first, a cruel hallucination caused by the stress of the last few days, exhaustion from dealing with a fourth Overblot, and the heat of the desert. But no, it was real. Ace and Deuce, running up the fountain-lined entrance of Scarabia, school blazers slung off and shirt sleeves rolled up.
(Y/N) didn’t expect the sudden bursting in her chest. With a sob that surprised even her, she broke away from Jade and Floyd’s grip, running to meet the two other first years half way. She missed how the twins clutched at the air behind her, unwilling to give up a treasure or aching for the memory of the heat of her skin. Without waiting for a proper hello or explanation, (Y/N) threw her arms around the Heartslabyul boys in the tightest hug she could manage, hoping to convey all her emotions through that action since words had abandoned her.
“Hey, hey!” Ace said, awkwardly patting her back in the outburst of emotion. Although he couldn’t help the feeling of self satisfaction that came with knowing (Y/N) was so happy to see him. “Easy, already! We came here to save you, didn’t we?”
“We got your text!” Deuce said. His hands floated over her back, unsure how exactly a proper honor student would handle a situation with a crying girl. Even if his first instinct was to pull her close and never let go.
She pushed back, still holding them at arms length and taking shuddering breaths to calm herself down. “I-I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I-I didn’t think you’d come! I didn’t even know if that text went though.”
“Didn’t think we’d come?” Ace said, incredulously. “Come on, we go through three Overblots, a monster in the mines, a heist in the middle of the ocean, and you don’t think we’d come help our best friend out when we get an SOS text out of nowhere?”
“Four Overblots, actually,” Jade said, him and Floyd sliding up to the reunion.
“Not that you’d know,” Floyd added. “We already did all the hard stuff. Right, (Y/N)?”
“Oh, yeah, right!” (Y/N) said. She wiped away the stray tears from her eyes. “You guys won’t believe the week I’ve had. Well, maybe you will, it’s kind of seeming par for the course at this rate.”
“Wait, there was another Overblot?” Deuce gasped.
(Y/N) nodded. “Yup. And I thought Crowley said these things were supposed to be rare.”
“Not… Kalim?” Ace said, looking over to the common room. “You know, with the house warden trend and all.”
“No, it was Jamil.”
“What! Jamil? I play basketball with that guy! That doesn't…” Ace paused for a second, thinking. “Okay, wait, yeah, no, that actually makes sense now that I think about it.”
“Well, we’re all okay now,” (Y/N) said. She took a step backward, tapping Jade and Floyd. “It wouldn’t have been possible without these guys and Azul.”
“You went to Octavinelle for help?” Deuce said, sounding a little betrayed.
“It was kind of a spur of the moment thing, and a flying carpet is actually really hard to drive, and I didn’t know if you guys had gotten my message or not, and things were getting really dire, and-”
“No need to justify yourself, (Y/N),” Jade said. “Octavinelle is based on the Sea Witch’s spirit of benevolence, after all. Of course we would be more than happy to come to the aid of a damsel in distress. In a timely manner, of course.”
“Yeah,” Floyd said, pulling (Y/N) into a backwards hug and resting his chin on the top of her head. “We already took care of all the hard stuff. So I guess there’s no reason you guppies need to stay around, huh?”
Ace grabbed (Y/N)’s hand and pulled her back to his and Deuce’s side. “(Y/N) called us. It sounds like she just kind of ran into you guys by accident.”
Floyd grabbed her back. “Well, we’re the ones who actually helped out. We’re all super close now. What’s that thing called, Jade?”
“Trama bonding.”
“Yeah, we’re totally trauma bonded.”
“Hey!” Deuce interjected. “If anything, we’re way more trauma bonded than you!”
“Okay!” (Y/N) said, holding her hands up between the two groups. “Not that I wouldn’t love to remember all the awful stuff that’s happened in the past few months, but I think we need to save Jamil again.” She nodded her head back towards the common room. While they couldn’t make out what he was saying, it was clear from Azul’s body language that he was trying to pitch something to the vice-house warden. Jamil looked like he was ready to throttle the merman. “Come on, you guys are here anyway. Might as well enjoy some time off before classes start again.” Grim waved her over, proudly showing off that he had saved a piece of baklava just for her, since he was such a good boss for this hench-human and all. (Y/N) picked him up gratefully and inserted herself between Azul and Jamil.
The two groups back at the entrance glared at each other.
“Tweels,” Ace hissed.
“ADeuce,” Jade shot back.
“Don’t think this makes anything even,” Deuce said, punching his fist into his palm. Once he realized he was doing it, he shook out his hands and crossed his arms.
“Yeah,” Ace said. “(Y/N)’s our best friend.”
“Oh, did you hear that, Floyd?” Jade said, grinning.
“Yeah,” Floyd replied, matching his brother's teasing tone. “He said ‘friend’.”
“Well, friends are all well and good, but I think we’re interested in a little more than that. And if the position is open, who better than her recent saviors to fill it?” Floyd started cackling as the two quickly made their way over to the little party.
“Wh- Hey, wait!” Ace called out.
“There is absolutely no position to fill!” Deuce yelled after them. “And if there was, we’d get first dibs!”
That was a question Sebek found himself asking a lot these days. From the moment you two met and started your strange friendship with one another. You have for some reason stuck around him. Everything he said, everything he did, you were there, looking at him like he was something worthwhile. It confused him, irritated him and left him floundering at times. He knew he wasn't the best kind of company, he was loud and could be hard headed. He could get snippy and defensive and smug, so much so that it made it incredibly hard for others to approach him. Sebek knew these supposed shortcomings, knew how they affected the people's perception around him. Not that he cared, they weren't Lilia or Silver or Malleus, who's opinions mattered to him.
In his eyes they weren't worth the extra effort to worry over. That however changed when you came into the picture. You who spoke to him with a nonchalantance, you who wasn't afraid to speak out and call him out when you felt he was being too harsh. You with your unbearable warmth and surprising patience. You who looked at him like he was a person. It was something Sebek tried not to dwell on, though a lot of times he failed to do so. That glaringly obvious fact that he wasn't a complete fae nor a complete human. A child from both worlds, isolated from them. Forever on the outside of both places, with no place for people like him. It was a fact in his life, a lonely life that he was born into. Never truly accepted by human nor fae, save for his elders whom accompanied him from Briar Valley. Yet you......
You accepted him. Despite his round ears and reptilian eyes and sharp fangs. You hadn't even flinched at the very things that separated him from both humans and fae. Instead accepting them and still remaining by his side. It was bewildering, it was maddening. It was so very you. Sebek's gaze found itself drifting towards you, taking in the sight. You, born with no magic and from an entirely different world, who had helped and saved countless students from disaster. Was currently sitting next to him, completely content. There was no worry on your face, just a peaceful calm that seemed to seep through when you were with him. Your hand, intertwined with his, was comforting. Comforting in a way he hadn't really felt in his lifetime. Looking at you, Sebek always asked himself what exactly you saw in him that made you stay. And still to this day he doesn't know what the answer to that question is but.......
If it was something you wanted, he'd give it to you. He'd give you his company, give you his hand to hold. As long as you were wanting to stay by his side, Sebek would give it all. If it meant seeing your smile and hearing your voice calling his name, then he'd do it for as long as you shall live. Because it was you. And there was no one else like you.
i wish more fanfics captured how absolutely arrogant malleus is. he needs to be humbled ;) i want him humbled sooo bad like he does shit in the story because he thinks its entertaining or he thinks that yes perhaps i should bestow this gift upon them they did do something good after all like BIIIITTTCCHHHHH PLEASE. i love arrogant malleus my son
vaporwave
germansingergirl
annaxmalina
areudirty
