SUMMARY: You return home late, which pisses of your husband but when he gets to know the reason things take an unexpected turn and you end up receiving one of the best and most satisfying birthday gifts ever.
CONTENT WARNING: [18+ mdni]: yandere : toxic behaviour and relationship : possesive and obsessive behaviour : established relationship : angst : hurt/comfort : emotional neglect : misogyny : mentions of cheating in the past
WC: 1.7k
an; this is not proofread! Also this is a part 2 of this
“Where the fuck have you been?”
That was the first thing you heard when you finally returned, you were somewhat expecting it considering how late it was and out of your character. But still you had hoped and wished for him to not be at home as he was not most of the time.
He looked at the back of your head as you were heading towards the grand staircase and had stopped frozen hearing his voice.
He had been waiting for you for quite some time now, after knowing you had not returned since evening and he was not used to be waiting for anyone, he was a very impatient man. He wanted and needed everything instantly when he demanded for it, if it crossed his mind it better be in front of him too.
So, imagine his reaction when he returned at evening calling out your name all over the mansion and heard no response from you only to get to know from the staff that you had left for somewhere, and that too without telling him or getting his permission, the rage he had felt was almost murderous.
You were very pliant and always took his permission before going anywhere, as you should. You were not much of a trouble and honestly he loved that, he loved that you always did what he asked for, always asked for his permission, that you were entirely under his control, wrapped around his finger. He even boasted about your obedience in his circle, taking pride in you.
He hated losing control and being wrong about anything, so he better not be wrong about you and you better not start acting out of line and disobeying him.
“I asked you a question,” he said, taking a step towards the staircase where you stood. “Where were you?”
“Out.”
A hint of anger and irritation passed his eyes when he heard that. “I fucking know that, but out where?” He asked through his clenched teeth, stepping closer.
“I was out with my friends” you said with an exhausted sigh, “We went out for dinner.”
“With your friends?” he repeated, seething. “You left this house, without telling me, without taking any of my men with you, looking like a fucking whore, to go to dinner with your friends, and that too this late? Do you have any fucking idea what time it is.”
You felt his hands wrap around your wrist as he towered over you, looking down at you but you only avoided his gaze, looking to your side without any response. “I called you like 50 times, you would know if you cared to check your phone.”
You did know and that was the sole reason you had switched off your phone. “My phone died so I am really sorry I couldn't check it.”
You felt his warm breath against your face, as his hands wandered around your waist and hips, as he touched your hair. “And why did you dress so cheaply? Do I get you expensive stuff to decorate your closet?”
“It was a birthday and they had a theme so–”
“I don't give a fuck it was birthday or whatever” he cut you off, his voice gravelly. “If your friends want to celebrate, they can do it without you. And if you wanted to go out, you should have asked for permission like you always do.”
He knew who your friends were, similar wealthy background girls like you, politicians and businessmen daughters and he had no issues with them, most of the time atleast but if you were going to behave like this just to hang out and meet with them, he was definitely going to have problems with them and you would end up suffering instead.
“You don't leave without my say so. Do you understand me? And if not I will lock you in your room, then keep crying.” He said tilting his face to the side to meet yours at your eye level, only for you to turn to the other side again, nodding.
You hated looking at his eyes, they were really sharp, predatory and cold. In the beginning of your marriage when you used to it made you feel so uneasy and scared, slowly you learnt to avoid his gaze and directly looking at his face.
That way it was easier to deal with him, if not whatever you have learnt and kept yourself out together it would come crashing down in one go and you didn't want that happening.
“There are people out there always trying to put a bullet through my head, get me dead, get something they can use against me. Do you have any idea how easy it would be for someone to take you off the street?”
“You're supposed to be where I can see you–”
He stopped abruptly, turning around as the large front door of the estate opened, flooding in the light from the outside as the driver you had taken for yourself walked in, arms full of and laden with things with different colours, gift wrappings, shopping bags from high end boutiques and brands.
He stared at the bags and the gifts as the driver walked towards you two. Slowly, he turned his head back to you.
“What is this now? You went shopping too?”
“No,” you said, rubbing your arm feeling a wave of anxiousness as you took in a breath before speaking “They're from the birthday party.”
“Whose birthday party?” He asked, picking up a small rectangular shaped gift box from the pile from the driver's arms.
“Mine.”
Happy Birthday, my darling. My sweetest, prettiest baby girl in this whole world, dad loves you alot. — Dad.
He read it simultaneously, the card attached to it as that one word left your mouth and everything came crashing down to him as he felt like he was thrown in a cold lake on a harsh winter night.
Fuck.
He had forgotten.
He had forgotten your birthday.
“Today…. today was your birthday?” He asked as if still in disbelief as he looked at you with this weird look which you had never seen on his face and you didn't know if you wanted to deal with it right now. Why did it matter if it was your special day or not, for him it was like any other day.
“Yes” you said simply, turning back towards the stairs, your hand gripping the banister. “I am going to bed, I am really tired also I am sorry I should have told you beforehand.”
“Wait”
His hand shot out, catching your wrist. But he didn't pull you back with his usual rough force. His grip was loose, his fingers gentle on your skin.
“Wait a second’ he said again, his voice getting heavier.
You stopped, looking down at his hand on your wrist, then up at his face, not really knowing what to do and what to say, honestly it didn't hurt you that he didn't remember it, because you never had that kind of expectation from him.
"Baby," he whispered.
The word “baby” came out clumsy and sounded really weird to your ears. The word felt incredibly strange coming from his mouth.
He was not an affectionate guy or the one to use pet names as that, he usually called you woman or wife when he was angry, when he was pulling your clothes over your head in the dark after returning home late and straight up coming to fuck you.
Even when he used words like that, which was a rare occurrence, it was to mock you or try to get you into bed. Right now the way he spoke that word was completely different, it almost sounded affectionate and intimate, like he loved you, his voice had a hint of desperation, which was not like him at all.
“I am…I am–” he stammered trying to get the word sorry out of his mouth which was stuck in his throat, he felt like he should say it but it was not coming out.
He didn't even remember the last time he had said sorry to someone,that too sincerely but right now his heart and mind both shouted together for him to say out that word to you, he didn't know why, he didn't know why this heavy feeling had settled in his chest when he realised he missed such an important day of yours, was this guilt? Is this how it felt like?
Sorry was like a cuss word to him but still he couldn't help himself as those words left his mouth.
“I…” He swallowed hard, his eyes searching yours. “I forgot. I am ... fuck it. I am sorry.”
You stared at him, completely frozen as those words left his mouth, so strange and awkward.
I am sorry?
Had you heard him right?
He had never said those words to you. Not when he stayed out all night with other women, not when he yelled at you for things you didn't do, not when he forced you to stay home when you wanted to see your family. He never apologized for his actions, never.
So, how could you believe him even if he was standing on the bottom step of the stairs, looking up at you with wide, desperate eyes, telling you that he was sorry.
“I didn't mean to, I swear to God” he rambled, his voice growing faster, more frantic as he saw the lack of reaction on your face. He stepped up onto the stair, bringing himself closer to you as he kept rambling.
“It's fine you don't need to worry too much.” You whispered not knowing what else to say.
“No, it's not fine!” he said, his voice rising. He leaned closer, his forehead pressing against yours, his warm skin touching yours as the breath of you two mixed with each other, the similar way your feelings were tangling with his, messy and unsure.
“It's your birthday. I should have... I should have been there with you the whole day. I should have taken you out. What do you want? Tell me what you want, and I'll get it for you right now.”
“I don't want anything” you said, your eyes slipping shut as you touched his face reassuringly.
“Don't say that” he said as his voice sounded pleading, thumbs brushing against your cheekbones. His touch was so gentle it felt almost foreign.
“Anything you want. Anything, jewellery, bags, anything I mean it, you just name it. Or a trip? We can go to Paris to celebrate your birthday, or anywhere else, wherever you want.”
He was offering you everything he had, trying to buy his way out of the suffocating guilt that was weighing him down in his heart for some god forsaken reason, and because he was feeling like that for the first time he didn't know how to act and what to do or deal with this strange feeling.
But you didn't want anything he was offering to you.
Though you were not going to lie, the word divorce did flash in your mind for a second but even you knew that offer was not on the table.
As promotional videos for linkon’s favourite hunters come out, so do the people they're protecting. (lmfaooo) AKA: Fan-edits of you are made and Xavier isn't happy!
A popular vlogger uploads an episode of their near-death encounter with a wanderer, and the hunter that rescues them. AKA: the comments start thirsting over you and caleb finds out
thank you to everyone who has supported <3
summary: in which you’re injured and the lads boys find out about it (kinda).
ft. xavier, zayne, rafayel, sylus, caleb & valko
notes: suggestive content so MDNI / NSFW, xavier’s a little evil, zayne’s a little silly, rafayel is losing it, sylus is #upset, caleb is caleb, valko is a little dumb but he has the spirit! fem reader (!!!), minor suggestive comments and allusions to violence (is anyone surprised) that’s it (i think).
p.s. first time doing valko i like him as a loser do we also like him or should i delete my account just lmk!
a/n: GULP i rlly hope you guys like this it was fun to make so I Enjoy it but it’d also be lovely if you did too okok…valko my silly nerd…ty for reading (- -)(_ _)
Whilst being his bodyguard, you attracted a little more attention from his fans than anticipated. AKA: They make fan edits/thirst traps of you and rafayel finds out!
Content. You start dating a guy (total NPC) and it's safe to say the other boys are jealous.
Wc. 5.3k
Would it be crazy that you’re vying for some rando’s love, regardless of the fact that there are 21 other men fighting for you? 21 others who would meet you at the drop of a pin? And you choose the loser who you’ve only talked to for a total of 10 seconds in your entire life?
Well, you don’t know what was going on behind closed doors so you can’t be the one at blame. But that’s why you were so oblivious to everything. From how passive aggressive they’ve been for the last few days and how avoidant they became over the topic of dating.
As much as you’d like to say it’s an exaggeration of some sort for dramatic effect, it really isn’t.
Somehow you don’t notice how much they try to get closer to you— physically or mentally. You also don’t notice how fast they respond to your every beck and call. You slowly start noticing because it feels off. Something just didn’t feel right.
But, on the bright side, you really did like him… in a way at least.
He was nice, attractive and financially well-off. He practically ticked all of your boxes.
The realisation hadn’t hit you on the fact that maybe you admired him a little bit more than just friends. You hadn’t noticed how you started staring at him for longer than usual, thinking about him more and then the thought clicked in your mind that maybe you started to like him.
It’s safe to say they did not like him. To them, he was nothing but an obstacle— a hindrance— but you thought he was everything. They saw the way your pupils dilate when he walks into the room. They notice how you get quiet and just watch him in awe for a solid second before snapping back to reality.
So they knew. They knew before the first time you mentioned this crush, which was at lunch when you were eating with the other first years.
There were hustles and bustles of people shifting around the cafeteria, people going over to sit down or throw away their trash. It was as lively as usual so you thought it would be a good time.
Key word: thought.
“Y’know, I think Atlas is pretty cute,” you suddenly mention.
They all go quiet, multiple pairs of skeptical gazes on you. Their moods almost seem to deflate right in front of you, if you were to actually notice it.
“What? I’m serious,” you emphasise. “He’s totally cute,”
“Atlas? What? Like the guy from Octavinelle?” Deuce clarifies, raising a brow, green eyes darting to you in confusion.
He knows he’s dumb and he sometimes can’t tell if you’re joking but he can’t be this dumb, right?
Oh, how he wishes you were joking.
“Yeah, and I was thinking if you guys could help me,” you add on, biting your lip as you fiddled with your food.
If you were able to read minds, you would know how much they are fighting to say ‘fuck no’ straight to your face.
“How?” Jack asked, ears perking up.
“I don’t know. Maybe you guys could talk to him, invite him to the table or whatnot and maybe I can get to know him better,” you respond, crossing your arms on the wooden table.
“Wouldn’t that be a little awkward?” Ace mentions, as if he even cares that much.
“Not if you don’t make it awkward,” you reply with a little too much sass than you intended originally. “And I think it’ll be beneficial to start joining the dating game since we’re all technically adults.”
“Sure, I guess,” Epel murmurs.
“I think that sounds amazing [name]!” Ortho’s the only one who seems excited by your announcement. And he’s also the only one that’s willing to stay with you for longer than 5 minutes.
You were on the grassy field with him, disappointedly eating your apple with such roughness that your teeth threatened to fall off. The frustration had started to colonise your mind. You didn’t know everything would just go so horribly so quickly, and furthermore, you didn’t even know why.
They avoided you as if you were the plague, like a disease that nobody wanted to touch. But you’re not. If you were, you would know and at least understand but you’re not.
Venting to Ortho helped a lot with the pain. He was so sweet and caring. Maybe because he can’t necessarily experience jealousy.
“I-I just don’t know; it’s like I did something that upset everyone,” you say, sighing to yourself as you picked at the core of the apple. “Why do men have to be so confusing? It’s like everyday there’s something new and I don’t know what’s going on— I never do.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll come around soon!” He’s so cheerful when he says it that it makes you pause.
…Does he know? He sounds sure. Too sure.
“What do you mean by that?” you tilt your head and give him a perplexed expression, almost accusing him of something.
He panics.
“Uh, I meant— they’re going to get out of this phase! Yeah! That’s what I meant!” His tone is shaky and you can see the fear rushing through his robotic wires. He floats backwards and says, “I’ll get going now! I think Idia is calling me!”
His robotic frame gets smaller the more he walks away before ultimately disappearing from your line of vision.
You sit uncomfortably on the grass, feeling the sharp prickles of the blades stab at your thigh. Well, that wasn’t weird at all…
—
The next day feels the same. No one stops for you. No one speaks to you.
At lunch, you end up eating alone. The room isn’t quiet but it feels like it is, save for the hushed murmurs and the occasional glance your way. You pretend not to notice, like it isn’t making you go crazy.
At this point, everyone knows that something is up, whether it’s from just observing you or from gossip that’s spread like wildfire.
You’re not even sure who the leak is and why they could possibly want to out you like this, but somehow, a huge chunk of the student body knows about your silly little crush. So it didn’t take long for your actual crush to know.
It makes you uneasy. However, no one’s mentioned it directly to your face… not until you receive a message.
It’s the housewarden of Savanaclaw that decides to dip himself into the waters to test it.
[Leona]: so, how’s it going with that guy?
[You]: It’s been going fine. I really do think it might work out.
[Leona]: …do you?
[You]: Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I?
[Leona]: Hm.
[You]: What’s that supposed to mean?
[Leona]: Nothing. Just doesn’t sound very convincing.
[You]: And you’d know?
[Leona]: I’ve heard people in arranged marriages sound more convincing than you. You should learn from them.
[You]: I didn’t ask for your opinion.
[Leona]: didn’t say you did, but you’re still trying to prove it to me anyway.
That one sends you over the edge.
[You]: I know what I feel. And what I feel is love.
[Leona]: …sure, keep telling yourself that, herbivore.
The attitude was so palpable, even through the damn screen you felt it. You don’t know what’s gotten with everyone but you don’t like it. From the way they start to divert their gazes to being seemingly more impatient.
When you used to ask Ace to hang out, he’d always be there for you but all of a sudden he’s always busy, despite not caring for academics. It’s the same with almost everyone from the first years, second years and even the third years.
Even Kalim, the epitome of sunshine, seems a bit destroyed. The ones you thought would’ve at least been there like Lilia, Trey and Malleus were all gone. Actually, some still didn’t mind spending time with you, but it was awkward— tenser than the usual, effortless conversations that used to flow naturally.
Then, you come across Atlas in the hallways and he stops you.
“[Name], I heard…” he trails. “And I was just thinking that maybe we can have a date on the weekends?”
The request blows your mind. What do you even say to that? Do you kneel and beg for marriage? Or do you just stand there?
Nonetheless, you keep your composure and act like this isn’t totally life changing. “Yes, absolutely, just text me the place and time.” You smile politely.
“I need your phone number then,” he pulls out his phone and you two exchange numbers swiftly to prevent blocking the hallway for too long.
You try not to break out in happy tears as you hug your device to your chest, because you feel that maybe there is some ounce of hope for you in the future of your love life.
—
Taking a sharp inhale, your knuckle taps on Vil’s door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Then, with a soft click opens the door, you see him in all his glory.
“Vil, can you please help me pick a dress for my date?” you interlock your hands together to beg, puppy eyes gracing your face.
He’s reluctant, but he says yes anyway since he can’t reject you.
The process was strenuous. It was no, after no, after no, after no. Almost every dress felt like it wasn’t approved by both parties.
You came out with what felt like the millionth dress, which was for some reason, latex. It was tight but hugged your curves enough to flaunt it. Regardless of the fact that Atlas might like it, you definitely didn’t— it just way too tight and felt suffocating.
“What about this one?” You look at yourself in the mirror.
“That’s… no,” he replies, trying to cover the blush on his face. He gets closer to you, adjusting the hem and neckline, fingers lightly hovering over your skin.
Then you tried a few more on and found the perfect one. It was comfortable enough for long wear and proper enough.
“I think this is the best option,” you say.
“Probably, do you want me to do your make up as well?” he offers, opening his make up bag full of expensive brands that would normally cost you an arm & leg. For him, it’s probably just pocket change though.
You were all dolled up— wearing the dress you’ve spent a boatload of money on and the makeup that was applied using Vil’s expertise and expensive tools.
There’s a deep, gnawing pit in the blonde boy’s stomach as he tries his best to not crash out. He knows the feeling of jealousy but this was something different. Envy? Anger?
He clenches his jaw while the blank expression in his optics blur. His mind trails into dreamland where you’re not skipping off happily into another man’s arms, but into his. He’s the one that hugs you and touches you and kisses you, not some loser from Octavinelle.
But it’s not. He wakes up to the same reality he dreads everyday where you’re not his.
—
The date goes smoothly, with you finally having your first kiss with him and learning more about each other. Apparently, he enjoys practically everything you do— a match made in heaven. He watches the same shows, listens to the same music, and has the same taste in food.
Leaves crunch under your heels, skies dark, humming to yourself in satisfactory success, you accidentally trip over a sleeping body, leading you to fall forward and land on top of the perpetrator.
“I-I’m so sorry!” You were quick to get up, hardly noticing who you’ve bumped into.
“What the— don’t worry about it herbivore,” he changes his tone as soon as he realises who you were.
“Leona?” You look at him.
“Herbivore?” there’s a smirk on his face. “How was your date with that… guy?”
He cringes.
“It went great and I think it might actually be… official?” you answer, a twinge of excitement intertwined.
The rolls of his eyes don't go unmissed. “Are you really sure this is what you want, herbivore?” Leona asks, unconvinced.
“Yes!”
He grumbles.
“Leona! I— are you jealous?” You snort, the word comes out acidic but unavoidable.
He grunts. “So what if I am?” he spits back, voice a little harsher than before.
This makes you tilt your head. Fuck. That’s when everything clicked for you. You’re so stupid.
“Leona, I-I’m sorry…” you step back.
“Huh, you’re starting to get it now,” he clicks his tongue, watching as the realization seeps into your pores.
“B-but why?” You query.
“You can figure that out,” he leaves the room, allowing you to sit in your own thoughts.
It takes your slow brain a while to comprehend everything.
That’s when you decided to confront each dorm. Even though you technically don’t know who’s at fault. But logically, it’s not fair if they’re so upset by something like this. They don’t have to be your everything.
First was Heartslabyul, where Ace & Deuce usually were at this ime.
hour but it was Riddle who opened the door for you. You hate the disappointed look in his eyes but you’ve gotta stand your ground too.
“Riddle, can we talk?” you plead.
He stares you up and down, his soft features beaming under the light. It makes you realise how gorgeous he actually was. But you snap out of it.
It’s not the time.
“Sure, come in,” he answers, opening the door wider for you.
You let yourself in, spotting Ace & Deuce playing poker together, Cater scrolling on magicam, and Trey baking something of some sorts— the wafts of baked goods coming in soft waves.
Turning around, you grab Riddle’s hand and squeeze it tightly. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”
His ears perk up. “For?”
“Y’knoww…” you bite your lip. “Forr dating Atlas since I know you don’t approve of him.”
That’s the moment before everything goes south. The conversation started to falter when more parties started to get involved.
“If you were really sorry, you wouldn’t have gone on a date with him!” Ace debates.
“But I didn’t know and it’s my life, I deserve to live it how I want,” you argue.
“Yes but you’re our friend, [name].” He says. “I-I don’t want to lose you,”
“Ace, I’m not dying! I’m just going on a few dates with this guy and—” you start raising your voice higher in hopes that he’s going to understand.
He cuts you off. “But you’ve been ditching us so much lately,”
“Because you’re avoiding me?” you question.
“We have not. We try to talk to you but you’re stuck thinking about him in your own thoughts,” Deuce adds.
You dislike how they’re pinning the blame on you despite the fact that they’ve been doing exactly what they accuse you of doing. The hypocrisy makes you reel.
“I know you’re jealous but seriously, I want to live my own life outside of you guys… I’m sorry,” you shake your head in disbelief.
“Ace, that’s enough,” Trey scolds.
“Aww, it was just getting good!” Cater whines, finally looking up from the screen.
“Cater,” Riddle calls him out, causing him to immediately shut up.
“I-I just came here to tell you guys that I’m thinking about making it official with him and—” you explain, only to be cut off by an annoyed Ace.
“There you go again!” his brows furrow, jaw tightening. He soon storms off and slams the door behind him, sending all the furniture shaking. “It’s like you don’t even listen!” his yells can still be heard.
“You guys can’t be this jealous,” you shake your head, plopping down onto the cushions of the couch.
“[Name], I really do think you should reconsider,” Riddle’s voice is stern when he talks.
“Hey, it’s her life,” Trey supports you.
They all look at him in betrayal. They swore he was not on your side.
“Thank you!” You say, gratefulness eminent in your words.
“But I really do think you should rethink this,” Trey opposes his previous statement. “There’s better out there,”
His tone is warm, loving even. He truly does care about you and doesn’t want to just let you make choices that you’ll regret.
“Yeah, I can’t imagine you betraying me for someone else,” Cater hugs you, the heat of proximity radiating from his body onto yours.
Maybe they’re right. It might not be the best time to start dating and the pool is vast. There’s so much more to life than this and if dating this guy means sacrificing your entire friends list, maybe it’s not worth it.
You’re conflicted.
The walk to Savanaclaw was stressful. Mind racing like formula cars in the last lap, switching between your relationship or your friends. This only leads your trepidation to increase. Adrenaline rushed through your veins as there’s no telling what the future may hold.
“Hey [name]! How’s your relationship going?” The hyena boy’s voice is cheery as he greets you. “Are ya’ here to see Jack?”
“No, I, kinda?” you stutter, not able to make coherent sentences. “Listen, I’m just asking for some input before my relationship with you-know-who escalates.”
Your approach is different.
“My input?” disbelief washes over his face.
“Yeah,” you confirm.
He thinks with a hand on his chin as if he’s in a cartoon. “I don’t really think you should date at all y’know. Maybe you should wait until like graduation or something.” His hands go outwards into a shrug. “But it’s all up to you! After all, it’s not just my business. Hope this guy’s really worth the time though,”
He flees the scene, light footsteps as he disappears into the dark.
The last part of his speech lingers in the back of your mind. Nonetheless, meeting Ruggie was so much more refreshing than you thought. It was nice to meet someone who had a more positive outlook on life despite totally rejecting your relationship in its entirety.
Jack’s eyes dart from you onto the ground. He pretends as if he doesn’t see you, only worsening the growing guilt inside you.
“Jack, it’s been a while,” you start the conversation. “How are you?”
He breathes. “Good, what do you need?”
The shift in his words are a tell-tale sign. The ‘good’ seems forced, as if it’s far from what he’s showing.
“I just wanted to ask you if you approve of my relationship with Atlas, since not many of you do apparently…” explained by you.
He puts down the book he was reading, or at least looking at. “I think it’s fine,”
“What?”
“Yeah but I don’t know what he’s like so I can’t tell you if I approve or not,” he pauses. “But if he does anything, please tell me,”
It makes your heart melt.
“Thanks Jack
It’s like they all have the same script (like that stupid AI study tool ads by college students). You would’ve spoken to Leona, but he was nowhere to be seen so you just decided to leave it and continue onto the next dorm.
He would’ve said something like: “do whatever you want, but don’t come crying if something goes wrong,” and you don’t really feel like dealing with the guilt trip.
Octavinelle, alone, was one of the worst experiences mainly because of Floyd.
He’d been so obviously rampaging everywhere and anywhere, seeing you only made it worse. At this point, the
“Ehh Shrimpy, what’re you doing here?” he moans with an absolute look of despair. “Don’t you have a date to get to?”
“Not anymore, but I do want to ask you about it,” you answer calmly, hoping it’ll be reflected onto him or something.
“Yer’ literally ditching us for lower class octavinelle guy, he’s ooo boooorringg like there’s better in this dorm ya’ know?” he holds his neck with that terrifying glare that drills holes into you.
You opened your mouth to speak.
Then, Azul appears with Jade from the dark. “Hmm… what is this about?” he is beaming, hands behind his back like he’s some sort of master from a martial arts movie.
“I was just gonna ask your guys’ opinion on Atlas… before I date him officially or something,” you mumble.
That seems to be enough to calm Floyd down.
“Well, why didn’t ya’ say so Shrimpy?!” he cheers, going over to give you a tight squeeze… that knocks all the oxygen out of your lungs.
Luckily, it’s only brief so you’re dropped very soon, left to choke on air.
“That’s good to hear,” the corner of Jade’s lips tug. “I do hope he’s suitable for you if you do choose him.”
“Yes, but I don’t think that’s happening if a majority of everyone disagrees,” you state.
The blue-haired boy fights back the smirk. “Very well, then I don’t think you need our input.”
“Well, I might need more than just a simple yes or no,” you add.
Jade and Azul exchanged a brief glance, but it’s Floyd who speaks first.
“I just don’t wanna share you, Shrimpy~” Floyd reasons, hands wrapped around your waist to give you a back hug and his head resting atop yours.
You facepalm, sighing. “That can’t be your reason, Floyd.”
“Well it is,” he giggles, nuzzling his nose into your neck.
“If this individual brings you benefits then I see no issue,” Azul claims. “But I do wonder what he has that makes him so special.”
You sigh for the umpteenth time. “He’s nice, shares the same interests with me and pretty well-off so…”
“How interesting, I didn’t know that was your type but I do hope he is worthy of your attention,” Jade forces a grin.
“But he’s soo boring. Just dump him,” Floyd groans, feeling a bit upset that his twin and boss aren’t convincing you to ditch him.
“Well, thanks guys, I’ll get going now…” you pry off the eel’s arms and dash out the door.
They stared as you ran off, murmuring amongst themselves that you have no idea if you want to hear or not.
Now you’re off to Scarabia. The first thing you saw as soon as you stepped past the threshold was Jamil cooking in the kitchen, seemingly pretty occupied by something.
“Jamil?” you peep past the wall.
He turns his head. “[Name]...”
“May I come in?” you ask.
“Yeah, but Kalim’s been pretty upset recently so I’m not sure if he can—” he starts talking again, only for you to interrupt.
“That’s exactly why I’m here. I don’t think everyone exactly agrees with me and I just wanted to know what everyone thought about it.” You answer.
“Do you even know him that well? How do you know he’s not lying?” Jamil asks, expertly cutting the vegetables on the board. “Why are you even asking me this?”
The question comes out passive-aggressive. You don’t know if he actually meant it that way or what but frankly, you feel offended that he would ask such a thing.
“Jamil, I hold you very dear to me and I can’t just let something like this get between us,” you get closer to him.
He takes a deep breath. “It’s none of my business and it’s your life,”
You hate how he avoids your gaze— how he refuses to just spare you a glance. So, out of pure frustration and anger, you grab his wrists and force him to look you in your eyes.
“Jamil, you’re precious to me. What don’t you understand about it? I love you,”
His heart thumps louder. “Of course I’m upset.” He finally admits. “I don’t like seeing you with him.
Well, that’s out of the way. That’s 12 votes against you and Atlas. Only 9 more to go! At this point you probably should’ve given up on hoping for at least 1 person to agree with you. Not just saying that it’s your life, but also on the whole relationship itself.
You offered Jamil to deliver Kalim’s food since it seemed appropriate at the time and you owed the vice-housewarden some grace.
Kalim’s defeated. Stumped. Dejected.
There’s barely enough words to describe how he barely has enough energy to move and his eyes are blood-shot red.
“Why are you ditching us for him? I miss you a lot, [name].” Kalim says in between his sobs and sniffles.
“We can still hang out,” you say empathetically. “Hey, I’ll stop talking to him if it bothers you so much,”
“Really? I-I thought it was gonna be okay but I don’t like you with him,” you can hear the pain in his throat as he spoke.
“Very well then,” was the last thing you said before departing to Pomefiore.
Rook hid in the trees, waiting for you, knowing that you were coming. He immediately jumped out from seemingly nowhere and greeted you, making you jump.
“Bonjour trickster! What brings you here today?” The blonde asks.
“GAH— ROOK! You can’t just come outta nowhere and scare me like that!” You scold him, pinching your nose bridge in disappointment. “But, I was here to ask if you would support me dating Atlas?”
“Absolutely! Love is a magnificent force… yet I do wonder, does he truly see your beauty in all its glory?” He twists the sentence to bring your hopes up to break it all down in an instant.
“He does, thank you very much,” you say sarcastically.
“Will you be staying here for long? I do not mind sharing a bed with you!” He excitedly says.
“No, I’m sorry but I’m only here to check up on everyone,” you respond, before saying your goodbyes and rushing to Epel’s room.
There’s a soft whisper of “to think someone stands in where I wish to be…” from him as soon as you’re out of earshot.
Epel’s probably one of the more furious ones— you can see it in his soft features but he tries his best not to.
“So… what do you think?” you ask.
“You could do way better than him y’know,” Epel says. “He’s not the only one that can make ya’ happy,”
“I know, I know.” You repeat. “Do you know where Vil is… since I need to talk to him about this as well,”
“He’s out doing some shoot,” Epel replies, short and firm.
“Oh…” you blink. “Alright, I’ll get going then.”
Idia’s the one you’re most neutral about. He’s frightened and annoyed all in one emotion. He’s made peace with the fact that you’re not his to claim but annoyed with you for not noticing… or for him not trying.
He opens the door only by a bit— enough to see tiny parts of you and for the sound to come through.
“[N-name], what are you here for?” He speaks in a terrified tone.
“Idia, can we talk?” Your voice comes from the other side.
He swore the hairs on the back of his neck stood up, and his blue hair flared dramatically.
“A-about what?” His sentences are executed in short stutters.
“Let me in then I’ll tell you,” something in your tone is sharp and condescending that scares Idia even more, but it works…
He opens the door wider with reluctance.
“W-what do you want to talk about?” He asks, retreating back to his gaming chair, watching you carefully.
“I wanted to talk about my relationship with Atlas,” you explain yourself.
“Oh, right. Your boyfriend. Good for you,” he mutters.
“Not yet my boyfriend,” you correct him.
“Cool,” he replies, only building the awkwardness more.
“Do you approve? Cus it seems to me like you don’t,” you state.
He feels the pressure you’re exerting onto him. “Uh— I mean… it’s not like I care about who you hang out with or—”
Your patience wears thin. “Cut the crap Idia. Just tell me if you’re upset or not,”
“Y-yeah, I am… I guess,” his words are soft and almost missed but you heard it.
With every dorm, it felt like your whole world shattered and collapsed onto you. So far, only Rook seemed to be the only one that might’ve accepted it, while the rest were more… in disbelief.
Lastly, Diasomnia seemed to be the most daunting one to overcome. Despite your fear of Malleus being relatively low, you’re kinda risking Atlas’s life.
Jealousy does not suit them, but there’s still a nagging question in your mind that wonders if they’re actually looking out for you or trying to keep you for themselves.
The first one you spotted was Sebek, training casually in the yard, sweating buckets as he continuously struck the mannequin with his sword.
“Hey,” you walked from behind, startling him.
“HUMAN!” He jumps back, spinning on his heel and ready to attack, but he’s quick to halt as soon as he notices it’s you. “WHAT DO YOU NEED, HUMAN?”
“You can stop screaming Sebek,” you glare at him with uninterested eyes. “Anyways, I really need to ask you something.”
“What is it?” He calms down.
“Do you think me and Atlas make a cute couple?” You ask.
“That human is untrustworthy!” He whisper-screams. “Do not be with him!”
“Oh geez, okay…” you hadn’t expected him to be so straight-forward but it’s Sebek so you should’ve known better.
“I think you can do better!” He states as a matter of fact.
“Like…?” You raise a brow.
He blushes. “LIKE— LIKE— MALLEUS!” He yells.
“Woah,” your mouth is left agape.
“I-I MEAN YOUR STANDARDS SHOULD BE MALLEUS!” Panic rises in his voice.
“Yep, I got it the first time,” you say. “I’m gonna go find Silver now,”
“OKAY,”
Honestly, you forgot how overstimulatingly loud Malleus’s biggest simp can be.
Silver was the next person you wanted to interview, despite the fact that he’s probably sound asleep somewhere.
He was, true to your word, asleep peacefully on the ground. Your footsteps are light as you tried to prevent him waking up, but he catches it anyway and starts to wake up.
“[Name]...” he groans.
“Silver?” You turn around, quick to rush over to him and kneel to his level. “Are you okay?”
“Y-yeah, but what are you doing here?” he blinks awake.
“I wanted to ask what you think of me dating this guy… his name is Atlas and,” you pause.
“I know, and if it makes you happy, then I approve.” Silver says.
“Thanks Silver,” you pat him before walking away.
He seemed… disingenuous? It plagued your mind for a good few seconds until the mischievous black-pink haired man decided to jumpscare you.
“LILIA!” you screamed.
“Hahaha! What’s up, [name]? Boy, do I miss your adorable, surprised face,” he’s smiling ear to ear.
“I-I’m glad you missed me… especially since you’ve been avoiding me,” you whisper the last part.
“I haven’t, or maybe I have. Anyways, what are you here for?” He shoots the same question that everybody’s asked.
You explain. Again.
“Does he make you happy?” A more mature side of him comes out, showing the centuries of experience he has.
“He does,” your response does not warrant the most positive reaction from him.
“Be careful with who you hang out with, not everyone is worth your time,” he grins, pretending he didn’t say the most puzzling sentence in history.
Malleus wasn’t far away
“You seem happy with him,” hornton replies.
You press your lips into a thin line. “I am, but I won’t be if everyone objects,”
“I cannot lie that I wasn’t hoping it would be different,” Malleus states.
“What do you mean?” You tilt your head.
“I would’ve preferred if you chose someone else, child of man.” He elucidates.
Walking out of the final dorm, you let out an exhausted breath of air, not realising how suffocating the day had gone. Amongst the crunches of the leaves beneath you lies the sound of a notification from your phone.
[Atlas]: hey, i’m sorry but i think this is not gonna work out…
After waking up from what was almost a coma, failing to recognize his own girlfriend, avoiding you like the plague, passing out again, and finally waking up with only fragments of what happened, your boyfriend now has to deal with the overwhelming embarrassment… and earn your forgiveness.
# A/N: I got really sick these past two months holy moly 💔 but I’m back, WORK’S STILL FUCKING ME, also really sad w the world cup (despite not really liking football that much). hope y’all are doing well :)
LEONA KINGSCHOLAR
“Got something to say, Kingscholar?” You crossed your arms, one brow raised as you fixed him with an unimpressed stare.
Normally, you’d step aside and invite him in. But Leona Kingscholar was grounded—banned from entering your dorm for an entire year…Or at least until you got over it, which, admittedly, probably wouldn’t take that long.
“You didn't came to see me after I woke up,” he grumbled. His tail was curled around his thigh, though the tip flicked impatiently against it. “Didn’t even answer my texts.”
“So?” you replied smugly. “I was simply respecting the hierarchy. And besides…” You tilted your head. “What exactly are you doing here?”
Leona gave you a look that clearly conveyed just how ridiculous he found that question, but before he could answer, you continued.
“What would your girlfriend think about this, huh?” You kept a perfectly straight face, even as his ears flattened.
“…What?”
“I heard she’s really pretty. And scary.” The corners of your lips curled into a grin as embarrassment slowly crept across his face. “Wouldn’t she leave you if she caught you hanging around another woman?”
Leona dragged a hand down his face, utterly incredulous that you’d chosen to tease him instead of pretending the entire incident had never happened, which was what he’d been hoping for.
“…You done?” he muttered, sulking.
You smiled, satisfied, before stepping aside to let him in.
AZUL ASHENGROTTO
You had every intention of pretending the whole incident, your boyfriend forgetting, or rather confusing, your face, had never happened. Mostly for the sake of his mental well-being.
Unfortunately, the twins who spent most of their time around him did not share your mercy.
Every single time Jade or Floyd brought it up—and they brought it up often—Azul looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole, no matter how many times you scolded them for teasing him.
You weren’t upset at him. Not even a little. But Azul couldn’t shake the feeling that he needed to make up for it somehow… to prove that he’d never mistake you for anyone else ever again.
“Good morning, my girlfriend.” You blinked, staring at him in confusion. “My girlfriend looks even more radiant today. Have you changed something about your skincare routine?”
Taking your hand, he pressed a gentle kiss to the back of it before smiling. “Would my girlfriend like an energy drink to start the day?”
Jade glanced over from the corner of the room, immediately straightening his posture. He cleared his throat politely. “…I believe I should be going. I suddenly remembered I need to clean the glass on my terrarium.”
MALLEUS DRACONIA
After the rather unfortunate rejection you’d suffered the day before, you decided it would be best to give Malleus some space and wait for the effects of the accident to wear off completely.
You leaned over the sink, humming quietly to yourself as you washed your face. Drying your skin with a towel, you opened your eyes and let out a startled scream.
Malleus immediately turned around as well, assuming you’d been frightened by something else. Realizing your surprise was directed at him, he placed a hand over his chest. “I sincerely apologize for entering without permission… especially after committing such an unforgivable offense—”
You rubbed your eyes, briefly wondering whether you were still asleep, or hallucinating. "What are you..."
“I understand!”
“…Understand what?”
“That my presence has become unwelcome.” Malleus bowed his head, his tail swaying quietly behind him. “I behaved irrationally yesterday. I failed to recognize my own beloved… but even worse…” He lowered his gaze. “I rejected the gift you had chosen so thoughtfully, with my preferences in mind.”
You scratched the back of your head. “Malleus, I was much more worried about your condition than what happen—”
“If you choose to bring our promising relationship to an end…” Your eyes widened, “…I ask only that you reconsider with kindness. If granted another chance, I swear such a mistake shall never happen again.”
“Malleus.” You placed your hands on his shoulders, “Where on earth did you get the idea that I’d break up with you over something so silly? I—” Before you could finish, his arms wrapped carefully around your waist, gently pulling you into an embrace.
Almost instinctively, your hand found its way into his hair, your fingers absentmindedly playing with the soft strands, “You seem much better today.”
The kitchen smelled like vanilla, warm butter, and fresh strawberries, the usual peaceful Saturday afternoon baking session. Trey had his sleeves rolled up, apron dusted with flour. His son sat on a tall stool nearby, little legs swinging back and forth as he watched his father work. But the boy’s mind was clearly elsewhere. He kept glancing toward the doorway that led to the living room, where you were currently resting on the couch with a pillow behind your back.
Trey noticed the distraction and smiled softly, wiping his hands in a towel. “What’s on your mind, buddy? You’ve been quiet today.”
The little boy looked up at him with serious eyes. “Daddy, you have to stop feeding Mommy so many sweets.”
Trey raised an eyebrow, amused. “Oh? And why’s that?”
“Because her belly is getting really huge!” the boy said matter of factly. “and she keeps saying her back hurts. If you keep giving her cake and tarts, she’s gonna get even bigger!”
Trey let out a warm, fond laugh that filled the kitchen. He set the bowl down and crouched slightly so he was closer to his son eye level. “That’s not because of the sweets, kiddo. Mommy’s belly is big because your little sister is growing in there.”
The boy’s eyes widened in pure horror. “Mommy ate my future sister?!”
Trey had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing too hard. He reached out and gently ruffled his son’s hair. “No, no. She didn’t eat her. That’s not how it works.”
The boy tilted his head, clearly confused but now intensely curious. “Then… how did the baby get in there?”
Trey froze for a second.
Ah. The Question.
He had known this day would come eventually. He thought for a long moment, trying to find an explanation that was gentle enough for a child, and wouldn’t get him in trouble with you later for oversharing. Finally, he smiled that calm, reliable dad smile and went with what he knew best.
“It’s kind of like baking.” Trey explained. “When two people love each other very much, like Mommy and I do, they put all their love together, along with some special ingredients. It makes a kind of dough. Then they carefully shape that dough with lots of care and warmth. And after a long time of ‘baking’… a baby comes out, all ready and perfect.”
The boy’s eyes sparkled with sudden understanding. “So… it’s like making a gingerbread man?”
Trey nodded, relieved. “Exactly like that. Except way more special. And instead of cookies, you get a little sister.”
The boy thought about it for a second, then grinned brightly. “Can we make gingerbread men right now? With buttons and everything? I want to make one for my baby sister!”
Trey chuckled and stood up, already reaching for the cookie cutters. “Sure thing. But we have to save some dough for Mommy too. She’s been craving sweets even more lately.”
As father and son started rolling out fresh gingerbread dough together, the dangerous question was successfully avoided. Trey made a mental note to thank the Seven that his son was still young enough to be distracted by baked goods.
Later that evening, when you walked into the kitchen and saw the tray of slightly lopsided gingerbread babies, you raised an eyebrow at Trey. “…Do I even want to know what conversation led to this?”
Trey just smiled innocently and kissed your cheek. “Let’s just say I handled the ‘where do babies come from’ talk with minimal damage.”
Ruggie Bucchi
Ruggie was in the middle of his least favorite chore …laundry… grumbling under his breath about how how is he supposed to fold a panties. He was sorting socks when his little girl walked into the room, clutching his car keys in both hands like they were precious treasure.
He raised an eyebrow. “Oi, what’re you planning with those, kiddo?”
She looked up at him with big, determined eyes and declared. “Daddy, you need to take me to the hospital right now.”
Ruggie’s ears shot straight up. His eyes blew wide in instant panic.
1. Something was wrong with his baby girl.
2. If anything was wrong with her, you were going to kill him, bring him back, and kill him again.
He dropped the laundry basket and crouched down immediately, hands gently checking her forehead, arms, and knees. “What’s wrong?! Does anything hurt? Did you fall? Are you sick? Talk to me, kid!”
His daughter shook her head, looking perfectly fine and a little confused by his reaction. “I’m okay, Daddy.”
Ruggie let out a huge sigh of relief, shoulders slumping. “Then why do you wanna go to the hospital so bad?”
She said it so casually it nearly knocked him over. “To buy me a little sister.”
Ruggie blinked once. Twice.
“…The hospital doesn’t sell kids, kiddo.”
His daughter puffed out her cheeks and pointed an accusing finger at him. “You’re a big liar! I saw it! People walk in with nothing and come out carrying babies!”
Ruggie had to bite down hard on his lip to stop himself from laughing right in her face. His shoulders shook with the effort. This was too good. He tried to keep a straight face. “That’s… not quite how it works.”
She crossed her arms, looking thoroughly annoyed. “Then where do babies come from?”
Ruggie leaned back against the washing machine, grinning that signature sly hyena smile. He shrugged. “Sorry, kid. That kind of top secret information costs a lot. And your little piggy bank doesn’t have nearly enough saved up to buy it from me.”
His daughter stared at him for a long moment, clearly plotting. Ruggie thought he was so smart. He thought he’d bought himself some peace and quiet.
He was wrong.
A few hours later, you walked through the front door and immediately narrowed your eyes at Ruggie, who was now pretending to be very focused on washing the dishes.
“Why…” you asked slowly, “did our daughter just call Leona on the phone asking to borrow money so she could ‘buy information’ from her father?”
Ruggie froze mid fold. His ears flattened. “..She did what now?”
You crossed your arms. “You heard me.”
Ruggie ran a hand down his face, groaning. “That little sneak… I knew she was too smart for her own good.” Ruggie sighed dramatically and flopped against you, wrapping his arms around your waist. “Can’t we just tell her the stork brings them? Or that they grow on trees?”
“You messed up, you solve it.”
He never going to live this one down.
Jade Leech
Jade walked hand in hand with his daughter after he picked her up from kindergarten. He’s listening attentively as she chattered away about her day. His usual polite smile was soft and genuine, these moments with her were some of his favorites.
“We went to the aquarium today, Papa!” she said excitedly, swinging his hand. “We saw big fishes and tiny fishes and, and baby seahorses! They were so small and funny looking!”
Jade nodded, eyes warm with amusement. “That sounds quite fascinating. Did you learn anything interesting about them?”
She nodded vigorously. “The teacher said the daddy seahorse carries the babies and gives birth to them! It looked really silly.”
Jade chuckled softly. “Nature has many curious ways of…”
The little girl suddenly stopped walking and looked up at him with big, innocent eyes. “Papa… did you give birth to me? Just like the daddy seahorse?”
Jade froze mid step.
For once in his life, the ever composed Jade Leech was completely speechless. His eyes widened slightly as he stared down at his daughter. “…Could you repeat that, my dear?” he asked, voice still polite but just a touch strained, hoping he had simply misheard.
She repeated it cheerfully. “The teacher said boy seahorses give birth to the babies. And seahorses are fish, and you’re a fish too, Papa! So you must have given birth to me!”
Jade stood there in stunned silence for several long seconds. He had mentally prepared for many things as a father. The “where do babies come from” question had been on his list, neatly categorized with several age appropriate explanations ready. But this? Not even on the backup list.
He crouched down to her eye level, still maintaining his calm smile with impressive effort. “Humans and merfolk are not quite the same as fish, especially not seahorses.” he explained gently. “Our biology is rather different.”
His daughter tilted her head, blinking up at him with pure curiosity. “Why? Then how dose we do it?”
Jade opened his mouth… then closed it. For the first time in years, he found himself mentally unequipped. He could feel the beginning of a rare headache forming. Thankfully, salvation appeared just ahead.
“Ah!” Jade said smoothly, straightening up and pointing toward a colorful shop across the street. “Look at that. They have your favorite ice cream today. Would you like some?”
The distraction worked instantly. His daughter gasped in delight and the dangerous topic was (temporarily) forgotten as they went to get ice cream.
The next day, Azul came to visit, as he occasionally did. The two were chatting in the living room while your daughter played nearby. At one point, Azul mentioned with a small, proud smile
“Actually, my wife and I have been talking about having one more child.”
Before Jade could respond, his daughter looked up from her toys and said brightly. “So Uncle Azul is gonna give birth soon?”
The entire room went dead silent.
Azul’s teacup froze halfway to his mouth. His face went through several shades of color. Jade’s polite smile twitched dangerously at the corners.
“…I beg your pardon?” Azul asked weakly.
Jade cleared his throat, voice still perfectly polite but with a dangerous edge. “It seems my daughter has developed some… interesting theories after her aquarium trip.”
Your daughter nodded seriously. “Daddy seahorses give birth! And Uncle Azul is…”
Jade quickly stood up. “My dear, why don’t we go see if there’s more ice cream in the kitchen?” As he gently ushered his daughter out of the room, Jade glanced back at Azul with a serene yet terrifying smile.
“We will never speak of this again.”
Kalim Al Asim
It was one of those rare, perfectly peaceful afternoons in the Al-Asim household. No parties. No sudden guests. No emergencies. Just you and Kalim sitting on the mountain of colorful pillows scattered across the living room carpet, chatting about nothing important, how the new fountain in the garden looked, what the kids had drawn that morning, and how lucky you both felt to have such a lively family. Kalim eyes sparkled as he leaned in closer, a bright, affectionate smile on his face. He leaned closer playfully, already tilting his head to kiss you but before his lips could meet yours, a tiny boy burst into the room.
“NOOO!”
Your youngest son sprinted between the two of you and shoved Kalim chest with both little hands, pushing him back with surprising determination for a five year old. Then he immediately climbed into your lap and wrapped his arms tightly around your neck, glaring at his father. “Stay away from Mommy!”
You and Kalim both froze, staring at your son in shock.
“…Sweetie?” You gently patted his back, trying to understand. “What’s going on? Why did you do that?”
The little boy hugged you tighter, burying his face in your shoulder for a moment before turning to glare at Kalim again. “Daddy needs to stop!”
Kalim blinked, looking genuinely hurt and very confused. He had never once raised his voice or laid an angry hand on you. He couldn’t imagine what he’d done wrong.
“Me? What did I do, little treasure?” Kalim asked softly, tilting his head. “Did I make you upset?”
The boy pointed an accusing finger at his father. “You keep kissing Mommy! You have to stop! I don’t want more siblings!”
Both you and Kalim froze again. A long, heavy silence filled the room. You had to press your face into your son’s hair to hide how hard you were trying not to laugh. Kalim’s mouth opened, closed, then opened again.
“…Kissing?” he repeated, blinking rapidly. “Kissing doesn’t make babies, buddy. You don’t have to worry about that.”
The little boy looked at his father like he had just said the sky was green. His eyes started to glisten with frustrated tears. “But Uncle Jamil said kissing makes babies! And Uncle Jamil is really smart! He can’t be wrong!”
Kalim’s jaw dropped.
You finally lost the battle and let out a soft snort of laughter, quickly turning it into a comforting hum as you rocked your son gently. “Shh, it’s okay, baby. Everything’s alright. You’re not getting any more siblings right now. Daddy and I promise.”
The little boy sniffled, but your reassurance seemed to calm him. He stayed glued to your lap for a long time, occasionally shooting protective glances whenever your husband moved too close. Kalim just sat there, still looking stunned.
For the rest of that week, your son appointed himself the official “Kissing Guard.”
Every time Kalim tried to lean in for even a quick peck on your cheek, a tiny body would appear out of nowhere, pushing between you two with dramatic flair. “No kissing! No more brothers and sisters!”
Kalim took it with his usual good humor at first, laughing and ruffling the boy’s hair, trying to negotiate “just one little kiss” but by day four he was dramatically pretending to cry about being “banned from loving his wife.”
You eventually had to sit your son down again and explain that babies don’t appear just because people kiss. He listened, but still remained suspicious of any affection between you and Kalim for a while.
Rook Hunt
Rook was in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, preparing a beautiful lunch. Soft music played in the background as he chopped vegetables. His son walked in with an unusually serious expression on his small face, brows furrowed, lips pressed together, the very picture of a tiny dramatic boy.
Rook’s sharp eyes noticed immediately. He set down the wooden spoon and turned with a warm, attentive smile. “Why such a grave face? Come, tell your Papa what troubles you.”
The little boy stood straight, took a deep breath, and said with all the seriousness a five year old could. “Papa… I’m going to be a father.”
Rook had to use everything not to burst into delighted laughter right then and there. Instead, he crouched gracefully to his son’s eye level, tilting his head with fond curiosity. “Oh? And how did this wonderful event come to pass?”
The boy’s cheeks flushed bright red. He looked down at his shoes, mumbling shyly. “I… I kissed a girl on the cheek.”
Rook’s heart melted into a puddle of pure adoration. He let out a soft, warm chuckle and scooped his son up into his arms, spinning him once before hugging him close.
“Ah, how romantic! A kiss on the cheek is a truly beautiful and noble gesture. However!” he added gently, tapping his son’s nose. “I’m afraid such a sweet little kiss will not make babies.”
The boy blinked up at him, confused. “Why not?”
Rook smiled patiently. “It is a much more complicated and magical process, my son. You are still far too young for such things. When you are older, we can speak of it properly.”
The boy pouted a little, but his curiosity remained.
But Rook’s eyes still sparkled up with pride. “ Who is the lucky girl? Did you treat her like a princess? I certainly hope so! Tell me everything, my little hunter. What is her name? Did you bow properly when…”
The kitchen door opened.
You walked in holding your phone, one eyebrow raised. “Rook…” you said slowly. “why did Vil just called me asking why his daughter came home announcing that she’s going to have a baby… and that our son is the father?”
The room went silent.
Rook kept smiling, that perfect, dazzling smile, but his face slowly drained of all color until he looked almost ghostly pale.
For the first time in recorded history, Rook Hunt whispered
“…Fuck.”
Lilia Vanrouge
Lilia was on the couch, peacefully flipping through a brand new cookbook, his eyes scanned the pages with interest when he heard the familiar tiny feet running. His daughter approached with sparkling eyes and a determined little bounce in her step.
Lilia immediately set the book aside, and scooped her up with a bright grin, settling her comfortably on his lap. “Well, well~ What brings my precious little batling to me with such shining eyes? Come, ask Papa anything!”
The little girl looked up at him seriously. “Papa… I have a question. It’s about babies.”
Lilia took a deep, theatrical breath and puffed out his chest with confidence. This was familiar territory. He had already survived this conversation once with Malleus and once with Silver. He was prepared. He would nail this one.
“Ask away, my dear! Papa knows everything!”
His daughter tilted her head. “Did I come from an egg?”
Lilia raised an elegant eyebrow. “An egg? Now why would you think that?”
“Because big brother Malleus said he came from an egg!”
Lilia’s smile faltered for half a second. He prayed internally that Malleus hadn’t gone into graphic detail about dragon hatching and mating rituals.
“Ah… I see. Well, no, my sweet. You did not come from an egg. Malleus is a dragon, so he hatched from one. But you, my darling girl, are different.”
His daughter nodded slowly, processing this new information. Then she looked up again with big, innocent eyes. “Did you find me in the woods?”
Lilia blinked. Twice. “…No?”
She pouted, crossing her little arms. “But big brother Silver told me you found him in the woods when he was a baby!”
Lilia let out a long, suffering sigh, rubbing his temple with one hand while still holding her with the other. “That… is a very different and rather complicated situation, my dear. I did not pick you up from the woods. You came here through the natural ways that babies usually arrive. If you’d like, I can explain it to you…”
Before he could continue, his daughter suddenly hopped off his lap. “Nope! That sounds boring!” she declared cheerfully. “I’m not interested anymore!”
And with that, she skipped away toward her toys, leaving Lilia sitting on the couch in stunned silence. He stared at the empty space where she had been, cookbook forgotten on the cushion beside him.
“…Boring?” he whispered, genuinely offended. “I was prepared to give her the whole speech!”Lilia slumped back dramatically. “Children these days have no appreciation for a well crafted explanation from an ancient fae…”
