"This is a wild ride I really want to get off, but I have nowhere to go even if I could."
James is a 2nd yr student of the Octavinelle dorm at Night Raven College. Behind his respectful attitude and great sense of humor, hides a complex person who is trying to understand and find a place in the world. After losing communication with his mother and her crew at the end of his first year at NRC, James is left penniless and to fend for himself.
But who can blame him when his dorm leader was eying him like the found gunk at the bottom of his shoe?
"Kohai, it has come to my attention that your behavior towards our dear customers was rather...unethical." His dorm leader, Azul, clicked his tongue and brought his inferior--his mate so they whispered--closer to his chest. The male who sat in his lap reflexively placed his hand on Azul's chest to steady himself, eyes shifting to and fro as if everything in the room was somehow interesting.
The 1st yr straightened in his seat as he found his eyes locking with the other and the hate reverberating from Azul at the innocent gesture. "I-I can explain sir-"
His chair was suddenly jolted and he found himself almost stumbling out of his seat. His cognitive motor skills barely stopped his faceplant onto the floor by grabbing the edge.
"Hehehe, no explanation can help you here, little guppy~"
Oh seven no.
"Floyd, you're interrupting the fear inducing moment." The words were chiding, but a twinge of mirth was heard in the voice.
The 1st yr turned his head and craned up to lock eyes with Leech.
Jade Leech.
The 1st yr shivered.
"Baahh, Jade your no fun~"
"Can we get back to the point?" Azul snapped his fingers, and the 1st year snapped back to attention. Good thing if you ask him because he couldn't handle paying so much attention to the Leeches: twins that'd make Ursula's eels proud.
"Care to explain?"
The 1st yr shrank, heart beating fast. "A bet."
"What?"
"A bet from a friend to give me all of their points if I could spit in the friars and get away with it."
He could feel it, the twins grinning and radiating with frenzy.
Piranhas...
But they'd only attack if their boss said so.
Or his mate, he reminded himself, who looked slightly nervous himself, strangely enough. Huh...
Azul sat rigid in his seat, eyes to narrow slits and his other hand gripping his cane harshly. "I'll say this: you know a good deal when you see it, but you can't afford it."
The 1st yr's eyes widened. "Look, I'll pay you back--I'll do overtime--I'll-I'll--"
"Silence", Azul hissed. He pointed his cane at the 1st yr, who felt himself shivering at the hardened object aiming directly at his face. "Who gave you permission to beg? You're my 1st yr, yet you show as much intelligence as if you were from Savanaclaw!" The 1st yr braced himself as Azul snapped his fingers again. "Take him."
"Azul..."
The 1st yr watched transfixed as the man on Azul's lap poked his cheek.
The 1st yr didn't pay too much attention due to fear, but he was quite beautiful if not for the scar.
His name was James, wasn't it? The one in charge of the tutoring center at the back of the lounge?
"Like you said, he's a first yr, your first yr, there could be another effective way."
"Like?"
"Have Floyd spit in his every meal until it counts for how many meals he's corrupted."
"Oooh! I wanna spit! I wanna spit!"
"And for every meal he could have corrupted?"
The 1st yr saw James smile at Azul, an expression unfitting for such a topic. "You read my mind." He blanched at the thought. To eat food with Floyd's spit...the 1st yr turned his head back to glance at the Leech on his right. Floyd sensed the attention and grinned back, revealing sharp, pointy, teeth.
He probably ate something weird with those. The 1st yr immediately turned back. He didn’t want to be yelled at even worse for the same offense.
Azul had no patience for that.
"And he's been caught, so his bet was lost. He can return the points to his colleague." James drew circles on the others chest. "You can catch him too, don't you think?"
Azul sniffed, looking from James to boring holes into the 1st yr. "Very well. You heard him, gentlemen."
But who could blame him, when he didn't know what love was? He certainly didn't have any good examples of it.
Mother and Father argued a lot before their divorce, and though his step father was in many ways a good man, he was not a good husband. There was always a sort of distance between him and his mother, a frigidness compared to his birth father's relationship with her. They were fire together, but with his stepfather there was ice.
Like his mother gave up on love altogether and simply wanted Azul to have a good man around the house to emulate.
The thought made Azul clench his sheets harder with his hand. In bed, he simply couldn't sleep with all these thoughts, so simply he looked at the ceiling, his right arm asleep from the weight of another body on top of it.
Not that he minded it of course.
How could he mind when the love of his life was touching him?
Azul smiled, giddy as James stirred towards him and pressed further into him, as if trying to meld himself to the other. His scent becoming stronger from a wreath to a noose around Azul's neck. He inhaled the sea salt and cod fish and wind that made up James distinct smell and turned the best he could to face James.
James seemed more serene now compared to his daily self; his hair was loose and eyebrows weren't knit together in concentration.
It's cute, but not as beautiful as the relaxed expression that he has now. An expression of actual peace.
Did James ever only relax when sleeping?
Azul gently curled a stray strand of James hair around his finger.
He sleeps like the dead...except this dead person talks.
Azul still can't quite figure out when or why it happens, but it's amusing nonetheless when it does.
He reflexively brought the strand to his lips and kissed, letting it go as his smile grew wider. He placed his other arm around James and curled closer.
Maybe I'll give him some camomile tea next time, that might help lesson the anxiety.
Note: James has friendly relationships with all of NRC, therefore I only wrote down his most important ones.
Relationships:
Mother: Anne Bonny
"Mama thought being called 'Old Ironsides' was a compliment."
Anne Bonny is a clever, stern, humorless, yet all around sentimental woman who deeply loved her son. Understanding the dangers of her career that will eventually drag him along, she taught him all that she knows in order to give him a better chance of survival. Behind closed doors, Anne tried to be "motherly" via telling jokes and the occasional childish gift. However, their relationship took an unexpected dive when James claimed he wanted to become Captain. Anne suddenly withdrew whatever affection her "reputation allowed her", which emotionally crippled James. She also placed a lot of her own narrowminded views into him in regards to Merfolk.
Her decision to shove James to apply into NRC took another hit at James self esteem, as James was offended that his mother believed him too immature to become Captain at his current age. Though he nevertheless heeded her suggestion. Her and her crew's sudden disappearance via messages shattered him completely. Having no choice, James continues his studies while secretly trying to figure out what exactly happened to the Jolly Roger crew.
Dorm Leader: Azul Ashengrotto
"I'm sorry, Azul-kun, I'm afraid of commitment."
Azul and James constantly compete with eachother in all things intellectual, from exams to board games to debates. As James is Octavinelle's "second" most educated if not intelligent student, Azul can hardly rest in his studies as James is an unstoppable force when it comes to competitions, and will most likely take any opportunity presented to him to win. Azul hides this insecurity and uneasiness well though. Behind the scenes, Azul tried to figure out how to assert his dominance as Dorm Head over him until an old bat gave him a boon.
Though James will never admit it, he found Azul beautiful, admired his intellect and his hardworking nature. James was also deeply insecure of his own intelligence thanks to Azul, as while James lived in a world of possibilities in regards to ideas, Azul knows how to make these ideas a reality with ease. After chpt 3 James was hit with a large dose of reality that these Dorm Heads were not just leaders, but actual people with flaws and insecurities. James for reasons he doesn't want to admit, finds Azul's insecurities and hidden personality strangely endearing. Did he find a new purpose in life?
Their relationship is complex to say the least, and constantly changing. Read More
Dorm Mate: Jade Leech
"Oh Jade...you choose to be honest at the most funniest times."
This particular relationship was charged from the very beginning. James says he never trusted Jade as theres "awful things hidden beneath that smile" and usually tries to hide his anxiety whenever they interact with eachother. However, Jade is eerily perceptive and has caught onto this act. For this very reason Jade enjoys interacting with James, and even goes out of his way to do so.
Despite James clear discomfort and distrust, they have pleasant conversations consisting of music, poetry, and mushrooms--as James is one of the few unbothered by this strange habit strangely enough. Jade was charmed enough by this general acceptance, and the answer of James saying despite some mushrooms just being plain parasites, they can also be useful as food...or poisons.
Dorm Mate: Floyd Leech
"You want a nickname so bad? Alright, I'll call you Leech. Very original, I know."
James is slightly more relaxed in Floyd's presence, despite Floyd being more unpredictable than Azul or his own brother, Jade. Floyd immediately nicknamed James 'Siren' upon meeting him, which caused James to panic and make a revenge plan of humorously playing an airhorn in Floyd's presence whenever Floyd calls him 'Siren'. In return, Floyd broke the airhorn once put in a foul mood and refused to call him 'Siren'...instead Floyd now calls him Codfish, which isn't any better in James mind but ah, well.
Floyd and James in general have an amusing relationship, with Floyd calling James Codfish to annoy him, and James trying not to rise to the bait. If asked, Floyd claims he likes to play with the Cod. James claims he finds the Leech annoying. James is secretly envious of Floyd's muscles and overall strength however.
Friend: Deuce Spade
"Deuce, you can't expect everyone to have your best interests at heart. Unlike me, not everyone wants to help you because they like you."
James and Deuce have a 'healthy' sempai-kohai relationship, with James happily 'guiding' Deuce who seems to admire the male for his kind and polite nature as Deuce was forced to work under Azul because of his contract. The two bonded after James learned Deuce was a former delinquent, and that the reason Deuce cleaned up his act was out of love for his mother. However James didn't consider Deuce a true friend until after episode 3, where Deuce not only treated Azul with kindness despite all Azul did to him, but also forgave James for his now apparent manipulative behavior. Hmm...looks like the sempai has a lot to learn from the kohai.
Positively, James projected and empathized with Deuce because of everything and happily helps Deuce via tutoring after Chpt 3. He also keeps a protective wing over Deuce, like a mother with her child, Jade remarks. James denies said remark every time.
Prey: Sebek Zigvolt
"Do you really exist outside of Malleus-sempai?"
Another instantly charged relationship, James detests Sebek, and the feeling seems to be mutual. Besides being human, Sebek despises James obvious disloyalty to his Dorm Head and is offended by James apparent negative opinion in regards to Malleus. James claims to care little for Sebek's opinion on him, but comments that Sebek needs to stop idol worshiping another human being, or fae: for they are infallible--you'll see.
Upon closer inspection, the two seem to gravitate to each other, at least James does...and bullies Sebek whenever in contact with him, much to Sebek's annoyance. Sebek wishes to avoid this sempai at all cost.
Predator: Lilia Vanrouge
"I'm not a child! People say I'm very mature for my age!....Wait-"
James creates problematic relationships like he rocks create minerals, and in this case its no different. James is polite if not passive-aggressive towards Lilia, and Lillia seems amused by James. After all there's not many people bold enough to attempt a fight with a fae. However, once Lilia found James bad-mouthing Malleus and bullying Sebek, he decided to teach James a lesson by forking over James most closely kept secret to Azul, and thus, sealing his fate for the rest of the game.
Currently, since the mess that was the end of chpt 3, James apologized to Lilia, and the rest of Diasomnia. He longer attempts to antagonize in such a personal way. Though it took a while for things to settle for the rest of Diasomnia, Lilia immediately accepted his apology and began to be a sort of mentor to James, teaching him all about healthy relationships and social interactions. James is unsure how to feel about this.
Rivals?: MC
"I have trained in the art of dagger throwing, swordfighting, and magical attacks...I have a high level of intelligence...yet...this PUPPET of Crowley is the one taming these students?!"
James is envious of the MC, plain and simple. Being the only student to actually seem to give a shit about the overall welfare of the students and performance of the school, but watching a random 'schmoe' do all the 'fixing' you wanted to do with ease will do that to you. Because of this, James is especially passive-aggressive towards the MC, which the MC seems oblivious to, and infuriates him more.
However after chpt 3, the MC and James had a little 'chat' concerning everything, and connected over the fact both are far away from home. Because of this, James becomes the rare sympathetic ear to the MC, to which the MC surprisingly finds themself appreciating. Hardly has anyone actually shown any consideration of the MC's own welfare. They each seem to soothe the other with their own presence. James deeply admires the MC's cool head, quick wit, and kindness, not that he'll say it to their face. As for the MC, they admire James social flexibility, and quick problem solving, but wish the solutions involved less bloodshed, more peace. They have no problem verbalizing that.
All in all, James and the MC have a relationship built on mutual respect, and possible support.
Partner in Crime: Ruggie Bucchi
"Sir, this is my emotional support hyena. Please don't hurt him."
These two adore eachother. Ruggie was James first real friend he made in the school as they bonded over living in poor conditions and James showing sympathy to Ruggie's plight working under the lazy lion prince known as Leona. On occasional James even coughed up money to buy Ruggie some food or share his, much to Ruggie's satisfaction. The two love each other's company as they can share dumb jokes, experiences, and overall act like dumb kids together.
Even so, Ruggie and James had a distance in their relationship that Ruggie wanted to close, but found it impossible to do so as James kept things vague and superficial. It simply made Ruggie curious, but out of kindness for his friend simply let it be.
Despite the events of Chpt 3, 4, and 5, Ruggie still keeps James company, thinking James actions is child's play. In fact, Ruggie has some respect for James because of it and isn't afraid to say so. James appreciates Ruggie's loyalty and has no fear of saying so in return.
Complicated: Jamil Viper
"You know there was an easier way to gain power, right? Kalim sees you as his best friend, you could have used that, Jamil."
Jamil and James immediately took notice of each other, as both recognized the other had something to hide (James talent/Jamil's unique magic). However, neither addressed this issue and for the most part stayed out of each other's way out of respect. When they did speak however, James was charismatically stupid and humorous; Jamil was face-palming because of him, but slightly amused...not that he'll ever admit that. The truth of the matter is, Azul noticed the slight bond between James and Jamil and thought it a wise choice to force James to foster friendship in between the two in hopes James can convince Jsamil to sign a deal with Azul.
Their relationship after chpt 4 took a hit however, as like the Octavinelle trio James interfered in Jamil's plan of overthrowing Kalim, but also almost murdered Jamil to "keep the peace" and out of plain ole' jealousy. James had no interest in even letting Jamil have the chance to enter Octavinelle via Azul. Also, James thought Jamil a straight up brat for being uncommunicative despite understanding why Jamil came to this point.
Jamil has no interest in reconnecting with James after chpt 5, but has accepted James apology. James meanwhile accepts that the relationship cannot be saved at the moment and simply carries on. He knows he acted way out of line interfering in private matters, especially to that degree.
They act cordial in public, with James wanting to bolt if together longer than is necessary and Jamil looking uncomfortable. Maybe once they get more mature things will go back to normal between them.
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Twisted-Wonderland (Video Game)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Azul Ashengrotto/Original Character(s)
Characters: Azul Ashengrotto, Original Characters
Summary:
After Coach Vargas's instructions failed to show results for Azul, as well as Jamil's tip working for a specific audience, Azul doesn't believe he'll ever get to fly.
Luckily, James knows exactly what Azul needs to hear.
