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deveondog · 16 hours ago

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In the Backstage

SUMMARY: He invites you to watch the inter-school Battle of the Bands where the Pop Music Club will represent Night Raven College and compete with other schools, one of them being Royal Sword Academy. But unfortunately, they come in second place. He also gave you a VIP pass to visit him backstage after the competition.

CHARACTERS: Pop Music Club 🎼 (Cater Diamond / Kalim Al-Asim / Lilia Vanrouge)

TAGS: Fluff; GN Reader; Flirting; Kiss; Comfort

WORD COUNT: An average of 1.330 words per character.

COMMENTS: The Pop Music Club was the first club with the cards released and the first one I wrote something about. But nowadays, and compared to what I've written for other clubs, I thought it was worth writing something new and better. Especially for Cater, Kalim and/or Lilia fans.

I hope you enjoy it. 😉

OTHER CLUBS:

But… We Lost… - Basketball Club (Ace / Floyd / Jamil)

Romantic Experiment - Science Club (Trey / Rook)

For a Quarter of a Second - Track and Field Club (Deuce / Jack)

Unlucky Overtime - Spelldrive Club (Leona / Ruggie / Epel)

A Rainy Walk - Mountain Lover Club (Jade) / Gargoyle Studies Club (Malleus)

You are at another Unbirthday Party in Heartslabyul when Cater announces that there will be an interschool battle of the bands. The Pop Music Club will represent Night Raven College and compete with other schools including Royal Sword Academy.

The other Heartslabyul students didn't seem very confident that Cater and the others would win.

“Aww, come on...” Cater says disappointedly. “Why are you guys looking at me like that?”

“Well... some of us have already seen the few concerts you've given...” Trey says with that polite smile. “That and...” He smirks “We also know how much effort you guys really put into your club.”

“Auch, you are such meanies.” Cater says sadly. “Do you really have no hope in us?”

“I wouldn't say we have no hope. I do hope you win.” Trey simply says smiling.

“We all want Night Raven College to win, that's not even in question.” Riddle says. “But Trey is right. The three of you have already let it slip that you spend your meetings eating snacks and talking instead of practicing. And I've also seen one of your concerts.” He says with that disappointed face that looks like he's about to sigh. “If you truly want to win against Royal Sword Academy you will have to put in some real effort!”

“I should have known the conversation would go this way." Cater sighs as he plays with a strand of hair. “But you're right, Housewarden. I promise we'll do our best. Anyway, I wanted to invite you all. Ta-da!”

Cater takes five tickets out of his coat pocket and gives them to Trey, Riddle, Ace, Deuce and finally you. “Front row! The best seats!”

“Hey! What about me?!” Grim complains.

“You both count as one student, so you only need one ticket. Isn't that cool?” Cater explains.

Both Ace and Deuce say they believe in Cater and the others to win. Ace because he's a bootlicker and Deuce because he's just that naive. As Grim begins to focus more on the food than on you, Cater gets closer.

“Hey, (Y/N)-chan~” He whispers to you. “You're going to root for me, aren't you~? I got you a special ticket.” He discreetly passes you another paper that said ‘VIP pass’. “You can meet me backstage after the concert if you want. You will make Cay-kun very happy if you do~” he winks.

Cater was really happy to see you in the audience, in the seat he arranged for you, along with the other Heartslabyul students. During the NRC song he looked at you many times.

To your surprise and that of all the other students who had seen them perform before, this time, they were actually taking it seriously. They were having fun as always, but you could tell they had been practicing and were trying hard to win. Lilia didn't even try to do his scream vocals or throw himself into the audience. Okay, he pretended he was going to do it, but just to startle the people at the front of the stage, he didn't actually do it.

The performance really went well, their best concert so far. But... unfortunately... Royal Sword Academy was better. At least for the jury who gave them first place, while Night Raven College got second... as always.

There was a buffet for the guests after the competition and both Trey and Riddle told you that you could leave Grim with them while you went to check on Cater. They could tell that he had worked hard and might be a little down from losing to RSA. They also agreed that you would be the best person to cheer him up if needed.

Using your VIP pass, you entered backstage and passed Kalim and Lilia in the hallways. Kalim was happy to have made it this far to the point of being ranked second among so many other schools with talented students and so was Lilia. But Lilia whispered to you that perhaps Cater would be more cheer up if you went to see him in their dressing room.

You do so and Lilia and Kalim head outside to meet up with the others. When you arrive in front of the door that Lilia indicated to you, you knock on it and tell Cater it's you. He casually asks you to wait just a second, and only then does he open the door for you.

“Hey, (Y/N)-chan~” Cater greets you with his signature smile. “I'm glad to see you using the VIP pass I gave you. I hope you enjoyed our show.”

You tell him you loved it and how it was the best they've ever done, at least compared to what you've seen.

“Aw, you’re so sweet~. We really tried hard this time. It was difficult to convince Kalim and Lilia to take this a little more seriously, but they did it for the school. Ha ha... It's just a shame we didn't win.”

“But you did won.” You say. “Second place at least.”

“Yeah... Second place... You’re right! We won one of the best places and I'm really happy about that. All our training was worth it!” He says with a big smile. “We should go celebrate with the others.”

But you don't move out of his way so he can go through the open door. You knew that was his happy mask and you wanted to talk to him alone, to try to get him to be honest with you.

“Before that, I liked to see your dressing room. I never saw what one actually looked like in real life.” You tell him.

“Oh, it's a little small for three people, but it's actually pretty cool. Come in, I'll show you.”

You walk in and close the door behind you, which Cater doesn't find strange. He shows you the dressing tables that they used to put on their makeup, the instruments that still needed to be stored in the boxes, the cart where their clothes were, etc.

“Cater...” You say almost interrupting him. He looks at you. “I know you're not doing so well. Lilia knows you're not doing so well. Riddle and Trey knew you might be a little sad after all your effort. You can be honest with me.”

“You're all so sweet to worry about Cay-kun so much. But I'm fine, I promise.” He smiles and winks at you.

“Okay. Then give me a hug.” You say, opening your arms.

He's taken a little aback and says that you're really cute, but that he's actually fine. However, you don't low your arms and say that you want to give him a hug to congratulate him on his performance. He sighs and ends up accepting.

He starts by giving you a hug like he always does. But then, the hug becomes a little tighter and more sincere.

“I’m sorry...” He whispers, close to your ear and with difficulty. “...I did my best...” His words were almost inaudible.

You hug him tighter and tell him that you know, that everyone knows, and that it's okay to be sad about not winning first place. You also tell him he can stay there with you as long as he wants until he feels better. Actually better.

This makes him hug you tighter.

“I don't want to waste your time.” He whispers again, as if at the same time that he wants to say it, he doesn't want you to hear it.

“You're not.” You whisper back to him. “You're never.”

He asks again if you really thought he acted well and you are sincere in saying yes and that he can ask whoever he wants, everyone will say it was their best performance. After some time, he breaks the hug and discreetly wipes away a little tear that you hadn't even realized that he had shed.

“Ha ha. This isn't very cute, is it?” He says.

“You are always very cute.” You reply, cupping his face.

“You too.” He smiles and places his hands over yours that you placed on his face. “Do you know what would really make me feel a lot better?”

You smile, showing that you probably know. You move closer to him and he moves closer to you in response, until you kiss. You feel his smile on your lips and then his hands on your back to bring you closer.

“(Y/N)!!!” You hear Kalim's voice shout, approaching, running behind you.

You were in the hallway, in the break between classes with Grim, Ace and Deuce. You turn around and Kalim stops in front of you, tired but with his huge sunny smile on. As he catches his breath, you see Jamil running towards you with that stressed look on his face. Kalim probably started running all of a sudden when he saw you.

“(Y/N)! There's going to be an interschool battle of the bands!” Kalim tells you. “And we're going to compete. You have to come see us!”

“The Pop Music Club will compete for Night Raven College.” Jamil explains. “And the members can invite any students they want to the front rows of the audience.” He took three tickets out of his hoodie pocket and gives one to Ace, one to Deuce and one to you.

“Hey! What about me?!” Grim complains.

“Since you and (Y/N) are counted as one student, you only need one ticket to be able to go together.” Jamil explains.

“I'm so excited! Especially to see you in the audience.” Kalim tells you. “I’ll do my best to give you the best show ever!”

After all the classes, when you were already in Ramshackle Dorm, you hear someone knocking on the door. When you open it, you see Kalim and Jamil.

“Hey! I wanted to give you something else, but Jamil said it was better to do it when you were alone.” Kalim takes a ticket from his pants pocket, a different color from the others, and gives it to you. “It's a VIP pass. I would love it if you could come see us backstage after the competition.”

“If we had given you this ticket in front of the others,” Jamil says with that annoyed expression. “I can easily see Ace and Grim trying to convince Kalim to give them a VIP pass as well. Even though each member only has one VIP pass each to give to someone”

Kalim was so happy to see you in the front row, in the seat he had arranged for you, that he got distracted before they start playing, waving and smiling at you. Cater was the one who called his attention to come back to the drums.

To your surprise and that of all the other students who had seen them perform before, this time they were actually taking it seriously. They were having fun as always, but you could tell they had been practicing and were trying hard to win. Lilia didn't even try to do his scream vocals or throw himself into the audience. Okay, he pretended he was going to do it, but just to startle the people at the front of the stage, he didn't actually do it.

There was a buffet for the guests after the competition and you took advantage of Grim being busy with the food to use your VIP pass to go see Kalim, Cater and Lilia backstage.

You found them in the hallway. The three of them were smiling and talking excitedly, and when Kalim saw you, his smile grew even bigger and he ran to you.

“(Y/N)! What did you think of our show? Did you enjoy it?”

He was as happy as if he had won first place. You should know by now that winning or not is not what's important to him. As you told them how much you enjoyed their music and how it was probably their best concert yet, Cater noticed something.

“Hey, Kalim, didn't you have a ring on each hand?”

Kalim looks at his right hand, which had a ring on the index finger. Then he looks at his left and sees that there is no ring. Kalim searches through his pockets until he remembers that he had taken off his rings to wash his hands and must have only remembered to put one back on. Cater tells him and you to go back to the bathroom or the dressing room to see if you can find it while he and Lilia go meet the others at the after-party.

On the way to the bathroom, the two of you started talking, about the music, the performance, the competition in general, other things that had nothing to do with anything...

In the bathroom Kalim looks for the ring, but came out saying that he couldn't find it anywhere, so maybe you should look in the dressing room. In the dressing room you look for the ring on the floor, since Kalim said he had sat on the floor packing some things. You find the ring under one of the dressing tables they used to put on makeup, give it to him and he puts it back on his finger. When he does this, you can see his nails better.

“Ooh, you noticed my nails! Yeah, they're gold with a tiger-stripe pattern. Cool, huh? I can help you do your nails like this too. It would be fun if we matched. OH! Speaking of which.”

He walks over to a large cardboard box that was in the corner of the room, opens it, and takes out a white t-shirt.

“Our matching T-shirts are custom-made, you know. We ordered more to sell as merch.” When he unfolds it and shows you the front, it's a t-shirt exactly like his. “Which is how we blew through what little budget we had.”

He walks back to you and hands you the t-shirt. It's a little bigger than the size you normally wear.

“Sorry, we only made one size. I think it was because it was cheaper. He he. It's the same size as ours.”

You thank him and say you're excited to trying it on, so Kalim turns around so you can swap shirts. As soon as you tell him you're ready, he turns around and smiles when he sees you wearing the same t-shirt as him.

“It looks so good on you!” Kalim looks at his hand which has the ring with a red stone. “Hey, try this too.” He takes off the ring from his index finger, comes closer to you and holds out his hand. “Can I?” he asks with a cute smile.

You place your left hand on his right hand and he instinctively puts the ring on your ring finger.

“Another gift for you. For being my best friend and best fan, Heh heh heh. I tried really hard today because I really wanted to make you proud. We didn't get first place, but second is also really cool, isn't it? I won for the school and for you.”

In the midst of so much joy, you end up hugging him to thank him for the gifts and to say that you agree that second place is incredible too. He hugs you back so happily that he even spins you around, making you lift your feet off the ground.

You knew that even if Kalim really liked you, he wouldn't just give you a kiss out of the blue. So you're the one who does it and kisses him on the cheek. He's surprised for a second, but then he kisses your cheek back.

“Even though this day is already amazing.” He says, still hugging you and his face is so close to yours that your noses are almost touching. “The best part is still celebrating with you.” He ends by saying in a lower, more affectionate tone. His eyes inviting you to kiss him again.

You do it, but this time on his lips. You feel his enthusiasm and love not only by the intensity of his kiss but by the way he hugs you tighter.

You were coming back from Mr. S's Mystery Shop, while Grim had stayed at Ramshackle Dorm out of laziness, when you comment to yourself something about the shopping bags being a little heavy.

“You should not be shy about asking a trusted colleague for assistance then.” Lilia says, suddenly appearing upside down.

You get startled and almost drop one of the two bags you were carrying, but Lilia catches it in time.

“You are carrying all these purchases alone? Allow me to be your cute little helper until arriving at Ramshackle Dorm.”

He puts his feet on the ground and walks with you. You ask him if there was any reason for him to be around.

“Do you mean any other than a simple, pleasant walk? Ku fu fu. Well, yes. I was looking for students to invite to the interschool Battle of the Bands. The Pop Music Club will compete for Night Raven College against other arcana academies. One of our enemies being Royal Sword Academy.” He says with that smug smile. “I have a special ticket for you and Grim in the front row, along with Malleus, Silver, and Sebek.”

Lilia makes a ticket appear in his hand and gives it to you. He also explains that since you and Grim are counted as one student, you only need one ticket to go together.

“However,” Lilia smirks. “I have in my possession another type of ticket, an even more special and exclusive one, that I intend to gift to you and only you. Have I piqued your curiosity?”

Of course you are.

“Khee hee hee, that is the spirit! Here.” He makes another ticket appear, different from the first one he gave you. “It is a VIP pass. You can visit us in the trenches after the battle. Or as they call it, backstage.” His smug smile returns. “It would be a great pleasure to celebrate our victory with you.”

Lilia spotted you first. When you saw him he was already looking at you smiling. But during the performance he gave as much attention to you as he did to his Diasomnia boys. If you want to be Lilia's biggest cheerleader, you'll have to compete with Sebek, or simply join him.

There was a buffet for the guests after the competition and you took advantage of Grim being busy with the food to use your VIP pass to go see Lilia, Kalim and Cater backstage.

You found them in the hallway. They were smiling and chatting excitedly when they saw you. All three of them really wanted to know what you thought of their performance and you said that it was the best show of theirs that you had ever seen.

While the four of you are talking, Lilia has the feeling of having forgotten something. And then he realizes that he was missing one of the necklaces. He must have forgotten it in the dressing room and suggests that Kalim and Cater go meet the others in the after-party while asking you to go with him to help him look for the necklace.

The two of you go to the dressing room that was provided for the three of them and start looking for the necklace. You ask him if he remembers when he took the necklace off his neck, but... he doesn't. You see him making that sulky face. His biggest pet peeve was missing things and then looking for them, and remember this makes you giggle.

“Are you laughing at my misfortune?” Lilia messes with you. “I lose such an important item and the person I trusted to help me makes fun of my memory loss. How mean. You are so cruel. *snif*” He fake whines.

You know he's just messing with you and tell him that you just thought it was funny because you remembered that it was his pet peeve.

“Do you know what kind of necklace I am searching for?” He asks with a smirk. “It is a long chain with a tag, all made of stainless steel. It's called Dog Tag, or more precisely: Military Dog Tag. Nowadays, many young people use it for style, especially cool band members such as yours truly. But its origins date back a few decades, during a battle between humans, as a way to identify soldiers who were wounded or killed on the battlefield. That is why these tags usually have the names, ranks and even the blood type of the respective soldiers engraved on them. Quite interesting, don't you think?” He smiles casually.

You agree, but ask why he decided to tell you that at that moment.

“Fu fu.” He smiles smugly again, the raspberry red of his eyes piercing you. “You are able to understand why this necklace suits me, correct? Should you not be more careful when laughing at me?”

In response, you smile at him relaxedly and tell him that you trust him.

“Khee hee hee, I'm actually glad to hear that.” Lilia smiles sweetly at you and suddenly seems to remember something that made him bursts out laughing.

You ask what he was laughing at. What had he remembered?

“HA HA HA HA! My memory really is not what it used to be. After our song, I accidentally broke my chain. But Kalim said he knew someone who could fix it and make it look like new. I told him ‘I'm actually glad to hear that’ and he put it in his trouser pocket. Ha ha ha ha!”

So you were looking for something that wasn't even there. And neither Lilia, Kalim nor Cater remembered that. You laugh with Lilia.

“Oh well, at least this little mistake served to spend a pleasant time alone with you.” He smiles seductively, abruptly switching the mood. “You know, second place is as noble a position as first place, but...” he makes puppy eyes at you. “I am quite sad to have dishonored our school by losing again Royal Sword Academy. *snif* Oh, if a loving soul could soothe my sorrows.” He closes his eyes sadly, but opens one to look at you with a sly smile at the corner of his lips.

You chuckle and ask if a hug would help. He says yes and hugs you before you can change your mind.

“At least it was fun.” He says close to your ear. “And it was a good sight to see you rooting for me. You are such a cute fan~” He pulled his head away, but didn't break the hug and pressed his nose against yours, looking at you provocatively. “But I wonder what kind of fan you would like to be. Cater told us some... captivating stories. Fu fu~”

Your noses were touching, but he wouldn't move any further than that. He expected you to take the initiative from there. If you do, and kiss him, you will feel his smile on your lips and the type of his hug gradually changing.

If you would like to read more from me, you can find it in my pinned post: INDEX

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deveondog · 21 hours ago

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₊˚⊹⋆Always There

｡ 𖦹 °‧ ————— younger sibling Riddle ; Angst ; gn! Reader

┈➤ characters: Riddle, Ms.Rosehearts

┈➤ additional info: platonic siblings, reader is Riddle’s older sibling, flashback/past, Riddle overblot, reader’s appearance is ambiguous

note: first writing sorry for any mistakes (ㅅ´ ˘ `)

═════════════════

Everything was all a blur. With each time his heart had beat he could feel it throughout his body. The last thing he could remember was being overtaken by a black substance.

Swallowed into the darkness by his own magic, it felt as if he was a passenger in his own mind. Light blinding his eyes as the last thing he saw was a giant cauldron Deuce had summoned. And for a moment, it was as if everything froze in place but his mind.

How could have it lead to this? He was only following the rules. Following what his mother had told him for his whole life- so why was he here like this? Head aching and vision blurred as he could only make out colored shapes until all of his senses were overtaken by a strange feeling.

The once vibrant colors of the dorm’s garden was replaced with darkness that enveloped the corners of his vision before it eventually overtook his sight. It was strangely silent, the commotion that he was hearing a few seconds ago seemed to disappear.

He could only make out his own thoughts, somehow slurred despite being in his head. ‘He was in the wrong,’ but that can’t be right- he questioned to himself. His mother’s voice, a part of him dreaded to hear again, spoke.

“They won’t bother you anymore. They’re somewhere better, a place that can help people like them.”

Who was she talking about? Riddle’s thoughts were tangled with one another as a splitting headache washed over him suddenly.

“Focus on completing your unit questions for the day, remembering about them will only hinder your studies.”

He couldn’t find an idea of who his mother could be talking about. From the tone of her voice, he could tell there was a hint of disdain laced whenever ‘they’ were mentioned. The headache seemed to beat into his head like a drum, a rhythm without mercy as his vision remained in a blank black state.

But then what his mother said next only clicked what he was missing. The thing that he had subconsciously tried to bury away.

“This is all your fault! You are what drove him to do this, filling his head with these crazy thoughts!”

It was as the day that changed everything. The day where he had lost track of time and what had ultimately separated him from the only person he trusted. She wasn’t yelling at him, but at someone else.

His head continued to drum against his skull as he tried to recall their name, their appearance, anything. Nothing came to his mind as her voice continued to ring into his head, disrupting his thoughts.

He wanted to say something, do something against the splitting feeling. Eyes staring into his black surroundings as if seemed to mock him, the empty space around him representing the helpless feeling of his blank mind.

Then suddenly, between the loud voice of his mother he heard something. It was faint, so quiet that it was luck that he managed to notice it. The other voice was soft, more empathetic, making it an obvious contrast to what he had been hearing before.

The other voice got louder and louder, but still not enough to take over. But that was enough for Riddle and everything to finally clicked in his head. The thing he was missing was right in front of him, he wanted to scold himself for forgetting something so obvious.

“Don’t tell mom, alright?”

Y/N. That’s their name. How could he forget.

No, he didn’t forget. He knew that name still lingered inside his head, but never gathered the courage to say it in front of his mother again.

His sibling was a few years older than him, a bright child he could remember. Their warm smile, contagious laugh, the special glint in their eyes when with him. Slowly recalling each of their features, it was like putting a puzzle together piece by piece until it was finally completed for him to see.

From the dark void he stood still, eyes staring off into space but was instead imagining them as if they were right in front of him again.

How long had it been since he last seen them?

After trying to remember that, his hand came quickly to hold his head as another headache came. Pushing through, he let out a hiss in pain before coming up with an alternative plan.

Instead of forcing it to come to him, he’ll just start slow. From the beginning.

═════════════════

Y/N, who was just four years old, sat in front of a desk in their room that was filled with text books, papers, and other materials, their hands clasped together in a nervous manner. They only stared intently at the blank pieces of paper they were supposed to have filled out by the time their mother had gotten home.

They continued to stare hard at the work as if it would magically be completed by their gaze. Y/N finally tore their eyes away and looked at the clock against the wall that read 9:06 PM.

Sighing, they rose their hand to rub their eyes from tiredness. It wasn’t from the lack of sleep as their mother made sure they always slept on time on the dot. Instead it was from dread for when she would come and check their progress. The past few weeks they had been faltering and falling behind work and textbook units.

A burn out was what they were going through. It’s not like they had been lazy, instead it was the opposite. Eyes running between the words while their hand wrote at the same time, every day, for hours, all of that caught up to them. It started with headaches and then moved to their hand cramping whenever they tried to write more than a few words.

It’s not like they could hide the affects from their mother. Since she was always keeping a keen eye on them and their progress, she knew that they were lagging behind. She of course didn’t respond with lessening their work or giving them more breaks in order to ease their mind and hand. Instead she came up with another idea.

Double of the work, shorter breaks. In her mind, going soft and not following the rules will only leave more cracks to show in their performance. That thought alone made her enforce the rules even more. The subjects and studying time was extended until she knew that they were able to fully grasp the material. Tests, and more tests. God they hated that word. It didn’t help that whenever they did bad on one their mother would put it on their door to remind them of their failure.

Glancing at the door, Y/N’s brows furrowed slightly when seeing the paper covered door and the sight of streaks of red marker.

Then they focused on their hearing, concentrating to see if any sound could be heard in the quiet home. After a few seconds, they could hear the faint sound of a door closing before a small smile formed on their lips.

Quietly, they made their way towards their closet shuffling between the plain clothing before reaching the back corner where a box stood. It was torn up held up by tape with rough edges, but they glossed over it. Opening it revealed many things that they had gathered around the past few months.

Coloring books, colorful markers, small toys and trinkets, a bright red ball, and most importantly- sweets.

These items were what Y/N had collected in secret. Many of them they had gotten at school, such as the ball and markers. But the others were damaged and thrown away, but in their eyes they were good enough. The sweets on the other hand was something very rare that they would be able to get. They would rely on loose change the found on the floor and then going to a vending machine the school provided.

All of these things were sacred in their eyes. The box and what was inside was like a symbol of escaping all of the responsibilities their mother had dumped on them. Hand brushing against the items, they settled on a single candy before unwrapping it and savoring the flavor.

Because of the strict diet she enforced on them, they were only permitted to eat a certain amount of calories per day. But despite that, Y/N had found themself longing for something sweet to eat whenever passing a certain bakery close to their home. All of the pastries on display never failing to make them slow their steps when coming across them, only for their mother to tug on their hand and then starting the same lecture about sweets that they had heard over a million times.

If she had found out about their secret stash, let alone that they were eating even a single sweet- the thought alone was enough for Y/N to close the box and tuck it back in the deepest part of their closet. Pocketing the wrapper, they made a mental note to throw it away in a different trash can outside of home. They didn’t want to risk her finding it and then piecing everything together.

While shutting their closet, Y/N then heard the sound of the main door opening accompanied by a low gruff voice. They paid no mind to it seeing as it was only their father returning from his usual long shifts at work. With their mother being overbearing and on their case all day, he was the exact opposite. Rarely ever at home and when he was it was only spent in a separate room to do more work.

Y/N didn’t care much about him, not seeming to remember when the last time he had spoke to them in a normal conversation that wasn’t complaining about his coworkers.

Despite having both parents, their world still seems to be dull and always a routine. It was just them, their lone room accompanied by a mountain of text books, and the box they would only ever open once or twice a week. What was even the point in collecting small toys if they didn’t have someone at home to play with. Sure they had played with them by themself on rare occasions, feeling a sense of happiness in their chest but one that would eventually fade into the quietness of their room.

Moving back to their desk, Y/N grabbed the pencil as they gently tapped it against a separate blank white paper. Their mind drifted off as the tip of their pencil moved without thought. It was only after they finished their doodle before three stern knocks against their door startled them.

They quickly shuffled the pages together, hiding the one they had been doodling under a random health book. It didn’t take long enough for their mother to enter their room asking how much of the work they had done. When her eyes landed on the pile of papers that hadn’t been completed, Y/N only stared down at their desk not daring to look at her as they knew the tirade she was about to go on.

While they were reprimanded and scolded endlessly, the doodle of two stick figures holding hands laid helplessly under the thick book.

═════════════════

It wasn’t until that one day Y/N’s world changed.

They could remember it clear as day, their mother announcing that she was having another child-meaning that they would have a sibling.

At first they didn’t know how to feel, do, or say. All they could do was hold a slightly nervous expression and try to form a small smile that had failed. They were hesitant of course. Doubts clouding their mind as it played out in their head.

Their sibling would be subjected to the same harsh routine and set of rules their mother would have over them. Be forced to study all the time and always being controlled on what they could eat and do. They had already been through what their mother thought was ‘right for a child their age.’ Their sibling will just end up all burnt out and in the same hole as them.

For months Y/N had clung onto the doubt that plagued their mind. How would their mother have them treat their younger sibling? Wanting them to enforce the same rules? That thought alone made them grimace.

But it wasn’t until August 24 when the world had brought them someone special. Their mother finally came home from the hospital as the doctors deemed her an early discharge. She was still adamant about her rules, forbidding them from seeing their younger sibling the first few weeks. In her mind, she didn’t want anything happening to the baby and wanting to follow a strict procedure. The least she did was tell them that it was a boy and his name.

From time to time, Y/N eyes would linger on the plain white door of the nursery room whenever they would pass by. It was silent inside just as any other room, but with the knowledge of their brother on the other side held onto them.

Only after the few weeks that in reality was a month had passed was when their mother had finally granted them permission to meet him. Calling them out of their room, they came a bit timid, feet dragging as they made their way towards the white door.

Wiping their palms against their clothing, Y/N clasped the doorknob before opening it. They were expecting for something to happen for some odd reason, but it never came. Slowly stepping inside, the only sound that could be heard was their shoes against the hard floor as they observed the room.

It wasn’t a surprise that it was plain as ever. No colorful walls, toys, nothing that catches the eye. All what was inside was a single night stand, baby material, and a crib. The atmosphere was almost bland, but what made up for it was what was in the crib.

Y/N was hesitant again, eyes glued onto the crib after finishing looking around for a minute. Their mother stood by the door frame with arms crossed as they could feel her eyes staring into them.

It took a second to gather their thoughts before lifting a hand to rest at the edge of the crib. Taking one more step, Y/N peered inside at the small figure that was asleep.

The moment they finally saw their younger brother, it was almost as if everything around them has disappeared. Their mother at the door didn’t even cross there mind anymore as they looked him in a sense of awe.

Their gaze examined every single one of his features, his bright red hair, two strands that formed a small heart, his soft pale skin with slightly rosy cheeks. It was silent except for the sounds of his soft breathing as he was deep in slumber.

As if their body acted on its own, Y/N lowered their other hand inside the crib. Their fingers faintly brushing against his small hand, as if they were scared that he would break under the smallest of pressure.

They never once tore their eyes away from him, as not a single thought dared to cross by. This was the person a part of them longed to meet a month ago, and here he is. Right in front of them to see and gently touch.

Y/N was pulled out of their haze when in his asleep state, his small hand softly wrapped around their finger. It was like in an instant an unspoken promise was made. A promise to protect him, to always be by his side.

“Riddle.”

═════════════════

After that day, Y/N’s whole perspective had changed. The rules their mother had once drilled into their head had now started become more quiet in their thoughts.

Now having a younger brother, they had made it a priority to try and help Riddle not end up in the same boat as them- alone and confused.

As the years passed, Y/N helped him learn the basic things like his ABC’s, numbers, and puzzles. Even though their mother was already doing that in her own methods, Y/N had made it a point to try and make it a bit more fun.

Making cute and colorful flash cards along with making funny noises a child would laugh at, they had tried to show the fun and joy in learning.

Of course, this still didn’t stop in their mother making them continue their own study lessons and routine. Expecting them to stay in accordance every day like nothing had change. But Y/N’s desk had found itself being more empty than usual throughout the years.

It was then when Riddle was only two years old when their father had decided to leave. Work and stress driving him into arguing with their mother and finally taking off. But Y/N didn’t care, it’s not like he was there for them anyways. If anything, it only made them more determined to be by Riddle’s side even more.

More of their tests with red marker crossed all over slowly continued to pile on their door. The reminder of their failures serving its purpose, but as the time passed it didn’t seem to bother them as much as it did before.

These tests didn’t define them or their worth. They were smart for their age and they knew that. Being one of the top students of their school, they didn’t need pieces of paper their mom forces them to take have a say.

Though, she didn’t let this go unpunished. Her lectures and scolding came to the point where it was the only thing she had said to say every day. She considered it as an act of rebellion, defying against the rules that in her mind were perfect in raising child, only wondering what went wrong with this one.

Taking note of what they are doing, she had found less potential in them. Seeing as how they didn’t want to study for hours every single day or abide by her rules, she had focused on her other child instead. She will start all over and finally do it right, she thought.

The shift in her attention didn’t get past Y/N as they were quick to notice it. They had never resented or grown envious of Riddle for taking their mother’s attention and time, instead they felt sorry.

With him being her aim, she had put on higher expectations than she had did with Y/N, being more strict when enforcing her rules with his studies and diet.

This wasn’t unfamiliar to Y/N, having already going through it themself. So when Riddle had turned five years old, they finally shown him the secret box that they had kept in their closet which by then had contained more things.

Riddle was fascinated when he first saw it, the toys and sweets, but then grew slightly worried. Y/N was there to reassure him that mother wouldn’t find out about it. It was the same day where he first experienced the taste of candy. Y/N had given him one and after a bit of convincing that it wasn’t poison like their mother always said it was, he hesitantly agreed.

The second the sweet was in his mouth, they could see the way his eyes shinned with glint of joy and surprise. His lip’s curving into a smile as he savored the flavor until he had finished it. Seeing his reaction only fueled Y/N to find more better things to bring into his life that was ran by rules.

After the box, they had started things slowly since it was still clear that despite trying to not let rules overtake him, their mother still had the upper hand in putting ideas into his head.

So they started with simple things, such as trying to make studying fun like when he was a baby than just having him sit at his desk for hours reading a long dry book. They had studied together and as well as integrated challenges to make it more competitive and fun. Their mother was very opposed to having them mingle in Riddle’s studies and would often lecture them, so they just decided to do so only whenever she would go run errands for the day.

The next step was to go a bit out of his comfort zone-playing outside. Y/N brought along the red ball they had kept in their box as they held Riddle’s hand in their own while making their way to the backyard. They had convinced him that playing outside was just another form of studying, just a more active way of doing so. And in his young mind, it somehow made sense.

Their mother was gone for the day, running errands like they had expected her since it was a Saturday. She had never let Riddle go outside to play, let alone kick a ball around just for fun. Thinking that the time spending around outside would be better if use for studying.

Breathing in the fresh air, Y/N turned towards their younger brother while holding the ball.

“Okay, today we’ll just be kicking the ball to one another, alright?”

Riddle gave a nod as his older sibling took a few steps away, creating distance between them. Setting the ball down, they yelled.

“Here!”

They kicked the ball with enough force to roll towards him, still in momentum. Trying to time it correctly, Riddle took one step back before swinging his leg. He missed it completely, causing him to stumble slightly.

Y/N reassured him as he went to get the ball and passing it back. They had done this a few more times with Riddle missing every single time. It started to frustrate him, but the reassurance from his sibling was what kept him going.

“It’s okay you got this, just keep your eye on the ball, and then kick when it’s there.”

Y/N wasn’t sure if it was the best explanation, but they tried their best. Taking a small step, they kick the ball towards him.

Riddle took a breath before taking a step and swinging his leg once more. But unlike all the other times where his foot met the air this time it had met something. With a kick, the ball had bounced off successfully as Riddle felt a smile forming.

He then heard a hard thump sound as his eyes darted to the ball that had directly hit Y/N’s face as they fell backwards in the grass. Riddle could practically feel his soul leave his body as he hurriedly ran towards them, repeating apologies over and over again.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t think it’d hit you! Are you okay?!”

By the time he reached their side, he expected to see a furious expression on their face and a scolding, but instead he heard a quiet laugh. Then followed by another as it turned into a full blown fit of laughter. This only confused and worried Riddle, but as seconds passed he could feel himself start to laugh along as well with still a slight hint of worry.

“You did it! See it wasn’t so hard, all you needed a practice. Moving onto phase two!”

Y/N held out two fingers to emphasize their point as they stood up from the ground and picking up the ball beside them. Before they could tell him the next game, their mind then suddenly clicked as they looked at the sun and then back at home. Muttering something under their breath, they let out a small sigh before turning back to Riddle.

“Mom’s about to come any minute now, we better head back.”

Even though their expression had faltered, they regained their smile as they looked back at him.

“Don’t worry though, we’ll do this again soon. It’s just important to keep track of time.”

Riddle’s smile had wavered when realizing that he would need to go back. Seeing this, Y/N piped up.

“At least we had fun, yeah?”

Hearing their voice snapped him back as when he looked back up at them they held a warm expression. His small smile came back as he took a hold of their hand, walking back inside.

“Yeah… I had fun.”

═════════════════

Y/N didn’t miss the way Riddle’s eyes lingered on a certain pastry on display whenever they had passed by a specific cake shop. The one with bright-red strawberries never failed to make his eyes spark every time. It only reminded them of themself when they were his age.

So when his 8th birthday was coming up, they had made a decision. Gathering all of their change they had, they put it in a small pouch inside the box for their later plan.

On the morning of his birthday, they all had awoken early as usual. With Riddle sitting at the table, Y/N sat beside him as their mother walked towards them while placing a plate in front of him.

“This year’s birthday cake is a low-sugar recipe chock full of nuts and lecithin-rich soy flour to improve your cognitive function.”

Y/N could only look at the bland cake that had a lit number eight candle at the center with a not impressed expression. But when they turned to look at Riddle, he held a smile while looking at it. Not wanting to ruin the moment, they decided to keep quiet this time.

He had thanked his mother before his smile turned into a nervous one while continuing.

“But, uhm. The thing is, just once, I’d like to try one of those starts covered in bright-red strawberries.”

Upon hearing this, her voice immediately cut through the air causing him to flinch.

“My, how could you even suggest such a thing! That heaping excess of sugar might as well be poison!”

She continued to go on a rant on how consuming one of those would interfere with his daily intake and how the cake she made herself would be more beneficial, but then immediately saying how he could only eat no more than 100g of it.

Riddle could only let out a quiet ‘yes, mother’ as Y/N took note of his defeated expression. Though, while their mother’s back was turned towards them, they quickly whispered something in his ear.

“Don’t forget to make a wish when you blow your candle. It’ll come true, I promise.”

They smiled at him as his small frown turned slightly upwards. They didn’t want him to be sad on his birthday, it was his day after all. Plus, Y/N already had an idea of what his wish would be.

Closing his eyes, Riddle took a few seconds before finally blowing out the candle.

———

That same day only a few hours later when it was studying time, Y/N then started their plan. Quickly getting their pouch, they made their way towards their room’s window then opening it.

They were silently thankful that they slept on the first floor as they quietly made their way outside, making sure that the window stayed unlocked when finally outside.

Grabbing a pocket watch they had found in their home, they made a mental note that they would only have 30 minutes before their mother would check in on both them and Riddle.

Putting the watch in their pocket, they made their way towards the same cake shop Riddle had his eye on. It was quite the distance as when they had arrived they were slightly winded.

With the sound of a bell ringing when they opened the door, Y/N entered as they made their way towards the counter.

A woman with dark colored hair turned over to her customer, smiling when seeing the child.

“Hello there, what can I get you today?”

“How much is the red strawberry tart?” Y/N asked as they gestured toward the pastry laid on the display window.

“It’ll be $20 for the whole thing.” The woman said politely. “Want me to get it for you?”

Y/N but their lower lip lightly as they took out their pouch that had the money. Sure they had some change, but not enough to buy the whole thing.

Seeing their disappointment, the lady spoke up, “You can buy a few slices as it’ll cost less.”

With this, Y/N nodded before grabbing the money inside the pouch and putting it on the counter. In the end, they decided to just buy one slice because even if they did have enough money to buy the whole thing, they wouldn’t know where to keep it. The kitchen was a definite no, and if they kept it in their room it’ll get messy.

While the woman went to grab and bag their slice, they looked around the bakery. The smell was such delight along with the view of many sweets that they could ever dream of. When they’re older they’ll definitely make it a point to bring Riddle here.

While observing, someone caught their eye. A young boy with green hair and glasses that looked around Riddle’s age. He was playing on a Game Boy while then looking up when they looked at him. Y/N only offered a small smile before turning their attention back to the lady who gave them a small bag with the slice.

Y/N gave a small thank you and goodbye before leaving the cake shop. Checking the pocket watch, they noticed that they still had a few minutes. Not long enough they made it back to their home, reentering through their window.

Only then did they wait for the right moment to go to Riddle’s room and surprise him. After their mother did her daily rounds of checking them both, Y/N had made sure to hide the bag that contained the tart somewhere in their room where its scent couldn’t be detected.

When they heard the familiar sound of a door closing and a click, they knew it was their mother entering her room to continue doing her own work. Grabbing the bag, Y/N made sure to not make much noise as they quietly made their way towards Riddle’s door, giving it three soft knocks in a rhythm. It was something they had came up a long time ago to tell each other that it wasn’t their mother coming.

Hearing a soft ‘come in,’ Y/N opened the door before making sure to close it while not making the click sound. All the meanwhile they hid the bag behind their back. Turning back towards Riddle, they had a smile.

“Since it’s your birthday, I have a present for you. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

Y/N then revealed the bag as Riddle’s confused expression then turned to one of shock when reading what said on the front of the bag-the name of the cake shop.

He quickly grabbed the bag and opened it before taking out a small box that contained the dessert.

“I’m sorry if it isn’t the big one at the window, but I hope this will do.”

They voiced over while Riddle carefully opened the box as it revealed a slice of red strawberry tart. He gleamed as he was speechless, looking back and forth between Y/N and the tasty pastry in front of him.

He then took a fork that was inside the bag before almost hesitantly cutting a piece. Finally he took a bite as his whole face gleamed the second the flavor hit him.

The room was silent, but the way Riddle savored the flavor only reminded Y/N of the first time they had let him eat a sweet for the first time. It was all worth it, they thought, sneaking out and using the money they had been saving. They would do it all again if it meant that he could experience this type of joy again.

While on Riddle’s part, he finished his first bite as he looked back up at his older sibling. Grinning with a smile they hadn’t seen for quite a while.

“Thank you.”

Y/N returned the smile, “Don’t tell mom, alright?” They said with a finger over their lips.

He continued to eat the slice of tart and offering Y/N a bit. All the while he had a thought in his head- maybe wishes do come true after all.

═════════════════

That same year was when Riddle had gained his first ever friends. He had told Y/N about two kids named Trey and Che’nya who had knocked on his window one day.

They soon enough met the two as they recognized one of the boys- Trey- the same kid they had saw when going to the cake shop.

It didn’t take long for them to have a system, with the three boys playing outside during Riddle’s study time all the while Y/N kept a look out and checked the time to notify their younger brother when their mother would soon arrive.

This all worked for everyone, Y/N having time to focus on the hobbies they had grown to enjoy while Riddle would get to finally experience a part of childhood he had longed for.

But with Riddle gaining friends didn’t make him spend less time with his older sibling, instead it had tightened their bond. Trust growing as they had each other’s backs.

Though, while Riddle managed to get under his mother’s nose, it wasn’t the same for Y/N. She had noticed how they lacked in doing the endless piles of work she would give them and even finding herself scolding them every time she would check.

Y/N didn’t bat an eye though as they had gotten use to her loud voice that demanded discipline. Every time she lectured them, they had learned how to tune her out only giving small random hums to trick that they were actually listening.

Then after getting something in the mail, it had planted an idea in their mother’s head. Both Y/N and Riddle didn’t know what was about to come. A day where everything would change, and this time not for the best.

═════════════════

Y/N had been spending time in their room, working on one of their hobbies was the atmosphere wasn’t one of cold anymore, but one that held warmth. Their mother had been out to run errands again which meant Riddle was outside playing with his friends.

They hummed quietly to themselves as they lost track of time, only snapping back to reality when they heard a click of the front door of the house.

In that moment Y/N would feel a pit drop in their stomach as they opened their window to see if Riddle was anywhere in sight to warn him. But he wasn’t where he usually was when outside.

This only drove more panic inside of Y/N as they had to quickly come up with a plan or explanation on the spot. Leaving their room, they saw their mother setting down some plain grocery’s on the kitchen counter.

Y/N called out to her, something that they thought was dumb of them for doing. But while panicking in knowing that Riddle hadn’t come back in time, they only hoped that they could stall their mother in the mean time.

It was pretty awkward obviously, with her scolding them for not currently doing their studies like they were told too. Y/N only glossed over that and began to talk about whatever they thought would keep their mother in the conversation.

She, with quite reluctance, indulged in the conversation while preparing tea. They knew this meant that she would do her daily check on Riddle as they tried to prolong the conversation.

That didn’t stop their mother has she held the tray with the tea and made her way towards Riddle’s room. Y/N swiftly moved between her and the door as they tried to come up with some random excuse for her not to enter.

They tried to explain that it would be better to leave him alone and that entering would disturb his concentration and that maybe tea could wait for later. Their mother didn’t buy it as she gave them a quick reprimand as she used her hand to move them aside and opened the door.

Y/N could only look at the floor as they heard the sound of the tray fall and teacup shattering, breaking the silence.

“Riddle?”

═════════════════

“Unbelievable! Not only did you let your brother abandon his study time, you allowed him to sneak out?!”

Her voice boomed inside of their normally silent home, with each word getting louder as she turned her attention towards Riddle.

“What do you even want to do with being outside?! Playing with terrible influences that have distracted you and leading you astray?!”

Y/N tried to interject, countering their mother before she turned her attention towards them.

“And you! What are you thinking letting your brother go outside where anything can happen to him?! Do you even care enough about him to teach him right from wrong?!”

At this point Y/N had enough, everything that they had internalized just seemed to slip out in the heat of the moment.

“Do you even care about us?! You claim that all of this is for the best, but for who- you?!”

Their mother looked almost taken a back and shot again.

“Everything I do is for the better! You may have lost your way, but don’t drag your brother down with you!”

“Dragging him down? Do you even realize what you’re saying?! All these years I’ve done a better job at making him happy than than you ever did!”

She looked insulted as her eyes darted to Riddle then immediately back to Y/N.

“This is all your fault! You are what drove him to do this, filling his head with these crazy thoughts!”

All riddle could do was stay stiff in his place, not daring to look up at his mother and older sibling arguing.

“That’s it,” she finally said, “All of this is done, I’m putting a stop to it.”

She turned to grab Riddle’s wrist as she led him towards him room before closing the door with him inside. Turning to to Y/N, she had an unexplainable expression.

“You are going to learn to abide by the rules.”

═════════════════

Two days had passed as neither of them spoke a word to each other, Y/N only saying their good mornings towards Riddle before disappearing into their room. They weren’t mad it him, but the heated conversation they had with their mother still seemed to take a toll on them.

She had tripled the amount of work she gave, shorter breaks that didn’t even last five minutes, and heavier supervision, never letting either one of them out of her sight.

The morning was usual, waking up bright and early as Riddle got out of bed. He had expected to hear a knock and a good morning from Y/N, but nothing came. Odd. He just let it go as he got ready for breakfast, making his way to sit at the table.

Taking his seat, his mother planted only two plates, one in-front of him and the other where she sat. He looked at the empty seat where Y/N usually sat and wanted to ask his mother why they weren’t there and why they hadn’t gotten a plate, but he decided to stay silent.

He stole a few glances at their closed door, guessing that they were still staying shut inside.

This stayed the same when it came time to study. He could hear nothing coming from their room, not even a single noise.

When it turned to night and the hour to sleep, he again expected to hear a particular rhythm of knocks on his door and a goodnight, but again, nothing.

This turned to days, then a week. It kept nagging at Riddle before he finally built the courage to ask his mother. During a time when she came into his room to deliver tea while he was studying, he asked the question-where were they? And she only responded in a stern tone.

“They’re somewhere better, a place that can help people like them. They won’t bother you anymore.”

This only fed his confusion even more as it confirmed that Y/N wasn’t even home. Riddle later then had snuck out of his room when his mother was sleeping and walked towards Y/N’s room.

His hand hovered over the doorknob, unsure if he should open it. After building enough courage, he gently opened it with a small click and stepped inside.

The room was left vacant. Everything was gone, papers, drawings, their clothes. All that was left was the desk against the wall and a cover less mattress.

Riddle let his hand fall to his side, just staring into the empty room that was supposed to have his older sibling. They’re supposed to here, right here. Where could have they gone?

His mother didn’t give him much information. So that only meant one thing- he had to find out for himself.

That night he went back to bed with an aching heart. He couldn’t fight back the tears that formed in his eyes as he wondered where Y/N was. They just disappeared, no trace, and without a goodbye. Doubts clouded his mind as he couldn’t fall back asleep.

The next day was when he started. His mother had left for something important her work had called her in for. Riddle took advantage of this and did something he never thought he would do- snoop in her room. Never in a million years would he ever try to do this, but with the longing of wanting to know where Y/N was, it won him over.

He searched through the piles of paper laid on her desks and the drawers, any place where she might have stored away thing. That was until something had caught his eye. Sticking out in the bottom of her desk’s lower drawer was a brochure.

Taking it into his hands and opening it, Riddle read the cover and description. But as he opened it and read more, his mouth fell slightly agape.

The brochure was about promoting a school for children- more specially troubled children. A place where they would ‘rehabilitate’ them into being a well disciplined person. Every word tried to highlight the great aspects, but Riddle knew that it was a lie.

Then looking at the back he saw the school’s phone numbers circled in red pen. That’s it. He knew where they were now. He clutched the brochure in his hands tightly, a feeling he couldn’t quite decipher.

He had read that ‘for the better of the students,’ their contact with the outside world and their family was limited. That the next time they would come back, they would be a completely different person- a disciplined person.

Riddle only stared at the paper in his hands as the only time he snapped himself back out was to realize he had been inside for too long. Putting back the brochure where he found it, he made his way back towards his room.

They were gone, and he didn’t know for how long.

He later brought Y/N back up during breakfast the next morning. Upon hearing that name, his mother’s brows furrowed as she shook her head.

“Focus on completing your unit questions for the day, remembering about them will only hinder your studies.”

And that was it, she left no room for explanation.

After that day, it turned all the same; routine, tests, work, more studying. Any time Riddle would even bring up their name his mother would completely shut him down.

Weeks turned into months as Y/N almost became a forgotten figure in their own house. There was no traces of them, no more pictures or anything that was a reminder that they once lived there.

The box had disappeared back along with everything in their room.

But despite his mother trying to get rid of everything that once related to them, he remembered. He didn’t bring up their name in front of his mother anymore, seeing as how she would only dismiss him.

He felt helpless. No way in contacting Y/N, his friends being away, his mother always keeping a close eye on him.

He truly was lonely.

Every day for every year that came, he always blamed himself. Because of him breaking the rules and losing track of time, it all led to this. It was because of him that Y/N was pinned all the blame and being sent away. It was all his fault, he thought.

He always wondered what would’ve happened if he never lost track of time that one day, if he had came back home on time. Y/N would’ve still been here with him, played with him, talk with him.

But that wasn’t his reality. Only a fantasy that he wished would come true.

═════════════════

Finally his agonizing headache had stopped, Riddle’s eyes finally opened as he was still in the darkness, a desk with books that never seemed to end surrounding him.

But this time he felt different. He felt pain before, yes, but there was more now. Longing, guilt, regret, confusion.

His hands leaned against the desk, head lowered has his thoughts flooded once again. The realization that he hadn’t seen them ever since, never heard from them only burdened him. Till this day he truly doesn’t know how they are.

He had followed his mother blindly throughout all those years with them gone. Rules became the only thing he knew.

In the state he’s in he only wanted to go back in time and ask his mother- why?

How come his chest still hurt so much?

What rule should he follow to get rid of this pain?

All he wanted to do was eat lots of tarts, play outside all day long, make lots of friends… and see them again.

Riddle found himself now on the floor, the pile of books seeming to have fallen all over and pinning him to the ground, but he couldn’t find the strength in himself to move.

His mother’s voice still rung in the air as it dragged on forever. Maybe he’ll just go out this way, let the dark surrounding envelop him. He didn’t want to fight anymore. What was the point in even doing so.

Laying motionless on the floor, he only waited for the time to come. The air still as he couldn’t even hear the beat of his own heart anymore.

It went on forever until he heard something familiar. Someone familiar. The voice, it came back again.

“Are you tired Riddle? C’mon we just started!”

The sound of faint laughter reached his ears as those simple words brought him back. He remembered. That day he and Y/N first climbed a tree. They were already halfway to the top while he was still on the first few branches.

The voice faded away as he didn’t move an inch, but his mind still replaying the memory. The voice spoke up again.

“Here you can borrow mine. I’m not using it at the time anyways.”

Trey’s soccer ball had accidentally flattened after being kicked into a particularly sharp bush. Riddle had went to Y/N and told them what happened, a small frown on his face. Only a minute after did they come back with their red ball in hand, passing it over to him. They had let the three kids borrow it with just a smile and a note to be more careful.

And there the three kids continued their game as Y/N looked from a distance by their window, a content expression in their face. In all honesty, Y/N wouldn’t mind if their ball were to get lost or flattened. All that mattered was seeing Riddle having fun with his friends, having the childhood they once wanted themself.

The memory faded as Riddle’s eyes fluttered close as the weight of the books pressed against him.

They were too kind for him, always putting him first. If only he had done the same for them, he thought.

What good had he done, what had he done to deserve such kindness from someone he trusted all those years ago? Why was the only person that first showed him a sense of freedom thrown away?

If he could ask his mother one question, it would’ve been why she had given up on them. She was so adamant on him forgetting everything about them claiming it was for the better, but why did it still hurt after all this time?

Riddle’s unanswered questions swallowed him as he finally looked up, a bright light blinding him slightly. But as his eyes adjusted all he saw was a small door right in front of him. Looking into the lock, it felt like something was pulling him towards it. A sense of warmth and security, a feeling that was foreign.

He couldn’t tear his attention away no matter how hard he tried. It was calling out to him. To reach for it. To open it.

“Even though I’ll always be there for you Riddle, one day will come where you have to take the lead.”

He knew Y/N wouldn’t want to see him like this, in this state. Overcome by all of the years he spent isolated and all alone. If they were here, they would’ve told him to not cling onto the rules and be in charge of his own life. To not let their mother dictate all of his choices.

So, he made up his mind. For their sake and his own, he’ll come through. He’ll better himself and see things for what they truly are.

The light shinned more through the lock as he reached out his hand towards it. He felt warmth on the tip of his fingers as he desperately tried to extend more.

All he could imagine was Y/N’s hand on the other side. That when he’d open it they’d be right there with their same old smile.

The black ooze faded away from his skin the closer he got, and when his hand finally reached the door the light blinded him.

He felt someone holding his hand firmly, comfort and relief washing over him as he believed they were finally there again. That they had came back for him.

His eyes shot awake as he took in his surroundings. The concerned faces of his peers, along with Cater, Duece, Ace, and Yuu. But when he looked to his side at the person cradling his hand, he had expected to see them. He was wrong.

“Trey…”

═════════════════

Riddle may not truly know what Y/N went through or how they felt. But one thing he knew for sure was how they wouldn’t want him to linger on the past. To instead move forward and grow to be the best person he can be.

So he will do just that, slowly but surely he will.

And maybe one day, he can see them again, and thank them for everything. To tell them what he should’ve said many years ago.

═════════════════

54 notes · View notes

deveondog · 21 hours ago

Note

Okay so I loveddddd your writing of the let’s make out headcanons!!! Can you do a version where the character says it to the reader? Your writing is so good and you write the characters reallly well!!

the house wardens + jamil saying “let’s make out” every time YOU do something hot

summary: every time you do something attractive the housewardens can’t help but say ‘let’s make out’

trope: established relationship, suggestive themes, hurt/comfort, reassurance

info: name calling, cursing, self doubt, they/them pronouns, gender neutral reader, not proofread

characters: riddle, leona, azul, kalim, jamil, vil, idia, malleus

w/c: riddle: 373, leona: 398, azul: 346, kalim: 338 jamil: 366, vil: 424 idia: 424, malleus: 388

a/n: tysm! I always get worried i’ll mischaracterize someone but I really appreciate that <3 also sorry this took so long! I started a new job

Riddle

doesn’t know how to ask, will make up an excuse

gets shy and full on blushes

“we should make out.”

“w-what?” you accidentally painted the leaves instead of the rose.

“rule 879 states to make out with your partner when the sun is facing east after the first set of painted roses.”

you blinked. you were still working on the first bush of roses, you only painted three while there was still a lot more to go.

“we haven’t finished yet.”

riddles ears slowly turn pink. “it’s practically done.”

you could tell it was a lie but he looked so cute trying to justify his reasons.

“y’know you don’t have to make up stuff for us to make out, you could just ask.”

his whole face starts to turn a different color, “I did not make that up! it is the queens rules and I must follow them!”

riddle would never admit he was in fact making it up because you looked absolutely stunning, he loved spending alone time with you. the two of you were painting the roses, riddle was going to reward you with dessert but he couldn’t wait. you just being there, painting was making him flush and wanted to kiss you badly.

you laughed then grabbed him by his bow tie, pulling him closer to your face.

“well then, who am I to question the house warden? go on, you’re not going to break a rule aren’t you riddle?” you smirked as you fiddle with the ends of his bow tie.

riddle moved forward before he could process anything. his body moved faster than his brain so he lunged back, flustered.

“w-wait! ahem. it’s also the queens rule to do it in private… someone could see…”

“hmm what if it was the rule to do it in public? would you do it?”

“absolutely not! I don’t want to hear it from ace or trey… please let’s just go inside before I change my mind…” riddle was already rushing inside hand in hand with you, using his other hand to hide his red face.

“you’re the one that said it was a rule, you’re going to break that rule now mr. roseheart?”

he sighs, you’ll be the death of him.

Leona

nonchalant king

it’s not a suggestion, you ARE making out right then and there

there’s nothing more attractive to leona than you claiming him as your own.

he’s always been second to everyone and everything. but seeing you like this?

“we’re going to make out.” it’s not a question, he’s demanding it.

leona was waiting in the botanical garden for you, enjoying the quiet when he started hearing students near by. he tried to ignore it but he suddenly heard your voice, he wasn’t super interested in the conversation until he heard his name.

“you’re really dating leona? I bet he buys you whatever you want right?”

“what a gold digger. you’re only dating him for his money. plus he’s a prince, you hit the jackpot.”

“too bad he’s the second prince, not much going on. you should have tried for malleus.”

leona was getting pissed, he was going to march his way over there until he heard your booming voice.

“you’re lucky I don’t slap the shit out of you two. it’s none of your business, but for the record I am not dating him for his money. I couldn’t care less and he’s still a prince who has more class than you.”

your face darkened as you stalked close to them

“I’m dating leona for him, he’s the most sweetest and thoughtful person I know, and he knows how to treat people right instead of taking out his jealousy on other people.”

you were defending him, leona knew you could defend yourself but you were also defending him.

leona could have easily stepped in before the whole situation started but seeing how things played out, he’s glad he didn’t.

“is there a problem here?” leona was towering over the two as they were about to continue. shutting them up they shook their heads and left with a scoff.

“babe I’m sor-“

“we’re making out. now.” leona tugged you behind a tree, leaning down to attach his lips to yours, leaving you no room to deny, caging you in his arms.

leona is acting like a starved man by the way hes devouring your lips, leaving you no time to think.

“that was kind of hot herbivore.” it was extremely hot to him but he’s just going to show you how attractive he found you defending him was. just wait until you get back to his room.

Azul

full of bull

also will make an excuse, says it’s his payment for doing smth for you

“y/n dear, could you meet me in my office to discuss something.”

what did you do now… you don’t remember doing anything wrong.

you were helping out in the lounge since it was busier than usual.

once azul closed the door shut,

“I propose a deal. we make out right now and later.. and I’ll give you the day off tomorrow with some of our newest drinks that i know you love.”

honestly, azul has been stressed all day and is just throwing out random ideas to have an excuse to make out with you.

he’s not going to just straight up ask, this is a give and take world.

“uhm, but it’s still pretty busy out there—“

“I assure you they’re capable of running things for a few minutes. or hour..”

you were his escape and he needed it badly, it was a madhouse out there. he usually could handle it but it also didn’t help how attractive you looked while taking peoples orders, persuading them into buying more than what they came for.

“please my pearl, remember that time I babysat grim? you still owe me for that.”

that one time that happened two months ago that you’ll never let happen again.

you remember azul used that the last time he wanted to make out with you, but you weren’t going to rain down on his parade just yet.

you knew azul was just going to keep persuading you until you agreed. he would never outright say he wants to kiss you no, he has a reputation to uphold.

you sighed, wrapping your arms around his neck and smashing your lips against his.

he let out a squeal from shock, he didn’t expect that.

his face flush from that embarrassing noise he made but held you close, deepening the kiss as he felt his stress melt away. he’s not planning on letting you go anytime soon, the outside world can wait and deal with themselves.

Kalim

he just loves kissing you, you don’t have to be doing anything and he’ll still say it

will get pouty and pepper you with kisses until you agree

“let’s make out!”

"kalim... we're supposed to be studying right now."

"we have! don't I get a reward for studying? sometimes once I finish jamil gives me a treat!" kalim has been staring at you for the past 20 minutes.

you promised jamil to study with kalim and make sure he gets his work done but its not going so well.

"okay but you only answered two questions then started staring at me."

"you look so pretty! your serious face is so cute, how am I supposed to focus when you look like that! I want to make out with you!” he doesn’t give you time to say anything, kalim is already pouting and putting his best puppy dog eyes while peppering small kisses across your face.

“pleaassseee, just a small break then i’ll do my work! i promise!! pleaseee let me kiss youuu” he whines as he wraps his arms around your neck, practically on top of you while leaving sad kisses on your cheek.

“I need my daily y/n kisses or I can’t make it throughout the day! i’ve been deprived for so long…”

“I gave you a morning kiss, a kiss when I saw you, a kiss when you asked for one, a kiss when I left…”

kalim furrowed his eyebrows, “that doesn’t count! I need my daily make out kisses, completely different!”

you laughed at his kicked puppy look.

how could you say no to that face?

sighing you state, “alright. just for a minute then if you get an answer right i’ll give you a reward.”

“kisses reward?”

you nodded, “kisses reward.”

he giggling as he won, he slams his lips towards yours. playing with your hair as he deepens the kiss, he smiles every time you make little noises. kalim absolutely loves to kiss you silly and will do it every chance he gets.

Jamil

he just needs a break

usually says it at his breaking point so it’s really rough and quick sometimes

“let’s make out.”

it caught you so off guard. Jamil had pulled you into a storage room, you were carrying some paperwork you had to turn in but they soon were scattered from how quickly jamil pulled you in.

“w-what? babe I-“

“please, it will be quick I just…” his hand cupping your face as his lips brushed against yours, muttering against them

“I need this.” he murmured breathily before pressing his lips firmly while running his fingers through your hair.

“you looked so hot earlier,” he pushed you against the wall, gently squeezing your hip while traveling down kisses to your jawline

you didn't know how to react. it was rare when jamil showed pda especially this passionate in public. well you two were stuck in a closet but still anyone could walk in at any moment.

“you putting kalim and the others in their place.. you were so assertive.” his lips never leaving an inch away from you, “very hot of you.” he smirked as he looked up at you through his eyelashes.

he loves seeing how flustered you get because of him. he may not show much interest in public but that’s just because he’s a private person and loves teasing you when you two are alone.

he loves your little reactions.

“I-I just wanted them to give you a break”

“I appreciate you so much.” jamil sighs between your lips, rubbing circles on your hip while deepening the kiss.

jamil knew he should get back to his things but you were so addicting. how could he leave you right now?

he groans as he pulled away to look at you, smirking at your blown out expression

“let me show you how much I appreciate you, later tonight.” he winked before getting one last kiss then picking up your papers, leaving the room to turn in your work as if nothing happened.

jamil was completely unfazed unless you looked real close but you were red the rest of the day, clearly not thinking straight.

you will never get used to this side of jamil.

Vil

hear me out, he's secretly a freak

stress reliever

“are you sure it looks good?”

“my dear.. we’re not going out. we’re making out. right now.”

“w-huh?? but my outfit… is it not, or my makeup?”

the two of you were getting ready for date night, you had bought a new outfit for this occasion that you really liked but now you weren’t so sure if it looked good now.

vil on the other hand couldn’t look away. you looked absolutely radiant and you’re over here having second thoughts? please, he obviously needs to show you how good you look.

“my love you look stunning, there’s no need to worry.” vil was kissing you all over, you had some lipstick stains but he wasn’t going to tell you about that yet.

“baby.. we’re going to be late to our reservation..”

“we can reschedule or go somewhere else.”

vil couldn’t care less, he needed to make out with you now and show you how much he loves you.

“v-vil you’re going to mess up our makeup…”

he leans down, leaving more stains scattered across your neck and collarbone as he smirks against your warm skin.

“good. you look even more divine like this.”

he guides you to his bed not once breaking the kiss as he sets you down

“you’re perfect love, this outfit compliments you so well and you’re makeup looks even better now~” he smirks, caressing your face looking at you longingly

you turn to look at yourself through the mirror to see all the lipstick stains he left. you blush over how much of a mess you look.

“v-vil! I can’t go out like this! it’s going to take another 40 minutes to take this off and redo it.”

“why not? I think you look breathtaking, why not show everyone your beauty?” he mused, still trailing kisses over you.

“vil your makeup is messed up too” you state as you try to fix the smudges around his lips but he keeps diving back down into you.

“does it look like I can right now darling? right now I need to show you how much you mean to me. we can go out another day, I have all I need right here.”

vil cages you down before roughly yet gracefully devouring your lips.

he’ll do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable in your own body just as you make him comfortable enough to look like an absolute mess in front of you, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Idia

he would mumble it, thinking you didn't hear it

he didn’t mean it! (he totally meant it he just doesn’t know how to ask)

"we should totally make out..."

"okay."

"wh-HUHH?? y-you heard that?? I-I didn't mean it!”

you were helping out idia with some equipment he needed to fix. you picked up a couple things from watching him tinker plus this was a great opportunity to spend time with him.

idia wasn’t in the best mindset today so he kept messing up and getting frustrated when it still wasn’t working right so you wanted to give it a try to help him out. you fixed it just like that in seconds.

he watched you in shock. not only did you fix in on the first try but the face you make when you’re focused was just too much for him.

a strand of hair fell in front of your face, he wanted so badly to tuck it behind your ear but that would be totally cringe otome vibes.

“idy you can ask if you want to, I won’t judge.”

the tips of his hair are pastel pink as he fidgets with his sleeves.

“w-what the… can I exist and restart.. there’s gotta be an autosave before this…” he murmurs mostly to himself under his breath

even when he really wants to kiss you, he still gets in his head so even when he wants to, you have to initiate it.

you hold onto his hands and kiss his cheek. “no need to restart. this route is perfect.”

he gasps while looking at you with full blown out eyes, staring at you like you just deleted his saved file.

“you’re an ultra rare SSR…”

you laugh as you place your lips to his. you couldn’t get enough of this dork.

idia fiddles with the ends of your shirt as he ease into the kiss. you’re too good to him, he doesn’t know how or why you picked him but he’s beyond grateful.

and just like that something flipped inside him, he curled his hand around your neck before taking the lead. he still has self doubt so he’ll slip up but when you encourage him he grows confident.

leaving you two breathless with his hair full pink with blue accents. he smiles at you before kissing your temple then diving back into your lips, holding your hand with his free one to ground himself, letting him know this is okay and he’s doing good.

“I must have crazy gacha luck to have pulled you..”

Malleus

you breathe and he’ll say he wants to make out

100% whip, simp, yearning man

“child of man. I believe we should make out.”

“hmm?”

the two of you were taking a nightly stroll that you usually do mostly every night when you can.

it was a peaceful night, you would share things that happened during the day or whatever popped in your mind as you held hands.

the conversation soon died down into a comfortable silence as you took in sight of the night sky.

malleus was too busy staring at you to appreciate the night. the way the moonlight hit your face just right making you eternal which made his face feel warm.

he wanted nothing more than to take your breath away if you’ll let him.

“I would very much like to kiss you. I want us to have a make out session and leave you breathless to show you how you make me feel every time I lay eyes on you.”

your face heated up with every word malleus spoke.

you stopped walking to process his request. malleus is a gentleman so will only make a move if you’ll let him, if you don’t want to he’ll understand. he will get pouty but wants nothing more than for you to be comfortable.

he waits patiently but has that longing look in his eyes with a hint of desire.

“o-okay.” you nod, still flush as malleus steps closer, one hand caressing your face as if you’re a piece of glasswork then dipping down to capture your lips.

he pulls back to see your face then dives back in. each time becomes longer than the previous kiss. he sure was making you breathless.

you finally had to pull back to get some air but malleus goes down to nuzzle your neck, occasionally leaving kisses.

“you are absolutely ravishing child of man. what you’re feeling is how I feel every time you’re near, and I adore it. I would want nothing more than to leave you sweet kisses and show the world my queen.”

you don’t know what makes you more breathless, malleus’s words or his kisses.

“you sweet talker, get over here.” you needed to shut him up before you exploded. you pulled him down and smashed your lips to his.

malleus was in paradise.

﹒⭒﹒⭒﹒⭒﹒

a/n: that scenario has been on my mind for leona but the others idk what to do T-T sorry if this is short! have a great day/night !

667 notes · View notes

deveondog · 1 day ago

Note

Halló Saw! Do you have any sub headcanons about the headwardens, I wanna know your thoughts on them >.<! Keep up the good work !

ooh, yepyep!!

riddle rosehearts

🫀 i know it’s a pretty common headcanon, but he probably has a mommy kink. who would’ve guessed! you must be gentle, you must be tender with him.

🫀 also, please give him lots of praise. though he'll try and act humble or dismissive, he can’t help but melt with each “good boy,” with every “you’re doing so well,” all “i’m so proud of you”s.

🫀 i think he always strives to please you, to make you happy and satisfied with him. he’ll never object when you decide it’s his turn, however.

leona kingscholar

🫀 he always wants to touch you, for you to touch him, just to feel your skin against his. lions are very clingy, after all.

🫀 he likes to have you on top of him, covering as much of him as possible. put your hands on his chest, on his arms while you slowly grind down on him, his hands aimlessly wandering around your body.

🫀 if you’re feeling particularly mean, cuff his wrists to the bed. he’ll hate it, but it’ll be quick to get him desperate and begging to touch you.

azul ashengrotto

🫀 BODY WORSHIP AND LOTS OF IT. both for him and for you. it’s stressful to look after both the dorm and the mostro lounge, so he needs some way to destress, doesn’t he?

🫀 after a bit of convincing, he’d agreed to keep in his merform a few times. he’ll be embarrassed, but you’ll prove to him that he looks good, that he feels good in any way you can.

🫀

kalim al-asim

🫀 he’s a very enthusiastic sub. anything you ask, he’ll do. you need a massage? no problem! you wanna try something new? of course! you need a face to sit on? he’s right here!

🫀 he loves light touches. pet his hair, trace your fingers on his skin, maybe even enough to tickle him. the tickling can hurt a little after a while, but his giggling is contagious and seeing you smile is worth it all.

🫀 aftercare is exceptionally important for him. not because he particularly needs to be taken care of, but because he awaits cuddling eagerly.

vil schoenheit

🫀 he doesn’t sub often, but when he does he loves to be pampered and doted on. pleasure doms are his absolute favorite.

🫀 he always wears the best lingerie he can find just for you—and he doesn’t certainly doesn’t mind if it’s torn in the process.

🫀 i think he’s very confident as a sub. he still loves to tease and egg you on. he isn’t bratty in a disobedient sense, but in a “surely you can do it better/harder than that” sense.

idia shroud

🫀 he can vary from day-to-day: sometimes he’s bratty, sometimes he’s needy, either way he’ll be whining the whole time.

🫀 make up some rules and games for him! keep a star sticker board for rewards. maybe you can hook him up to a vibrator and have him color in a coloring book, and he earns a punishment if he colors outside the lines.

🫀 roleplaying! he loves roleplay, whether it be through cosplaying, making up your own characters/roles, or even just coming up with a new dynamic to try out.

malleus draconia

🫀 he’s very needy and will worship everything about you. you are beautiful, charming, elegant regardless of how you carry yourself, even your flaws are adored.

🫀 very much a service sub, your pleasure is his own. he’s able to cum just from tasting you, seeing you satisfied is enough to pacify him.

🫀 despite what he may seem, he’s very sensitive. ears, horns, tail, hands, torso, everywhere. it doesn’t take much to make him squirm.

194 notes · View notes

deveondog · 1 day ago

Note

🔆anon

Can you make a story with an oblivious reader who says something like “you’re cute” as an offhand statement? Any character is fine though maybe Azul or Riddle

Terms and Flustered Conditions

𝖆/𝖓: This was really fun to write for a first request teehee :>

~no tw, just flustered zul~

𝖕𝖆𝖎𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌: azul x oblivious!reader

𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉𝖘: 1670

taglist: @luxaryllis @thegoldencontracts @waterthatsmoe @oya-oya-okay

Azul prided himself on two things: his contracts and his composure.

Tonight was no exception. He stood behind the counter at the Mostro Lounge, overseeing operations with his usual calculating smile, adjusting his glasses every now and then like he was always in control. Floyd was off somewhere (causing problems, probably), and Jade was handling a VIP table, so that left Azul as the face of service.

You strolled in, humming to yourself, clutching a clipboard of deliveries for the Lounge.

“Hey Azul,” you said cheerfully, barely noticing the low lighting, the faint jazz playing, the dangerous glint in his eyes that usually put most people on edge. “I dropped off the supply list in the back.”

Azul looked up, his smile sharp and professional. “Ah, thank you. Ever the dependable one, I see.”

You leaned your elbow on the counter casually. “Mhm. Also, you’re kinda cute when you’re in work mode. Like, ‘merchant but make it adorable.’ Y’know?”

Azul froze.

The world stopped.

You blinked. “Anyway, I gotta head back to Ramshackle. Later!”

You turned and left before Azul could even start a reaction.

His pen slipped from his hand. Clattered to the floor.

Azul stared at the spot where you had stood, glasses sliding slightly down his nose, mouth slightly open in stunned disbelief.

Jade appeared silently beside him, placing a fresh tray on the counter like nothing had happened.

“…Did I hear that correctly?” he asked smoothly.

Azul didn’t answer. His brain was frantically short-circuiting, replaying the exact cadence of “you’re kinda cute” over and over like a cursed spell.

“Adorable,” Azul muttered, nearly choking. “They called me adorable…”

Jade hummed, far too amused. “How fortunate. Not everyone gets complimented by the oblivious type. Though I wonder… should I warn them what they’ve just unleashed?”

Azul grabbed his handkerchief and tried (in vain) to cool his face down. “Absolutely not. I need time. I need—negotiation tactics, leverage—damage control.”

Jade chuckled quietly. “Or perhaps, a contract offering one ‘free date’ in return for a second compliment?”

Azul choked on air.

Azul had prepared.

He’d reviewed social scripts, coached himself in the mirror, and even had Jade run mock conversations with him using your exact inflection. He would not be flustered again. This time, he’d have the upper hand.

You walked in holding a box of new menu supplies, completely oblivious to the psychological warfare Azul had been conducting in his own head all day.

“Hey, Azul!” you chirped.

He smiled, composed and calculated. “Ah, welcome. Back with another delivery?”

You set the box down. “Yup! That and a couple updated drink cards. Oh, and I got you something.”

You pulled a small bag from your pocket and handed it to him.

He blinked. “What… is this?”

You shrugged. “Saw a little octopus charm at Sam’s shop and thought of you. Kinda looks like a chibi form of you. Cute, right?”

There it was.

That word again.

Azul’s soul momentarily vacated his body.

You were already unzipping the box, oblivious. “Anyway, Sam said it wards off bad business deals or something. You should hang it near the register—ah, this one’s leaking, oops—”

Behind the counter, Azul’s hands twitched. He was gripping the little charm with all the delicacy of someone holding a live bomb. His face? A slow-burning shade of red creeping up from his collar to his ears.

He managed to speak. Just barely.

“…You—you bought me a charm. Because it’s cute.”

“Mhm,” you said, busy sorting menus. “You say ‘customer satisfaction’ like ten times a day, but you forget self-care, y’know? Gotta protect that soft heart of yours.”

You said it like you were discussing the weather.

Azul nearly collapsed.

Jade, ever the specter, appeared at his elbow with a tray of sparkling drinks.

“Azul,” he said with dangerous calm, “your heart rate just spiked. Shall I fetch the emergency potion?”

Azul wheezed, “No—no potions. I’ll recover. I’m fine.”

You peeked up. “Huh? You okay? You look kinda pink.”

Azul gave you a strained smile that looked like it had been stapled onto his face.

“I am perfectly fine,” he said, voice a full octave higher than normal. “In fact, would you—ah—consider signing a contract?”

You blinked. “What kind of contract?”

He fumbled for his notebook. “A-ah, well, hypothetically… one where I provide you with free menu samples, and in return, you… perhaps… say that word again. Just once. As research.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Which word?”

He swallowed. “The one that starts with a c and ends with—”

“Croquette?”

Jade actually turned away to hide a laugh.

Azul buried his burning face in his hand. “Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

You just tilted your head. “You’re acting weird today. Kinda cute though.”

Azul.exe has stopped responding.

Azul was suffering.

Every time you walked into the Lounge, something happened. A stray compliment, a casual smile, a devastatingly innocent, “You’re so reliable, Azul!”—it was all too much. He was spiraling, and unfortunately for him, the Leech twins had noticed.

Which is why tonight, after closing, he was cornered in the VIP lounge by the two eels.

“So when’s the big confession?” Floyd asked, draped over the couch like a lazy predator. “You gonna tell Shrimpy you’re in looooove, or should I?”

“I am not—!” Azul started, face already heating up. “I am not in love. I simply… appreciate their company.”

Jade sipped his tea. “Mm. You’ve ‘appreciated their company’ so much you rewrote a contract proposal twelve times because they called you cute.”

Floyd grinned wickedly. “Azully’s got a cruuuuush~”

“Stop saying it like that!”

Floyd, naturally, did not. “C’mon, why not just tell them? Be like, ‘Hey, I like your dumb smile and your cute voice and—’”

“I am not calling their voice cute!”

At that moment, the door creaked open.

“Azul? You still in here?” you called. “Sam said I left my notebook, and I figured—”

The scene you walked in on:

Azul frozen mid-sputter, flushed and holding Floyd’s sleeve like he was trying to drag him into a volcano.

Floyd smirking like a shark on its lunch break.

Jade very politely sipping his tea, totally composed.

“…Am I interrupting something?” you asked, confused but amused.

Azul tried to recover. “N-No! Not at all! I—uh—Floyd was just—”

“I was helping Azully confess his feelings,” Floyd said brightly.

Silence.

You blinked. “To who?”

Azul made a strangled noise. “Don’t say it—”

Floyd pointed straight at you. “You.”

Azul immediately went into cardiac arrest.

You tilted your head. “Wait, me? Like, romantically?”

Azul was redder than a boiled shrimp. “I—it’s not—! That is to say—I may have some interest, b-but it’s entirely conditional! Professional! Not—not that you’re unattractive, in fact you’re very attractive, I just—!”

You blinked. “Huh.”

Azul waited for the ground to swallow him whole.

Then you smiled.

“…That’s cute.”

Azul nearly fell over.

Floyd cackled. Jade, still sipping tea, gave you a nod of approval.

You handed Azul your forgotten notebook. “Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I’m around. Don’t stress too much, okay? You’ll wrinkle.”

And then you left.

Azul sat in stunned silence.

“…Did they just compliment me again?”

Jade patted his shoulder. “Yes. Yes, they did.”

Floyd flopped over him. “Ooooh, they’re gonna ruin you.”

Azul, dazed and doomed, just whispered, “I think I want them to.”

For once, the Mostro Lounge was quiet. No crowds, no clatter of dishes, not even Floyd terrorizing a freshman.

You walked in, waving as usual. “Hey, Azul. Got the last invoice from the alchemy club.”

Azul stood behind the counter, perfectly groomed, hands folded neatly, like he’d been waiting. Which, in fact, he had been. For hours.

“Ah,” he said, his voice unusually calm. “Thank you. Actually, before you go… I have something for you as well.”

You paused. “Oh? Is it tea?”

“…Not quite.”

He reached below the counter and pulled out a single scroll, tied with a navy ribbon and sealed with wax bearing his personal sigil.

You blinked. “Did you write me a contract?”

“Yes,” he said, too quickly, then coughed. “I mean—technically. But it’s… different. Please, read the terms.”

You unrolled the scroll.

Contract Proposal Recipient: [Your Name] Terms of Agreement: In exchange for continued emotional support, offhanded compliments, and existing in a manner Azul Ashengrotto finds extremely flustering endearing, the undersigned proposes the following: - One (1) date at a mutually agreed-upon time and place. - One (1) opportunity to confess his genuine romantic intentions without being interrupted by Floyd. - Optional: hand-holding, future compliments, and/or further shared activities of a couple-like nature. Signatories: Azul Ashengrotto (pre-signed) [Blank space left for you]

You stared.

“…You wrote a confession contract.”

Azul looked like he wanted to curl inside his octopus pot and hide until he was eighty. “I thought it might be… efficient.”

You started to laugh—not cruelly, but warmly, delighted.

“This is so you,” you grinned. “You actually drafted a romance agreement.”

Azul cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses in a doomed attempt to look composed. “If you don’t wish to sign, that’s perfectly—”

You picked up the pen and signed your name with a little smiley face and heart at the end.

Azul froze. “Y-You agreed?”

“Of course I did,” you said, handing the contract back. “Honestly, I thought you didn’t like me because you always get weird when I say nice things.”

“That’s because you keep calling me cute,” he muttered, scandalized. “In public. Repeatedly.”

You beamed. “Yeah. I’m gonna keep doing that, by the way.”

He made a soft, strangled noise.

“Anyway,” you said casually, leaning over the counter, “so when’s our date, octoboy?”

Azul’s face went fully red. “…How’s Saturday?”

“Perfect.”

Floyd leaned around the doorway, grinning like a cat with a mouthful of canary. “Ooooooh, Azully’s got a sweetheart~”

Azul sighed dreamily, holding the signed contract to his chest.

“…And they called me octoboy.”

Jade set down a tray, completely deadpan. “Shall I prepare the wedding registry?”

Azul didn’t even argue.

credit to @enchanthings-a for divider

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