You, whose image the Dark Mirror did beckon forth...
↣ Deuce will never know why you chose him out of everyone in Night Raven College. But maybe, he doesn’t need to know. (d.spade x gn!yuu)
↣ Ace does not know how he got so lucky as to get not just one, but two adorable partners. Or the one where Yuu and Deuce try to defend Ace’s honor and Ace falls more in love with his idiots. (a.trappola x gn!yuu x d.spade)
↣When a late night talk about the Prefect leads to a potential confession aka the one where Deuce is sad, Ace is a fool in love and the night is the perfect time to talk about certain things. (a.trappola x d.spade)
↣ can i maybe get some ace content? i have no idea why i like him so much honestly since he's a lil shit (affectionate), but i do and i have to live with it now. (a.trappola x gn!yuu/ gn!reader)
↣ (coming soon...)
↣ Mafia!Octavinelle saving MC who's being held hostage by some organization (mafia!octavinelle and gn!yuu)
↣ Just some things about the Ramshackle Prefect and Scarabia’s vice-housewarden <;3 (j.viper x gn!yuu)
↣ You are blissfully unaware of how deep exactly Rook and Vil’s affections run for you; of the extents they would go for you, and the boundaries they would cross in your name. (yan! v.schoenheit x gn!reader x yan! r.hunt)
↣ If someone had told you an hour ago that Vil and Rook would attempt breaking into Ramshackle, drunk out of their minds, you would have laughed and waved off their words. Well, that was what you would have thought an hour ago. (v.schoenheit x gn!reader x r.hunt)
↣ (coming soon...)
↣ The story about a prince and a traveller <;3 (m.draconia x gn!yuu)
↣Things that come in my head as I play through Diasomnia's chapter (chp 1- 37) (chp 38-55) (chp 56-68) (chp 69-90)
↣ Every year, the youngest students of the only school in the village are taken to a forest behind their little village to learn how to navigate the woods and forage without potentially upsetting their non-human neighbours, particularly the faefolk that were rumored to despise humans disturbing and trespassing on their territory. (Name)'s journey into the woods, however, brings them a lot closer to the faefolk they could have imagined. (diasomnia boys and gn!reader)
↣ Random thought 1
↣ TWST Yuusona: Minthe
↣ Imagine going home after everything that happened in Twisted Wonderland.
↣ Little dream about Vil <3
↣ The Prefect's Obsession. (yan! yuu and gn!reader/player)
↣ The Prefect and their friends talk about the events of the Glorious Masquerade and come to some... rather belated conclusions. (gn!prefect/ yuu/ mc with d.spade, e.felmier and s.zigvolt)
↣ He could hardly believe his ears when he heard you say that you didn't believe in love. (any yan!twst boy of your choice x gn!reader/ yuu/ prefect)
Hey everybody I have a kinda bad life update to share;
Sunday the 26th of April my brother was arrested for domestic violence, me being the one he attacked. He went to jail but is now out with an ankle monitor & I have to go to court this month about all this. This isn't the first time I've been attacked but it is the first time he has gotten consequences for it.
Despite what would make sense, I am the one being kicked out of the house. I was told last minute that my deadline to get out is the 20th of May, which is the date I will be in court for this whole situation. I am being given no other option than to leave my home and find an apartment or shared living space that I can afford on the 25-30hr work weeks I currently have.
All this to say basically, I will need financial help over the coming month(s). Like I said I don't know how much just yet, but I know I do not make enough at work alone to support myself. I will be opening sketch commissions [here] in order to give back to anyone who donates. I will add more options and availability when I'm physically able to do more, and will be opening a YCH in-between now and when the full commissions sheet is done.
If you want to donate and don't want anything in return you can donate to my [k0fi] or [p4ypal] instead.
Edit: I was also encouraged to make a [g0fundme] for direct donations.
Anything at all helps, no contribution is too small and I appreciate any help.
Experienced being ecstatic and relieved and scared and hungry and nauseous and dizzy at the same time yesterday as a response to a (happy) news. Wtf miss body what was that glitch?
Hey everybody I have a kinda bad life update to share;
Sunday the 26th of April my brother was arrested for domestic violence, me being the one he attacked. He went to jail but is now out with an ankle monitor & I have to go to court this month about all this. This isn't the first time I've been attacked but it is the first time he has gotten consequences for it.
Despite what would make sense, I am the one being kicked out of the house. I was told last minute that my deadline to get out is the 20th of May, which is the date I will be in court for this whole situation. I am being given no other option than to leave my home and find an apartment or shared living space that I can afford on the 25-30hr work weeks I currently have.
All this to say basically, I will need financial help over the coming month(s). Like I said I don't know how much just yet, but I know I do not make enough at work alone to support myself. I will be opening sketch commissions [here] in order to give back to anyone who donates. I will add more options and availability when I'm physically able to do more, and will be opening a YCH in-between now and when the full commissions sheet is done.
If you want to donate and don't want anything in return you can donate to my [k0fi] or [p4ypal] instead.
Edit: I was also encouraged to make a [g0fundme] for direct donations.
Anything at all helps, no contribution is too small and I appreciate any help.
You came into their lives suddenly with trouble on your heels.
You came at a time many would have been lost or fallen.
When stubbornness and pride would strike even the strongest.
You came at a time when you were needed most.
…and you left just as quick.
They weren’t ready, none of them would ever be.
But they hoped they’d have more time to say goodbye.
Many cried that day.
Many still grieve.
You’re someone they would always cherish forevermore.
Listen to the wind and think of me
And remember
I love you.
A friend’s mom told me that every time they hear the wind bell chime, they think of their golden retriever who passed away. That thought has been stuck in my mind ever since. I really adored their dog too so I feel their pain even months later.🥺😔
So I had to write something with that phrase with “you/yuu”, it fits them so well. Now, did they go back to their world or did they die? That’s up to you. ☺️💞
By an unfortunate twist of fate—and your boyfriend’s carelessness—he ended up mixing ingredients that definitely shouldn’t have been used together. The result? A slightly over-the-top explosion, a very angry Professor Crewel, and of course, your boyfriend affected by the smoke, which, to add to his suffering, didn’t leave him in a very… sober state.
# A/N: okay, Azul’s part got longer than I wanted, but ughhh I just love writing abt him 😞
ACE TRAPPOLA
Even though it hadn’t been anything too serious, you went to his side as soon as he decided he could get down onto the bed by himself, even though he was visibly dizzy.
“It’s all your fault, Deuce—if you had just listened to me—” Ace froze the moment his vision became a little less blurry, his eye twitching when his brain finally processed the image.
Not Deuce. A girl. A girl.
You startled at how harshly he yanked his arm away, shrinking back on the bed as if you had burned him with hot coals. “Ace, what the—”
“I’m taken! Who do you think you are, touching me like this, huh!?” He had never wished so badly for Deuce to be nearby to save him from that possible misunderstanding. What would you think of him if you saw him with a girl touching him so casually!?
You tilted your head to the side, confused by his behavior for a few seconds, until you remembered it could be the smoke’s effect, since his face was still flushed.
“Look, I’m warning you, my girlfriend is going to kill you—and then kill me too, but that doesn’t matter! She’s going to kill you if you keep leaning all over me like that!”
You sighed. It was going to be a long afternoon.
LEONA KINGSCHOLAR
You found your boyfriend far more comfortable than you expected, his hands behind his head, eyes closed, and tail swaying lightly, showing he couldn’t care less about missing a class.
“At this rate you’re going to repeat another year, Leona,” you murmured. “Are you still running a fever?”
His ear twitched slightly, and he cracked one eye open to look at you—but when he felt the mattress sink, his eyes widened, his brows furrowing at the audacity of you sitting on the same bed as him.
“Hey, herbivore! What the hell do you think you’re doing!?” He didn’t push you, but he immediately got off the bed, leaning against the one right next to it. “Ruggie!” He looked around, searching for the hyena.
“Hm?” You blinked, terribly confused by his reaction. You crossed your arms. “Leona, I just came to check if you’re feeling better—”
“I don’t care,” Leona practically growled, his cheeks warm and his breathing still uneven. “Who do you think you are to—Don’t touch me!” He took a step back when he saw you circle around to get closer to him.
“Listen to me carefully—I don’t flirt, I don’t cheat, and I hate herbivores who don’t know how to respect hierarchy and keep their hands to themselves.” He pointed a finger, looking completely serious about what he was saying, but you only rolled your eyes as you called Ruggie.
“…He did what!? BAHAHAHAH—” The hyena’s laughter was so loud you had to pull the phone away from your ear.
“Just come help me deal with him already,” you cleared your throat. “At least he’s loyal.”
AZUL ASHENGROTTO
You hummed softly to yourself as you walked toward your boyfriend’s dorm, not in much of a hurry, since Jade and Floyd had promised to keep an eye on Azul in case he woke up before you got back from the cafeteria.
The corners of your lips curled into a smile when you saw he was already awake and doing well, despite his flushed cheeks.
“Azul, I brought you a snack,” you said, sitting down on the chair beside his bed, not noticing how stunned he seemed by your arrival.
His eyes slowly widened, following your every movement as you placed the small package on your lap and began opening it carefully.
“…Wh—What are you doing?” he asked slowly.
You looked up. “You didn’t eat earlier. I thought you might be hungry when you woke up.”
Azul choked when you lifted the spoon to feed him. His face went from a soft pink flush to a deep red, then turned pale as a ghost.
“NONONO—!” He pressed himself further into the pillows, hands gripping the blanket and covering his mouth as if he were being offered poison. “Th—This is extremely inappropriate!”
“Inappropriate?” You glanced at the twins, but they looked just as confused as you.
“YES!” he insisted, his voice cracking in pure panic. “You cannot simply walk in here and—and attempt to feed me like some sort of— of—”
Floyd grinned, as if he had just found his new entertainment for the rest of the day. “Shrimpy, you’re makin’ him all red.”
Azul’s head whipped toward him instantly. “WHY,” Azul demanded, pointing a shaking finger at Floyd, “are you not removing her from the premises?!”
Jade placed a hand against his cheek. “Remove her, Azul?” He repeated. “Whatever for?”
Azul groaned, feeling tortured by the slowness of the two. “She is attempting to feed me—!” he cried, his voice pitching upward in pure distress. “This is disrespectful.”
“That’s super lovey-dovey, isn’t it?” Floyd laughed, leaning forward. “Must be nice not havin’ to bother using forks and spoons with your own hands… I wanna be fed too!”
“Stop encouraging this behavior!” Azul snapped, clutching the blanket to his chest.
You frowned softly, lifting the spoon a little. “It’s just food,” you said gently. “You’re still dizzy.”
“…No,” he whispered weakly. “No, this cannot be happening…”
Your lips parted in surprise when you saw your boyfriend—normally always so composed—with his eyes filled with tears.
“…Azul?”
His lower lip trembled. “My beautiful, stunning girlfriend will leave me because of you!” he wailed, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Do you have any idea what kind of scandal this would create? Being fed by another person… in my own dorm…! My soulmate, the love of my life, my pearl will leave me thinking that I allowed this!”
You and Jade exchanged looks in complete silence, watching him cry miserably and sniffle. Floyd’s smile, however, only grew when he realized what was going on.
“Yeah, she will!” Floyd cackled. “I’m gonna tell her. ‘Hey, hey—your boyfriend’s lettin’ other people court him!’”
“Floyd!”
“NO!” Azul shouted in despair, burying his face into a pillow as he cried. “I’m going to fry you, you… you damn eel…”
Jade covered his mouth politely.
You sighed, placing the forgotten snack on the table and turning toward him. “…Azul.”
He sniffled dramatically, refusing to look at you. “She’ll leave me…” he muttered weakly.
“Do you think he’ll remember this when the effects wear off?” you asked, looking at Jade, your hands patting your boyfriend’s back.
“Probably not, but I will.” he replied with a smile.
I "finished" it in time yeah!! I spent all day to finish it i'm exhausted... Been working on it for days (but got the idea since last year).
So, happy birthday Ruggie!
You know, i've never been a fan of chapter 2, Leona is at his worst and so different from what he is today. But, but, I absolutely love their relationship and their "we gonna change the world" thing. I loved how Ruggie looked up to Leona and how he was ready to follow him without question. I love this trope. How he hoped Leona will change his life... Sadly post chapter 2, this idea kinda disappeared or barely mentioned.
So, I always wondered how Ruggie would react to Leona's graduation. Of course he'd be happy and proud for him, no doubt. But I like to think he'd be sad. Cause Leona brought him so much. Ruggie will be fine without Leona. But he doesn't follow Leona for money. But for what he stands for.
I like to think Ruggie will go to college (I'm still stuck at Trein talking to him about the scholarship for animal linguistic university), that's why I wanted to draw that as a gift :3.
Oh and yeah, all Leona's speech was with his underwear cause I didn't got a time to draw him putting his pants XD.
Give us something gentle and fluffy with NRC staff being our pseudo parents and my life is yours! Maybe they find out Yuu is from a different world and make the crow man regret not informing the staff and using Yuu to do so much around the school with the threat of no food, etc.
Hey there! Happy to do this! So, my personal bit before I jump into it: I think the staff knows Yuu is from another world (because they'd have to understand why they are a package deal with Grim and why they can't perform magic). I just think Crowley exaggerates how much he's actually doing for Yuu. Like, he's vague and a little eccentric so they don't really look into it until it hits them in the face.
I personally like to think Crowley's negligence isn't malicious but he's just dumb in the way he can't keep a tamagotchi alive and should not be trusted with something living and breathing that's not himself.
There's a bonus bit at the end ;).
Not proofread
Moving on~
There was an uncomfortable twist in Sam's guts, some kind of dread he couldn't quite put his finger on when he looked at you. The shadows were always happy to see you and play tag between the aisles but if they stood still enough, he could see them grimace. As a businessman who had to appeal and keep clients, Sam had a good eye.
Something was most definitely wrong with you.
The air just felt cold and heavy when he really looked at you. Whatever it is, you weren't really addressing it. And, rather smartly, you didn't stay still long enough to interrogate. At first he thought it was out of a desire to succeed and thrive but the longer Sam paid attention, the more he doubted that.
It wasn't unusual to see you with Ruggie, after all. That should've been his sign. Ruggie was one of the hardest workers he'd ever known, his envious cunning only matched by his dogged determination to complete whatever goal he had his eye on. It was usually saving money--and food--to send back home to the kids in his area. Like him, you were the first one to jump in and ask if he needed help with anything.
Sam didn't always have money to give but he noticed you didn't pass up on the opportunity to take things he'd have to throw out otherwise. He never let anything mold or rot, of course, but there would be random things that didn't sell or Azul couldn't think of a way to reuse for the restaurant. You and Ruggie would always split the hall, the beastman generously taking things that may give your human, non-magic stomach a hard time.
Something about today felt different. You were shuffling between the aisles with your little basket, shadows playing with the pull strings on your hoodie. He listened to you move boxes around, cans clinking as if you could tell one was fuller than the other. He met your gaze several times but you'd give up after a few minutes and vanish down the aisle.
Finally, when the store was empty, you approached.
You were far too honest to swap stickers or damage merchandise to get a discount so he had to wonder why you were so nervous.
It hit Sam all over again that something had to be wrong because you had the bare basics in your basket: dried beans, a bag of lentils, uncooked oats, a pack of instant yeast, some potatoes, some bottled water, and a jar of peanut butter. They were savvy basics but when he thought of all the students with families who wasted their money on soda and junk, his stomach soured.
"Anything else I can get you, Little Imp?" Sam smiled as he double-bagged the potatoes.
"Actually..." you looked around before your fingers started a nervous dance across the twenty thaumarks in your hands. You'd already paid for your groceries so he wasn't quite sure what you were doing with it. You swallowed nervously and his brow rose as your face began to flush. "Sam," your voice shook, "if I give you twenty thaumarks can I use your shower? I just want hot water and I'm tired of asking the other dorms if I can use theirs. It's embarrassing."
His heart stopped. "Y-You don't have hot water?"
You shook your head no, wiping your face before the tears could fall. You cracked open a water and drank some to distract yourself, turning away as you slid the thaumarks towards him.
"How long have you not had hot water?"
"It worked for a couple days when I first got here," you whispered. "I told Crowley about it but he said he was only responsible for the lodging. Like, giving me a key. I've cleaned Ramshackle up and fixed as much as I could but I can't get the hot water to work. I can't afford to hire anyone to look at it so I just kind of...ignore it."
"How often do you ask the other dorms for hot water?"
"Maybe once a month." you shrugged. "Every other month if I can. I don't think anyone's caught on yet."
The rage Sam felt was deep and hot. YOU WERE A CHILD! HOW COULD YOU NOT HAVE HOT WATER? CROWLEY HAD HOT WATER, HE COULD GUARANTEE IT! HOT WATER SHOULD FALL UNDER LODGING ISSUES BECAUSE IT IS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE HOUSE!
"What a silly little bird he is."
You'd never heard Sam's voice like this, so dark and distorted, and it made your hair stand on end. The eye sockets of the skull pin on his hat seemed to glow. His necklace jangled as the shadows raced underfoot. If you listened hard enough, you could hear the seasonal knickknacks and family items groan in the back room.
He slid the thaumarks back to you. "Let me lock the shop and I'll show you upstairs. Once your done, I'd like for you to put the new stock away. In exchange, you can keep the little misfits."
Sam meant any bent boxes or dented cans. It drove you nuts when students actually complained about those. Why did they care about how something looked when they were still going to use it and throw it away?!
"Do you want me to leave after?"
"Only if you want. Honestly, I'd feel better having someone keep an eye on the shop. I don't know how long I'll be."
"Are you going to meet with vendors again?"
"Something like that," his magenta eyes seemed to glow from the steps as he beckoned you to the upper level where he stayed.
---- ----- ---- ----
Crewel is a big animal advocate and part of that advocacy involves changing public opinions about certain breeds. He does this by turning those breeds--mainly pitbulls, rottweilers, dalmatians--into therapy dogs for various conditions. Sometimes he'll personally train assistance dogs to donate to families in need. When he gets a new puppy, he calls around to local orphanages and after school programs to see if the kids would like to help socialize the animals.
At this point in his life, he's seen every possible version of a person. Broke, hungry, dirty, missing a limb, half-blind, homeless, despondent, angry, scared---you name it, he's seen it. Much like dogs, he has a good radar for the nature and condition of a person. When you asked him if he had any scraps of clothing, it caught his attention. It wasn't the most unusual thing, as Vil often rummaged through his random fabrics, but the fact that you didn't care what you grabbed was very odd.
He'd sit in the silence of the classroom and ponder what you might be doing with those scraps sometimes. Rags came to mind. Maybe a bandanna or two. You'd come to him more than once so clearly there was a bigger project in the works. It wasn't until fall turned to winter that he got an answer.
You came to class with a satchel today, a long blanket of fabric swatches wrapped around you. Grim was tucked protectively in the lab coat underneath, providing you extra warmth as you did your best to shield him from the wind. He snuggled into a matching patchwork scarf. Crewel could tell by the stitching on the segments that your sewing skills were self-taught and improving. As expected, someone made a smart remark and suddenly he didn't know who to punish.
The class was in total chaos!
Cater booed loudly, telling the guy he wasn't in a position to criticize ANYONE for what they wore! "I mean, have you seen yourself? You're either stupid or blind! The fact that you're making eye contact with me right now means you're stupid." Trey continued trying to block Cater's shot before the insults turned into a full on live roast on Magicam.
Deuce moved to put the guy through a desk, Ace barely holding him back. Grim had untangled himself just enough to breathe deep. Crewel could tell by the flare and flicker of blue in his ears that he was fixing to set the kid on fire.
'SIT!" he barked loudly.
Everyone stopped.
He immediately sorted people into groups--genuine innocents, people who got a pass because they were defending you, the antagonist, and antagonist supporters--and sent them into the spare room across the hall for different tasks. It was part punishment, part review for the upcoming exam.
Cater and Trey were to supervise, the innocents were free to study, the antagonist was to de-thorn the branches, flowers, and fruits used in the upcoming potion practical, and his supporters were writing a small history of said potion.
You and Grim were in none of the groups, instructed to stay behind.
Crewel sighed, chin on his gloved fist as he looked at you. "What am I going to do with you, Pup? Hm?" he asked softly, his voice kinder than his eyes.
"I didn't do anything wrong." you hmphed!
"I didn't say you did." Crewel leaned back, sighing again.
"Can I keep bringing the blanket to class?" you were shifting your weight nervously, drawing it tightly around you as you finally looked at him. Crewel was notorious for what he considered a 'distraction' because he maintained the highest standards for education. He also didn't want anyone catching fire from a wild earring or unnecessary fabric.
"Do you have a coat?"
"I don't have a clothing budget this month." you looked away. "Had to put it towards a decent axe. The old one finally gave out."
"You've been cutting your own wood?"
"Kind of have to," you shrugged. "The heat sucks in Ramshackle but the fireplace still works. So does the stove, thank Sevens!" you rolled your eyes.
Crewel shut his eyes, brows furrowed. He felt a headache begin to throb around his eyes and moved to cover them. For a few moments he said nothing, preferring to massage his face. "So let me get this straight," he opens his eyes and suddenly they're lethal and sharp and clear, "you have no extra money, no winter clothes, and you chop you wood to keep Ramshackle habitable?"
"Sounds right."
"It's because Crowley's so stingy!" Grim cried from the confines of your coat. "I don't even have a tuna budget! I'm wasting away!"
"Because he said I'm responsible for food and clothing," you poked Grim in the forehead, tucking him back under the safety of the blanket. "If I don't have it, I don't have it. I can't make thaumarks magically appear."
Oh this wouldn't do! Ideas to inconvenience Crowley were suddenly more plentiful than dalmatian spots. Crewel had connections; he was sure someone could tell him how to toe the line of legality and get the results he wanted. If he couldn't make Crowley smart, he could at least scare him shitless.
"Why don't we go into town and have lunch? Then we can review your budget." Crewel offered.
"I'm not a charity case," you growled to him. He would be defensive in your position, too. Embarrassed for the situation, frustrated by Crowley.
"I didn't say you were," Crewel turned his nose up at you as he stood, tucking the chair into his desk. He waves his wand at an armoire in the corner of the room and it unlocks, revealing a few spare lab coats and sets of goggles. Those shelves swing out, a false panel sliding back to show a handful of in-progress works and a few full outfits for when Crewel needed to change. A plush, fashionable coat was thrown at you. "You're going to be my new model."
"Tuna, here we come!" Grim cheered.
"Think bigger, Pup." Crewel tapped Grim in the forehead as he walked across the hall and dismissed the students with strict instructions to study or suffer the consequences. Because this was an unscheduled deviance for a normal school day, Crewel had to alert Crowley. You knew Crewel didn't like Crowley's lackadaisical approach but something about the way he stomped down the hall seemed hungry for murder. Thirsty for blood.
Crewel held up a gloved hand, saying nothing as he grabbed the door by the knob and burst through it with the fury of a pack of feral dogs. The door slammed shut; you and Grim flinched. You pressed your ear to the door but couldn't hear much through the thick wood. It felt like you'd waited forever but the door finally swung open, Crewel looking at Crowley menacingly over his shoulder. "I trust we have an understanding, yes?" he asked, not waiting for an answer before he shut the door firmly.
"Can we go eat now?" Grim looked up at him, blue eyes twinkling.
"Yes," Crewel deflated a bit. He ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it back and fluffing his bangs. "Come on, pup."
---- ---- ---- ----
It wasn't unusual for Trein to end up with a box of random items. Most of them were outright confiscated from people who'd rather goof off in class than appreciate the beautiful complexity of the history of magic. Every now and then, someone would leave something behind. If the student was a good one who paid attention and participate, he'd return it without issue. Should it belong to someone like Floyd or Leona, he'd usually demand an essay or a pop quiz before handing it over.
When he felt like it, sometimes he'd make the students a deal. If you didn't leave anything behind or get anything confiscated, he'd give you bonus points on an exam or quiz of your choosing. The idea was warmly received and he'd started keeping track of who forgot things, who needing things taken away, and who made class easy.
You were usually very diligent in packing your things up and although you gave him very confused looks in class, you were paying attention. It was just hard to absorb the history of a world so foreign to you. Trein was quite surprised when he found a black ledger while cleaning up between classes. On first glance it looked like it could belong to Azul or Riddle but he'd seen their notebooks since they liked to sit at the front and this did not belong to them.
He opened it, the spine cracking. Instead of being full of assignments or notes, it was a color-coded schedule for the week. Reminders of side jobs and deadlines for groundskeeping tasks. Each job had the thaumark amount circled in bright green. The next page had your monthly budget and Trein nearly had a heart attack at the paltry amount.
Ludicrous! Offensive! NEGLIGENT!
Trein was so furious his vision began to spot. Lucius perked up, whiskers twitching at the change in his human. He meowed at him, circling his feet and making gentle biscuits on his legs. Teeth grit and belt in one hand, Trein snorted through his nose, composing himself just enough to pick Lucius up. "Lu, I need you to do something for Papa, okay?"
Lucious meowed, seeming to nod.
He'd been alive nearly as long as Animal Linguistics had been around, there was no way Lucius misunderstood the assignment. Satisfied, Trein set him down. He opened the ground-floor window, watched Lucius hop out, and locked it again. "I'm going to beat the feathers off that dumb crow," Trein mumbled under his breath as he stalked down the hall.
"Professor Trein! Have you seen my---!" You skidded to a stop in the hallway, eyes landing on the ledger. "C-Can I have that back?"
"Tomorrow." Trein waved you away. "I have an important meeting to get to."
"But I--"
"It's an urgent meeting, you must understand." he fixed his sleeves. "You'll get it back tomorrow." he promised. He took off, your ledger in a firm grip and you weren't sure what to do.
You didn't have long to think on it, Kalim calling your name excitedly. "Come look at all the animals outside! I've never seen so many!" he took you by the hand, pulling you into the courtyard. Lucius seemed to lead a parade of animals--stray cats, squirrels, birds, Heartslabyul flamingos--and neither of you knew where they were going. Jamil finally caught up, complaining and catching his breath as he grabbed Kalim by the ear.
Kalim ignored the petty, angry tugs like it was nothing. "What's up there?" Kalim asked him, pointing to the room the squirrels were climbing into. The birds tapped incessantly at the window, cats and flamingos disappearing into another wing of the school.
"The headmage's office, I think." Jamil let go of Kalim's ear, crossing his arms. Someone threw the window open but you were too far away to see who. All three of you jumped as an ungodly scream echoed across the grounds. It sounded like a bloodbath, cats screeching and birds squawking.
"I don't have time for this! Come on you two!" Jamil grabbed you both firmly by the back of your clothes, walking you in the other direction.
You got pieces of your ledger back the next day, Crowley suddenly deciding he was so generous and clever he'd found time to take on duties befitting of the Headmage. Wrapped up in your side jobs, monthly budget, and grocery list was a note from Crowley. Opening it revealed a wad of thaumarks and a note:
Thank you for your time and dedication to NRC! To celebrate your care and attention, I, benevolent Dire Crowley, have elected to reward your efforts.
Don't spend it all in one place!
"Seeing that you have free time," Trein cleared his throat, "I wouldn't mind an assistant when you have time. Teachers would pay a premium not to grade papers, you know."
"I'll let you know when I'm free." you smiled.
---- ---- ---- ---
Vargas always tried to make exercising practical and exciting. He knew his students were tired of drills so he tried to shake it up with scavenger hunts and hiking trips. Today was a hiking trip day and Jade Leech was especially excited. So was Ruggie Bucchi. Coach Vargas had pre-mapped the trail on a five AM run, imbuing certain trees with magic that students could trigger if they lost their way.
The goal for today was to hike the trail in sets of two and make it to the end, grab the mystery item waiting there, and bring it to him.
Easy enough, right?
You were more familiar with the woods than people expected thanks to Jade and Ruggie. Before you could ask the hyena beastman to be your partner, he darted over to Leona, tail wagging excitedly. Clearly he was going to charge a fee for getting the sleepy lion through the task. Azul despised any physical activity not required to run the lounge and snapped Jade up before anyone could take advantage of his hobby for the assignment. Ace and Deuce decided to work together and you were steadily running out of options.
"Hey," Jack's ears flattened as you whipped around in startle. He rubbed the back of his neck apologetically. "Want to do this? I bet we can beat the other teams!" his tail wagged, excited at the thought of competing. Hell, he could probably turn into a wolf and run you through the trail!
Vargas didn't say he couldn't, after all! All he'd need to do is follow his scent!
"Sure!" you bumped his fist, lining up with the others. Vargas called start and you were surprised Jack didn't break into a sprint. Not even a jog! You glanced at him skeptically and he just grinned, a mix of boyish cheek and wolfish confidence.
"Always let your competition tire themselves out." he walked ahead just enough to look for fallen logs and issues, keeping you in his peripheral. You followed dutifully behind, plucking the occasional safe mushroom and wild green as you went. Ruggie had clearly decimated the native dandelions but they weren't totally gone.
Jack had half a mind to call you back, give you a little lecture, until he realized you'd strayed to pick some apples off a tree. He didn't miss the way you'd turned your shirt into a little apron to hold food. It pained him to see because he knew what that meant--beastmen could smell malnourished things, after all--but he didn't know what to do.
Not knowing what to do made him angry and he felt powerless.
"Keep up!" you started to jog past him, shirt full of food clenched tightly in your fist so you didn't lose anything. In what felt like no time at all--probably thirty minutes--you made it to the finish line. An array of dyed antler pieces were laid out across a freshly cut stump, one for each team.
You were third to reach the stump. Jack grabbed a random piece, clenching it tightly in his fist. He growled, gnashing his teeth before relaxing his grip. "Poked yourself, didn't you?" you teased.
"Just come on!" he turned around swiftly, the back of his neck red.
You returned to Vargas, the man immediately clocking your shirt full of food. "You know only have to bring the antler, right?" he joked, laugh loud and bright.
"It's not for you." you mumbled, trying not to sound annoyed.
Well THAT was sobering!
He brushed off your response, pretending to look down the trail for others as he glanced at your ribs. Ashton assumed you were just runty because you came from another world but now he had his doubts. You'd been foraging for some time if you were comfortable enough to come out of the woods with that much in your shirt. Vargas dismissed Jack with a congratulations, the beastman sparing you a glance before he was shooed away.
"What's in there?"
"Are you going to take it?" you eyed Vargas suspiciously, looking like you'd much rather bite his hand off before showing him anything.
"I just want to make sure it's safe to eat," he soothed. You slowly opened your shirt fold. He saw wild berries, greens, apples, and mushrooms. "How's, um...well, how are things at Ramshackle? What's the nutrition situation?" Ashton didn't always have tact and was more an 'actions speak louder than words' person.
"Thin," you pursed your lips. "Sam's normal delivery got delayed and I don't have grocery store money. Have you SEEN the prices? The coupons aren't good this month."
"So you're not eating regularly?"
"You're not hungry if you're sleeping."
OH HELL NO! As a champion of exercise and nutrition, Vargas couldn't unhear this and he CERTAINLY wouldn't stand for it! "Crowley doesn't help you?!"
"He gave me a key to Ramshackle. He said food and clothes were my responsibility. Why do you think I'm always going through the lost and found?"
Vargas clenched the clipboard so hard it snapped. He sighed angrily, trying to save the paper with the teams on it. "I could use some help meal prepping when we're done here. If you're free." he refused to meet your gaze, watching for glowing trees in case he needed to go in and find a team.
"I can find time." you said quietly, sitting on the ground beside him.
"Good."
When you weren't physically helping him cook, you'd find baskets of random food outside Ramshackle. You'd become his 'recipe tester'. He needed an 'unbiased palate', he said. Vargas taught you how to tweak the food you already made to be higher in protein or richer in vitamins. He may be a bit loud and energetic for you but he had good intentions.
--- ---- ---- --- --
It had been a week since the teachers learned of your delicate situation and they were holding their first unofficial bitch session off campus. They complimented your ability to survive on such a small budget, shared the disbelief that they hadn't seen the signs earlier, and were currently discussing ways to make Crowley suffer and still keep their jobs.
"The animal attack was marvelous," Crewel toasted Trein. "I'm only sorry my pups couldn't participate."
"Oh, I thought about it. Trust," Trein took a bite of steak and pointed his fork at Crewel. "Lucius wouldn't be happy with me if I did."
"The shadows are having fun terrorizing him!" Sam laughed, popping a mozzarella bite in his mouth. "They're making sure he gets just enough sleep and not a second more!"
"And what did you do, Divus? Tell him he was a bad dog?" Ashton jabbed good-naturedly.
Crewel snorted into his drink, tempted to flick a green bean at the oaf. "I threatened to pluck him and sew his mouth shut, actually."
"Brave!" Ashton conceded.
"Not really," Divus lamented. "He just laughed and said that was absurd because he didn't really have feathers."
There was a collective mmm of disappointment. If Crowley wasn't smart enough to feel threatened, Crewel couldn't be punished for it. A small silver lining.
"And you, you lout? What did you do?" Divus spared a glance at Ashton, nose wrinkling as he practically inhaled a sunny side up egg. WHO ORDERED BREAKFAST FOR LUNCH?! No class!
"I took all the furniture out of his office and hid it around the school. I didn't touch the portraits of the Great Seven, of course." he said casually, scoffing as a bit of potato fell off his fork. "Wanted him to know what it was like not to have much."
"Next order of business," Trein wiped his lips before turning to the mashed potatoes. "Food."
Sam told them about how you helped with inventory and took the 'eyesores' home when he couldn't pay as much as he wanted to. Vargas kept you flush with nutritious snacks. Trein gave you a few thaumarks here and there when you could be an assistant.
"Clothes?" Trein continued.
Crewel filled them in about how you'd become his living mannequin, the man a fashion genius as much as he was an animal lover. He'd convinced a few of his friends to use you in print ads but they could only write Divus a check for now because you didn't have a bank account.
A silence fell over the table as they realized you technically didn't exist. You had no paperwork! No address! No family.
"We can fix that! We can adopt them!" Sam offered.
"Not you, though. You're too young." Crewel waved at him.
"Aren't you only, like, eight years older than me?" Sam glared at Crewel.
"Too. Young." Crewel reiterated, returning the glare. Vargas and Trein chuckled.
"Well perhaps you're too old!" Sam sniffed at Trein. "Respectfully. They need to be seen into adulthood at least."
Trein scoffed, absolutely scandalized.
"I am youthful enough to keep up with them! I'm in my prime!" Vargas flexed.
"The poor child," Crewel shook his head. "I can't imagine such a regimented and obsessive life. Seems cruel, really."
"Too much protein is bad for the kidneys, I've heard about it." Sam swirled his drink, refusing to meet Vargas' gaze.
"You think you're better?" Vargas challenged Crewel. "You've introduced them into an image-obsessed world more likely to give them a complex than stability!" he huffed.
"Only if you don't pay attention," Crewel wouldn't gloss over the issues. "Between Vil and I, we could protect them."
"Gentleman, gentleman," Trein tried to shush them after a waitress gave him a lethal side eye.
"Gentlemen indeed," a new voice drifted over the table, shoes clicking softly against the carpeted floor. They looked up to see Malleus smiling down at them. "If you cannot decide amongst you, there are other ways." he pretended to search his manicured nails for dirt.
"Like?" Crewel humored.
"Marriage, for one. Some of us do have more sway than a few teachers. No offense, of course." Malleus smiled, hiding his hands behind is back.
"How do you even know what we're talking about?" Crewel looked at Malleus with narrowed eyes, suspicion evident.
Malleus tossed his hair over his shoulder absently. "Good hearing." he mused. Lilia waved from a distant table.
"You're a bit young for that, don't you think?" Trein said gingerly.
"Only in appearances, but I'm an option nonetheless. As is Al-Asim, Kingscholar, and Shroud if rumors are to be believed."
"We'll get back to you." Vargas didn't look thrilled but he wouldn't dismiss the idea entirely. Not in front of Malleus, anyways.
"Perfect. I'll see you next time. Excuse me, would you?" Malleus walked back to his table.
"Now," Trein looked around the table, "who can come up with the best lie? We have to find a reason to bring them back some food so they don't give that look." the four conveniently ignored the burst of laughter at a table behind them.
Prompt: Sebek was raised to protect his prince. No one told him what to do when he failed.
Pairing: The Diasomnia boys (Platonic)
Genre: Hurt/Comfort
TW: Blood / injury (non-graphic but present throughout) aftermath of an assassination attempt, emotional distress, self-blame and self-worth issues (this is Sebek we're talking about after all) internalized and external prejudice, references to neglecting self-care as a form of punishment.
AN: This was inspired by this lovely piece of artwork by @insertsomthinawesome so don't blame me lol. I tried my best to keep all of their reactions as true to their characters as possible, but if you guys think something's ooc just yell at me in the comments (pls dont i might cry) and as always, lemme know if I missed any triggers, stay safe and i hope you enjoy reading this as much as i struggled writing it!
Malleus Draconia is a lot of things.
Royal, a full-blooded fae with arguably the oldest and strongest of bloodline. Hailing from a rich legacy of strong-willed and equally powerful rulers over the kingdom of Briar Valley.
He is everything that Sebek has ever aspired to be. The very pinnacle of what it means to be a fae.
And yet, it is almost distressing how human he seems as blood seeps through his clothes, painting the vibrant green of Diasomnia's waistcoat a muddy brown so unworthy of him.
Sebek trembles, supporting Malleus' weight as the older leans heavily against him. He can't see past the blood soaking his liege's waistcoat, trying desperately to stem the bleeding while Malleus’ pained chuckle rings in his ears like a death knell.
Sebek's first instinct — his only instinct — is to call out to Lilia. His mentor, his first teacher outside of his family.
The one who trusted him to keep Malleus safe. Who trained him to keep Malleus safe. How badly has he failed them all?
"This is how he was to serve his prince?", He imagines the words threaded through the pain in Malleus’ voice as he says something that doesn't quite penetrate the fog crowding Sebek's thoughts. One minute Malleus is in his arms; the next, he is being picked up by Silver and rushed off to a healer. Silver looks back at him, and Sebek braces himself for disgust, perhaps even hatred.
But its worse.
Its pity.
When Lilia arrives, it is to a Sebek that has not moved from his spot; still on his knees, still with bloodied hands and a vacant expression on his face as tears stream down. When Lilia hoists him up by the arm, Sebek half-expects a scolding.
But what greets him instead is silence.
Silence, that has never sat well with Sebek.
And yet, it is all Diasomnia experiences after the incident. Sebek becomes silent, almost like a ghost wandering the halls.
He leaves the dorm early in the morning, to train. He wields his sword till it is time to wield his pen, and after classes are done for the day he picks his sword up again. He sleeps fitfully, concerning his roommates and avoiding his friends.
His other dormmates look at him with disgust in their eyes, distrust and derision aimed at him for failing the one task he was given: protecting their prince.
“What can you expect from a half blood?” He hears one of them say as he enters the common room one day. But none of them actually bother him, knowing full well that they would have to answer to Lilia if they did.
Sebek hates it.
He wishes they would actually bother him, would punish him for his failure the way he deserves. Because Lilia doesn't. Neither does Silver.
They look at him with quiet concern and something dangerously close to pity, and it only makes his skin crawl with disgust at himself. He isn't the one they should worry about. He is the one who failed them, and let harm befall their son and brother.
He is the one to blame.
The one who will never amount to much, not in the way Lilia expects of him—
"Sebek."
Silver's voice is distant, but it cuts through the sluggish fog that plugs Sebek's ears instantly. He looks... tired, like usual (but when has his fatigue ever endangered his liege?), and Sebek tries not to look at him for too long.
"...yes, Silver."
"Malleus is asking to see you."
Sebek whips his head around, unable to mask the roiling emotions within him.
Has he known that Malleus regained consciousness after being treated by the healers? Yes. Has he visited his liege even once since becoming aware of the fact?
No.
Because he is unworthy.
And somewhere in the deepest recesses of his heart, Sebek is afraid.
Afraid of finding the same pity that lingers in Lilia and Silver's eyes cloud his liege's gaze as well.
But Sebek has never been one to disobey Malleus. And so he quietly asks Silver to allow him time to clean himself up, sheathing his sword.
Silver follows Sebek to his dorm room silently. He never says a word, letting the silence swell between them in that gentle, patient way of his that makes Sebek's skin prickle. He watches the younger slip away to the common bathrooms, auroral eyes tracking him out of the door before looking around the room.
The other beds, belonging to Sebek's dormmates are empty; considering that the sun is still high up in the sky, not too surprising.
Silver's gaze falls next on the desk beside his junior's bed, the one allotted to him to use, and pauses. Normally meticulous about his notes and study material, it is disconcerting to see the way Sebek has left his books haphazardly open and scattered. His line of sight climbs, meeting the familiar calm, assessing gaze of Malleus' portrait, and halts.
Silver has never thought of Malleus as an untouchable being. Hard to do so when you have spent your early days playing with said untouchable being, tugging on his robes to show him the small animals that inevitably scattered once they saw him.
Still, looking at the portrait Silver cannot help but feel like he'll be at the recieving end of a lightning strike. Portrait Malleus has that particular set to his face, one that some may call regal and refined but Silver has come to distinctly know as displeased.
A pointed cough breaks him out of his daydreams, and Silver turns to see Sebek standing at the door, arms crossed across his chest in a defensive position and eyes averted.
Silver does not say a word; not about the state of Sebek's corner of the room, not about the faint traces of a failed cloaking spell he senses from the portrait. All he does, is step forward to lead the youngest of their little family to where the two older faes are waiting for him.
Malleus' room is dim, when they reach it. The door is left slightly ajar for them, and from within, Sebek and Silver can hear hushed whispers. Silver knocks, opening the door fully as he announces their presence, and Sebek automatically turns his gaze to the floor.
Lilia glances over at the two, a subtle nod of his head allowing them passage to where Malleus sits on his bed, blanket loosely tucked around his hips.
It is completely silent, save for the rustle of sheets and Silver's gentle footsteps and Sebek swallows, for silence has never sat well with him.
Thankfully, it is broken fairly quickly by the familiar low drawl of Malleus' voice. He calls Sebek by name, and shame crawls up the younger's spine as he finds himself walking towards his liege as though in a trance of obedience.
His mind screams he is unworthy; his heart whines not to be cast aside regardless.
Sebek dares not look at Malleus. Not when Silver coaxes him with a hand on his shoulder to sit at the edge of Malleus' bed, not when Lilia asks him how he has been, remarking that its been a while since Lilia has been able to hear his voice booming through the halls of Diasomnia.
Not until Malleus himself reaches out to grasp his arm and bring him closer.
When Sebek does look up, he sees only care and concern in Malleus' eyes. The very same eyes that have haunted his dreams ever since the assassination attempt, accusing him of neglecting his duties. Of failing his liege.
And that is the final straw for the young half-fae, who ends up crying.
Sebek doesn't know how it happens, but he soon finds himself in Malleus' arms, the older threading his fingers through his hair. Lilia and Silver close in around them, silent anchors for the both of them as Sebek sobs like the scared little kid he has felt all this while. Later, once he is well-rested and emotionally adjusted, he may feel embarrassed by the way he fists his hands into his liege's shirt, but at the moment, all Sebek can do is cry in his arms.
Silver notices Lilia discreetly rubbing away a tear, allowing the bat fae his privacy as he turns his gaze back to Malleus and Sebek. That does not keep him from leaning the slightest bit more against his father, a wordless reassurance that everything will be fine.
Prompt: Sebek was raised to protect his prince. No one told him what to do when he failed.
Pairing: The Diasomnia boys (Platonic)
Genre: Hurt/Comfort
TW: Blood / injury (non-graphic but present throughout) aftermath of an assassination attempt, emotional distress, self-blame and self-worth issues (this is Sebek we're talking about after all) internalized and external prejudice, references to neglecting self-care as a form of punishment.
AN: This was inspired by this lovely piece of artwork by @insertsomthinawesome so don't blame me lol. I tried my best to keep all of their reactions as true to their characters as possible, but if you guys think something's ooc just yell at me in the comments (pls dont i might cry) and as always, lemme know if I missed any triggers, stay safe and i hope you enjoy reading this as much as i struggled writing it!
Malleus Draconia is a lot of things.
Royal, a full-blooded fae with arguably the oldest and strongest of bloodline. Hailing from a rich legacy of strong-willed and equally powerful rulers over the kingdom of Briar Valley.
He is everything that Sebek has ever aspired to be. The very pinnacle of what it means to be a fae.
And yet, it is almost distressing how human he seems as blood seeps through his clothes, painting the vibrant green of Diasomnia's waistcoat a muddy brown so unworthy of him.
Sebek trembles, supporting Malleus' weight as the older leans heavily against him. He can't see past the blood soaking his liege's waistcoat, trying desperately to stem the bleeding while Malleus’ pained chuckle rings in his ears like a death knell.
Sebek's first instinct — his only instinct — is to call out to Lilia. His mentor, his first teacher outside of his family.
The one who trusted him to keep Malleus safe. Who trained him to keep Malleus safe. How badly has he failed them all?
"This is how he was to serve his prince?", He imagines the words threaded through the pain in Malleus’ voice as he says something that doesn't quite penetrate the fog crowding Sebek's thoughts. One minute Malleus is in his arms; the next, he is being picked up by Silver and rushed off to a healer. Silver looks back at him, and Sebek braces himself for disgust, perhaps even hatred.
But its worse.
Its pity.
When Lilia arrives, it is to a Sebek that has not moved from his spot; still on his knees, still with bloodied hands and a vacant expression on his face as tears stream down. When Lilia hoists him up by the arm, Sebek half-expects a scolding.
But what greets him instead is silence.
Silence, that has never sat well with Sebek.
And yet, it is all Diasomnia experiences after the incident. Sebek becomes silent, almost like a ghost wandering the halls.
He leaves the dorm early in the morning, to train. He wields his sword till it is time to wield his pen, and after classes are done for the day he picks his sword up again. He sleeps fitfully, concerning his roommates and avoiding his friends.
His other dormmates look at him with disgust in their eyes, distrust and derision aimed at him for failing the one task he was given: protecting their prince.
“What can you expect from a half blood?” He hears one of them say as he enters the common room one day. But none of them actually bother him, knowing full well that they would have to answer to Lilia if they did.
Sebek hates it.
He wishes they would actually bother him, would punish him for his failure the way he deserves. Because Lilia doesn't. Neither does Silver.
They look at him with quiet concern and something dangerously close to pity, and it only makes his skin crawl with disgust at himself. He isn't the one they should worry about. He is the one who failed them, and let harm befall their son and brother.
He is the one to blame.
The one who will never amount to much, not in the way Lilia expects of him—
"Sebek."
Silver's voice is distant, but it cuts through the sluggish fog that plugs Sebek's ears instantly. He looks... tired, like usual (but when has his fatigue ever endangered his liege?), and Sebek tries not to look at him for too long.
"...yes, Silver."
"Malleus is asking to see you."
Sebek whips his head around, unable to mask the roiling emotions within him.
Has he known that Malleus regained consciousness after being treated by the healers? Yes. Has he visited his liege even once since becoming aware of the fact?
No.
Because he is unworthy.
And somewhere in the deepest recesses of his heart, Sebek is afraid.
Afraid of finding the same pity that lingers in Lilia and Silver's eyes cloud his liege's gaze as well.
But Sebek has never been one to disobey Malleus. And so he quietly asks Silver to allow him time to clean himself up, sheathing his sword.
Silver follows Sebek to his dorm room silently. He never says a word, letting the silence swell between them in that gentle, patient way of his that makes Sebek's skin prickle. He watches the younger slip away to the common bathrooms, auroral eyes tracking him out of the door before looking around the room.
The other beds, belonging to Sebek's dormmates are empty; considering that the sun is still high up in the sky, not too surprising.
Silver's gaze falls next on the desk beside his junior's bed, the one allotted to him to use, and pauses. Normally meticulous about his notes and study material, it is disconcerting to see the way Sebek has left his books haphazardly open and scattered. His line of sight climbs, meeting the familiar calm, assessing gaze of Malleus' portrait, and halts.
Silver has never thought of Malleus as an untouchable being. Hard to do so when you have spent your early days playing with said untouchable being, tugging on his robes to show him the small animals that inevitably scattered once they saw him.
Still, looking at the portrait Silver cannot help but feel like he'll be at the recieving end of a lightning strike. Portrait Malleus has that particular set to his face, one that some may call regal and refined but Silver has come to distinctly know as displeased.
A pointed cough breaks him out of his daydreams, and Silver turns to see Sebek standing at the door, arms crossed across his chest in a defensive position and eyes averted.
Silver does not say a word; not about the state of Sebek's corner of the room, not about the faint traces of a failed cloaking spell he senses from the portrait. All he does, is step forward to lead the youngest of their little family to where the two older faes are waiting for him.
Malleus' room is dim, when they reach it. The door is left slightly ajar for them, and from within, Sebek and Silver can hear hushed whispers. Silver knocks, opening the door fully as he announces their presence, and Sebek automatically turns his gaze to the floor.
Lilia glances over at the two, a subtle nod of his head allowing them passage to where Malleus sits on his bed, blanket loosely tucked around his hips.
It is completely silent, save for the rustle of sheets and Silver's gentle footsteps and Sebek swallows, for silence has never sat well with him.
Thankfully, it is broken fairly quickly by the familiar low drawl of Malleus' voice. He calls Sebek by name, and shame crawls up the younger's spine as he finds himself walking towards his liege as though in a trance of obedience.
His mind screams he is unworthy; his heart whines not to be cast aside regardless.
Sebek dares not look at Malleus. Not when Silver coaxes him with a hand on his shoulder to sit at the edge of Malleus' bed, not when Lilia asks him how he has been, remarking that its been a while since Lilia has been able to hear his voice booming through the halls of Diasomnia.
Not until Malleus himself reaches out to grasp his arm and bring him closer.
When Sebek does look up, he sees only care and concern in Malleus' eyes. The very same eyes that have haunted his dreams ever since the assassination attempt, accusing him of neglecting his duties. Of failing his liege.
And that is the final straw for the young half-fae, who ends up crying.
Sebek doesn't know how it happens, but he soon finds himself in Malleus' arms, the older threading his fingers through his hair. Lilia and Silver close in around them, silent anchors for the both of them as Sebek sobs like the scared little kid he has felt all this while. Later, once he is well-rested and emotionally adjusted, he may feel embarrassed by the way he fists his hands into his liege's shirt, but at the moment, all Sebek can do is cry in his arms.
Silver notices Lilia discreetly rubbing away a tear, allowing the bat fae his privacy as he turns his gaze back to Malleus and Sebek. That does not keep him from leaning the slightest bit more against his father, a wordless reassurance that everything will be fine.
