Hi! I love your writing so much I’m so happy I fell on this account 💖 Your dark turtles works made me think of a scenario for the 2003: Fast Forward series? 👉👈
After Dark Leo gets wounded and is kept in the turtle’s medical bay, reader brings him food and checks up on him. He tolerates reader and even slowly gets to enjoy their company. Dark Leo feels territorial at the sight of Leonardo with reader knowing he clearly has a crush on them. He starts being jealous and feels the urge to steal Leonardo’s place to get reader’s affection and claim them.
Caught Between Light and Darkness (Angst..?/Fluff)
Dark Leo x reader x FastForward!Leonardo
A/N: Today we’re doing a crossover between the Fast Forward boys and our Dark Turtle cuties. I love it!😍🖤💙
Warnings: Jealous dark Leo, and Leonardo trying to show off😂🖤💙 Oh, and faking of pain.
So far, the plan had gone mostly as planned. Leo had gotten access to the penthouse, even if that meant he now was locked up behind a holographic field that was only lifted when Donatello or one of the other turtles had to get in close, in order to take a look at his wounds. It wasn’t hard for Leo to fake irritation, as to be honest, he found his counterparts very annoying. Always so happy and bright, with a tendency to turn on the light before he was ready for it, causing him not only frustration, but headaches and the kind of pain a kanabo clone would feel from sudden light. Absolute pains in the ass they were.
Well, most of them. There was one that Leo wouldn’t necessarily call a pain, but only a minor irritation… or maybe just a little prickle in the side. You were… not exactly like the others. You seemed to understand how lights worked with Leo, and took the time to slowly turn on the light. And you brought him food. A lot of food. Even after the first day where Leo flipped a tray and told you to leave him the hell alone, you continued to come with food, with or without the other turtles. Sometimes you would just come into the med bay and do nothing but sit and talk to him. At first Leo found it strange, and spent a long time trying to figure out what you were trying to do. But as time went on, Leo came to a realization - you were not trying on anything. You were there simply to talk to him. To keep him company and to check in on his well being. And that… had not been part of Leo’s plan.
Leo had only been in the penthouse med bay for a week, and he already found himself looking forward to the moment that you would walk through the door, with food or not. Though he never smiled your way, or gave any sign that he had come to enjoy your presence, Leo waited and looked forward to you, every single day. Sometimes he would even act like he was asleep, keeping a small eye on you as you made your way around the room.
For a time Leo forgot what he actually was there to do - to make the turtles trust him, giving him the opportunity to let the other dark turtles in, all so they could prove to Darius Don that they weren’t as thick headed as he liked to call them, and deserving of better ways of living. More food for Leo and his brothers was one of the main reasons he decided to do this, but as he laid still, watching you with half closed eyes, he momentarily forgot that goal. Instead he found himself wondering if you had always been so nice and sweet. He must have overlooked it while he and his brothers fought their counterparts. But even back then, Leo had noticed your beauty. It was hard to overlook, even when his focus had been on his non kanabo counterpart, and his annoyingly fast moves. That little blue covered grimling could make Leo’s blood boil sometimes. But he had never felt his blood boil over the same way, as it did one of the following days.
Leo sat out on the balcony in his medical bed, kept from going anywhere due to the energy shield surrounding him. Laying his side, trying to protect himself from the sun in the sky, that kept blinding his eyes and making his head hurt. Not off to a good start.
It had been Splinter and Donatello’s idea to pull Leo out in the sun, so that he could get some “fresh” air and some “healthy” sunlight, being kept company by Splinter doing gardening and Donatello practicing with his bow staff on a mat.
Splinter tried to engage the annoyed kanabo clone in some friendly conversation, but was only met by grumbles and spatting sounds from the large blue turtle. Leo had no desire to talk with anyone, while the sun was cooking him alive. What about kanabo did these people not understand?! Donatello had said something about his turtle side, but Leo couldn't care less. The sun was nothing but a burning ball of pain, and Leo wanted it gone. Fucking drown it with the water Donatello had provided him on the side table. Had it not been for that damned energy shield, Leo might just had snuffed out the life of the sun, and then thrown himself on the still overly happy and talking rat and turtle, grabbing them with his bare hands, and-.
“Do you guys have space for two more out here?”
Leo’s anger and frustration was instantly replaced by intrigue and curiosity, along with a small amount of longing, and maybe even… happiness, the moment Leo heard your sweet voice.
You stood in the glass doorway from the penthouse to the balcony, a mat rolled up under your arm, making it very clear that you had intended to train out on the sunny balcony. Your presence brought life to Leo, but before he could move in his medical bed, someone came into view behind you. The exact same someone that Leo would throw into the sun before dunking it with water - Leonardo. The sight of Leonardo with a mat under his own arm, put a big damper on Leo’s mood. Of course he was there too.
“Of course, (Y/N)”, Master Splinter said, smiling at you and his eldest son. “There’s always space for more out here”.
And so, you and Leonardo folded your mats out on the balcony and begging stretching, warming up for your training.
Staying on his side with his shell facing the sun, Leo forced himself not to look at you and Leonardo training together. But then Leo heard you laugh, finally looking at where you and Leonardo had now started going through stances. Leonardo stood behind you, positioning your body the correct way, every once in a while tilting your hips, accidentally tickling you as he did so. With every small tickle, you instinctively would move your arms around yourself, meaning that Leonardo would have to reposition your arms once again, for a moment wrapping his arms around your from behind. And that almost sent Leo spiraling. Especially when he realized how much Leonardo was enjoying it. With every laugh that escaped you, and movement of your arms, Leonardo would laugh, playfully scold you, before doing the whole deal all over again, at one moment even hugging you from behind, while the two of you almost fell over laughing. It was a blood boiling sight that hit Leo with a sudden realization. If Leo had started growing fond of you, then was it possible that his DNA source also had? It hit Leo harder than a brick wall, and caused a headache stronger than the sunlight ever could. Just like Leo, Leonardo had developed a crush on you. A big crush, only rivaled by Leo’s.
Leo watched you and Leonardo, feeling his body tense up and his breath growing shallow. He clenched his fist and grinded his teeth as you and Leonardo started sparring. Seeing you listening to Leonardo’s every word, your attention fully on him, as you did your best to improve your punches and ducks, your smile and eyes sparkling whenever he praised your doings. But when Leonardo suddenly grabbed your arm, followed by a series of movements that had you pinned on the ground underneath him, with Leonardo smiling proudly above you, Leo couldn’t take it anymore. He couldn’t just watch his sun loving counterpart attempt to take over your heart. No, Leo had to do something about it.
And so, Leo threw himself on the ground next to the medical bed, making sure to land on his injured arm, and let out a loud cry of pain. You reacted instantly, pushing Leonardo off of you, and screaming at Donatello, telling him to turn off the energy shield. Donatello scrabbled in haste with the buttons on his forearm, before the shield was turned off, allowing you to hurry to the side of Leo.
You made your way up to Leo’s head stretching out your leg, before rolling him onto his back, allowing his head to rest on your thigh, while you began undoing the wrappings around his shoulder, in order to take a better look at his injured arm, all while Donatello quickly made his way over to help.
With his head resting on your thigh, Leo could look directly up at you, quickly catching your eye as Donatello started to move and bend his arm. Leo faked an expression of pain, causing you to hold onto his head, softly rubbing your thumbs against his temples in soothing motions. Leo had to swallow his deep churr before it could boom through his chest, and break the scene he had put on. Yet the small sound he accidentally made caused you to grow even more worried, focusing all your attention on trying to calm him down while Donatello continued to check his arm and shoulder.
“You’re okay, Leo”, you spoke softly, your words like butter to his ears, while your fingers continued to make soft shapes on his face. “You’re doing great. Just relax, and it will be over before you know it”.
“Thank you, (Y/N)”, Leo said, straining his voice to make it sound like he was in pain, throwing a quick look towards Leonardo, who stood with Master Splinter. While Splinter looked on in concern, Leonardo stood with his arms crossed, a showling look on display. Leo had to bite his tongue in order not to smile. Of course Leonardo knew what Leo was doing, his was his clone for fuck sake. He could easily tell when Leo was faking pain. But was he going to say that out loud, and risk your anger? Hell no. Instead he would just stare disapprovingly at Leo, letting him know that he had caught on to his little act. And so Leo looked back up at you, finding your concerned eyes, while enjoying your warm hands against his face. “It’ll get better now that you’re here”.
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Crimson Flowers_Part 3
A.N: Part 3 of my TWST OC in Glorious Masquerade event.
Twisted Wonderland Masterlist
-----------------------------------
She felt herself falling, unable to grab a purchase.
Even as she screamed, she kept falling.
Then she stopped…
But for some reason she couldn’t seem to stop screaming.
“Mia!! MIA!!?”
Mia jerked upwards violently, desperately trying to find her bearings. When she did, she saw Grim floating around her head, worried eyes on her.
“Minion!! Are you alright? You were silently screaming and writhing! I was about to go get someone!”
She stared blankly at him so long, chest heaving, with silent tears poring down her face, that made Grim worked himself into more of a panic.
He was almost out the door, when she managed to find her voice, “Wait, Grim! Come back!”
She barely blinked, and he was hovering above her once again, “Oh, are you back? Are you okay?”
So a nightmare then?
Of when she was falling last night.
A shudder ran through her body. If Malleus hadn’t caught her….
Another shudder ripped through her.
“Mia! Are you sure you are okay? You looked like you were having a terrible nightmare.” Grim stated, floating down to drapping himself over her lap, even as his large eyes looked up at her.
She sniffed once before trying to rouse herself, reaching up to wipe away the tears.
“Was it because of last night?” he asked quietly.
She looked down at Grim, “Yeah, I guess so.”
“Well, you have nothing to fear! We are all okay and so are you! And in fact, we are so okay, we have a ball to attend! The two of us will be the coolest there! I’ll be much cooler but, you know, you’ll be up there too!”
Mia couldn’t help the quirk of her lips as she rested her hand on Grim and gave him a stroke, “Oh, I can’t even competition with my little Grimling? What a sad day.”
Grim grinned, “Don’t be too sad! I don’t want your tears to ruin my outfit!”
Mia snorted feeling this light banter was easing her night terror, “You don’t have to be anywhere near me if you think I’ll cramp your style.”
“If you don’t get your act together, I won’t.”
Mia mocked pushing him off and Grim laughed, “Good! Now, let’s go!! Time to get ready for the ball!”
Mia hoped that by the time she put on her costume and makeup that the night terror no longer showed in her face. She was still a little shaken up, but she wasn’t going to bring anyone else’s mood down. She grabbed her mask before heading out with Grim. She was feeling a bit better by the time they met up with everyone, however in an interim, Rook siddled up to her side.
She looked up at him to see a rare bout of seriousness. He leaned down, his voice quiet, “Are you okay, Mia?”
She was surprised. Why was he asking that? No one else had noticed anything, so she began to relax thinking that perhaps she’d get away with it. She shook herself to reply, “I’m fine.”
“Oh? Your eyes are a bit redder, and you are a bit quieter than normal. Is there something on your mind?”
Mia fought not to panic. How the devil did he even see that? She took great pains to make sure that she looked presentable. No one else seemed to realize. She knew that Rook was a great hunter, but she did not ask to be his target!!
Especially not tonight.
So she fell back on her tried and true tactic. She gave a delicate sniff and looked away from his penetrating gaze, “My sinus’ acting up. Don’t mind me.”
“Hmm….”
She was glad when they all started walking towards the ballroom. She discreetly tried to get away from Rook’s prying eyes. Mia had mentally prepared herself for being back in the ballroom, but when she finally got there, she froze. All she could see for a brief moment, was the room being filled with fire lotuses, and then she was falling…
Falling…
She managed to shake herself, grateful that no one else realized her predicament, too caught up in the restored ballroom.
“I’m going to the restroom. Be back in a flash.” She tossed to the nearest classmate before spinning on her heel and exiting the room.
She hadn’t realized that Rook had made his way to her side and had been standing next to her. He could tell something was off the moment, Mia and Grim rejoined them that evening.
This just confirmed it.
So, it did have something to do with last night. It seemed the terror of last night had all but faded for them, but for Mia it still lingered. He waited a beat then, “Epel, I am running to the restroom!”
“Don’t take too long! They are starting soon!” Epel stated with wide eyes.
“Oui, oui! I would not miss it for world!” Rook grinned before quickly exited the room.
It took no time, for him to find Mia standing by the restroom, looking lost in thought. “Nightmare?”
She jumped almost a foot in the air, “Rook! Warn somebody!”
“Nightmare?” He simply repeated, leaning on the wall next to him.
She looked away from him with a mumble, “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
“Nightmare of…what happened last night.”
“You are a like a dog with a bone.” she muttered, “I’m fine, Rook!”
“A hunter must have perseverance and patience! Something I have an abundance of!” Rook smiled before turning serious, “I’m sure last night was probably harrowing for you, especially if Malleus hadn’t caught you.”
“Please stop….”
“Mia, you shouldn’t keep this to yourself! If you don’t want to talk about it with me, that’s fine, but you should talk to Professor Trein at least.”
“And say what? That I keep seeing myself fall. I mean, if Malleus hadn’t caught me, I would have died.” Mia let out a breathless sob and squatted to her haunches. Rook followed, her eyes sympathetic, “This was the first time, I actually felt my life was in danger in this world and couldn't do a thing about it. And then, if I had died, I wouldn’t have seen my parents again. Is that what you want to hear? We have a ball to get to, I’m not trying to cry here, it’ll ruin my makeup.”
“Do not worry about that right now. Beauty is partly taking care of your appearance, but it’s also about nurturing your spirit. And right now, your spirit is hurt. I could not in good conscience, as Le Chasseur D'amour, let it go, especially tonight. I take it, seeing the ballroom, brought it back?”
Mia managed to nod.
Rook squatted in front of her and took both his hands in hers, “Mademoiselle Trickster, you are fine! I know they are pale words, but you aren’t dead, and you aren’t hurt. None of us are. I know you are playing ‘what if’ and that is valid, but the reality is that you are okay. You are okay, hm?”
Mia gave a jerky nod and whispered, “I know.”
“Then say that: ‘I’m okay, and I’m alive.”
Mia looked embarrassed and whined, “Do I have to?”
“Oui! If you want to say it in French….”
“Ain’t nobody got time for that, right now!! It’s embarrassing enough in English.”
Rook smiled, “Then?”
“.....”
“.....”
“If you take this long then someone will come find us.”
“I’m okay and I’m alive! There! Happy?!”
“Oui!”
A moment passed then:
“....Thanks, Rook.”
“Of course! How can I not take care of my freshman?”
Mia stood up with a small smile on her face. Since she said all of that, embarrassing as it was, she did feel a little better. “Don’t tell anyone, okay?”
“I cannot promise that. You should tell Professor Trein or your nurse when you get back.”
“I’ll talk to Nurse Annabelle, when we get back, but don’t ruin anyone else’s night, huh?”
“Very well. But if something else bothers you tonight, come find me. I’m availing myself to you and I expect you to utilize it.”
Mia giggled, “Okay, fine! Do I look okay though?” She suddenly began fussing over herself.
“You are a beauty, as usual, Mia. Although…” Rook whipped out a handkerchief and expertly began to dab around her eyes, “There, that will have to suffice. Your eyes aren’t that red, so I think if you are okay now, you will get a pass. Not from me, mind you.”
“Yes, thank you. I can’t decide if I should be grateful or not that you are this aware but thanks anyway.....I think.”
Rook laughed as he put away the handkerchief, “Then mademoiselle, allow me to escort you back in! And I hope that I can save a dance with you.”
Mia rolled her eyes but took his offered arm, “I suppose it’s the least I can do.”
When she returned to the ballroom, she felt a little better about being in there. Rook looked at her questionably and she gave a small smile. By the time she saw her school performance, her night terror was the furthest from her mind. She was floored but still had the presence of mind to pull out her camera to record it.
When the devil did they even do this?
Although Grim invited himself to the dance, spinning around, it was charming but embarrassing at the same time but Mia supposed if everyone was having such fun it was fine.
Afterwards:
“Hey, when did you have time to practice this whole song?” Grim questioned.
Deuce was apologetic, “Sorry about that Mia! We would have asked you to join if we’d known you’d be coming on this trip sooner.”
“Then I dodged a bullet!” Mia cried, “I told you, I don’t dance or sing for that matter in public!”
Malleus blinked, “But you did yesterday.”
“That was different. That is a group dance where everyone is dancing. Kinda hard not to. But a performance like this? I’m shocked you got Idia up there!”
When Professor Trien remarked to capture this moment on film, Mia held up her camera with a grin, “I’m way ahead of you Professor!”
“Did you capture the entire performance?” Professor Trein asked surprised.
Mia gave a devious cackle, “Naturally.”
Professor Trien gave the smallest smirk, “I’m sure everyone will love it and be horribly jealous they couldn’t be here in person.”
Mia said nothing although she smiled. So even Professor Trien had a bit of a devious side. Haha!
—
As the dance got underway, Mia really did slip away to go to the restroom. When she returned, she was accosted by a group of boys from the other school.
“Wa! I had heard there was a female student at Night Raven College! I’m so stoked to meet you!”
“I heard, you don’t even have magic! How did last night go for you?”
“Don’t ask such question?! No one want to relieve last night!”
“I’m sorry! I don’t mean to put you on the spot! I just wandered from a non-magical standpoint what it was like!”
“That’s not the issue! I kinda wish we had a female student on campus! Having just guys can be an eyesore!”
Mia blinked at the conversation that flowed around her. She hadn’t known even she would garner attention. After all, she was a lone magicless female at an all-boys college. But then she thought wryly, maybe that was the problem: She as a lone magicless female at an all-boys college.
“Oi, human!” Mia looked up to see Sebek passing by, “Surely you will dance with Malleus-sama, tonight! As his friend, you owe him a dance!”
“Wait, you are friends with the Malleus Draconia?” one arcane student cried.
“Well, she does go to school with him. Why wouldn’t she be friends with him?”
“Are you friends with everyone at your school?”
“Well, no….”
Sebek smirked, “Yes, she does have that privilege.”
Mia glowered at him. She wanted to strangle him, but she replied sweetly, “If your young lord asks, I shall let him have a turn.”
“Oooh….” the students sung.
Sebek grinned, “I shall relay these tidings! Malleus-sama expressed that he hoped to dance with you tonight, so naturally I must see that my lord's wishes are fulfilled.”
When Sebek had left, a student asked, “Why does he sound like a courier or something?”
Mia busted out laughing, “Or something!”
“Well, miss, may I have this dance? It’s rare that we get a co-ed dance! I cannot pass up the opportunity to dance with a young miss.”
“A young miss?” Mia was embarrassed, “....Well, how can I say no?”
“Pardon me…”
Mia and the group surrounding her looked up to see Riddle. Deuce was shuffling quietly behind him.
“I don’t mean to interrupt, but may I borrow Mia for a few minutes?” Riddle asked.
“Oh, certainly! Mia, we’ll be back!”
The group disperse and Mia gave a sigh.
“Sorry to interrupt your festivities, Mia.”
“It’s fine, I didn’t expect anyone to roll up on me, two seconds after I returned.”
“Why not? You are part of Night Raven College.” Riddle smiled once, but before he could say anything else, Rook and Epel passed by.
“Have you not danced yet, Mia? Surely someone asked you! If not, may I have your first dance?” Rook asked with a wink.
“Hold on a minute, please!” Riddled stated before asking Mia, “I was wondering if I could have your first dance, actually.”
“Oh la la!! What confidence is this! Bold strike, to the very heart of the matter!” Rook exclaimed, laying his hand on his chest.
“It’s not like that!” Riddle snapped, “It’s just I realized, a moment ago, that there is a Queen’s rule that needs to be followed!”
Epel looked incredulous, “Now? Of all times, NOW?”
“Yes, the rule states that if a gentleman finds himself at a function with a lady, he must dance her first dance. I hadn’t quite realized, until now, that we indeed have a lady present, at a function that requires that as a gentleman I must dance her first dance with her.” Riddle colored as he looked off, “By no means do I mean to be forward.”
“Fine! But Mia will owe a dance with me too!” Epel stated, “If Vil hears that I didn’t dance with Mia he’ll throw a fit!”
“Uh, why?” Mia asked.
Rook answered for him, “It’s rare that we have co-ed functions! Vil wanted Epel to experience dancing with the fair maiden to broaden his perspective.”
Mia blinked at this. She didn’t realize she’d be quite popular at this function. She was going to need a major battery recharge after this.
She held up her hand, “Okay! Fine, I owe you and Epel a dance. Malleus will find me later. I guess the other student will be put in line. Now never let it be said that, I cause you to disrespect the Queen of Hearts, so Riddle, I shall dance with you first. Now, please….”
“Alright, I’ll see you later, Mia!” Epel chuckled before leaving.
Rook grinned, “Indeed. I too wish to turn the most beautiful woman at this ball.”
Mia sighed, although there was amusement in her eyes at the compliment, “Rook, I’m the only woman here.”
“All the more reason for you to be the most beautiful woman tonight! Ciao!”
Mia turned to Riddle, “Okay…”
However, Riddle hadn’t turned towards her, and she just noticed Deuce, who had been silent the whole time.
“Is there something else?”
Deuce finally burst out, “Riddle, please, I can sit and wait until you are finished!”
Mia frowned, “Huh?”
“That will not do. The rules state that….”
In a rare show of fashion, Deuce interrupted his dorm leader, making Mia’s eyebrows shoot upwards. He looked strangely out of sorts, “I know, Riddle! But we can’t both dance with her at the same time like this! I can just sit still until….”
“Absolutely not! How would that look? We are both Heartlabyul students and we both need to follow the rule! The only solution would be for both of us to dance her first dance at the same time.” Riddle had turned red by this point, but Mia quickly realized it wasn’t from anger, “I’m aware of how awkward this is, already! I do not wish to complicate matters nor be a bother to a fellow dorm leader.”
“Alright! It’s fine! We’ll work it out!” Mia interjected, “Now, are we going to dance or….?”
“Forgive me, Mia.” Riddle finally stated, looking her in the eyes.
“It’s fine.”
A moment passed before Riddle cleared his throat and held out his arm. Mia took this arm as Riddle glared at Deuce. Deuce blushed once before offering his own arm, that Mia took with her other.
Mia didn’t know how this was going to go, but let them figure it out. They both held onto one of her arms as they moved back and forth. It took a bit, but Mia got the rhythm. It was obvious that even Deuce was following Riddle’s lead.
She giggled once, quite suddenly.
“Something wrong?” Deuce asked.
“Ah, well. I’m not one to really say this, but giving this unique situation. Let’s see….what if two girls wanted to dance with you at the same time. How would you feel?”
Riddle had a delicate coughing fit while Deuce lowered his face to the ground.
“Yea, you’d feel some type of way.”
“I’m sorry, Mia.” Riddle spoke, “I don’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“Oh, no. I’m not uncomfortable, unconventional as this is, but I am curious about something.”
“Hm?” At this Riddle twirled Mia, making Deuce release her hand. Then, when she finished, Deuce carefully twirled her making Riddle paused.
Mia didn’t even miss a stride, “I can’t say I don’t like this rule, but it’s strangely….”
“Common-sensical?” Deuce muttered, making Riddle glare at him. Deuce shrugged in apology.
“Yes, pretty much.” giggled Mia.
“Well, the story goes that the Queen of Hearts had gone to a ball in a foreign land, but the none of the men danced with her, although there were plenty of men for the women. She as so angry that she made this rule, seeing the lack of manners.” Riddle explained.
“I think the men might have been scared of her.”
“Scared or not, it was good manners to invite a lady to a dance. That is all there is too it.”
“I like that story. As a young lady myself, for once I applaud one of the Queen’s rules. Though, what would happen if there isn’t a lady presence?”
Riddle just looked at her, “Obviously, if a lady isn’t present, the rule doesn’t apply. Generally we have socials, it’s just guys, so it’s never come up. We’ve rarely had co-ed socials, in which case, the Heartslabyul students must take care not to offend the ladies with horrible manners. Since there is more than one lady, in that case, we don’t normally have this situation.”
Mia looked amused, “So what if, there is five of you and only me, then what?”
Riddle gaped, looking like he was going to have an aneurysm.
Deuce looked panic, “Don’t asked that!! He almost blew a gasket at the mere thought!”
Mia only laughed.
—
Rollo made his way towards to Professor Trein.
He was glad to be away from Malleus Draconia. Just the mere sight of him made his stomach crawl. He would one day bring doom! He knew it. Why couldn’t anyone else see it?
But his thoughts were distracted as he glanced out towards the dance floor. Why were there two students dancing with that female student at the same time?
He raised an eyebrow, “May I inquire as to the nature of this group dance?” He asked, gesturing once towards the group.
Professor Trein had been watching his students since the social began. Jamil was already chatting with a Noble Bell College student. Strangely, Ruggie had started a conversation over the food table already. He shook his head, he’ll allow it. Idia hadn’t moved from the pillar. He could only be grateful he was even in said room and that he participated in the singing event. He supposed he’ll give Idia this boon. Even Silver and Malleus was already dancing and making conversation.
But after spotting most of his students, he couldn’t find Mia. But then she returned, so he assumed she left to the restroom. At first, she seemed overwhelmed when a bunch of students accosted her, but she seemed to have settled down in the interim. Then he saw Sebek, Rook and Epel come up, until finally he saw Riddle and Deuce. It took him a minute, but he realized something.
He answered, “Ah, yes. It reminded me that a rule of Heartslabyul had come up most unexpectedly.”
“Oh, I had heard that the students of that dorm conduct themselves according to those rules. There were 810, correct?”
Professor Trein gave a small smile, “That is correct! This one states that if a gentleman finds himself at a function with a lady, he must dance the first dance with her.”
Rollo blinked, “The first? It’s that oddly specific.”
“Indeed. As dorm leader, Riddle wants to set an example. I cannot fault him for wanting to obey those rules. Being as both he and Deuce are Heartslabyul students, I suppose this was the best way they could obey said rule.”
“Most interesting.” Rollo remarked. There was a beat of silence, then, “Please excuse me.”
Professor Trien watched Rollo go. Before he left, her resolved to speak to the other teachers of Noble Bell College. He did not agree with what Rollo did, but since Malleus, Idia and Azul reported their findings to him discreetly, he was sympathetic. Rollo still needed a fair bit of guidance and Professor Trien would see that he got it.
—
“President!”
Rollo looked up to see his Vice President and Aide as he made his way around the room.
“Hey, you shouldn’t pass up this opportunity!” his Aide grinned.
Rollo sniffed once, “Which one?”
The Vice President grinned as well.
Rollo felt a bead of sweat run down his back, but didn’t show it. When these two grinned like that, it never bolded well for him.
“You should ask Mia to dance!”
“Why?”
Both Vice President and Aide looked dumbfounded, then the Vice President was practically flailing his arms, “Come on! She’s the only female student at an all-boys magic school! This is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss! We rarely have co-ed socials to begin with.”
“I still fail to understand why.”
“Not to worry, President! I shall aid in this endeavour!” his Aide cried, and before Rollo could stop him he disappeared into the crowd. Rollo would have growled, but instead he brought his handkerchief to his face, hiding his scowl.
He did not need this kind of help! Although, if he already suffered the presence of Malleus Draconia, as not to appear rude, he supposed dancing with a magicless female was a piece of cake. Yes, that’s right. She didn’t have any magic.
He was feeling calmer already.
Mia finally made it to the refreshment table and was sitting down for a spell when, the Aide appeared with a smile. She smiled back.
“Mia, right?”
“That’s right.”
“Good, uh, can you do me a favor?”
“Oh?”
“Could you dance with Rollo?”
Mia felt her heart stop for a minute. With Rollo? The reason why she fell last night? The reason for this whole endeavour last night? She didn’t think that he would want to dance with her. She quickly collected herself, taking a sip of her water.
“He wants to dance with me?” she asked as a stall.
“Well….um….” The Aide gave an embarrassed laugh, “Vice President and I put him up to it, to be honest.”
This was the part when she’d retorted that Rollo could ask himself, but she held her tongue. It wouldn’t do to seem impolite.
“If it’s not too much trouble…” came a calm voice behind her that almost had her spitting out her drink.
She looked over her shoulder wide-eyed up at Rollo. He looked at her once before holding out his hand wordlessly. Both Vice President and Aide were all smiles.
Guess that choice had sailed….
She placed her hand in his cool one before standing up and following him. This was the most awkward dance, she had yet. He was quiet. She was fine with that, but this was the awkward kind. Well, she wasn’t going to say anything before he did.
“I’m sure you have opinions about last night.” came the quiet voice.
She snapped her head up to look at him. He was looking at her, his expression unreadable, “I’m curious as you do not have magic. Do you not think the world would be better off without it?”
She gazed at him amuse, “You are asking my opinion? Are you sure?”
“Yes. Tell me.”
“You sure?”
He glared at her.
“The world I come from, magic does not exist except in storybooks.”
Rollo looked intrigued by this, “Then it must be a better place than here.”
Mia would have laughed but instead snorted, “Duh no! You think that because there is no magic, people will suddenly hold hands and sing Kumbaya? People always find something to fight and whine about. Magic doesn’t make a person good or bad. They are good or bad to began with and will use their magic accordingly. Magic itself isn’t inherently bad, it’s the people that use it that’s the problem.”
“You’ve been indoctrinated by mage teachings, I see.”
Mia rolled her eyes this time, “You asked for my opinion.”
“So I did. Thank you. It only reinforces that even magicless people are influenced terribly, and we must find a way to stop this.”
“......I’m sorry for your loss.”
That was such an abrupt change that Rollo tripped on a step once. But he quickly regained his balance and glared at her.
She continued quietly, looking at him, “I wondered what would make a person attempt such a thing. It must have been painful to live with.”
Rollo’s voice was tight as he gazed down at her, “And you still want to keep your opinion?”
“Yes, I do. I don’t know what happened. Were the mages around you bad and didn’t care or did they not realize what was going on? I still think it wasn’t the magic, it was the people themselves.”
“Don’t talk like you know anything.”
“My apologies….” Mia inclined her head once.
When they finished their dance, Rollo released her and said amicable as if nothing has happened, “Thank you for the opportunity. Please enjoy the rest of the social.”
“You too.” She stated before heaving a sigh and making her way toward the refreshment tables. She heaved another sigh before sitting down. She should have gotten another drink, but she felt unexpectedly drained after that encounter.
Even after all this, he still felt he was in the right.
“Are you alright, Child of Man?”
Mia looked up, “Ah, Tsunotarou….if you’ve come to collect your dance, you’ll have to give me a minute.”
Malleus gracefully took a seat next to her, “Do not concern yourself with that. I saw that you danced with Rollo.” He leaned closer, eyes riveted on her, “Are you okay?”
“Yea, I’m fine. My battery about dead though.” Dancing with Rollo took about 35% right there!
“Hm, that’s the internal one, correct?”
Mia giggled, “Yeah, Idia has the right idea, right now.”
Idia had barely moved from behind the pillar since the start. Some of the other students came to speak with him, but he refused to dance.
A glass was sat down in front of her, and she looked up to see Silver standing next to her “Are you okay, Mia? That must have been nerve-wrecking given….the situation.”
Sebek glared once in Rollo’s direction as he stood on the other side of Malleus, “He wasn’t untoward to Malleus-sama’s friend, was he?”
She smiled gratefully up at Silver before taking a sip. With a roll of her eyes, she answered Sebek, “Malleus-sama’s friend is fine, thank you.”
“Good, so you will dance with Malleus-sama then!” Sebek stated. It was not a question.
“Sebek, calm down. This is one area that, we as his retainers, are not needed.” Silver admonished.
“Please don’t feel pressured.” Malleus suddenly looked troubled at Mia, “I do wish to take a turn on the dance floor with my friend, but I won’t force you.”
“I don’t feel forced. I was just surprised that, so many wanted to dance with me. I assumed I’d be hugging a pillar much like Idia.”
“Surely not!” Silver cried, “If anything, our students would dance with you at least once. You’ve probably had enough dancing, but if you want, Sebek and I will dance with you as well.”
“I..what?” Sebek gaped.
Silver glared at Sebek.
Sebek snapped to himself, “Ahh, of course! Human, I’ll dance with you! As Malleus-sama’s friend, and I as his retainer, should not allow you to feel remiss. In fact…”
“Don’t hurt yourself, Sebek.” Mia interrupted, “Stop while you are ahead.”
Sebek wisely took the out as Mia looked up at Silver, “Thank you, Silver. That’s very kind of you. However, I do owe your lord a dance. I’ll pay up now.”
She smiled at Malleus who took the hint and gracefully stood to his feet. He held out his hand with a smile, “Very well. Mia, may I have this dance?”
She placed a hand in his, “Certainly!”
Sebek was beaming, “It’s about time.”
“Your commentary is unnecessary, Sebek.” Silver sighed as he watched Malleus and Mia head to the dance floor.
“Hush! I shall not miss a moment of this even for your inane chattering.”
Silver rolled his eyes then.
Malleus and Mia smiled as they glided along the dance floor.
“Thank you for accepting my invitation, Child of Man.”
“Of course! You know what they say…”
“Which one?”
“The best is always saved for last.”
Malleus laughed.
FIN.
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