I Swear Sebek Has To Be Something From Sleeping Beauty But I Could Never Figure It Out, I’ll Partially

DAMN I REALLY POPPED OFF TODAY

NOW THAT WOULD BE VERY INTERESTING!!!

I belive you're refering to Jade in the halloween event, when he gets possessed and starts to act like Floyd (see here and here). it's truly a scary sight to see someone as composed as Jade start acting wildly like Floyd (it also reminds me of the groovy version of his event card, in which it's the only time, at least that I can remember of, that we get to see him a kind of unhinged. he's got so much potential to snap and show a little insanity. as a treat.)

there's one instance in which Floyd acts like Jade, in one of his ceremonial robes voice lines (see here). it's a very short glimpse that lasts less than 10 seconds, but it's enough to fuel our imagination!

their voice actors are very talanted in imitating each other (that is, if they didn't just swap lmao), which leads me to believe that they could easily speak like the other twin if they wanted to. Floyd even drops his voice when he's trying to appear intimidating or is on a bad mood, showing his vocal chords can reach lower pitches similar to Jade's voice.

they look enough alike to pull it off on people that don't know them very well and wouldn't know in which side is the long stripe for each twin, too.

the actual problem would be how they act, really. down to their body language, Jade and Floyd are very different, with how Jade is always with a straight posture and rolled back shoulders, looking ahead with a carefully polite expression, while Floyd is hunched over and with slumped shoulders, only paying attention to what he wants to and showing his emotions freely on his face. how Jade is more reserved and keeps to himself while Floyd can and will occupy everyone else's personal space without a care in the world.

these differences would make this whole act look even more entertaining, should they be able to pull it off. I think Jade might have done this at least once before, just to drive Azul crazy with two Floyds. though, as I said in my Jade brainrot, I think he'd stop after some hours since Floyd's way of dealing with things is not his preferred one, and he'd much rather have his usual fun with mind games. squeezing people left and right can only be fun to a certain extent.

now, for Floyd to willingly imitate Jade? I think he must be on a rather extraordinarily good mood or have no other choice but to do so. Floyd doesn't like to be mistaken as his brother and he doesn't want people to think they are the same, so there's no point in him pretending to be Jade. sure, he did imitate him in that voice line, but it was more to poke some fun at Jade and show off his vocal skills, not because he wanted people to assume he was his brother.

although just like you, I also would really like to see this happening, it would be so funny! the potential! I don't know which would be more chaotic: two Floyds or two Jades (granted, both options would drive Azul, and pretty much everyone else, insane either way). I don't think they'd drag it out, because if people expect them to act like the other then it's no fun anymore, but they would have the time of their lives while it lasted!

should d*sney and aniplex ever decide they are in the mood to goof around a bit (maybe as an April fools event?), I'd be delighted to see what they'd prepare for this particular case!

I'm glad you liked my other rambles! thank you for sharing such an entertaining thought with me!!

(also, I've answered like this because you probably accidentally forgot to put on anon mode when you sent this ask, and I'd like to preserve your privacy! don't worry, should you feel more comfortable this way, I'll turn a blind eye and pretend I didn't see a thing! it's your call, really)

you 🤝 me

words of affirmation

also please remember to take some time to yourself too Pando ‼️

I'm kinda surprised- I swore it would be physical touch at first but I guess they are pretty close anyways

Wanna find out your love language? Take the quiz here!

Tagging: @abellaheart-blog @shadowsnlace @sanjisblackasswife @sanjisprincesswifey @multi-fandom-imagine @alucarddear @uchihasanctuary @beneathstarryskies @wooobuddyletsgetnasty @ameera-bartholemew

OMG the new Vargas Camp cards... they all look so good... much better than the first part honestly (I'm sorry they had no drip at all). OBSESSED with Vil's look I'm gonna stare at him for a good while he's soooo pretty. Vil one chance please please please

[Would it be enough? - Azul Ashengrotto]

Summary: He felt pathetic. He was sitting on the floor trying not to hyperventilate, desperately bitting back tears and gripping on the edges of his dignity. Azul was pathetic, and he was not enough for you.

Notes: gn!reader, unrequited love, angst, hurt no comfort, yes I like to make Azul suffer, some self deprecating thoughts too, oh the pains of unreciprocated love

It all started when you entered the board games club.

Azul would forever curse that day, the day you entered in his life and changed it forever. He'd curse and cry to whatever cruel entity watching over him for ever putting you in his path like that. But, at the same time, should he have been given the chance, he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Even if he had to re-do it all over, the one thing he would never change would be that day, the day the sun shined on him for a few moments and took his breath away.

It might be a foolish, sentimental feeling, something he was not used to, so out of character for him. But he couldn't bear to imagine how different his life would be without that day on it, committed to his memory, imprinted on his soul.

You were new and bright and warm, so different from everyone else he's ever met, be it from the land or from the sea. It must be because you weren't from Twisted Wonderland at all, but from a whole another world. Azul has never and will never meet anyone like you. He's not sure if that's a good or a bad thing, it simply is the truth.

Idia had decided to not go on that day, something or other about an important event he couldn't miss on one of his online games. The club didn't have anyone else besides them, so Azul would have skipped as well should he have been warned sooner. As he was already at the reserved classroom, he saw no point in moving, taking it as a break from work. He spread himself at the teacher's chair, feet coming up to rest at the desk, undoing some of his blazer's buttons and taking his hat off, messing his hair with his hands. He put his arms behind his head and let out a heavy sigh, closing his eyes in fatigue, glasses sliding down his nose.

When the door opened, taking him by surprise, Azul was not prepared to greet you. He was not the image he presents to the public, not a refined businessman, not the top student of his grade, not Octavinelle's feared housewarden. No, he was simply Azul, such a vulnerable side to show as a first impression, no masks or pretentiousness.

You entered, both in the classroom and in his life, a little shy at first, eyes scanning the room before landing on his form, as he fumbled to recompose himself on the teacher's chair. If it were anyone else, he'd have been mortified and expected teasing at best, blackmail at worst. You did none, surprising him even more. You only smiled, brighter than a pearl, and asked him if that was the board game club room, so innocently, not batting an eye at his ruffled state.

He cleared his throat and tried to appear professional, even if he knew it wouldn't matter much for you anymore, but for his own comfort. You took a chair and put right in front of his desk, excitedly telling him you'd like to join.

The next hour could be described as casual for most people, but Azul wasn't most people and he did not do casual. When you spent a whole hour playing chess with him, listening to him as he talked about the club and, eventually, about Night Raven College itself, your full attention on him and only him, Azul felt like he never had before.

There was something about you. Something that made Azul's tongue roll on itself when he wanted to speak, something that made his heart beat concerningly faster, something that made his hands clammy and shaky when they moved his pieces, something that made his cheeks feel warmer around you.

And oh, you were beautiful. Radiant, even, with a smile of gold and warm eyes. You must have been a siren, for your voice fished his heart so easily, made him feel like he was floating on the calmer waves, the salty scent that felt so much like home lulling him into a sense of security. Azul wanted you to keep making him feel like that, he wanted to keep hearing your voice and keep looking into your eyes, he wanted the electrifying touch of your skin as your hands would accidently touch his, he wanted the comfort of your knees resting against each other.

It was not love, of that he was certain, since he had only just met you. Azul was not sentimental, that wasn't what this was about at all. Perhaps it was more like... infatuation. Perhaps Azul simply wanted to chase the feeling of being wanted for who he is, without pretenses or his usual barriers. Perhaps he liked the feeling of being on top of the world, something only you could provide him.

No matter. It was not love and Azul would not go after you. In fact, he would make sure to keep his distance, least those troublesome feelings get stronger. 

And stronger they did get, because he couldn't avoid you. Your alluring song always brought him back to you, like a sailor infatuated with the sea's wonders, he'd always go back. There was no way to avoid you, not when you came back the next week for the club meeting, and the next, and the next, and the next. There was no way to avoid you, not when you were so kind to him, not when you treated him so different from what he was used to, not when you took his cunning side in stride and didn't get scared of him, didn't try to distance yourself. (Not when you treated him so much like a person, an equal, someone worth of your time). There was no way to avoid you, not when you would send him text messages to take care of himself and check on him at late hours to tell him to stop working and take a break, not when you would visit him at Mostro Lounge and invite him to sit with you at a table to simply spend time together. 

There was no way to resist you, Azul was but a fish caught in your hook, completly at your mercy. You either didn't notice or didn't care, content with the way things were. But Azul did, he noticed and he wanted and he ached. There was a hole in his heart, molded perfectly for you to fit right in. It would be so easy for you slide to his side and click, fitting like puzzle pieces. Azul could accommodate to your needs, he could change the way he did things to spend more time with you, he could use his hard earned money to buy whatever you wanted, he could praise you for how long you wanted him to, never running out of things to say.

But here's the thing: Azul was not enough. You were content with being his friend, and only that. No money or praise would be able to change your mind, because Azul himself was not enough, never enough. 

You deserved someone nicer, someone who would take good care of you, someone that could spend time with you and protect you and think of you above everything else. Someone that could give you the world. Someone that wasn't Azul.

It happened like this:

The little booth at the corner of the restaurant was warm. Not because that's how the air conditioner had set it to be, but because you were there with him. The chill of the undersea atmosphere couldn't reach the little world the two of you shared. He listened to you as you spoke about your day, what mischief your friends had gotten into and the new book you had been studying.

It happened like this:

There was something on your mind, Azul could tell. There was some restlessness in you, your eyes would wander around the lounge every once in a while, as if looking for something (or someone), your hands were agitated in their moviments, you were more thirsty than usual, you would derail your line of thought and get lost in your head for a few seconds, as if considering something before discarting it, or perhaps as if gathering up your courage to say something.

It happened like this:

Worried you were hurt or having trouble with someone, Azul gently asked what was on your mind. He saw your hesitation before you sighed, but you trusted him. Other people would know better than to open themselves up to the Octavinelle housewarden and give him any information for him to leverage, but you trusted him. Azul would do his best to help, even as a pit grew in his stomach and his senses screamed at him that something was wrong, because you trusted him, and he would never break that precious trust.

His heart cracked like this:

You confessed shyly, a little smile playing at the corner of your lips and your eyes avoiding his, gazing into the distance as if looking at someone else. Your fingers danced with each other and your head tilted to the side as you sighed, so full of emotion. It was an endearing scene, anyone would be lucky to get to see that lovesick expression in your face. Azul didn't feel lucky. No, in fact, he felt very unlucky. In another situation, he'd have given anything to hear you say those things, to have the chance of seeing you like that, flustered and giddy.

But here's the thing: Azul is not enough. Because it's not him you're thinking about when your lips curl like that, it's not him you're thinking about when your eyes soften like that, it's not him you're thinking about when your heart beats faster. 

And there's nothing Azul can do against it, because you weren't in love with some complete random person, so far from him he couldn't even recognize their name. It might have been easier to take, should that have been the case. No, you had fallen for the closest possible person next to him, his vice housewarden. Jade Leech was the one in your mind as you ate besides Azul.

His heart broke like this:

The little booth wasn't warm anymore. It was impossibly cold, colder than his home under the sea. The chill settled on his bones, made a home on his lungs as his chest caved in. Your little bubble had burst, the world was no longer only shared between yourselves. Azul felt his heart dropping, he felt like throwing up. His hands shook and he stared and stared and stared. You had never looked so beautiful and so far away. You were glowing, but it wasn't at him.

He could only stare as you talked in rushed whispers, not wanting to let the truth out, not wanting anyone to overhear. He could only stare as you jumped in surprise and flushed as Jade suddenly appeared by your side to check if you wanted to order anything else. He could only stare as Jade smiled softly and teased you, you bantering right back at him, so full of affection and so naturally that the two of you just... clicked. 

Azul hurriedly excused himself, murmuring an unconvincing excuse to leave the two of you alone and far away from him. He locked himself in his office and slid down the door, biting his lips and pressing the back of his palm to his eyelids, trying to rein his tears in.

He felt pathetic. He was sitting on the floor trying not to hyperventilate, desperately bitting back tears and gripping on the edges of his dignity. Azul was pathetic, and he was not enough for you. He was no longer the little boy he used to he, he did not need to hide in an octopot, but he wanted to. He wanted the easy comfort, he wanted to pretend nothing was wrong, he wanted to be left alone and to have you by his side at the same time.

He had always known. You have never tricked him, your feelings were clear. You liked Azul as your dear friend, your confidant, and that was the end of it. And Azul loved you and loved you and ached for you, as you fell for someone else. He was merely playing pretend for as long as he could, trying to stay blissifuly unaware of what was happening right in front ot him, as his two closest friends fell in love and left him behind.

When had that happened? When had you grown fond of each other? When had Jade won your heart over? When had Azul stopped being enough for you?

Has he ever been enough at all?

The floor had no sympathy for him or his sorrows. The vacant office mocked him, showing his life long accomplishments, everything he fought tooth and nail for. Was it worth it? He had what he had always wanted, didn't he? So why did his chest feel so empty, so dull, why did his heart ache so much?

Time passed by, but he gave it no mind. No one knocked at his door, most likely because the twins noticed he wanted to be left alone, and left alone he was. He broke down, a pathetic sight of a pathetic man, and he pulled himself together, drying his tears and fixing his clothes. He had to keep his image, at the very least, otherwise what else would he have left going for him?

Azul did what he does best. He pretended. He pretended everything was alright, that nothing had changed, that he was fine.

The one thing he didn't have to pretend was that he was happy for you. Of course he was, seeing you so excited about your crush was heart warming. But it was also heart crushing, to have what he's yearned for at his fingertips and letting it slip away. He'd stay happy for you, even as his feelings ate him alive and his heart screamed and kicked and sobbed that it was supposed to be him. Not Jade, but him.

Here's the thing: Azul is not enough, but Jade is. Jade is, and Azul will make everything in his power to make sure it stays that way, so that your heart won't break, not like his did.

It's a few days after that Azul pulls Jade to his office to talk.

He didn't want to talk, he wanted to scream at him, wanted to cry about how unfair it was, but he had more composure than that, he knew better. It wasn't Jade's fault you had fallen for him, just like it wasn't Jade's fault that Azul was not enough. And Azul knows Jade, he knows him like he knows himself, he knows Jade will be able to treat you right if that soft smile he reserved for you was any indicative. Yes, Jade could be vicious and decieving, he could lure you in only to break you, he could outsiren the siren. But he wouldn't. He wouldn't, because Jade was just as infatuated with you as you were with him. No, not infatuated. In love with you. 

The thought left a bitter taste in Azul's mouth. He was terrible and selfish, he wanted you to himself, he wanted you to look at him with that loving gaze, not Jade, but him. He'd swallow the feeling down for your happiness, for you.

"You wanted to see me?" Jade inquired politely as he entered, closing the door behind him.

The air felt tense. His stuffed little office made him seen so close. Azul held the scream in.

"Yes, I wanted to talk to you about the prefect."

"Oh? What about?" There was a glint in his eyes at your mere mention. Azul clenched his fists, his short nails biting into his skin to help him gather his strength, not back out on this. He had made up his mind.

"Your feelings."

"My... feelings? I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." 

Jade, of course, wouldn't reveal his hand so easily. He could deny it all he wanted, his body spoke for itself. The way he became more alert, he leaned in slightly, his eyes widened just a fraction. It was proof of their years of partnership that Azul could notice all of this in the first place. Jade obviously liked you back, and Azul wasn't in the mood for his mind games.

"You like the prefect. Don't bother with denial, it's quite obvious." 

"Oh? I'm obvious now? How funny, I could swear I've seen you swooning over the prefect before." 

He was having fun with him, the bastard. Jade was perfectly aware of his feelings, just as attuned to him as Azul was, wanting him to take the bait. It was entertaining to taunt him, perhaps, or he wanted to see if Azul would try to talk him out of it and leave himself to try his chance with you. He might have if he thought he had a chance to being with, but that wasn't the case.

"Cut it out, I'm not trying to compete. Quite the contrary, in fact. Jade, I want you to take the prefect out on a date."

There, he had said it. He was almost sure there was blood on his tongue with how much it hurt to get those words out.

For once, Jade looked surprised, genuinely taken aback. Not his carefully constructed mask of shock, but his true reaction. Azul tried to feel the usual satisfaction that would follow such a thing, but he could only feel bitter.

"My my, that wasn't what I was expecting at all. How come, Azul?"

"The prefect likes you back, simple as that."

He couldn't, was physically unable to, hold back his heartache at that. His feelings came stumbling down each word, it was obvious. But he'd do it for your happiness, he would beg Jade to treat you well and with the utmost care, he would dig his own grave and lie in it.

Not that he would have to. At these words, Jade perkep up instantly. Nothing anyone else would have noticed, but Azul did. Of course Azul did, Jade was his closest friend. And he was about to let him have you all for himself. 

"What makes you think that?"

Jade had to know, had to know the way you looked at him with stars in your eyes, had to know the way you giggled and joked with him, had to know the way you liked to stay as close as possible. He had to.

"It's just as obvious as your feelings. So, do me a favor. Please, Jade." His voice breaks. Azul feels something inside him breaking alongside it.

Jade's eyes soften, an equal mix of pity and elation, and isn't it a funny sight? Who wouldn't be euphoric to know they hold your affection? Azul knows he would, Sevens, how much he would, how much he wishes that was the case.

"I understand. Thank you, Azul. I'll make sure we will have a most pleasant time together."

With a corteous bow, Jade leaves him to his misery. Azul could imagine it all, Jade's own cooking as you ate with him on a dinner illuminated by candlelight, your laughter as you slow danced in the dark afterwards, the stars shining bright above you and giving their blessings. How your lips would be so soft as you press it against his.

He grabs his hair in frustation, his chest feels ready to combust, Azul is a ball of jealousy and self pity and he's not enough.

Being your friend would have to suffice. He couldn't bear to lose you from his life, so that would suffice. Keeping you close, but never too much. Having your attention, but never all of it. Staying by your side, even if you're not by his.

Digging his cracked chest bones into his lungs, breaking and breaking the pieces left of his heart, waiting for his throat to be rasped raw, until his tears dry and he dehydrates. Until the sea runs dry and the land gets flooded, until the sun combusts and the moon implodes. Azul will stay by your side, of course he will.

Even if he has to watch you holding Jade's hand oh so tenderly, asking him to bend down a little for you to kiss his cheek. Even if his insides burn at the scene. Even if he only ever gets to stare at your back all day. Once your smile shines again, he can't bring himself to regret it.

He'll curse the day he met you, but by the Sevens, he wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. As long as he gets to watch you being happy, from afar, he'll be satisfied. He'll focus on his work and his studies and anything else to keep himself busy, but a single message from you will be enough to break his concentration and capture his attention.

You'll always be enough for him, more than enough. No matter how many years pass, Azul will keep loving you, even if he's still not enough.

Masterlist

Hiii I just wanna request something (Srry if ur not taking requests rn) anyways can you do Ruggie,epel,riddle and lilia with a shy s/o who’s love language is physical touch (aka just hugs and cuddles half the time basically)

HII ANON I'm so sorry for taking so long!! I don't even know if you stuck around tho I hope so! and yes, I do take requests but they aren't my priority right now, as I have many other wips I'm working on, so they take forever, as you can see. still, I'm flattered you like my writing so much you'd make me a request! if you're seeing this, I hope you like it <3 

Summary: Riddle, Ruggie, Epel and Lilia with a shy S/O whose love language is physical touch (lots of hugs and cuddles)!

Notes: gn!reader, mostly fluff with some angst sprinkled in (mentions of overblots, nightmares and past traumas, but nothing too serious don't worry!), headcanons + short scenarios since a format wasn't specified, hope you enjoy it anon!

Riddle

Riddle isn't used to receiving affectionate touches, so it takes some time for him to get used to your habits. Not that he's complaining! Just... give him some warning next time, okay?

The first time it happened it went like this: Riddle, being the busy dorm leader he is, had a meeting with his dorm students to attend. He was helping you out with a subject you didn't understand and, as much as he loved to spend some quality time with you, he really had to go. As he got up, you did the same. Since you're shy, you'd usually just wave him goodbye with a cute smile, so this was quite unusual. He wasn't expecting to receive a farewell hug.

Riddle froze, unsure of what to do. His whole face was as red as Heartslabyul's roses and he was stiff, hand hovering at his side. Every place that you were touching felt like it was on fire, it was very strange. Still, it was... nice. It was very nice. The pressure from your body holding his, the pure affection transferred from such an act, the feeling of being cared for. It was nice.

You quickly let go of him, cheeks burning as well, and stuttered some parting words  before scurrying away. He stood there for some minutes, staring at the spot you had long left, face still red and thoughts running wild.

Riddle wasn't used to this at all, but it was nice, and he couldn't help but crave your touch.

(He was a little out of it during the whole meeting, the scene from earlier repeating on his head. Trey got so worried he ended the meeting halfway through.)

The next times you met, be it on a study date (you'd both deny it was a date though) or a casual hangout, Riddle would expect your farewell hugs, even look forward to them. He made sure to reciprocate them, wrapping his arms around you softly and resting his head against your shoulder, closing his eyes and taking a brief moment to just be there with you and feel loved.

Cuddles would take some more time to happen, since just the hugs were already a huge step for both of you. (Not to mention the casual touches you'd give so freely. A hand on his arms or your head resting against his was enough to make his face burst to flames and his mind be consumed by that single moment). 

It was on one of your late night studies session, you were both at Ramshackle's lounge, cups of tea gone cold on your table and books pilling up on each other. The couch was calling for you and your exhaustion from a long day of classes crashed onto you as you listened to Riddle's calm voice explain some potion's formula. Truly, you wanted to hear what he had to say, but you couldn't help but relax near him.

The weight of your head hitting his shoulder made him stop in his tracks and just stay still as he processed the situation. He normally would feel a tinge of irritation from his lecture being cut short, but he couldn't stay mad at you, specially when he saw how tired you were but insisted on keep trying to get the formula right. 

Riddle could try to clean up your table, but that would make him move too much and disturb your sleep. When he saw how peaceful you looked, completely safe by his side, he couldn't bring himself to wake you up. Thus he adjusted your positions on the couch, making you both lean down to not put a strain on your neck, and wrapped his arms around your torso to make sure you wouldn't fall in the middle of the night. Just a quick nap and he would be back at his dorm.

You both wake up cuddling the next morning. Both your faces burn in embarrassment and you're quick to get up and apologize, offering to make breakfest for him. He accepts the offer, but as you're having tea together, your hair tousled and your eyes drowsy, he thinks on how it was the best sleep he's had in a while.

From then on, you get a bit more bold in your physical touches, the shyness ebbing away bit by bit when you're near him. He still gets caught off guard at times, but he loves it. From someone who never got such things growing up, it means the world to him how you're willing to show your affection in such a way.

He'll always blush, no matter how much time passes. You find it extremely endearing. Throw in a compliment in the mix and you've got the ultimate combo to fluster and please him at the same time.

Ruggie

Ruggie found it adorable how your shyness contrasted his shamelessness. He thought you two made for quite the pair. 

He's used to physical touch, being in Savanaclaw where play fights and roughhousing is pretty common between students, so your occasional touches weren't anything new, though they were gentler than what he was used to, and he didn't give much thought to it.

That changed after Leona's overblot. When the fight was over, the feelings of helplessness came crashing down on him, the fact they'd surely lose the tournament even after all their efforts and that his closest friend (were they even friends? The doubt crept up to him) had betrayed him, uttered the words he hated to hear. The exhaustion and the fact he almost died- his friend- his dorm leader- Leona almost-

Before he could spiral any longer, you came crashing onto him, figure shaking as your arms held him close, tightly as if trying to get your bodies as close together as possible, to feel that he was there and real and alive. He could feel your heart beating like crazy against your chest, mirroring his own. His shoulder, where you were leaning your face on, felt wet. Your hands gripped onto his shirt like a lifeline. You were muttering something, voice breaking, as if saying "we're okay" over and over. 

Ruggie embraced you back, holding on just as tightly, burrying his face on your hair. He never was held like this, like he was something precious, like he truly had worth. In that moment, in your arms, he felt loved.

Ruggie's hunger isn't limited to food. In fact, you'd come to notice that he seems to be hungry to be loved too. Ever since the incident, Ruggie seemed more eager to share little touches with you, letting them linger longer, doing things out of his way to have an excuse for you to touch him, like doing little favours in exchange for a hug and, if you were feeling bold enough, a head rub. 

For him to take time out of his busy schedule to spend it with you in hopes that he'd get your affection back meant a lot to you, so you tried to overcome some of your shyness to be able to show him just how much you appreciated it and all the little things he did, even doing some acts of service on occasion for him as well.

The cuddles came some time later. You knew Ruggie had nightmares at times, some regarding his life before he came to NRC and some about Leona's overblot. He didn't want you to worry about it and waved it off, but you could see when they had an impact on him, his darker eyebags and exhaustion making it clear to you. You'd give him back rubs as he rested his head against yours, letting him decide if he'd like to talk about them or just spend some time in silence when that happened. 

One night, you were woken up by your phone ringing. You answered, still half asleep, and were surprised to hear Ruggie's shaking voice coming from the other side, breath ragged as he murmured something about being at your door. Without missing a beat, you ran down the stairs, not caring about the creaks of the floor or the coldness of it against your bare feet. You opened the door before he could even end the call, hurrying him in to get out of the chilly night air.

He looked like a mess, hands shaking and eyes dropping, chest heaving up and down. As soon as you closed the door, you embraced him, one hand rubbing up and down his back while the other patted his hair, trying to calm him down. The grip he had on you was so tight it could bruise, his voice came out rushed as he explained his nightmare. You decided there was no way you'd leave him alone that night, not when he sounded like that.

You took him to your bedroom, noticing Grim was still sleeping on his side of the room, and proposed to share the bed. You were a bit awkward as you got in a comfortable position, but seeing him in that state made you put the shyness away for a moment, focusing on making sure he was okay. You let him bury his head on your shoulder, arms wrapping around his back and hands playing with his hair until he fell asleep, waiting for his breath to soften. 

Both ended up sleeping in for the next day, but you couldn't bring yourself to feel bad about skipping class when you saw how refreshed he looked in the morning, his usual playful demeanor coming back as he joked with you while he cooked breakfeast. 

You've been showing him more physical affection since then, hugs and cheek kisses getting more common on the times you met with each other in the middle of your busy days. His ears perk up and his tail starts wagging as he offers you a cheeky grin.

As used to it as he is, there's a spot behind his ears that if you rub juuuust right will always fluster him and make him let out little giggles. If you rub it after a long day he'll melt in your arms. You got yourself a happy hyena! 

Epel

Epel is used to touch, living with a big family who'd always show affection with hugs and headpats. Therefore, when you started to show it to him the same way, he reciprocated instantly, going as far to initiate it himself, oftentimes through handshakes, pats on the back and side hugs.

If your shyness stops you from reaching out he'd notice and do it himself, helping you to come out of your shell bit by bit, not making a big deal out of it and letting these interactions be casual. He'd be happy to help someone he cares about! 

The first time you initiated a hug was very special to him. It was after he had another spat with Vil about his behaviour. As much as he pretended these didn't affect him at all, deep down he'd get hurt by the harsh words his dorm leader could direct at him. He knew Vil wanted only his best, but his methods weren't the most effective on someone as headstrong as Epel. 

He was hiding in a corner of the hallways, a secret spot he hoped not even Rook could find him in (if such a thing was even possible), head resting against his knees. His thoughts kept going back to the lecture Vil gave him this time, eyes watering against his will and making him furiously rub his face to get rid of them.

That's when a familiar soft voice was heard, making him look up at you. You had a worried expression as you kneeled over to meet him eye to eye, hand hesitating for a second before you rested it on his shoulder and asked what was wrong. He muttered that you didn't need to worry, it was just the usual routine that came with being part of Pomefiore, refusing to meet your eyes, ashamed you've seen him in such a pathetic state. 

You called his name and he turned around. He couldn't ignore it when you said it like that, with so much care, each letter dripping from your lips like honey. The hand on his shoulder pulled him forward until he met your chest, your other arm coming from behind to support his back. You told him it was okay to feel upset about what happened, that he could come to talk with you whenever he wanted to, that you'd listen to him.

He felt a rush of affection run through him as he noticed how firm your tone was, so certain. You were defending him, taking his side, and that meant a lot to him. It didn't feel patronizing, as it would sometimes happen with other people who felt he needed protection since he was so "small and cute". No, with you, it felt like he wasn't alone, like he had someone to count on to have his back, someone that trusted him and wanted him to trust them back. And of course he did, so he let himself lean into your touch fully, a nonverbal "thank you" both understood.

After that, he started to notice you liked to hug a lot. His side hugs became full ones and his heart oftentimes skipped a beat when he saw your pleased face. It felt good to see how happy he made someone he cared so much about.

The cuddles came in naturally, so much so neither of you noticed it until afterwards. You've gotten so used to each other's touch it wasn't anything novel when, a certain day, Epel rested his head on your lap as you were studying in the courtyard and started to talk about his day, complaining about the extra homework Crewel had given his class and gushing over the next spelldrive club meeting he'd have. You listened on, adding in your own two cents and laughing along, your hand playing with his hair. 

Only at night, once you're about to go to sleep do you think about that moment and notice how you two started cuddling like it was something you've always done. Your face heated up at that and you couldn't catch any sleep, thinking over and over about that. Epel was in a similar position, butterflies in his stomach as he thought about how soft your lap felt or how gentle your fingers were as they treaded through his hair. 

Even if there was a bit of awkwardness the next time you met, you quickly overcame it as you noticed how you were both in the same situation. The cuddling continued to happen more frequently, to the point none of your other first year friends even batted an eye at it. 

He likes it the most when he takes you to a ride on his blastycle and you hug tight onto him, head resting against his back, trusting him to keep you safe, it makes him feel dependable and adrenalin rushes two times more than when he rides alone. If you let him try to carry you he'd also be delighted, wanting to prove that he can (even if you two topple over after taking two steps, at least you're having fun).

Lilia

Lilia has lived for so long, touch isn't anything new to him. He'd seen the bad side of it, the hands that hurt and kill, and the good side, the hands that soothe and protect. He's done both, with his own hands. 

Raising Silver, he came to learn the importance of physical touch as an act of affection. For someone used to the violence of the battlefield, being able to experience touch as a soft thing, as a show of love, had been quite the change. He learnt to love the way fingers can run through another person's hair, the way lips can brush a forehead, the way hands can fit together, the way love can shine through little daily actions, every touch becoming a whisper of "I'm here, I care about you, I love you."

Being quite the extrovert, Lilia has no shame in showing affection for others in a physical way. A pat on their head, a hand on their back, chin resting on their shoulder, it all comes easily to him, and he's delighted when you start doing such gestures with him too! Considering your shy nature, he's happy you felt comfortable enough with him to reciprocate his antics.

Hugs aren't something he usually does, as he prefers more casual types of touches, but he likes it when you start hugging him more often! It's a good change of pace to keep things lively!

It starts small, little hugs as greetings or farewells, and then as thank you's and you're welcome's. It's like a whole language you two share, no words needed when your actions speak louder. 

It's on Halloween that it really hits him just how much these moments mean to you. The two of you decided to go check the other dorms' decorations when he was on break, arms interlocked as you walked around campus and commented on the details and costumes. Whenever a student would appear to jumpscare you, you turned to him in a hug, burrying you head on his neck, trusting him to protect you from anything that might come your way. It was the trust, the comfort, the smile you gave him everytime afterwards that made him realize that that's your way of saying "I love you" without words.

He starts to appreciate these touches even more, giving you hugs more frequently, be it to celebrate a victory or to console your sadness.

These hugs envolve to cuddling, as in one moment you'd find yourself sitting side by side, legs touching, and in the other you'd have your back against his chest as he propped his chin on your shoulder. It usually flustered you, but you've grown used to it enough to be able to relax into it.

One time, a history study session turned into him telling you stories from his past, tales of people long gone that managed to capture your interest, be it because of the enthusiastic way he spoke about them or because it was all new to you, someone who wasn't from this world before. The way your attention was solely on him, eagerly hanging onto every word and even making questions or little sounds of surprise, made him feel elated that his old stories could still entertain. 

When he started to talk about his travels, your eyes shone with excitement, the desire to discover a new world and the possibilities this chance presented. You asked him if he could show you it all someday, from the dunes of the Scalding Sands to the waves of the Coral Sea. This proposal of sharing important moments of your life with him made warmth spread through his body, fondness coloring his voice as he softly agreed.

It's not strange to find the two of you cuddling or stading closely to each other, touching in some way, be it by interwining your hands or leaning on each other. The Diasomnia dorm grew used to the sight of you huddled together on the lounge's couch, even Silver seemed happy that his father had found someone that made him feel loved.

Lilia specially likes when it's just the two of you, cuddling on his bed, and you take his face into your hands, fingers softly rubbing his skin, heavy lidded eyes taking in every detail and reaction. Such an innocent gesture, warm hands holding onto him so gently, makes him feel cared for more than grand declarations ever could. Give him a little kiss on the nose or the forehead and his chest will burst with affection, making him give you little kisses all over your face, your giggles sounding heavenly to him. 

Masterlist

-boops your nose- send this to ten blogs you think are lovely and deserve a boop on the nose.

thank you anon! consider my nose lovingly booped!

Steamboat Willie🛥🛥🛥

Well this took like. A whole month after the event ended😭 It was a combination of having a lot of other things going on in my irl stuff rn like new school and moving plus fixating on every single detail even if no one is gonna notice it in the end because of perfectionism but at least it's done now and it turned out pretty alright🫡

Everytime I see someone say Idia wouldn’t know what a period is I always wonder whether they know he has to do stuff at his parents company which is literally about health /nm

hi anon!! I've actually never seen anyone saying this, but that might be because I'm very new to the fandom and haven't seen much Idia content so far. I agree with you, tho, I think him (and most of the boys at NRC too) would definetly know what it is!

wait I'll put this under the cut it's time for my (not so in depth) Idia analysis!!

ok so first things first, fair warning: this is my own personal interpretation and it might not be a 100% correct, anyone is allowed to disagree!

another fair warning: I've only caught up with the english server so far so I haven't read the Ignihyde chapter yet, which means I still have a lot to see about Idia, but I don't wanna get spoilers so I'll be going with the knowledge I have from the main story, events and vignettes.

the thing with Idia is that, at a surface level, he's just another Gamer Nerd TM stereotype that's a shut-in with no friends nor social skill and yada yada, and that's what some people might take him for, especially at first glance. I've seen people saying he'd be those misogynistic gamers that have never seen a girl in his life or the ones that think you absolutely have to prove you know everything about a game to be a fan of it. and I know that's all in good fun of course but! I don't agree with it at all!

in my point of view, yes Idia is very introverted and reclusive and he's socially awkward, but that doesn't mean he's that stereotypical gamer, which is what makes him so interesting in the first place! he breaks those expectations you have for his character and shows a lot more depth than this label! I'm not saying he doesn't play into the role at all, but I think he's very well written to break some common patterns.

like! he's such a sweet older brother! he might love his games and his alone time and his room, but he loves Ortho more than those things and would go out of his comfort zone for him (like in the recent Wish Upon a Star event which is one of my favorites btw). he gets very talkative and almost sassy when speaking about something he likes! (like in Azul's school uniform vignette). and yes he can be selfish and headstrong and rude (like in the Ghost Bride event), as is expected for a student of NRC, but that doesn't eliminates his positive traits.

where am I going with this and how does it even ties into the question? it's because in those gamer stereotypes, you'd expect him to not know anything about afab people that isn't in one of his games and have no friends to tell him otherwise. but I think he (and most at NRC) is very educated and would know, you know, basic biology. plus I actually wasn't aware his family's company is about health (I thought it had smth to do with technology, since as I mentioned I haven't read the chapter yet), but since that's the case it's even one extra motive for him to know about it.

like, it's definetly not on top of his mind and he probably never has given it any thought but he does know, it's just not something he has do deal with on a daily basis.

TL;DR: I agree with you anon, Idia is very interesting and there's more than what meets the eye to him, so he doesn't fall into a clear cut stereotype that people often take him for!

Could i request hcs of how the dorm leaders react when you fall asleep on their shoulder?

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲'𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

| Notes: Hi, anon!

Sorry but I didn’t get to write for Vil. I just never feel confident enough to write him in a more serious and complete request… but I hope the other six are enough! I had fun writing for each one of them, I think my favorites are Kalim and Idia for this request~ Hope you like it!

Thanks for the request <3 |

Riddle Rosehearts, Leona Kingscholar, Azul Ashengrotto, Kalim Al Asim, Idia Shroud, Malleus Draconia x g!n reader / headcanons / fluff / sleeping on their shoulder / established relationship / six dorm leaders / use of “you” pronouns

Cherry’s Harvesting 🍒 Masterlist

Dear Shoulder Pillow

Riddle had invited you to have a study meeting at the school library. It was no big deal. Just a moment for you to spend together and study at the same time. People say dating can get in the way of studies but Riddle wasn't the type of boyfriend who would let that happen. It was nothing more and nothing less than to unite something useful with the pleasant;

Although reading about the history of teas during the reign of the Queen of Hearts was neither of them, or helpful nor enjoyable. Because you two were from different grades, the content Riddle read was different from yours and although he insisted on helping you if you had any questions, you didn't want to bother him with something as banal as that;

A long time later, Riddle was already moving on to the next chapter of arithmetic when he felt a weight on his right shoulder. As he turned around, Riddle could only see your head tilted at him, your eyes closed and your concentration completely lost. You were asleep! When he was going to say something, you moved a little more, settling on his shoulder;

That was a good card for you to play but Riddle was still determined to wake you up so you could pay more attention to your studies. He nudged you lightly, calling your name and for a brief moment, you awoke again. You swore that you wouldn’t sleep again and that at least the next lines were about a Knave that tried to poison the Queen — which made Riddle twist his nose a little;

Well, obviously the Knave of Hearts failed at his mission because five minutes later you got back again onto Riddle's comfortable shoulder. You have to wonder how such a thin, lean shoulder could have handled your head satisfactorily, but you managed to get a perfect position. So much so that you barely moved from there;

Riddle had to take a deep breath before he looked at you again. While sleeping, you had this cute little pout that he took a long time to deviate from. The icing on the cake was that you pulled his right arm like a second pillow, squeezing it tight enough to have it at your pleasure and as much as the already small distance between the two chairs allowed;

The two of you were in a more distant and private area of the library, where the huge bookshelves blocked you from other people’s view. But at a certain point, Trey showed up over there to communicate something to Riddle and ended up finding you and the dorm leader in that position. Riddle had been content to continue reading a book but his friend’s arrival scared him;

“One word and it will be off with your head...!,” Riddle whispered loudly, his face colored by a vibrant red. “It better be important like Ace blowing up the dorm or Deuce getting lost in the maze again...!” Trey was silent for a moment, trying to hold back his laughter and undecided if he should say something or not;

At almost the same moment, you yawned as you stretched out and held Riddle's entire body to be your dear pillow. He couldn't say anything because the top of your head was too close to his mouth. The best Riddle could do was to adjust you back to your old position on his shoulder, although trying to undo your arm around him was in vain;

“You know, I think we can hold Cater doing a flash-mob of himself for another hour. See you later, Riddle,” Trey pulled his glasses back and waved goodbye to his friend, disappearing back among the bookshelves. Riddle sighed. To choose the safety of Heartslabyul or continue your afternoon nap? Unfortunately or not, he had enough heart to not wake you up;

Eventually you woke up, of course. But Riddle had fallen asleep too, leaning on your head and his book open on the table. You got away from him very carefully for a minute, left a highlighter on the page and gently woke him up. Riddle opened his gray eyes, his black eyelashes with slight red reflections blinking softly. A wonderful sight, for sure.

It was another ordinary afternoon in Savanaclaw. The sun was shining brightly and Leona was sitting next to you on the balcony of his room, enjoying the view. Although you were at a high point overlooking a landscape of big dusty rocks, further on the horizon there was a river curving in the Savannah and some humble small vegetation;

You had tried calling Leona to play chess but he was a little more sleepy and lazy than usual. And was winning all times even like that — the audacity! Eventually, you put the board and pieces aside and you two turned to admire the simple, natural wonders of the dorm;

Leona had fallen asleep in no time, not that you were too surprised about it. In fact, Leona had earlier brought a large cushion from his room — large and soft, made of the most expensive fabric you could imagine — and was probably planning to sleep there the entire time. You sighed but smiled at the same time, sharing the pillow with him;

What you didn't expect was to end up taking a nap too and using Leona’s shoulder as your support. He woke up for a brief minute only to find out what that strange weight next to him was, confirming it was you. Leona has never seen you so relaxed before, vulnerable and comfortable. Being at the mercy of a carnivore like him;

Leona laid your head better on his shoulder so that you could stay in a position that wouldn't give you a tremendous sprain afterwards. Trust him, he has mastered the art of sleeping in the strangest ways and in the most unusual places;

But to Leona’s surprise, you suddenly wrapped your arms around his torso and squeezed him as if nothing in the world was going to get you out of there. Leaning on his shoulder, you had the serenity of a little lion using the support of a rock to be worshiped by the kingdom without actually realizing it. Leona had to fight a smile that escaped the corner of his lips;

You're really more than a mere herbivore, huh? While Leona was thinking about it, he heard the sound of his bedroom door opening and he recognized Ruggie approaching the balcony. Through the half-open door, Leona could hear the other students in the dorm arguing about something in the hallway;

“Whatever these animals are doing, it's not my problem, Ruggie,” Leona replied before the hyena boy could tell what was going on. He said this without having to raise his voice or get out of position, keeping you quiet and safe around him. If there was one thing Leona hated, it was when people tried to disrupt his nap for silly reasons — and knowing his pack, they sure were idiots;

Ruggie just leaned against the balcony column where the two of you were leaning and took a look at the scene. He knew that intruding on your date would come at a high cost but it was either that or just letting the guys kill each other to see who would clean up the dorm’s magift court. But it turned out his leader was dealing with a much bigger issue;

“Alright, alright. But Leona... look at that wandering hand there, huh,” Ruggie couldn't hold back a low laugh and it got worse when Leona growled at him. The noise of Ruggie's laughter, growling, and someone running out of the room eventually woke you up and you stretched out your arms like cats do. Maybe Leona passed this habit on to you unintentionally;

But Leona led you back to a new nap, where you could relax again just the two of you. You could perfectly feel Leona’s breath rising and falling, like a natural and soft orchestra. He stroked your head, giving you a sense of security that you appreciated. Leona rested his chin on the top of your head and smiled. That’s the good life.

Every time Azul invited you to study in Octavinelle’s lounge room, you felt even more the feeling that you were in the middle of the ocean. Everything was so serene, the fishes moved quietly inside the aquariums and the students were reasonably quiet, even with the common noise of books being opened and notes being written;

Azul had chosen for you a more private area, where you could study without anyone bothering you. And it stood next to an aquarium with the fish type you liked to look at the most. The environment was so calm and relaxing that you were fighting sleep, almost like a brave prince saving your own life from a giant sea monster;

As if it couldn't get any worse, Azul was explaining the subject to you. His voice was like the waves of the sea on a beach in the early morning, softly as the singing of a mermaid. If you didn't know about Azul’s commitment to his studies, you'd think he was making you drowsy on purpose. No one had the right to have a naturally melodious voice! — and, good Triton, he had;

Before Azul could realize it in time, you fell asleep on his shoulder and interrupted him reading about the maritime discovery of the true functions of a pipe. That scared Azul for a solid minute. Even though you were in a relationship, he sometimes forgot that things like that could happen;

Not knowing what to do, Azul watched you snuggle better on his shoulder, your newest soft and fragrant pillow. He wondered if the cologne he was using wouldn't bother you sooner or later, yet you drew closer to him than ever — as if to contradict him. Azul closed his history book, lost to say the least;

Azul adjusted his glasses to make sure no one was paying attention to you. The Mostro Lounge’s opening hours were over and Octavinelle’s students were behaved enough that no one would go after him because of any trouble. But to distract himself from the feeling of you being so comfortable and relaxed around him, Azul kept thinking about all the possibilities that would come from this scenario;

Every once in a while, he would make the mistake of looking back at you and staring at your half-open mouth. Azul closed it as gently as he could, but he felt guilty for never stopping watching you. Azul had already read several mermaid tales as a child about how one kiss of true love could solve everything. He wishes he could kiss you to make you focus on your studies again!;

Azul was so distracted that he didn't notice when Jade stood in front of him, with some papers in his arms and silently observing the situation. Eventually he looked away from you and found the vice. “J-jade...!,” Blue exclaimed in the lowest, most restrained manner he could muster. “What is it? You don't see I'm busy...?!”;

Jade smiled, almost saying without words that, yes, he knew. And how busy. But those papers were the receipts for the month’s Lounge and dorm expenses, which Azul always requested to do the accountability. He left the papers on the table and had the audacity to stack the books you were reading in front of a very embarrassed Azul;

“I don't think you'll need them anymore at the moment,” Jade said, closing his eyes and waving a farewell to the leader. Azul cursed him quietly with all the curses and threats that a good Ashengrotto knew. He couldn’t tolerate such insubordination;

A little more used to the situation and getting tired, Azul ended up leaning against you too and fell asleep next to you. In the brief moment you woke up and realized that Azul was holding your hand, you took off his glasses and carefully left them on the table. All this without waking him up. You didn't know that Azul could have such a heavy sleep — and that he smiles while doing so.

When Kalim invited you to Scarabia that afternoon, you couldn't deny it. It was a heated day and as much as the dorm’s Sun shone as bright as gold being forged, the two of you were sitting near the fountain in the center of that huge and sumptuous palace. You could hear the noise of water falling incessantly, forming small drops on the edges of the fountain;

Kalim was cheerful as always, his mood was steady whether it was raining or sunny. It was one of the things you liked about him. Kalim seemed an inexhaustible source of energy, cheering you up at all times in the small and big things. He was telling you various stories about his younger siblings and his own childhood memories;

The mood was so pleasant, the fountain tumbling to a serene beat and the ornaments on Kalim's outfit tinkling to a soft, fun background music that you couldn't help but yawn. First you came closer to Kalim, without interrupting his words, and then you felt as if you were melting;

Kalim only saw your eyes close, your lashes lowered like a peacock’s tail. You leaned on his shoulder and got lost in a desert of dreams. Kalim got closer to the edge of the fountain and watched you sleep, a smile growing on his face. When he met you earlier, you looked tired and he wanted to cheer you up a little;

But if you wanted to enjoy that free time by napping, Kalim saw no problem with that. After all, a nap is fun too! Kalim wished he could have laughed more but the slight movement of his shoulders seemed to bother you and he went back on being quiet. As complicated as it was, he did his best not to interrupt your sleep;

To pass the time, Kalim sang you a famous lullaby from the Land of Hot Sands. It was a beautiful and soft melody, words that you might not understand very well but full of meaning. In this came some birds who wanted to take advantage of the water of the fountain to bathe and accompany their friend’s song;

All this unusual peace in the dorm was the reason that Jamil approached the fountain after a few hours. To his relief, Kalim was safe and quiet, nuzzling you on his shoulder while a dove also rested on his dorm bandana. Jamil was speechless;

“Jamil!! O-h... Ja… Jamil...!,” Kalim exclaimed but then tried to speak softly. “Shhh! We can't make noises now…!” Jamil saw more birds gather near the boy to rest and felt that he was not paid and accommodated enough to put up with such visions on a simple Tuesday afternoon. At least, you two weren’t causing any trouble;

Kalim didn't expect to meet Jamil at that moment, but it reminded him of all the times the vice had to take care of him when he fell asleep unintentionally. It was a very difficult task and one that really required care! But he was happy that he was handling the situation well, in the careful and effective way that he knew Jamil did;

“Make yourself comfortable then, Kalim. I'll leave some hot tea ready just in case you two want it later,” Jamil had already turned to leave the courtyard but he still heard Kalim whisper-loudly that if possible he wanted some crackers to go with it — Jamil sighed, as usual;

A few minutes later you stirred on awakening and this sudden movement startled the little birds near you. Kalim waved to them all and asked if you were feeling better. You stretched out, still a little drowsy, but feeling sore from sleeping sitting on the floor for so much time. In this, Kalim had an idea: you would have some tea with crackers and you could nap together again, only in the room with all those pillows and tapestries!

In other times, it would be impossible for you to enter Idia’s room. If Ignihyde was the underworld where he reigned, his room was like his own temple. Only Ortho could get in there — and now, so could you. As you got closer and started dating, Idia was becoming more inclined to spend time with someone else and share more about his hobbies;

Even if you aren’t very good with games, Idia always seemed to have something up his sleeve to show you. Whatever you wanted, in the theme of your choice, it didn’t matter. He could do it. The same thing went for manga, anime, movies — Idia would go digital distances to make your time alongside him worth. Even though you assured him many times that his company alone was good enough;

That night, you ended up meeting after dinner to spend time together in Idia’s room, as usually happened on your dates. Idia was particularly anxious because he found a manga with a very interesting story and it was just the kind of story he knew you liked too;

Idia made that discovery for a while but he had so caught up with the story and was eagerly awaiting the release of the new chapters. In the meantime, he tried to explain the plot in general, the characters he liked, the characters he hated and his favorite chapters — all without spoiling anything beyond necessary;

You were side by side in bed and it was one of the few occasions when you could hear Idia’s voice so lively and louder than usual, without losing the relaxing tone his voice had. It was getting a little late but you didn't want to interrupt Idia and end the night there. You were focused on Idia but your mind turned into Charon and led you to another direction in the river: slumber;

Idia stopped talking when he felt you leaning on his shoulder, sleeping peacefully — just like those scenes in shoujo manga! His heart stopped, came back again, took a break and continued. Idia panicked but when he moved to try to get away from you, you followed him and on top of that, snuggled even more into him. Counterattack!;

Quiet, lost and confused — and restricted — Idia wondered what had put you to sleep after all. Was it him? Listening to him talk for hours about manga was too boring? He went on a tangent of worried and anxious thoughts until the digital clock beeped eleven o’clock in the evening. This woke up Idia a bit and made him wonder if maybe there was an option that you had fallen asleep because it was too late;

Eleven O'clock was still peak time for Idia so he sometimes forgot that “normal people” didn't spend more than that. Well, to complete the shoujo cliché bingo, Ortho walked into the room and witnessed you two in this unusual position. Idia stared into his little brother’s eyes with intensity. “P-p-please, Ortho... help me!,” he asked softly, the ends of his fiery hair turning hot pink;

Ortho held his chin, taking a closer look at you hugging Idia’s figure. Your heartbeat was normal — compared to his brother’s chariot racing heart — and your serotonin levels seemed good. You were having a good dream and even though his technology couldn't prove it, Ortho hoped it was dreams with Idia;

“Sorry to bother you, Nii-san. I’ll get my charger and leave you two alone,” Ortho said at a low volume that wouldn't make you wake up. Idia trembled and stuttered meaningless words to his brother, feeling somehow betrayed. Ortho closed the door and Idia felt that now he was lost. He wasn’t at all prepared for this rapprochement between you, not even in the craziest scenarios that he sometimes imagined;

Swallowing hard and looking at you carefully again, Idia noticed how soundly you were sleeping. He's never seen you like this. It was unexpected, even a little weird, but he couldn't take his eyes off you. Idia dared to lean against you a little more and feel your warmth, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Maybe it was a good thing you were asleep. Idia didn't want you to see how much he was smiling like a fool — that was what people called the “protagonist moment”, right?

It was a magnificent night full of stars. Malleus had shown up for another late-night visit to his favorite ramshackled dorm, graced all the more by the fact that the human he loved so much had called him to see the sky on that humble roof. Grim didn't want to go with you because stargazing seemed pretty boring and Ace always told him to stop playing your “personal third wheel” — whatever that means;

You were side by side on the roof. As Malleus was an expert in astronomy, he pointed out the stars and said their names as if they were old friends. You had no doubt that this was a sad truth given his restricted life in his castle. Malleus knew the name of each star in the constellations, some quite different figures from what was in your world;

You even briefly explained the concept of zodiac signs to Malleus and he was as confused as he was fascinated by the way humans tried to use the stars for fortune telling. He had heard of one using the constellations to guide themselves along the way but not much about predicting someone’s day;

You two continued to talk for a while, sharing these different experiences as you felt the coolness of the serene summer. It was Malleus who was telling you a story about stars from his homeland when you started to feel a little somnolent. You didn't know what time it was and the whole environment around you was too relaxing;

Malleus’s voice was soft and affectionate, enchanting as a sleeping spell. He could be talking about the most absurd thing and you would listen as if it were a bedtime story. You started by resting your head on Malleus’ shoulder and in what you told yourself would be resting your eyes for one minute to enjoy his voice, you ended up actually falling asleep;

Malleus realized this when he asked you something and you answered nothing. He stared at your sleepy figure, surprised for a moment but then giving a small smile. So you were playing Silver on him, weren’t you? — Malleus hoped this was the proper way to say the “human younglings expression”. He held your hand and continued to wander in a monologue about the stars;

Lilia showed up there unexpectedly because he was looking for Silver who hadn't returned to the dorm yet, probably from falling asleep somewhere. But he came across this scene and when he noticed that you were sleeping, he decided to approach to try to at least tease Malleus for a brief moment;

“Child of Man eventually fell asleep. It must be so hard to live with a need for rest and succumb so easily to the dream world,” Malleus commented, looking gently at you. “But it feels so peaceful at the same time.” Lilia held back his laughter as he saw the way Malleus smiled;

It wasn't as if the fairies didn't know what sleep was, but staying awake for quite some time wasn't difficult or problematic. Malleus usually spent hours wandering through the night before actually sleeping. When he was younger, he joked about keeping the Moon company and telling the grandiose, lonely satellite how his day went;

“Don't forget to put your sleeping beauty to sleep in bed afterwards. Enjoy the night, my little bats,” Lilia said goodbye, going after his own sleeping beauty son. Malleus waved back at him and as he turned around, he took you in his arms gently. You hardly even felt yourself being lifted from your position to a different environment;

When you opened your eyes, Malleus had kissed you goodnight. Before he went, you pulled his sleeve lightly and in a low mutter asked him to stay. It was such a simple and lovely gesture that Malleus couldn't deny your request. He arranged a piece of the bed to lie on and you leaned on his shoulder again, falling back to sleep with the help of a sweet little lullaby that Malleus made especially for you.