CW: Light Angst, Sickness, Vomiting, Stalking & "Breaking" in (not that Ramshackle has working locks), Overall creepy and mildly (majorly) pathetic behavior from Jade
Jade would consider himself a logical man. He might have his... fun, on occasion, but he prided himself on his strategic thinking and quick wit. This was a product of neither of those.
Being ill in the sea is dreadful. In an environment where being caught lacking can cost you your life, the lethargy and fogginess that comes with it can be deadly. It's not quite as life-threatening in a human body.
Jade had long since decided that it was still far worse to be sick on land. He'd learnt to avoid anything dangerous, but the inevitable virus had seen its way through him, along with a horrid bout of food poisoning after mistakenly identifying a mushroom in the forest. Suffice to say, he took far greater care with what he consumed.
It was similar, and if he wasn't quite so self-aware, he'd have attributed this one to a bad meal as well. But Jade Leech wasn't stupid. At least, he thought so. But now, hunched over a toilet in a far corner of the building, he was starting to rethink it.
It was a completely normal day. He woke up hours before dawn, meticulously tidied his bed and got ready for the day, and made his way out of the dorm. The school wasn't quite open yet- nobody would even be up at the moment, he was perfectly alone. Just as he liked. And, as always, he started his trek towards the recently reinhabited dorm on campus.
He isn't quite aware of when this became part of his routine, but it had wormed it's way into his habit. Every day he has to miss this particular ritual, he finds his head a little less clear, and his chest a little bit tighter.
Something in his head reminds him this isn't normal, but he doesn't listen. Jade Leech is a man who has never cared for 'normal'. He has never been one to abide by any rules, literal or social. And who is he to deny himself his release in the early hours of the day?
The ghosts don't like him. He can understand. Jade isn't oblivious to his own aura. On the contrary, he's the one who's meticulously crafted it. He takes pride in the discomfort his presence brings to those around him.
All except you.
For all his logic, Jade can't help the disappointment he feels when you avoid his gaze. You're short with him- and really, he shouldn't take it personally. You're the same to his brother, and to Azul. You've tried your hardest to avoid them since Azul's... incident.
...
For all his logic, Jade can't help but think you're being unfair. It's not like that was his fault. Sure, he'd found it entertaining to intimidate you, distract you. Found the way you'd helped your friends without a second thought hilarious, but that was all he did. Was it a sin to have some fun?
He drowns out the logical part of his brain when these thoughts come, preferring to blame his long-term friend. Or his brother. It was Azul's plan, after all. So, obviously, Azul's the reason you hate him so much. And his brother was far too rough. He'dade you scared of them.
For all his logic, Jade cannot blame himself for any of your disdain. Even as he slides open the broken window by your room, eyes immediately trained on your sleeping form, any previous thoughts out the window. Even as he leans down to press a long kiss to your hair. He cannot blame himself while he goes through your drawers, and your cheap phone- truly, he could get you a better one if you let him- and your desk, where he grabs a pen and a scarf you'd left by your chair. He can't blame himself as he sneaks back out easily, not leaving a trace.
Not noticing your eyes, stapled open, awake from the jarring feeling of a peck on your head.
For all his logic, he couldn't see it coming. He was careful. Wasn't he? He'd done this every morning for a month now. You'd never noticed. He'd never done anything uncouth in there, no trace of himself left. So why?
Why did you figure it out?
...
Why did you come to him after class, a rancid0 mix of hatred and disgust in your eyes, and hiss out curses and threats?
For all his logic, Jade Leech was still a coward. For all his logic, Jade Leech can't brush off the rejection of his love. If he'd been thinking clearly, he might have even admitted you were quite gentle- not kind, but the viscera had waited until you were alone, no one else to hear you vehemently reprimand him.
He was a creep. A disgusting, egotistical, power-hungry, slimy creep who couldn't take no for an answer.
The words right in his head as he takes a step back, then another, until he's turned around without responding. A coward, through and through.
And, for all his logic, Jade Leech couldn't stop the gagging as he fled to a bathroom. Couldn't stop the flood of bile from his mouth, couldn't stop the subsequent lurching and hurling as he throws up whatever he had eaten for breakfast.
At the end of the day, perhaps he wasn't so logical at all. He leans against the divider of the stall as his stomach finally calms, hand trembling as it lowers to his side. And, right there, he passes out, head swimming, grasping at any idea to make it up to you.
It's not until an hour later when his brother practically knocks the door down looking for him that he wakes with a start, sweaty and shamefully pale. Jade Leech is sent to bedrest for the remainder of the day. At least his classes are excused?
drug addict mc who meets jade because theyre desperately looking for shrooms and trying to be discreet. he thinks theyre just really into mycology, they think he's also into psychadelics. mc becomes very confused when the shrooms he gives them aren't psychadelic and assumes they just don't work on them because theyre from a different world or something. jade is thrilled theyre eating every single one he gives them. send tweet
yan!dating sim twst x reader. inexplicably, you awake in the dating sim โtwisted heartsโ as a run-out-of-the-mill side character. no worries, the love interests are already after yuu. you just gotta stay out of it all, right? ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐. previous part here.
โก โIโve noticed youโve made a habit of traipsing around these halls. A Thaumark for your thoughts?โ
โJade, get the hell off my table.โ
โกย Ack! For all your denial, you are no stranger to your inevitable future. Fatalism, fatalism, fatalism.ย Youโve met Yuu - their wide-eyed, lovelorn visage - and that only entails bad, bad consequences โ so you gather your thoughts and get to work immediately. Which..ย proves to be one difficult task indeed. You can't just drop out of Night Raven and dip forever. You've no parents, no actual identity accompanying your name, nothing. So, you make do with one thing: the odd jobs around campus..ย Which also prove to be a difficult task, because for one, there's actually a reason why Vil calls you spud.ย
โก You start with the people you're well-acquainted with. Dropping off packages, trying to clean some stuff up, but much to your chagrin โ there is one garnet-eyed boy who wonโt let you go so easily. Kalim has a penchant for making 2-minute tasks lengthen out into 5-hour hangout sessions, and in truth, most of your income stems from him as well. As a Scarabia resident, you've more chance encountering him. And Jamil, in the stead of your previous devastatingly vague conversaton, is clad in a forever stillness. Like a snake, like a true viper, whatever metaphor youโd like to pin to his name , itโs true he does not trust you one bit.ย
Gloves brush wood as Jade shifts, mulling your work over his tongue. โMy, how cold. And after I went through the trouble of finding you suchโฆ plentiful work opportunities.โ
You look up, squinting. The eel smiles - surprisingly, a flash of white - sly, sly thingย that could be framed and hung in a museum titled Nothing Is Wrong Here. โExplain."
โWhy, merely that youโve been quite busy as of late. I thought I mightโฆ assist.โ
Assist, because clearly, your life needed more interference. You turn back to your work, sifting through papers and to do-lists. Much to your dismay, the people at Night Raven latch onto profitable kindness quite viciously. โYeah, well, donโt.โ
โI canโt help but feel itโs a shame. When there are far moreโฆ comfortable arrangements available to you.โ
โDonโt you dare.โ
โMy poor, poor heart.โ
Unease prods at you once more. Jadeโs presence thickening, shrouding your esophagus with an intensity just shy of crushing it raw. You shift on the chair, turning so you donโt face the male, legs pressed together in an endeavour of making yourself seem smaller in his mismatched focal point.ย
But he notices in an instant.ย
โIs something the matter?โ He eyes you, before letting his head dip inquisitively. โ..Dare I assume, are you mad at me?โ
Lest you respond too quickly - against his liking - the weight lifts itself off your table, and in true eel fashion, he slinks and slants behind you just as quickly.You swear you feel an irked muscle pop in your jaw when you realize youโre completely caged โ one hand braced against the back of your chair, the other idly toying with a loose sheet of paper youโd been sorting. His smile hasnโt changed, but itโsย closer now.
โAh,โ Jade hums, voice dipping lower, nearer your ear than youโd like. โSo I was correct, youโre avoiding me.โ
You stiffen, a newfound aridity scouring your throat. โNo, Iโm just busy, โs all.โ
โYes,โ he agrees easily, as if the word itself amuses him. โSo Iโve observed, and yet, you seem to have time for everyone else. I am your Club Leader, after all.โ
The paper slips from his fingers, fluttering uselessly back onto the pile youโd been trying to organize for the past fifteen minutes. Knuckling at your lids, you sigh. โLook, Jade. I donโt have time for whatever this is. Iโve got deliveries to finish, and if I donโtโโ
โYouโll what?โ he asks gently, luxuriating in your falter. โYouโll fall behind? Lose your footing? Fade back into obscurity? So many choices.โ
โIโll get broke and die, then youโll have to pry my deliveries right out of my cold, dead hands.โ
Silence ensues.ย
But it doesnโt take much longer for that smile to quirk and coil around your words. He straightens, and his hand moves towards your wrist, a touch so light you almost donโt register it.
โThen allow me to be of use.โ
โก Ouch! You smack him right over the head with a loose sheet of paper that, in truth, delivers zero damage, but itโs enough to momentarily catch him off guard. He blinks out of his stupor, and catches you walking out of the Mountain Lovers club, huffing and puffing.ย
โกย Butย youย donโt make it very far. Right as you open the door, youโre sure your heart drops straight to your stomach.ย
โก Blue and red, a spade and a heart linger at the sides of a visage you know all too well. Yuu, previously looking at the plaque above the door, stills when they see.. you. They blink, a list clutched in their hand, and suddenly, theyโre spluttering, a warmth, a scorching tide gnawing at their face. Youโve no idea what theyโre saying, but holy shit, do you have the most doomed luck in Twisted Wonderland? Itโs very obvious they canโt keep their eyes off you.. and with the list in their hands, youโve an inkling theyโre picking out clubs with Ace and Deuce trying to assist them.ย
โก What the hell do you do now?
โI..โ They breathe, eyeing you up and down. โI... woah.โ
Ace groans, and he looks at you with such palpable irritation itโs baffling. โHere we go again. Man, I want to be anywhere but here right now.โ
No doubt dragged to this occasion by the Yuu he couldnโt possibly refuse, Deuce remains silent, but his eyes are trained on you, puzzled. He recognizes you, youโre sure. Youโve survived spells, survived Jade, survived academic failure, survived Rook and Vil, and thisโthisโis what takes you out?
โUhโhi?โ Yuu tries again. The list in their hand crinkles audibly under the pressure of their grip. โYouโreโ I meanโ I saw you earlierโ not like saw saw, butโ you fell in my lap and.. Um!โ
โโฆyouโre blocking my way,โ you manage.
Heedless, they chuckle. Itโs soft, airy, but at the same time,ย a little breathless. Like they didnโt expect you to speak at all, let alone that.
โRight. Sorry. I just..โ Their gaze drops, then treks upward to your face again, the latter unpleasantly miffed. โ.. Iโve been looking for you. I wanted to see you again. Youโre just, so, so.. You have a Magicamย account right? Give meโ may I have your user?โ
โก A product of Yuuโs position as the main character. They probably deem you a random NPC, easily subject to their systemโs whims and relationship level boosts. Perhaps they think if they throw in a flirty line or two thatโll get you to fluster and fall to their charm, but luckily, youโre just a brokie. And a spud. And a pup. And a nameless club member. Youโre many things at once, but youโre not Yuuโs yes-man.
โUh-huh. Youโre still blocking my way.โ
Something befalls Yuuโs gaze, quickly shadowed by another hopeful glint in their irises. Their attention travels somewhere behind you, and thatโs, in truth, enough of a tell that an eel is lurking real close.ย
โAh. Youโve acquired company.โ
โJade!โ Yuu chirps, the aforementioned acknowledging them with a close-eyed nod. Ah, right. Honestly, you think your time here is up. Jadeโs head over heels for them, after all. โOh, wow! Howโve you been? Itโs been so, so long since Iโve-โ
โLikewise. And.. if I may ask,โ Jade opens his eyes. โWhat brings you here?โ
Your lips crimp at that.
Yuu shifts the list in their hands, fingers fidgeting against the edges like it might fly away if they donโt hold it tight enough.
โI was actuallyโโ they start, glancing up at the plaque above the door, then back at you, โโlooking into this club.โ
โฆ
โก No. No, absolutely not! This is the only club you deem safe enough. No, no, no. If Yuu enters, that foils all your plans. If Yuu enters, Ace and Deuce too. And if Ace and Deuce enter, then so will all of Yuuโs envious suitors. Jade, you can feel him start to simmer, feel him bend down to Yuuโs demand, feel him rife with joy-
โThe Mountain Lovers Club is, regrettably, quite exclusive. Iโm afraid youโll not find an available seat. โ
โก This is the very first time youโll admit you could kiss him in gratitude.
Vision skewed and graciously dazed, you peer at the sides of his face --his mien unperturbed.ย Ace and Deuce blink with you, but only Yuu verbalizes their confusion.ย
โOh.โ They seem shocked, in disbelief. The stagnant pause ends with a meek: โโฆReally?โ
โYes.โ Jade doesnโt miss a beat. โOur activities require a certainโฆ disposition.. that is to say, endurance and compatibility with the environment.โ
โโYes!โ You blurt, softening the blow. โYes, yes it is! Itโs also a.. best-friends only thing, if you know what I mean.โ
Deuce, having been quiet all this time, finally speaks. โ..Are you sure?โย He gestures to the male beside you. โEven he seems shocked youโre best friends.โ
โก Ack! Jade canโt be any more obvious. Pupils dilated, lips slightly ajar, it takes you right back to your proclamation of being best friends. With aย surreptitious nudge to his elbow, you bring him right back into reality, and he quickly masks his shock with an air of contentment.ย
โ...Yes, you heard them correctly.โ
Yuu, however, just blinks again, visibly deflating. โOhโฆ I didnโt know that was a thing.โ
โIt isnโt,โ Ace mutters under his breath.
They all watch as Jade steps closer. His gloved hand lifts, and before you can even process it all, positions itself upon your shoulder. And before he can process it, you sling an arm around his and reel him right back in, cracking a very wobbly grin. Oh! From this proximity, you think you can feel the tempo of a heart beating oh-so viciously, but you clear your throat and play the part. This is not looking so good.ย
โOh?โ he blinks, close to your face, slanting downย to match your level. โ..I wasnโt aware weโd reached such prestigious heights.โ
You tighten your grip. โWe have. We totally have.โ
โHm. Then I must apologize,โ he says lightly, turning his attention back to the trio. โIt seems Iโve been a rather inattentive friend.โ
Ace squints. โYou donโt even sound convincing.โ
โI assure you, I am nothing if not sincere.โ
โCap.โ
Deuce, still frowning, crosses his arms. โIf youโre really best friends, then it shouldnโt be hard to answer a few questions.โ
.... Oh, dear.ย
โก Turns out, you and Jade, two peas in a pod, know nothing about each other. In truth, he was never your favorite character in the Twisted Hearts series -- and so youโd never pay heed to his personal character tabs, but having to face this reality is humiliating, to say the least... and that is to say, this guy is clueless.ย
โWhatโs their name?โ
โ...Ah.โ
โWhat do you mean by โAhโ? Their name is Ah?โ
โI was under the impression that such formalities were unnecessary between close companions.โ
โHaha, yeah, weโre just, like, on a first-name basis.โ
โก Yuu has a lot of questions to ask.ย
โWhatโs their favorite thing about you?โ
โOh..โ
โAh..โ
โErโ after you.โ
โNo, no. I insist. After you.โ
โI insist more.โ
ย Ace looks ready to walk into traffic.
โI REALLY like his personality.โ
โDo you now?โ Jade echoes, the glister in his eyes lifting up his dazed bid at a smile.ย
โMhm. Youโre so.. eel-like. Heh.โ
โโฆEel-like.โ
โYeah, likeโuhโadaptable? Slippery? Good in social situations?โ
โHow kind,โ he says, once he recovers, eyes glinting. โThen I suppose I should return the sentiment.โ
Oh no.
โYou are,โ he begins, looking directly at you now, โremarkably persistent.โ
โโฆThatโs notโโ
โAnd quite entertaining,โ he continues smoothly. The rest watch the spectacle in both shared puzzlement and horror. โIn a way that isโฆ difficult to replicate.โ
Your face heats. โThatโs also notโโ
โAnd,โ he adds, softer now, โsurprisingly honest, when it matters.โ
โก Having enough, Ace tells the others to hurry off before you two actually start making out. Yuu, however, follows his remark only with a tentative stride, glancing back at the now intertwined hands of you and the eel. You really are close, huh? It baffled them, up until now, theyโd never heard of you.
โก You.. however.ย
โก Youโre thinking just how.. profitable keeping Jade Leech around is.ย ย
โก Someoneโs been stealing your stuff.
โก The thought is inevitable just as you make a routine count-down of all your belongings. Youโre three numbers down, and youโre beginning to dread everything. (Though, you canโt help but scowl at the thought. Seriously, what good would it do to them to steal a half-chewed pencil, of all things? That freak..)
โก The suspect is pretty clear to you, but you have an inkling thereโs more to this.
โก In order to dissuade yourself from the very large problem at hand, you tend to your mounting list of customers. In Pomefiore, youโre supposed to drop off a package, no doubt related to cosmetics. In Savanaclaw, something related to workout equipment. In Heartslabyul, youโre supposed to walk someoneโs pet.. mouse. You skip over Octavinelle and Jadeโs very evident handwriting - (a scheme to catch your presence.) And Scarabia...
โก Gulp.
โYouโre here!!โ
Though, youโve only met Kalim a couple of times, (more so because his gifted pile of adornments was endless), he still has the gall to beamย at you like youโve laid out the desert stars yourself. Hands folding upon yours and bringing you forward, conversely, he watches you shrink into your collar.ย โYou didnโt tell me you were coming today! Jamilโdid you know they were coming today?โ
โUm.. I live here.โ
From somewhere behind him, air whistles through Jamilโs teeth.ย โNo.โ His eyes flick to the package in your hands, then swiftly back to your awkward stance.ย
โYouโre here for a delivery,โ Jamil says.ย
โYeah. I was just gonnaโโ
โStay for lunch!โ
โก And thus, today marks the day youโve sold your soul for food, of all things. Seated and gently trapped, a decadeโs worth of food presents itself before you, and the aromas effused gnaw at your senses, tempting. Spices, drinks, whatnot.ย Kalim keeps piling more onto your plate like heโs trying to win a competition you didnโt agree to join. Though, as much as you feel Jamilโs opposition to you, he isnโt afraid to litter your already dazed mind with a maelstrom of questions. You wonder what it may be, the cause of his vehemence. Maybe because of the injury incident? Maybe because your presence results in greater work for him? Whatever it is, you dabble.
โTry this one! Ohโand thisโJamil made it!โ
โKalim,โ Jamil cuts in, voice smooth, โthey can serve themselves.โ
โThey donโt take enough!โ
โThey wonโt starve in the five seconds it takes to decide.โ Jamil directs his gaze to you, trying to oh-so vigorously ignore the fact youโre stuffing things into your mouth like youโve been starved since your birth. Itโs quite strange. Here in Scarabia, food is never a scarcity. โYouโve been taking on more work lately.โ
You try to play it off. โJustโฆ saving up.โ
โFor what.โ
Your lashes dip. โJust in case.โ
Jamil tilts his head slightly. โIn case of what.โ
God, he doesnโt let anything go, does he?
โIn case I need it,โ you mutter, poking at your food.
โIf you need money, you can just ask me.โ Kalim butts in.ย
They donโt miss the sliver of light - suited to an opportunist - glistering in your irises. You think to yourself forย a moment, mulling it over your tongue. Was it really that easy? Had you really been prolonging your misery for nothing? Whirling your head towards Kalim, you hope you donโt come off as too eager. This could be your chance! โ...Really? Youโd do that?โ
Jamil pinches the bridge of his nose. โKalim, please. You are not funding every person who steps into this dorm.โ
โIโm not.. Just them!โ
โโBut I really, really need it, Kaโ Housewarden.โย Correcting yourself, pulling a clump of lashes down towards your woebegone gaze and overstretched lips, you extend a faltering hand to the white-haired boy. โIโve been working so hard lately..โ Only for one day, but you twist around the hurdle. โAnd itโs just not enough.โ
Needless to say, his expression melts. As it should, who are you if not committed?
โI wouldnโt ask if it wasn't important. But now, I fear I soon may..โ You clench your heart over your chest. โPerish.โ
Silence stretches around your words, intercepted only by Jamilโs very blunt, accusatory finger.
โYouโre eating.โ He remarks.ย
You shove another bite into your mouth. Taste bursts sharp and savoury. โWhoโs to say? This could be my last meal.โ
โWhat?โ Kalim blinks, horror dawning upon sun-kissed features. โHuhโโ
โYes.โ
โYes. Yes, letโs all acknowledge the very real threat of starvation currently occurring at this table, of all places.โ
Your hand stretches a little further toward Kalim, fingers trembling just enough to sell it. โโฆPlease?โ
The speed with which he latches onto your hand - warm, buoyant and unabashed - does not catch you off guard. You relish in it, if only for a moment. โYes! Of course I will! Besides, itโs my duty as your housewarden to look after you!โ White shines in his smile. โRight, Jamil?โ
The latter counts down to a number that only exists in his mind. Exhaling, he comes to a standstill. โ...Within reason.โ
โYes!โ Kalim lights up instantly, squeezing your hand with verve. Your fingers twitch in his grasp when you reciprocate. โSee? Itโs settled!โ
โI knew youโd understand,โ you try a smile. โYouโre really, really kind. Iโm glad to have you as my Housewarden.โ
Kalim beams like youโve handed him the world.ย
โOf course I am!โ he says, like itโs the most obvious thing in existence. โAnd you donโt have to work so hard, you know? You can just come to me!โ
Jamilโs eye twitches.
โThatโs what Iโm concerned about.โ You huff a quiet laugh, glancing down at your plate, now ludicrously full, courtesy of Kalimโs earlier enthusiasm. โโฆItโs not like I hate working.โ
That much is true.
โItโs justโฆโ You pause, poking lightly at the edge of your dish. Poisonous spumes of memories; heels, scales, a classroom - make you lodge your lip between your teeth as you forage for the right words. You didnโt hate working. Working had become a part of your routine, youโd worked endlessly to evade, elude and ignore. You just donโt like it when..
ย โIโd rather not owe anyone anything.โ
The words slip out before you can dress them up. Jamil stills at the variation in tone, but Kalim slants his head, thinking over it.ย
โOh,โ he says softly, and just like that, the energy shifts. โWell,โ Kalim continues, thumb brushing lightly over the back of your hand without thinking, โthen donโt think of it like that.โ
You blink. โLike what?โ
โLike you owe me,โ he says, as if the idea itself is ridiculous. โThink of it likeโฆ Iโm helping my friend. Yeah, thatโs it! You have other friends, right? Iโm sure they donโt do all that stuff just to put you in some sort of debt!โย At the growing sombre wave over your expression, he gawks. โYou do have other friends, right?โย
โก Right. An heir. Your friend. The two donโt match.
โYeah!โ You blurt before he can offer himself. โYeah, I have one.. Uh, itโs.. his name is Jade!โ
โJade? Jade Leech?โ He stares, before laughing quite heartily. โI know him! Hey, bring him over next time. Oh, Iโll even invite Yuu!โ
Imperceptibly - just a tincture of change - you latch onto the pleasant change of thought pooling over Jamilโs unfairly pretty face, like a starving man. He was going to atleast try to mitigate Kalimโs suggestions, but the mere mention of the prefect has him chewing down his words, and when he partially turns his face to the side, the fabric of his hood concealsย warmth and a shy-tipped smile.
ย โ..Hm.โ His eyes sparkle. โI suppose we can-โ
โSo,โ you shovel three bites into your mouth now. โWhereโs my money?โ
โ...On the condition we exclude you from such occasions.โ
โก Scarabiaโs Number One loser turns to the side and wilts, but not before catching the bare of a chuckle whispering through the snakeโs teeth.ย
โก Ouch! Youโve never dealt with classes amiably, and since then itโs devolved into some sort of a love-hate relationship. Youโre not in the wrong here, of course. In your defense, the only thing you know about Astronomy are the zodiac signs. (..Or were they related to astrology? Oh, well, whatever). Animal Languages, Humanities, whatnot, they all are just as unbearable to you as Potionology, and your backbencher self can only retain so much of magical knowledge.ย
โก Needless to say, itโs a surprise to hear Professor Crewel start the day with a hint relayed over upcoming exams. You donโt care much about them, you know just enough to pass and stay out of any leaderboard lest you garner unwarranted attention (a plan you're failing at, at the moment). With Vil as your tutor, you think youโve secured a solid position in the future.. Though, aย bit too solid for your liking. You might have to deliberately get a few stuff wrong in order to not ย be the centre of praise, but just enough to qualify as average and not earn yourself an office tongue-lashing. Haha..
โก Ah, right. Speaking of Vil, youโve been granted the luxury of not being his focal point for now. Not so much, atleast. He seems much too preoccupied with the Pomefiore students under his lead, and for once, youโve some time to yourself.. Hm, actually, you haven't interacted much since he got ahold of you in the classroom.ย No matter. Itโs all tightrope walk, really. Unfortunately, youโre starting to suspect someoneโs shaking the rope.
โYouโve been getting better.โ
โก Huh? You pause, pen hovering awkwardly over parchment. The voice beside you is unfamiliar yet not entirely so. Turning slightly, youโre met with the face ofโah. Right. Scarabia Student B. A reliable constant in your classes, someone who exists in that peculiar space of always there, never noticed - much like you.ย
โโฆI have?โ you reply, qurking a brow.ย
โMhm. โ Heย perks up. โPotionology, especially! You used to look like you were about to pass out.. Sorry, no offense, but did you take Ashengrotto up on one of his offers?โ
โNone taken.โ Your pen dances in the open spaces of your fingers. โAshengrotto? No.โ
โOh.โ He seems confused, much to your dismay. It only invites more conversation. โI figured as much. You donโt seem like the type to.. jump on the bandwagon like everyone else. All my dorm-mates are egging me on to strike a contract with him.โ
Ourย dorm-mates.ย
โก Hm. You recall Jadeโs previous allusions to you doing the same. Rule Number One: never make a deal, never be in debt.
โAlso,โ He prods. โAre you okay?โ
โก Oops! In order to placate your rapidly growing heartbeat and the perspiration streaming beneath your clothes, youโve resorted to chewing at your nails - not realizing how weird that may seem. You canโt blame yourself. Youโre just trying to.. prepare yourself for what youโre about to do - it takes will, courage and audacity, for some reason you have all three of those no matter how mild.
โก ย You hum noncommittally then gulp nervously,ย turning back to your notes, though your handwriting grows just a tad bit more jagged... But since youโve incited conversation, you see how this story goes.ย
ย โYouโve also beenโฆ around more,โ he adds as an afterthought. A sideways glance is all it takes for you to see the glister in his eyes - rendering your pen motionless. Youโve been writing nothing but nonsensical sentences, atleast to his mind, again and again, for the pursuit ofย Iโm busy, let me be.ย But in actuality, this is all a part of one of the most well-crafted plans you have up your sleeve (one thatโs not torn up from the several wildlife youโve encountered on your hikes).ย ย What to do, how to, what-ifs.ย ย
โก What if Scarabia Student B thinks ill of you after seeing the stuff youโre writing? Oh, well. You know beggars canโt be choosers - in the sheer chaos of your life, this is one of the risks youโre going to choose, even if it foils the sole thing youโre living for.ย
โโฆAround?โย
โYeah. Scarabia, obviously. But Iโve seen you near Octavinelle too. And Pomefiore! Vil Schoenheitโs tutoring you right? Everyoneโs talking about how lucky you are.โ
Oh.
Oh, thatโs.. Thatโs reallyย not good, you think. In the stead of a frown, you give a light, airy laugh.ย
ย โIf youโre trying to get into a different dormโs good graces,โ Scarabia Student B continues, โyou should be careful.โ
โก ย You sink slightly into your seat, exhaling through your nose. So much for subtlety. Youโd thought your little job-hopping routine was clever, a way to slip between cracks and stay just out of reach. But cracks, it seems, still run deep.ย
โก ย At the front, Professor Crewel snaps his pointer against the board.
โEyes forward, pups. Some of you seem far too comfortable drifting.โ
โก When you lean back, you forget one thing: your life is terribly, inevitably, and terminally out of your hands.
โPsst!โ
โIโm not giving you the answers, Bucchi.โ
โก Or not. When you mask your words in vitriol, Ruggie Bucchi - your classmate, trying so hard just to cop a look at your notes, though youโre not even in a pop quiz, deflates.ย Rule Number Two: never give anyone the answer to anything.
Finally! Class zooms by quite swiftly, and when the students stream like little, vexing ants in a disparate gaze, youโre quick to scramble for your belongings and exit. Jade, as always, waits for you at the edge, and upon seeing you near him - practiced hand upon his chest -ย
โกย Allows his mind to draw a blank.ย
โก Huh?
โก Are you really holding his hand?
The barrier of his glovesย may seperate the sensation of fingers entwining, but heโs sure, no, certain youโve enjoined hands. His gaze dips - to see the spectacle, so thoughtfully, so carelessly, so eagerly slotted against his like itโs always been there.ย
โI told you not to wait for me,โ Your usual grumble sounds loud today. โWhatever. Thank you, though.โ
Like itโsย natural.ย
โJade.โ You deadpan. Ah, you really were on a first name basis. โDid you short-circuit? Hellooo?โ
โNot at all.โ His reply is immediate, and so is the suave upturn of his lips as he regards you. Fully reciprocating your hold, he hums as if he hadn't just pondered over your dynamic in the span of a heartbeat. โI was merely considering something.โ
โYeah, well, consider walking.โ
You tug him forward, and he complies, seamlessly weaving in the newfound hubbub of the halls. Students pass, chatter ebbs and flows, yet it all feels even more distant to him now, for the sole reason you still havenโt relinquished your hold. You get weird, inquisitive glances from passerbys, and when you still donโt let your grip slacken, he realizes, all the more entertained, that this is intentional.ย
โSo,โ you eye him. โYou donโt have anything to do, right?โ
โGood, then walk me to my dorm. Actually, no, my room.โ
โMy, my.. I certainly wasnโt aware weโd grown this close.โ
โDonโt you dare.โ Whirling around a corner, you narrowly dodge a group of unsuspecting, giggling freshies. They all disperse when they see the eel willingly trail after, hand in hand, Jackpot.ย You were on the mark with your little analogy. โIโm skipping my remaining classes, โis all.โ
Jade has a strange, numb, faraway look in his eyes as he talks. If you were any smarter, youโd compare his mental state to a giggling schoolgirl, feet kicking high up in the air and all. โOh? Even if Vargas will have your head for it?โ
โWhat am I to do?โ You grouch, he can never get tired of it,ย surprisingly. โI have so many jobs I need to pick up. So many deliveries, packages, dorms. My next job..โ
โWhere might that be?โ
โNowhere near Octavinelle.โ You make a face at him. โIโll have you know your handwriting is very identifiable, youโre not slick.โย
A soft laugh escapes him, a lie so gentle it almost feels true. โVery well, then. I shall behave.โ
โก The journey to the Hall of Mirrors is easy and slow-paced, and in no time are you standing outside your room, bidding Jade adieu, or atleast the form of it you think would max out your stats. Scarabiaโs numbers at this time are limited, considering theyโre all very big on their grades and whatnot - so that buys you some time to do the unthinkable-
โI must admit-" He drawls on with his usual background yapping..
- the very core of your plan, the one youโve mentally steeling yourself for, the one youโve been rehearsing in the mirror for-
โSeeing you take such liberties to-โ
โก The next time Jade opens his eyes, he is sure of one thing. The ephemeral sensation of you coaxing yourself up and pecking his cheek happened, and this time thereโs no barrier to try and think otherwise.ย
Rule Number Threeย -ย keep your enemies far away, and Jade closer than ever.
โก The next time you open your eyes, youโre very sure he just malfunctioned, gloved hand perched upon his cheek incredulously. Blinking, once, twice, doing nothing to remedy the touch -
โYou..โ
โAnyways,โย You shimmy inside before he can get a word in. โSee you later.โ
The door slams shut in his bleary-eyed, wobbling face.ย
โกย For the next few days, youโre inclined into believing you just messed up whatever chance you had at salvation...because surprisingly, Jadeโs stood. you. up.
โก Surely, as a fellow second year, he must have as many responsibilitiesย asย you, and you surely donโt doubt that bit at all. Mostro Lounge must be another factor, and if Azul's really getting around to those contracts as per Student Bโs words, then he must be more packed than ever. Still, you canโt imagine any other universe where youโd get withdrawal symptoms from the fact the eel no longer waits for you after class, nor does he come by to your ever-growing hike sessions. That foils the plan of no-attention, sure, but you sure as hell donโt want to go to Octavinelle just to bring him back, youโd be a fool to. Still, now, things have actually reverted back to the way you wanted them to - with you on your lonesome.ย
โก Not entirely on your lonesome, though. Vil is still a hindrance. Sometimes, he does manage to make some time for you, much to your dismay. And when you pivot and bolt away, one French-speaking hunter is always there to mitigate the problem. Itโs always embarrassing watching people wonder why a grown student is thrashing around and screaming like a toddler whilst being dragged off by a Vice Housewardenโฆย
โก Ouch. That sets it. Youโve no clue how to proceed now.ย
โก You can easily bypass Scarabia attention by sneaking awร y and coming in late, past curfew. Pomefiore is inevitable, and so is Octavinelle, and ultimately, with Crewelโs insistence on you growing a backbone and learning how to actually fare well with academics, youโve slowly and gradually reached one, final dead end.ย
A Pomefiore dead end. All your encounters go somewhat like this.
โI take it youโve learned better than to run from me, spud.โ Silky blonde, pale purple wisps and perfume pool in your sight.ย Vil Schoenheit can see you preparing to run.
Surprisingly, and regretfully,ย youย turn.ย Even outside of Pomefioreโs halls, he looks like he belongs on a stage rather than a school corridor.
He doesnโt like you groaning.โ Ughhh.. Fine. Iโm lucky, I get it, okay? Now, if youโd just-โ
โNo, you donโt.โ
Before you follow through with your plan and take to your heels, an icy hand grasps your chin, directing your gaze towards an even more vexed one. And despite yourself, a pesky chill dances up your spine โ days have passed, and youโve still yet to overcome the outlandish feeling of discomfort you get from him.ย With pursed lips do you shrink, but with just a lone tap on them alone, youโre compelled into relaxing them and entertaining Vilโs caprices.ย
Exhaling softly, he seems almost disappointed, brows sloping. โYouโre inconsistent, spud. Your potential fluctuates wildly. One day you perform adequately, the next you sabotage yourself with careless mistakes.ย Deliberate mediocrity is still a choice, and a poor one.โ
When you avert your gaze,ย the sheer, bona fide pressure of long nails โ albeit unintentional โย sinks deep enough to incite a hiss from you.ย
โIโm aware youโre trying not to stand out.. but why,โ A tap and your cheeks are practically smushed together.ย โwould that ever be something to strive for?
โก Oh! Vil doesnโt even know the half of it.ย How youโre just a background character, how you know wreckage and would do anything not to be part of it, how youโd do anything in your power to just stay away and never be perceived again, how every single line of the script has slowly been crumbling ever since youโd made a flimsy little mistake, how he doesnโt even exist.ย You could go on and on, but truly,ย what would he know?ย
A downturn, a slope of your lips is what you give him instead of an answer, and in return you hear another soft sigh of exhaustion.ย
ย โOh, sevens..โย he adds with his voice dipping just slightly, โinstead of refining what youโve been given, you choose to squander it.โ
โIโm not squandering anything.โ
โThen what would you call it?โ he shoots back smoothly. โIntentionally answering incorrectly? Slouching through assignments you are clearly capable of completing? Do you think I wouldnโt notice?โ
โ...Oh.โ
โก Commences the never-ending loop of Pomefiore halls, stacked deadlines, and a huge bunch of books. It's quite laughable, to say the least, out of all your potential encounters, Vil is truly the only one who makes you uncomfortable enough to consider bolting away
โกย .. though you can never remember why.ย
โกย โPsst...โ
โNo.. No.. I.. โ You slur and forget to thank himโ whoever that wasโ for bringing you out of your reverie. Up front, class resumes, Professor Trein talking about something indecipherable. โI added the right ingredients, Vil, I did... โ
A giggle makes you sit up straight. Oh. Itโs Ruggie. โUgh, shut up. Iโm not giving you the answer.โ
โก Youโre not even sure why the hyena hasnโt gotten the hint yet.ย Struggleโs part of the hustle?
โDang,โ you feel him slouch just as you underline three unimportant words three times, lips cinched tight into your perpetual grimce. Your eyes are still hazy, mind squirming, but you manage. โYou didnโt even hesitate. Howโdja know for sure I was gonna ask for the answers? Kind of rude, yโknow?โ
Head lolling over your shoulders, you donโt spare him a single glance. โThatโs all you do.โ
โWow," Ruggie Bucchi, perhaps even more of an opportunist than you - leans back against his chair, clicking his tongue when you point him out for the millionth time today. Heโs always had a knack for trying to cop a look at your notes, or at seemingly whatever your hands were occupied with at the moment. In return, he gets nothing, but as established, the struggle is part of the hustle. โThat hurts a little, yโknow? I thought we had something special.โ
Good grief... โNo, we donโt. Please NEVER entertain that thought ever again.โ
โก Youโre already packing your things up lest he grows a little too curious andย deftly snatchesย them away from you. When the bell rings, youโre already rushing out the door, seamlessly weaving in with the quintessential crowd and letting bodies obscure you from view.ย
โก But unfortunately, a grab at your sleeve halts you in your advance.ย Ack!
โWait!โ
โก Not Ruggie. Not Jade. Not Kalim...ย huh? Oh, yeah. You get it now.ย
โก Yuu stares at you with tenfold the adoration they once had, lips warming into a bright smile, white showing when you shoot them a questioning glance. Encapsulating your hand fully, they lean forward for you to hear them over the hubbub and you barely make the effort to crane your ears. Itโs a fact they canโt read the room. Do you blame them, though? Debatable. Itโs inevitable after all that attention and validation. Though.. the way it feels like they were standing right outside your class gives you momentary chills. ( that spotโs taken and you can only handle so much.)
โSorry,โ their grip loosens. โI justโ we didnโt get to talk much earlier. You left so early, and Jade..โ Teeth nearly mauling their lip, they shrug away the thought. โNevermind. That isnโt what I came here for!โ
they're all thinking about you constantly. like, they can't get you out of their head. of course, what they're thinking about is all different. and they're all too pussy to confess.
azul wants you to love him in a way that makes him feel better. he wants you to comfort him, to let him know it's all okay, and it will always be okay. he wants a slow, sappy romance, and will be thinking about you meeting his family before you're even together. he thinks about you pampering him, holding him, just... being with him. and if his thoughts stray to you taking care of him in a far more intimate fashion? well, you can't really blame him. he'd be happy to lay down and take what you give him. he wants it slow, but however you like is fine for him too.
floyd wants you to love him like a chick flick highschool romance. he's imagining you with his last name, thinking about a wedding and all the cute things he wants to do with you. he's like a pitbull, he looks so scary, but all he really wants is some cuddles and someone to be there with him. he finds that he can't be bored with you around. dreams of a sloppy first kiss, breaking off into a closet to makeout in-between classes, your first time being all giggly and fun, everything he's seen in those cheesey romance movies. he wants to fight for control, play with you until you get to the main event. entertain him some more, won't you? he'd get so bored without you next to him.
jade wants you to love him in a way that leaves both of you breathless. he's absolutely a freak, and all day he imagines scenarios, so many scenarios, of you under him, on top of him, laying side by side- he's not picky. he wants to get down and dirty, and he doesn't care if he's in charge or not. everytime you bend over, his head runs wild with the urge to do something to you. at the same time, whenever you get annoyed with him, he prays you'll pull him in by the collar of his shirt and put him in his place. pull his hair, or let him pull yours, while you kiss on a desk. of course, for all his freak, he's still a coward (and a virgin). he can't find it in himself to initiate anything, so feel free to pin him somewhere and confess your love.