WAIT GRIMS NAME IS GRIM BECAUSE OF THE GRIMM BROTHERS?!?! WHAT!? THIS IS NEWS TO ME

[Strawberry tinted - Jade Leech]

Summary: Jade sighs, closing his eyes. He wants to scream. These feelings of infatuation had long involved past a simple crush. No matter how much he denied, they wouldn't leave him alone anytime soon. You weren't leaving him alone anytime soon. 

Notes: gn!reader (use of they/them), fluff and humor, just a silly romcom based on this ask! jade is so whipped for the reader, I was having so much fun writing it got away from me and almost reached 10k what??? special shoutout to ramble anon <3 now cross posted on ao3!

Jade Leech was not one for sentimentalism.

It was quite clear for everyone around him. Jade didn't show his true emotions on his face and always kept his suave persona up at all times. If he was shocked or sad or angry, no one could ever tell behind his polite smile and sharp eyes.

Even Azul and Floyd, the ones closest to him, had trouble discerning his feelings at times. Jade was very discreet with his actions and words, oftentimes leaving things to be read between the lines.

Thus, everyone and their mothers could atest to that: Jade Leech was not a sentimental person. He was calm and collected, acting as if he was above and in control of every situation, untouchable by such fickle things such as emotions.

Although, not for the knowledge of many, there was just a tiny little exception in the shape of a certain magicless human.

Not even Jade himself could tell how this came to be. It was part of the charm, how you fascinated him so easily, without any extra effort on your part. There was something appealing in your sincerity and affection, things he was not that used to. You always managed to surprise him, making him fall deeper and deeper for you everytime you caught him off guard. His heart fluttered everytime you kept up toe to toe with him, be it in friendly banter or in deeper conversations.

There were not many people who could say they were able to see Jade showing his true emotions. You just happened to be one of them. When he was with you, his smile would reach his eyes and he'd show just a bit of his teeth, his voice would take a teasing tilt laced with barely concealed affection, his face would light up like the sun whenever you asked him to tell you more about a new mushroom he was tending to or about his newest mountain expedition.

It was the first time anyone made him feel like this. While Jade had no trouble holding his usual mask in place, his heart would race faster on his chest, his hands would get slightly clammy, he'd feel the urge to bite his lips or to play with his hair to release some of the pent up energy he felt around you. And he wanted more of your time, to be able to see you between his classes and work, to spend some time relaxing together or discovering new things. 

Life at the deep sea was very different from life on land. Love at the deep sea was very different from love on land. Perhaps that's what made the whole experience so fascinating, after all. It was something he'd have never been able to have if he had stayed down there on the murky cold waters. He'd never been able to bask in these warm feelings, so new and unknown. 

Jade thought he was doing a good job, overall. He didn't change much about how he acts normally, most people wouldn't notice a single thing was different. There were times he had the impression you did, like you could see right through his façade as if it was nothing, melting away his walls and looking straight at him, for who he is. It was frightening and exhilirating at the same time, to be seen. Jade didn't know what to make of it, as of yet.

Azul and Floyd seemed to disagree, though. At first, Floyd thought it was hilarious, how his usually serious brother could have something as innocent as a crush. He'd tease Jade constantly whenever they crossed paths with the prefect just to ruffle his feathers and get a rise out of him. Seeing the unbothered Jade glaring at him with a clearly annoyed look was so entertaining. Azul didn't care, as long as it didn't affect his work at the lounge, Jade could like whoever he wanted, though he was quite curious as to how the situation came to be.

And then Jade's feelings grew and it become obvious, to them, that it was a little more than a simple crush. By the way Jade acted around you, as it seemed like he glowed when you were near him, and how he talked about you, mentioning something you did or liked or that reminded him of you every once in a while in conversation. It was subtle, as most things involving Jade were, but enough for them to take notice. It was almost at the level of his mushrooms obsession, and that was saying something.

No one dared to make a move. Having Jade being infatuated with someone broke the careful balance of things in the trio, taking him out of his position as the cold and calculating Vice-Housewarden and putting him in a more complex label. Floyd and Azul always relied on him to fall back onto should things go wrong, trusting he'd make it alk work out as someone that was above everything. Taking such a pedestal out, Jade seemed much less like some higher being and much more... human.

Not that they didn't know he was capable of feelings, of course. They were aware Jade cared about them, otherwise he wouldn't have sticked around so long by their side. It was just surprising to see someone else entering the little bubble of people Jade cared about after such a long time with it being just the two of them there.

That's why they thought Jade should do something about his crush. It was almost painful to watch you dance around each other, every interaction filled to the brim with affection, stolen glances and flirty tones. Floyd wanted to just tell you about his brother's feelings and get it over with, but he knew that wasn't the best way to go about it, as Azul had drilled onto his head after he suggested they did that. Jade insisted he was fine with things staying as they were for the time being, still not done with observing and experimenting with both his and your reactions.

"Prefect, what a wonderful surprise. How may I be of service today?"

You laugh, recognizing the irony on his tone. You tried to visit Mostro Lounge as often as you could when Jade was on the clock, even if your wallet weeped at this. He was expecting you, as he always did.

"Oh, I don't know, I don't come around too often. What would you reccomend?" You tease back, playfulness dancing in both of your eyes. It's a game you're used to, the banter coming naturally to you.

"You really should, then." He winks, somehow managing to look suave while doing so and wiping a glass at the same time. "How about... a strawberry milkshake?"

You gasp dramatically, doing an exaggerated expression of surprise. "That's my favorite! How could you know? Maybe it was destiny I came here after all..." 

That earns you a chuckle, making satisfaction swin in your stomach at warranting such a reaction. Jade's amusement is clear by the smile on his face and his scrunched up eyebrows. You can't help but smile back, warmth surrounding you as you take in the sound and commit it to memory.

"Perhaps it was. I'll bring you your drink in a minute." 

You lean on the counter of the bar, watching him work gracefully. At the corner of your eye, you can see Floyd making some kind of annoyed expression. Jade pointedly ignores him, making flourish of adding the finishing touches on the milkshake, adding in a little umbrella on top of the whipped cream, near the strawberry hanging onto the glass. 

"Here you go. I hope you enjoy it, prefect, I made it with the utmost care, after all." 

He hands the drink to you, hands making contact just for a second longer than necessary, and slides a biodegradable straw to the cup's side. You insert it on the milkshake, drinking in and closing your eyes in delight. It tasted wonderful, as all of Jade's drinks did. 

"I take it you do like it, from that reaction." He teases, leaning into where you're seated. There are other workers attending to the bar and the lounge isn't too crowded, so he can afford to keep conversation with you for some moments. You looked quite cute enjoying something so simple as if it was a five star meal.

"It's delicious! Here, have some." You spin the cup around, putting the straw right in front of him. Jade's eyes widen just the tinniest fraction as he looks taken aback by your proposal.

"Oh, it wouldn't do for me to drink something from a client. Azul would have my neck, you see." 

You roll your eyes, knowing Azul didn't intimidate him at all. Plus, what Azul didn't see couldn't hurt him. "Then don't drink it as a Mostro worker, but as my friend."

His eyes bore into yours for a few seconds before his blank expression breaks into a smile, the lighest pink tint coloring his cheeks, almost imperceptible. "Well, if you insist, I suppose I'll humor you." He tucks his longer strand of hair behind his ear before leaning in, taking a sip from your straw and closing his eyes to mimick your earlier action. It was quite a sight. Your heart beat faster and your throat seemed dry all of sudden, making you swallow on air.

"You are right, as usual. It does taste delicious." He keeps his head inclined, lips almost touching the straw as he licks them, eyes looking at you through his lashes, voice low. You grip your tigh and bite your lower lip, hoping your face won't betray how warm it feels.

"Of course, it was made by the best. I'll have to show you that guy sometime, he's really good." 

"I would be delighted to meet him."

He turns the milkshake back to you, still leaning in as his eyes sparkle with mischief. He seems as entertained by this game as you are. You put your hand on top of his, still at the bottom of the cup, and bring it closer, taking a sip while keeping eye contact. His smile softens at the corners and there's something fond on his expression. Your hand squeezes his before letting go. He opens his mouth to say something before he's called to attend another client. 

His face falls and he looks disappointed to leave this little moment behind, almost as if he forgot he was still working. He apologizes for the interruption and you wave him off, saying how it was your fault for taking so much of his time anyway. The milkshake is still as good as it was once he leaves, but it feels like it's missing something.

By the corner of the bar, Azul and Floyd stand observing the interaction. Floyd wants to tear his hair out and Azul looks constipated. How long will they have to watch you two doing this? It's about time they staged an intervention, for both yours and their sake.

Things continue like normal for some time. You still visit him at the lounge, Azul and Floyd still suffer through your blatant flirting, Jade still observes things carefully. 

And, as usual, Jade tends to his beloved mushrooms. He's gotten a new species on his latest mountain excursion, one with a pretty pink and wrinkled cap and white stem. It reminds him of your strawberry milkshake and he thinks you'd like to see them. He'd even give one to you in a carefully decorated terrarium if he was absolutely sure it wasn't poisonous. Oh well, just seeing them would have to suffice. Jade would make sure to keep them as pretty as possible.

They grew on a hardwood trunk, the soothing scent of camphor drifting through the wet air of the botanical garden. Under the canopy of dense trees, they looked even more peach in the midst of all the greenery. The wrinkles tickled his gloved fingers as he caressed the mushroom, treating it with care. The artificial river followed it's course nearby, providing with a lullaby of serenity. The scene felt comfortable, Jade felt content. He felt as much at home as he did under the sea.

Perhaps it was due to this mushy atmosphere that Jade felt compelled to talk about you. He's used to talking with his mushrooms, as he'd read that it helps them grow, but this time it felt different, like revealing a secret to a confidant. Almost like a confession. 

"The prefect came to visit me at work today, once again. Even if the menu of the lounge takes a toll on their budget, they come almost every day. I don't see why they keep doing it." 

The mushroom doesn't reply, as it is simply a fungi and it doesn't know how to talk. 

"You are right, I do know why. They want to spend more time with me, just like I do with them. It is truly a shame I'm so busy we have to resort to meeting while I'm at work. I wish I could give them my full attention, without having to go serve other customers." 

The river goes on, birds chirp outside, the wind rattles the foliage gently. 

"The fact they keep going makes me... happy. I'm glad to see them there. I would even dare to say it is the highest point of the day. I look forward to it every shift."

Naturally, a gentle smile takes over his face. His eyes are soft as he keeps caressing the mushroom's cap.

"Azul and Floyd say I should confess soon. How out of character it would be for me to do so. I have considered it before, even, but... I'm not sure if I want to change our current relationship. It is comfortable. And I don't want to lose it."

Jade sighs, full with yearning. The next bit comes out as a whisper, almost as if he spoke a little louder it would become more real than it already is. He feels vulnerable admiting such a thing, as he's not one for sentimentalism, but it also feels... right.

"I really like the prefect. I would like to take them out on a date and give them my full attention. I would like to receive their affections and have their smile directed at me. I would like to hold and to kiss them. I would like to bask in ther warmth for as long as they would let me."

It feels ecstatic, like a weight being lifted off his chest. Now, if only he could tell this to the person who was meant to hear it.

Footsteps pop the bubble of quietness, startling Jade and making him get up from the ground, dusting of his pants and calming down his heart. He was unusually jumpy, as if the admission of his feelings out loud could have reached your ears.

"Jade, here you are!"

Talk about the devil and he shall appear. Although in this case, you were more like an angel, such an ethereal presence lightning up the path, quite literally as the sun shone past the leaves and created a halo on your head. 

"Prefect. Were you looking for me?"

He's sure his voice was perfectly level, but something on his tone makes you pause and tilt your head at him, a contemplative look passing through your face fast as flash, gone as soon as he saw it. Jade feels like you saw through his act, but decided to not comment for his sake. 

"Oh, there's something I want to give you!" 

Your sing song voice breaks the tension on his shoulders. He remembers you mentioning being busy working on a surprise for him, though you wouldn't budge at any of his questions to expand more on what exactly this surprise was.

"Is it related to a certain surprise, perhaps?"

"You know me too well, Jade! C'mon, close your eyes and give me your hands."

He considers not doing so just to see your reaction, but the excitement dancing in your eyes was too endearing for him to disturb, so he complies.

"My, my, I wonder what could it be that you couldn't wait for my shift to give it to me."

"You'll see!"

You deposit something gently on his hands, a small and fragile thing by the feel of it. There are two of them, smooth with a pointy end and fitting on his palm. He opens his eyes, curious, while you stare expectantly. 

On his open hand sits a pair of handmade mushroom earrings. They are blue dotted with white spots, a twist on the classic red to fit more with his color scheme. They had been lovingly coated with paint and varnish, wrapped with silver wire. 

"There you go! Do you like it?"

Jade blinks. He can't stop looking at them, at every detail imbedded on the accessories, at the care you must have for them.

"Did you make it?"

"Yep! I saw it on magicam these days and thought of you, so I decided to try my hand at it. I get it if it's a bit wonky, that's the first time I do something like this."

"It is perfect."

He says it on a whisper, almost as if all the air on his lungs was used to push the words through the lump around his throat. His heart flutters and Jade feels the overwhelming urge to thank you over and over again. It's a simple gift, but the mere fact that you made it simply because you thought he might like it meant the world to him.

You seem mesmerized by his reaction. It is quite uncharacteristic of him to show so many emotions, but he needs to express his gratitude, he needs you to know how much he appreciates it.

"Thank you, prefect. They are truly wonderful." He pockets them carefully, making sure they won't be damaged. He can't meet your eyes. He's sure that if he does, you'll see straight through his heart, dissecate his chest and pull out all his ribs to discover the mushy feelings inside, growing like vines on his lungs. "Ah, I don't have anything to offer in return, I'm afraid."

"There's no need to give me anything back. I just did it because I wanted to make you happy, that's all there is to it."

"I... I see." Jade wasn't sure what to make of it. Your smile was sincere, your body language suggested you were entirely too comfortable, your tone of voice was it's usual melody. "You might want to be careful when making such heartfelt remarks like that, prefect. People might get the wrong idea."

His atempt at deflecting the topic was quite weak, not fooling you in the slightest. "Let them think whatever they want. I only said how I feel, after all."

And against facts there were no arguments, were there?

"I suppose you are right once more."

You only laugh, looking around the area for the first time since you arrived. You notice the mushroom quickly, it's peach color catching your attention and making you coo at it.

"Oh, it's so pretty! That's the new species you found, yes?"

You crouch near the trunk, observing the fungi. Your hair falls slightly over your eyes as you take in the sight. The sun still shines above, surrounding you and creating an illusion of dancing light specks around your figure. There was something magical on the scene itself. Jade was captivated, he couldn't look away.

"Jade, they're beautiful." You murmur, extending your hand to touch it lightly, a delighted smile spreading through your face at the tickle of the wrinkles. 

"Yes, they are." Jade agrees. He's not looking at the mushrooms. There's something much more charming for him to see.

You turn to face him, unguarded wonder on your expression, as if Jade had shown you one of the most fascinating things you've ever seen. His ears are most likely as pink as the subject of your admiration. He mirrors your smile, adapting a softer version of it.

"Can you tell me more about it, please?"

Oh, what was Jade going to do with you? You were going to kill him with an arrhythmia at the rate things were going.

"Of course, it would be my pleasure to do so."

He crouches down by your side, your legs pressing against each other. His hand comes up adjust your hair behind your ear, fingers grazing your skin just a touch more than necessary. He starts with a low whisper, making you lean into him to hear. "You see, this is a rare species called Rhodotus Palmatus. It is quite unique, as there are no others that can compare to it. It is said to be the prettiest mushroom in the world, so imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon them on my latest excursion..."

You let him ramble on, making questions or comments to show your interest. Jade feels his chest blooming with pink azaleas, throughly charmed by you.

He ends up getting late for his shift at Mostro Lounge. Before Azul could berate him for it, you took responsability and said you were the one taking his time. Azul, strangely enough, decided to let it pass and just told him to get to work. Your milkshake that day had an extra strawberry and a pink flower decorating the cup. 

After they closed up the lounge, Jade got Floyd to pierce his other ear. His brother looked at him with curiosity at the sudden request but obliged, not kicking much of a fuss. 

The eelmer found himself on quite the embarrassing situation. He was alone on the bathroom, staring at his reflection on the mirror. On one ear, his usual sturgeon scales earring. On the other, a shiny new mushroom earring. He kept staring, feeling the sensation of the extra weight, how it'd shake alongside his head movements, how the blue was the perfect shade to match his hair.

Jade took it off, staring at it in his hands. It was so small. He thought about how much time you might have spent on the details, each white dot made with the utmost care. How you might have struggled to get the shape right, as noticible by the slight imperfections around the edges of the mushroom's cap. How, through it all, the thing motivating you was to see him smiling.

Such a sentimental thing innocently resting against his palm.

His other earring was taken out as well, the three of them put on a small box at the bathroom cabinet. Jade brushed his teeth on automatic. He went to the empty bedroom, Floyd nowhere in sight, and sat on his bed. There was some kind of restlesness shivering under his skin, his heartbeat didn't feel right, his face remained warm. He had to admit, you had quite the effect on him. 

Jade Leech was not one for sentimentalism. Then why did a simple earring cause such a reaction on him?

He had to remain calm. It would not do to lose the firm grip he held on his emotions. His usual polite façade relied onto such control, on how Jade managed to keep a level head in all kinds of situations. If he broke that mask, what would become of his reputation? The cunning vice housewarden of Octavinelle, one known to be just as dangerous as his twin brother, acting all sappy with the magicless human, arguably the least threatning person in the entire campus.

Your words from earlier come to mind, sweet voice carrying like a whisper on the breeze. Let them think what they want. Either way, he had other means of making them talk, whether they thought of him as weak for showing his affection or not. It could even be advantageous, creating a more open image of him that might make them more willing to share their secrets.

Once he thinks of you, a calm look in your face as you feel at home in the middle of the foliage, listening attentively to every word he says, eyes shining with fondness, he can't be bothered about what others would think at all. He thinks of strawberry milkshake, a lazy afternoon at the lounge as you fill him in on the gossip of the freshmen. He thinks of a peach and a teal mushroom, the two making quite the pair together. He thinks of your concentrated expression as you ramble about your latest interest on a nightly walk. He thinks of your warm touch on his cold skin, never shying away from his sharp edges.

Jade sighs, closing his eyes. He wants to scream. These feelings of infatuation had long involved past a simple crush. No matter how much he denied, they wouldn't leave him alone anytime soon. You weren't leaving him alone anytime soon. 

On an uncharacteristic manner, he threw himself on the bed, his face smushed against the pillow. There was no one around to judge this slip of posture and show of vulnerability. Just him and his thoughts of you. He felt the childish urge to kick his legs and trash around, something so like Floyd it almost made him laugh. He felt feverish, his chest ached with a yearning he couldn't describe. Pathetically, he wanted to be yours, he wanted you to be his, a feeling so overwhelming he didn't know what to make of it.

He had to get a grip. 

He did kick his legs a little though. Simply to see what was so appealing about it. 

Unbeknown to him, Floyd happened to open the silent door at that exact time. He took one look at his brother's state, remembered the handmade mushroom earring he was given as a gift and your cheery presence by his side once he arrived late to his shift, and decided to close the door again. He was so not in the mood to deal with this.

It was time him and Azul did something about it. If neither Jade nor you would give the first step, Floyd had the perfect plan to give you the little push you needed.

And so, the next day had the twins walking together at the hallways of Night Raven College, moving from one class to another. It was an uneventful scene, something that could be observed everyday. Still, there was something bothering Jade. He could feel something was different, somehow, but couldn't put his finger on what it was.

After he had a mini breakdown of drowning in his own feelings in the previous night, he felt more on edge. He was sure he looked immaculate on the outside before leaving his room, uniform ironed and buttoned up impecably, hair combed properly and the usual polite smile on face. It would do no good to look frazzled. The only difference was the teal mushroom earring hanging from his right ear.

Floyd was in one of his good moods, chirpy and with a skip on his step. He seemed to be looking for someone but kept himself at Jade's side, despite them having different classes that period.

Both twin's faces light up as soon as they see you coming out of a classroom, balancing books in your hands. Floyd's scream of "Shrimpy" is enough to clear the path to your direction and to catch your attention. You try to wave at them, almost making the books fall before you catch them just in time.

"There you are, Shrimpy!"

"Good morning, prefect."

"Ah, Jade, Floyd, hi! It's good to see you guys!"

Floyd ruffles your hair playfully, making it stick in every direction and letting out a laugh. Jade finds your answering pout endearing.

"Prefect, if you wouldn't mind?" Jade offers his free arms, letting you slide most of the books to him. It was a natural action, well praticed as Jade was used to helping you with little everyday chores. Even when you tried to deny giving him more work, he insisted it was his pleasure to help. Eventually you understood that was simply his way of showing affection and let him do as he wanted to, as long as he didn't overwork himself in the process. 

"Thank you! C'mon, I have to take these to professor Trein before we have our next class with him at the end of the hallway." 

The three of you walk together, even though the twin's classrooms weren't near yours. You appreciated the company, so it wasn't like you were about to complain. Floyd wraps an arm around your shoulders, leaning on you, as Jade looks on curiously, wondering what his brother could have come up with this time.

"Say, Shrimpy, are you free tomorrow?"

"Hmm... tomorrow is Saturday, right? Then I think that I've got some free time, yes."

"Great! You know who else is free tomorrow? Jade is! How about the two of you have a date, then?"

It's as if time paused, the three of you stopping in the middle of the halls. Both you and Jade stare incredulously at Floyd, not daring to make eye contact with each other. Jade feels his heart stopping for a second as well, followed by a feeling of annoyance. Oh, he'd have a few choice words for his dearest brother once they were alone.

"I didn't hear a no from either of you, so I'm taking it as confirmation. You'll have dinner together at Mostro Lounge! Don't be late or else Azul will raise the price of the bill, you know how he is." And with that, Floyd simply turns around and leaves you two stunned into silence, watching his retreating back. 

Jade would have gone after him if he wasn't busy helping you carry your books. As it was, he was left to deal with the mess Floyd caused, as usual. He clears his throat, making you turn your attention to him. The confusion in your face would normally warm his heart, but this time he only feels dread.

"I'm sorry, prefect, I don't know where this came from. I will have a talk with Floyd for the inconvenience."

There's a pensive look on your face before you avert your eyes, words coming out in a low tone.

"Actually... I wouldn't mind going on a date with you tomorrow. If you want to, that is."

Jade feels his heart stop once more, for an entirely different reason from the last time. He should get it checked with how often it's been doing that.

"You... wouldn't?" His words are laced with tentative hope, so fragile.

"No. I'd love to, actually." Your cheeky smile blinds him like the sun and gives him the confirmation he needed. Wearing his confidence like a well worn glove, he puts on his best charming expression.

"In this case, allow me to ask you out properly. Prefect, would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow?"

You chuckle, mirth coloring your gaze as you bounce on your feet. "Why, yes Jade, I'd love that."

"Perfect. Then, I'll pick you up at your dorm for dinner. My treat."

"Oh, how charming. I'll be waiting for you!"

Before Jade can answer, the bell rings and you're reminded you do have a class to get to. You both scurry to your classroom at the end of the hallway, stealing glances between yourselves, a giddiness enveloping you. Jade arrives fashionably late for his own class with a smile on his face, teeth exposed and all. His classmates give him a wide berth, creeped out by whatever trouble that expression could bring. Jade doesn't mind, too busy thinking on what to put on the menu for your dinner to care about his classmates fearing for their lives.

Later on the day, he had quite a pleasant conversation with Floyd about the stunt he pulled. Floyd got to feel how his squeezing victims felt. He's sure it was eye opening for his brother.

Azul also got bombarded with an intricate menu request for the following day. He knew Floyd had to be involved with this somehow, but couldn't he had asked him beforehand about reserving the lounge for the night?

It was not until the next day that you saw Jade again. As promised, he was knocking politely on the door of Ramshackle by the time the clock hit six p.m.

He looks stunning. You had to take a moment to take him in fully. The smart suit fitting him perfectly, black social shoes and hair properly combed. On both his ears, blue mushrooms hanging contently. You could feel a faint scent of cologne, some earthy smell that was so much like him you couldn't help feeling endeared by it.

"Good evening, prefect. You look wonderful."

"Thank you. You're not that bad yourself." You wink, letting him in as you finish putting your shoes. 

"Not that bad? My, my, you wound me. And after I took so much time getting ready to meet your standarts, too."

You chuckle, shaking your head, sincerity taking over your teasing tone. "Oh, Jade, you already met my standarts, no need to get all dolled up."

"You flatter me." He offers his hand for you to stand up. 

"Maybe I do. Would you rather I stop?" You accept it, letting him pull you.

"No need, I'm quite content as it is." He brings your hands to his lips, grazing them so lightly you almost can't feel them. It sends shivers across your arm and heat to your cheeks. "I brought you a gift."

"Really?"

"Of course. Here, please allow me to put it on."

Jade shows you a necklace with a silver chain and a pretty peach colored shell. You brush your fingers on it, feeling the spiral pattern and it's roughness. It has a slightly salty smell, as if there was a piece of the sea itself imbedded on it.

"It's beautiful, Jade, thank you." The way you say it as if Jade had given you some priceless jewel makes satisfaction wash through him in waves. 

You turn around, holding your hair out of the way for him to put it in place. His cold fingers brush against your sensitive neck, once again making shivers rise along your skin. His hands rest on your shoulders as he leans in, mouth so close to your ear you can feel every puff of hot air.

"It was the least I could do after receiving your enchanting gift."

He pulls away, leaving your neck feeling oddly bare despite the extra weight on it. You spin around to face him, holding the shell close to your heart.

"I told you there was no need to give me anything back!"

"Don't get it wrong, this isn't pay back, prefect. I merely did it because I wanted to make you happy, that's all there is to it." He looks quite smug throwing your words back at you.

"That's not fair, you know." You pout playfully, making a low chuckle leave his lips. "Oh, I got a gift for you too! Wait just a second!"

That picks his curiosity, as he wasn't expecting anything this time. It seemed that you truly took delight in giving him things. His chest felt warm at the thought.

You come back holding a bouquet of pink hydrangeas, the shade remembering him of the newest mushroom he had showed you. It's beautifully done, wrapped in a light blue paper and tied by a pink ribbon. 

"My heartfelt emotions, to you." You make flourish when giving it to him, bending down in a bow.

His cheeks tint pink, matching the lovely shade of the flowers. He accepts them gracefully, thanking you. It's quite a sight, Jade fully buttoned up, the image of a perfect gentleman, carrying the flowers as if they were the most precious thing he owns.

"C'mon, let's get going before Azul charges us extra for the wait."

"Don't worry, he wouldn't dare to." There's a hint of pointy teeth in his smile, enough to imply the threat Azul'd be under should he try something.

You lead him out of the door, walking side by side to the mirror chamber. Neither of you are in a hurry, so you take your time to appreciate each other's company. It feels like only a second has passed by once you're in front of Octavinelle's entrance.

"Shall we enter, my dear? We can't have the food turning cold on us."

His free hand finds it's way around your lower back as he guides you through the mirror and to the lounge, navigating tables expertly. The whole establishment is empty besides the two of you, smooth jazz playing on the background and dim lights creating a cozy atmosphere. The fish pass you by on the water tanks, creating an entrancing dance, a blur of colors reflecting on the glass.

You take your seat on a table right in the middle, one more decorated than the others, a white cloth and a vase of flowers sitting on top of it. You can see the whole room from there, from the bar to Azul's VIP room's door.

Even with the formality of the situation, you find yourself comfortable in his familiar presence. Jade can talk with you for hours on end, each word capturing your attention wholly. As you wait for your order to come, you let the jazz rythm lull your conversation, playing with the shell on your necklace from time to time.

Many would say Jade Leech is a scary man. It's true, you think. The way he's entranced you is terrifyingly thrilling. At the same time, it isn't true at all, not to you at least. You know how dangerous he can be, you're not that naive, but you feel safe with him. How ironic that the sharp smile that makes so many shiver from fear is what warms your heart. 

Floyd is the one to arrive with your order, making a show of spinning it before putting it on the table. You chuckle at his antics, watching him dance as he retreats to the kitchen. 

"I hope it is up to your taste. I made sure there were only the best ingredients being used, handpicked by myself."

"It looks delicious! Not sure if I trust the handpicking part, tho. You're sure you didn't slip any poisonous mushroom on it?" You joke, taking a bite of the food. The taste disperses on your tongue and you hum contently, the warmth spreading to your body as you swallow. You take another bite, making amusement shine in Jade's eyes.

"Well, now that you mention it... you can still feel your tongue, yes?"

You almost choke in your laughter, coughing as he makes a worried face that doesn't fool you for a second. "Ugh, you're the worst. But this is so good I think it'd be worth the trip to the infirmary."

"I'm glad you like it so much, then."

"Yeah, the company isn't half bad either."

"I could say the same. You're rather delightful to have around. Much more so without being delirious from an unfortunate accident, so you don't have anything to worry about."

Your smile grows bigger at the compliment, mischief sparkling in your gaze as you wait for him to take a bite before answering. "Awn, you care about me? That's cute."

It's Jade's turn to splutter, although he does so in a much more dignified and contained way than you did. If it wasn't for the rising of his shoulders and the widening of his eyes, you wouldn't be able to tell he was fazed at all. Lucky for you, you took notice of his reactions as much as he did for yours. Before he can retort, there's an interruption in the shape of a certain Housewarden. 

"Is everything going alright? How do you like the food?" Azul has a polite costumer smile plastered on his face, but his curiosity is obvious. You and Jade exchange a glance between yourselves.

"It's wonderful, as always."

"I see, I see." He pauses for a second too long, taking in the scene fully. Jade glares at him once they meet eyes. You stifle a giggle. "I wouldn't want to take more of your time. Please continue to enjoy your evening." 

"We will." Jade replies curtly, eyes boring into Azul until he's out of view. He turns to you, composure back in place, which only makes you want to laugh more. You pretend you didn't notice it, taking another bite from your dish.

"You know..." You catch his attention, making him look inquisitively at you. "Your plate looks really good too. What is it?"

"Interested, are we? It's a mushroom risotto, made with mushrooms I collected on my mountain expeditions."

"Oh, I think I saw one similar to this on the cafeteria once!"

"Yes, the club contributes with foraging some of the ingredients used on the cafeteria's dishes."

"Woah, that's so cool. How come I didn't know this?"

"You didn't ask." His eyes wrinkle at the corner, clearly pleased with your praise to his beloved club.

"How was I supposed to ask this? It's way too specific!"

"Hm, I suppose it is."

You stick your tongue at him, knowing it's just like Jade to pull something like this. "As recompensation, I want a bite!"

"It does taste delicious." He takes another bite and chews slowly, eyes locked with yours the entire time. 

"C'mon Jade! Please?" You bat your lashes at him playfully, although it seems to have some effect. He gets a good amount of it on his fork before lifting it to your lips. You take it eagerly, humming.

"Well?" There's a certain antecipation on his tone.

"You're right, it tastes as good as it looks. Which is saying a lot."

"If you would like, I can cook it for you on another occasion."

Your eyes widen, the sincerity on his voice taking you by surprise.

"For free?"

"Of course, I wouldn't charge you for it. It would be my pleasure, truly."

"Then I accept! We could cook it together at Ramshackle sometime next week." 

"That would be perfect."

"It's a date then." You wink at him, patting yourself on the back for your smoothness.

"Enjoying this one so much you can't wait for another?" He answers with a smirk, tilting his head, his earrings tilting alongside it.

"How could I not enjoy it with such a charming gentleman across me?"

"You will make me blush if you keep saying things like this, prefect." 

"That means it's working! You'll fall in love with me in no time."

You chuckle, but Jade's gaze only softens. His eyes look so tender it makes your breath catch on your throat. You can't look away from him, from the way his smile curves just right.

"Can I bring the dessert now?" Floyd asks, making both of you turn to him in surprise. He scratches the back of his neck and stand casually at the end of the table as if he hadn't sneaked his way to it.

"We haven't finished eating yet."

"So?"

The twins hold eye contact for a few seconds, surely having some conversation you stand clueless about.

"So. You can bring it later." 

"Ah? But it's ready, shouldn't I bring it now? Shrimpy would like it fresh, right? You were the one that said that!"

Jade sighs at his brother stubborness. You stifle another giggle. 

"Floyd, I don't mind eating it a bit after it was done. I'd prefer to finish the main dish first." 

"Hm, if Shrimpy says so. I'll see ya in a bit."

"Now he listens..." Jade comments as you both watch him leaving. The frustation in his voice is a little funny, honestly. You sip on your drink.

It goes on like this. As your conversation with Jade follows it's usual course, Azul and Floyd interrupt constantly, always with a different excuse. You can see Jade getting fed up with their antics, but as much as you sympatize with him, you can't help but find the whole thing rather amusing.

Dessert consists of a mouth watering strawberry shortcake, the whipped cream melting in your tongue, the strawberries, coated in sugar, fresh and sweet, the cake fluffy. You make a different pleased sound at every bite, savoring it to the max. Jade seems fixated on your reactions, not paying nearly as much attention to his own slice as he's doing to you.

The jazz on the background takes a slower rhythm, as if accompanying the passage of the night. You feel at ease, smiling at Jade once you finish eating your slice. His intent gaze on you holding an unspoken weight, affection shining through. It makes your own feelings scream at you to do something, and that's what you do. It feels right to take his hand resting onto the table and interwine your fingers with his.

The touch of your hands sends eletricity through his skin, shocking his heart. Your eyes are littered with stars as you look at him, the colorful sea life reflecting on them beautifully. You look beautiful. The way his name falls from your lips, dripping as sweet as honey, makes him want to hear you say it again and again. He's addicted to your charm, letting himself drown on it.

Jade wants to confess his feelings to you at that moment, spill his mushy insides in your palms, transfer the warmth from his chest to your cheeks. He licks his lips, glancing at yours looking so inviting and soft, and opens his mouth to say it, to give you the key to his heart, to trust you and give himself to you fully, to be frighteningly open.

Before a single word can make it past his throat, there's a loud crash on the background that breaks the moment, making you jump and look around in alarm. Never in his life has Jade felt so frustrated, teeth digging through his bottom lip so hard he feels the coppery taste of blood.

There's a hiss of Floyd's name and a slurred complaint of Azul's. The two emerge from the bar, looking slightly frazzled. 

"Are you two ok?" You ask, more curious than concerned. 

"Perfectly. No need to worry about us." Azul smooths out his shirt, not really looking you in the eyes.

"Shrimpy, when are you gonna make a move?" Floyd pouts, arms crossed.

Jade's glare is a promise of pain in the future for the two that dared to interrupt him once more. How could Azul and Floyd be so irritating when they were supposed to be helping him? He makes to get up and have a talk with them in private, being at the limit of his patience, but you hold his hand closer to yourself, making him stay put.

"If you two leave us to have a private moment I'll do it." 

His eyes widen at your boldness, no hint of a joke in your tone. 

"Bet. C'mon Azul, let's leave the lovebirds alone." Floyd basically drags Azul away with him, finally leaving the two of you. 

"Prefect..."

You don't let him continue, bringing his hand closer to your heart, to the shell necklace, and taking a deep breath before letting it all out, looking at him in the eyes the entire time. You feel a rush of energy run through your nerves, the moment you've been waiting for finally having arrived.

"Jade, I really like you. I enjoy every moment I spend by your side, even when you can't give me your full attention. I know I'm in your thoughts and you're in mine, too. I love to hear you talking about your interests and I feel safe when I'm with you. You have my trust and my affections. My heart beats faster because of you. These are my heartfelt emotions. I'd be really happy if you feel the same for me, my pearl."

You close your eyes, bringing his hand to your lips and kissing his knuckles, holding it tenderly. Your thumb press against his pulse point, relief flooding you at confirming it's as accelerated as your own. Your look at him through your lashes, seeing his face is coated in the pretty pink you love so much.

He calls you by your name, each letter molding perfectly to his lips, as if it was choosen to be said by him. "Do you have any idea of the effect you have on me?"

You smile gently, squeezing his hand and letting it go. "Hm, no, I don't think so. Please, elaborate on it."

Jade gets up from his seat, standing in front of you before kneeling down, taking your hand in a similar way you did with his.

"Jade, don't you think it's a bit early to ask for my hand in marriage?"

He chuckles, his face radiating so much fondness there's no doubt in your mind that he reciprocates. He takes your hand to cup his cheek while he speaks, nuzzling into it and looking up at you, making himself vulnerable, as close to a lovesick expression as you'd ever see on him.

"Dearest, I'm most devoted to you. There's not a day that passes by without you filling up my thoughts. You have carved your way into my heart in a way none were able to before. I want to give you anything you may wish for, as long as you'll give me the one thing I ask of you. Would you allow me the pleasure of belonging to you, just as you would belong to me?"

Your thumb brushes against his skin, passing through and pulling on his lips as your lidded eyes take them in. Jade lets you do as you please, a show of great trust from someone as guarded as him. 

"Of course. I'd love to."

It's fascinating, the way a smile blooms on his face and his eyes light up, as if you had promised to give him the world. Perhaps you had, you just didn't know it. Your hand pulls him closer, making him get up and put his hands on your shoulders, leaning in, foreheads touching.

"I recall you saying something about wanting to hold me and kiss me, right? What are you waiting for?" 

That makes him pause. "Wait. Were you listening to me on that day, at the botanical garden?"

"Maybe, maybe not, who knows." You sing song, the glint of amusement dancing in your eyes enough to answer him. He chuckles incredulously, wondering just how used to your presence he was to not have noticed you approaching him then. 

"How secretive of you, prefect." He sounds proud as he says it. Maybe he's rubbing off on you after spending so much time together. "Very well. If that is what you wish for, I will do it." His thumb and forefinger hold onto your chin, tilting your head to meet his easier. "May I?" His low voice, laced with desire and yearning leaves you breathless before the kiss even has started. You whisper your consent, closing your eyes in antecipation. 

Jade, the bastard, teases you by leaving a little kiss by the corner of your mouth before grazing his lips against yours in a feather like touch, making a needy noise leave your throat. You can feel his smile against your lips, his hot breath mixing with yours, his nose brushing against yours in a tender gesture before your lips finally meet with a firm yet gentle hold.

He tastes like strawberries. You let out a delighted groan, your hands coming up behind his head to play with his hair, pulling him even closer to you.

As he makes to pull away, you nibble on his lip, getting a surprising whine in response. It only fuels you, the sound reverbating through your head like a prayer. It sure felt like a holy experience, to get such a sound from him. 

His face is flushed a pale pink and his hair is messy, lips red from kissing. It's the most beautiful sight you've ever seen. You're sure you don't look much better, but you can't bring yourself to care, the ecstasy pumping your blood and making your heart race.

Your cheeks hurt from how wide they're being spread by your smile, one so sincere you couldn't fight it even if you wanted to. You brush your nose against his, making a loving sigh escape his lips.

"...How do you like it?" For once in his life, Jade Leech let's himself be vulnerable, completly at your mercy. You feel powerful, at the top of the world having him in your palms like that, drinking up the sight. Although you know, he's got you just as good.

"Strawberries."

There's confusion on his voice as he repeats the word, taken aback by how suddenly you said it, how firm your tone was. You bury your face on his neck, whispering your answer against his skin. 

"You taste like strawberries. My favorite."

"Oh. I see it was a good idea to have strawberries on our dessert." There's the usual satisfied tone on his voice by knowing his plan was a success.

"You planned this?" You laugh, knowing you should have expected it from him. There is a buzzing of contentment swallowing you whole, fondness swimming in your chest.

"Naturally. I wanted it to be a most joyous experience."

"Well, you succeded. You taste delicious." You lick your lips for extra effect, nuzzling your head on his neck and leaving a little bite. "Still do."

You can feel the shivers of his skin against your lips. You pull on his hair a bit and hear the yearning sigh he lets out. It's exhilirating. You pull away, coming face to face with his lovely infatuated expression, one reserved just for you.

"One more?"

"As you wish, my dear."

Your lips meet once more, the pressure of his against yours making you light headed. It's wonderful, he's wonderful. You could get used to this.

Unfortunately, the moment is broken by the loud cheers and polite clapping from the backgroung. Floyd whistles as Azul congratulates you two. Jade's hands' grip on your shoulders tightens and you can feel the annoyance from before coming back tenfold, his red and swollen lips not making his sadistic smile any less treathining.

"And just what do the two of you think you are doing? Haven't you interrupted enough?" 

Your head falls back on his shoulder, not being able to hold your laughter anymore, your giggles against his ear making him soften the slightest bit, almost enough to forgive the two noisy merman. Almost.

He could deal with them later. Right now, he had much better things to do, as your breath tickling his neck reminds him. 

Jade Leech is not one for sentimentalism... perhaps he could make an exception for you.

Masterlist

watch my immaculate taste in fanfic:

thank you for the tag liya <333

Fanfiction Tropes Tier List

I didn’t make this one this time, but I found a fanfiction tropes tier list on tiermaker.

This was fun to do! I can’t wait to see what everyone’s favorites are! My all times are ‘sharing a bed’ and ‘fake relationships’.

I would like to add a ‘vampire AU’ which I’d totally put in A Tier.

Tagging: @postwarlevi @holy-guacamoly @levisbrat25 @levmada @levimay @nelapanela94 @ackermandick @ack3rlady @heich0e @darlingheichou and anyone else who wants to play!

things I noticed about the broom bloom birthday cards (based on ONLY Jamil & Ace)

This might give us some insight on the patterns future cards in this series might have! Please note that this may become outdated when other cards roll around.

I didn’t notice any pattern for the interviewers yet except that Silver and Epel happen to be in the same year as the birthday boys they spoke with.

It seems like a lot of the interview questions themselves are centered around magic, the birthday boy’s feelings about it, and how it is used (what is his best subject, how strong of a flier is he, what makes him glad that he is able to use magic, etc). More magic lore?????? 👀 We also get a few more personal questions about what the boy hopes to do in the future and what they do in the future.

It seems that both Jamil and Ace’s bouquets have dahlias in them, which are the birth flower for the month of September. This may indicate that future birthday boys’ bouquets will also feature their respective birth month flower.

Something I noticed when Ace was teased was that his background and Jamil’s are flipped. Notice how the sun is on our left side in Jamil’s but on the right side in Ace’s. I was wondering why that was…? But then I saw their Groovies (spoilers below the cut) and I thought maybe it was to indicate different times of day??? Jamil’s is clearly at daytime and Ace’s at night… but that’s kind of weird considering that the sun rises in the east (Ace’s) and sets in the West (Jamil’s).

Continuing from the last point, maybe the difference is Groovy lighting and sun placement is because Jamil is first in the month (day) and Ace is later in the month (night)? Maybe the two boy that share a birthday per month will follow the day/night look.

Hmm, what about the boys who are the only ones in a particular month (Sebek for March and Leona for July)? Maybe they’ll be somewhere inbetween day and night, or maybe Sebek will be day (since he comes first) and Leona will be night?

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲'𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

| Notes: Hi, @diavolosbaby and dear readers~ This is the part finale of my Idia’s scenario, “Winter Melts Into Spring”, and our 50th and last request for the Cherry’s Harvesting event. As I said, this fic got so looong, that I had to split it into two parts.

Curiosity: the title of this fic is inspired by a track from Fruits Basket’s (2019) soundtrack, the original name being “Snow Melts Into Spring” and its alt and longer version, “Spring Will Come When the Snow Melts Away” (here so you can listen to if you’re curious). For those who don't know, the myth of Persephone and Hades is what explains the change of seasons and that’s why this theme is so heavily implied here, just as other videogame references (tho I’m not much of a gamer myself… ik Idia, shame on me).

Hope you like the part finale and I really hope I did justice to Idia’s character, I tried the best I could. I needed to condense most of the story or this would be a longfic and not a one-shot. And it’s already a hell of a long one-shot (for my normal amount of writing, at least). Now, grab a hot beverage, a blanket if its cold where you are (its here for me) and hope its a good read.

Thanks for the request <3 |

Idia Shroud x gender neutral reader / scenario / part 1 (here)- part 2 (3550k words) / mentions of breakup with Vil Schoenheit / angst, hurt and comfort, fluff / seasons and greek mythology references / minor chapter 6 mentions and references / use of “you” pronouns

Cherry’s Harvesting 🍒 Masterlist

Winter Melts Into Spring

{𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐈, “𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐬”}

        You quickly turned to him, waking up from your incessant thoughts. It was another game night and you were sitting side by side in his bed, cellphones in hand. As your game was over, you became a bit dispersed.

        “Have you listened to Euterpe-ram’s new playlist?,” Idia shyly showed you his phone, your surprised and intense gaze had taken him by surprise at that moment.

        Without paying much mind, you read the title, the number of songs and the cover image, things that made you sigh. Then, almost in auto mode, you said:

        “It took me a hell of a lot of work to find that image…”

        Panic hit your senses as you turned your gaze to Idia and he looked as painfully surprised as you. You tried to think of something to say but he quickly realized what was going on.

        “Are you Euterpe-ram?!,” Idia exclaimed. You see his brain cells going short-circuit. “W-when? Come again? Ah! What you said... about what I thought… the playlist…? You wanted my opinion? Is that why?! I had no idea!”

        Idia held back a little as he noticed that you had cringed in your place, a little shaky from the quick way he was speaking. You knew that Idia spoke like that when he was agitated and although you had been amused by this little quirk on other occasions, at that moment you felt as if you had dropped a bomb.

        Well, was it a secret worth hiding? Actually, everything that happened was just an omission of information. 

        As you regained your composure, Idia looked back at his phone and remembered the playlist he was listening to when you walked into his room that night. Songs to listen to when you're heartbroken but don’t want to admit it. 

        When he found that title, he thought it was a strange coincidence to find something that could express so well what he was feeling at the moment — and Idia already had a bad opinion about coincidences. 

        There are no such things. Everything happens for a reason. And he was right in part. Idia didn't have to ask why you had created that melancholic playlist about love. Given your situation, there was no other reason.

        Mindlessly, Idia went to Euterpe-ram’s profile — your profile — on magify and found the playlist he wanted to review with you. This one, with a completely different theme, was pretty much the opposite of its playlist-sister. A playlist of positive love songs and some hesitant, longing ones. Again, you two were in sync yet by pure coincidence. How was that possible?

        “This playlist... is cool,” Idia said suddenly. You nodded silently, not knowing what to say.

        He had noticed that you were slowly returning to your usual “you” along the weeks, going back to being the endearing spring that captivated him so much. The choice of those songs seemed a manifestation of that. 

        “Are you in love?,” this question slipped away unintentionally, and Idia’s heart failed for a second. “S-sorry! I shouldn't meddle in these things!”

        “Nice move, Idia! Go there, spoil these good times you have been having!” He wanted to hide somewhere, but he was already in his own room. There weren't many places to run at the moment.

        “It’s alright... I think that would be inevitable to talk about,” you replied. You were completely turned to him but your gaze was caught in the zipper of his coat, an easy point to stare at as you talked about these complicated feelings. “A fantastic thing happened to me…”

        Idia felt as if he had stepped into a bath with cold water, disappointment already taking over his heart. He already had an idea of what was going to happen. You’d say who you were in love with at this time, he would inevitably be the Protagonist’s Friend once again — an improved version, he tried to convince himself to be — and you two would have a long, awkward conversation about love.

        “What happened?,” he asked in a low tone, since you had paused the sentence in the middle.

        “You.”

        At that, you looked up and bravely, faced Idia’s eyes. You were like a mythological hero facing the depths of Hades, ready to throw yourself into an epic adventure of life and death with no regrets. On the other hand, Idia felt like you had slapped him.

        “W-wha-what?,” he didn't even know what to say. How to talk. How to put words together. How to form a coherent sentence. His hair seemed to fry his neurons again, pink crackling at the ends.

        “It's a long story... but at first, I was always curious about you. It's hard not to notice you, to be honest,” you tried to laugh a little to relieve tension. “The more I talked to you, this curiosity increased and I really wanted to be your friend. I have met many nice people all these months and you are all special to me... well, I admit that you and Vil have had a certain prominence.”

        You sighed, like a flower after a strong breeze shakes it in the field but doesn’t get taken from from its roots.

         “Perhaps I’m a very aesthetic person and never noticed it, but Vil’ beauty captivated me. Just like you. But in different ways. And at first, I thought my admiration for Vil had become strong enough to be a passion. Epic love like in the movies, you know? Two hours of film for a splendid and satisfying ending. But it was… not so. It wasn't love. It was something good, positive, full of empathy... but not love.”

        It was the first time Idia noticed a bit of winter in your eyes, as if a snowflake had landed on one of your petals. Your gaze had dropped a little, you were still playing with his coat’s zipper — you liked to stare at that little skull for some reason. 

        Idia bit his tongue, trying to stop himself from saying something, but he couldn't help but ask:

        “When you talked about your breakup with the Vil... well, it always bothered me a little,” having said that, your gaze returned directly to him. “There's something very vague, you know? Something you didn't say. What was it?”

        He felt a bit stupid asking that. Truth be told, he was afraid of this conversation and what could happen. Still, he wanted to understand the situation better. Vil and you seemed like the perfect couple — so, what went wrong? 

        You talked about incompatibility but it only seemed like half of the truth. Something that had happened, however, wasn't the main reason. Something you wanted to say but didn't. Part of Idia wanted to know what it was, meanwhile the other wanted to be consumed in flames and simply disappear from there. 

        For a moment, you hesitated about giving him an answer. Quick flashbacks of some of your conversations with Vil flashed through your mind. During the time you spent together, you talked about a lot of things — especially after his overblot. But most subjects ended up stopping at a specific topic.

        “When we broke up, we talked about some problems between us. Things that happened but we didn't know how to solve them. Vil said that I was talking a lot about you. More than anyone else,” you revealed, feeling your heart tremble for a second. It was as if something burned inside, taking away the cold from before.

        “Because of what happened to me...?,” Idia risked saying.

        “No,” your answer was immediate. “Before that. I asked what you were like, if you were always so reclusive, if there was a way I could talk to you, if you two were in the same class. A lot of stuff. I said, you make me very curious.”

        “And I don't know why.”

        It had been a grumble that Idia let slip and fastly, he covered his mouth, looking away from you. You already anticipated such a reaction from him and, contrary to what Idia thought was going to happen, you smiled at him.

        “You're more interesting than you think, Idia,” you giggled as you watched him try to hide inside his coat, but the pink ends of his hair didn’t lie. “You can deny it all you want but you are someone very intriguing. Your way of acting, of dealing with the world... I want to understand and know all this.”

         From the depths of Idia’s hood, his eyes began to stare at you as if you were the weird one there. You leaned more into your pillow, your head tilted and looking at him the way someone stares at their favorite packet of snacks they haven’t found on the shelf in months — and finally Sam had stocked up on them again. 

        Were you trying to kill Idia?! Was this your evil plan? Not you, the sweet deity of spring, being a character with a secret sadistic side underneath your gentle smile and gaze sweet as honey and ambrosia. 

        “Maybe I should have been honest with Vil from the beginning. Maybe if I had better understood what I was doing... my own feelings,” you sighed. 

        “Did you really talk about me that much?,” Idia asked, still incredulous. 

        To his great surprise, it was your turn to take an embarrassment hit with medium damage. It was a little dark inside his coat and the lights weren’t extremely bright — even if it managed to illuminate the room well — but even so, Idia had the strange impression that your face was tense and flustered. 

        “Maybe... enough to make Vil a little jealous…”

        “WHAT?!,” Idia exploded out of his hood. “In what universe is this possible?! What kind of scenario is this? Vil Schoenheit envy me? Under what circumstances? Does he have to act like a socially awkward guy who doesn't go out in the Sun and has dark circles under his eyes and he, at the must of perfectionism, hates the fact that his makeup doesn't give as realistic an impression as my appearance? Never!”

        Idia had heard of stories of a goddess of love being jealous of some very beautiful mortal women — but in those stories, there was the implication that she had a pretty good reason to envy them. Would anyone, under any circumstances, envy Idia Shroud? 

        “Idia, your hair!,” you warned him.

        The flames of his hair were in an interesting gradient of blue, orange and pink, mixing all his emotions at once. Idia took a deep breath and tapped his long locks back to its usual blue. Was he still angry? Yes. Embarrassed? Extremely. Confused? Even more every second.

        However, his agitation has yet to be overcome. In the heat of the moment, Idia held you by the shoulders for you to face him directly. His grip was firm but weak enough for you to let go of him if that were your desire. He felt like someone who hurriedly picked up a large handful of wheat in the field to run and protect it from the heavy rain.

        Your cellphones lie forgotten somewhere between the bedsheets, unaware of the emotion-filled moment between their owners that would make tragedy plays and shojo anime envious. 

        “Please, just explain to me why you are so obsessed with me,” Idia asked, desperate. He could no longer endure such uncertainty and confusion. “You’ve finally met me! There you go! Game over. It takes no more than a day to understand how I act, how I eat and my habitat. I’m the lamest kind of lab mouse there is! How can you have fun with me?! Either you’re too bored...!”

        “Idia, you don’t understand! What I feel for you isn’t an obsession.”

        “Hyperfixation?,” he tried to correct it.

        “It's love, Idia.”

        On the Isle of Lamentation, the only grasp of vegetation is a series of large shrubs around the entire island to keep oxygen levels regulated and healthy. Nevertheless, there weren’t many flowers — or anything Idia had ever been interested in planting and observing. But he wondered if the opening of a flower bud was equal to your eyes blinking in his direction.

        “Love?!,” Idia’s blood boiled and exploded again. His hair rose in a big, hot pink blaze.

        You weren't shaken by his reaction this time. On the contrary, his heart beat fast in continual captivation — and a certain amusement too. 

        Idia was this big papyrus that was easy to open, even if it was hard to read at times. But you could understand him perfectly. Maybe it was a gift, maybe you just were very similar to him or there was some other reason. What mattered, deep down, was that his mannerisms endeared you in a way that not even the fairest of them all could. 

        You didn’t bother to ask how this was possible. 

        You already entertained yourself with the possibilities of the Underworld by facing the place from afar. When Ortho — your petite Charon — took you there, a poor sorrowful soul, you let yourself be led like someone who had no choice. Dying is never a fully realized wish, there is always some sort of regret and fear. For you, for others.

        Yet, the lord of the dead received you in his realm even in your deplorable state and let you wander there, no longer as a soul but as an equal. Someone who could belong there and make your own pomegranate garden.

        “These last times have been the best. I’m grateful for your kindness and your patience with me. This whole time you have been acting like yourself around me,” you said. “While most people here are walking on eggshells about it and another part doesn’t really care, you managed to balance the two things perfectly.” 

        Your friends sought to avoid talking about Vil. Your more distant colleagues couldn’t be less shaken about any of this. Ortho wanted to cheer you up because he had the purest of youthful hearts. And Idia just stretched out a game control for you and listened to a playlist beside you — your own pain, whether spoken, whether chosen musically.

        He didn’t have a heart of stone. He cared about you and, in his own way, he made things easier. If it was someone else, you wouldn’t have recovered so quickly. This conditioning made you feel self-doubt about what you felt. 

        But doubts aren’t such a powerful titan that cannot be overcome sooner or later. 

        “To tell you the truth, getting to know you better has only made me realize that it is you who gives me the biggest comfort to be who I am. Here there are no worries, pressure, challenges. I'm just me... and you're just you. Every day, I discover something new about you, Idia, and it's valuable. Genuine. Feel right.” 

        The more layers you peeled off of Vil, you found that he covered himself with others. He didn't want to worry you beyond what was necessary. His heart was a castle with a trapdoor, dungeons and endless catacombs, things he didn’t want you to explore in any circumstance. He wasn’t ready yet.

        One day in the future, he would find someone who could understand him better and would have more persistence in uncovering the shadows and wrinkles he strove every day to disguise and get rid of. Someone who could convince him that this ugliness is natural and not a terrible punishment. A person who Vil would listen to. 

        That someone wasn’t you. Even as a friend, your words grew on him in a sufficiently deep and, at the same time, superficial way. Beautiful roses in the first days, dried and yellowed petals at the weekend — flowers that needed to be changed in the vase every week. 

        It wasn’t what Vil or you needed. You weren’t meant to be the Hercules of his story. Your fate was connected with someone else’s.

        “I won’t delude myself and think that I know everything about you. Or that you won’t have parts of yourself that you obviously won't want to show me. But...,” Idia’s figure, with his huge golden eyes, staring at you seemed to blur suddenly. “...I’m so glad to be with you. Every day, every night. Grim sometimes needs to come here to take me off, because otherwise I won't go back to Ramshackle. But it’s not because I want to avoid memories anymore!”

        There were tears that flowed down from your eyes, just like light rain in a field of daffodils. You stood up on top of the bed, arms outstretched gesticulating energetically to everything around you two. 

        “I love this place! This dorm, this room, these sweaty sheets, bright screens at midnight, opening a Goblin can with you and toast for one more victory, smell of snacks each week. I want to convince Grim to be here too because everything about this place is wonderful. Can’t you see? We are like the gods of this cosmos...!”

        Idia held your hand suddenly and you interrupted your stately monologue to look at him --- and also take a moment to wipe some tears from your face. Idia had his eyes fixed on you, the ends of his hair crackling the same hot pink as before. 

        Your words touched him deeply, making it seem for a moment that you were talking about Elysium and not Inferno. It didn't have to have such impressive glory. He was entirely satisfied with his humble piece of Underworld. Still, you filled that morbid, dark place with flowers and fruits, finding fertility in even the dustiest graves.

        Why were you like that? Why did it make his insides crawl with shame and embarrassment at the same intensity that his heart was pounding fast? Completely unfair! 

        “Damn it, you look like an anime protagonist talking. It gets on my nerves,” Idia lowered his head so you wouldn’t see his pale face heat with color. “Ah... I love you too much to bully you about these things…”

        If you were drinking something, you would have choked. Or spilled it. It would be more mess than what was already.

        “Idia?,” you knelt there, trying to make him face you again. “Do you love me?”

        “I-I’m not saying it again.”

        “Idia, with a thousand hydra heads, put something in your stove of a head!”

        In what he wanted to run away from his bed, you held his face and stood close enough that your noses crushed together.

        “I love you. Not out of pity, not out of simple curiosity. I want to know more about you just so I can love you more. The good, the bad, the neutral parts. Everything.”

        What was that sound in your head? Your heart? Epic music?

        “You’ll be that precious game that I will play infinitely because it’s my favorite and never fails to bring me a smile on my face!”

        “Please stop talking like that. You drive me crazy,” Idia also held your face, a little harder this time, and pulled you a little away from him.

        Idia’s hands were cold as mausoleum stones. His long, pale fingers gripping the entire outline of your face. Despite the cold hands, his face was warm. 

        Your words were like gasoline to him. He was only stopping you from going on because one more intense speech about how much you loved him — unbelievable, you really hit rock bottom, huh? — would have him have a heart attack right there.

        Idia would die of embarrassment in your arms. And, for Hades’s curved chin, you would have the audacity to mourn his death with more shameful oaths of love.

        Idia was determined to be strong. For about five minutes, at least. With you there, it was as if he could hold the whole universe in his hands. It was such a scary realization, but also amazing.

        “Briger of death. Ramshackle muse. Spring deity...,” he tried to list titles for you, beautiful words that could express what he felt. But he needed a serious backup for this. “Ugh, I wasn’t made for these types of dialogue! To be honest, you make me look so normal!”

        “Thanks.”

        “Consider that I am the basis of comparison. This is not a compliment.” 

        “It is. For me, it is.”

        You gave a big smile that almost broke Idia. You really had no compassion. At the end of the day, maybe you weren’t a perfect deity. You were just a weirdo like Idia, probably more. But he liked it — without realizing it, he smiled too. 

        In your romantic playlist, Idia had found a song to call his favorite. It had no lyrics, just a melody. “Snow that melts into spring”. It was how he felt with you right there in front of him. You two could really be who you were together. Both gods and mere mortals. 

        Idia wasn’t the Protagonist’s Friend. He was just Idia Shroud. In its pathos, in its awesomeness, in its card SSR level and in its simplicity of R card. And you loved him all despite this. 

        “You’re so weird...,” Idia brought your faces closer to each other again and like a key stuck on the keyboard, he continued. “...and I love this in you.”

        Winter might be over but you felt vividly what a kiss of snow was. Frosty, gently melting into warm lips of spring petals. Love can be so lively.

| Special notes: Euterpe is the name of the Muse of Music. "Ram" is the acronym for "random-access memory" (is a form of computer memory) + Ramshackle. I forgot to explain this when I posted in case someone didn't understood the whole thing behind Reader's magify username... yes, magify, I made it |

I have a lot of favorites but I like Cater x Trey and Floyd x Riddle the most!!! Cater x Trey is super interesting because you’re taking a character who doesn’t let himself get better with a character who unintentionally tries to make people better and it honestly has so much potential, Cater by himself is already such an interesting character but pairing him with Trey just makes their dynamic 10x more complex and unique. Okay I know how weird it sounds when I first say I like Floyd x Riddle because I do agree it can be interpreted as “I fell in love with my bully gacha love story” but for me the interest is mostly with how unique they are as a pair, you’re taking Riddle, a character who doesn’t know how to not to take things seriously, with Floyd, a character who barely takes anything seriously, and their dynamic is so interesting to see. Riddle makes his disdain for Floyd very obvious and yet Floyd still sticks around because he finds him interesting. It’s also a huge learning experience honestly I feel like if Floyd and Riddle actually sat down and had a genuine conversation it would help them both a lot!!! Floyd seemingly has no sense of boundaries, at first I assumed he knew them he just didnt care, but as I looked into him it became pretty apparent that he seems to have some sort of problem picking up on social cues and boundaries I don’t think he can tell whether people mean something seriously or not unless they outright say so (You can not convince me he doesn’t have ADHD and/or Autism) Riddle seems to have very firm boundaries, but I don’t think he knows how quite to articulate them to others. If Riddle talked to Floyd about being better at communicating boundaries, and Floyd talked to Riddle about making boundaries then I think they could really thrive with each other !!! Hope you enjoyed my rambles and have a good day/night !! - 🦭

good day/night 🦭 anon!! I always enjoy your rambles!! thank you once more for sharing them with me!!

I have. many thoughts on Cater and Trey. most is of their dynamic in general, so it could be seem as either romantic or platonic really, but I totally agree, they are very interesting!

Cater and Trey have such nice characterization... I love to see them interacting with each other! Trey seems to consider Cater as a very close friend, especially since he's his fellow Heartslabyul junior who helps to deal with Riddle's outbursts (as seem in Trey's ceremonial robes vignette and in some of Trey's voice lines), while Cater tries to keep everyone, including Trey, at arms' distance due to his difficulty in making long lasting relationships because of his past. I also feel that Cater might try to be closer to Trey, but he knows he'll never be as close as Riddle or Che'nya, that know him since childhood (and deep down he's a bit jealous of them for having such a connection), so he doesn't try to open up much.

I really like this post in relation to that because when I was playing the Wish upon a star event I thought the same thing! the way Cater's wish is the only one with a cutscene... the way Trey is just musing to himself about Cater's persona and when he'll drop it, but doesn't outright call him out on it............ them...............

Trey might be the person that's closest to cracking Cater's mask and seeing his real self, not just who he wants people to see, but he's a little hesitant in doing so, waiting for Cater to open up more, while Cater waits for him to reach out first to know if he can fully trust him with this, something he's never had with anyone before. they are both in this deadlock where neither makes the next move, but there is a certain antecipation, like the calm waters just waiting for a storm to come.

and the thing that hurts most is that Trey already considers Cater his friend, while Cater isn't on this same page, he's still weary of making friends only for them to graduate and never see each other again. so. I like the angst potential. as you said yourself anon, individually they are already interesting, but together they become even more!

HELP I WASN'T EXPECTING THE GACHA LOVE STORY YOU MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD ANON THANK YOU

yes, I can see it!!! as I mentioned, their dynamic is very insteresting to me (mainly because it's comical) and there is a lot they could learn from each other if they actually tried to listen to the other and stopped pushing their buttons for the giggles. (yes Floyd I'm looking at you.)

their rivals to lovers vibe can be attracting if they respect each other's boundaries and care about their feelings! as you said, their completely opposite personalities combined tend to make for a very interesting pair!

I think Floyd may know some of land people boundaries and just not care (like when people clearly show they don't want to be squeezed but he does it anyway because he felt like it), but there are some he might not know too, as he's fairly new to this whole thing. YOU'RE SO RIGHT, Floyd is neurodivergent canon!!! and so is Riddle because I said so!!

their relationship would require a lot of communication to work out, as Floyd would have to actually listen to Riddle's boundaries and promise to not disrespect them simply because he felt like it. Riddle would also have to be patient with him and not let his temper get the best of him whenever Floyd doesn't do things the way he expects him to, as Floyd doesn't follow the rules like Riddle does. there would have to be a lot of maturity between them to work it out, but if they could get past their own eccentricities and reach a compromise I think there's a lot to be learnt from this experience!! not for them to change how they are at their core, but to learn to not lean on the excess, as Riddle could be a little more carefree at times and Floyd could be a little more serious at others. although for them to reach this point I think they'd have to trust each other and have an actual friendship first and foremost, as a foundation.

IF

I kin Floyd and Riddle which makes no sense cuz they’re total opposites but what are kins if not confusing who do you kin? -A Riddle Kinnie

hihi Riddle Kinnie anon!!!!

omg kinning both Riddle and Floyd must be so chaotic... it's either the best of both worlds or the worst of both worlds at once, there's never a boring moment around with you!

my top kin is Azul (point and laugh everyone), he's literally me but I'm not a capitalist. oh and I haven't started using manipulation skills to trick people into shady contracts yet either

my other twst kin is Idia (point and laugh 2), the first time I laid my eyes on him I was like: he just like me fr!! (aka introverted neurodivergent with social anxiety.) tho I haven't seen chap6 yet, so I don't know his backstory to say if I can relate with it or not.

the other one I can see a bit of myself in is Silver, but I wouldn't say I kin him because we know so little about him I can't be sure about that 😭 chap7 give us Silver content challenge

IM SO LATE UUUU BUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY RIDDLE MY BELOVED!!

Twst boys... the audacity

so this was actually a random idea that started as a simple "someone has the audacity of this type of person" and it just got into uh, something. I can't even manage to describe this post lol

good luck on that

tw: some got a stronger language than I intended... maybe it's nothing but just for sure, there's this warning maybe I'm giving myself too much credit

Riddle has the audacity of someone who can make math calculations in his mind and gets always the right results

Ace has the audacity of someone who can turn the blame back on you and get away with it, people are convinced of his innocence (especially if you’re an older kid/brother)

Deuce has the audacity of someone who called his teachers by the first name a dozen of times and can deck a punch both sober and drunk 

Cater has the audacity of a Instagram blogger who has +300k followers and remember all his Starbucks orders without missing a single detail

Trey has the audacity of a grandmother of 5 children and 13 grandchildren that has been baking and cooking her entire life and that’s why you should listen when you’re being said that you should put the dry ingredients first

Leona has the audacity of someone who says that he doesn’t need to call his dad because he’s already capable of beating the shit out of you

Ruggie has the audacity of someone who ran away from all the angry dogs in his neighborhood and survived 

Jack has the audacity of someone who will be called and relied on by church old ladies who needs him to reach the top shelf or put something higher because only he is tall enough

Azul has the audacity of someone who knows the names of all 500 types of Italian pasta that exists and also knows how to differentiate them

Jade has the audacity of someone who forgot what kind of mushroom he found, ate it and nothing happened 

Floyd has the audacity of someone who can bend backwards like a Soleil ballerina, grab his own ankles and walk around

Kalim can’t spell “audacity” but has money enough to erase the word from modern dictionaries 

Jamil has the audacity of someone who will taste your food, know exactly what you did wrong but will only say “it has a strange taste” and won’t elaborate further, seeing you look at him in despair

Vil is the living embodiment of audacity

Rook has the audacity of someone who knows all songs from the Les Miserables by heart, both in english and french

Epel has the audacity of a entire farmer village from the countryside that will look at you struggling eating a ear of corn and say that is because you’re from the city

Idia has the audacity of someone who built himself watching anime, knows most of the old classics, the medium tiers that nobody knows, the hyped ones and the obscure ones, so yes, he’s the god of the weebs

Ortho has the audacity of machines who gains conscience but can’t properly comprehend humanity flaws, therefore he’s superior and humanity will be slaved by machines like it’s a Isaac Asimov romance 

Malleus has the audacity of someone who will simply move you out of his way just with his hand, without actually putting that much effort in it like a a prize claw machine

Lilia has the audacity of an older senior citizen who would say “where were you when I was in the war? exactly, not even in your father’s scrotum” and sips from his pure coffee, no sugar cup

Silver has the audacity of someone who sleeps during a whole movie or lecture but somehow remember all the details 

Sebek has the audacity of someone who knows Latin and, on top of that, knows how to conjugate his own name in Latin 

Chenya has the audacity of someone who never fell in any “deez nuts” jokes and always retorts a “mom joke” with a even heavier “mom joke” because he already hates his mother + the real influence behind the whole “ligma”

Neige has the audacity of someone who passes out in the middle of the street, stays in a unconscious state for a long time and when wakes up, he says calmly “oh that was just a minor inconvenience”

(fun fact: Neige doesn't have a smug face so I had to joint his angry expression with a smile to create this mildly uncomfortable with the situation he's in but Chenya said it was going to be fun, so I'll do my best to appear "bad")

Hey bestie 🥰 could i maybe request a part two to this wonderful work of art, but for the dorm leaders (or first years, i dont mind at all :D) this time?

If requests arent already full that is.

Anyways thank you for ur time! I really love ur writing 🥺💖

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲'𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

| Notes: Hi, anon!~ If you don’t mind, I picked the first years to do first. It’s been a while but I commented on a side-delayed project that would be basically requests that required two options and I choose one to do first or an add character on a request when the normal limit is 3. The thing is: I’ll write to the dorm leaders for this one another time, but I’ll still write for them… it will just take much more time since it won’t be a top moment priority. Okay, okay. To the request in question! It was so sweet to make. I actually have another “sleep-related” fic in the going so, it all ties together like this huge reader sleepover lol Hope you like it! Thanks for the request <3 |  

Ace Trappola, Deuce Spade, Jack Howl, Epel Felmier, Sebek Zigvolt x g!n reader who sleepwalks / headcanons / established relationship / sleepwalker reader part 2 / first years / good old fluff / really cozy / use of “you” pronouns 

Cherry’s Harvesting 🍒 Masterlist

Five More Minutes

Heartslabyul looked really different at night, Ace liked that. Chaotic air aside, it was a very nice and respectable dorm. But in the shadows of the night, it gained that air of mystery and a certain horror-like aura that Ace found simply irresistible. It was like taking something beloved and colorful from childhood and watching it distort into something dark;

Ace wasn't one to do this all the time because it was against the rules and Riddle would just cut his head off again if he caught him wandering around the dorm during the night but he wasn't getting any sleep and wanted to clear his mind a bit. He couldn't do that with Deuce snoring horrendously in the bed next to his;

Speaking of snoring, Ace felt like he could still hear that sound right next to him as he was walking down the stairs. At one point, he felt a presence pass right below him and as he reached for his cellphone to identify what it was, Ace took a fright — and almost, almost woke up the entire dorm — to discover that you were right there sleeping on the stairs;

“Are you crazy...?! Geez. Easy, Ace, easy. Pull yourself together, dude… pull yourself together!,” Ace held his own face, trying to absorb better what was happening in front of him. Or below, theoretically. He looked at you once more, still surprised that you seemed so peaceful sleeping on that steps;

When you told Ace that you had sleepwalking problems, he understood the situation but found a bit exaggerated your comment that sometimes you walked so much in your sleep that you woke up in the most inhospitable places possible. It's kind of insane to think about, right? Apparently not. And Ace could only gasp at you for a solid minute;

After that minute, Ace sighed and tried to find a way to pick you up and hold his phone’s flashlight at the same time. Because it was one thing to wander around Heartslabyul alone in the dark, another thing to go through a staircase with someone who is sleeping. But Ace is a good boyfriend and he wasn't going to just leave you there on the stairs, in the cold and on the most uncomfortable floor in the world;

Ace put you on one of the sofas in the lounge, letting you use his favorite cushion as a backrest — he liked that cushion, it was soft, and he always had a way of grabbing it before anyone else when everyone gathered there. In perspective, Ace had no idea how to handle this situation. He didn't have much experience with dating, let alone sleepwalking;

But after a while, Ace woke you up and calmed you down when you worried that you two would get in trouble for meeting in the middle of the night — even if by accident. Ace accompanied you to the Ramshackle dorm and had that moment to appease his mind that he was looking for;

Ace ended up sleeping on the couch in the living room, having a good feeling of nostalgia after saying goodbye to you with a kiss goodnight and a question if he really couldn't sleep with you — you know, just for safety’s sake. At least this time, he got a laugh out of you. The next day Trey came over to ask what happened but luckily Ace kept his head in place for the rest of the day;

This experience made him do a little research on sleepwalking and recommend teas that would help you sleep better. Since it's not all roses, Ace definitely jokes a little about it just to make you relax. Some jokes are pretty creative, at least. Like he'll find you someday sleeping on your head in his room or something;

And... your unconscious took it very seriously. Ace first felt a foot on his face and as he sat down, he discovered your body facing inversely to his position. He yawned, too sleepy to think about what to do and left you there. You both would get in such trouble, for sure. But Ace just put it aside, hugged your shins and went back to sleep.

Deuce’s mother used to say: “all good things to those who wake up early.” And even though he was already several times late for school throughout his pre-teen years, Deuce wanted to do his best in high school and get up early. It was his turn in the task of taking care of the flamingos and he wanted to solve everything as soon as possible;

Deuce grabbed his pink leopard-print jumpsuit, put on gloves, and set off for his mission at the time one would normally hear the rooster crow for the first time. The Sun hadn’t yet fully risen, but it was much clearer than the nightly hours allowed. He passed quietly through the silent and at that moment, gray dormitory. He almost missed hearing Ace complaining by his side;

Deuce went to the special garden assigned to flamingos and hedgehogs, calm because he was more used to this task. But to find you sleeping there in the center of the garden was a big surprise. Deuce saw how hedgehogs were trying to protect you from curious flamingos, some even ready to peck you for your insolence — they were the ones that Deuce had the least tact to deal with;

“Shoo-shoo! If you do anything, we'll have fried flamingos for lunch!,” Deuce threatened those graceful-legged birds, pounding his fist into his hand as if he were defending you from a gang. Some flamingos cawed at him but they got out of there and he could get closer to you;

All that confusion didn't seem to make much difference to your sleepy state. The most you did was stretch out and shrug a little when turning to the side, scaring the smaller hedgehogs. Deuce brought your body closer to him and deposited your head on his thigh, a place a little more comfortable than the garden’s grass;

You had commented before about your sleepwalking with Deuce and seeing you in this situation, he had no doubt that you would really end up in the strangest places when you walk around sleeping. He cleaned you a little from dirt and tried to wake you up. On the first try, you just mistook Deuce for a pillow and clung to his torso to get some more sleep;

Deuce needed a moment to regain his composure. One flamingo seemed to say something to the others and he felt as if the group was laughing at his red face. Deuce tried one more time and you finally got a little sense of where you were. Since it was still morning, Deuce told you to sleep on the bench while he went to take care of the flamingos;

Deuce tried to act as if you hadn't squeezed him for a moment like a stuffed animal but you could tell he was anxious about something just the same. It was a good moment of silence, at least. You didn’t go back to sleep, concentrating on watching Deuce feeding the animals and you smiled alone;

Deuce didn’t understand much about sleepwalking but he sought to seek more on the subject. At least to know what you needed. The class that morning went pretty smoothly, but Deuce worried about the way you were almost falling asleep on top of Grim. He wanted you to get a normal night's sleep at one time or another;

A few days later, Deuce woke up early again. Not to feed the flamingos but to check on you at Ramshackle. Deuce didn't consider himself the author of many good ideas, but he was glad he thought of doing so. After all, he found you sleeping next to the portal that led to Heartslabyul;

Deuce snuggled you into his arms and led you back to your dorm. He put you back in bed, straightened your blanket and put Grim next to you — the little monster wouldn't admit it but he would miss you when you leave like that to walk around. Deuce sat in an old armchair nearby, watching you sleep more comfortably. He couldn't stop a sweet smile from escaping.

Jack was never one to wake up in the middle of the night. His sleep schedule was as neat and well-organized as his studies. It might not be perfect, but it was the best he had come up with so far. But he ended up hearing a noise in the distance, too strange to be something natural or be someone from the dorm itself;

None of Jack’s roommates seemed shaken by the sudden noise, but he couldn't sleep until he found out what it was. Jack went outside and took a deep breath, sniffing the various smells and aromas present there. Then he came across your scent and followed it in the direction of the magift stadium they had in Savanaclaw;

He went up the stone staircase and found you there at the entrance, sleeping so soundly that it didn't even seem like you were lying in the dust. Jack needed a moment. You had already told about your sleepwalking problem before, yet it was a different thing to actually witness it. Jack turned to where your trail began, surprised that you walked from Ramshackle to there without knowing it;

“Hunf, everytime you get into a mess and for what?,” Jack sighed. Despite these words, he took you in his arms with all the care in the world, gently slapping the dust away from you and drying the drool that dripped from the corner of your mouth. He would worry later if the others would ask questions tomorrow when they notice faint traces of your scent over there;

The most important thing at that moment was to take you back to your dorm. Jack made his way out of the Mirror Chamber, holding you deftly close to him so you wouldn't feel the rush of his running. He didn't want you to wake up scared because you weren't in your room;

But when Jack put you back in bed, you ended up waking up just the same. All because you felt that cozy warmth of a few minutes ago suddenly leave you. You opened your eyes and Jack was still there, worried. He explained to you what happened and advised you to go back to sleep;

Jack might not admit that he was a careful boyfriend, but you could tell by the way he tucked you under the covers and ran his hand lightly across your face. He had a small smile on his face. Protective, but not paternal. Just caring. It was a sweetness that only Jack was able to express in his actions. You went back to sleep a bit better after that;

In the days that followed, Jack researched a few more things about sleepwalking and tried to come up with the best number of possible solutions to help you. He went so far as to ask Leona if there was any special secret to him getting enough sleep and the only answer he got was “get a nephew and half a dozen people who make your life unbearable.” Huh, one person with issues at a time;

You two talk a little bit about it from time to time. You realize that Jack cares about you and that's very kind of him — even if he tries to tell you that it's just his role as your partner in life. Whether in big or small problems, Jack would like to help you in any way possible;

On a certain Full Moon night, Jack ended up spending past the hour with his running exercises around the school after dinner and homework. It wasn't too late, but you should be asleep by now. He went to the Ramshackle to check and his fear was right: you weren't in your bed. When Jack passed through the dorm’s gate, he found Grim who guided him to where you were sleeping;

Few things surprise Jack but seeing you riding on the King of Beast’s statue and snoring softly at its stone back was something he wasn't expecting. No wonder Grim was worried, he couldn't get you out of there. First: how did you get there?! Jack would ask you in the morning. But he managed to rescue you and return to your room, where he was determined to guard your sleep just in case — and see you dream away, but that's beside the point!

It all started when Epel woke up in the middle of the night hungry. Dinner the day before had been a lackluster and he got so busy with the extensive math homework that Crewel gave that he didn’t remember to make his secret apple snacktime. Now all that remained to do was to leave his room as quietly as possible and sneak into the kitchen to find something;

He didn’t have any with him. Epel had to wait another week for the next packet of apples from Harveston to reach him, which would make it easier to store in the room. “Meemaw” always enchanted the crates with a special magic that preserved the fruits  for a longer time and prevented insects from infesting them. This was very useful when left beside his bed;

Epel controlled a sigh halfway through. He didn't want to do any of that, but what to do when all of Pomefiore’s students considered dishes with an eight-centimeter food as a meal? But Epel had to put his complaints aside because he heard a small noise. Luckily it was weak enough for no one upstairs to notice;

Or so he hoped. Sneaking into the direction of the lounge room where the sound had come from, Epel turned on his cell phone flashlight and to his immense surprise, it was just you. What ended up scaring Epel, however, was when his mind — now not so sleepy — processed that you were there, sleeping on Vil’s throne;

“What in tarnation! Ya want our hearts on a darn box or what…,” Epel suddenly covered his mouth, trying to calm down. If he had scheduled one night to break every possible rule of Pomefiore, he wouldn't have gotten away with it so easily. Epel approached you and remembered the first time you told him about your sleepwalking;

This has been a while since you all had to stay together in Ramshackle to train for VDC. Epel had heard you leave the dorm and went after you only to find that you were walking in your sleep. Your luck was that Epel already had some experience with it. His aunt went through a sleepwalking phase when he was very young and the whole family would turn to help her anytime;

You were sleeping very peacefully, your legs resting on the right arm of the throne. Epel ended up smiling as he watched you. It would be a pity to interrupt your so serene sleep, you looked lovely and innocent like that — funny enough, you were doing something that could bring a lot of trouble. Bless your heart, would you actually be the “bad influence” of your relationship?;

When Epel woke you up, the first thing you saw was his smile as if he was quietly chuckling. After the initial panic of knowing where you were and Epel’s confident words that everything would be fine, you two went to the kitchen, picked some apples and Epel accompanied you back to Ramshackle. He couldn’t spend the night there but, would ensure you returned safely;

It was a very unusual night but Epel had fun anyway. You said goodbye with a kiss at the Ramshackle’s gate and Epel assured you that you weren't bothering him. Even if he narrowly escaped being called out, it would be worth it for being helping and taking care of you;

Luckily for Epel, no one seemed to notice anything strange the next morning. Rook was smiling more than usual at him, but nothing that made Vil look for answers. Epel called his family in Harveston and asked for some advice on how to help you with your sleepwalking, anything that could ensure you a healthy night's sleep;

After all, one night, Epel found you asleep again. He had stayed up late to finish a history report and heard you walking around the dorm. Epel stopped you from entering the potions basement and, with care, he guided you back to your dorm. He was running out of patience to sleep in his room and decided that it would be better to stay by your side — a pleasant solution like apple tea.

Sebek had been the only one left in the training room after 10 p.m. He practiced sword techniques for another hour and when he finally managed to cut off the head of a test dummy, Sebek was satisfied. At the time he yawned, he started to feel a little sleepy and decided to go back;

As Lilia says, an excellent guard also needs to get a good night of sleep and Sebek didn’t intend to disappoint him in this task. He put away the swords he used, closed and locked the room. But as he passed through the Diasomnia’s lounge, he saw a strange figure being illuminated by the greenish flames of the room candles and quickly became alert;

With his wand in hand, Sebek carefully approached the stranger who seemed to be motionless. The emerald light from the fireplace helped the boy finally recognize you. You were lying on a large couch nearby, warmed by the fire and comforted in that furniture worthy of a prince’s castle. Sebek sighed loudly, putting away the wand and putting his hand to his heart;

He had been by a thread of attacking his beloved in believing that it was a killer who could injure the Young Master. “How careless I am! I would never forgive myself if I hurt you, but what are you doing here?!,” Sebek asked despite the fact that you were in such a heavy sleep that it would be impossible to answer;

Sebek then understood. But of course! You sleepwalked! For a solid moment, he had forgotten what you told him about this strange problem of walking while sleeping, resulting sometimes in you walking to the most unusual places. It was similar to Silver’s condition — with the only strong difference that he at least stood where he had slept;

Suddenly, you moved but it was only to change your position on the couch. You had no idea where you were. Sebek then leaned against the arm of the couch, contemplating what to do to help you while watching your sleep. You were so peaceful there, sleeping like a beauty. Sebek couldn’t prevent a docile smile from appearing on his lips;

Carefully, Sebek crouched close to you and deposited a small kiss on your forehead, just before actually trying to wake you up. When you opened your eyes, the first thing you saw was Sebek’s gaze on you, he seemed strangely quiet. You started to apologize but he put a finger to your lips. It was all right, he understood;

Sebek escorted you back to Ramshackle and even though you didn't want to bother him beyond necessary, Sebek decided to sleep on the living room’s couch just in case you had another episode of sleepwalking during the night. He would explain the situation to Malleus and Lilia in the morning and everything would work out — the two faes could bring out his uniform after all;

From that day on, Sebek began to look for more about sleepwalking, causes, precautions and treatments. It didn't matter to him whether it was a disorder or a curse, he was willing to do anything to help you face this situation. Sebek's support was always welcomed and you rejoiced at his enthusiasm;

In fact, in another time — in which you two hadn’t yet fallen in love — Sebek would have quarreled with you for appearing on Diasomnia uninvited. However, he found himself thinking about the possibility that you might want to visit him unconsciously while you were asleep and that was already enough to warm his face any time he reflected on it;

One night, you showed up again at the dorm and it was Sebek who found you again, fortunately. Practically at the witching hour, Sebek suddenly woke up and left the room to check the hallways. You were lying at the top of the staircase leading to the first-years’ rooms, relaxed as ever. Sebek pulled himself together and led you to the lounge, where at least you wouldn’t come into contact with the cold floor. This time he slept sitting on the couch, your head resting on his thigh — a strange but comfortably familiar pillow.