THANK YOU FOR THE TAGS

I've been thinking a lot recently (which is never a good thing!) about who would be the MC's "besties" or first friends if they didn't meet Ace and Deuce first at Night Raven College. And since you are one of my favorite people for TWST stuff and I enjoy hearing your thoughts, I wanted to share it with you like I normally do. 😁

I'll go in order of dorms and start with Heartsabyul because it may actually keep me on track. I can't imagine anyone else from Heartsabyul aside from Ace and Deuce, but if I *had* to pick someone I could see being MC's first friend at NRC, I think I would be Riddle, honestly. He'd see this pitiful, lost, magic-less student and view it as a challenge to prove how capable he is. He'd not only educate you about NRC, but about Twisted Wonderland itself too. He'd tutor you in classes (for extra credit or maybe just for his own pride) and make sure you abide by all rules. You're basically an honorary Heartsabyul student by the end of the first semester and Grim has been collared four times a week since ya'll first started. You never have a problem with bullies because if someone so much as looks at you wrong, it's off with their head. You are invited to every Unbirthday party and expected at all croquet matches. Ace and Deuce still wind up taking a liking to you and you're able to convince Riddle not to punish them. Trey is used to your presence by now and whenever he sees you in the halls and you appear lonely, he'll come over and tell you Riddle could use some company and you're sent on your way to him.

For Savanaclaw I was a little torn on who to pick. I like the idea of you started to hang out with Ruggie because you run into him all the time when he's handling errands for Leona. But Jack just barely beats Ruggie out for title of "first friend". I think with you both being first years and you being totally lost, this lone wolf would feel bad and you'd essentially become part of his pack. Of course, Grim stresses him out severely... but you accompany him on an occasional run and he sees you in the bleachers at every game. He's over at Ramshackle more than he's at his own dorm.

Next up, my favorite Octatrio. You can't tell me that Floyd wouldn't start picking on you for his own amusement. A magicless human from another world- definitely a novelty. You'd get so used to Floyd's antics and how he'd track you down wherever you were, that eventually you just started looking for him in between classes and would call out to him. And that is how you meet Jade; after confusing the two (since you didn't even know there were two), Jade asks how you know Floyd and you're just like "he's me friend :)" which shocks the usully unshocked eel because from what Floyd has told his brother about you, you basically never have a moment of rest. Jade then takes an interest and from that point on, anyone who has a bone to pick you has to answer to the Leech twins. Azul however, misses his hench-fish. Please hang out at the lounge so Floyd will at least pretend to work.

For Scarabia, it's 100% Kalim who befriends you first, but Jamil comes later (and reluctantly). I think Kalim would find you shortly after the opening/orientation ceremony (whatever it's called- Swimmy is drawing blanks) and introduce himself and immediately declare yourselves best buddies- and Grim. He adores Grim. You're basically at Scarabia every day after classes (sometimes against your will because you can't so no to Kalim's puppy dog eyes), and this is how Jamil grows to tolerate you. You pay attention to him separately from Kalim and he's not used to it. Ramshackle also gets updated with some nicer furniture and decorations because Kalim wants to make sure your dorm is comfortable too. It is not uncommon for Kalim to come bursting through the door of Ramshackle with Jamil in tow and drag you and Grim to another celebration at Scarabia. Jamil- not that he'd ever admit it -finds himself looking for you whenever you're not with him and Kalim. He feels at peace when things grow quiet and he notices that you and Kalim have both fallen asleep on the cushions in the dorm.

Pomefiore was also difficult. I believe Epel would be the first one you bonded with. He feels like he can be himself with you. Surprisingly, you're allowed to sleep over at the dorms pretty often, although Vil often threatens to separate you two because you're up all night and YOU NEED BEAUTY SLEEP YOU POTATOES- anyways... somehow or another, Rook winds up hanging out with you two a lot. Nobody knows why. But it isn't uncommon for Vil to walk into a room while the three of you are getting into to something and getting instantly suspicious. Vil basically adopts you and treats you and Epel like his babies... which basically means Vil is a pageant mom.

For Ignihyde, you're only getting Ortho. He'll force Idia to meet you later on, but you and Ortho meet while he's handling something for Ignihyde and you just think he's so cute and adorable. You'd steal him as your own brother if you could. It's a strange sight to see the three of you; the robot, the magicless human, and a cat monster. But you three get along well- mainly because Ortho always bring treats for Grim. Idia watches through a Webcam sometimes and finds himself considering you a "friend" even though ya'll probably don't even meet until almost a year into you being in Twisted Wonderland.

And lastly, Diasomnia. It's Malleus- I bet nobody saw that one coming *sarcasm*. 😂 You meet him the same way you do in thr storyline, just much earlier. You two remain secret friends and meet nightly until he finally invites you to Diasomnia for dinner or something. From that night on, you're an honary Diasomnia member. Sebek starts hanging around you to "make sure you're not a threat to the young master!!!" but finds himself enjoying your conversations- and no he isn't blushing!!! Silver seeks you out and naps while you're doing homework or reading. You always wake him when it's time to go and he appreciates it a lot. Lilia adores you and is so excited his boys have made a friend. And I know I said that basically nobody would mess with you if Riddle or the twins were you friends... but having these 4 as your first friends... yeah, you probably won't even make other friends. 😂 You're well protected. Not even Grim can piss anyone off anymore, he's protected too.

Now I wanna ask! Who do you think would be the MC's first friends if not Ace and Deuce? And/or who would you want to meet first in Twisted Wonderland??? Personally, I'd enjoy meeting Malleus first or the twins.

- Swimmy (I need to get a life) 🏊‍♀️

SWIMMY YOUR MIND IS A CAVE OF WONDERS DON'T BE AFRAID OF THINKING TOO MUCH AND SHARING IT WITH ME <333

well, that's being said... I loved all your takes <3 as always, really lovely, funny and wholesome! Idk what would be the best friends options for MC if wasn't Ace and Deuce so, I'll talk about me personally. Maybe some of our points get in agreements lol

I - Heartslabyul

starting in a interesting point of view, I would probably stumble into Cater and/or Trey first. I'm a huge introvert and I have this power of attracting extroverts so, I feel like Cater would be super interested about my situation + my introversion. Kinda like Idia lol he would try and make plans for me to socialize and befriend Heartslabyul before anyone

weird statement ahead: Trey have so much "my dad" vibes to him, sometimes too literally. I can imagine me being lost at some place in the castle, running into him and having the biggest "pls, help me" eyes someone ever gave him. Trey would inform me the right way to go and in these small meet ups, he invites me to Heartslabyul to eat something. I'm the absolute stan of his bakery skills~

Riddle, Deuce and Ace would come with time and the follow ups of the main story, I think

II - Savanaclaw

as much I love Jack, we are two introvert idiots and wouldn't talk to each other until someone present us or some mild accident happen and we sort of interact. We have different "lone wolf" vibes. So I feel like, I would befriend Ruggie first

probably I saw him during a errand and offered some help, which he appreciate tons. Ruggie seems easy to talk to, he would laugh at how surprised I look at anything and how I'm so quiet in the beginning. Best case scenario, Jack saw Ruggie struggling with a basket of Leona's dirty clothes and we both run into him at the same time. Ruggie make the presentations and drops the basket so we both carry it while he can relax his arms for a while. Awkwardness arises but we start talking about Ruggie and... oh look at that, a friend?!

Leona took sometime to get used to me coming and going to Savanaclaw. He was the one who looked at me (and based about what Ruggie told him) and pointed, kinda mindlessly "so this is the little kitty-cat you two, bug brains, adopted?"

III - Octavinelle

Floyd as a best friend was a good take! So him! I fully agree. But... what if was Azul instead? He would be very curious about my situation, a poor unfortunate girl living in a abandoned dorm. Maybe she needs a good hand? that can trick her into a contract

but I'm like Jamil 2.0 with him. I love Azul tons but I don't like people going straight to me, especially appearing out of nowhere and scaring me (which is very easy to do and do horrible things with my overall humor). So, he would try to find things to make a organic interaction happen. Do you need new glasses? Medicine for your rhinitis? Mind to try fancy food? Maybe work at Mostro Lounge for money?

I think with the right words and acts, he would win me over. Not for a contract tho, I'll terrible afraid to sign any compromisse idk much of. The tweels are like a McDonald's double gift. The perks of having me as a friend is that, I would protect Azul's integrity from Jade and Floyd... just to mess with him myself sometimes. We are both members of "adjusting your glasses omniously anime-style" (Idia's words)

IV - Scarabia

Kalim. There's no other way. And yes, it's opening ceremony! He would see me walking around the halls, all alone and lost, and invite me for four different banquets in a row just in case. He's very friendly and his smile is something difficult to deny. I'm doomed in this sunshine boy's hands <3

befriending Jamil is only a matter of time. I feel like we relate a lot so, as much fun I would have with Kalim, I would almost pass out next to Jamil and mumble, more to myself than him, "oh God, I hate parties so much" and this picks his interest, just a bit

we all definitely talk a lot in all own ways, having each one of them by my side is a different experience but I manage to stay true to myself all the time and in which Kalim thinks I'm very unique to hang out with, Jamil reassures himself that maybe we're more similar than he first thought

Jamil would have one of those "wait, are we friends???" when I give him a gift and I'm like "yea? uh, if you're too uncomfortable with that, I'll understand..." "NO! I- I mean, sure. friends..." Kalim just jumping in the background "YAY~!"

V - Pomefiore

Epel too in my notes. It's a specially horrible day for him, he is at the apple trees area almost next to Ramshackle, almost crying, I awkwardly goes to him and offer some support. We try not to worry one another in this and Epel is like "no... its okay" when I offer him a cup of coffee (hospitality 100 points!). Meanwhile, I'm thinking how I want to find whoever made this poor boy cry and kick this person into a hill

I would go into a big experience of wanting to adopt Epel as my son and as I get to know him better, looking at him as a equal. We absolutely bond over shit-talking Vil and some of Pomefiore's extreme ideals (once in a while, talking about some good things too some times). The best part? We both are the most feral creatures deep down so when one has a anger attack, the other has one too and there's this... connection between us. Epel offers to always cut apples to me bc my knife abilities are for stabbing people, not fruits (he gets overly concerned about I cut apples and honestly? i don't blame him)

Rook will introduce himself uninvited and gets along with me before I even understands. One of my weak points is that I like weirdly funny people... he uses this weakness against me.

Vil and me have a mutual bond of disliking each other, but if he's in a good humor, he may not look too much at my dry skin and refrain himself of trying to bring me to the "skincare side of the Force". Maybe I'm too much like Leona and that another annoying thing about me lol

VI - Ignihyde

if isn't Ortho going out of his way to befriend me, I don't think anyone from Ignihyde would dare go near me (is the disadvantage of all us being introverts, we don't talk to each other). Maybe was accidentally, maybe is bc I was in front of Ignihyde's mirror thinking if I should take a look at them or not... I don't want to bother anyone... then Ortho comes up like "oh, you want to see my dorm? Come, I'll show you!" and drags me in

TOTALLY shows me to Idia and is the voice of the talk for good long weeks until Idia mumbles his first complete sentence to me and I reply a complete sentence as well, getting more used to this new ambience. I hunt down for Grim the moment Ortho talks about how Idia likes cats (girl needs to have a subject to talk about)

we all grow into one big alliance with game nights, anime marathons and manga reading time. Grim only likes the first one (bc its more interesting)

VII - Diasomnia

the biggest chance is that I befriend both Malleus and Lilia first in my humble opinion. Malleus are this creepy guy with horns that appears sometimes at night and I try at least to offer him coffee but we talk more each time; Lilia scared me off by accident one day. He wanted to prank Sebek but I came in instead. Since my reaction was very amusing, he started to talk more with me... then I discovered that Malleus and Lilia not only know each other but for the longest time, and I'm like "I should had seeing that coming"

Lilia is that kind of dad who would try to set me up either with Malleus or Silver. Sebek maybe for the comedy potential lol I feel like my personality fits more the Diasomnia crew so I'll would feel at home

imagine, spending nights talking about gargoyles with Malleus, Silver's sleeping at my shoulder, Lilia made dangerous inedible cookies and Sebek is at my other side, grumpy as he can be (and Silver and me occasionally tease him a little, the first not knowing it and me most of the time on purpose)

[special addition of mine~]

VIII - RSA

in terms of story and possibilities, Chenya would be the first one to befriend me. Maybe I was walking around Heartslabyul and saw his head floating around, our eyes meet and I'm split between "oh God, a cat boy" and "OMG A HEAD"

either way, he smiles and starts talking more with me. Definitely shows more at NRC for me and to see Riddle and Trey. If we are all together, even better! I love cats oh so much <333

Neige would also be instant friendship, most like Kalim. He's like a angel I just ran into and we share apples, smiles and the world feels like a cottagecore, I'm spinning around the school with him by my side. I don't even look like my gloomy self anymore, he fills me with so much joy and wholesome feelings~ Gran is my favorite dwarf, he get each other like anyone would

[...]

Thank you again for these interesting headcanons, Swimmy! I had a lot of fun imagining all of them <3 pls if you have something more to share, you're always welcomed in my inbox! we talked so much that I practically feel like we're friends too~

me everytime someone talks to me more than three times and we have fun:

if you are reading this and you have your own First Best Friend type of headcanons, pls feel free to share with us too <3

So a little something I’ve never really analyzed is how much symbolism is in each overblot design!! You can find small hints and nods to events and stories in each outfit. If I had to give an example I think Riddle’s is the easiest to spot, the cards on the bottom. The cards used to symbolize Ace and Deuce are shown in the front of the dress with the cards used to symbolize Cater and Trey being in the back. Of course this could be me over-analyzing, but having Ace and Deuce being shown in front somewhat leads me to believe it was intentional to show how Riddle somewhat followed them and how they refused to follow him. Cater and Trey being in the back shows how they followed him and stood behind him even though they knew what he was doing was wrong! And there’s little things like that in every outfit if you look closely!! - 🦭

🦭 ANON HIII HOW ARE U DOING???

you're so right, all the overblot designs have little details and motifs that are very interesting to analyse and can tell you a lot about the characters themselves!

honestly, I think there isn't such a thing as over-analyzing! the artists usually put a lot of intentional little details into the designs, so there could be meaning to them! I really like your interpretation of it, I'll admit I never noticed or thought about this before, so now I'm convinced it could represent this!

my favorite design choice for the ob!designs is how many acessories are made from pure blot, like in Riddle's case: his crown, boots, gloves and the little thingy behind his neck! also, how the phantoms represent their fears/insecurities and the villains they were inspired by! in Riddle's case, it could be interpreted as his mother's influence and how he still feels like he has to follow all she thaught him and the rules bearing down on him, besides the Queen Of Hearts herself.

if you'd like to tell me more about your theories and observations about the overblot designs, feel free to! I've missed reading your thoughts on things, thank you for sharing them with me! 🫶

pessoal do segundão 1ª part | 3ª part

THIS IS A SILLY,this is the same anon as before and if u do make a fic I eyezoom immensely

but just imagine like jades labwear story

jade:*gushing to his shrooms about his crush like in the groovy image* azul:walks in* jade:😶 ah hello azul-

azul:-ok jade this is an intervention you desperately need to confess

WELCOME BACK!! anon, have I mentioned that I love the way you think?

THE WAY HE'D PRETEND NOTHING HAPPENED HELPP

Jade: Hello Azul, what a pleasant evening we are having today, no?

Azul: Jade. Either you confess to them or I'll do it for you.

THIS IDEA ALSO HAS A LOT OF POTENTIAL, usually I see fics of the tweels helping Azul confess to his crush (and messing it up for entertainment purposes), but now I'm imagining Floyd and Azul helping Jade (on their own... quirky ways). THIS WOULD BE SO FUNNY PLS ANON IF YOU HAVE MORE THOUGHTS LIKE THIS DO FEEL FREE TO SHARE THEM WITH ME!!!

[Keep the warmth in - A lazy morning with Che'nya]

You can feel the sun rays behind your eyelids, the few ones that escaped the curtains grasp, trying to wake you up, as if biding you good morning.

Drowsy, your eyes open, blinking once, twice, thrice. A deep sigh leaves your lips, your chest heaving with it.

The room is warm, the body draped over you is warmer. The hot breath tingles your neck, the fluffy ears twitching slightly. There are legs tangled with yours, arms embracing you. 

You move your fingers, one by one, calling feeling back to your dormant hand. Softly, you caress the mop of hair under your palm, humming as you bask into the morning tranquility, a rare calm moment in your so busy life.

It's warm and tender. You watch your lover's sleeping face, even if you had to crank your neck a bit to do so. Che'nya looks incredibily innocent like this, no trace of his usual mischievous self. His mouth is slightly open and, up close, you can see his features better, how his eyelashes lay on his skin, how his cheeks are flushed in a cute pink tone, his hair tousled.

The smile that takes over your face is fond, your eyes drinking up the sight while it lasts. A sound of contentment leaves your throat, your free hand rubbing circles and tracing little shapes on Che'nya's back. 

You can feel a light purring coming from him. He nuzzles his head onto your shoulder, hiding his face from view. You adjust your head, exposing your neck to acomodate him better. Your hand doesn't leave his hair, petting it with care.

In the back of your mind, you wonder what time it may be. You make a mental list of what you have do to through the day, including what you should make for breakfast. Buttered toast with tea sounds nice and easy, so maybe you should go with that.

There's a feather light feel on your neck, lips grazing over it, close enough to touch but not quite doing it. You shiver, your hands stopping their motions as your breath hitches. "Hm, good meow-rning..." Che'nya's voice is rough from just having woken up, a raspy tone on it that mingles with his usual chipper one. 

A kiss is deposited on your neck, followed by a light nibble. You sigh, a sound filled with joy. You can feel his heart beating from where his chest presses against yours, a comforting feeling. Another kiss follows the last one, his hand reaching yours and lacing your fingers together. Your heart flutters as you squeeze it, chuckling, your voice barely a whisper.

"Good morning, love." Che'nya pulls back, his head coming in front of yours and blocking the sunlight. Above you, his hair is messier than usual, his ears without their usual earrings, his eyes lidded. There's a grin on his face, as always, but it's one he reserves just for you. Not the too big one, but not a too small one, either. It's just the right amount of both loving and teasing. You slide the hand from his hair to cup his cheek, feeling him melt into your palm, his eyes closing in bliss. Your thumb caress the skin, relishing on the contact. "Did you sleep well?"

"I had the craziest dream." He mewls, his forehead coming in touch with yours. You hum, encoraging him to go on. "There was a door, but it was very tiny, and I was very big." Your hand slips from his cheek, holding onto the back of his neck. "Then I became very tiny, but everything else was really big."

"Oh? What did you do then?" Your fingers graze his neck gently, his ears twitch, goosebumps appearing on his skin. He pulls back again, his eyes fluttering open to gaze down at you. His head turns to the side, very much like a curious cat, and his grin widens. 

"I'll tell you, but only if you give me something."

"How about a kiss?"

His head cocks to the other side, as if thinking it over, a pout of concentration on his lips. "Nope, won't do." He shakes his head, his hair getting more out of place, making you giggle.

"Two, then."

His eyebrows furrow, eyes closing. "No." He drags the word, dramatically. You can't resist it, so you poke the wrinkles, making him yelp.

"So demanding. Three it is."

He stares at you, giving a fleeting glance at your lips before looking up again. "I supposed it'll do for now." His hand releases the hold it had on yours and reaches your face, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

Che'nya leans in and presses your lips together, tenderly. It's soft and slow, lazy, even. His teeth graze your bottom lip as he's about to pull away, but you stop him. The hand on the back of his neck leads your lips to connect again and you groan, pleased. 

There's a quick moment when your lips part for you to catch your breath before they are meeting once more, your hand traveling up to rum through his hair as he whimpers. Your free hand goes to his waist, holding him close to you, keeping the warmth in.

You separate but he stays close, hovering over you. His lips have an after kiss quality to them that makes satisfatction flow through you. Your hand trails from behind his ears to the back of his neck to his cheeks, mimicking his own.

"I passed through the door." He says, picking up on where you left the conversation about his dream. "But everything stayed big, and I stayed small."

"I see. That's a strange dream, but it's in accordance to your usual ones, right? It would be stranger if it wasn't."

"How odd that you try to find order in the midst of chaos." Che'nya leans down and gives you a kiss on the forehead, so full of affection you can feel it. He then rolls over to the other side of the bed and sits up, stretching his limbs. "You're right, it's still on brand for me!" 

You laugh from his sudden burst of energy. "Feeling awake now?" 

"After that? Of course I am! Although I could use an extra boost, just to make sure~"

You sit up as well, coming face to face with him. You give him a quick peck before getting up and ready to start the day, grin firmly in place as he follows you, asking for another kiss.

The sun enters the room and it's warm. You feel warm, down to the tip of your toes. Che'nya also feels warm, by the smile on his face. It's a warm moment, and it's yours.

Masterlist

DENIED﹙☆﹚—   TWST

when they’re your older sibling and don’t approve of your s/o.

— warnings: none!:)

— characters: tweels, sebek, ruggie, lilia, + leona 

﹙☆﹚—  AMAZED BY THE AUDACITY OF YOUR S/O. 

jade & floyd honestly did not know what your significant other was thinking. they knew about your older brothers, they made sure of it. moreover, they knew how jade and floyd. when that didn’t scare them away, floyd had threatened to squeeze them several times. jade’s approach was more subtle. he would joke about something bad happening to your significant other while he was alone in a room with him, all while a grin was plastered upon his face.

it’s not that they don’t want you to date, it’s just that they have high standards for your significant other. as your older siblings, they believe (mainly floyd) that it’s their job to help you find someone who lives up to their incredibly long list of what your partner must be. the only way they would cease their constant scheming against your lover is if you got mad at them. however, just because their scheming ceases doesn’t mean that they’ll automatically come around to liking your significant other.

Continuar lendo

something about Jack outright calling Adeuce the brain cell duo is so funny

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.

THANK YOU I LIKE YOUR FANCY WORDS !!!

me creating this in my lab while I conduct a little experiment on Azul and eximine his insides closely and pick him apart !!

[I refuse to drown - Azul Ashengrotto]

Summary: He had hurt you. Azul had hurt you and he wasn't sure how he could ever forgive himself, the guilt gnawing at his core. Despite that, you still smile at him. 

Notes: reader and azul knew each other before chapter 3, gn!reader, angst and hurt/comfort, self deprecating thoughts, some mentions of blood, injury and death but none too graphic, not proof read

Azul had lost everything.

Everything he had built painstakingly for years, crawling himself from the bottom of the depths, that he exhausted himself for, that he carefully planned and gained through his hard work. Gone, just like that, floating away in the wind the same way the sand of the beach is carried away by the waves.

But, the worst of all: he lost control. 

Control of himself, his actions and his mind. Azul couldn't remember what happened after seeing his contracts disintegrating, only that he felt more despair than ever before. Even when he was isolated and mocked by the other merman, he's never felt such helplessness, such anguish, such misery. 

His mind was muddy, he didn't feel like he was in his body. Why would it matter, anyway? It was all gone, gone, gone. 

He let himself drown in the feeling.

Drowning was a strange sensation. Azul, being a merman, never thought he could experience it, but Night Raven College was full of surprises. His lungs felt full, an inky substance occupying where once was air. His vision was dark, as if he had fallen into an abyss. He couldn't bring himself to care.

Azul didn't know which was worse, the hopeless feelings or the lack thereof. 

He stayed floating into nothingness for a while. He wasn't conscious, but he was. He was there, but he wasn't. He didn't have a body, but he did. If he could manage to string a coherent thought together, it might have been something like this: "Is this what death looks like?" Perhaps if he could muster enough strenght to feel something, he might have felt regret for all the things he still had left to do.

If he looked deep into himself, deeper than he was willing to, he might have found that he regretted making you sign one of his rigged contracts and dragging you into this mess. He should have known better than understimating you, he should have known that something like this would happen. After all, you were amazing enough to catch his attention. What made him think you wouldn't be amazing enough to find a way out of his deal? What made him think Jade and Floyd would be enough to disencourage you? What made him think someone like him, so dirty and insicere, could ever dampen someone like you, so determined and bright?

He didn't think about any of it. He didn't think about anything.

The first thing Azul felt when he came back to his senses was light against his eyelids. He was back at the surface. His body ached all over but his lungs no longer bled that viscous black liquid and he felt alive once more. He was still alive.

He could smell a familiar scent, one that he was used to smelling back at the Coral Sea, so used to he didn't identify it a first. He heard shouting that seemed to be miles away and right by his ear at the same time. His slugish head couldn't distinguish what was being said by whom, but he could swear he heard your name, it's mention alone being enough to jolt eletricity back into his being and keep him awake. There were hurried footsteps getting farther away and he finally recognized what the smell was. It was the metalic smell of blood.

He tried to open his eyes but the bright lights of Mostro Lounge burned them, so he kept them tightly shut. He couldn't get up, his legs hurt more than any other part of his body. What had happened? He couldn't have... could he? The last thing he could remember happening before passing out was... oh.

Oh. He did. Azul had an overblot.

His breath hitched, but he forced himself to keep breathing in the air, to keep the blot out, out of his system and out of his lungs and out of his veins and out out out of him. He bit his tounge, clenched his fists and forced his sore eyes to open.

The contracts, they were gone. His life's work. He had made a fool of himself in front of another housewarden. He had an overblot and put everyone in danger. He had put you in danger.

Jade and Floyd were by his side. They were talking to him, but he couldn't register the words. His head was underwater, the pressure weighting him down, his ears filled with water and dripping, dripping, dripping.

He could still smell the blood. Ah, it felt just like home.

Azul looked at his lower half, almost sure in some hysterical part of his brain that he would find his tentacles there. His legs laid on the floor, clean and useless. He breathed a sigh of relief. Still, he couldn't help but wish the blood was his.

He got the gist of what the twins were saying. Leona destroyed the contracts and you had managed to adquire his childhood photo. They were mocking him for the tantrum he threw, but he could tell they were worried. There wasn't much force behind the half hearted taunts and no matter how much they tried to hide, Azul knew them just like they knew him. They were aggravated at what happened as well, no matter how much they pretended they couldn't care less.

"What would you like us to do about the photo?" 

"I'm pretty sure we could just snatch it up with how shrimpy is now, but man, I'm not in the mood for it."

"...I don't care about the photo anymore. Tell me, what happened to the prefect?"

Jade looked at him with pity and Floyd's mood deteriorated. There was a bottomless pit of dread at his stomach, his throat felt dry all of sudden. His eyes burned, but no tears fell from them. When had his breathing become so erratic?

As soon as the twins broke the news to him, Azul tried to stand up and see you, not caring for how much his legs ached and hurt and screamed at him to stay down. Good, he thought with venom, so much loathing and disdain it left a sour feeling in his mouth, they better be hurting after what he'd done. He deserves worse.

Jade helped him balance himself on his legs and Floyd laughed at his clumsy footing, as if it was the first time the three of them set foot on land and were just learning how to walk. Azul felt like he had been stripped from his tentacles and siphon all over again. He had been stripped from his skin and from his mind, had been laid open and bare and vulnerable for all to see, had his chest teared apart and his lungs leaking onto the floor.

Once they arrived at the infirmary, Azul was almost jumped by your friends. The Heartslabyul duo and the young Savanaclaw seemed ready to plummet him to the ground, no care for his condition, if it weren't for Jade and Floyd tanking him by both sides like bodyguards. Azul was glad they didn't care, he was glad they worried so much about you. He would have let them hit him and taken the beating, there wasn't much of his pride left to salvage anyway.

The school nurse had just finished attending you and promptly went to work on his injuries. The Headmaster appeared at the infirmary right after Azul was discharged, no doubt already knowing what happened. He had never seem Crowley look as serious as he did when he asked for the three of them to accompany him to his office. 

Azul's body was exhausted, he clearly needed to rest. Still, he agreed without a fuss, the twins following him closely from behind. He could feel Jade's gaze burning the back of his neck, but he couldn't gather enough energy to care for whatever was going on the eelmer's mind. He felt empty, almost hollow. Frighteningly so, like he was still on that void state, disconnected from his body. Was he even awake?

The talk with the Headmaster was a long and tiring one. At the end of it, Azul accepted the new terms for him to keep running Mostro Lounge at the school, gripping tightly to the only thing he had left. He couldn't lose his beloved restaurant alongside everything else, it would be too much, more than he could handle.

It was dark by the time they were excused to go back to their dorm. Azul felt and looked like a mess, not like the businessman he took pride in being. His hair was dishevelled, there were eyebags under his eyes and his mouth was set in a firm line for a while, not managing much more emoting. 

There was a restlessness under his skin, on his muscles, deep in his bones, down onto every single cell. No matter how worn out he was, there was no way he would be able to sit back. Not until he saw you with his own eyes, saw exactly how much damage he had caused. 

He wasn't able to muster up the courage to look the twins in the face as he told them to go ahead, that he had something to do. Luckly, they decided he had suffered enough and didn't kick up much of a fuss before leaving him alone.

The walk to the infirmary felt like a fever dream, too long and too short at the same time. Azul wondered if your friends were still there at this time, if you were awake, if he was even allowed to enter. He stayed rooted in front of the entrance, trying to gather every last bit of confidence to put up his usual serene façade. 

He wouldn't let you see how affected he was by the whole ordeal. This wasn't supposed to be about him, he wanted to take a look at you. You, who had been nothing but friendly to him, who had caught his attention early on, who spent time with him at Mostro Lounge, who he admired so much, who wormed your way into his heart and refused to leave.

Azul was afraid you hated him now, but by the Sevens how much he wished you did. Why wouldn't you, after he tried to scam you out of your house and almost got you killed. All for his selfishness, for his stupid pride and greed. He was ready for you to scream at him, to hit him, say you never wanted to see him again. Even if the mere thought was enough for him to feel like throwing up, he knew it would be better if he stayed away from you and your light. That way, he wouldn't hurt you again, never again.

Steeling himself with the fakiest smile on his face, he pushed the door open, hands shaking.

The infirmary was quiet, no one in sight save for you. You were laying on one of the first beds, a peaceful expression on your face. You looked beautiful. You always did, to him. There were bandages all over where your skin was visible. Azul could feel the guilt choking him. How could he have the audacity to come talk to you after he was the one that did this?

He turned around and was about to leave when he heard you whisper. It was spoken so softly he wouldn't have heard at all if he wasn't hyperaware of you. "Stay." 

Azul stayed. He could never deny anything you asked for. Especially not when you sounded so pleading, when you looked at him like that.

There was a chair next to your bed, so umconfortable looking as it must feel. But it was the best way to stay closer to you, so he sat on it, waiting for you to drop the guillotine over his head for his sins. 

The silence was suffocating, denser than the pressure at the bottom of the ocean. He wanted you to say something, anything. His gaze was on the floor, lips pulled back, brows furrowed. If he closed his eyes, only the darkness would welcome him, swallow him whole, so he kept them stubbornly open.

"Azul." It felt like a blessing, like a drop of water after walking through the desert, like a warm embrace. Azul relished the way you said his name, the delicious entonation as your tongue rolled over every letter. He wanted to beg you to say it again and again. The only thing he does is lifting his head to look at you.

The proximity between you two was startling. He hadn't noticed how close you were, hadn't noticed you raising your hand, hadn't noticed the shine in your eye. He thought you were about to slap him, but couldn't drag his stare away from your eyes. They looked so gentle, so full of... something. He wouldn't dare try to name the emotion behind them, wouldn't dare hope.

Your hand made contact with his cheek, making him flinch lightly. There was no sting, only your warmth as you held his face. Your fingers left burning imprints where they touched, marked him from the inside out. Wide blue eyes meet your affectionate ones, so open and honest. Why were you being so gentle to him? Acting like nothing happened, like things were the same as before this whole mess occurred. 

"I'm glad." You confess softly, a secret meant only for the two of you, thumb brushing against his cheeks as he leans into your touch and lets himself melt into it while he still can. "I'm glad you're alright, Azul." 

"How can you say that when you're the one laying on a hospital bed?" His voice falls flat, trying to hide his emotions. But he's a cracked shell, his insides are spilling out into your palms, plain for you to pick apart and analyse as you please.

You smile, your joy is so sincere Azul can feel his eyes burn with unshead tears. How could he ever hurt someone like you? How could you still look at him without an once of hatred or disguist or fear?

"I was worried about you." You state as if it was the simplest thing in the world, because it is, to you. The sky is blue, the ocean is cold and you care about Azul. You say as if you aren't shattering his last bits of composure, as if you aren't breaking his heart into little jagged pieces. 

"Don't say that." He manages to choke out, as if the mere words hurt his throat, voice watery and breaking. "Please, don't say that." The 'I don't deserve it' is not said out loud, but both of you can hear it.

"How can I not? It's the truth." His tears flow freely, no longer under his control as he feels the urge to sob, to beg for forgiveness, to hide and never see you again in fear of hurting you. Only you had this effect on him, only you could break his barriers and composure so easily. 

You brush his tears away, whispering reassurances. Wasn't him supposed to be the one reassuring you? He had come to see how you were, to apologize, to let you scream at him, anything. He could take it if you hated him, he would understand, but how could your gaze still hold so much fondness in it, so much love? The guilt shatters him, pierces his heart, make his sobs louder. How cruel could your kindness be?

He had hurt you. Azul had hurt you and he wasn't sure how he could ever forgive himself, the guilt gnawing at his core. Despite that, you still smile at him. 

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He repeats, over and over. You say you forgive him, but he keeps going until his voice is hoarse. You don't, no, you can't understand it. You did nothing wrong, you're not like him, hands stained with blood and rot. He lets his guilt out before it festers and consumes him. It isn't enough to make up to you, although it does make him feel a little bit better, to let it all out like this.

You don't lie to him. You don't say it wasn't his fault or that he wasn't in the wrong, but you don't rub it in either. Azul appreciates it, the sincerity. He knows you can hold him accountable when the time is right. For now, you comfort him. You tell him how nobody else could put such effective notes together, how determinated and hardworking he is. How his past doesn't define him and how he has greater strenghts than any magic. He drinks every word up, commiting them to memory.

As his tears seem to dry out alongside his voice, you pull him closer to yourself. He submerges himself into you, your scent, your voice, your touch. He would happily let himself drown on the sensation. You just hold him, rubbing circles on his back and lending him your shoulder. 

It's like time has frozen over. Azul wishes it had. He could stay like this with you for hours if you'd let him, although he doesn't feel ready to admit it, be it to you or to himself. 

Everything is not right. You're still hurt, his contracts are still gone and Azul still feels wrong, the effects of the overblot lingering underneath his skin. His reputation took a significant blow and he'll have to change the method he's always used to work at his own establishment. 

But not all is lost, either. He can start over, the right way this time. You'll be by his side, cheering him on. There's a long road to improvement and Azul has never been one to get scared by such things. He'll put his efforts on getting back on his feet and breaking the surface of the water, as he refuses to drown. 

The late hour weights on your tired bodies, causing you to yawn, your hold on him getting laxer. With the way his body aches, he wouldn't be able to go back to Octavinelle. In fact, he doesn't feel able to move from the chair he is in. He doesn't want to leave you from his sight, to lose your touch. 

You ask him to keep you company, prompting him to lay his head on your lap, an umconfortable position, as he has to bend his torso to reach it, but he doesn't mind. Just having you nearby will be enough. One of your hands interlock your fingers with his and the other plays with his hair as you hum, not letting the silence engulf the room. He's beyond grateful for that, for how you just seem to know what he needs and is more than willing to give it to him. He's never been handled with such care before, like he's wanted, like he's precious. It makes his body feel warm and he basks on it.

He waits until you stop your ministrations, until your breathing evens out and it's just him alone with his thoughts. He keeps his eyes shut, as he knows that if he dared to glance at your sleeping face his heart would burst with affection, the feelings he's trying to rein in exploding from his chest. 

Azul only has made a promise to himself once, when he was a little kid being bullied by his peers, eager to prove them wrong, to prove he could be better than their expectations. Now, he makes a new promise, to protect you and your kindness, to never let someone, least him, hurt you again, to make up for his own shortcomings and become someone you can be proud of.

He loses consciousness for the second time that day, but this time he knows he's alive. He feels it in the way his heart beats in sync with yours, the way his breaths come out from his mouth, the way your fingers are laced with his. 

Azul is alive and swimming to the surface, as he refuses to drown.

Masterlist

Golden Like Daylight | Diasomnia

Synopsis: Malleus couldn’t make it to the party in Scarabia that Kalim invited him and, as usual, Diasomnia falls into quiet sadness and frustrated thunderstorms. He thinks about all his parents taught him and how the world can really be cruel sometimes. But after the most violent storms in the nightfall, there are little glimpses of daylight as well.

platonic diasomnia family / angst with a comfort ending / based on ch10, vol 2 comic anthology ft. my own lore hcs / 1945 words

Notes: Since half of this fic deals with my hcs about the Valley of Thorns in general, I made a separate post that will summarize it so we don’t have long ass author notes~~ Also, it’s based on that chapter from the comic anthology but apart from context, it’s not a need to read it to understand this story Hope you enjoy it!

Golden Like Daylight

Malleus has been alone for much longer than anyone could have imagined. Born into a family of noble blood, all he could remember from early childhood was a lot of people around him, caring and watching over his well-being. His parents always had a glimpse of his special power and told him stories of the glory days of the Valley of Thorns.

But the more time passed, this special and happy atmosphere ended up like wood consumed in the fireplace. Lilia’s presence was one of the few things that truly remained unchanged.

The Lady of Thorns’ gaze grew colder every day. The countenance of the Lord of Thorns, direct son of the Queen, harder than stone. Malleus wanted to believe that they didn’t ever realize how much they left their son aside to deal with the affairs of the kingdom — without rest, just gathering together at dinner. Still, he was almost always aside.

Not that he didn’t understand why. His father worked as second-in-command for the Queen and his wife dealt with diplomatic issues. It was amazing how a place so isolated from the world could have so many problems. 

It was only a hundred years after the Last Great Fairy War and they were just organizing the policies of coexistence with neighboring human villages and trying to maintain the peace between the two fairy valleys in which a lot of blood was shed to achieve.

As a prince, Malleus had everything at his disposal. Toys, books, comfortable clothes, access to quality lessons. But he had only one wish. A simple, even silly wish.

“Go outside?,” his mother repeated his words in a confused tone.

The Lord of Thorns took his eyes up from the treaty papers of the new diplomat of the Valley of Flowers, Florian Braginsky — which he was being forced to read — in order to face his son.

“Malleus, why are you talking about this?,” he asked.

“I wanted to see what the eastern mountain village looks like, it is near here. Lilia could take me there.”

The sound of his former tutor’s name made the Lord’s blood boil. How revolting it was to see the man who taught him everything he knew lower himself and abandon all his ideals, those he used to deeply believe. He was right when he said, that night a hundred years ago, that Lilia had lost more than one wing in the Battle of Dornröschen. 

“I do not see why you should go. There is a cruel and terrible world beyond the mountains that surround our kingdom. Not even among our own can there be anything greater than mere alliance. These fairies should be grateful every day for the good fortune of being in our presence and keep living,” the Lord of Thorns put down the papers on the table.

The hard thud made Malleus cringe a little. His mother took the papers and arranged them better in a perfect pile. 

“Malleus, you know that our species is very rare and therefore, it is not surprising that the other fairies fear us. We don’t want these people to say bad things about or to you. Therefore, above all, you must stay in this castle,” she said to her son, perhaps not as docile as she thought her tone would come out.

The marriage between Mephisto and Tauribeth was, as with Malleus’ grandparents, a way to keep the dragon-fairy species alive. There were really few such families around the valley, the most powerful House managed to rise to the throne — and these were the Draconia, the center of everything being the Queen of Thorns.

Still, Malleus wondered how the most powerful and feared fairies should need to hide from others. Malleus knew about the scars that the human kingdom nearby, now not so numerous, had made in the fairy valleys. His species was one of many clans that still held grudges against them.

However, he wasn’t going to a human village. It was a place inhabited by faeries. Lilia would be next to him, he would be well protected. 

“No more talking about it,” his father cut off before Malleus could try to argue once more.

“Yes, sir my father.”

There was a brief sound of doors opening and, for a moment, Malleus had a glimmer of hope as he saw his grandmother enter the dining room. The air around her was heavy but elegant, full of ceremony and honor. As a queen should be — what the young prince should have become from there many hundreds of years ago.

In general, the Queen of Thorns was a little more compassionate to the wishes of her grandson than his parents might like. However, this didn’t mean that she didn’t share the opinion and hesitation of keeping him inside the castle rather than showing the kingdom beyond the heavy wooden doors.

‘Well, well, well,” she said as she sat down on the other side of the table, in a large, thorn-adorned chair just like the one her son was sitting in.

The Queen looked tired and perhaps a little frustrated that Lilia was planning yet another future trip abroad — a distant and sandy land, something alike — in yet another of his usual “whims”.

“What were we talking about?,” the Queen of Thorns asked.

“Nothing, madam my mother,” the Lord said, giving his son a sideways glance to remain silent.

  But Malleus had already given up hope of mentioning the village he wanted to visit again. 

Over the centuries, he began to wonder at certain times if his parents were not right. Well, they were no longer there with him to face him and silently state how obvious it was. That realization was a sad thought two hundred years ago, not so much nowadays. It was neither time nor age that mattered in the present to Malleus.

The day before, he had been invited by Kalim to a party. 

And it folded as it would usually happen: Malleus missed the event due to a mysterious circumstance. Sometimes he didn’t really notice the time, other times others forgot about him. 

At the time, Cater forgot to tell him that Kalim’s banquet night had been rescheduled at last minute to that same night. Since Lilia had orchestrated for Malleus to participate in his place, he also couldn’t have known about this sudden change. 

In order to help Malleus make friends on his own, things got complicated. As per usual.

Because of this, strong thunder crackled through the skies in Diasomnia and a torrential rain fell on the outskirts of the castle, becoming a misfortune for any student who was outside the dormitory at that moment.

Lilia would like to say that the situation wasn’t so bad because Malleus distributed all the treats and souvenirs he bought in Sam’s store to the students, but his aura didn’t change at any time. Each gift was delivered as if they were objects rescued from a disaster or belongings of deceased soldiers being returned to their families.

It was undeniable that Malleus had a special sense for gifts of the highest quality — of this no one dared to complain. Sebek’s voice competed with the storm outside in all his praise of his generous veteran and sovereign prince.

But Malleus was still in his worst “Nihilleus” form. 

Nothing made sense, everything was worthless. That was what his eyes of emerald flames said, burning low. How many times had he been through these situations? How many more would you have to overcome before fate is satisfied with his humiliations?

The world always abandoned Malleus, and he no longer strove to try to hold its sands in his hands. In his thin, light marble fingers there was only loneliness. The nothing. His grandmother sometimes held those same hands and repeated the words of their family.

A Draconia can only trust a Draconia. A fae can only owe to a fae. 

He was alone in that vast world that pushed him away with fear and distrust. Just like his father said they would. Malleus sighed, asleep in his own thoughts as he sat on the sofa in the Diasomnia lounge. The place made him feel at home — but sometimes, that was exactly the problem.

His parents were right. He would never leave the confines of the royal castle. He should not, that was his world. The only place where he would be safe and well received. Still, none of this comforted him. Not only would he be completely ignorant of the human world and the other fairies around him, he would be alone.

Always alone, as if trapped in a long night of eternal sleep. For eternity, eyes closed. The rest of his semi-immortal days would be a mere drop in the greatest of oceans. Would he ever die? Impossible. Few things can hurt faes, especially dragon-fairies. 

Sitting on his throne of thorns, nothing could reach him. Not even death. Much less life.

“Malleus-sama? Could you teach me more about this gargoyle?” 

Malleus awoke from his deep thoughts as if awakened by a kiss of the dawn. Soft morning rays passed gently across his face to bring him out of that dreaded darkness. Thus, Malleus faced Silver who was holding a miniature gargoyle in his hands. 

Ever since Lilia had brought that little human into their life, Malleus had wondered what his parents — mainly his father — would think of Silver if they could have had the chance to meet him. 

Silver with his crystalline eyes, lilac as the most delicate wildflower. Dedication to the prince of his people — because he was raised among thorns — in every action. A human he could trust.

Malleus knew Silver had pity for him, but there was something in his mercy that didn't make him feel completely ashamed. He then noticed how Sebek continued to praise him, his words worthy of the best books in the Royal Thorns Library. Nearby, Lilia gorged himself on sweets.

A small smile appeared on Malleus’ face almost at the same moment when the rain outside slowed down.

“Well, Silver, this one is a pretty simple model, but…”

Malleus always felt good about talking about gargoyles, maybe that was the benefit Silver had in mind. He remained silent and paid attention to Malleus’ words as much as he could — at least, to understand part of the matter. Soon after, Sebek joined Silver’s side as an avid spectator.

“Um, it reminds me that I had saved some cookies that I made last night,” Lilia suddenly commented. “Let's rock this party, boys!”

The young fellows suddenly jumped off the couch to go after the old fae, trying to convince him that he didn’t need to do this — and “the wise words of the Young Master about gargoyles will feed our hearts enough!!”, as Sebek said.

Watching them closely, Malleus let out a soft laugh. He was incredibly grateful for the company and patience of those three.

They were golden like daylight. 

The thin rays of sunshine that appeared after the gray clouds of rain stopped its dreadful crying, slowly making it into a new time to step outside. Of course it wouldn’t be enough forever. Malleus needed to learn more about the world around him, make new friendships and understand the purpose of his own existence.

But sometimes all he needed was his family. Maybe not exactly his grandmother or his parents. Just Lilia and his awful cooking skills and jokes. Just Sebek being this tall, endearing and energetic child. And just Silver being like the morning dawn, sleepy but gently welcoming to view. 

Not his servants or soldiers but his friends. Malleus’ friends. Precious lives he loved with all his heart.

Special notes: yes, this is a tiny little reference to “Daylight” by Taylor Swift. It was meant to be a Silver fic, then turned out to be more suited for Malleus, then it just got too deep… And I’m planning on doing a little omake about Lilia’s cookies. I just thought that randomly inserting some comedy would break the flow here (and it would be too long lol), so I’ll let it for another time. But thanks for reading &lt;3