the way i struggled to write this bc i’m a stickler for accuracy and college—
Categories: ☁️ (fluff!); 🫧 (new work!); 🍡 (gn! reader); 🎨 (corresponding fan art towards the end!)
Tw: I’m praying for y’all’s teeth and dental bills after y’all read this fluffy sweetness
“Pick one.”
Two mugs. One pink, one white, both equally tiny. The pink mug had a small decal on one side of a squirrel running through some trees, on the other side was the text “a scurry of squirrels”. The white mug had a lion decal, the text “my little lion” had a home on the other side. Leona covered his mouth in an attempt to stifle his budding laughter.
But you heard that snicker!
“What?”
“This is what you woke me up for?”
You stuck your tongue out at him. His tail swayed idly while he eyed you, as if expecting a further explanation for why you wanted him to pick one of the mugs. He really just wanted you to lay with him and rub his head…maybe his ears too, but he wouldn’t dare confess that he wants you to rub them.
“Act like I woke you up to dig trenches, why don’t ya? Just pick one!”
You should have known better than to think Leona wouldn’t be a grouch for at least five minutes! Sure, it was the weekend, barely anybody was alive at this hour (save for Jack and maybe Jamil, who woke up earlier than this). You could somewhat understand his reluctance to join the land of the living.
Well, despite the fact that he was about as welcoming as a grizzly bear with a chainsaw upon first meeting, his grumpiness was one of the many things you loved and accepted about him. He’d never admit it to you, and you’d never tell him that you knew, but he was a sweetheart deep down. In his own way, at least.
“Fine, I’ll bite. But you have to lay down with me afterwards.”
“Deal!”
That was the only deal you were willing to make. You really hoped Azul wasn’t nearby, but he also wasn’t anything like Rook. You were probably safe.
It was very fitting that Leona chose the one with the lion on it. It was so tiny in his hands, and you had to do your best to refrain from voicing how cute you thought it was. It was almost concerning how much you wanted to squeeze him. Not waiting for him to say anything else, forbid he change his mind, you took his other hand and dragged him into the empty lounge and took out your kettle.
Leona watched you flit around gathering your tea collection, plugging in the kettle after filling it with water and letting it heat up. Oh look, now you’re having him pick a tea. Wanting to try something new, he pointed to the sweet smelling pink tin that had white flowers painted on it.
“Try that one.”
He’d picked the chamomile tea infused with vanilla and honey. This would probably make him sleep longer afterwards, but you were just glad he was cooperative this time. You took out two teabags, placing one in each mug to save time. The water boiled to a good temperature, you flipped the switch on the kettle to shut it off.
You both waited for the tea to steep, but Leona noticed how you were looking at him. He would wait to tease you about it though. You couldn’t get over how much smaller the mug was than his hands, how he stared at it with utmost focus. It looked like he was trying to keep it from turning into sand. He could pretend to be as bored, grouchy, and reluctant as he wanted but you knew he cared deep down. You went through the effort of spending time with him, albeit earlier than his preference. He hadn’t activated his signature spell, so you figured he shouldn’t have to worry about it.
Lions couldn’t purr, but you swore you heard him make an eerily similar sound when you rubbed his ears. At least he didn’t have to ask you for it.
The tea was done steeping and was at an acceptable, tolerable temperature. A comfortable silence befell you both as you enjoyed your tea, budding sunlight painting his flesh in gold petals like it was meant for him. Like he was their sunflower. You’d have to introduce him to sunflower tea one day. Leona eyed your mug, the cute little squirrel decal reminding him of you. He couldn’t help but tease you at least a little bit.
“You really are an herbivore.”
“You will never let that go, will you? Even though we both know squirrels are opportunistic omnivores?”
Leona shrugged, this time a genuine, soft smile forming on his face. He’d never show this to anyone else.
“Nah. You’re my herbivore. I will hold onto this forever. By the way, Floyd’s been rubbing off on you too much.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You looked like you wanted to squeeze me.”
A sneeze startled Jade from his slumber.
“Bless you.”
Floyd rubbed his nose and shook his head.
“Thanks…I think someone’s talkin’ about me. It’s probably Shrimpy!”
A/N: well, he supposed he could indulge you for a few minutes…just lay down with him afterwards
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“Seashells”
i started this in July, forgot about it, then finally finished it. sorry for my absence college and work is fucking me in the ass rn… Anyways enjoy!
TW: just general yandere shit
They say seashells hold the sound of ocean waves.
When you first saw one half buried in the sand, you dug it out and something inside you lit up. So you began collecting them.
The years flew by and your collection grew and grew.
In your 3rd year of high school, you ran into a strange man at the beach.
He gestured to the bag of seashells you were holding. “That’s quite a lot of seashells.”
The man had white hair and wasn’t dressed for the beach. What an odd character...
You looked up from the sand at him, “Yeah, I collect them.”
You held the bag up and the shovel in your other hand.
“Why seashells? They’re just old, protective shells for sea animals.” He asked.
You smiled, despite being a bit angry at his ignorance.
“Do I need a reason to like seashells and collect them?” You asked him challengingly.
He seemed taken aback by your response, before shaking his head, “I guess not.”
“Well this will serve as a learning experience, so listen well. Seashells are a lot more than meets the eye,” You explained, “As you know, a seashell is usually the exoskeleton of an invertebrate. Seashells are commonly found in beach drift, which is natural detritus deposited along strandlines on beaches by the waves and the tides.”
“So?” He questioned.
“So, they’ve gone through many different times and places. It all ranges. They look the way they do because the color comes from the mollusk's environment. They’re beautiful, proof of history.” You held a few out.
“Interesting.” He smiled at your explanation. “I guess my time spent on land has been worthwhile.”
“What was that?” You asked, not hearing the last of what he said.
“Nothing, nothing.” He waved you off. “Though… return to the beach at a later date, and I might have something for you.”
You looked at him with confusion but nodded, “I won’t be back for a while, but I will return.”
“Oh, and what’s your name?” The man asked frantically.
“Y/N, yours?” You questioned.
“Azul.” The man smiled wider and you wave to each other, before leaving.
The next time you visited was during your winter break in your 4th year of high school. Not the best time to go in the water, but that wasn’t why you were there.
You wandered the beach looking for seashells and the white-haired man.
“Eh, why do we still come here again?” An odd voice sounded from behind a rock scaring you.
“He does have a good point.” A calm voice responded.
You lowered your body against the rock. You weren’t intentionally eavesdropping on their conversation, you were just a bystander searching for seashells and they happened to be talking loudly.
“Do I have to explain it AGAIN?” A familiar different voice answered sternly.
Could it be?
“Don’t you think this girl has forgotten you?” The odd voice teased.
“Even if they did, it’s pretty much tradition to return to this beach every break we get!” The familiar voice spoke again confirming your beliefs.
It was him.
“Why can’t we just return to the dorms? It's gotten so annoying and it’s not fair why we have to come!” The odd voice asked.
“I’ve never asked you to.” The familiar voice answered.
“How about we ask the person listening if it's fair.” The calm voice spoke.
How cliche! Welp, there’s no point in feigning ignorance.
“M-my bad…” You came out from behind the rock, before defending yourself, “You were the ones talking loudly!”
“Oh! I was just hoping to find someone to squeeze!” The owner of the odd voice chirped.
You shivered before looking at the group, two appeared to be twins, both with blue hair, but opposite haircuts. You looked at their eyes and noticed they had heterochromia, but once again opposite to each other. The other man was the same guy from years prior, Azul.
“It's you.” You pointed at the one with white hair, blue eyes, and a… even weirder outfit.
“Oh… It’s you.” Azul said with a smile.
“Your! W-wait they were actually real?!” The more laid-back twin exclaimed.
“Floyd. Did you really not believe they were an actual person all this time?” Azul asked, annoyed.
Floyd shrugged and looked at you up and down.
“You still collect seashells I see.” Azul gestured to your bag.
“Yeah, not as many though. I’ve been too busy with school and soon I have to start college.” You sighed while diverting your eyes from Floyd.
“What college do you plan to go to?” Azul smiled.
“Whatever I get into.” You reply.
“Good luck! Oh,” Azul looked at the two other guys, “Let me introduce you to these two. This is Jade and this is Floyd, they’re twins.”
You nodded in understanding. Although you still felt uncomfortable, as they were both staring right at you.
“Anyways… What’s with the strange outfits, not to be rude.” You reassure them.
“Oh, this… Just our dorm uniform!” Azul smiled.
What an odd dress code…
The sun began to set, the sky a mix of beautiful colors.
“Well,” You looked at the sky and then Azul, “it’s getting late. I’m sorry to cut this short. It was nice seeing you after all this time.”
Azul looked away with sadness before exclaiming, “Wait! I have something for you!”
You waited as he grabbed a bag from… somewhere? And dug through it frantically.
You patiently waited till he pulled his arm out, holding something.
“Oh my god.” You gasped.
He held an insanely pretty and alluring seashell.
“Where… Where did you get this?!” You exclaimed, grabbing his arm with pure adoration.
Azul flushed in the face, “I-I have my ways.”
Hah! How cryptic!?
“Please Azul!” You can’t direct your eyes away.
“It’s the gift I mentioned before.” He held it out to you.
You grabbed it and felt… emotional!
“Thank you, thank you. Thank you so much, Azul!” You analyzed it from all angles. “How can I ever repay you?”
“Oh, you don’t have to!” He smiled.
The sky darkened.
“I can’t just take this thought!” You exclaim while still looking at it.
Not like you’ll give it back, but you can’t do anything for him.
“In that case…” Azul went off in thought. “Keep it by your side always.”
You nod a bunch before realizing how late it had gotten.
“I'm so sorry, I have to go now.” You bow. “So nice to meet you Azul, Jade. Thank you again Azul, I’ll keep your wish. Hopefully, we can meet again.” You wave before leaving the other way.
April approached and you got into a good college, majoring in oceanography.
The seashell gifted to you by Azul was still enchanting and you brought it everywhere in the form of a necklace. The only problem was the fact that when it was held to a person's ear, it was silent.
You obviously knew seashells don’t really carry the sound of the sea, the phenomenon is caused by its shape and its effect on the air. So it’s quite impossible for it to be completely silent.
Time flew by and an unexpected event occurred.
A black carriage came for you meaning…
You got into Night Raven College.
You weren’t magicless (rarely using the magic you have), but you had never planned on becoming a mage. Despite this, your mother's insistence and the job opportunities, if you went, were too good to pass off.
When you arrived at orientation you surprisingly saw a familiar face. Although he didn’t see you, you saw him. Conversing with the new students. You couldn’t approach him though, you had to be assigned a dorm.
You walked up to the mirror and it read your soul as fitting to Octavinelle.
You looked over at the separated groups and heard a voice yell next to Azul “Octavinelle Dorm here!”
You walked over and tapped him on the shoulder.
“What do you think-” He turned around and stopped right in his tracks, “Y-Y/n?!”
“Azul!” You exclaimed happily. “What are you doing here?”
“O-oh, I’m the Housewarden of Octavinelle.” The man responded proudly, before looking down at your necklace. “You kept your promise.”
You laughed, “Of course and lucky for me, I’ll be staying at Octavinelle Dorm!”
He flushed for a second before his face returned to a cocky smile, “I’m glad to hear that!”
After everyone was enrolled, you followed Azul to the dorm and he showed you to your room.
Maybe these next few years will go well!
-
-
-
Despite getting closer to Azul and the twins it seemed you were a walking bad charm. Every time you talked with someone they avoided you the next day and every time someone said anything positive about you they went missing. Most of the time it was stated that they were kicked out or never found again.
It took a bad turn on your mental state causing you to go to your only friends.
“How about signing a contract with me?” Azul smiled.
Knowing his reputation you thought hard. You should trust him. You’ve been friends for a long time then again...
“Sure, but I’m going to need some time to think.” You eventually respond.
“Ah yes, and it may take me some time to make a contract that will best suit your needs.” He smiled. “Expect nothing but the best.”
It seemed to get worse after that conversation with Azul.
What's worse is that people looked at you with... fear?
In times when Azul and the twins were busy, you found strength in that necklace. The beautiful seashell is a statement of your friendship with him.
But you forgot it one day.
“Hey, can you help me with this question?” A boy sitting next to you asked you.
You looked around. Was he talking to you?
“Me?” You look back at him.
He looked at you with confusion, before giving a look of realization, “Don’t worry I don’t easily believe rumors.
You grabbed at where your necklace usually is, to rid yourself of your anxieties, but you can’t rely on it now. You swallowed down your fears and helped him. You prayed to the seven for his safety.
Yet the next day he was fine. And the next. And the next. And the next, the next, the next.
You were always surprised to see each next day.
“The contract is ready.” Azul pulled it out as you sat on the couch across from him.
You started to wonder if you needed it. You talked with that one boy and he's still alive, not even avoiding you.
“I’m going to need time to think about it.” Azuls face fell into an unreadable expression for a split second but returned to his charming business smile. “Of course.”
You forgot your necklace again. Without it, you felt bare.
“Ugh... How much of the essay have you written?” The boy next to you asked, setting his head on his desk.
“O-oh, not a lot.” You laughed.
“How does he expect us to finish this essay in 2 days!?” He exclaimed.
“Hah, that's college for you!” You look at him.
“That's such bullshit.” He looked at you.
“Y-yeah!” You looked away, face flushed.
Somehow despite the necklace being beautiful, without it, you gained a confidence boost. At least you were able to talk to him. Maybe you didn’t need that contract.
You experimented by leaving the necklace at home the next day and talking to the guy next to you, then again the next, the next. Yet when you arrived another day he was gone.
Your heart dropped.
You imagined if he was here he’d probably say, “You're just overthinking!” Yet he wasn’t there the next day or the next.
You put the necklace back on.
Then you heard gossip from behind you.
“Did you hear? The guy that sits next to that one weird girl, broke his leg and his ribs due to an accident or something.”
You ran to the nursery.
Sure enough, he was there.
Your heart dropped.
You rushed to his side. He was wrapped in bandages. You knew the nursery was able to treat not just small injuries, but also accidents, as this was a magic school, and accidents are common.
Was this your fault?
You ran back to Mostro Lounge.
“Can we add something to the contract?” You asked out of breath.
He nodded.
“Can it guarantee the safety of the people I talk to?” You look at him helplessly.
“Yes let me make the minor adjustments.” He wrote on the contract and you impatiently waited.
“Done.” He set the contract down.
You looked over it briefly before not caring and signing it.
“Perfect!” He laughed.
“Did you even read it?” Jade asked from behind Azul.
“Kinda haha…” You looked away.
“How unfortunate.” He smiled.
You looked at him with confusion before finally reading it over.
You didn’t even know what Azul said the price was going to be. Although, even after reading it you didn’t really understand. So you read it again. And again.
“What does this mean?” You look at him.
The way he worded it made it over complicated and wordy.
Azul laughed at you, “To put it in simple terms, you will be able to talk and, to a certain extent, guarantee the safety of those close to you right now.”
You thought over his words, “Only right now?”
“Yes.” He nodded.
“T-that’s a scam!” You yelled out.
“Yet I’m afraid that what you signed. I thought you wanted this? To talk to people.” He gave you a look of confusion.
Well, as long as it guaranteed the safety of those close to you. It included the boy that sat next to you.
“What do you gain from all this?” You asked.
“Ah yes, the big question. ‘What do I gain from this?” He mocked you. “What I gain is your eternal loyalty and obedience.”
You stared at him for a few seconds, before bursting into laughter.
“You can’t be serious!?” You laughed harder.
“Oh, I guess I forgot one more thing!” He grabbed the contract pointing to a word, “Your love.”
You laughed even harder.
“Azul! Your so bad at jokes.” You cried.
All this laughter made you forget what your whole goal was. The boy in the nurse's office.
“I have to get going.” You got up frantically.
“Why?” He asked coldly catching you off guard.
“To tell you the truth, there was this guy who sat next to me in history. He got hurt due to some accident, but thanks to your contract he will be safe from here onward.”
“You may go.” Azul turned away from you.
You ran back to the office, despite feeling exhausted. When you arrived he was gone.
“Excuse me?” You went up to the nurse, who was busy with paperwork.
“Yes?” The nurse didn’t look up.
“What happened to the boy who was staying in that bed.” You pointed to it and the nurse looked up before he gave you a sympathetic look.
“I'm assuming you’re a friend.” He asked.
“Yes?” Your heartbeat sped up with anxiety.
“I-... I’m sorry. His state was critical so he was sent to the hospital and well... He has been reported to have,” The nurse paused, “passed away shortly after his arrival.”
Your heart dropped.
It was at times like these you were grateful for the friendship with Azul. So you sought him out once again.
“A-Azul…” You said in between sobs sitting next to him on the couch in Mostro Lounge.
He looked at you.
“My friend he…” You went off.
“He wasn’t your friend,” Azul stated coldly.
“Huh?” You looked at him with confusion.
“Y/N, why did you break our promise,” He looked down.
You thought hard about what he meant.
“What do you mean?” You set in between sobs.
“Azul~!” Floyd burst through the doors. “Aw, what’s wrong shrimpy?”
You looked up at him. He looked at you and then at the contract.
“Oh! I know, it's about your friend right!” Floyd laughed.
“H-how do you know about that?” You looked at him with shock.
“Hmm... I wonder~” Floyd smiled.
What was going on?
Why did Azul say that about your dead friend and how did Floyd even know about him? Then your mind went back to what Azul said.
Every time you met with your seat neighbor, you didn’t have the necklace.
You promised Azul you’d always have it with you. You broke his promise. Yet how did it all tie in? Did it have something to do with the odd fact that it was completely silent?
“Azul, I don’t think they understand,” Jade commented on your confused face.
Azul sighed and grabbed at the necklace around your neck, “Why did you leave it? I couldn’t hear anything for days and all I could see was your dark, empty dorm. I get maybe forgetting it once, but you kept forgetting. I knew as anyone would that it wasn’t accidental anymore-”
“Not true. You kept arguing that Y/N was just a forgetful person,” Floyd interrupted him, “Me and Jade how to drill it in your head that they-”
“Quiet Floyd.” Azul looked at him coldly then back at you. “I had the twins investigate what you did when you forgot it and then they told me something I could hardly believe.”
Azuls grip on your necklace tightened, “You were seeing a man behind my back.”
“What?” You looked at him with utter perplexity.
“You see,” Azul pulled your necklace in, along with you, “I had no choice but to have that homewrecker dealt with.”
He was spying on you using the necklace?
And the accident... It was all their doing.
You attempted to pull away from Azul, yet it was useless. Azuls' empty hand went to your face.
He caressed it.
“L-let me go. Y-you guys are disgusting... monsters! Freaks!” Your mind spiraled, spouting any insult you could think of and you whacked his hand away.
“Don’t you see,” Azul looked into your eyes, “I’m doing this all for our sake.”
Your skin crawled.
Disgusting.
Just as you were about to go on another rant Azul spoke, “Just be quiet, please.”
Your mouth shut.
“The contract is working,” Jade commented.
“I love you Y/N. Just stay with me.” Azuls voice softened and he pulled you into an embrace.
Thanks to that useless contract, you have no choice but to follow his words.
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