Commission for @theallegoricalcavedweller's Fast Car! You should go check it out! Super happy getting to work on it, and painting the girls is always fun!
“This picture of Clara Bow was made right after she won the National “Fame and Fortune” Contest of 1922 — Clara was not quite 14 yrs. old. She wears no makeup at all.”
Clara was actually 16 at the time, but chose to shave 2 years off her age. Credits to David Stenn for this find!!
I hardly ever make requests tbh since my imagination is literally non-existent BUT I've skimmed through your masterlist a little and finally got something lmao
I've found you pretty soon and I honestly gotta say that your writing has improved so much (not that it was bad before do NOT get me wrong)! Especially the way you write characters, it has gotten so much better the more you wrote <3😭
Anyway, I've read the post about 'Actions Of Fear' and I lowky wondered... what if player happens to be in the same situation BUT instead of avoiding the characters they actually decide to give them attention and all in a poor attempt to stop them from getting miserable and overblotting? (not that it works, they overblot anyway but still..) idk if that might change how the characters act towards the player when they overblot, they're still gonna hint at being self-aware💔 maybe they still would hurt us in a possessive act?
So yeah, that's pretty much the thing I was wondering about. Maybe for Azul, Leona, Vil and Malleus? (I've read that you accept a maximum of 4 characters, but if it's too much you can take out either Leona or Malleus tbh)
please ignore this if I crossed any rule without even realizing it!! (and sorry if there are any errors or if this feels rushed, I did rush through this due to a lack of time)
Actions Of Care
~request~
[hey guys, author here! I know it took awhile, but finally managed it haha. Unfortunately I didn't manage to complete the request fully, and so far it's only Azul and Vil. I do plan to do Malleus and Leona at a separate point. But I wanted to give y'all something for the holidays! (And finally let myself move on to a new request for awhile to hopefully get my motivation working again lolol) But in any case. Thanks for waiting! And I hope you enjoy! And as always, remember to drink some water and get some rest!]
----------------------Azul-----------------------
You were isekai'd into one of your favorite games a few months ago, and it's only been a little frustrating! Honestly it's nothing you can't live with, and you're still enamored by everything in this world! Especially the lovely Azul Ashengrotto.
To suddenly be thrown into the world of Twisted Wonderland was a shock. One moment you were playing the game, the next you were falling asleep as Azul remained there smiling from his place on the home screen. And the next? You were waking up in a 'gate' in the main entrance ceremony!
You could've screamed when you realized what happened, but not out of fear, absolutely not that. Instead it was out of sheer joy at finally meeting the characters you'd grown to love! Especially one of your favorites, Azul Ashengrotto!
There was just a small problem, and the cause of the frustration you been dealing with. Even though you understand that being brought back to the start of the game was a good thing, since you don't get thrown into the deep end without any time to adjust, it means the story is gonna play out all over again.
Which is perfectly fine if not for a very simple reason, overblots. A dangerous state strong mages can go into when they accumulate too much blot, which is created as a byproduct of using too much magic, especially when paired with strong negative emotions.
There's more to it, but that's the main thing. And you know that there's going to be at least seven during your time on campus. And like most people, you don't want to see your faves suffer! So naturally you came up with a very simple plan.
If blot gain is multiplied exponentially by negative emotions, then you'll just do everything you can to keep them happy! ...and you hate to be so biased, but especially Azul's case. For a few simple reasons, one of which being that though you like his octopus form, you'd rather your first irl encounter of it not be while he's overblotting.
So as of about one week into the school year, you officially put operation 'keep Azul happy' into motion! (Proper name pending, you'll figure one out later.) Your plan starting where any plan involving Azul should, and that being the mostro lounge!
And as you stroll into the lounge, you feel sense of wonder wash over you at the beautiful scenery, once only visible through a background that barely gave the room justice. The soft lighting, the calm atmosphere, the cool tones, the quiet jazz music likely being played over hidden speakers, and of course the idle chatter of other students. All adding to this amazing scene.
Of course you understand all of this is meant to make people feel more at ease, be it for contracts or simply spending more than they planned, but knowing it's intentions certainly doesn't diminish from its design. If Azul was in the room, you would likely compliment him on his tastes on this. ...wait, he is!? Yes!
Thankfully he doesn't appear too busy either, he's just walking around and making small talk with the patrons. And considering the timeline of events here, he's likely hinting at the study guide already for a few of them. So you wait for a moment for him to be alone, before walking over to him. Operation 'make Azul's life better' is in motion! (Name still pending. You really need to pick a good one already...)
"Hey Azul, it's good to see you!"
Azul freezes at your voice, before turning around to face you with a smile on his face. And for some reason you can't help but feel that he seems nervous. Though that may just be your imagination, after all, his voice is nothing if not calm and friendly. ...and sleezy, but hey it's Azul, you wouldn't expect anything else haha.
Azul: "my, I... I don't think we've met, and yet you know my name? Ah, possibly from a previous customer? In that case, I'm certain it was only good things~"
"No, uh... Oh, the headmage said your name during orientation, and when I saw you, I just remembered haha."
Azul: "ah yes, of course."
Oh goodness, you shouldn't have said his name! Now he's suspicious, obviously he is! He must not be nervous, he's guarded! ...well, hopefully you can salvage this conversation.
"Um, I heard there was a cafe on campus, so this is the place? Gotta say, I love the decor! And... And I would uh... I'd like to order something?"
Azul narrows his eyes at you, but nods, taking you to the counter and seating you. Quickly getting you a drink of choice. You miss the barely perceptible laugh he had at your awkwardness, and as you continue trying to salvage this social situation. It's frankly a shame you don't know what's going on in his head.
He would never willingly tell you, but he was so anxious for this meeting. It's not that he didn't want to see you, far from it! But to finally meet someone he's technically 'known' for so long... It's strange. Which is why it's such a relief for him to see you're just as worried about this as he is.
He will not allow a single thing to be out of place tonight! Even if this is a little ahead of schedule, he'll make sure you have the best experience you possibly can! ...though he'll somehow have to do that without alerting you to just how much he already knows about you from through the screen. But he can manage. After all if there's one thing he's learned, it's how to act cool no matter the situation (he says to himself, lying)
Anyway, you've started up a friendly chat with him. It's going well! All you have to do is avoid making contracts, and just have a regular chat, and this should be perfect! It appears operation 'Azul WILL be happy, he has no choice in this' is progressing smoothly! (Again, working name. You'll figure out a better one soon.)
And as you expected, Azul is completely going along with this friendly chat part. It'll be harder later on, actually getting close to him and not just acquaintances, but you're willing to do whatever it takes! For both his sake, and yours. After all, what fan doesn't want to get close to their faves? ...well maybe a few fans, especially people who like psychopathic villains. But that (sort of) doesn't apply here, so you're good!
...but 'later on' never seems to come, as the months start to pass of regular visits to the mostro lounge, all it seems to get you is bills for the food you purchase each time as an excuse. Of course you chat, but it seems to barely go past that. Perhaps you're closer than you were, and it's certainly been nice hanging out with him, but your progress has honestly been negligible.
Still you don't give up, even as exam season rolls around and you watch your friends lose their specialties while pretending they didn't make a deal with Azul. It's frustrating to see that you weren't able to sway this outcome, but you understand that you were unlikely to do so from the beginning. But does that mean you'll give up operation 'too happy to overblot'? Absolutely not!
In fact, it only redoubles your efforts. And believe me, he notices. As you go out of your way to see him at every chance. ...he's flattered. And were you to know just how long and desperately he's been waiting for something like this, then maybe you would've been a little more hesitant to show him all this affection. But you don't know, and perhaps that wouldn't have changed anything anyway.
...honestly? Nothing changes. As the contract is passed to you, you still sign it. You still end up in Savanaclaw while working with the others to beat the contract. And you still end up revealing the truth of the contracts not being invulnerable to Leona.
But you did try to change things a little, simply asking Leona to not destroy all the contracts, all of Azul's life work. To instead only destroy the contracts from these current anemones, along with your own contract. And to your surprise, he agreed!
Which is why you felt horror creeping into your brain as you watched the blot start to gather around Azul, even if the others looked strangely unbothered about this, and though they all knew it had to happen. Shaking down Ruggie gave you your answer, which shouldn't have surprised you.
Ruggie: "I mean duh I took all the contracts! I had like thirty seconds, I couldn't sort 'em in that amount of time!"
Your very short conversation is cut even shorter as a tentacle snaps out between you both, making you move back from Ruggie to turn to stare at Azul. ...you should be terrified, and in a way you are. But in this moment, you're scared first and foremost for Azul.
Even as his laughter rings through the water, and as a black blot soaked tentacle reaches out to trap you. The blot stinging and burning on your skin, melting at it in rings. Yet he reaches towards you, his face and voice are a mocking sort of sympathy as he cups your cheek with his hand, a insane smile on his face.
Azul: "you wouldn't leave me! You couldn't! Ahaha, my lovely little player, giving me so much hope~ ah, do you know what you do to me?"
"I don't plan on leaving! But please, you'll hurt yourself like this! Azul, I don't want to think of this when I imagine your merform!"
Azul: "oh? My what a sweet sentiment~ don't worry dear, you'll have no more cause to worry! Everything you may need will be taken care of, so long as you remain mine for all eternity!"
"Azul? What in the world are you talking about!?"
It's as though he's speaking about a different person, one he knows far more about, one he cares about more. He's kept you at an arms length for as long as you've been here... And... Wait, earlier, did he say 'player'? Or were your ears playing tricks on your in this turbulent water?
...speaking of turbulent water, he's formed a whirlpool around you both, to keep everyone away from you and him. He won't have anyone interrupting this moment, not when his beloved player is finally in reach! Really, he doesn't understand why he was so hesitant before. Holding himself back from connecting with you despite how you clearly cared. And for what? To make sure you don't realize just how long he's known you through the screen!? How utterly foolish!
"P-player?"
Azul: "my goodness, it took you this long to figure it out? Well don't worry, let me explain out of the benevolence in my heart~"
He smiles as he speaks, reaching down and poking your forehead. Despite the collected appearance he has while acting so confident, the unstable and chaotic mess beneath is barely concealed. Which only adds to the joy he seemingly gets from your confusion.
Azul: "long ago, you first showed up in this world! Well, YOU didn't, instead it was that fool you called the main character. Yuu, was it? They never really interested me, but the player? The one hiding behind a screen while giving compliments so freely and so earnestly? They were just Fascinating~!"
"Wait... So you knew about me through the screen!?"
Azul: "yes, keep up. Ahem, now where was I? Oh right, our beloved player~ well, they were always kept beyond that screen, but that never stops a person from dreaming about the impossible! And for you to one day appear in person as the story reset? AND act so irresistibly precious? Why it's something I'd never dared to even dream about, and yet it's now my reality!"
As he speaks, the tentacles around you squeeze harder, and he leans in almost uncomfortably close as his smile drops.
Azul: "yet it's still an impossible dream, after all, now that you know the truth, I'd imagine you plan to run. After all, I know absolutely everything about you player, and you know too much about me... Which is why I don't plan to give you the option to run away~"
His smile returns as he covers your mouth to stop the scream that tried to escape as the ink continues melting through your skin, and at a much faster pace. You're terrified, you need to stop him, you don't know what to do, but you need to do something anyway. Or else you'll likely die, and he... Well perhaps that's something better left unsaid.
But you still need to do SOMETHING, anything really! So you do just that. You barely manage to pull your arm out of the tight grip he has on you, causing your arm to bleed freely without the pressure on the wounds. And you reach forward... And brush away the tears that had formed.
You don't recall when they appeared, maybe it was during his speech. ...or maybe it was when he first began causing you so much pain... But to see him crying, even with the smile now back on his face, it makes your stomach twist. And so you wipe the tears away with your thumb, and look up at him, unable to speak still.
This action makes him pause, as he stares at you in shock... No... He stares at you with horror in his eyes, and a sinking realization of what he's done. ...which thankfully creates an opportunity for the others to get in an attack and pull you away from him, making him scream after you.
Azul: "NO! PLEASE!! DON'T LEAVE ME!!! I'LL GIVE YOU EVERYTHING, JUST DONT LEAVE!!"
Of course the others take this crazed state as an opportunity to defeat him, and you start to feel light headed from the bloodloss without the pressure on the wounds. But you will yourself awake for a little longer as your friends start to tend to your injuries... And as Azul wakes up after the overblot. His face looking traumatized as he stares at you, unable to tear his eyes away from your sorry state.
You thankfully lost consciousness quickly, as the relief when you saw him safe rushed over you. ...you need to talk to him later... That's the last thought you had before everything went black.
...
It's been a month since that day, and your injuries have healed enough for you to be up and about. Still painful though... The potions Crewel's been giving you have helped, along with the visits from your friends, especially Grim. Who's been looking more 'grim' lately. But there's been one person strikingly absent during this time.
Azul Ashengrotto effectively disappeared from everyone for a couple weeks, not even Jade or Floyd knew where he went. Only to show up again last week acting like nothing had happened. You only heard this from Ace and Deuce, but it still makes you worry. And now that you finally have your mobility again, you've already decided your course of action.
So you make the technically not too long trip to the Octavinelle mirror, which felt much longer due to the lingering pain. And go all the way to the mostro lounge. Your eyes zeroing in to Azul, chatting with the patrons so casually, it's obvious he hasn't noticed you yet. Jade seems to have noticed you from his position behind the bar, but doesn't say anything. Though his eyes went wide in shock, he merely stands there, watching to see what you'll do.
And you? You decide it'll do no good to back out now, besides you don't want to make that trip again. So you walk towards Azul, who finally notices you when you get closer, and he freezes in place. Before getting a collected smile on his face. ...well it Would be collected, if he didn't seem so shaken by your presence, and if he didn't clench his hands so tightly he would've draw blood on his palms if he wasn't wearing gloves.
Azul: "ah, it's always a pleasure to see you in the lounge. What brings you here today?"
"...you. I want to talk to you."
You step forward, making him unconsciously take a step back. And you reach out to take his hands so he stops holding them so tightly. And your expression is possibly the worst one he could've seen. ...it's forgiving. It's the kind of one you have when you plan to naively say it's fine, and that what he did is forgiven, and other things he doesn't deserve!
Azul: "well if you want a consultation, we're having a deal with point cards for the mostro lounge food and beverages. It's a new offer after the recent... Incident haha."
His laugh is ingenuine, as his expression turns to a colder yet calmer one. His voice sounds detached and full of faux satisfaction. It doesn't matter if he'd rather cut off his own tongue than speak like this to you, it's what he must do. You who've seen him at his lowest, he can never let you see that again.
"Azul... Please. Can we talk?"
Azul: "...well I suppose I can offer you such a courtesy haha, but please, how about we go to my office for this?"
"Sure."
You nod, as he walks with you to his office, and you take a seat on the soft couch. No words are exchanged between you two until the doors are shut and Azul takes his seat on the couch opposite yours.
Azul: "if you want compensation for your injuries, the mostro lounge is more than willing to provide it."
"...Azul, you know that's not what-"
Azul: "please prefect, let's not get sentimental. Considering what happened, why don't I also fund some of the repairs for your old dorm? Let's just settle this."
"No!"
Azul: "what?"
"You aren't going to just business your way out of this! We're having a proper talk about this, and not with money!!"
Azul: "...what's there to talk about anymore?"
"Don't talk like that! I... Look, I don't want you to just cut things off. Or worse yet, keep acting like it's normal while cutting things off on the inside."
Azul: "so what exactly did you want from me?"
"...first, I need to confirm one thing. Do you, or do you not remember me from... Before?"
Azul pauses, hesitating to answer while screaming at himself to lie and deny it. What a monumental slip he must've had during his overblot, to let That secret out! But now that you know... Is there even a point trying to deny it? So with a sigh, and no longer able to meet your eyes, he speaks.
Azul: "I... Yes. Of course I did. Through that infuriating screen... But of course it would've been rather strange to just reveal that during a casual conversation, don't you agree?"
"I would've liked to have known at some point."
Azul: "of course I was planning on telling you eventually! I just... Nevermind. Is that answer satisfactory for you?"
You nod, though in truth it only makes this situation more complicated. How do you even react to knowing that Azul has known you as long as you've known him? Maybe it's fair, considering how much you learned about him during your playthrough of the game. But it still feels strange.
Yet through those feelings, there's one thing that is above the rest. How much you still care about him, even through the injuries he gave you, and the fakeness. And remembering what he said during his overblot... Maybe he shares some of those feelings. ...it's worth a shot at least.
Azul: "well?"
"It's not really, no. I hate to be presumptuous here, but you obviously cared about me from back then! Your actions during your overblot made that abundantly clear! So why? Why act like you don't care when I should've made it clear that I care about you?!"
He almost flinches back from that, before taking a deep breath and looking back up into your eyes, his voice a level calm.
Azul: "isn't it obvious? Sure you might have cared for me through a screen, accepting all those ugly blemishes. But in person... Well we can all agree it's not that simple."
"Then I'll keep proving it! By now, I've even seen your overblot in person! And I still wanna care about you no matter what!"
Azul's eyes go wide, before he looks away again, but you don't miss the blush now painting his cheeks.
Azul: "that's a foolish sentiment, that will only get you taken advantage of in life."
"Oh be quiet! What'll it take for you to realize I actually care about you? And that that fact won't change because of a silly overblot!? No matter what, I love you Azul!"
He pauses, he can feel his chest tighten at your words. Specifically those last four... What an incredibly foolish thing for you to say. And in such a easy yet sincere way, that's impossible for him to replicate. You...
Azul: "...you're so unfair..."
He sighs, his face in his hands before he turns to look at you. His hair slightly disheveled, but for once he doesn't care to fix it. His voice quieter than you believe you've ever heard it.
Azul: "you were always like this, giving compliments so freely. It's so unfair!"
"Azul, I-"
Azul: "no! Do you know just how awful you made it for me? Back through the screen, you were so sweet and kind, and utterly impossible to actually have as my own! Instead making me rot in my own dreams of you!"
"But... I'm here now. And you know I didn't have control over the screen."
Azul: "that doesn't change a thing. After all, when you came through the screen that day, you made all those impossible dreams come true, and gave me the chance to ruin them! And then... AND THEN I DID!"
He turns to you now, and you see the tears rolling down his face as he looks a mix of frustrated, terrified, and regretful. You can't bear to see his face like this, so you stand up and move to sit next to him, setting a hand on his shoulder to try and calm him down.
"You didn't ruin anything. The only way to 'ruin' it, would be to leave now. ...please, let's fix this together."
He pauses, seemingly considering your words, before sighing as he rests his head against your shoulders, too tired to care about his image any more. His voice is quiet, and still a little hesitant, but there's a bit of hopefulness to it.
Azul: "you... Really are a fool... But I suppose if you're truly giving me a second chance, then I'll take it... And I won't let it slip through my fingers again."
"That's more than enough. ...thank you Azul."
He sighs as you both relax against the couch after that mess, his face now turned against your shoulder so you can't see the redness in his eyes from the tears. But despite how it comes out muffled through your sleeve, you can still hear a quiet response.
Azul: "...thank you. And... I love you as well..."
Hearing his words, you smile softly and pat his shoulders. And internally you cheer to yourself. Finally operation 'why so blue, Azul?' is complete! (You'll have to just stick with that name, though it's not like you mind :D)
Isekai, not only a fun concept, but apparently it's also fun to live through! Especially when it's into one of your favorite games, Twisted wonderland! You've been thriving in this world, and you wouldn't have it any other way!
...well there is just one thing. Overblots. Back when you were just someone sitting down and watching the story through the screen, of course it still hurt to see your faves overblotting, but you knew there wasn't anything you could do. And back then, it didn't affect you any further than an emotional level.
But now, you were brought back to the very start of the story, and you knew you were going to live through those experiences personally. And that thought definitely wasn't a pleasant one. ...so what do you do? Naturally you will just try and fix things! You have time, and these are your faves you're talking about! You'll go to any lengths to keep them safe!
And how will you fix things? The Power Of Friendship!™ ...jkjk. ...kinda. Look, you have a plan in mind, but it sounds silly when you say it out loud. You know that overblots are caused by a build up of blot, a sort of residue left after using magic. And the amount gained is also largely affected by the emotional state of the one casting the magic.
So you'll just make sure the overblotters-to-be won't be upset enough for the blot to build up to the point of overblotting. Simple enough when put like that... But as far as execution though? That's the tricky part. After all, most of these guys are extremely guarded pre-overblot, it's near impossible to even get close to some of them.
So to preserve your own sanity, you've decided to focus your efforts mostly on one character. Vil Schoenheit. Of course you'll still try and help with the other situations, but you don't want to spread yourself too thin and end up failing because of that. Besides, Vil was one of your favorites back in your world, how hard could it be to befriend him?
...ah. You've very much misjudged this situation. Haven't you? Turns out it's harder to get close to a world class celebrity than you thought. ...really should've seen this coming tbh. But that doesn't mean you're not going to try! You'll just have to tackle this with a plan rather than face it head on.
That plan? Get close to Rook and Epel! Of course you would've wanted to do so even if you weren't trying to get close to Vil, so hey, two birds one stone! And it's thankfully not that difficult. In fact, they seem oddly easy to befriend?
For Epel, you start visiting the spelldrive club after the Savanaclaw arc, saying it's something you're interested in. And you just start up casual conversations with Epel after the matches, and compliment his flying and any flashy moments he had. And he seems weirdly enthusiastic about your comments? You don't remember him acting so flattered at compliments in game before... But it works. You're not gonna question this!
As for Rook... Well he actually came to you after you befriended Epel. And you're not sure how it happened, but now you join him for his poetry readings in pomefiore on Tuesdays, and sometimes sit in on science club meetings. ...this works, but you're still confused how. At least it wasn't too complicated?
All that's left, is talking to Vil himself. And even though it still seems difficult to actually talk to him, you're certain you'll get your chance soon! And surprisingly enough, you end up right about that, turns out Rook ended up being the more helpful of the two! It happened on a regular Tuesday.
Rook: "I've prepared your favorite tea! Ah, I hope you had a pleasant walk here. I would've escorted you, but there was a impassioned clash between two students in the lounge, arguing about whose favorite music artist is better! To see that fervant enthusiasm show as they fought- beauté!"
"Huh, sounds like you were having a good day."
Rook: "of course it hurt to see the two fight, but the zeal they showed! It is a rarity even among the most dedicated of fans."
"Gotcha. Definitely sounds interesting! But in any case, thanks for the tea... And the tea~ haha, what a way to start a poetry reading!"
Rook: "yes, thank you for the reminder! Allow me to begin the first poem of the afternoon-"
Just as he goes to take a neatly folded paper from a stack, you both hear a voice that's very familiar to both of you. And both of you can't help but feel excited at the voice, albeit for slightly different reasons.
Vil: "Rook, what's this I heard about a fight in the lounge? You were supposed to be keeping track of the students while I worked on the script for film club...? Wait, why are you...!"
His eyes go wide as he enters the room and spots you, but he quickly regains his composure. His expression turning cold again, but calmer than before.
Vil: "I see you have company, I suppose this conversation can wait until they leave."
Rook: "Roi du poison, how merveilleux it is to have you here! Would you care you join us?"
Vil: "I'm rather... Hm, actually, alright. "
He glanced over at you as he spoke, before nodding. And you can't help but feel confused why he changed his answer like that. But hey, you aren't going to start questioning things now! Especially not when he sits down right next to you on the couch!?
"Oh, hello?"
Vil: "hello, I... Don't believe we've met."
"Yeah, it's good to meet you!"
Vil says nothing, but simply nods again. Before turning back to face Rook who's smiling brightly at your short exchange. This prompts you to do so as well, but suffice it to say neither of you were able to focus on the poetry that day.
...see, Vil has met you before, several times in fact. And he's certain you know of it. But it was only through a screen, something separating your world from his. And back then, he knew he was one of your favorites. And even though he was used to fans, you always felt different to him.
Maybe it was the fact you were literally in another world, that could easily be it, but there was always another part to it. Your compliments were so perfectly genuine, the kind that never expected to reach their target, and meant so much more when they did.
Beyond that... There was always something calming about you. You simply showed up on day via Yuu, and made his and everyone else's lives better. Back in those days, the biggest thing he wished for was you to be by his side in his world. ...but it was certainly not a dream he expected to come true!
Of course he noticed you on that day when everything seemed to reset back to the start again, except with you in Yuu's place. But it seemed impossible to simply walk up to you, far too many eyes watching his every movement. Such is the life of someone of his renown. He couldn't put you in that sort of position. ...but maybe, just maybe... He can take hold of his dream this time.
For the next few months, things seem to go well for you and your plan! Although you're none the wiser to Vil's true feelings on the matter, you do understand that you've managed to get close to him during this time. With more than half your visits to Pomefiore simply being to visit him.
Though it still feels like there's a barrier between you two, something unspoken that holds him back. You're not sure what it is, but unfortunately you don't have the opportunity to ask him, instead becoming preoccupied with the worrying thought as the date of the SDC... And his overblot, draws closer.
You want to think you've done all you could, but it's hard to think that as you see the telltale signs of his impending overblot... Especially as the day dawns on you, and you sit there and watch him through Neige's song, and realize to your horror that you haven't changed a thing.
You realize that along with several other things as you watch his expression shift to one you wished you would never see in person. The second thing you realize while he walks back towards the dressing rooms is just how terrified you are. Not of him, but for him. And just how much you've grown to care for him not just as a character, but as a person.
The third thing, and the last you have time to realize as your feet pound against the ground, running backstage towards Niege's dressing room, is just what lengths you would go for for him. Maybe it's a death wish to willingly be here, knowing what's going to happen next, but at the very least... You'll have done everything you could, truly, until the moment arrives.
And despite everything, it does. You get there just in time to watch Neige give Rook the apple juice, and Vil's face contort in frustration. And to watch as Jamil quickly brings Niege out of the room, as Vil confronts Rook, leaving you no room to enter the conversation, no room to even try and stop the inevitable.
But this is you, so you must try. You take a step forward as the toxic fumes fill the room, and put a hand on his shoulder as the ink escapes from the magestone on his pen. And as you look up into his eyes, you see his gaze fix onto you. For the first moment, he looks horrified that you're here. The second moment is simply the sad acceptance that you wouldn't leave even if he begged you.
And finally, as the air begins to sting your lungs, and the blot peels away from him like a cocoon, you see a menacing smile. His appearance like that of a corpses. Skin a deathly pale, without a trace of warmth to be found in his expression. Still he leans down, his voice hauntingly calm compared to how he acted during the in-game overblot.
Vil: "darling, I'm so glad you joined me... I knew you wouldn't abandon me, even in my ugliest moment, in my failure to remove that obstacle."
His hand is cold against your skin, the blot staining it stinging badly. But you can't move. Not as ribbons of blot with intricate patterns rise up from the inky shadow on the ground and trap you there, also burning against your skin. You wince, barely holding back a scream from the wave of pain. When Vil notices this, he frowns, his all too sharp gold nails digging into your skin.
Vil: "what's with that look on your face? ISN'T THIS WHAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED?! Back then, you would speak about being near me... Don't tell me that was a lie!? It couldn't be! After all, you would've had no idea I was hearing it, there would've been no point to lying!"
"W-what? What are you saying?"
It's hard to speak through the pain, but this feels important. Like something he wouldn't let slip in any other case. So you hope he answers, and you also hope he answers quickly before this gas knocks you out.
Vil: "what am I saying? What are YOU saying?! Isn't it obvious!? Hmph, I suppose it was giving you too much credit to assume you would've realized the truth by now haha~"
"The... Truth?"
Vil: "oh dear, it appears I really will have to spell it out for you... Well, I'll make this quick. Back in your world, you had a game I believe was called 'twisted wonderland' correct?"
"...yes."
Vil: "well as you watched us, we watched you. And we... No. I heard all those sweet and loving little comments you'd make, the kind reserved for me and me alone... Ah, it was truly charming to wake up, knowing you would be there through the screen for me~ yet..."
He sighs at this part, though you feel it's a dramatization, an act. Especially considering how quickly his tone shifts.
Vil: "yet you were always on the other side of a screen! An impossible circumstance, and were it a movie, it would be called a tragedy. But then one day, it felt like there was a shift in the the very air, as time went back to that fateful entrance ceremony... And to my surprise, there you were... My beloved player~ and after that day, it's been like my every wish has been fulfilled! You haven't changed at all..."
This is naturally shocking information to you, but as much as you wish you could react or even question him on this, you feel the poison in the room begin to overwhelm you. Vil notices this and simply sighs, pulling you outside to the main coliseum with him, where the others were waiting for him. Already prepared for the battle, but not for the state you seem to be in.
You look ill, and blood drips down your skin and across your uniform. Your eyes are half shut as you struggle to stay awake, while Vil takes a look around the field and gives the others a withering look. Before he turns back to you, a smile returning to his face.
Vil: "please wait peacefully as I deal with this issue, my dearest..."
With that, he sets you aside. Surrounded and... 'protected' by blot. Leaving you time to catch your breath and finally breath in fresh air again. But it's not like your worries are gone. In fact they've just become all the worse now that you can't see him or the others any longer.
Perhaps you Should hate him for this. But as the blot prison around you melts away, and you watch as you get your last look at his overblot form, his face contorting in pain as he reaches to you, and his voice hoarse as he cries out to you.
Vil: "PLEASE! I NEVER MEANT FOR THIS! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE! ANYONE BUT YOU!"
You can't. You can't bring yourself to hate him. Even as the adrenaline finally wears out, and the bloodloss hits you like a truck. ...things won't be the same after this, they just couldn't be. But... As you see him come to his senses after the overblot, while Ace and Deuce help you to your feet and start bringing you to the nurses office.
You don't want things to end here, and you won't allow that to happen. ...firstly though, you need rest and time to heal. Otherwise you think you would've gone to Vil immediately. Especially when he has such a horrified expression on his face, one of regret, and one that had hoped to never see you in such a state.
You just hope... It won't be impossible to mend things between you.
...
??? Okay??? It's been a few weeks since the incident, and you expected something by now??? Look, you didn't know what to expect. Maybe a dramatic scene in the nurses office, a visit to ramshackle dorm, even a letter would've been nice! But noooooooo, instead it's been radio silence outside of visits from Rook and bills being paid so Crowley won't bother you while you're healing.
You appreciated that part of course, but you still need to have an actual conversation with him! So when you're finally given a tentative "sure you can take a walk, but remember to rest when you feel tired. And come back soon." You immediately take the opportunity to walk straight to Pomefiore.
That's what led you to this moment, sitting on the couch in the Pomefiore lounge, waiting for Vil to show up, with a almost nervous Epel sitting next to you. Unsure whether or not to make small talk.
Epel: "...weather's been nice lately?"
"...is that a question?"
Epel: "no? Yes? Look, I just dunno what ta do! Ya came in here with such a serious look on yer face, but then just sat down! Do you want small talk or no?"
"Uh, maybe not now. ...but thank you?"
Epel: "yup, kay, just good to know... Honestly, what are you even waiting here for? I know I wouldn't come back after what happened."
"I... um. Good question actually. I just... Well I think I wanna talk to-!"
You pause when you see Vil enter the room at last, and Epel notices your surprise, looking up at Vil as his expression turns sour. Vil notices you as well, but doesn't make a comment on that. Instead turning to Epel to speak.
Vil: "you missed today's table manners class, you'll need to make it up with a double lesson immediately."
Epel: "what? That ain't fair! I was busy keeping 'em company, they ain't exactly in a state to be alone right now."
Vil freezes at that, his gaze darting to you and quickly looking over your injuries. Before turning back to Epel almost instantly, a frown on his face as he speaks.
Vil: "that isn't an excuse. ...but... I'll stay here with them, and you can go to your lessons with Rook today. ...if it's alright with them of course."
You look at him for a moment, then at Epel who looks entirely against you and Vil being alone. ...it's understandable he'd be hesitant considering what he saw back then, but you want to take this opportunity to talk. So you nod to Vil, much to Epel's surprise.
"Sure, I'd like to talk to you anyway."
Vil: "you... Well then Epel, you heard them."
Epel: "w-wait, you ain't serious, right!? Are you doing okay?"
He leans in close, his voice a whisper as he sound concerned.
Epel: "blink twice if you want me to beat him up for you and help you escape."
You suppress a small laugh at that, before smiling at him, shaking your head.
"I'm fine Epel, and I'll be fine, don't worry. You should probably be more worried about this lesson you'll have to do."
Epel: "ah! Yeah, well uh, just remember to shout if you need help. Rook could probably hear it even if we end up doing the lesson on the other side of pomefiore, so don't worry, got it?"
"Got it, thanks Epel."
Epel nods, before standing up straight again and walking to the door. Turning back for another concerned look before leaving. Leaving only you and Vil in the room, and he promptly sits down on a chair opposite to the couch you're sitting on. His expression seems detached, but you can tell there's something else to him right now.
"Vil, like I said earlier, we really need to talk."
Vil: "...how has your injury been healing?"
"Oh, they're doing fine. Sam even gave me a discount on some pain relief potions, so I've been doing good."
Vil: "that's good."
He nods, before the silence creeps in again. It's a few moments before you finally decide to speak again. This time getting straight to the point.
"I don't want things between us to end."
Vil: "and why is that?"
"Cause I care about you, and I have for awhile. ...but you already knew that, didn't you? With how much I used to say it back in my world through the screen...?"
It's a risky move to show all of your cards at once, with how you now know he was self aware back then, and cared about you as well. But it seems to pay off, as he looks shaken at your words, at least for a moment. Enough for you to say the last little bit you wanted to say.
"That hasn't changed. Not since I was brought to this world, and not since the overblot. So please, if you're willing, can we fix this... Together?"
Vil looks at you for a moment, before sighing with a hand over his face. His voice is almost a whisper when he talks, but you manage to hear it anyway.
Vil: "...damnit, what did I even say while overblotted...? And why must you sound so heroic? It's as though you're trying to put my whole plan here to shame. Just leaving your life quietly... I suppose neither of us wanted that..."
He sighs again, before looking back up at you. His expression is uncharacteristically hesitant, but softer than you think you've ever seen on him during your time here.
Vil: "is that really what you want? I can assure you it's not as easy as just saying it. My life is... Messy. Not something to join into on a whim. Much less after everything that's happened."
"...yes. And maybe I'm crazy, but I think I'm finally starting to understand you. Because for some reason, I can tell you want this too, right?"
Vil: "hmph, how presumptuous~ ...yet, correct. Very well. I suppose I will also try to 'fix this' as you put it. And... Thank you."
You smile at him, and he looks up at you and gives you a smile as well. And for the first time in a few weeks, you get the feeling things are gonna start turning out alright again. Though you're still gonna take this one step at a time, at least you've finally managed to take the first step.
"...yeah, thanks."
...though you both definitely need to have a deeper conversation sometime about the whole self aware thing... Geez haha.
I had a dream the other night that I had a mustache and I thought it looked great - so today I decided to draw it again to relive it! 🥳💖 (This is definitely because I've been watching The Musketeers lately, but I'll still take it 😂👏✨️)
It's funny, but I've never felt more gender until I started growing my hair out? Trying to lean into vampire lord I think 🤔💕💕✨️ (although I still love girly stuff too 🥰 this little guy just loves it all 👏💕✨️)
Dew making phantom grind against the new boots, smooth leather with no give and pretty skeletal paint on them. Not nearly enough to feel anything, especially with how wet phantom gets, pretty pussy dragging over the toe. the only semblance of relief he can get by humping it furiously, trying so hard to rub his clit on it. Slick starting to pool on the leather making it shiny, making the white paint stand out even more. Can’t get off like this but he can absolutely give dew a good show. And maybe if he’s lucky dew will stick his fingers in him just so when he cums he can watch it drip right onto those boots
