#idia trying to comfort azul in their club but he’s. he’s idia. | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thealligatornoah · 1 year

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Falling in love (Azul edition)

Yeah, I know, I've been a ghost lately. In defense, I haven't been feeling good, but hey! I got inspired by this f*cking banger!: Be My Guest - YouTube. So, it's azul's turn. Enjoy!

Pairing: Azul Ashengrotto x male!reader

Warnings: Freaking Azul trying to scam everyone. Metions of past trauma and bullying.

Nobody understands him, and never will. Azul Ashengrotto is a poor, unfortunate soul that doen't want to be one, so he turns everybody else near him miserable with his contracts, that promise a cheerful future.

Octopuses are brilliant hunters that use their large tentacles to prey on their victims, and this clever dorm leader is no different. Instead of the eight appendixes, he uses the Leech twins; and he usually chooses those who he finds easy, like students with bad grades, with financial problems, or the vulnerable ones. He was once the lolcow, the 'point a finger at me and laugh', but doing things like this, who is laughing last?

When he gazed (y/n)'s eyes at the ceremony the first time, he saw his oportunity cristal clear. A magicless human in a college full of mages? It is impossible to be easier, Or so he thought.

Jade and Floyd find it impossible to bring (y/n) to Azul, that boy seems to smell something fishy each time they offer him help. When they offer help for an exam, to lend the little money he doesn't have to pay lunch, to defend him from bullies... the boy doesn't get the hook, leaving the sly octopus without any idea of how to get him.

That is one evening it started raining. Azul is coming back after being in the club with Idia, smiling to himself remembering their tought chess game as he walks through the hallway. Suddenly, when he is about to open the door to get out the building, a really wet (y/n) opens that door from outside and quickly runs inside, his back facing the door and his face against Azul's. There is a quiet moment between the two until one of them decides to break it.

-I recommend you not to go outside, it's raining cats and dogs. -(y/n) says.

Then, Azul's fast mind had an idea, that is the perfect moment to bring his pray to his lair.

-Isn't your dorm outside? You have to walk a lot to get there, right? -the poor boy nods with worry, Azul controls a mischevious smile, and puts a kind one instead.- You can come to my dorm, I'll get you a discount in the Mostro Lounge for today.

"If he thinks he can get me, he's very wrong. But a smoothy won't hurt me." (y/n) thinks when he deliverates if taking the offer or not.

-Ok. -he finally decides.

When both of the boys get to the Mostro Lounge, Azul sits in front of (y/n) as he drinks the smoothy. They were talking about anything and everything, the octopus asking some innocent questions and the other sharing what he thinks is convenient, keeping many things in secret. But eventually he would get a littke comfortable, even Azul would tone down a bit and forget his objetive.

The mostro's light gives a special glitter to (y/n)'s face, specially his eyes. His movements look graceful as he stares at his soul, with a small smile timidly visible in his lips, wich Azul couldn't get his gaze off, the jazzy music not helping at all.

"Focus if you want to get what you want." Azul thinks, but his mind gets a little numb after that thought. "What did I want?" he realizes. That evening is so nice, he completely forgets.

Days pass by, and (y/n) comes more often to the lounge, he just learned to enjoy the three submarine boy's company, specially Azul. He visits him inside the vip room, where he has the permission to go to.

But the octopus doesn't stop his attempts of making everyone else's soul miserable. After some important exams, now he has some anemone slav- I mean... non remunerated employees; but three of them are (y/n)'s friends, and he didn't care that it is Azul they're talking about, he will fight him.

Then, Azul overblots.

He overblots because (y/n) found out about his past, because his mask is broken, because Leona turned his win into sand, because he is a poor, unfortunate soul.

When everything ends, Azul starts running away from (y/n). His fear for rejection takes the best of him as he avoids any contact with someone that he looks up to very highly. It is all with the twin's help, of course. And they end up getting fed up, of course.

The Leech twins are standing up in front of Azul's desk, who is reading some important papers for the restaurant he is running. He turns slowly his gaze upwards to Jade and Floyd, and then downwards the papers again.

-I'm busy, what do you want.

-We both noticed you have romantic feelings towards (y/n). -says Jade bluntly.

Azul opens his mouth really wide, wanting to speak, but a knot in his throat makes it impossible for any word to go out and make any noise. A little almost wisper like scream and shining, red cheeks make its appearance instead.

-Yeah, yeah, -interrups Floyd- we are really fed up, this turned really boring!

-What he is trying to say is that you will stop avoiding him.

-Even if that means you have to tell him you want to squeeze him to death!

Even if that is a really big ultimatum, Azul knows that they are painfully right. Do octopuses show homosexual tendencies in nature? That's not the point, he does love (y/n)! That's why he is avoiding him in the first place, the awful shame of his past... this has to end now.

This time, when (y/n) comes to his restaurant, Azul doesn't hide in the vip room. In fact, he had the twins to make sure every other client leave earlier, how? Shady Leech twins terms. When everyone else leaves the restaurant, the magicless human feels relief, he knows that this is his crush's doings; he knows him too well to not notice, that's why he didn't give up in the first place.

Althought he knew it, his heart skips a beat when Azul sits up in front of him. Every little detail of his movements are highly studied, that with that nervous smile, makes (y/n) remember when he acted like this with him, so he makes sure to put a kind smile.

-It's been a while, eh? -he breaks the ice.

Again, Azul wants to speak but he cannot do it, he fights but he is just not able to do it. Then he jumps a bit when he feels (y/n)'s hand on his.

-Man, I missed you -he says after laughing-. Don't worry, I'm not mad, you can tell me anything. -he makes emphasis in the last word.

Then Azul inhales, exhales, and looks directly to (y/n)'s eyes, then his mouth. He reviews the script he practised so much for hours, and opens his mouth, the words being able to pass through his throat this time.

-(y/n), the reason I was avoiding you is because I was very ashamed of my past me, and I have romantic feelings towards you -his nervousness comes back-. But I've changed! I'm not that fat octopusno-

(y/n) interrupts him with a little slam on the desk.

-Silly octopus, I don't care about your past. Even heck, I don't care about your looks at all! I like you too, but it is because you are a clever, after all nice man. I feel really comfortable when I'm with you, and every aspect of you feels out of league of me! -again, Azul 404.exe has stopped working- Give me a kiss, dummy.

Both of their bodies moves automatically on the desk so their lips could click for the first of many more times.

Nobody understands him, and never will. Anybody in this universe will understand how lucky he is, how fortunate, and happy soul he is.

#twisted wonderland x male reader #disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x male reader #twst x reader #twisted wonderland #twst azul #azul x male reader #azul ashengrotto #azul ashengrotto x male reader #azul x y/n #azul ashengrotto x reader #twst fanfic

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pianostarinwonderland · 1 year

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Magic 3 Thoughts

The introduction of magic 3 in Twst’s new gameplay is very interesting because it makes me wonder what is in store for the characters in chapter 7.

Dorm cards in particular tell the characters’ personality and magical ability.

For example, let's take three cards: Dorm Riddle, Dorm Epel, and Dorm Azul.

Dorm Riddle

Dorm Riddle deals two strong hits at Lv.10 of his first spell. It hints at his strong power. The two hits on his first spell also shows how he can summon spells fast. In chapter 6, Idia’s analysis of Riddle is that he can fire spells very fast. Take note that among the dorm SSRs, only he, Dorm Leona, and Dorm Malleus can deal two strong hits. And we all know how powerful and experienced Leona and Malleus are. Even amongst other SSRs, only Birthday Kalim, GM Ace, and Camp Trey can deal two hits on their first spell, with everyone else dealing one hit with an effect, whether buff or debuff.

Furthermore, Riddle has the highest ATK stat in the game (no, Dorm Malleus did Not overthrow him, shocking news right?). This can refer to how Riddle has a high magic pool for his age, which can only be obtained by intensive training from when you’re young. Consequently, he has the lowest HP among all SSRs. This may be in reference to his fast blot accumulation—external factors have a clear impact on his blot.

Dorm Epel

Dorm Epel’s first spell references his UM. His first spell can deal a small ATK Down and heals the team at the same time. His UM, Sleep Kiss, puts people to sleep in glass coffins. In a sense, the protection people gain from the glass coffins will lower the severity of any injuries they sustain, referencing the ATK Down debuff that cuts opponent’s damage on your team. Sleep is also a form of recovery for the body, which references the heal.

Buddies are telling of a character’s relationship with another to an extent. A notable buddy is Epel’s buddy with Vil, as it boosts both his HP and ATK. He’s the only dorm card aside from Malleus with that sort of buddy boost. It references how Vil is trying to build Epel to become the best kind of person that he can be without compromising himself, hence why both HP and ATK are boosted rather than only one stat. Vil looks out for Epel’s growth in many things, whether in beauty or in strength.

Dorm Azul

Dorm Azul’s M1 is absolutely packed with not only a buff, a small ATK UP, but also a heal. It’s rather self serving, and it references to how Azul would steal people’s talent to make himself stronger.

In chapter 6, Idia mentions how Azul is the type to stall or use others as meat shields before attacking due to having a relatively low magic pool compared to other overblotters. He needs time to produce a spell. It makes him fit to be a healer/support.

Azul's buddies are very important here. Most SSRs have a HP M buddy, HP S, and ATK/POW S buddy. His buddies, however, are HP S, HP S, and ATK M. Jade is his ATK M buddy, while Riddle and Idia are the HP buddies. Buddies that give small boost in a stat are the characters who have an effect on the character himself but aren't that involved in his life, whereas buddies that give medium boost in a stat are very involved in a character's life. I find that HP buddies tend to represent how a buddy affects a character's growth (in their character), while ATK buddies tend to represent a buddy making a character stronger.

Riddle and Idia do have an influence on Azul, but it's not a major one. Riddle is a fellow 2nd year dorm leader; the two of them have worked together in their duties as dorm leaders and schoolmates. As for Idia, he and Azul are club mates. Azul has shared in his first birthday story that the board game club has made him more comfortable in taking calculated risks.

The important buddy here is Jade. Jade provides a medium boost to Azul's ATK stat. It can indicate here that Jade affects Azul a lot, particularly in making him stronger. Stronger in the eye of the public, stronger in the sense that he's more confident because at least there is Jade to lean onto in case a sudden change of plans occurs...? A list can be made.

Therefore, because dorm cards show some of the personality of the characters in gameplay format, the introduction of the 3rd magic speaks about something regarding the characters. And in the midst of chapter 7 and getting thrown into this dream world, is the 3rd magic showing us more depth to the character now that we have gone through six full arcs in the main story? Or is it showing that the character will undergo change in the dream world?

For example, Dorm Riddle's first magic is just two strong hits, an offense-oriented spell that would make him more suitable for a Basic test where dealing damage is priority. However, his third magic is a medium ATK DOWN on two opponents, which is a debuff and an ability more suited for a Defense test. Dorm Leona also goes through the same thing, except his medium ATK DOWN is a 3-turn debuff on a single opponent.

Some cards have their first and third spells having similar effects. Dorm Vil is an example of this, having a small ATK DOWN for 1 turn on his first spell and medium ATK DOWN for 3 turns on his 3rd spell. Dorm Ortho's first and third spells are similar in that they are both buffs—his first spell is a 3-turn medium DMG UP on himself while his 3rd spell has a small ATK UP, along with Freeze Immunity, which allows characters' buffs to go through even if Freeze was casted on the character on a specific turn.

Some characters gain heals, particularly Ace, Kalim, Rook, and Sebek. Ace, Rook, And Sebek heal is HP Regen or the 3-turn heal. Kalim's is 1-turn. It's interesting what this means for them and how they would develop.

The original dorm card healers, Trey, Azul, and Epel, gain Curse Immunity and a small ATK UP. What this does is that essentially, if you use their heal and the Curse immunity in one turn, they can heal even if the opponent implements curse on them. It's like they gain their own ability to protect themselves so that they can protect their team better.

Possibly for some cards, it can show more depth to the character's personality, like how Riddle's ATK DOWN on two opponents can be an expression of how he makes people follow his lead.

But Twst has also used gameplay as a way to foreshadow something in the story. Dorm Epel is a prime example of this. His card was released in the midst of Book 5, but his UM was made in Book 6. So the question now is, what is Twst foreshadowing through the 3rd magic?

#twisted wonderland #twst #twst jp #twst theory #riddle rosehearts #epel felmier #azul ashengrotto

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cyn-write · 29 days

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Upcoming Works! (AKA the To-do List)

Hello, Dearests! I have been diligently working on a multitude of projects for CynWrites that range from asks to finishing projects to new ideas! Here is a sneak peak at whats coming soon. If you are interested or would like to be tagged, please let me know!!

My asks are also open for request, or if you want to chat, ask questions regarding my work, OCs, or my thoughts on twisted wonderland! All I ask is that you read my rules, be patient, and be kind!

Upcoming Updates to On-going Series:

Finishing Glorious Masqurade ft. Jade, Kalim, Lilia, Che'nya, and Neige

Bewitched Me: Octavinelle and Scarbia

NSFW part 2 for Rollo in GLOMAS Series (Nearly Finished)

NSFW part 2 for GLOMAS Series ft. Malleus, Sebek, Silver, and Idia

The Little Cecelia Chpt. 3 and 4

Revised Prolouge and Chapter 1 of "A Tale of Two Yuu's" (Revision stage)

New Fics and HC:

Housewardens reacting to a Possessed Reader (Like in the Halloween Event)

Dating Headcanons for Leona, Azul, and Trey

"Come With Me..." When Yuu returns to their world, their BF comes with them ft. Riddle, Cater, Jamil, and Rollo

"Other Side" - Song Fic of Fellow trying to convince Adult!Yuu to join him in (Playful Land Spoiler)

"You'll Be in My Heart" - After not seeing eachother in person for a while, Yuu and BF are finally reunited! But he is worried things have changed only for Yuu to comfort him with a Night-in ft. Rollo, Azul, and Idia

Oc Snippits - First Club Meeting ft. Ivy, Reyna, Grace, and Cynthia

If there is something you are particularly excited in seeing, let me know! (Also I bet you can't guess which Twst Characters are my favorite...)

Also, I need to update my regular tag List (not the ones just for specific series) so if you would like to be on the general tag List, let me know!!

#twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #twst #disney twst #twst fanfic #twst oc #twst mc #cynwrites #cynwritesocs

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ange1princess · 2 years

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Summary ❕ Their reaction to you gushing about your favourite obey me character.

Characters❕Riddle, Leona, Azul, Idia

A/N ❕ If you want a part 2 with the other leaders let me know + one angst coming up today because I'm in the mood to write whoops !

Masterlist ❕ Ko-fi

❕Riddle❕

❝ Confused and HurtTM. Who's this person, and why does Riddle not know about them? They have to be on campus if you're talking about them constantly right? He thought the two of you had something special, is that not the case anymore? Do you like someone else and we're just stringing him along till you finally got together with them?

❝ You have to sit and explain that this isn't a real person and is one of your favourite characters from a game (who coincidentally happens to be Lucifer . Someone so similar to him in so many ways), but that does nothing to calm him down, seemingly only making him sadder.

❝ So you're telling him he's losing to someone who's not even real? Is that his standing when it comes to the list of people (and the list is long) who are romantically pursuing you?? Really?

❝ The only thing that'll shut him up while he's going on and on about love and what it means to him as well as making up rules against video games and talking about their characters is a kiss, and all will be forgotten.

❕Leona❕

❝ Uhm... Okay? Who is this person upstaging him and acting all high and mighty around you, and what does he have to do to take him down a few (or multiple) pegs? He doesn't care what he has to do he will DO IT! He's not really angry, just very annoyed, extremely vexxed, this person is like a thorn in his side and he doesn't even know him!

❝ Tells you to shut up and let him nap but he actually means, please don't talk about him, I want to be the one who's consuming your thoughts instead! He's just got a strange way of saying so.

❝ When you let it slip (not like you were actively hiding it to make him jealous, gasp, you'd never!) that it's this guy who's exactly like him, constantly sleeping, and also not real, he laughs!

❝ And apparently he can't stop laughing, laughs himself off of his large bed and even through the embarassment he can't stop, he's relieved yeah, but he'll tell you he's laughing so much simply because of how "pathetic and hilarious" it is.

❕Azul❕

❝ Insecure but hides it behind a poker face and asks you more about this person. Wants to know everything about them so that he can subtly take them down with his wits and intelligence, maybe entangle them with one of his deals by promising to give them something they truly want.

❝ Definitely goes to the tweels that night and complained about it while they tried making him feel better, either through Jade's comforting words or through Floyd's attempts to cheer him up by describing the ways in which he'd hurt the one you talk about, what kind of name even IS Satan? You could do so much better, and Azul is so much better!

❝ Honestly just baffled when you tell him it's a character from your favourite game. Why are you so fixated on a character? What? Why? What? He's short circuiting he doesn't get it, but he's happy that it's not any competition for him, and you have to reaffirm your adoration for him and let him spoil you to get him back to normal.

❝ Is secretly curious and goes on wikihow to know more not only about Satan but also other characters and the lore, kind of maybe, a little Bit, probably asks Idia to teach him how to play.

❕Idia❕

❝ GASPS OMG YOU LIKE LEVI?? HE LITERALLY KINS HIM!! IS LEVI YOUR TYPE, IF SO DOES ... Does that mean he is your type?? Almost faints because of how excited he is, loves to hear you gush about Levi and his antics, always making sure to keep up with the game so that the two of you have a little more to talk about.

❝ He joins in and starts listing off his favourite characters from games He plays and loves, did you try doki doki literature club yet? He's absolutely smitten with Yuri (of course he has DDLC plus wdym?).

❝ So excited that he can now share more games like OM! with you and has something common to talk about, he used to get nervous talking to you before, fumbling over his words and staring at you too long, but now that you have a common interest, you can spend more time together!

❝ Definitely uses this as a way to come over, or call you over so that the two of you can play/enjoy events together, would probably confess his adoration for you through something Levi themed because he'd want to make it personal for you.

❝ He's truly so happy, his cute shark grin never leaves his face, his jaws hurting now <//3

#twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x reader #twst #twst x reader #riddle x reader #riddle rosehearts x reader #leona kingscholar x reader #leona x reader #azul ashengrotto x reader #azul x reader #idia shroud x reader #idia x reader

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lovelyyandereaddictionpoint · 2 years

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Hey! I couldn't find any rules or anything so feel to ignore this if you want, but I really liked that slowly turning yandere ask so could you do that with with Azul, Idia, and Jade separately please? Or just the first two if it's too much, thank you!

Azul Ashengrotto

It makes sense that this one is slow

Azul is calculative and really sensitive

It’ll first start when he returns the photo

In the window between putting it back and coming back to Night Raven

“O. M. G. You are so. Freaking. Cute!!!”

You are cooing at this image he had tried so hard to erase

He’ll blush probably expecting you to just be someone who was overreacting

But come to find your just really vocal when your comfortable

“What a glow up, though? Went from -cinnabun to almost-a-sugardaddy-hun!”

He’s practically spitting out his drink as your looking at some other old photos that escaped his purge

From there he’s frantically trying to rationalize

Going to reaffirm his discovery by urging responses from you

“Prefect would you mind, telling me what exactly makes me, supposedly, ‘a snack’”

“Oh it's definitely your beauty mark, or maybe its your style, or its definitely your eyes literally like periwinkle diamonds.”

“T-thanks!”

He’s so whipped

And as uncomfortable as he may seem he is living off of the near-heatstroke embarrassment he goes through

And even when he’s not nearly passing out from your words

He loves how sweet you are in general

When he’s not baiting you for a response you just compliment him when he’s doing random stuff

“Hey Azul, can you explain this concept to me? You’re like really smart and I-”

“Fine, but you have to come to the Monstro lounge while you work through this sheet.”

This feeling is his

And he’s more than eager to bind anyone in a deadly contract because they feel this way

Forget about sending the leech twins

He’s doing it themselves

He’ll get more bolder the more you are encroached upon

“Would you be so kind as to compliment me. I’ve been feeling especially perturbed lately.”

Jade Leech

He notices you when you’re investigating for Magift tournament

He thought it was cute to see a weak little shrimpy trying to solve big-fish problems

From then on he keeps an eye out

You’re always up to something so it's entertaining to keep updated on your activities

“You…look pretty good with an eel-tail?”

He finds himself surprisingly shocked by you

Whether its cause you whisper your real thoughts loud enough for him to hear

Or because you actually had the balls to fight Azul

His intrigue turns to love

As he drinks in your compassion and care for your friends

And just general demeanor

He follows you on his own time

Mountaineers club?

No, (Y/n)’s club

His love for you stems into his love for learning about the land and its properties

So the flower you sat on during gym

Keeping that in his pocket forever

The rock you looked at that reminded you of your friend

Analyzed it then Crushed it but kept the pieces to study for later

He won’t outwardly chase off those around you

But he has no problem picking off the ones you're sure not to notice

Everynow and then he’ll invite you on a hike

Or give you a pass to the Monstrolounge

If only to be allowed to feel study you more closely

“Would you care to join me for a nature walk? I promise this is purely innocent.”

Idia Shroud

It's a long standing love that blooms at your appearance

He initiates it on his own

As one of the heads at STYX he’s encouraged to study the unkown about overblots

What's wrong with venturing a little

“This is just like that one anime…”

Interdimensional travel, a refusal of your existence, and alongside a monster

Truly a live manifestation of something he would be watching

So cameras placed outside your dorm

And Ortho’s livefeed should he see you on his rounds

“Oh sorry didn’t mean to bump into you!”

Its an accident

So minor you don’t really recount it as the first time you spoke to him

But he does

Ooh he does

When you just graze your hand as you pick up his fallen book

or how you press your hand against his arm under his sleeve as you checked to make sure he’s alright

It takes everything in him to fight the nosebleed that threatens to creep up

“Ah, are you sick?”

“N-no. I gotta go!”

He runs off but that isn’t the end

Far from it

He realizes that perhaps this supposed isekai protagonist was really the love interet for the genius otaku

Well he’ll want to make sure that he knows everything about you for when he does gain the courage to woo you

So now the cameras are in your room, in the bathroom…another in your room

He slowly delves into his fantasy of a romance between you and him

But he’s not completely delusional

And he’s not so caught up in his fantasy that he doesn’t have a plan

Oh no

He has multiple plans for multiple possibilities

When he finally does get to talk with you immediately the plan that included forcefully taking you is dismissed

….kinda…

“(Y/n)’s not like the other npcs…their the target, Ortho. That’s why I have to do this.”

#yandere twisted wonderland x reader #yandere twisted wonderland #yandere x reader #yandere x you #yanderexrea #lovelyyandereaddictionpoint #yanderes #yandere azul ashengrotto #yandere jade leech #yandere idia shroud #yandere idia x reader #yandere jade x reader #yandere azul x reader #twisted wonderland #twst

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married-to-google-translater · 2 years

Note

hey how are you?? is it possible to request riddle & azul & idia with an autistic gn reader who's special interest is world history!

Hey I am good.

Riddle Rosehearts

This would be something Riddle would not understand.

You are a mystery.

You really don't learn the rules of the Queen of Hearts.

(because you're not interested. )

But you're still the star in history class.

At first, Riddle doesn't pay much attention to this.

But over time it starts to interest him.

Especially when you are transferred to a second year history course two months after you entered the twst world.

Might approach you and ask about this.

Would be interested.

Riddle wouldn't have heard of this before.

After he falls in love with you, he tries to make his dorm as comfortable as possible for you.

No more loud noises.

( Ace suffers. )

Yelling is the best option for achieving silence.

*sarcasm*.

Riddle also tries to make the schedules as clear as possible.

Riddle really wouldn't want you meeting his mother.

"for reasons".

You are the first one who really cares about him.

Azul Ashengrotto

Azul really doesn't understand how you can memorize almost the entire world's history even though you came to this world a week ago.

This is why Azul would be interested in you.

He would be 100% sure that this is your unique magic.

And he REALLY wants it for herself.

Azul is trying to get you to make a deal with him.

But you're not interested.

Not at all.

You are too interested in the history of this world.

You don't have time for mafia octopus.

Azul would be really frustrated.

After the Overblot incident, you and Azul get to know each other better.

He starts to understand you.

And you finally realize that your memory is not your "special magic".

You should explain what you mean when you say you are autistic.

There are probably no books about psychology at the bottom of the sea.

He would be interested.

Azul would try to respect you and your needs.

And if someone bullies you.

Pray that god will have mercy because Azul won't.

Idia Shroud

Getting to know you could be difficult.

You are both a bit antisocial.

Maybe you could get to know each other through a game.

Or you joined a board game club.

You got along well when you first met.

( Or actually you met his flying tablet. )

You usually chat with each other online.

At night.

1:00 am

( I can relate. )

It takes a really long time for you to actually meet.

Because you both have communication difficulties.

But when you meet Idia is secretly happy.

He could understand your interests.

Would you also be interested in the history of technology?

He would be really happy if you say yes.

Maybe after some time you will start seeing each other more physically.

But it takes practice from both.

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angelizs · 2 years

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[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

#twst x reader #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland #azul ashengrotto x reader #azul ashengrotto #listening to pink in the night by mitski while writing #not really related but listen to MORE by j-hope it's pretty good #Jade: out here living my best life #Me: Azul is drowning in an indescribable emptiness #Jade: this ain't about him #wonderland wonder

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ryuichirou · 5 months

Text

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I’m a little late today, let’s see how many asks I’ll manage to answer OOPS-

Anonymous asked:

Who are the invited guests for Azudia's wedding?

Idia didn’t want to invite anyone other than Ortho (he didn’t even want to have a ceremony…), but in Azul’s mind, if they’re doing a proper wedding and all, might as well get all the benefits from it. So all of the more-or-less influential NRC alumni are going to be invited, as well as Idia’s family (OBVIOUSLY!!!!!!!!), his own family and people from his mom’s restaurant, anyone the Tweels might invite from their own family, anyone from STYX and Jupiter conglomerate that might want to congratulate the older son of the Shroud family (OBVIOUSLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!). Azul doesn’t expect all of them to come, but the simple fact of sending an invitation is already kind of like networking, so he used this opportunity to the fullest.

Oh, and of course Malleus is invited~

hipsterteller asked:

Hide your kids hide your wife!

This is the motto of the Leech house…

Anonymous asked:

tfw your marriage partner cheats on you with his robot brother XDDD poor Azul

In all honesty, this isn’t the worst possible outcome for him lol He knew that the Shrouds are a bit… unorthodox and super close to each other. As long as Ortho considers him to be a positive influence in Idia’s life and is open to cooperation, it’s all good~

It still does sting sometimes that he, Idia’s legal husband, will never be as close to him as Ortho. But he knows how to cope with this unfortunate thought lol

Anonymous asked:

So has Idia been jealous of Jamil for being close to Azul?

I replied to a similar question in an AzuIde Marriage AU setting (although please note that Azul wanting to marry Jamil isn’t a part of this AU’s canon, it’s just a scenario). In this particular AU, it would really suck for Idia to constantly remember that he is the second option, and he’ll never forget about it. Especially with Azul being kind of bad about being tactful about these things.

In general, I guess it depends on their level of closeness and on how it’s relevant in Idia’s life. If Azul has a fling with Jamil, but never talks to Idia about it, and it doesn’t affect their own quality time in their club, Idia would consider this to be none of his business and try not to think about it. But if Azul starts to miss their club time or talk about Jamil all the time, then Idia would get pissed off. He hangs out with him to play games and talk shit about people, not to listen about how much fun Azul is having with someone else.

He also might get jealous if Azul invites Jamil to play, since Jamil is also quite good at board games… apparently.

Anonymous asked:

That post is peak kalijami for me too. Although, to be fair, Jamil would think "Oh fuck, no..." after falling in love with pretty much anyone, no matter who they are. That's just the standard Jamil Viper reaction to any situation. It's not his fault that he is the only normal person in this school and also the smartest (he's delusional).

He really should listen to Najma and learn to take things less seriously sometimes... Oh well, i guess his stubborness is part of his charms.

(This is related to our post from the other day)

Thank you so much, Anon! <3

I completely agree with you, I don’t think there is any person in NRC that Jamil would be comfortable having a crush on. All of them are horrible, every single one. Najma doesn’t know shit about just how bad they are!! Plus, who needs love, it’s too energy-consuming and useless… (And yes, Jamil is completely delusional in his belief that he is the only sane guy in this school lol)

I guess this is exactly why someone like Kalim is perfect for him, even though all of Jamil’s sufferings are directly related to Kalim.

I think the only NRC guy Jamil genuinely wouldn’t mind hooking up with is Ruggie, but that’s a topic for another day wink wink.

#replies

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been-taking-muay-thai-classes · 1 year

Text

They Danced

The Prefect had managed to take a few things with her on her way back to Twisted Wonderland. Among them was a reccording of Hadestown, her favorite musical (dhe won't say that technically it was illegal though, its not her fault there isn't a professionally recorded version).

Naturally, she wanted to share it with her friends, particularly those she knew to be more artistically inclined such as Vil or Rook. Unfortunately, she got rejected by almost everybody. Of the 14 she invited, only 1 showed, the rest too busy with their responsabilities or punishments (Deuce once again pays for Ace's shenanigans).

Now, under normal circumstances she'd be sad about this, but seeing how her crush was the one to accept she had to believe this was some sort of sign. Plus the housewardens were rather busy lately, what with Crowley dumping his duties on them upon realizing she would be away for a few days (she did feel a little bad about this but then again, with all her unpaid therapy this is a way to repay her no?).

Now she stands in the kitchen, staring at the snacks she managed to save from Grim's unstoppable appetite. 2 bags of chips, some candy and soda. Not a great selection but it would do for just the two of them. Just in case, she also prepared a sauce to go with the chips and cleaned the living room in preparation of his arrival.

Grim was currently serving detention with Ace and Deuce, unsurprisingly, which meant she had the dorm all to herself. This night couldn't be more perfect.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. The Prefect ran to the door and composed herself in front of it to try and look cool before opening it. There stood Jamil holding a bag, presumably with food. 'Hi! Come in, everything's set up'

Jamil smiled at her and offered the bag 'I brought some masghati since you seemed interested last time I mentioned them' she grabbed the bag and peeked inside to see the sweets nicely decorated with dried fruits. They would go best with some tea so she went to put the kettle on while Jamil arranged the plates (at this point she no longer tries to stop him, he seems to like helping around when its of his own free will).

With the tea ready, both sat comfortably on the couch. The Prefect was about to press play when Jamil asked her 'Where are the others?' her heart beat faster at the reminder that it'd be just the two of them. She hoped he couldn't hear, what with him being seated at the other end of the couch.

'Riddle, Azul, Vil and Malleus are busy doing Crowley's job' Jamil snorted and muttered a small 'Nothing new there' she smiled with him. 'Rook is on a trip with his family, and Jack and Epel went with him to "unlock his story", Cater, Lilia and Kalim had a...club thing? Idia is Idia and Ace and Deuce have detention with Trein' she finished recounting them all and tried to gauge Jamil's reaction through a side glance. He seemed to relax more upon hearing there'd be no more guests. She dard hope this meant he liked her or at least trusted her enough to let his guard down a little bit.

'And Grim?' his arm now rested on the back of the couch and she wanted desperately to be closer so she could put her head on it 'Guess' her smirk was all the hint he needed to know he was with the other troublemakers.

'Well, their loss. Its just us then' on the surface the statement wasn't special, but the way he said it with that hint of sultriness, the way his eyes ever so slightly traveled down her body and back up as if to confirm she had dressed this nicely for him and him alone. The way his posture shifted just the tiniest bit closer, more arrogant, inviting her in. Okay maybe she should just press play and stop imagining things before she combusted from the embarrasment. Jamil smirked at her flustered face, pleased with himself.

The theater lit up, showing Hermes walking on stage. Soon the rest of the characters were positioned for the first song and they began introducing everybody. So far Jamil seemed entertained, enjoying the pace and beat of the song, tapping his fingers on the armrest to the tune of the song.

Soon the wedding song came up and the Prefect couldn't stop herself from singing along. Jamil hid his surprise at hearing her sing for the first time since meeting her pretty well but the yearning in his eyes was another story. Just then, the Prefect turned to him giggling and forced him to grab at his hoodie to hide before she could see his fluster. That only made her giggle louder and tease him lightly. So much for looking cool.

By the time Persephone was singing about how unnaturally hot Hadestown was, Jamil was fully invested...and also twice as glad that nobody else could see him like that, how embarrasing.

Once the story reached the middle, the Prefect paused it to stand up and stretch, hearing a satisfying pop from her back. 'Aren't we watching the rest?' Jamil stood despite his question and helped the Prefect grab the plates and cups and take them to the kitchen.

'There's quite a bit left, so we're taking a pause to stretch our legs and drink water' just as she said that, she filled a cup with water and offered it to him. Jamil took it and drank while formulating a question in his mind.

The Prefect beat him to it though 'Are you liking it so far?' the gleam in her eyes told him it was important that he answer correctly, no...honestly. He thought for a second before replying 'At first Orpheus didn't seem like a likeable character to me, and I think you know why' she nodded 'but- I guess I can respect how devoted he is to his dream and Eurydice. The music is good, I knew that from the first song and everybody sings really well, I don't know yet if I love it, I need to know how it ends first, but so far I'm enjoying it' he allowed himself to be honest, it was just the two of them, and it payed off. Her smile, once nervous but excited, grew into a bright light that tugged at his heart and made him feel alive. Damn his heart, filling his mind with poetry like he was Hunt.

They finished their drinks, washed everything and went back to the couch. It wasn't lost on the Prefect how this time Jamil sat closer.

During the second act, Jamil started to change his opinion on a few things, or at least that's what she thought by the quiet muttering of her guest. She wanted to ask him about it but then she caught a few words like 'That's how the world is' 'Still won't give up? Huh' 'Wait they actually care?!' and at this point she had a good idea of what was going on in his head. She felt that perhaps she could inquire about his opinion of Hades but stilled her tongue.

The moment was upon them: the song Orpheus had been working on from the very beginning. She tapped Jamil on the knee (when did he get so close?) excitedly and whisper-yelled 'This is it! This is the greatest song in the history of musical theater!' Jamil simply smirked, melting at the look of joy this scene brought her. He payed close attention to it, to her.

Orpheus, battered and bruised, stood in the center of the stage with his guitar/lyre and a microphone. He began to sing and Hades mocked him at first but soon shut up upon hearing his melody. Jamil noticed the Prefect muttering the lyrics and wondered just how many times she must have watched this play. But he also thought she was right, the song was beautiful, he couldn't assure it was the best in musical theater given how little he knew on the subject (particularly from her world) but he could believe it and that was enough. The song came to a pause as Hades sang, and Jamil felt compelled to sing along. Dry, shy, almost as if he were remembering a foggy memory but vulnerable like he hadn't been in a long time.

The Prefect looked at him with surprise, her heart skipped a beat at seeing her crush relating to the play and she couldn't hold back from smiling the same way Persephone smiled on the screen. Warm and hopeful.

'I've always loved their dance, it seems so tender and intimate yet elegant and powerful, you can feel the love and history they have' her hand grazed his by accident and Jamil glued his eyes to the screen in a bid to avoid becoming flustered again. But while she was swooning at the dance, he chanced a look at her and saw just how enamoured she looked. Dancing? He could do that, he was a very good dancer, he loved dancing and she clearly wanted to try this. Maybe they could dance later. His heart swelled with hope at the thought.

By the time Orpheus was walking back home, Jamil had all but forgotten the lyrics from the beginning. He was so invested in the story he didn't see the ending coming. A man, walking alone, doubting himself, a woman, walking behind him, reassuring him of her love but he couldn't hear.

A gasp echoed in the room.

Jamil felt something wet on his cheek. The Prefect was wiping some tears from her face and the only sound was of soft sobbing. His or her he wasn't sure.

'Why?' the Prefect didn't answer, she merely pointed at Hermes on the screen.

Processing his emotions, Jamil listened to the last songs. To Hermes retelling the story in honor of his friend, to Persephone raising her cup for those who remain, to everybody singing for Orpheus and to the troupe beginning their tale again as the curtain fell. He was a mess. Never one to cry over fictional works, Jamil was a bit embarrassed to be in this state in front of his crush, but there was little he could do to stop. He had relaxed and opened up more as the play progressed and now it was all he could do to reel those feelings back in. The Prefect however grabbed his chin and made him look at her, gently caressing his cheek. 'Why do you like this so much? It's rather sad for someone like you' Jamil refused to meet her eyes as he asked the question he wanted to from an hour ago in the least shaky voice he could muster. Internally he winced, it came out worse than he planned but she didn't seem to mind.

'I love it because its a tragedy. You know from the start how it ends: Orpheus fails, he looks back and Eurydice remains dead. Still we can't help but hope. Hope that maybe this time it'll be different, this time Orpheus will trust and they both will go home' Jamil had trouble wrapping his head around that idea and she could tell so she changed her words 'Orpheus's fate has been sealed from the beginning, there is nothing he can do. But still we hope it can change: the actors change, the band changes, even the theater they perform at changes so why not the ending? Its admittedly very meta but isn't it worth it? To hope for that happinnes?' that he could understand. Jamil himself had once overblotted from his despair of the life that was chosen for him. But ever since the Prefect had crashed into this world, she had showed them, showed him that hope wasn't such an idiotic thing. Looking at her, he hoped to see her smile more, to hear her laugh for him, to share his dreams and future with her.

He stood up offering her his right hand. The Prefect was confused until he explained 'You said you always loved the dance from the play...so dance with me' despite his muttering she could hear clearly what he said, and also see the blush overtaking his face. With her heart beating wildly she took his hand and stood at arms lenght from him.

In the quiet evening in Ramshackle the only sound that could be heard was two pairs of feet moving along to an imaginary rythm, perfectly in synch.

Jamil pulled her in, pushed her away, twirled her once and twice before coming back together to a slow sway. There, so close to each other their breaths intermingled, Jamil finally met her eyes and what he saw there surely reflected what she saw in his. Love and adoration so pure it filled him with certainty. They leaned in.

The kiss was gentle, as if scared to hurt the other. Jamil's right hand rose to cup her cheek while her hands grabbed his jacket and pulled him impossibly closer. Soon one kiss turned two turned three turned dozens. Only when they ran out of breath did they part, and Jamil took this moment to rest his forehead against hers, staring into her eyes with all the untold things his heart longed to share.

He opened and closed his mouth a few times, trying to come up with the perfect way to ask what he wanted to ask but once again, she beat him to it 'Do you want to be my boyfriend?'. Hadn't they been so close he wouldn't have heard it.

For the first time in a very long time, Jamil allowed himself to feel fully, his heart bursting with love, happinnes and hope. He sang a soft 'laa la la la la la laaa' as an aswer before kissing her once again and she simply giggled. Something beautiful had bloomed that evening in Ramshackle and Jamil would do everything in his power to nurture it like she had nurtured the hope in his heart.

----------------------------------------------------

So this scenario had been in my head since I first saw Hadestown (if you haven't watched it you really should, it's beautiful. Youtube has a few reccordings) but then I heard how good Jamil sings and thought oh no he has to be Orpheus and then @merotwst answered and ask (hi btw it was me) saying how perfect he'd be for Hades and I just- yes. A million times yes. So I came back to this idea and decided to write it before it takes over the part of my brain I use for work and chores.

I hope you like it and sorry about the pronouns but I tend to get confused when writting in english so using a female mc seemed easiest. If I ever write something more I'll try to use neutral pronouns.

#twisted wonderland #jamil viper #twst mc #jamil x reader #hadestown #I wrote this in a rush lol #no beta we die like the prefect's wallet #hedgehog originals

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unpredictable-probabilities · 1 year

Text

Granting Favors 13 - An Honest Shot

Summary:

Amidst rising tensions among the VDC group, Jamil has decided to take a real shot at Azul. Unknown to him, Azul is also planning to make a move, enlisting the help of an unlikely friend.

Word Count: 5,521

— —

Azul somehow felt lighter as he made his way back to Octavinelle. He and Jamil had talked about possible ideas for their project and scheduled when they could meet up to work on it, then the breaktime ended and Jamil had to get back to rehearsals. So Azul had decided to get back to work himself and calculate Mostro Lounge's profits considering their early closing time. Fortunately, Floyd didn't force him to stay at the Pomefiore ballroom.

The atmosphere was perfectly comfortable while he talked with Jamil about their schedules, despite the fact that Jamil had acknowledged that they almost kissed at the masquerade ball. Azul hadn't been able to respond to it; he was afraid of saying the wrong thing so he just redirected the conversation to their project. At the very least, he had managed to secure a lunch with Jamil tomorrow.

But what next? Was he expected to do something now that their almost-kiss had been acknowledged? Was there even anything that he wanted to do?

Azul sighed. For the first time since he had enrolled in NRC, he was at a loss about what his next step should be. It might be an option to just let whatever dynamic he had with Jamil to develop naturally, they didn't have to talk about the masquerade again, and whatever happens, happens.

But he was never one to leave anything to chance. He even practiced for hours on how to throw dice in a certain way to get the numbers he wanted; Idia had called him insane but now he was able to beat most of the Board Game Club members in any game involving dice.

He couldn't just do nothing about this new development with Jamil. Inaction could be just as bad as making a wrong decision, and he certainly didn't want to mess up so badly that he would end up losing Jamil from his life. He had to make a plan.

However, he had no idea where to start. He couldn't ask Jade or Floyd for help like he often did for his other plans. As much as he hated to admit it, this was a problem that required knowledge on how to deal with emotions, and he'd be hard-pressed to find anyone in this place who had any significant amount of emotional intelligence, himself and the twins included.

It was something that he never thought he would have to tackle, because what good were emotions when it came to business? Unexpectedly, he now had to make a plan where he had to untangle and articulate his emotions, and nobody in NRC was well-versed enough about such things to be helpful.

He stopped in his tracks as realization dawned on him.

Nobody in NRC...

He took out his phone and typed in a quick text.

I may be in need of your assistance. Call me as soon as you are able.

* * *

Jamil double-checked his stuff to make sure he didn't forget anything before leaving the ballroom.

"I still can’t do it," Kalim's voice complained from across the room.

"You'll get there, Kalim!" Epel said. "You just gotta shift your weight properly, like this."

"Jamil? Can you help us with this one?" Deuce called him over hesitantly.

Jamil took his backpack and walked over to them. "What is it?"

Kalim averted his eyes, shifting on his feet. Jamil had been hoping to avoid this; his dynamic with Kalim had been awkward ever since his Overblot, and it only seemed to get worse when VDC rehearsals started.

Jamil knew that Kalim wanted to make amends, but years of pent-up resentment couldn’t be fixed by a handful of half-baked attempts at conversation. Aside from handing Kalim packed lunches, they barely interacted these days.

"Kalim's feet keep getting tangled on the turns," Epel scratched his head.

"We've been trying to teach him the steps on the second verse, but I guess we're not very good teachers," Deuce said.

"Show me the move," Jamil told them.

They sidestepped and slid diagonally backwards, then stepped to the left before crossing their ankles and turning counterclockwise, but Kalim tripped over his own feet and bumped hard into Epel. Luckily Deuce caught them both before they could topple over.

Jamil sighed. Vil would be livid if that happened in rehearsal.

"The problem is you're going overboard," he told Kalim. "Enthusiasm is all well and good in a dance performance, but you have to have enough precision. Don't lean too hard on the turns, and be aware of the distance between the other dancers."

He spent 10 minutes helping Epel and Deuce teach Kalim how to look less like a bumbling duckling and more like a proper dancer belonging in Vil's team. They practiced the turns with just Jamil's counting, then they tried it with music, and then they sang while doing the entire routine to make sure that Kalim could transition smoothly between the steps before and after the turns.

"That's much better!" Epel grinned at Kalim after they finished the entire song.

"Thanks a lot for the help, Jamil!" Deuce wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand.

"Yeah, thanks, Jamil," Kalim said with a small smile. “Are you gonna head back to Ramshackle now? We could go together.”

Here it was again. It seemed like somehow Kalim thought that if they spent enough time together, things were gonna get back to normal.

“Sure,” Jamil said indifferently. To Kalim’s credit, he actually got all his things quickly so Jamil didn’t have to wait for long.

“I see that you and Azul are becoming friends now,” Kalim started a conversation again on their way to Ramshackle. “It’s nice of him to visit us during practice.”

“He said Floyd dragged him there to keep him from overworking,” Jamil said evasively.

He wasn’t exactly sure what he and Azul were; ‘friends’ didn’t seem like a strong enough term. Whatever the correct term was, he wasn’t in the mood to discuss it with Kalim.

“That’s surprisingly considerate of Floyd,” Kalim laughed. “Azul needs to take more breaks. Ooh, why don’t you invite him over to Ramshackle sometime?”

“I did,” Jamil’s mouth almost turned up in a smile. “We’re partnered up for a project in Defensive Magic, and we’ll be working on it in Ramshackle from time to time.”

“Oh that’s great!” Kalim beamed. “I’d say let’s have a small party but Vil won’t allow it. Maybe we can all just play videogames or something if we’re not too busy with rehearsals. Ace and Deuce know several good ones.”

“Yeah, maybe.” Jamil realized that he didn’t know whether Azul liked videogames, but he was curious to find out.

Kalim didn’t say anything else, and they spent the rest of the walk in relatively comfortable silence.

* * *

Azul had thrown himself into the work of calculating Mostro Lounge's profits that he had almost forgotten he had asked to be called until his phone rang and he saw the name on the screen.

"Hello," he answered and leaned back in his seat.

He chose to do his work in his bedroom today, knowing that his phone might ring at any moment. This was a conversation he wanted to have in private, and there were too many students at the dorm's lounge.

"Azul," Rielle said on the other line. "I was admittedly surprised when I read your message. What's wrong?"

"Before anything else, I would like to hear your solemn promise that you would not breathe a word of this conversation to anyone else." It wasn't nearly as secure as a signed contract, but it would have to do.

"Of course," Rielle said sincerely. "Not a word."

Azul took a moment before he continued. He had prepared the words, but they were still difficult to say. "After much deliberation, it appears that I do... have feelings for Jamil."

Rielle audibly gasped. "That's wonderful to hear! You finally admitted it to yourself!"

Azul shifted in his seat. "Is it really alright to discuss this with you? I wasn't sure if it would be rude or insensitive given that..."

"It’s perfectly alright!" Rielle assured him. "Like I said, whatever admiration I have for you is not nearly as strong as how you and Jamil feel about each other. I have made my peace with that after our previous conversation.”

"How could you say that so casually?" Azul sighed. "I suppose that is why I need your help. You're far more comfortable about these sentimental things than anyone else here."

Rielle chuckled. "I shall do what I can. What do you need help with?"

Azul twirled his pen between his fingers. "Hypothetically, if Jamil does feel the same way about me... What would be the right thing to do?"

"Oh, well, that depends on what you want to achieve," Rielle replied. "What's your goal?"

Azul thought about it. What did he want out of all this? "I don't want to drive him away. I want things to relatively stay the way they are, but I'm not quite certain about what I have to do to ensure it."

"Hmm," Rielle hummed thoughtfully. "Have you considered just telling him how you feel?"

"That's a terrible idea," Azul immediately said. "He might feel backed into a corner if I did that, I don't want him to think that I'm expecting him to reciprocate."

"Doesn't he already reciprocate?" Rielle asked pointedly. "Haven't you noticed anything that might hint at how he feels about you? You don't need to tell me, just be aware of it for yourself."

Azul's mind went back to the masquerade, Jamil's hand on the back of his neck, Jamil leaning in for a kiss...

"Regardless," Azul said forcefully to fling the memory away. "I don't want to scare him off. I need an approach that is not so direct, yet at the same time won't make him think that I dislike him in any way."

"You can always just show him."

Azul furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"If you aren’t comfortable in verbalizing your sentiments, just show them," Rielle clarified. "If you want to spend time with him, then go ahead and do so."

"That's it?" Azul asked doubtfully; it seemed too simple.

Rielle laughed good-naturedly. "This isn't some business strategy that needs an entire folder's worth of planning, Azul. If he does things for you that make you happy, try doing the same for him. To let him know that you don't dislike him."

Things that Jamil did that made him happy... Immediately Jamil's unexpected honesty came to mind, though the idea of reciprocating that same blatant honesty daunted him.

"Alright, I shall keep that in mind." Azul sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Suddenly it didn't seem so simple. "I do appreciate the advice. I know that my message came out of nowhere."

"See? Expressing your feelings isn't that hard, right?" Rielle said playfully. "But really, it's not a problem at all. Feel free to message whenever you wish to talk about it again."

With how unfamiliar this new territory is, Azul was almost certain that he would need more help in the future. He would have to start figuring out how to repay such a favor.

"Thank you, Rielle. I owe you one."

“Anytime.”

He ended the call and went back to work.

* * *

Jamil sighed as he stared at the flavorless chicken and rice that he had just unpacked on the cafeteria table. Following Vil's diet plan was especially difficult since he had grown up eating food with a lot of spices. He never thought he'd miss cooking his own food so much.

"Hello," Azul slid into the seat across from him with a plate of chicken cacciatore from the buffet.

"Wow, you're really gonna flaunt that here?" Jamil said, nodding at Azul's plate.

Azul noticed Jamil's comparatively bland lunch and chuckled. "Should I leave, then?"

Jamil rolled his eyes. "Just finish that obscenely flavorful chicken before I eat it myself."

"Are you really not allowed to eat anything apart from what Vil provides?"

"Mostly. It's part of the training," Jamil said. "If we wanna eat something else, he has to approve of it first."

"Ah, well, to take your mind off it, I have an idea for our project for Defensive Magic," Azul said as he took a bite of his food.

"Oh, what is it?" Jamil started to eat as well.

"Since the instructions are to create an item that would make a person impervious to danger for any given duration, I thought we could make a shield of some sort," Azul said. "A small handheld device that would turn into a shield at the press of a button. The item itself would be magic, so it's usable even for mages who are conserving their powers, or people who don't have magic at all."

"Okay. But...?" Jamil noticed that Azul didn't look too satisfied with his own idea.

Azul sighed. "But it's lacking something. Originality would account for 35% of our grade; any fool could make a shield. How can we make ours more innovative?"

Jamil thought for a second. "We can make the shield like a bubble, so the person is protected on all sides, even from the ground."

Azul's eyes lit up and he got a small notebook from his pocket. "Yes, we could do that. And the bubble could float away up to a certain distance to carry the person farther from danger." He scribbled in his notebook.

"I'll look up potions that we can use as fuel for something that floats," Jamil said.

"And I'll see if I can borrow some tools from Idia at the Board Game Club meeting later." Azul closed his notebook and pocketed it again.

"Yeah," Jamil agreed. It might be a little challenging to pull off but he was looking forward to working on it. "Let's schedule when we could start."

He took out his phone and checked the file of Azul's calendar; then frowned when he saw today's date.

"It says here that right now you're supposed to be printing out flyers for the Lounge's booth," Jamil said. "Did you forget...?" It wasn't like Azul at all to forget his schedules.

Azul's fork stopped midway to his mouth; he looked surprised for a split second before he blinked it away. He set his fork back down on his plate and cleared his throat. "I moved the printing to tomorrow, I must have forgotten to update the calendar. I shall do so now."

Azul took out his phone and started typing.

"Why did you move it?' Jamil asked.

"So we could have lunch together," Azul replied while still looking down at his phone.

Jamil's eyebrows rose in surprise, and he saw the online calendar update on his own phone screen; it now said LUNCH for this time.

"But... why would you do that?" Jamil frowned. "You even skip meals sometimes just to keep working. And now you adjusted your work schedule for lunch?"

Azul pocketed his phone again. "You invited me to lunch, I accepted. It isn't really a puzzle, Jamil."

But I invited you to lunch because I wanna spend more time with you, Jamil thought, remembering Rook's advice. I don't know what your reason is for adjusting--

Suddenly he remembered what Azul had asked him three nights ago in his dimly lit bedroom.

"Couldn't we have done the things we did for the same reasons?"

His face warmed, and he almost brought up their project again just to have something else to talk about, but he reminded himself that he was taking a real shot at Azul now, and he couldn't keep running away.

He made himself look at Azul and smiled playfully. "Oh, you really prioritized spending time with me instead of working?"

Azul looked taken aback, and a shade of red colored his face.

Great Seven, if Azul would react like that every time, then Jamil might make more of those remarks.

Azul recovered and turned up the corner of his lips. "So what if I am? Is that a problem, Viper?"

Jamil chuckled nervously, caught off-guard by Azul's gaze. "Not at all, Ashengrotto."

* * *

Azul took a seat in the Board Game Club classroom and sent a text before starting on his tasks.

Hello, Yuu. Would it be alright if I were to pay a visit to Ramshackle after your dinner tonight? Jamil and I need to work on a project together. He would be asking Vil for permission as well.

A small crate dropped on the table in front of him with a loud clatter.

Idia sat across from him and started tinkering with a small tablet and screwdriver that he got from the crate.

"Shouldn't you be preparing for your presentation?" Azul asked.

"Nah, I got that covered." Idia removed the backing of the tablet and laid it facedown on the table.

Azul raised an eyebrow. "Scouts from different universities would be watching, right? I would have thought that you'd be spending more time working on it."

"It doesn't matter," Idia grumbled, using tweezers to insert various chips in the back of the tablet. "I'll just have to reject any offers from those scouts anyway."

Azul wondered if that meant that Idia had already been accepted into a university and didn't want any other offers. It was possible, considering that Idia was practically a genius with technomancy.

Before he could ask, his phone lit up with a message from Yuu.

Hi Azul! Ofc u can come over later, I brought it up to Vil too, and he's cool with it. I'd invite u to dinner but it's all diet foods in Ramshackle these days haha. You're welcome to come over anytime! <3

Azul put his phone down and turned to Idia. "Could I take a look at the box of spare parts that we won't be using for the booth? Jamil and I are working on a project for Defensive Magic and some of our tools here might be useful."

"You're working with Jamil again?" Idia sounded surprised. "Back then you guys only worked together in Alchemy. But now he's taught you flying lessons and you're paired up for another class again."

"So?" Azul didn't understand what the big deal was.

"So," Idia emphasized as he attached the back of the tablet again. "What's going on with you two?"

"What?" Azul heard the defensiveness in his voice. "What do you mean?"

"Come on. Back then you were complaining that he never wanted to work with you, and now you're working together for three classes," Idia pointed out.

"I wasn't complaining," Azul said, regretting his casual remarks to Idia back then about Jamil.

"Oh!" Idia seemed to remember something. "And he has your phone number! Two years of being in a club together and even I don't have that."

"Did you ever need it?"

"But Jamil needs it?" Idia shot back.

Azul glared at him. "Just because we're working together more often now doesn't necessarily indicate anything in particular."

Idia wasn't really wrong; Azul's recent interactions with Jamil indicated something indeed, but it was all so new that he didn't want anyone else meddling and possibly ruining it.

"You're saying nothing's changed between you two?" Idia asked skeptically.

"Of course," Azul blatantly lied.

"Hmm," Idia hummed as he took out a pair of VR goggles from the crate. "So if Jamil dates someone else, you'll be okay with it?"

Azul couldn't stop the scowl that formed on his face at the very thought of it.

"Hah! I knew it," Idia snickered. "If otome games have taught me anything, it’s that jealousy is such a tell-tale sign of developing feelings. You got it bad, dude."

"Just focus on those goggles," Azul snapped at him, feeling his face warm.

Whether or not he did have it bad was none of Idia's business.

* * *

"Good evening, Prefect," Azul smiled, greeting Yuu with the endearment that most of the students use to refer to them.

"Hey Azul! Come in," Yuu stepped aside and opened the door of Ramshackle wider. "You're in a good mood."

"Ah, I'm simply looking forward to bringing life to our project idea," Azul said as he stepped through the doorway.

"You can use that table over there," Yuu pointed to a rectangular table near the wall with a few chairs surrounding it. "I'll let Jamil know you're here."

Azul walked over to the table and took a seat, taking out his notes and the small bag of tools he had borrowed from Idia.

Vil appeared from the dining room, and Azul prepared to justify his presence, but Vil's attention was on the First Years that had followed him to the lounge area.

"It has been more than a week into rehearsals and your movements are still substandard," Vil scolded his resident. "You do remember that it is Neige LeBlanche that we are trying to defeat?"

"I remember," Epel said meekly, standing between Ace and Deuce.

"Then why be so lackluster in your performance?"

Vil's tone was severe, sharper than Azul had heard him speak before. He wondered if something else was bothering the Pomefiore Prefect; even though he was known to be competitive, it was unlike him to behave so inelegantly over a desire to win.

"Epel's doing his best, we all are," Deuce said defensively.

"And the VDC is still weeks away," Ace added. "We have a lot more time to improve."

"Your best had better improve drastically in the next few days," Vil glowered at them. "Neige has been performing ever since we were children, and mere weeks are barely enough time for you spudlings to catch up."

"Why are you so hung up on this Neige guy, anyway?" Ace complained. "What'd he do to you?"

Vil's expression darkened, and for a moment Azul was afraid that he had walked straight into a crossfire, but footsteps swiftly came down the stairs and in an instant Rook was beside Vil.

"My dear Vil, I think it's time for their nightly skincare routine, yes?" Rook said gently. "And you need to rest as well, especially given how hard you've worked today."

Vil momentarily closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Fine. But tomorrow I expect significant improvement on everyone's progress. Including you, Rook."

He turned away from them and stormed up the stairs, not sparing Azul a glance.

"Monsieur de l'Effort !" Rook greeted him pleasantly. "Welcome to our humble abode."

"Oh hey, Azul," Ace said wearily, slumping down on the couch. "Yeah, welcome to Ramshackle. Where after dinner we get scolding for dessert."

"Why don't we watch a movie after we do the skincare routine?" Deuce tried to sound upbeat. "It's still pretty early, we can watch a short one before bedtime."

There was half-hearted agreement from Ace and Epel, then they all went up to their rooms.

Jamil came down the stairs shortly after Rook had also excused himself. "Hey. Just finished the skincare thing that Vil told us to do. I hope you didn't wait too long."

"Not at all, I just arrived," Azul replied as Jamil took a seat across from him.

"I could hear Vil being angry all the way upstairs," Jamil said. "He's been like that lately."

"Yes, that was rather odd," Azul furrowed his eyebrows. "I don't think I've seen him with such a temper before."

"The VDC is really stressing him out." Jamil opened his notebook and pointed to a page. "Anyway, I compiled a list of potions that we can use. Let's look through them and see what would be most practical."

They worked at it for a while, narrowing down Jamil's list to three potions that would be the easiest to brew and the least time-consuming. The movie that the First Years were watching was a little loud at first, but Jamil asked them to turn the volume down, and it was easier to concentrate on their work.

After almost an hour of assessing which tools they had available and sketching ideas, they had made what was essentially a rough blueprint of their project. Both of them were visibly tired, and Jamil offered to make tea so they could take a short break.

Azul busied himself with compiling the sketches they made while Jamil was in the kitchen. Their designs looked better than he would have expected for first drafts, and he started to feel a little more hopeful for their project.

"Hi, Azul!"

He looked up from the table to see Kalim smiling at him, carrying small bottles in his hands.

"I left some of my skincare stuff in the living room," he explained, placing the bottles down on the table. "Usually Jamil reminds me of these things but... we don't really talk much these days."

Azul noticed that Kalim's smile fell a little, and he remembered weeks ago how Kalim insisted that Jamil was his friend even after they were flung across the desert. It wasn't surprising that their dynamic would be strained recently, and he wondered how Jamil felt about it.

"Anyway, I'm glad that you and Jamil are good friends now," Kalim said genuinely. "How is he doing?"

"He seems to be doing fine, though we don't really talk about much aside from school projects and occasionally the VDC." And their Overblots, but Azul decided not to bring that up. "How about you? Ramshackle must be quite the adjustment from your usual amenities."

"Yeah, it was a little hard at first to get used to the creaky floorboards and the showers that randomly stop working, but I think I'm pretty well-adjusted now!"

Jamil appeared carrying two teacups; he set them down on the table and turned to Kalim with a frown. "Do you need something?"

"Oh, no, I was just talking to Azul. But I was heading to my room already." Kalim picked up his bottles. "Good night, you guys!"

Azul took a sip of his tea and waited for Kalim's footsteps to recede before looking cautiously at Jamil seated across from him.

"I take it that you're still not on good terms with Kalim?"

Jamil tensed up, and Azul could tell that it was something he didn't want to talk about. "We're on good enough terms that I still make sure he doesn't get killed, and he lessens my workload by taking care of himself more. Why, you think I should be friends with him after everything?"

Jamil's voice was laced with resentment, and Azul considered just letting it go, but he remembered that he should be reciprocating the honesty that Jamil was giving him. Besides, it might add more to Jamil's distress if the subject kept being swept under the rug.

"If it would make you feel better," Azul replied.

"What?" Jamil frowned.

Azul pursed his lips and took a breath, choosing his words carefully. "Harboring negative feelings towards Kalim is clearly making you unhappy. Perhaps a more amiable relationship with him would be preferable for you, instead of his presence ruining your mood every time he enters the room."

"I can handle it," Jamil reflexively said, his jaw still tense.

"Jamil..." Azul glanced over at the First Years to be sure that all of them were still focused on the movie, then he looked back at Jamil. "Suppressing these resentments was a significant factor in our Overblots."

The scowl on Jamil's face turned into an expression of surprise and realization, and it gave Azul the bit of courage he needed to continue being honest.

"I'm worried about you," he said quietly, willing himself to not avert his eyes.

Jamil's face turned red, and he looked down at his notebook. "I wouldn't even know how to begin being friends with him."

"You managed it with me," Azul tried for a smile. "Back then you barely tolerated my presence, and now you've made me tea that I assume isn't poisoned."

That got a small chuckle out of Jamil and he lifted his eyes again. "If I wanted to poison you, you'd be dead by now."

"Is this really the time for flirting?" Azul feigned a scolding tone. "We're working on a project."

Jamil's face became a brighter red, and he placed a well-aimed kick to Azul's shin under the table.

"Ow!" Azul flinched, more in surprise than pain.

The movie's background music grew loud, and the First Years were reacting even louder to what seemed like a high-speed chase. Jamil's attempts to call their attention went unheeded.

Jamil shook his head in resignation. "You wanna just go to my room? It's much quieter there."

"YEAH! TAKE THAT!" Ace jumped up on the couch and pointed to the TV screen.

"Alright," Azul nodded, gathering their things while Jamil got a small tray to carry their teacups with.

* * *

The desk in Jamil's room was too small, so they worked on his bed, their designs scattered while they attempted to pick apart each one and decide on what features to keep or modify. They emptied their teacups and managed a decent amount of work for thirty more minutes before they couldn't hold back their yawns anymore.

Azul leaned back on the pillow against the headboard, taking off his glasses and massaging the spot between his eyebrows. His coat had been beside him on the bed, but at some point it had slid off to the floor; he didn't seem to notice.

Jamil's sleepy mind recalled a conversation he had with Kalim back at his dorm room in Scarabia, when Kalim mistook his Mostro Lounge uniform for Azul's clothes.

"Why would Azul's clothes be on my bedroom floor?"

"Um," Kalim blushed. "Well..."

"Kalim," Jamil said with a warning edge to his voice. "What are you implying?"

"Nothing!" Kalim's voice rose in pitch.

Jamil rubbed his eyes and shook his head lightly. Tiredness really made his mind wander sometimes. "Should we call it a night?"

"We've almost figured out the final design," Azul said with his eyes closed, still leaning against the pillow. "I'll just rest my eyes for a few minutes, and let's see if we can make a final sketch."

Jamil opened his mouth to agree but a yawn came out instead. A day of rigorous rehearsals followed by a night of brainstorming was taking a lot out of him. And Azul definitely looked like he needed to rest, too.

"Just twenty more minutes of working for tonight?" he asked Azul. "It's almost 10 PM, anyway, and I can't afford to look sleep-deprived again in front of Vil tomorrow."

Only Azul's even breathing answered him, his chest slowly rising and falling, one hand loosely holding his glasses beside him.

Jamil smiled in amusement. Despite Azul’s insistence on continuing their sketches, he got knocked out first.

He tidied up their things, and neatly placed all of Azul's stuff back in his bag. He carefully took Azul's glasses from his hand and put them on the nightstand.

A resting Azul was such a rare thing that Jamil decided not to wake him up; surely Vil and Yuu wouldn't mind if he stayed over for the night.

He stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, wondering if he should lie down beside Azul on the bed or get the extra mattress in the closet and sleep on the floor. It seemed a little weird to sleep on the floor in his own room, and he and Azul had already shared a bed once, anyway. Though that time they had fallen asleep by accident.

A spider decided for him. When he saw the tiny black thing casually crawling across the floor, he immediately climbed in next to Azul and pulled the blanket over his legs. There was no way he was sleeping on the floor where any amount of bugs could crawl all over him.

He turned to his right side, facing away from Azul, and turned off the lamp on the nightstand.

* * *

Jamil could see the daylight through his closed eyelids, but he didn't want to fully wake up just yet, so he burrowed his face deeper into the pillow that he was hugging. His alarm hadn't sounded yet, and he was hoping that there was still time to get some more sleep.

He sighed contentedly, breathing in a comforting scent that he couldn't quite place.

Then his mind started to recognize it, and all of a sudden he was wide awake, extremely aware of his surroundings despite keeping his eyes closed. He was frozen, not daring to even breathe.

It wasn't a pillow he was hugging.

It was Azul.

He was spooning Azul and he had his face nuzzled in Azul's hair.

Azul was still sleeping, and Jamil was terrified that if he moved in any way, Azul would wake up and he would have a hell of an explaining to do.

His face was burning, and his heart was hammering so wildly in his chest that he was afraid Azul might feel it and get woken up.

What the hell was he supposed to do now?

— —

<-- Chapter 12

Chapter 14 -->

(Masterlist)

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ryker-writes · 10 months

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LMAO I JUST REALIZED the culture clubs are about to have Camp Vargas pt 2 so Jaxon will be going probably. Imagine him trying to set up the tents and complete the challenges while working with Azul and Idia of all people 😭😭😭

I think Yuli is pretty good with camping since she’s a resourceful person. She’s not necessarily good at schoolwork, but she's independent and self-sufficient. I think she’d be very good with her hands and making things like a makeshift fishing pole or using something unusual to create a fishing lure. During the first Vargas Camp Ace probably tried to sneak off to visit her but got caught by Vargas and booted out 💀

As for Jaxon's reaction to her liking Ace, she’d be like 'honestly? I don’t know why either' because Ace is a bit of an idiot lmao.

Alternatively, if Deuce was her match- I think Deuce does have a bit of a crush on her because he hasn’t had a girl be nice to him since his mom. I don’t think he realizes it’s a crush though, at least not for a while. He probably realizes it during the Ghost Bride event when he's talking to Eliza and freezes up, and the dial up tone plays in his head. Poor baby becomes a nervous wreck the second he realizes that he thinks Yuli is pretty. Poor baby goes from swearing and talking about everything to her to a stuttering mess within the span of one day.

Deuce and Yuli would be a sweet and nervous kind of relationship, while Ace and Yuli is banter and friendship that eventually becomes more. Deuce is so loyal that they would probably stay together long into the future. Ace and Yuli might have some rough patches and take breaks from time to time, but always work through it since their friendship means so much to both of them.

Do you see Riddle and Jaxon having a future together? Or alternatively, Silver and Jaxon?

Jaxon is actually part of the music club, so he'd be stuck with Kalim, Lilia, and Cater. Rip Jaxon Cater is going to be his nightmare. He might break Cater's phone by the end of the trip lol

Jaxon is actually pretty good with camping. He had to for a while while he was expelled, so he's pretty good and comfortable with it...when he's on his own. With others may be a bit more of a challenge for him.

I see Jaxon as being pretty similar to Yuli in this case actually. He's not great with school work either, but he's independent too. Though he's less likely to make things on his own, he has pretty good knowledge of what to do and what not to do.

Jaxon almost has a caring like relationship with Deuce. Like he's also a mess, but he kinda takes Deuce under his wing and wants to help him not make the mistakes he did. He really looks out for Deuce in his own way so if Yuli likes Deuce or the other way around, he's supportive. He wants the best for Deuce, so he'll try and give advice wherever he can (even though he has little experience with that sort of thing)

Honestly, I could see Jaxon and Riddle having a future together. They'll have their rough patches too, but they work it out. Jaxon has also dealt with horrible parents, so he's not afraid of Riddle's mom at all. Jaxon is loyal and so he's not going to give up on the relation ship easily

If Silver and Jaxon were in a relationship, I think they would be able to have a future together too. I see their relationship having less problems than Riddle's. They're relationship would also be more quiet and relaxed.

#also lmao ace getting caught by vargas #jaxon crowley lore #jaxon crowley #yuli and jaxon #jaxon and riddle #twst oc

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weekly-fandom-rambles · 2 years

Text

𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 ℳ𝒾𝓇𝓇𝑜𝓇 𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇𝑒𝒹

All that was left was him.

CW: Near-death, Overworking Oneself, Self-destructive Thoughts, Self-Deprecating, Suicidal Thoughts/Ideation, Angst/Future Comfort

Word Count: 2.4k

Trey should have realized. He should have realized that his friend’s red hair was a little too dull; that his eyes weren’t the same shade of green they normally were- they didn’t sparkle the same way; that he was just an inch shorter than last time; that the uniform was worn just a bit tighter; that his tie was tied a little too perfect; that the red diamond laying on the right side of his face was a little too bright for his normal style; that the man beside him was a near-perfect, but never identical, copy of the man he thought he was.

He should have realized the man beside him was not Cater Diamond.

It was a Saturday, so the two were just walking and talking about anything and everything. They talked about Trey’s Vice Housewarden duties, the Freshman and how they were adjusting, their upcoming fourth years, new recipes Trey was wanting to try out, how the science club was doing, and the conversation the green-haired man had had with his family the previous night.

But they weren’t talking about anything related to Cater. Everything was veered towards Trey’s wants and interests. Normally, this wouldn’t raise too many flags, but Trey knew that Cater had been feeling down for the past week. Trey knew the red-head was trying ways to make himself happier. And based on how “Cater” kept dodging all of his questions, Trey also knew it wasn’t working.

But what put an awful feeling into Trey’s gut wasn’t the fact that he hadn’t noticed immediately. Cater had been training hard and had gotten amazing at creating his copies. So really, it wasn’t a surprise that the green-haired man didn’t guess immediately. But to not somehow realize that so many Cater mannerisms weren’t showing up at all throughout the entire day? That is what made the Club Soldier feel terrible.

And he wouldn’t have even realized it without the help of Magicam (which Trey realized he hadn’t seen this Cater look at all day).

Trey didn’t use his account much, nor did he follow many people. So when the first friend he had made at NRC asked him to follow him, he did and turned on the account’s notifications. Sure he could’ve turned them off, but seeing Cater’s smile reflected from his screen always made a strange sense of joy flutter its way into his stomach. So Trey was used to having his phone almost constantly buzzing within his pocket. With the flood of notifications from not only the app, but Riddle and his family as well, Trey learned to ignore his near constant buzzing phone.

Sometimes, he wished he hadn’t picked up that habit. And the current situation was one of those times.

Casually reaching into his pocket and opening Magicam, Trey looked at Cater’s profile. Staring back at him was over a dozen new posts within the span of a couple hours.

There was a photo of Cater with Azul and Idia playing some board game. There was a photo of Cater with Ace playing with the Hedgehogs, and a photo with the exact same time-stamp of Cater and Deuce with the flamingos. There was a photo of Cater with Riddle holding a strawberry tart (and with the knowledge that Cater hated sweets, this only set off more warning bells). Lilia and Kalim were in another picture with instruments in hand. Cater was in the Cafeteria with Yuu. He was teaching Malleus to use Magicam with Sebek yelling his praise. He was in the botanical garden pulling a prank on Leona with Ruggie. He was with Rook having tea.

He was everywhere. And yet, there were slight details about all of them that showed it wasn’t the real Cater: his hair style, his diamond, his outfit, his smile. Everything. So he stopped and put a hand on the, what he assumed, clone’s shoulder.

“Where’s the real Cater?”

“What are you talking about? I am the real me.” He almost would’ve believed him if he didn’t have photographic proof. He moved his phone to the man’s eyes and scrolled as he talked.

“So are these all fake? Are there really ten Cater clones running around campus right now?” He lowered his phone. “Or do you really make eleven?” The fact that the clone couldn’t maintain eye contact revealed the truth. Trey moved his other hand to rest on “Cater”’s other shoulder. “Where are you? The real you?”

A quiet, “Rose garden” was whispered, still without moving his eyes from the concrete.

“You know this is dangerous. Even with enhancing your magic, having four clones out still drains you within a couple hours. How are you not using way too much magic?”

Finally the clone looked into his eyes. His own were shining with tears.

“We are.”

Two words. Two words was all it took for the cold hands of fear and dread to grab ahold of Trey’s spine. Quickly letting go of the clone’s shoulders, Trey darted for the Heartslabyul Rose Garden. And as his back turned- his presence being the only thing keeping the clone standing- he missed Cater collapsing to the ground.

Trey’s feet pounded on the cobbled hallways as he raced for the chamber of mirrors. On his way, he passed several more Cater clones, though as he continued on, he noticed they were all progressively getting paler. Running out of color. Running low on magic.

Running low on life.

He passed their dorm mirror’s frame and ran to the hedges of the maze, a gray cloud seeming to hang over the pathways. The closer to the center he ran, the more copies he saw. He stopped counting once he reached a dozen. All were gray and adorned in suits of the Queen’s card soldiers.

Trey pushed on. His lungs were screaming, and his legs were burning, but he was spurred on by the idea that Cater was in pain. Or worse.

He stopped abruptly when he reached the center, however.

In the middle of the clearing, there stood a mirror. With a height of nearly ten feet, the onyx and gold framed mirror was an imposing sight. Cracked rose and diamond embellishments, lightly painted over in red, highlighted the outer-edge of its towering frame. Its face was shrouded in clouds and faint images of someone popping in and out of focus- almost as though the images were being sucked back into its depth. Two obsidian chains protruded from its sides, attaching themselves to the kneeling figure in front of him.

A silver replica of the Queen of Hearts crown sat cracked and tarnished upon the orange locks of the figure. A black cape rested over one shoulder, its edges ripped and frayed. The man wore a black and gold vest, nearly covered by the black and white waistcoat he wore over top of it. The Heartslabyul sash fluttered gently across his chest, burned and ripped. Simple black dress pants were also nearly covered by his thigh-high boots- black leather accented by the blood red diamonds at their tops. As the boy looked up, a half mask of royalty diamond playing cards sat over the left side of his face. Trey could practically feel the pain and anger radiating from his jade eyes.

Trey had always found Cater to be beautiful, and he still believed it, even with his Overblotted friend staring right back at him.

It took a second for Cater to realize who had entered his area of the garden, but when he did, dozens of emotions flew across his features. And a handful of images flashed across the mirror’s surface.

First: Cater stood in his dorm uniform until he slowly distorted into Riddle. Riddle soon morphed into a card soldier, its diamond pattern slowly bleeding away from its face. Finally, a first year Cater, scared and crying, reached for Trey from within the glass, only to be pulled back by large white gloves.

Trey watched in horror as Cater thrashed around, trying to get out of his fellow third-year's sight, only to cry out as he realized the unbreakable chains held him in place. He slowly made his way to kneel in front of the broken boy.

“Cater, listen to me. You can break away from this. I know you can. You just gotta come back to me.”

Black tears slowly started sliding out from under his mask.

“But as who?”

“What do you mean as who? You. I want you to come back as you.”

“Nobody wants the real me. So tell me Trey,” the tears stopped as Cater’s voice hardened. “Who does everyone want? Perhaps they want a new Queen. A Queen whose people deemed unworthy and threw aside in a matter of days.” Trey closed his eyes as his heart clenched at the memories of Cater trying so hard to prove himself for the entirety of their first year. There were so many sleepless nights reviewing rules and helping wherever he could. He was crowned the first day of their second year, but was overthrown as soon as Riddle had been given a chance. “A soldier, who does little to help his Queen. A soldier who is afraid; who’s a coward. Or perhaps they want a commoner. Someone who doesn’t make a splash. Someone who is easily forgotten. Someone who knows when to play a part and when to shut up. A nobody who knows how to be somebody.”

“I want the real you! The one everyone knows and loves-”

“Nobody knows the real me. Not even you.” A flood of Caters flashed across the screen, all characters he had played to please others, until once again, the first-year Cater was pulled back.

Trey didn’t want to admit how much that single comment hurt, but he had to push on.

“Then let me find the real you. The Cater who loves to play any instrument he can get a hand on. The Cater who loves to hang out with first-years. The Cater who the world hasn’t seen in full.” Cater frantically pushed himself to stand. Trey quickly followed.

“The world can’t see the real me, Trey! No one will like it! They’ll hate it! They’ll hate me! Everyone will leave-”

“Do you really think any of your friends want you to be like this?” Using his unique magic, Trey turned a fallen rose into a hand-held mirror. Cater took the mirror and scowled at his reflection. “Do you think they don’t care? That they want to see you hurt and trapped in an image that isn’t you? You’re killing yourself right now, Cater. If you keep all of this up, you won’t be able to stop the Blot.”

Cater replied so quietly, Trey almost couldn’t hear him.

“Would that be so bad?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Would that be so bad? To let the Blot win. To let it take over and destroy this image of ‘Cater Diamond’ that no one would miss?”

“Please tell me you’re joking. There would be so many people that missed you-”

“No there wouldn’t be!” Cater threw the mirror to the ground and glass crunched under his boots as he moved a step closer to Trey. “No one would miss me.”

“Your family-”

“Hasn’t cared about me for years.”

“The first years-”

“Have each other.”

“Kalim and Lilia-”

“Have a million other things to care about.”

“Vil-” Cater laughed out loud at this.

“Please. Vil has been trying to find a way to get me off his back for the three years we’ve been here. He would be glad if I was dead.”

Trey looked away. Did Cater really think so little of himself?

“And what about me? Do you think that I wouldn’t miss you?”

Cater sounded close to tears as he answered with a simple, “You have Riddle.” Trey looked up.

“But Riddle isn’t you. He’s not the boy who taught a hopeless me to draw my clover. He’s not who I made friends with for the first time completely by myself. He’s not the one who has seen me bawl over a failed assignment from Crewel. He’s not the one I’ve spent entire nights watching movies with and talking to about the randomest of things. He’s not the one I feel like I can tell anything to.” Trey put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “He’s not you, Cater. There’s only one person who can fill that role, and if you’d let me, I would love to get to know the real you.”

“No one’s ever wanted to know the real me.” The black tears were once again making their ways down Cater’s face, and Trey wiped them away.

“I do. I want to know the Cater who laughs at inappropriate times. I want to know the Cater that is amazing with the first years, because he is. I want to know the you that despises sweets. I want to know the you that has freckles. I want to know the you that no one else knows.”

“I’m afraid to let that happen, Trey-kun. What if you don’t like the real me?”

“Nothing in this world would make me not like you Cater.”

Cater’s tears started to flow more rapidly. In the mirror’s reflection, a young Cater held his hand to the glass making direct eye contact with Trey. The image looked at Cater, and mouthed one word:

‘Please.’

“Whenever you’re ready, and only then, show me your true self. If that never happens, then I will still be by your side. I won’t let you fall again.”

At this, Cater threw himself into Trey’s arms. The mirror shattered, and the chains on his wrists slowly melted away in blobs of ink. Trey lowered the two to the ground and tried to quiet the man’s sobs. As he realized the red-head’s outfit was going back to normal, he felt his breathing slow down. Cater had fallen unconscious. Trey picked up the boy into his arms, but before standing completely, a piece of glass caught his attention.

Looking up at him was an eighteen-year-old Cater. His diamond wasn’t painted on his face, and his hair wasn’t in his normal style. But he was smiling. It may have been small, but it was still a smile as he looked at his unconscious self. After a second, the reflection looked at Trey.

‘Thank you.’

And he walked into the mist of the mirror.

Twisted Wonderland Masterlist

#twisted wonderland #disney twisted wonderland #twst #disney twst #trey clover #trey twst #cater diamond #cater twst #twisted wonderland fic #twst fic #twisted wonderland angst #twst angst #twisted wonderland headcannons #twisted wonderland drabble #twst drabbles

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