#lilia taught you better than this

[hanafubukki]

Summary: In which, a potion accident leads to Lilia having long hair again.

You coughed and waved your hand, trying to dispel the fumes in the area.

You knew allowing Grim and Lilia to partner up was a bad idea.

Whatever the two had poured into the cauldron caused an explosion of colorful gases, you could hear Silver call out to his father in panic.

“Khee hee~ It’s been a while since I’ve been like this.”

Malleus cleared the area with his magic, and you were faced with the nonchalant laughing fae.

Lilia was safe and sound with no visible wounds, the only difference was his hair. Whereas he had short hair before, now he had long hair, more than he ever had in his long life.

Oh no.

This was bad for you.

It turns out cutting said hair would not be possible. The potion ended up giving Lilia indestructible hair no magic or blade could cut.

Professor Crewel had simply stated the easiest option was to wait until the potion wore out.

Whenever that was.

In the meantime, you watched as Silver’s bird friends and Malleus’ magic worked together to braid said hair.

It reminded you of a certain movie back in your world, ironically enough.

Sebek poked at you, “Human! What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all!”

Sebek seemed to realize something to your mortification, “Oh! Is it because-”

You slammed your hands over his mouth, “Don’t finish that sentence!”

You and Silver watch as Lilia uses his hair to swing side to side across the room.

His laughter bounced off the walls.

Neither of you were surprised, but it was still an amusing sight nonetheless.

“Sebek told me about your…problem.”

You were going to kill him.

“It’s not a problem. It’s just a me thing.”

“Father would be happy if you told him.”

“He would be insufferable and you know it.”

Silver couldn’t deny that.

“Malleus!”

“Child of Man?”

You ran behind Malleus, taking cover.

“Oh come now~ I just want to talk Dear.”

“Whatever you want to ask, you can ask in front of Mal.”

Lilia pouted, his hair was still long and dragging about. You wondered how it didn’t get dirty.

But then again, you knew Silver who uses soap on his, so was this surprising?

“Lilia, why is YN hiding from you?”

“That’s what I want to know! They’ve been neglecting me~ I want my cuddles but they keep running away.”

Malleus seemed to think Lilia’s words over, and you used this opportunity to try and escape-

“Woah!”

Something wrapped around your wrists and pulled you across into Lilia’s arms.

You stared at the hair binding your hands together.

You’re kidding me-

“Bye Malleus~”

“Wait! No! Malleus-”

“It is better to express yourself rather than keep it in. It was you who taught me that, YN.”

Traitor.

Lilia burst into laughter.

Normally, you would find this cute

You know, if you weren’t tied to your chair.

Bound with layers of hair.

The irony of this didn’t escape you.

“So you ran away because you couldn’t handle how hot I was?”

“…maybe.”

You weren’t going to tell him that General Llilia, during your time in his dreams, still made you hot and bothered.

Nor would you tell him about those dreams with the General, the current Lilia in front of you, and you. Together.

Nope.

Never.

He would have a bigger head than he already does, knowing how weak you are for him.

It was bad enough that Sebek knew how much you simped for his mentor because you needed to confide in someone. Though you kept those thoughts away from him, for both your sakes.

“Khee~ Hee~ You’re so adorable, Beloved.”

Lilia leaned towards you.

“Would you say…I make you speechless?”

The dark crimson of his eyes made you fluster. A flash of an image of him in his groom outfit had you blushing more.

“That’s cheating!”

Lilia chuckled before sitting on your lap, his thighs framing yours and his arms circling your neck.

“I never said I played fair. Besides, I quite adore you like this.”

His fingers trailed up the back of your neck into your hair. His breath mingled with yours, lips barely touching.

“Bound and pretty under me, and all mine to do as I please.”

Your whimpered plea has him finally leaning in, lips pressing against yours.

The way this idea gripped me and never let go as Nessy ( @masquerade-of-misery) and I talked about how hot Lilia is with long hair.

Hope you enjoyed ☺️🫶💚

[mrsrookhunt]

hi, hi! could I ask for pt 2 of the twst "what to expect when your lab experiment drinks formula," I just thought it was rlly cute!☺ you can do any sort of characters, I don't mind!

What to Expect When your Lab Experiment Drinks Formula Pt. 2

Hihi! Actually, I wrote that scenario for all the characters in twst I'm writing for right now (I'm new to the fandom), so I've gone ahead and made this into a followup on how they're doing as parents, hope you don't mind! Thanks the ask!

Warnings: Mild Chap 7 spoiler (Lilia), Rook & Floyd want so many kids your house is going to look like the 100 baby sims challenge.

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Part one! Rook Hunt! Part Two (here), Part Three!

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Malleus Draconia

Malleus is running wild with the new heir. As much as he loves you, so much of his time is occupied by playing with his baby that you don't even see him around as often as you used to.

Your new baby is named Ormr, an ancient name directly meaning 'dragon'. Malleus pouted for a bit that it didn't start with 'Mal' but you assured him that it could be a great fresh start before the Draconia family ran out of names.

While you were still a bit disoriented by the strange circumstances, you were adjusting just fine to being a parent. Your little one kept you on your toes, breathing fire onto your homework when you weren't giving them enough attention and flying away with your food when Malleus taught them how to fly short distances.

Get out the broom. There's a dragon baby with a pb&j on the ceiling.

Malleus' love of your child surprised you a bit. Though you had known that he had technically set up the entire creation of the child, you never expected for Malleus to take so strongly to the little dragon fae.

To be fair, the entirety of Briar Valley seemed to rejoice at the news of your little one, so you supposed that your child was more important than it would be to a normal family. This was the continuation of his bloodline, without posing any risk of losing you, his favorite Child of man.

It was perfect, a blissful life together.

Malleus is constantly supportive of you and works hard to be both a father and a partner. He never fails to make your family feel loved and connected, even in trying times.

Rook Hunt

Rook's baby is... Rook's baby.

The little creature is mischievous, even for its young age.

It may not be able to crawl, but provided anything of importance is in its general vicinity, it will be swiped, hidden, or destroyed with an innocent giggle.

Rook manages the child much better than you. Although you love your child to death, they seem to have inherited Rook's predatory mind in their entirety, and it makes Rook far more equipped to handle the baby's demeanor.

When you look away, you'll most certainly be hit with the first thing in reach of your little one. You blame Rook for this, who reveled in showing them documentaries on hunting through the ages from birth.

Soon, it's more complex weapons. Sharp rocks from your trip outside to play have somehow become entrapped in a very deliberately tangled slinky and thrown at the back of your head.

You know it's all in good fun between Rook & your little one, but your baby will be as skilled a hunter as Rook someday. He was not wrong to call your child his little hunter from the moment it fell into your arms.

Rook wants a large family, so you'd better be prepared for lots of little predators running around the house. Good luck trying to keep them from attempting to murder each other.

Extra: Rook is the type to remember that recipe to a tee. If you so much as mention having another child, ten more are going to show up the next day. Honestly he's waiting for you to slip up and mention it. He's absolutely in love with your family, and would be overjoyed to expand it. Best of luck to you.

Floyd Leech

As soon as you were asleep that night, little child snug in a makeshift bassinet next to you, Floyd was already sneaking out to create more children.

You woke up to six more on the bed with you, one of which woke you up directly by biting you for attention.

Overall you've had much trouble managing all the little literal ankle biters. If it weren't for the liberal help from Jade, Grim and Ace, you would not be able to manage all seven.

However, this does not stop you from loving them entirely. The babies love you to death, and you're extremely bonded to them as well. When you and Floyd fight, there's suddenly seven growling creatures lined up behind you, at the ready to attack.

Despite being 110% like Floyd, they are very certain in their favoritism. Two of your children refuse to have him nearby at all.

He claims it breaks his heart, but you catch him praising your little ones with frozen grapes and soda to reinforce their bond with you.

Definitely not what a baby should be fed but when you said they couldn't eat seafood he switched gears to 'land food', and would take no further criticisms.

The best times are cuddle nights. Twice a week, all of you cuddle up in your Ramshackle dorm room and cozy up to a movie and snacks. This continues until well into their childhoods let's be honest. It becomes a Leech family tradition.

Sebek Zigvolt

"Human! Get it! GET IT!!!"

Your baby is very adventurous.... or something close to it.

Always tumbling off furniture and rolling off changing tables, or falling down for some reason or other.

You can have ten sets of eyes on this child and it does not matter, this baby will stubbornly look into your eyes and throw itself off the couch.

There's so much chaos, constantly, when it comes to little baby Zigvolt.

Sebek's excellent training is the only reason that your child has not been hospitalized for concussions.

But his excellent training has not saved him from the baby's love of biting their father. So, so many times. Every time Sebek catches it.

Chomp.

Every time he bathes it.

Chomp.

Everytime he changes a diaper.

Chomp.

Sebek is covered in tiny little baby bites.

But oh, how your baby adores you. In between bouts of defiance and finger-snacking moods, your baby loves to lie in your arms and cuddle.

It's arguably the most comfortable time you get with Sebek and your baby.

And I do mean arguably, because Sebek swears up and down that the baby is happiest in the presence of Malleus, and it's a hill he's willing to die on. But you know he really just wants an excuse to show off your baby to Silver.

Silver is not impressed.

Your baby is the very definition of a headache to Sebek. They cry everytime they see Malleus, they hate any sort of regimen, they love to play and play and... play more. All day long. No work or training to be seen here, baby Zigvolt will NOT be having it unless you want 4 hours of ear-splitting tantrums. And the baby still won't do the work when they're done.

But still, you see Sebek in every aspect of your baby. The strength, the way your child loves you unconditionally, but treats everyone else cautiously, and overall, the refusal to do anything that doesn't align with their little baby whims.

You've lovingly termed your baby 'Stubborn Ziggy the Second'. Sebek is not a fan, but he allowed it after you let go of 'Swamp dog & Swamp puppy'.

Lilia Vanrouge

screaming.

And more screaming.

It is not the baby. It is you trying to find the baby.

"OH MY GOD I LOST IT, I LOST OUR BABY OH MY GOD---"

And then--

"Weh!" The baby pops its head out of a cabinet with its hands up the way Lilia does to scare them.

The baby giggles and coos at its own joke, making grabby hands while it waits for you to come get it.

You're just dumbfounded. You're going to have to scold Lilia, because now your little one is picking up on yet another one of his pranks.

Your baby is a lot like you, with one exception-- your baby is so playful and teasing that it honestly gives The Great Lilia Himself a run for his money.

Last week, you were frantically searching for an expensive piece of jewelry, when it dropped down on your head from the spot where little baby Vanrouge was apparently levitating it from.

Oh yes, your child's magic is coming in strong. Though Lilia's is fading, you tease that perhaps the little one is just absorbing it from him outright, showing him videos of your child's most recent magical displays of strength.

Your family bonds through jokes and playful faces, entirely. Lilia is probably a candidate for The Worst Parent on Earth, so you do most of the housework. It's not like Lilia's never offered, it's that you promised Silver not to let Lilia traumatize his little sibling. All of your best moments are spent by making space in your schedule for your family time.

Lil Vanrouge needs all your love, and Lilia Vanrouge does too. It's a fine balance between upsetting either of them, though dealing with hours of screaming and petty annoyance is not a hard decision.

Just make sure both are getting enough cuddles, and maybe don't judge growing-up lil Vanrouge when they decide they love gaming...

Azul Ashengrotto

Don't forget about Azul, please.

Your baby has the chubbiest cheeks and the cutest smile, but is it as cute as Azul? Cuter, probably. But don't tell him that.

Azul loves your child with all his heart, but he's a bit miffed that it requires so much of your love and attention.

You and baby Ashengrotto are very bonded, so it's rare to see you apart for a moment. And in that moment... Azul is putting on Full-Drama Mode. Cuddles, cuddles. More cuddles. Give him a kiss. Could you please take a bath with him? He's just so tired, he doesn't think he can take a bath by himself. Would you mind giving him a massage? You're too tired? That's ok, you scratch his back and he'll scratch yours. He's not too tired after all. He'll give you a massage.

Your little one is so much like their father, wanting all the attention and love in the world, but getting the priority treatment. Little baby Ashengrotto is Octavinelle's favorite thing ever. Everyone just wants to love on them and see their cuteness.

Azul was going to charge people to see them until you put your foot down and said no.

Azul knows how precious his child is. Secretly, he does want another. Two, just for a healthy statistical number's sake. But he won't tell you that. He's trying to come to terms with the shift in attention with one tiny octomer right now, maybe waiting a couple of years would be more optimal. He will never admit that he's jealous of your child, but claims that he's 'working through his issues when you bring it up.

But Azul will always prioritize his baby as well, even if unintentionally. In the end, the wellbeing of his family comes first and foremost.

And maybe showing off mini-mer to the Mostro lounge staff.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

book 7 part 5 thoughts!!

***THIS POST CONTAINS MASSIVE SPOILERS FOR BOOK 7 PART 5 OF THE MAIN STORY!!***

If you’d like to watch a rough part-by-part summarized translation, please check out this archived stream!

Please note: this is NOT meant to be a summary or a translation; these are only my initial thoughts on the events that unfold. There may be details overlooked or misunderstood in this post, so PLEASE do not use this as a translation.

Starting off strong with some lore on magic! Teleportation magic involves breaking oneself down and reconstructing elsewhere. If the distance from point A to point B is too large and/or the caster is in poor health, the magic may fail or be difficult to perform.

Hmmm... Lilia is reacting very emotionally to the situation, but it is Baul that is (mostly) rational and reminding Lilia to keep calm. I'd anticipate it being the other way around, so that's quite interesting.

HUH... Even Sebek is staying calmer here than Lilia is; Sebek recalls training with Lilia and how they were taught that they have to stay calm to think and plan effectively in tough situations. Ironic that the old Lilia was the type to go against the advice he would later give and instill in his pupils. Again, it goes to show how much he has changed since then.

AH, BAUL'S BEING A TSUNDERE AGAIN 🤡 He's telling the kids to stay behind because the situation has changed... "Don't foolishly discard the life Lilia-sama protected", "humans shouldn't be fighting alongside fae anyway", etc. (And, of course, Silver's the one to step up and tell him fae or human, it doesn't matter and he still owes Lilia his life all the time.) NOW'S NOT THE TIME TO TALK, GUYS... MALLEMOM'S GONNA BE GAME ENDED

Weird sounds downstairs? SILBEK KICK DOWN THE DOOR and we find some chefs in hiding. adhbasvfvuvfqeilfe;o THEY MISTAKE SILVER FOR THE DAWN KNIGHT... More sussy behavior implying the Dawn Knight must be his ancestor.

They ask for brooms to transport the injured faster. Silver's negotiation skills come in clutch again, he convinces the chefs to direct them to the brooms even though it would be helping the fae, the humans' enemies.

Not Sebek's stomach growling now of all times... NOT SEBEK DENYING IT SO MUCH (it's okay, they get pity and some food from the chefs!)

Found a room full of birds; they seem to be for transporting messages. Silver feeds them some of the bread they got from the chefs. Wow, Sebek's actually being sneaky/clever (?). He tells Silver he's loved by animals, so time to use that now so they can use the birds.

AKHBBGSKUVYEQFBI NOT GRIM WANTING TO EAT THE BIRDS

Bleh, we have another time-gated, character-limited map segment. Silver and Sebek take up 2 of the 5 slots. Again, the cards' health does not regenerate unless you land on a special square. Luckily for us, there is only a single path forward rather than a larger, sprawling map.

NO KIDDING, THE BIRDS HELP THEM FIGHT THE SILVER OWLS... Literally they're swooping in and tugging on the knights' cape and stuff... the squirrels nibbled away at their catapults' rope too... chucking rocks at them... THE BIRDS POOPED ON THEIR ARMOR TOO???????? Imagine training your whole life to put your life on the line for your home country, only to be literally shat on and defeated by woodland creatures...

Lilia: I hate children. Also Lilia: *rushes into battle to protect the children and gives them head pats for a job well done and asks them to be safe*

Silver continues to be a Disney princess!! They find some horses tied up and he's like "let's free them". Sebek drops some club lore; Silver is one of the better students in Equestrian Club when it comes to soothing the horses. True Horse Girl at heart, huh??

Silver and Sebek are surprised that what they learned in school is actually helping the in a "real world" sense. Man, I wish that was true of irl high school education too...

The Silver Owls recruited mercenaries from other countries to help them seize Briar Country's resources??? The others pitch in because they live in fear of a dragon attacking them.

They're going to teleport into the castle, but they can't teleport out since they can't guarantee the safety of Tamago-sama... They're going to use the underground waterways to escape!

There's a mountain range that protects another castle of the royal family, Black Scale Castle. Malleus's mom is currently in an unprotected castle, Wild Rose.

Wow, what a peaceful vista straight out of Sleeping Beauty. I sure hope it doesn't become tainted by blood being spilt and bodies dropping or anything craaazy like that/j

DAWN KNIGHT INCOMING???? Silver's ring starts??? Going off??? When he sees the Dawn Knight...

Heinrich reveal too! He seems like just as much of a scumbag as all the rumors say he is (he wants a dragon to ride, tells the Dawn Knight he's only good for his swordsmenship, etc). BRO JUST STRAIGHT UP SAYS HE WANTS TO TAKE MALLEMOM'S EGG AND RAISE IT TO BE HIS STEED... 💀 WTF THAT'S SO DARK

This asshole reminds me of Jack Horner from Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish, who is another irredeemably evil man with a small face and a generally grotesque design.

Heinrich is after the castle and some very powerful magestone called "Princess's Glow"? Not sure, did not hear the second word well.

He's giving them 30 minutes to send the princess out for a one-on-one duel with the Dawn Knight. If she wins, they'll retreat (I DON'T BELIEVE THAT FOR ONE SECOND).

NOT THE CASUAL FAE RACISM... Heinrich calls Mallemom a "witch". If you'll remember!! In book 6, Lilia says that mages were once called witches, but implied that those terms are now outdated and considered derogatory.

The Dawn Knight is like Silver! He tries to tell Heinrich this isn't right, but Heinrich tells him that since his father took the Dawn Knight in as an orphan, the Dawn knight "owes" them. It's a twisted parallel to Silver and Lilia's relationship (because Silver says he feels like he "owes" Lilia and has to repay him).

Okay, so to review the family tree??? The king of the human faction is sick and they want the Princess's Glow to heal him. The king is the dad of Heinrich and Leah; the king would also later take in the Dawn Knight. Leah and the Dawn Knight are in love.

Malleus's mom's official name is "Meleanor" (a location name is written in English with this)i. The castle's halls really resemble those in Diasomnia dorm (I think it's a reused asset). (Now that I think about it??? Didn't they also reuse the VDC backstage background for the eastern fortress?)

SHE'S SINGING???????? A lullaby for her baby, it seems. Bruh... Malleus sang like a line from this lullaby before he game-ended everyone with his UM... HE REMEMBERED HER SONG FROM INSIDE THE EGG SHELL??????????

MALLEMOM REVEAL AW YEAH (she starts zapping Lilia with lightning lol; she's mad at Lilia for showing up late to defend her and her egg) SHE'S THE HOT GOTH GF

OMG EGG REVEAL TOO... UNBORN MALLEUS... (The egg looks like it has blot running down it too, which is insane)

ADBLIsfiablfa IT'S SO WEIRD SEEING HER SIMP ON MAIN, she says he knows her unborn child will grow up to be a beautiful man just like her husband... (Sebek is practically sobbing from happiness that he gets to witness Meleanor name Malleus.)

The ear shape is really coming back to bite them; Mallemom noticed them and now her anger is turning to our group. She forces us to kneel with magic... Jafar energy fr

"Princess Glow" is the green orb in Mallemom's staff!

Lilia tells some embarrassing stories of the princess's tomboyish youth; "And though you always scolded me, you never failed to join me in my mischief" -- Mallemom to Lilia

She agrees to duel the Dawn Knight while the others escape with her child... Now Mallemom and Lilia are fighting because Lilia refuses to follow through with her order.

NOOOOOOO SILVER JUMPED IN TO PROTECT LILIA FROM MALLEMOM'S LIGHTNING 😭 EVEN THOUGH HE KNOWS IT'S A DREAM, HE DOESN'T WANT TO SEE HIS DAD HURT

Lilia trauma time :)) "I can't lose both you (Meleanor) and Levan (Malleus's dad)".

IT'S LIKE WE THEORIZED, LADS. Mallemom says that if anything happens to her, then it's up to Lilia to help Malleus hatch with the POWER OF TRUE LOVE... BUT LILIA THINKS HE CAN'T HATCH IT BECAUSE HE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND A PARENT'S LOVE

OH MY GOOOOOOD THE PIPING HOT TEA, MELEANOR SAID LILIA PROPOSED TO HER WHEN THEY WERE YOUNG... OVER 200 YEARS AGO

sdhbfbiyoaifofi Mallemom says that Lilia "also loves Levan" and that those two spent more time together than a "married couple". You could interpret this as Lilia being bisexual or just as them being really good friends, as Meleanor never specifies if Lilia “loves” Levan romantically.

Suddenly, Lilia's special card name makes sense! Lilia is the "Right General", and Levan is the "Left General".

The weather shifted according to Meleanor's anger. Like mother, like son... This woman also quotes Maleficent so much...

OOOOH we get to watch a battle between Mallemom (dragon form) vs the Dawn Knight. Mallemom uses all null/cosmic magic, just like Dorm Uniform Malleus. The Dawn Knight uses light type null/cosmic magic just like Silver does too!

Dawn Knight face reveal?! He's basically Silver copy-pasted but long blonde hair. Dude's really out here looking like a Sonic OC recolor/j

The Dawn Knight also has a crown-like ring on a chain. It's an item that was given to him by guardian fairies when he was young; there is no other like it.

YASASHII... The Dawn Knight notices our group has the egg and tells them to run. He doesn't want Heinrich to get his hands on it either... Crowley, takes notes 😭

UHHHHH SILVER'S CRYING AND SHOUTING... I think he realized that he's descended from the Dawn Knight, serving on the faction that's brought so much harm to his loved ones and home country. "Am I family to the enemy?!" His denseness is truly to his detriment here.

Uh-oh, Silver's being pulled into the "darkness" of the dream, thinking it would be better to just stay here than face reality... He's losing hope, DOING THE THING HE FORESHADOWED LAST UPDATE... IF HE EVER FALLS INTO THE DARKNESS, THEN PLEASE PULL HIM OUT... (Another map segment with Silver required; you have to find your way around in the dark.)

NOOOOO NOT SILVER SEEING HIMSELF AS THE DAWN KNIGHT THAT HIS DAD'S STRIKING DOWN IN VENGENCE OTL WHAT IS THIS, IT'S SO SICK AND TWISTED

400 years after conflict, the peace treaty was signed between fae and humans. Wild Rose Castle is now left in ruins; the rumors say it is haunted. The diurnal fae casted a spell on Wild Rose to keep humans away.

HUH???? LILIA FOUND BABY SILVER IN THE ABANDONED WILD ROSE CASTLE?????

Uhhh so apparently after the war we saw, another conflict broke out for territory and the Silver Owls got their asses handed to them.

LILIA UNIQUE MAGIC REVEAL... HE CAN READ THE MEMORIES OF THINGS HE TOUCHES????? (Reminds me of "Dimensional Scream" from Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of TIme/Darkness/Sky!) "Far Cry Cradle" is the name! We also get the chant: "As if it were a day. Everywhere I go, it will be in a blink of an eye."

BABY SILVER?????

Silver was magically put to sleep for hundreds of years by some small (guardian) fairies?!?!?!?!?!?!? Because conflicts were still going on and his parents wished for him to live in a world free of war. When Silver meets someone who "loves" him, he will wake up from his magic-induced slumber. NOW THE BABY IS AWAKE AND CRYING

... Wait. Doesn't that mean. Silver is technically older than Malleus... since Malleus is only 178 years old and Silver's been sleeping for like 400 years????? OTL SILVER OLD MAN ERA??????

NOT (PAST) LILIA BEING TSUNDERE, he says he thinks the guardian fairies' magic is fading with time... he doesn't even consider that he'd ever love the baby...

"I'm not someone who deserves your love" - Silver, casually cuing all of our tears

Silver's hair was originally blonde; It became silver when he received a fairy's blessing (Lilia's). LILIA SAYS "May the Night bless you" and says that the day he found Silver is his new birthday. So the Dawn Knight has gold hair because it's blessed by a diurnal fae, but with silver hair like moonlight, Silver won't stand out in Briar Valley.

I CAN'T WITH LILIA, SILVER SAYS HE WAS NAMED THAT BECAUSE OF HIS HAIR COLOR IN A BIRTHDAY VIGNETTE... Yet here we see Lilia actually named him Silver as in silver moonlight to guide people in the darkness...

"Even if I have to give up my own life, I want to protect my child", that's a sentiment that both Lilia's princess and the Dawn Knight expressed. I think this kind of thinking probably helped Lilia put everything into perspective and better understand that humans and fae are actually very similar.

SILVER/LILIA HOME REVEAL, we're seeing some point later in time but before present day when Lilia is still raising baby Silver.

Lilia is singing the same lullaby as what Meleanor sang for Malleus in the egg!! Malleus pays them a visit and still doesn't really seem to understand humans (HE SAYS SILVER LIKE A MONKEY????) but also helps watch baby Silver... He even hums his mom's lullaby for Silver, but cannot seem to remember where he heard the song before.

It's so weird thinking about how fae take 30 YEARS TO LEARN HOW TO WALK... What do you do for those 30 years, just lie on your back????? OTL

LILIA READS SILVER BEDTIME STORIES

Oh, Lilia's understanding humans and fae a little better (around the time Silver starts to eat pureed foods). Both human and fae babies cry and sleep, etc. BHFABIYFVQIQEFL hE'S FEEDING SILVER RAT MEAT???????? Malleus has to have the castle prepare baby food for them...

WAHHHHH THAT ACRON BRACELET LILIA TREASURES IS SOMETHING KID!SILVER MADE FOR HIM... Squirrels helped him gather the acorns and woodpeckers helped him string the acorns together. The acorn amulet is meant to bring Lilia a long, healthy, and happy life (something Silver was told by forest fae). Even as a kid... Silver was hoping for Lilia's health... and now that I think about it, the acorn amulet is like a representation of Lilia's own deteriorating health over time... OTL

"I feel like I can live a thousand years with this (amulet)..." LILIA EVEN KEPT IT ALL THIS TIME AND CALLS IT HIS MOST PRECIOUS BELONGING... shUT UP, SHUT UP IM CRYING

ASKHBLIDIBIFIA WE'RE SEEING THE RAINING SCENE LILIA TOLD US ABOUT IN ONE OF HIS BIRTHDAY VIGNETTES???!?!?!?!????!? It's the day Silver realized he and Lilia aren't related by blood...

God, there are so many of the map portions... This time, Sebek is the required character!

The rest of the gang are transported to the darkness where Silver is wallowing?? Sebek sees some of his own memories which intertwin with Silver's (since Baul sometimes took bare of Silver or visited Lilia). It's also confirmed that Lilia went to Sebek's dad to ask for advice on how to raise Silver.

Back then, Baul asked Lilia to train Sebek since he's part human (and therefore "weak" in Baul's eyes). However, Baul still values his grandson and wants him to have a good education 🥺 (Sebek's older brother also graduated from NRC??)

Lilia tore up his invitation to NRC???? But it was his friend Levan who came to him with the invitation pieced back together and kept it safe for the future in case Lilia reconsidered. It seems like Levan really is a diplomat; he stresses the importance of humans coming to understand fae + vice versa, and how it's things like learning a common language that can help bridge these gaps.

Lilia confirms that Levan must have "become a star" by now BUT UNTIL I SEE A CORPSE I'M NOT BELIEVING IT

Sebek's trying to get through to Silver, who's slowly being swallowed by the darkness... HE UNVEILS HIS UM, "Living Bolt"!! "Thrust through the clouds, o' lightning!" It seems to summon a powerful strike of lightning, but I'm not entirely sure what it does because the visuals of the game are a little confusing??? (Like it shows a white silhouette of Sebek moving around, so it makes me think he can... control the lightning??? Or he... becomes lightning itself to move around??? DON'T QUOTE ME ON THAT.) Sebek says he hasn't mastered it yet so maybe even he doesn't know what it can do.

With Sebek's UM, he's able to snap Silver out of it!

THE GIRLIES ARE FIGHTING... There's literally a battle between Silver and Sebek, which resolves with Sebek smacking some sense into Silver. Sebek calls him an idiot and tells him to stop saying he isn't loved, because it's rude of Silver to be this weak when Lilia raised him to be strong (ie "IT'S AN INSULT TO LILIA-SAMA", "IF HE SAW YOU BEING THIS PATHETIC HE'D BE SAD", etc). Way to go with your words of encouragement... 100/10 motivational speaker, Sebek.

Silver realizes that he has had Lilia's love and support all this time... "It's true love", Silver says. The true love that his guardian fairies said would wake him from his sleep... 😭I really appreciate how it was Silver who first snapped Sebek out of his dream-induced despair, and now Sebek is doing the same for Silver.

WAIT THAT'S IT?????? THAT'S THE UPDATE???? ?? ??? ? ????????? 🤡 TWST really said, "I'm coming for everyone's throat and I'm taking no prisoners" AND THEN DIPPED ON US AFTER DROPPING SO MANY BOMBSHELLS... This is just the fate of every book 7 main story update now, isn't it???!??????!?

asidoavyfqevofb I know a ton of really exciting and shocking reveals happened this time around, but while my mind is still racing to process everything... the one thing that sticks out to me is "Ace is the only one without a UM now". IT'S SO FUNNY HOW HE THOUGHT HE'D GET HIS UM BEFORE DEUCE BUT HE ACTUALLY ENDS UP BEING THE LAST OF THE ENTIRE MAIN CAST TO GET IT................. .. . . . .. ....... .. .. . .. ... . . . .. THERE IS SOME CRUEL, SICK IRONY HERE.

I pretty much said all my other thoughts as they cropped up along with the corresponding story beats!! But overall, I loved learning more about the characters and their shared history. Part 5 confirmed many theories, such as the Dawn Knight being related to Silver (and not his ancestor, but rather his actual dad), Silver being put under a sleeping curse that requires true love to break, how Lilia came to raise Silver, etc. It also recontexualizes lore we already knew, such as how Silver got his name, the Zigvolt family's involvement with Lilia, and how Lilia changed from his old self to his current self.

khbhasdsbkuavuofafabf I ALSO CAN'T BELIEVE LILIA X MALLEMOM IS A THING, THAT WAS ONE OF THE MOST SHOCKING REVEALS THIS ENTIRE UPDATE😭 All this time we were joking about Lilia x Mrs. Spade... turns out, Lilia was into someone else's mom... HE'S JUST INTO MOMS, I'M CALLING IT NOW/j

I'm surprised that we didn't get to catch up with the Shroud brothers whatsoever this time??? Not a single peep about Ortho (who has 'woken up and is actively working to help everyone) or even Idia (who is still stuck dreaming)... I really hope the next update addresses how Ignihyde is faring, cuz I miss them and want to know how they contribute to saving the day!!

As book 7 progresses, it progressively calls the image of a spinning wheel into my mind... This is the case especially for the flashback segments we see, which shows us how the various members of Diasomnia are related to each other, and, by extension, their other family members. Lilia is raising Silver, the baby of an old foe. Malleus is visiting Lilia, who is implied to have helped hatch him after his parents died and/or went missing. Lilia asks Sebek's dad for help raising Silver. Baul asks Lilia to help mentor his grandson, Sebek. It really harkens back to the "individually, we're threads on a spinning wheel, but we come together to make something far stronger" line that Lilia dropped at the end of book 6, proving that the spinning wheel and the threads of Fate within it are an important motif for book 7 🥺

I'm fine.

This is fine.

It's not fine

[wolken-himmel]

In which a strange girl with the same haircut as Lilia appears in the Diasomnia dorm.

It turns out, the mysterious girl is none other than Lilia and (Y/n)'s daughter from the future.

Request by @over-active-daydreamer.

"What is this foul stench, Silver?"

"Must be Lilia cooking again..."

"No way— I was just gone for a few seconds! He better not have messed with my soup... How does one even burn soup?"

Sebek and Silver had their noses scrunched up in utter disgust as they rushed down the hallways of the Diasomnia dorm. Even from kilometres away, one would have been able to follow the potent odor that came from the kitchen. The closer they came to the source of the horrible smell, the more they had to fight against the ourge to collapse.

They only managed to enter the kitchen with their collars raised over their noses. Just as they had feared, a small figure with a dishevelled bob-cut stood by the stove. Seemingly unaffected by the putrid smoke, the culprit continued to stir the overboiling pot.

Silver was the first one to speak up, although his voice was muffled. "Old man, get away from the stove at once," he exclaimed and raised his hand. "I will not hesitate—"

Poor Sebek looked like he was about to cry when the smoke cleared up. "You ruined my soup, Lilia!"

The person whom they thought to be their vice dorm leader let out a little giggle. "Huh? Lilia? That's not my name!" Truly, the stranger's voice was much higher, reminiscent of a teenager girl. A pleased grin appeared on her face. "Must be my hair, eh? I wanted to style it just like Daddy's! I guess the pink streaks look just like his, then. Mommy did a great job with the dye."

"Intruder! Intruder!" Sebek yelled and moved his hand to his baton. "The intruder burnt my soup!"

The girl rolled her eyes before stepping out of the smoke and skipping over to the two Diasomnia students. No wonder they had mistaken her for Lilia — their haircut was identical! Though, her clothing gave her away. She wore a green summer dress instead of a school or dorm uniform. And on closer look, her ears were round, like that of a human.

"Calm down, Sebek... it was just a little bit raw, so I decided to turn up the heat," she said cheekily and held out a bowl of the crusty soup. When she urged him to take it, he almost screamed in fear. His reaction caused her to roll her eyes. "My daddy taught me to cook, you know. I'm not clueless! Just add some lamb sauce if it tastes burnt."

Silver eyed her suspiciously. "How did you get in here and what's your name?"

Upon finally taking notice of him, her eyes lit up in glee. When she threw herself at him and looped her arms around his neck, he was too taken aback to react properly. A series of happy giggles escaped her lips. "Big brother! You're here, too," she chimed happily. After what felt like an eternity, she pulled away to shoot him a lopsided grin. "It's nice to see you again! It's been such a long time since you visited us... You're always away on some important royal guard business with the king..."

"The king...?" Silver asked in confusion.

"Yeah! King Mal-Mal. You should tell him to come visit us, too. It's been an eternity since I've seen him."

The boys' minds rattered with thoughts and all sorts of hypotheses on who this girl was. With all the clues they had been given, they were just about to figure out who she was when another figure entered the kitchen.

"What's this amazing smell in here?" the newcomer asked unironically. "My mouth is watering!"

All three of them whipped around to find Lilia waltzing in without a care in the world. He didn't seem to take notice of the mysterious girl with how his gaze seemed fixated on the soup pot. However, he was forced to acknowledge her presence when she jumped at him and enveloped him in a bear-hug.

"Daddy! You're here!" she exclaimed joyfully. "Would you like some of my soup?"

Lilia furrowed his eyebrows. "Huh? Who are you?" he asked in amusement. A bout of laughter escaped his lips when he noticed her hair style. The corners of lips twisted upwards into a giant grin. "I like your hair, stranger."

"Silly you!" she muttered and rolled her eyes. "It's me, Aurum— your daughter."

The sudden revelation had the vice dorm leader frozen at first, and even Silver and Sebek's unanimous gasps wouldn't make him budge. The only visible movement from him were his eyes that looked the girl up and down. He tilted his head to the side when he could sense no falseness in her words.

"I have a daughter? That's news to me," Lilia muttered calmly. He began stroking his chin. "I've seen a lot of strange things... but even this is newfoundland for me."

"Oh— right, Mommy and you aren't together yet!" A mischievous grin appeared on the girl's face as she clasped her hands together. "You should hurry up with confessing, really. You always told me about all these other guys that had a crush on Mommy. Better not let them win, eh? My life is on the line here."

It was then that Lilia's eyes lit up, the confusion vanquished. "Hm, so you're a time traveller! Everything makes sense now."

"No, nothing makes sense!" Sebek grumbled, still as confused as in the beginning.

With a newfound fondness, Lilia wrapped an arm around her and began laughing. "Your company delights me, Aurum. Why don't you tell me more about the future?" he asked curiously. "About your mother, to be precise."

"Oh, I would love to— but I think I need some fresh air..." A yawn escaped her lips as she gestured to the door. She flashed her father a sheepish smile before worming her way out of his grip. "Time travel can be so insanely exhausting..."

Lilia hummed softly. "Can I get you anything, Aurum?"

"Yeah, a younger sister would be nice. Thanks."

The three Diasomnia students found themselves entirely caught off-guard by the casual tone of her request. Of course, Lilia was the first one to snap out of it when uncontrollable laughter escaped his throat. He could barely stop himself, especially when he glanced upon the shocked expressions of his fellow dorm members. So caught up in his amusement, he didn't notice as you entered just when Aurum was about to leave.

And as fate wanted it, the two of you bumped into one another.

"Oh— sorry, I didn't see you there," you apologised at once. When your eyes fell upon her hair, an aloof smile appeared on your lips. A little chuckle escaped your lips. "Hey, I like your hair!"

"Thanks, Mommy! You did a great job dyeing it." The girl shot you an affectionate smile before walking past you.

Your jaw sank down upon having comprehended her words properly. Even after she had disappeared from your view, you still continued to stare after her. "What... was that?" you asked the trio of Diasomnia students after a while. "And what's up with Lilia?"

Lilia could barely contain his joy at Aurum's implications. At once, he began pacing back and forth, mumbling all sorts of things to no one but himself. An eternally pleased smile appeared on his lips. "I've lived a long life, and I always thought that nothing fate could throw at me would surprise me anymore. But to think that so much more happiness awaits me— oh, fate, you sly bastard... perhaps you will triumph over me, after all."

[throughthetwistedmirror]

Marrying for Love ~ *Malleus Draconia*

Summary: As Crown Prince of Briar Valley, Malleus is expected to become King one day. However, he still needs to find a partner to rule by his side. And that's where you come in...

Pairing: Malleus Draconia X Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluffy Drabble

Word Count: 731

Warning: N/A

Masterlist

Taglist: @savanaclaw1996 @goseew

A/N: An early birthday present for him because we share the same birthday.

You have met a lot of princes in your life, but none were quite like Prince Malleus Draconia of Briar Valley.

He was a rare kind of mage and beauty and an even rarer kind of gentleman. He cared deeply for his people, his friends, and his family. He didn't really have enemies wherever he went. His magic was incredibly powerful and he wielded it well. He was soft-spoken, intelligent, humorous, and compassionate. Malleus was born to be a Prince and strived to prove he was worthy of being King of Briar Valley every single day.

There was just one obstacle in his way: marriage.

According to the customs of this ancient kingdom, he couldn’t ascend the throne until he was married. It was the chink in his relatively perfect armor. Even though he was considered the perfect man throughout the realms, Malleus was hopeless when it came to finding a suitable partner, at least in Lilia's eyes. Sebek was still under the impression it was the other party who had the problem, not Lord Malleus. 

Sure, Malleus could talk to people, but he couldn’t flirt and couldn’t understand flirting to save his life. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t seem to understand the subtleties of romance, much to Lilia's displeasure. He thought he taught him better.

Really, it was no surprise his parents, with the help of Lilia, arranged a match for him.

And that’s where you come in.

Oh sure, you know how to flirt and be coy and romantic with others. But after spending one evening with Malleus, you knew it wasn’t going to work with him. And you’re nothing if not adaptable.

From the first moment you met him, you knew he craved an honest relationship, where you didn't play games and you were very clear with your intentions from the start. You took it upon yourself to just get to know him, all of him, and not just the parts he wanted you to see. It was a start. And he found it was something easy he could do. While you learned more about him and what made him who he is, he learned about you. And what surprised him the most was the fact that he genuinely liked you. And that you genuinely liked him too.

Time was ticking down and you found that this idea of an arranged marriage didn’t seem so terrible. However, you were still worried. Slowly, Malleus was learning how to flirt and be romantic. You were afraid he wouldn’t need you anymore, he wouldn’t care about you anymore as much as he did when you first met. You liked that he needed you. He made you feel wanted and loved. But what if he found someone better?

You kept your worries to yourself. Being the Crown Prince of Briar Valley, Malleus had enough to worry about. You didn’t want to complicate your relationship with him in any way. Nevertheless, in the privacy of your room, you wished that Malleus would be yours just like you were his.

So you can imagine your surprise when he invited you on a stroll through the royal gardens one day. Sure, the two of you often went walking in these gardens, but it usually wasn’t until after all of his royal duties were complete. It was the middle of the day when he sent for you, not late evening after dinner like normal. Though you were confused and more than a little anxious, you did not want to keep him waiting. Quickly, you found him near the entrance to the gardens and the two of you began to walk together, arm in arm.

Malleus eventually stopped in a small pavilion surrounded by your favorite flowers. He sat you down on one of the benches and began a long-winded speech, which wasn't a common occurrence for him. He went on and on about how even though your relationship started as an arranged marriage, he felt something more for you. He thought of you as less of a companion and more of a lover he wanted to treasure forever. He explained that to him, you were the perfect partner to spend the rest of his life with. However, he didn’t feel like he was actually engaged yet.

So he asked you a question:

“Will you marry me?”

And of course, you said, “Yes.”

[blues824]

(round 2 sorry)

silver w prompts 17 and 28

You requested: Going ice skating + Being caught after slipping on ice

Silver

When he suggested ice skating as a possible date idea when he got time off of being a knight, you thought he was joking. The mere thought of being on the ice scared you, as you knew you were going to be bruised worse than a banana. You know when Bambi is learning to walk and he slips and falls? You were worried that was going to be you.

But, Silver was quite serious. You realized that when you both were on the bus to the bottom of the mountain, where the frozen lake was. You didn’t want to let him down or embarrass him, so you were in quite a bit of a pickle. He was tying your skates for you, and you were breathing rather heavily.

“Are you alright, Y/N?” He looked up, and his auroral eyes peered into yours.

“Y-Yeah. I’ve just… never skated before. I don’t know how,” You admitted quietly. You were grateful that it was cold outside so you could blame your body temperature rising to account for the coldness rather than shame.

“Oh. That’s alright: I can teach you how,” he stood up and offered you his hands to hang onto. You stood up very slowly, digging your fingertips into your boyfriend’s arms as you worked hard to steady yourself on the skates.

The way he easily walked to the frozen lake was envy-inducing. He looked graceful, while you looked like you had put on a pair of six-inch heels after only wearing crocs for your entire life. Silver went from the snowy grass on the outside of the lake to the ice smoothly, and he turned to help you onto the ice.

“I’m scared…” You didn’t know if you wanted to do this, but Silver gave you a small smile before once again holding out his hands.

“It’s going to be okay. I am your knight, Y/N. I will protect you from any harm, and that includes falling.” With that level of assurance, who couldn’t feel a bit more confident?

You cautiously stepped onto the ice, sliding a bit forward, and Silver started guiding you to the opposite side of the lake, where there was an empty space. This man was skating backwards while you were struggling to skate forward.

“Ok, Y/N. I’m going to let go of your hands, and you’re going to put them out in front of you. Then, you’re going to put your feet together, bend your knees, and start in a marching motion. You will be using it a lot while we’re skating.”

This guy must be out of his mind if he thinks you’re not going to fall forward.

Your arms were shaking when he let go, but you did what he said. He was demonstrating what you should be doing, and you were surprised that you didn’t fall. To be fair, you were marching in place, and your feet were going up and down directly.

~~~~~~~~

It had been about two hours at this point, and you were surprised that you had fallen only a few times. To be fair, Silver did teach you how to fall correctly, and he always rushed over to see if you had hit your head at all. Luckily, the one time you had fallen backward, you fell on your ass instead.

The only issue was actually getting back up. There were a couple of instances where you didn’t put both your hands on your knee to put pressure on it, and you slid forward. Your beloved knight would catch you before you fell forward, and he would help you steady yourself. 

Whenever you felt like giving up, he would be there to press delicate kisses upon your face as an act of encouragement. You really couldn’t have asked for a better ice skating teacher.

But, you were at a stage where you could skate about freely, and you knew how to stop, resume skating, fall and get up correctly, and you were learning how to go backwards.

“Where did you learn how to skate, Silver?” You asked as you both skated about on the lake.

“Lilia taught me how to when I was younger. In Briar Valley, there was a lake that froze over in the winter, and a lot of the fae folk would take their children to skate. Lilia thought it would be a nice outing for myself, Sebek, and the Prince. I was the slowest, and probably the most cowardly on the ice. However, I am grateful because now I get to teach you,” He looked at you, a bit of blush decorating his cheeks and the tip of his nose.

“Well, thank you for having so much patience. I was like a baby giraffe at the beginning.”

“As was I all those years ago. But, look at us now.”

All of a sudden, your skate hit a chip in the ice, and it sent you falling forward. Silver noticed and was quick to rush in front of you and catch you in his arms. You gathered your bearings rather quickly and looked into his eyes, and he quickly pushed a kiss to your lips before breaking apart.

“Are you ready to go, Y/N?” He asked, noticing that you were probably feeling a bit sore.

“Yes, but we can stay if you want,” You didn’t want to ruin his fun, as you knew that he did like ice skating. However, he shook his head.

“I’m afraid that I’m starting to fall asleep, but I want to make sure that you get to your dormitory safely before I nod off.”

Reaching for his extended hand, you both start going to the benches that were set up so that people could take off their shoes and put on their skates. You were very happy to be back in your normal footwear, your muscles grateful to not be skating anymore.

Silver, being the gentleman that he is, took your backpack from your hands that held yours and his skates as well as your water bottles, handed you yours, and you both started heading towards the bus stop.

[twistedwonderlandimaginesblog]

Hello! May I ask ❤️ 10,20 and 30 for Lilia? Thanks!

Lilia Vanrouge:

2. ♥  When they have a crush on someone, how do they let them know?

Lilia is openly flirty but he leaves you guessing on how deep his feelings may run. Falling in love was not on his bucket list, and he did manage to avoid it for several years, but it seemed the clock was ticking ever faster. Should he commit to fun few years together, keeping it light, or should he share the rest of his life with you? A lot for a crush, and he’s normally not so caught up on planning the little details, but things are going a bit differently for him now.

8. ♥ Are they loyal to their partners?

He does admit that his past self might have taken you for granted, and maybe he would’ve strayed because the horrors of war had to be wiped from his mind somehow. But the Lilia he is now, with his love for his family and friends, had many experiences that taught him that having one special person to stay by his side would prove more fulfilling than the concept of a thousand lovers.

9. ♥ Are they patient with their partners?

Lilia is very teasing and can be a little mysterious, but as long as you can deal with some curious prodding, you’ll be content. He doesn’t really stress over time so he’s not likely to be pushy, but if you’re not also a fae he will give the gentle reminder that you don’t have all the time in the world (mostly when you’re in a lovers spat)

10. ♥ Do they include their partners in most aspects of their life?

Lilia might not have considered it back in the day, unless you were a soldier like he was, but these days he finds there’s some enjoyment in doing things with those you love. There are certain parts that are a little darker and much drearier, ones that he doesn’t want to subject you to, but he does always try to include you in the fun portions of his life. As far as he sees it, you’re part of the family and welcome to enjoy time with all those in Diasomnia.

20. ♥ How did their relationship start?

You didn’t really consider a relationship person. After becoming fully aware of not just his age but the life he’s lived before NRC, you can’t imagine he even pictured something serious beyond graduation happening. But he surprised you by the official questioning leaving his lips, asking you to be his one and only, the teasing smirk leaving you to wonder if he’s just teasing you again after you confessed what was on your mind. Asking ‘what are we’ is always an embarrassing situation but Lilia seemed to respect your directness, saying he had always regarded you as his one and only; your question made him realize he should make that fact known before you started making wrong assumptions. While he’s a little whimsical and certainly not quick to commit, he does confess to being the possessive type, unwilling to share your romantic interest with anyone else.

30. ♥ Would they leave the person they love if it meant saving their life/giving them a better chance at life?

Lilia was not a stranger to making hard decisions. How he managed to compartmentalize it was a bit of a mystery, but he thinks he’d do anything if it meant assuring your happiness. He doesn’t even know if you being together would be the ending you deserved, if there were greener pastures awaiting you who was he to hold you back?

[serenescribe]

another ficlet idea: lilia and silver bonding together in the secret garden au \o/ are they playing a game? chatting together? ill leave that one up to you!

[✐] ficlet frenzy

“Regardless of whether you may be ready or not… here I come, little one!”

He stifles a giggle by pressing his palm against his lips, back pressed against the rough expanse of bark and moss. Silver is hiding, nestled behind a particularly ancient tree with roots so monstrously large that they tangle together into dips and crannies he can hide within. He can feel his heart thumping in his chest, the adrenaline of the game seizing hold of him, but there is no real fear there, only anticipation.

It is yet another day in this secret, wonderful garden he stumbled upon in the woods. His refuge, his little paradise away from the orphanage. It isn’t as though he hates it there; his friends are nice, and he loves to play with them, and some of the adults are kind enough to sneak him a few extra treats, or a gift or two. But here, tucked away within the rounded stone walls of a secret garden, is something special — an earthly paradise of the most beautiful flora and fauna, and a friend who smiles at him and plays with him — all his, all for Silver alone.

They’re playing hide and seek again. They’ve played it many times before. But no matter how many times they do it, there’s always somewhere new to hide. Silver always discovers new spots to tuck his tiny body away in, peering out from the wispy leaves of the trees, or ducking his head as his friend peers through a crack in a wall that he’s hiding within. In this little garden, this special place, there is always something new — and can anyone really blame Silver for wanting to come here again and again, whisking himself away into a wondrous world of his fantasies made real?

He holds his breath, eyes wide as he hears a faint thumping of footsteps go by. He must’ve gotten distracted; is his friend close by?

Silver’s friend is… how can he describe him? He doesn’t have a name for him, always referring to him as mister, but he is kind to him, always welcoming him in with a fang-toothed smile, his long black-and-red hair swaying behind him in gentle breezes of springtime wind. He presses sweet treats into Silver’s hands, swings him around merrily into a dance, and plays game after game with him before they collapse into rambling chatters of anything and everything that’s on Silver’s mind.

Silver loves his friend. He really does!

And yet, there is a line he dares not cross.

Beware of the faeries, the adults have always told them. Those of the orphanage are more superstitious than most, having experienced strange activity in the woods time and time again in spite of the modern era they all live in. For as long as Silver can remember, he has been taught painstakingly about how to deal with strange, beautiful people, those who wish to lure him away. Be polite to them, reject their food, and above all else, do not give away your name.

It’s the reason why his friend calls him child and little one, affectionately referring to him as dear. It’s the reason Silver carefully puts aside the ripe fruits and sugary treats he receives, always claiming that he isn’t hungry, and always making sure to eat before he comes so he isn’t telling a lie.

And yet, in spite of all the dangers, he keeps coming back.

“Found you!”

He squeaks as a shadow falls over him, two glinting red eyes peering down at him. His friend grins cheekily, before reaching down to scoop Silver up, lithe limbs betraying a supernatural sort of strength. “What a devious hiding spot,” he teases, “to take advantage of your small statue and hide amidst the roots of the trees! You grow better at this every day, dear.”

Silver squirms slightly, though he leans into the hold soon enough. His friend smells nice, like fresh forest pines and sweet fruits mingling together into something that clings to his nose. Everything about him just brings such an ease to Silver, a happiness he could have never possibly dreamt of.

(And yet, he still hesitates. He still notices the unnatural swiftness of his friend’s movements, the otherworldly beauty that drapes off of him, the way the garden seems to shift day after day, growing and twisting at an otherwise impossible pace.

There is a tinge of iron that clings to his scent.

Silver is happy here. He is safe. But—)

“You must be thirsty after all that hiding.” He feels himself being placed down onto a soft patch of grass. Silver watches as his friend pulls out an elegant little leaf cup out of nowhere, filled with something glistening and shimmering, with a scent that makes his mouth water. “Why not quench your thirst, hm?”

(Does he trust his friend?)

Silver blinks at the drink offered to him.

And then he smiles.

“Thank you for the offer, but… it’s alright!”

[kalims]

˃ ᵕ ˂ . . "what are you willing to do? oh tell me what you're willing to do."

I would,

premise. in which it's the things he's willing to do.

parts. one , two

characters. rook, cater, ruggie, lilia, epel and kalim.

contents. scenario, fluff, crack, comfort, teaspoon of angst in lilia,

includes. gender neutral reader, sebek x gn!reader (platonic) in lilia's.

cw. mentions of nudity (not what you think it is I swear)

note. not proofread, but read clarifications please thank you!! it's to clear up general idea's of the scenarios

I know most of lilia's part is sebek but I hope you know the whole point of it

my unofficial 'I am back' post

rook hunt

I would be your number one fan.

who the hell thought it would be a good idea for you to be the main character in the play?

oh wait.

that's right it's freaking vil. the worst part? it's VIL and no matter how much you resent the idea, you can't exactly deny vil all in his glory when he asks you because either way he's gonna strike you down with one look alone.

well at the very least if vil insisted you be the main lead out of... over 300 students in the school he must really be striving for success. if he wasn't he wouldn't be so lenient.

now you get why epel is both terrified and irritated at vil.

you were getting starved! (which is in fact, not true but you swear your stomach is still empty and lonely after one meal full of vegetables) maybe you don't mind veggies, maybe you do. but heck.. you enjoy those delicious, savory food once in a while.

you huff, panting as you kneel over. this was absolute hell. if you knew your character liked to apparently 'test their speed with horses' literally everyday you wouldn't have taken the spot. really though who even enjoys that?!

the play took place in an older era, where high society and such was a thing. typical main lead is outcasted yadda yadda.

you wipe the sweat off your brow and sweatdrop. "bonjour! you look positively sparkling!" a bottle of water is promptly shoved in your face, but even with the sudden intrusion of space you pay it no heed. after all water had never looked so enticing before.

though sparkling? you'd rather use the word 'hot and sweaty'. if anyone was sparkling it'd be rook. "I'm more stinky than sparkling." you can't say you enjoy the feeling of sweat on your skin.

even at your little joke his smile doesn't falter, rather it widens through the crinkle of his eyes. "you are still beautiful in my eyes, trésor"

you raise a brow at his casual compliment.

"I don't see how you'd like me racing with horses." it is rather ungrateful, you'd expect a character like yours to be on the horse, not running alongside it! magically out of nowhere rook pulls out a handkerchief which you gratefully accept.

your nose catches a whiff of the scent. wow, it smells like rook. too bad it's getting sacrificed for the better good. you think, patting down your forehead in the way vil taught you.

cause apparently just dragging it across your skin wasn't as good as patting it. though you won't question the unusual languange.

rook seemed to find your comment humorous as he laughed. "whatever you'll do. I will always admire!" well gods. his smile was contagious cause you found yourself mirroring his look. rook looks pleased with the upturn of your lips.

he catches a hold on your shoulders. "perhaps this is merely stage fright. first time, no? do not fret! I will be cheering for you if it makes you feel better."

your face twists into that of doubt. "um.. rook I love you but that seems.." embarrassing? you'd got your own share of people yelling out your name in a cheer. especially your family at an event you were featured in.

the experience wasn't that nice. it's not that you hate it, but something about it is like a thorn in your mind.

rook tilts his head. "nonsense, trésor. I will show everyone how nice your performance is, they deserve to know!" he proclaims.

oh no no no—

you chant in your head, frantically running around rook and attempting to stop him from giving you an example. just the first shout attracted the attention of your other co-workers.. "ROOK—"

"let them hear the depths of my love!"

ㅤ

cater diamond

I would be present.

cater is observant.

his ability to sway nearly every conversation to his favor is partially due to his ability to pick out the opposing person, be it a nervous twitch when the conversation tilts to a subject. or the gleeful shine in their eyes.

he can tell, especially you.

sure. he might've known you less compared to his friends but it feels like he can tell everything about you.

it does feel like a crush at first, he's questioning himself whether his feelings are actually romantic or not. borderline gaslighting himself that it's not even when he tries everything to impress you.

'you're just a friend' he tells himself but he's testing out the tricks social media told him to. holding eye contact when he can't even contain his heart.. amongst other things it's his favorite.

cause he can see your eyes, and at times you look away. clearly embarrassed by the contact.

"how's my favorite person doing?" cater slides in. seemingly out of nowhere, slinging a casual arm around your shoulder while keeping you close.

seriously. the occurrence had happened to often you had grown to find the little shoulder sling present in your everyday.

technically you are his favorite person but no matter how much he says so you just don't believe it.

you roll your eyes but can't keep the smile off your face, despite the clear look of exhaustion on your face. "just peachy. don't you have class right now?"

as far as you were aware. the time period between classes were alternating. it was the students that had to move between rooms to attend their class.

cater shrugs. "we were excused for club practice. it just ended, so I thought; why not see how you're doing?" he explains. pinching your cheek out of the simple urge and grinning when you grunt and slap his hand away.

as far as he can tell. you are definitely not feeling peachy, the bags under your eyes. more prominent than ever, or the unkempt appearance that both vil and riddle would practically strangle you for speaks volume.

"I'm fine."

cater knows that look all too well.

he tightens his grip on your shoulder and practically pushes you to his side, not really forceful. his eyes soften the littlest bit.

whatever vulnerability cater had shown for a little quickly disappeared as he simply smiles, perhaps less bright than his usual but it was.. something.

closer than you've ever been cater leans in, in a voice you've never heard. it's quiet, and gentle. "well. if you ever aren't come talk to me, okay?"

you still at the sudden warmth that jolts in your heart. "okay.."

ruggie bucchi

I would give you the tastiest piece

"—can you believe it?" ruggie huffs. words coming out in mumbles due to the amount of donuts he'd eaten in a single minute. it seemed that a mouth full of his favorite treats isn't gonna stop him from telling you all about leona's recent orders for him.

you absent-mindedly swirl your drink with a straw. "totally."

it was like, it goes in one ear and out to another. it does feel a little horrible to ignore something someone's talking about, especially if that person is someone you like! the only reason you were listening is cause you liked his voice.

you did get the gist of it though. it seemed like leona was in a bad mood nowadays, which meant ruggie had to take most of it by the increasing amount of errands leona had him run.

leona in a bad mood = ruggie's now more broken sleep.

as the resident ruggie stan you didn’t really mind him leeching off the salary you'd gotten for crowley. a few madol isn't gonna hurt your savings, plus. it's not like you haven't bought a few treats for yourself previously in the past.

you leave out the part that you like seeing his delighted face.

you did sneak a few glances by the plate almost finished by ruggie in a mere few minutes. you, by no means spent cheap money on it. for the guy you liked you'd probably buy anything he'd like (within reason) and then 'fall short' if ace asks you to buy him food.

it looked scrumptious in all honesty but from the look of ruggie's face and the assumption that he won't stop any time soon prompted you to shut your mouth and just enjoy him enjoying the donuts.

"thanks a lot for this. you know just how to cheer up an exhausted hyena up." ruggie laughs under his breath. sending you a rare look of appreciation that has you cracking a smile.

proudly, you nod. "of course. anything for you."

you wince. maybe that was too bold, but then again. it didn't seem to faze ruggie in the slightest.

after a period of silence, not exactly awkward in the slightest but rather comforting. no words needed to be said, you liked that, ruggie liked it as well. he casts you a peek.

"I can see you ogling at it. you look like me when I look at the donuts."

you frown. "no I don't.. I am not, ogling at your food."

ruggie shakes his head but there is a trace of a smile in his face. "I might be eating a lot right now but I can't leave you out of it can I? you gave it to me." ruggie says, pausing to look at you before continuing, "it's our food,"

to seemingly show you that it's 'ours' ruggie takes out the final donut in the plate and hands it to you with a grin. "I saved the best for last, here. open your mouth." he urges, threatening to squash it right in your face if you didn't with fast motions.

you sigh. he's just taunting you at this point. and, as far as you can tell that's his favorite flavor.

"but that's your favorite." you point out but ruggie's grin only seemed to spread across his face wider.

he shakes a finger in your face. "nope. correction, you're my favorite now eat up!"

you were too flustered to rebel against it.

ㅤ

lilia vanrouge

I would love with you

"aren't they simply adorable?" lilia raises one finger to point at the duo that.. didn't really seem all to adorable to you.

you sweatdrop. "uh.. yeah.. totally cute." it's not like you were gonna say outright: those are two men who are battling each other, definitely doesn't look cute to me. more like horrifying. to lilia out of all people! if silver and sebek are anything to him it'd be babies.

he beams.

it's safe to say it positively breaks down your entire body to skip a beat of your heart.

earlier the afternoon lilia had graciously extended an invitation to his dorm. something about bonding and since you're incredibly down bad, of course you wasted no time fretting over yourself as you trudged towards the mirror with barely contained excitement.

while sebek did pick you up (courtesy of lilia) you're sure he knew why you were barely able to keep yourself on your toes, hence surprising why he didn't bother to comment in it.

most probably something about the audacity of humans and defending himself if you pointed it out.

you aren't sure of the details which is admittedly kind of idiotic but did you really care? no.

but did you expect to spend your afternoon quite literally babysitting two grown men with the man you can call your yearning? quite a suprise and one you can't say you welcome.

when you accepted the invitation you didn't spend hours picking out articles of clothing and practically thrashing your wardrobe trying to make a 'casual' outfit that would appease to his eyes just to waste it on.. watching two grown men live their own lives!

frankly it's frustrating. it's endearing that lilia had his family in mind every step of the way but all the more irritating. and you don't even mean the part where he had his family in mind.

you just wish he'd realize they aren't the boys he used to baby before.

after god knows when, you watch lilia enter mother hen mode when silver fell down from his sitting-sleeping position. lilia gently lowering himself to adjust silver's position.

you look down.

and god did you feel awful for invalidating his love for family (kind of) it was too presumptuous of you to assume that you'd ever fit in it anyways.

oh well. you shrug. at the very least you were able to bear witness to it.

call it a sixth sense but you can tell sebek is right beside you. he huffs. "you, are a pitiful human." he says casually. the words are awfully mean, but you sense no particular ill intent from the boy.

instead you find it quite amusing. so you laugh quietly under your breath. "so I've been told." you can't use your fingers to count the amount of times sebek had called you that.

you both just stay like that. in silence, surprisingly no quips from sebek's mouth.

till he turns to you.

"the way you look at fathe—master lilia. you are being a coward by not telling him."

"I'm fine with that, there are things better left unsaid."

sebek stares at you. as in, stares real hard. the kind of look you'd see with someone who was feeling a mixture of confusion and frustration.

he opens his mouth as if to say something.

your own gaze lands on a poorly wrapped bandage around his arm. you raise your brows and gesture, "enough talk about me. what is that?"

great seven.. sebek had hoped you wouldn't see that, even so. he didn't pick you out as someone to care anyways (not that he wanted you to) it's just bizarre in itself.

at the mentioned he grunts and looks away. "it is merely a scratch!" he huffs. looking forward aggressively as if to try and hide away the sweat in his forehead. you roll your eyes.

it is a scratch but also not one? sebek and only noticed the blood down his arm when he was in the restroom. it seemed like silver had managed to nick him.

"sit."

"human! you are not—"

"sit."

sebek grumbles but sits down anyways. once again surprising you with his obliged silence as he waits for you to return with a new roll of bandages. the boy can feel the searing embarassment of getting treated by a human by all things!

"my my, seems like silver did a number on you did he?"

lilia chuckles deeply. sending the boy a look which sets off a fire within. sebek immediately opens his mouth to defend himself, while you. busy yourself with wrapping it around tight, but loose enough not hurt.

"silver is lucky to have done it that's all!"

you laugh.

sebek snaps his gaze to you. "what are you laughing about, human?! your way is that of a parent and I don't appreciated you flocking me." he grits out. possibly not realizing the extent of his words till he spots the look of rare suprise in lilia's face.

his face mirrors yours, but yours is definitely coated with embarrassment.

lilia giggles, a fond glance he gives you sends thousand butterflies in your stomach. "parent eh? I didn't know you yearned for another parent my dear sebek. if you wanted two that can be arranged fufufu.."

arranged?!

ㅤ

epel felmier

I would do the craziest thing with you

while you did have your own fair share of being in trouble plenty of times (a good amount stems from being with ace and deuce) you aren't sure if the potential consequences of this one can top any of them.

you squat outside the window of vil's room, which could be considered a violation of privacy if your intention was to break in this room.

right. your eyes slide to your left. in a similar position, epel sits beside you. hugging his legs to his chest looking oddly innocent for someone whose idea was to do this in the first place.

in hindsight you can call it epel's master plan to get a week with vil off his back.

apparently his master plan included adding paint to vil's shampoo, an atrocious color of bright violet. and yes, you were both on the roof. probably looking creepy as fuck to anyone else but you merely prayed that no one would look up.

"are you sure this is safe?"

"it is."

one peek down there made you question his sincerity, either he wasn't worried about falling off or was just too into waiting for vil to get out the shower.

speaking of, "what if he comes out naked?! I don't wanna see that.." you groan. shivering by the mere thought and even epel grimaced when you mentioned it.

"uh.. I hope he won't..?" so we're basing the possibilities out of your hope? great. you think grimly. you really think this is a bad idea, horrible really. but if it's epel you'll do it.

now I know what the 'in the name of love' shit they were talking about. you deadpan.

the more you stare down the more it seems horrifying to just drop down. epel huffs at you, clearly noticing your frantic eyes. "don't look down." he says, and you do just that. the problem is now you can't stop thinking about it. there isn't even a railing to stop you if you slip.

"what if I fall?"

"I'll catch you."

oh shit.

your heart rate speeds up immediately as you lower your eyes, trying your hardest to act casual.

"... with what your tiny, noodle arms?"

epel's face scrunched up at that. he casts you a glare but you know there's no malice in it whatsoever. it's become normal at this point, picking at each other. (of which you thoroughly enjoy)

he crossed his arms. "it's not—! agh whatever!" epel fumes. smacking your arm playfully as you feign a groan of pain. "my arms are manly and strong!"

you looked at him then at his arm before grinning. epel makes a look of offense.

both of you burst into a fit of giggles right after and you never thought he could look any more beautiful with crinkled eyes and a wide smile on his face.

though the moment of felt joy was hushed upon the shrill scream that definitely belonged to vil. of course, it was manly but nevertheless unable to mask the terror in it.

that was like an omen for punishment and revenge. you cover your mouth and look at epel with wide eyes.

he looks at you as well but you can tell he's holding in the cackles.

in all fairness it wouldn't have been too bad if epel used the shade of purple vil had on the tips of his hair. but this one? it's literally a bright neon that will burn your eyes for life.

you can't give yourself the moment to feel warm at your shoulders bumping, too wrapped into muffling the giggles that would definitely wake up the entirety of pomefiore from their beauty sleep.

you and epel are practically gripping each other for life, shoulders shaking in wheezes. midst that, you both failed to hear the rustle over your heads.

"my my, my ears have not decieved me! I know two love birds singing when I hear it."

"OH MY F—"

the laughing immediately seizes as you both look up at rook hovering over the two of you, donning an amused smile.

you sigh. "oh shit."

ㅤ

kalim al asim

I would give it to you

kalim is by no means rich.

he's loaded.

since the day he was born even his room as a child cost more than the monthly expense of a citizen, toys handcrafted by the most talented, a blanket soft and crocheted with the most expensive of silk.

an entire vault filled with treasures, gems, things made entirely out of gold. at some point he leaves them untouched, swimming in it out of boredom.

even scarabia wasn't exempted from his touch of gold.

you could say he doesn't know how to live other than luxuriously.

it sounds bad. he knows, but for the entirety of his life it's all he's ever known. and kalim isn't really one to break out of a habit that's been going on for so long.

nor does he see any bad in it. out of the goodness of his heart he merely thinks he's rewarding you with the things you deserve.

last week a whole lot of tuna was sent to your dorm. it was definitely the work of grim, and you imagine the little feline brought up your name in a conversation with kalim. the boy didn't have a second thought before he took out the money that didn't make a scratch in his account.

while you would have wondered who sent the shit ton that would last grim a good year it was prominent that it was kalim from the exaggerated words of happiness in the gift card, filled with little doodles. (you assume he couldn't help himself)

you make a mental note to limit the interactions between kalim and grim.

the second time it was purely out of coincidence. a mistake on your part, if you'd like to say.

off handedly you'd mentioned to kalim that if someone were to ever give you something on valentines, you'd rather it be one that's beneficial to you. a practical gift. but since it was the day of expressing love you settled for the classic choice of flowers.

everyone loves flowers!

but you didn't expect to step into the cafeteria with your friends and immediately get slapped by a straw flower that apparently sprouted wings and flew (a joke of course) but you like to think that it had something out for you.

deuce's jaw drops at the amount of wildlife around the wide room. there's flowers everywhere and in the sole center was kalim sheepishly scratching his cheek.

"oops."

you just stared around, gobsmacked and flabbergasted. "what.. in the holy name of—" you trail off.

beside you. ace grimaces, slapping away a flower that fell in slow motion beside his face. then dragging a palm across his face. "all of this and he says.. oops?" he groans.

after picking up his jaw from the floor deuce nods hesitantly. "yeah, isn't this a bit much?"

as flattered you were. it really was.

on one, sunny, hot day you invited kalim for a walk around scarabia. beyond the dorm, away from all the glamorous things.

kalim didn't complain one bit and went along without much fuss, happily even if you might add.

the sun shines down at you harshly. the weather in the desert here sure is unrelenting. you wipe the sweat off your forehead. feeling the crunch of the sand beneath your feet.

the boy isn't too far behind you, taking animatedly as you nod along.

"that reminds me! your birthday is coming up." at that, your eyebrows raise. you still can't keep the heartwarming smile off your face at the mere fact that he knows, and remembers.

you smile at him kindly. kalim flushes at the beam. "where did you hear that from?" you question absent-mindedly enjoying the walk despite the great struggle the heat brought you.

because goddamn was it hot in here!

kalim falls into step beside you. "I asked the grandmaster for it."

more like basically forced. but he doesn't know that.

he continues, "what would you like? anything you want! I'll give it to you." kalim grins. there's no doubt whatever he's saying is nothing but the truth, he has the power to get anything you ask.

you feel embarrassed at the thought that clouds your mind. one word.

you.

at your silence kalim tilts his head. "what's the matter? if you need more time to think it's alright!" he reaches out and clasps your hands together, further flustering you.

you gulp. "I just... I really want you, you and your heart." you slap yourself on the head in your mind cause god did that sound cliche.

you tense at the frozen kalim. only staying still when he breaks into this, love struck, goofy grin and giggles. he all but practically throws himself onto you in a tight embrace.

"you already do!"

ㅤ

clarifications

I've been practically dead but don't blame me I've been stressed & sick fr

after this I'm probably gonna be dead again BYE HOMIES

anyways for cater's part it's him basically being there for mc, like not just present but there.. yknow... idk if you get what I'm saying LOL

so like picture this, you're going thru a hard time and there's a shoulder to lean on which is cater. WHICH I ALSO REALIZED OMG HE DID GAVE US A SHOULDER TO LEAN ON LITERALLY WKAJSKJA

B4 you say lilia's part didn't even include the whole romance thing I just thought it'd be sweet if I incorporated his lil' family in it

so while you might not think it's a lilia x reader it really is, I'm just showing the parts that'll get lilia to love you. especially if you're doting on his babies!!

ngl reader in lilia's... I lowkey thought they were a grandma when I was building their character

'I would love with you' is loosely based off two parents loving their children lmao idk what I'm saying. anyways j hope you spotted it, lilia taking care of silver + you taking care of sebek = loving them (platonically)

draft for epel's was actually like. since rook appeared out of nowhere I wanted reader to be startled and slip off, epel actually saving them just like he said. (with his noodle arms.) you're free to imagine it! but if you do wanna see me write that just hit me up in my inbox and I'll write an alternative scenario 🤫

[wishluc]

CW: Yandere character, manipulation, infantilization

PAIRING: Lilia x GN! reader

Out of all your seniors, you like Lilia the most.

When you tell him this while stretched out on the couch in Diasomnia's common room, Lilia chuckles in reply.

"I'm happy to hear that," he later added, "it brings me much joy to be of help to a cute underclassman like you~"

Lilia was never too much to handle. He always knew when a joke was going too far and when you weren't in the mood to talk. He eagerly helped you with your assignments, taught you spells you didn't know existed, told you stories from centuries ago, and apart from the many times he asked you to try out a new dish he made, he was one of your most treasured friends in NRC.

Initially, it caught you by surprise that the vice house warden of Diasomnia would take any interest in a regular student like you, but soon, you took to his friendship happily. You joined the music club because he advised you to, let him do your hair and nails, and gladly took a seat next to him whenever he waved you over. It never occurred to you that your kind, caring senior had other plans for you, not even when he started coddling you a little too much.

You still didn't question his motives, not when he starts insisting that you'd be better off being friends with Silver, or even Malleus and Sebek instead of whoever you're already close with. When he signs you up for the music club under the excuse that you'd be more comfortable there than the other clubs you were considering. When he ignores your suggestions and does your hair the way he likes it and your nails the color he likes it. When he promises to nurse you back to health from a cold that would have normally disappeared in a few days, but lingers for almost two weeks with Lilia's presence. When his stories distract you from getting any work done, making you run all the way back to him and ask for his help for the test you're got coming up. When you, unable to turn him down, eat the food he makes and suffer the oncoming stomach ache, with Lilia delightedly patting your back and bringing you water.

Out of all your seniors, you liked Lilia the most. Until you realize that there's something wrong with the way he treats you.

all works © wishluc. do not copy, steal or repost my works on other platforms. (including translations)

[viviennevermillion]

ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ

❝ always there to warm you in the winter.... always there with shelter from the rain... always there to catch you when you're falling... always there to stand you up again... family...❞ — Lady & the Tramp 2

notes: i see chapter 7 part 4 did things to our puny little minds. part of @briarvalleyarchives "anthems of old" event. a short story about lilia, malleus and whom they've lost.

warnings: character death, major chapter 7 spoilers

The winter after the beloved princess had passed was a cruel and solemn one. The snowflakes would travel through the cold air of Briar Valley as they had done so many times in the years prior and hit the ground, melting into the ones that had come before; a fate that was all too familiar to the residents of the small nation. The war had left its scars upon the lands. Beasts had run rampant in the villages; destroying homes that had been carefully built with love and dedication. The caves in the mountains were stripped of their glamour, the crystals that had reflected the sunlight that would, despite all odds, break through the cracks, were stolen by beasts unfamiliar to the once peaceful home of the fae.

Because some beasts were not as easy to handle as the demon beasts that came from the mountains to wreak havoc in the settlements. No one knew that better than the fearsome General Vanrouge. From the moment Lady Mallenoa had entered her eternal slumber; with no amount of love able to wake her once more, it was as though winter never ended. Memories of times gone by would flash through his mind; the way they had played in the snow as children and the young princess would never go easy on him; using her magic to turn the previously innocent game into a battlefield of snowballs that left Lilia no room to fight back. It took centuries for him to be able to hold a candle to her power.

Now the snow was stained with the blood of his enemies. At the time, the general had never taken a moment to think about whether the Silver Owls he had slain had a family waiting for them at home as well. They had taken his, so they were undeserving of theirs. General Vanrouge had been consumed by the rage and bitterness in his heart, destroying all who dared stand in his path, for his heart now belonged to battle. This way, he wouldn't have to mourn the past.

He remembered vividly, always, the day they laid her to rest. It seemed as though the whole kingdom was present to say their goodbyes to her. Each citizen who attended the burial was dressed in black for this day, illuminated in the dead of night only by the candles they held as the princess was carried in a casket to her final resting place. The queen had placed a single rose on the ground that to Lilia seemed as though it had swallowed her. Lilia had walked up to the grave later when everyone had left. He thought of the egg still rested and protected within the chambers of the castle. "I promise, for as long as I live, no harm shall come to it. And not a day will go by....that I don't miss your smile", his voice cracked as the tears started streaming down his face. The seasons would go by and yet the cold never passed. Not when the sun would rise on the next day, not when it had risen a hundred years later.

General Vanrouge remembered how she had taught him to play stringed instruments, something he found boring and pointless as a child. Princess Mallenoa always had such a soothing voice. He remembered how she'd sit next to her egg with Prince Levan and sing a soft song to the unborn child. Now Lilia's heart sang without a sound; a quiet melody of grief and unrest. Her funeral was the last time he had allowed himself to cry. The numbness in his heart when he'd open his eyes in the morning didn't fade for decades, centuries even. These were lifespans in the eyes of a child of man; and they seemed to have forgotten all about the devastation they had brought to Briar Valley just a few hundred years later. But a soldier's heart never forgets. It never forgives. That was what Lilia thought at the time. Pain had made him heartless and his heart had been locked away for he feared the pain it held more than any foe on the battlefield. He only hoped, wherever she was now, that she had found peace.

How many times had he wished to feel again? To wake up in the morning and hear her pounding on his door, angry about something. It had annoyed him at the time. But she had been alive.

Yes, the seasons had gone by, yet eternal winter resided in the hearts of the people. But nothing stopped another day. Nothing stopped the inevitable; that the general's heart would thaw one day and spring would arrive in Briar Valley.

It was a miracle. At this point, the egg was more of a reminder of a future that would never be. A memory. Something to make one realize that the royal family would die with Queen Maleficia; the future of the kingdom as uncertain as it had been since the day the war ended. And who would blame anyone? It had been centuries.

But Malleus was spring.

He was the reason General Vanrouge shed a tear once more. One of relief and of love he thought he no longer had inside him. He had smiled when he first saw the little dragon fae with his eggshell on his small face. A smile he was sure the princess would have teased him for. After all, wasn't it him who had always said that he hated children? Who had refused to hold her egg when she had offered it to him? Yet in that moment, he couldn't help to do so. He had picked the little prince up and looked at the queen with the brightest smile she had seen on him in centuries. Tears were streaming down his face as the small fae was just looking up at him with awe and curiosity in his eyes. People say that when someone passes, in a way they are still with you. Lilia had always thought that this was bullshit, he had been far too bitter to notice. But in that moment, he realized that Mallenoa was all around him. He held her legacy in his arms. "She saved us once again, didn't she?", he had whispered quietly, wiping the tears from his face.

The little prince grew up healthy and not one bit less of a fire hazard than his mother had been. He grew up unaware of the bloodshed that had stained his beloved homeland when his egg had come into existence. Unaware of what his parents had sacrificed, of what Lilia had sacrificed, so that he could live and grow. But he had often wondered what it would be like if his parents were still around. Sometimes Malleus would sneak out of the castle, quietly observing the people in the village at the foot of the mountain in awe. He saw little children, not much older than him, protesting under tears because they didn't want to go clothes shopping for their uncle's 900th birthday as they were dragged by their parents' hand and promised their favorite candy if they would go along without making a fuss. He witnessed a mother explaining to her toddler what a bird was. He watched and listened as a father read his son a story on a bench by the fountain. Lilia had read him lots of stories before. But Malleus had always wondered what his father's voice would have sounded like doing this.

The prince spent most of his days alone in the castle. Lilia still had work to do and his grandmother was busy ruling an entire country as he would come to do one day as well. So as soon as Malleus had learnt to read, he would spend his time in the library, curiously exploring stories from a world beyond the castle walls; hoping that he would one day spread his wings to set off and see it for himself. Lots of the stories contained themes of family but few of the families looked quite like his. There was always a mother, a father and at least one child. Malleus would take the books and show it to his guardian, asking Lilia what his father was like and whether he would have taken him fishing like the farmer did with his son in the picture book. There was a flash of pain on Lilia's expression that Malleus had never noticed back then. "I'm sure he would have", the older fae had answered. The stories Malleus heard about his own parents were always short and vague. But Lilia had told him that they were exceptional people who would be proud of him if they could see him now.

Malleus had always wondered what having a father was like. He would get his answer when Lilia took a small human into his custody. Malleus was curious about the baby, always sneaking out to visit the cottage in the forest to see what his guardian was up to. At first he was pouting because Lilia was now giving most of his attention to someone else. But with time he had grown to care for the little child of man. Lilia seemed much happier now. Time had healed his wounds despite the scars of battle and loss never truly fading. He would arrive at the castle to do a task the queen had assigned to him and the prince would greet him to ask about how Silver was doing. Malleus was happy that Silver got to grew up with a father. He never fathomed that both of them could lose him.

The world was simple back then. It was just the castle, Malleus, his grandmother, Lilia and the little human he was raising and that Malleus would often play with or read to when Lilia had work to do at the palace. He couldn't ever have imagined going to Night Raven College and finding the world had changed so much from the one he read about in books. Or that his third year would mark his last with Lilia. That he would see Silver cry and grieve like this.

The world outside of Briar Valley was one he had always longed to see and that brought him many curious, but happy memories. He had learnt about the Halloween traditions of other nations and celebrated the holiday together with them. He had cooked a meal for the first time and the person he had served it to had enjoyed it. He had seen other countries and took part in their culture.

Even Lilia still found the school to be a place for new experiences. He had met a friend on this strange invention called the "Internet" and treasured that friendship despite never having met this friend in person. This online friend would often talk to Lilia in the chat, casually mentioning how he had obtained the newest addition of his favorite manga or played a game with his brother. Lilia would hesitate for a moment, recalling memories that seemed so long ago to him now.

"I had a sister... once."

He deleted the words before he had sent them. No need to bother Gloomurai with a sob story from his life that happened centuries ago. Little did he know that the stranger on the other side of the screen understood all about the struggle of losing a sibling.

Yes, Night Raven College was full of new beginnings for Malleus and his family. But it was the way of the world that nothing could truly last forever, tragic and unfair as it was. Nothing stops another day. Not even a sleeping curse or an overblot dragon. The spell laid waste to Sage's Island, and although the damage was way less than it could have been, the aftermath of it could still be seen everywhere one looked. Malleus felt ashamed of what he had done and Lilia was reminded of scenes from the war long ago.

But everyone joined together to help and rebuild what had been destroyed. Night Raven College and Royal Sword Academy. Fairies and Humans.

"Seems as though we avoided the worst case, huh?", Lilia mused as he noticed Queen Maleficia, the dragon fairy who had raised him since he was a baby, standing next to him. The queen nodded and noted what a bureaucratical nightmare this whole ordeal would be despite all.

Lilia looked at the scene that was unfolding before his eyes. The fae who had come to the island to break through the spell and fight against Malleus's overblot were now helping the locals rebuild their houses with magic. The students would hand out meals to everyone who helped. The citizens were already planting new seeds in place of the trees and fields that had been destroyed. They would one day grow into an idyllic image of a peaceful home. Just as Malleus and Silver had grown into formidable people. The young prince had fallen further than he ever did before, but now the old general was certain that he could stand on his own feet at last. Both of his sons could. And the bat fae was glad that he could depart knowing this much.

"It seems the children of man truly know no rest when it comes to progress", the queen remarked, looking at the humans who fixed the fields beside the village and the fae soldiers who were assisting them.

"It appears so"

"What are they planting?"

Lilia looked at the rising sun, remembering the faith that Princess Mallenoa once had; that mankind and fae would one day live in peace and help each other grow. He had called it foolish at the time, mocking his sister's words by calling them a fever dream. Yet this was just another way in which she had changed his world, just as the little prince he raised had been. There was a smile on his face as he thought about how this day might just mark the beginning of the future the princess had envisioned.

"Hope."

[dolliehina]

fem Silver x fem reader plz plz Silver girl would be a complete love <3

OMGOMGOMG AHAHSHAJSGSHSJ I LOVE SILVER!!!! OFC BABY ♡

~°•♡•°~

♡- SLEEPY GF SLEEPY GF SLEEPY GF!!! Fem silver is just the definition of a princess. She's very gentle and kind, like Aurora. Okay, so basically, dating her is like dating Aurora.

♡- You know Belphie from Obey me? That's what she's like, except she's much nicer and doesn't try to strangle you to death!! She loves napping on your lap, and if you stroke her silver hair she will just absolutely MELT.

♡- The term pillow princess? Yeah, Fem Silver OWNS that title. She always is looking out for you, wanting to protect you, but the moment you be a good gf and show her any form of love and affection, she just turns so soft.. :(

♡- Keep in mind Fem Silver is a Mama's girl, so she's very dependent on your affection, Mama Lilia is already leaving her.. please don't do the same. She values your loyalty more than anything.

♡- Good luck dating this sleeping beauty, though, because mother Lilia and Sister Malleus are ALL over you. If you hurt the only human they love, RIP. If you date Fem Silver, you're dating the whole family. She tries to get them to back off, but their whole thing is girls supporting girls, so nah. Even if you're a girl, you ain't Silver, sorry.

♡- She loves to nap with you, anywhere and everywhere she will fall asleep. She feels safer with her narcolepsy when she's around you because she knows you'll protect and take care of her. She loves to fall asleep in her gfs arms, especially. Just please wake her up for training- or at least TRY TO.

♡- Her idea of a date is being around her and the family. She wants them to warm up to you. She just wants to take nap dates too, if you pamper her in her sleep, she'll absolutely die. Also, when she cuddles, she cuddles HARD. She's a knightess in training after all, despite her gentle and princess like behavior. She's the stronger gf in this relationship. I don't make the rules.

♡- Has nightmares about losing you and Mama Lilia. :( Please comfort her. (MF YOU BETTER-)

♡- She is afraid about not expressing her love for you enough because of her stoic face and serious expressions, but she gives many cheek kisses and makes you mini flower bouquets from when she was in the forest or something the birds gave her.

♡- She might actually marry you if you stay with her throughout book 7. She's a very feminine girl despite what people might think. She loves the Gothic aesthetic but not so much the makeup (Lilia taught her well, like mother like daughter ig). But if you dress her in something comfy yet feminine, she will absolutely die.

♡- BRUSH HER HAIR!! BRUSH HER HAIR!! BRUSH HER HAIR!!!

♡- Overall?? 11/10 gf if you don't mind the eepy princess. She just wants somebody to love her and stay loyal to her, be patient, I promise she's worth it.

[izvmimi]

cw: college au!nrc. sfw.

you've been reciting ancient protective spells under your breath for the past minute, even though these are not within the scope your Defense Magic examination, and rather are just spells malleus has taught you, spells you're not exactly sure you have the power to perform, but trust will protect you in your time of need just as you trust him.

malleus sits across from you - rather, slumbers - head propped up by the palm of his hand. you glance up at him when your timer goes off; it doesn't appear to wake him, and he remains perfectly still like marble, not unlike the gargoyles and grotesques he's so fond of.

"malleus," you whisper.

his eyes snap open at the sound of your voice and he blinks at you, waking up in seconds. you smile, and lean over, tapping his forehead with the feathered end of your quill.

"mm?"

"you fell asleep," you tell him.

"i was not asleep," he denies. you tilt your head.

"so what were you doing with your eyes closed?"

"resting them."

"ah. of course." you chuckle to yourself, then look back at your time which gives you exactly ten more minutes of rest before you return to your books. malleus has perfect scores in this class and thus does not bother studying, but you need him to teach you even though he often teaches you above and beyond what you need to know, and sometimes is hard to follow. lilia, in fact, is a far better teacher, but he is unavailable today, and malleus would have tagged along anyway.

just as a refresher, he says, but you know it's because he likes to be around you.

malleus shifts his positioning then runs his hand through his hair before taking the list of objectives and poring through it again. most of the concepts are checked through at this point, save a couple.

"talismans," he says out loud. you nod.

"can't remember what they were usually made of in the 14th century or what their specific categories are," you murmur. he opens his mouth to start another monologue, but you raise your finger, grinning.

"not now, i have 8 minutes left of relaxation."

he smiles, letting his hand close around your whole hand which surprises you and makes you withdraw, warmth in your cheeks.

he chuckles as you look away at him, then leans in, resting his chin on his hands folded on the table. like this he looks like he's studying you more than any exam subject, and while you're used to him looking at you like some ornate furniture or fine jewelry at times you have to remind him he can't ogle you like that.

"what are you thinking of?" you ask instead.

"i find talismans silly," he says out loud. "simply be more powerful than the ill intention that targets you."

this makes you laugh out loud.

"of course, you'd say this mr. dragonborn," you joke. he looks genuinely surprised now which makes you laugh even harder.

"what do you mean?"

"just because power oozes from you doesn't mean everyone can be as naturally intimidating," you remind him. you lean in as well, mirroring his action, elbows and forearms on the table. "some of us are touchable."

unblinking, he gazes into your eyes.

"you aren't intimidated by me," he reminds you. "plus you're very vulnerable and carry no talismans."

"i am intimidating, but it has nothing to do with magic."

he blinks. "ridiculous. you are the most harmless person i've ever met."

something about this warms you but you try not to let him get to you.

"my tongue is sharp even if i have no power to back it up," you tell him. "it's a different kind of fear i strike in the heart of others."

malleus looks as though he'll ask you to stick out your tongue literally and prove it, but instead he shakes his head.

"you're honest. if you words hurt, perhaps they have some score to settle with themselves."

you pause, letting the words sink in, your heart suddenly light as you breathe in. malleus doesn't intend to flatter you, but you feel validated in a different way. suddenly you are too aware of how close his face is to yours, and you rise up to sit properly.

the timer will go off in twenty more seconds. malleus senses your sudden retreat.

"perhaps the concept of a talisman is not silly."

you've pulled your notebook back in front of you and lifted your textbook, a small barrier against him. there is no spell you can whisper under your breath to defend your heart, you realize, so you attempt to focus on something else.

"you think so?" you ask. you don't mean to sound disinterested, but if he reminds you of the soft parts of yourself again you might forget how to return to your protective shell.

"mm. perhaps in some ways i can be that for you."

you look up at him, and your mouth opens and closes.

"malleus, you are not an object i can carry around with me."

"but if my presence can ward off evil from you, wouldn't that be such a wonderful thing?"

you can feel your shell cracking still. just then, your timer goes off, and you let yourself exhale.

he's still watching you carefully as you turn the page.

defense magic.

how does one guard their heart?

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

I've been dreaming of the Knight of Lightning.

He vowed to have all bend the knee to his sovereign. That had been his wish, once upon a time. Not like this—he hadn’t wanted it to be like this.

How does a moment last forever? How can a story never die?

Today is meant to be a joyous occasion.

Their friends, their Diasomnia family, gathered around for a grand party. Good food, good drink, and good company. A send-off for their seniors, a toast to their glorious futures.

This should be the happiest they've ever been.

So why?

Why has the chatter died and the celebration ceased? Why do their guests look positively disturbed? Why does Silver brandish his baton at the young master?

Why does he reject this happiness?

Why?

"What are you doing, Silver?!" Sebek angrily demands, punching a fist into a table. The cutlery laid upon it violently clatter. "I'd had enough of your crude jokes--lower your weapon at once! You're making a mockery out of the young master and Lilia-sama's celebration!"

"I'm sorry, Sebek. I'm afraid I can't do that." His aurora-colored gaze is serious and fierce.

"You cur! You DARE turn your sword against your master?!" Sebek takes a defensive step in front of Malleus, staring daggers at his friend. "You're breaking your oath of loyalty to your country, your prince--"

"Sebek..." For a moment, Silver hesitates. There is genuine hurt in his face, eyes wide and wet like those of a doe. But it is there no longer the next second, hardening into a steely shine. "Please stand down. I must do this."

"You've gone mad!!" Sebek's yell echoes in the decorated lounge. Mad, mad, mad... reverberated off the stony walls.

The first year tenses, putting a protective arm in front of Malleus. "Young master, get behind me! I will remove him from your sight."

"Do as you will, Sebek," Malleus replies coolly. His expression presents as almost disinterested, but there is no mistaking the slick of venom in his voice, the raging fire in his eyes.

"Boys!! I thought I taught you better than to brawl over trivial things like this," Lilia cries out to them--but Malleus lays a hand on his shoulder, silencing him.

Sebek produces his own wand--a baton of the same design as Silver's, green magestone embedded into its handle. He raises it to Silver, its end already crackling with an intense energy.

The impact comes, harsh and swift as a bolt of lightning.

"Rrgh...!" Silver braces against the strong blow, skidding several feet. His boots scuff the floor, marking how far he has flown.

Sebek is upon him in an instant, his baton pushing hard against Silver's. He meets the aggressive offense with a quick block and parry, pushing with shaking arms.

"I don't want to fight you!" Silver begs hoarsely.

"You think I want to?!" Sebek roars. His lungs sting, hurting with betrayal.

Silver grits his teeth and ducks--Sebek hurtles into a stone wall. The second year slides under his friend's legs and emerges on the other side, springing back onto his feet.

Sebek faces him, waving his baton in an arc.

"Listen to yourself, Silver!! Lilia-sama's magic is diminishing... Lilia-sama is leaving school and retiring?! The young master having an outburst... forcing us into a deep slumber?!"

With each declaration, he calls forth a new strike of lightning. CRASH, CRASH, CRASH!! They come down in a line, attempting to take Silver down.

He sprints, outrunning them by a hair. A curtain of smoke rises, the air smelling of ozone and destruction.

"They're the ravings of a lunatic!" Sebek shouts, summoning another wave of lightning. "Lilia-sama would never abandon us. The young master would never abuse his powers! They are..."

His everything.

Without them, what is he? What purpose does he serve? Sebek shudders at the thought.

Silver senses it--how his hand falters, his glare softens, his lower lip trembles. He calls out to him, an olive branch extended.

"I know you, Sebek. I know you're a kind person. That's why you want to put your faith in them. Believe me, I do too!" Silver pleads. "But this... This is wrong! It's twisted."

"You're dreaming!!"

"No." He shakes his head. It's you who's dreaming. I'll make you see for yourself...!!"

Silver charges, his baton clashing with Sebek's midair. They're even twin swords, crossing blades and trading blows in a deft, deadly dance.

Neither relenting.

"Open your eyes." Silver's whisper is a loud prayer. It's the moonlight in pitch black darkness, sunlight cutting through a murky swamp. "WAKE UP, SEBEK...!!"

"ACK...!"

Silver shoves with all his might, sending Sebek sprawling onto his back.

Memories spin, colliding in his head and calling forth thunder. Flashes go off. Light and sound gather, sparking a buried image and setting it into motion.

It's a tangle of ebony thorns knitting over Diasomnia. He sees himself standing among the bramble, his face crumpled with immense terror--and sadness. From somewhere in the memory comes a familiar drawl.

"Do not fear. You will no longer have to suffer. Rejoice!! This is my gift to you all: an eternal happily ever after."

Th-This is...!

Sebek bolts up, clutching his head with a groan.

He regards his dorm leader with newfound horror. "M-Malleus-sama... It can't be. Y-You...!!"

"Aaaah..." The prince draws out a sigh. He sounds like a child disappointed with a broken toy. "How unfortunate. It seems that you've been roused awake as well. Really, Silver. Not only do you defy me, but you actively recruit others to your rebellious cause."

Silver tenses, silently putting himself between Malleus and the still-dazed Sebek.

"Fufufu. No matter. Please, allow me to put you all back to rest. A sleep so deep... you have no chance of waking again!"

A black haze encases Malleus, and all Sebek can see are the bright, glimmering eyes from the darkness. Malleus dispels it with the wave of his hand and reemerges like a demon from an inky summoning circle.

Lattices of pointed vines wrap over his body, a tattered cape fluttering out behind him. His horns and tail glow with an eerie green light, skin greyed and zombie-like. But what frightens Sebek the most is the calmness in his smile.

it does not match the quiet fury in the rest of his face.

This cannot be.

"Y-Young master, wait!!" he stutters, trying to get onto his feet. "I-I beg for your forgiveness! We mean you no disrespect! If you could please just hear us out--"

"The time for talk is over." Malleus raises a hand--and with it, a wall of emerald flames erupts from the earth. "Sweet dreams, Sebek."

The ground at their feet caves into a jagged fault. Thorns creep out from below, seeking out their next victims. Sebek leaps away from them, but they do not stop advancing.

"Ready yourself!" Silver hollers. He lets loose a blast of fire magic, which whittles away at the closest thorns. "Malleus-sama won't listen to reason. We--you--have to fight!!"

"B-But...!"

He takes in the sad scene. The castle is crumbling, the party come to a sudden stop. Briar is quickly overtaking the area, covering furniture and swallowing up students.

And there is Silver and Malleus--light and darkness, mirror reflections of one another. On opposing sides. Enemies.

Sebek is trembling, finding it difficult to swallow the bitter truth.

But swallow he does.

This is a waking nightmare.

[blackcherryvelvet0909]

Morning Surf (Jack x GN!Reader)

You yawned again as your feet hit the sand, arms stretched above your head, a sigh to follow as your back softly popped. Your hands came down to wipe the remaining crusts from your eyes, still partly drooped as you tried to wake up. Honestly, you could only remember half the trek down here - really didn’t remember dressing yourself, either. Your consciousness finally awakened to the sound of the waves ahead of you. The sky was dusted with a few thin clouds, the sun hung high enough to be just past daybreak. Aside from yourself, there was nary a soul on the beach. 

“Do you need a break?” Ah, yes, in your sleepy haze you almost forgot your companions behind you. While Jamil brushed past, Jack remained at your side, surfboard tucked under his large bicep. “We’ve been walking for a while now. There’s a bench over there - you can rest if you need to.” 

“No, it’s okay,” you assured with a tired smile. “I can make it to one of the lounge chairs. I’ll set up there to rest.” 

“If you’re sure.” As you began to walk again, Jack remained beside you. “I’ll walk with you, just in case. I don’t want you falling and hurting yourself.”

“Geez, just carry them at this rate.” You glanced over to Ace, who just finished rolling his eyes. “What’re you, some wolf in shining armor?” 

“Lay off, Ace,” Jack grumbled with an eyeroll of his own. 

“Your attitude towards such chivalry shows just how less of a gentleman you are, Ace.” Sebek appeared from behind the redhead, a smug smile upon his face as he peered down at the boy. “Not to mention your maturity.” 

“And what do you know, Mr. Loudmouth, Killer of Eardrums?” To anticipate a fight between the two this early wouldn’t be so brash, you thought. You watched Ace develop a smirk of his own as he eyed Sebek’s own board. “Why do you have a board, anyway? Don’t tell me you’re going to try and surf?” 

Sebek scoffed. “I’ll have you know that I have ‘surfed’ many times in my life - since I was a boy, in fact!” 

“Oh really?” Ace challenged. “What did you do, huh? Use one of those baby paddle boards to float down a stream?” 

“No.” That arrogance came back full force as Sebek puffed out his chest. “Master Lilia escorted Silver and I to Briar Valley’s coast multiple times a year. Not only would he have us swim against the most violent of currents, but also taught us how to balance above them on wooden boards. Why, I recall many times where we would engage in combat atop those rickety wooden planks! Not every trip was met with calm weather, either.”

“That must have been really hard to do,” you commented. 

“Indeed, but it was worth the effort.” Sebek almost resembled a little boy that had just been praised for a job well done. “Thanks to Master Lilia, I am stronger than any mere human.” 

“Even with the hardship, it must have been nice to spend time with him and Silver like that.” You wondered if Malleus ever went with them on those trips. “The view from the coastline must have been beautiful.” 

“I’m afraid I scarcely recall,” Sebek admitted with a sigh. He looked out towards the waves you approached. “We often took up such training at night to better our senses; I only gazed upon the morning light briefly before we departed.” 

Oh.

“Would you like to set up here?” Jack asked, interrupting your thoughts that tried to fathom just what Lilia put Sebek and Silver through. You answered with a small ‘hm?’ before you looked down at the wooden lounge chair beside you. Oh, you were here already. “Or do you want one of the others?”

“This one will be fine.” You smiled up at Jack, now more awake then you’d been before. “Thank you - I might’ve passed it if you hadn’t pointed it out.” 

“No problem.” Jack wore a small smile as he adjusted the surfboard under his arm. “I’ll be out there with the guys. If you need anything, just call.”

“I’m sure I won’t need anything,” you assured, “but thank you!” 

Jack gave a nod as his reply before he turned around and jogged over to another wooden chaise. He placed his towel and bag down neatly, along with his shoes and necklace, before he made his way out to the sea. If you squint, you could make out the figure of Jamil already there, sitting on his board as he waited for a good wave. You never knew he was into surfing…honestly, that went for most of the people present. You were a little less nervous about Sebek going out now, but Ace? Yeah, that was a wipeout waiting to happen - more than one. If Epel had joined you instead of sleeping in, you’d be making bets on how many times Ace would fall off his board. 

When the three finally joined Jamil out in the water (he’d specifically stated he would not be responsible for any injury they sustained), you busied yourself with setting up your spot on the beach. Unintentionally or no, Jack actually led you to the perfect spot. The sun was not in your direct line of vision (not yet, at least), the chair was located at the perfect middle point between the shore, and it came with its own little table! You would surely have no problem organizing your things this time around. You’d have to thank Jack later. For now though, you simply sat back, relaxed, and let the boys put on a show for you. Hopefully without any injury or squabble in-between. 

***

“Hey hey!” You glanced up at the man who suddenly appeared next to you: Cater. He was dressed in his usual beach ensemble, large bag in hand; in addition to that, Cater had a surfboard under his arm. Cater must have seen you eye it, for he said, “I heard there would be some great waves out this morning! I thought I’d come out and catch a few.” 

“I didn’t know you surfed.” You wondered just how many hidden talents your classmates were hiding. 

“Mmn, a few times, yeah,” Cater affirmed. “Wouldn’t call myself an expert, but hey!” He pointed out to the water - you could see another large wave coming, and the four figures of your friends were readying to meet it. “Looks like I got some boys to give me a few pointers.”

“I’m sure Jack would be happy to give you some advice.” You let out a giggle as, when the wave just began to crest, Ace fell off his board with a yelp - again, for the fourth time that day. “I’m not so sure about the others, though.” 

Cater let out a laugh of his own. “Yeah, Deuce mentioned Ace went out with you three when I passed him in the breakfast hall earlier. Not…the most graceful, is he?” 

“Nope,” you said with a little laugh. 

“Well, hey, gotta start somewhere!” Cater laid his things on the lounge chair next to you. He glanced over his shoulder as he fished a bottle of sunblock out of his bag. “Looks like Sebek’s got it going pretty good! And Jamil - man! Where’d he learn to do tricks like that?!”

You quickly turned your head just in time to see Jamil finish his spin on the board. Though you could barely make it out from the distance, you saw the grin spread across his face. “He’s certainly full of surprises,” you muttered. 

“But you’re right: Jack’s probably my best option.” Cater lifted his heart-shaped sunglasses atop his head to rub some sunscreen on his face. “Nice guy, y’know? Not much of a talker, but he’s got a good head on his shoulders!” Cater sat down on the chair, now facing you. “Jack’s pretty cool, huh?” 

“Yeah, he is.” You spared a glance back at the waves. The big wave was gone, remnants now crashing onto shore. Jack was the closest in your line of vision - enough to make out the way his tail wagged, the way he smiled and threw up his fists in joy as water dripped from his torso. That wide, toothy grin…it was contagious. “He really is…” 

At first, you couldn’t see the sly smile that spread across Cater’s conniving face. He stalled in his application of sun protection as he leaned over on his knees, a little closer to you now as he teased, “Really nice to look at, too, huh?~” 

“Yeah…” Your words came out in a hush, gaze laser focused on Jack. The way his muscles flexed as he splashed some water at Ace, how his ears twitched in amusement as the redhead shot back at him with a splash of his own. Jack was really, really good looking…wait. Suddenly, you snapped out of your thoughts as you registered what Cater just said. To try and save yourself from embarrassment, you added, “H-He’s worked really hard to get where he is with his body! Jack’s really proud of himself.” 

“You know that’s not what I meant.” Cater’s green orbs glinted with mischief - he could put Leona to shame with that look. “And you know that I know what you meant.” 

“I, uh, I-” 

Cater let out another laugh. “Look at you! All cute and stuttering - no wonder he thinks you’re adorable!” 

“W-Who thinks I’m adorable?” you asked, trying to ignore the red that slowly crept up your cheeks. 

“Aw, c’mon, [Y/n]!” Cater gave a playful nudge to your shoulder. “You really don’t know who I’m implying?”

You were about to say no…then it hit you. No, no! “Jack?!” Your voice came out louder than you wanted it to. 

“Mmhmm~” Cater cooed. He rested his chin on his palm as he continued with, “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed the way he looks at you; he treats you so sweetly, too~” 

“N-No, y-you’re just mistaken!” you protested. “Jack, he…he treats me like everyone else! Like our other friends!” 

“Yeah, okay,” Cater chuckled as he leaned back. He went back to rubbing himself over with sunblock as he said, “I’m sure he also carries bags and other heavy things for Ace and Deuce, too. Even little Epel and big ol’ Sebek. Does he make sure they’re always hydrated, that they’ve eaten? Has he ever carried them when they were tired?” 

“I…” No, no he didn’t, not to your knowledge. You’d seen him do little things to care for his friends, even acquaintances, but…nothing like the things he did for you. You mind searched for an excuse, yet couldn’t find one. You, to Jack, adorable? Cater…he must be teasing! “Wha…what proof do you have anyway?!” 

“He told me,” Cater stated with a shrug. “Don’t think he meant to - just kinda slipped out when he was talking about you with Deuce. I just happened to overhear.” Cater glanced back over at the sea, then let out something between a laugh and a chuckle. “Oopsie! Looks like your little yell got his attention.” 

You followed Cater’s gaze and, sure enough, Jack was staring at you both. His ears were perked up, alert, those keen golden orbs glued onto you. You remembered his words from earlier: ‘If you need anything, just call.’ Oh no… You glimpsed Cater stand up and pick up his board, just as he tossed his sunglasses, shirt, and other accessories onto his seat. 

“Well, I’m off!” Cater waved at you as he turned to tell you goodbye. That cheery expression was briefly interchanged with a devious one as he added, “I’ll send Jackie boy right over~” 

“Cater, no!” But he was already gone, practically skipping over to the shoreline. As his feet touched the water, you heard him call out to Jack - then pointed back in your direction. You didn’t know exactly what he said, but it was enough for Jack to begin wading back to shore with his board. “Dammit, Cater…” you cursed under your breath. You just wanted to bury your head in the sand…

In no time, the beastman was at your side. Water droplets dripped down his skin and fell to the sand, right along with the ones that dropped from his surfboard. His fingers brushed hair away from his face as he spoke, “What’s wrong? Cater said you needed something.” 

“Did he now?” You glared daggers in Cater’s direction for a brief moment. He wasn’t too far from shore yet, so he was able to see your face. The third year simply smiled wide and waved at you. You were going to kill him.

“Yeah,” Jack reaffirmed. He dug the tip of his surfboard into the sand to balance it better under his forearm. “Did you not bring anything to drink? I’ve got some water in my bag, you’re welcome to it.” 

“N-No, I have my water bottle here.” You held up the thick bottle of [favorite color] hard plastic up for him to see. You forced a smile and commented, “That was some great surfing out there!” 

“Thanks!” The large grin that spread across his face was a bit uncharacteristic for his usual stoic demeanor, but it was…cute, you thought. “I think I’ve gotten better than I was last year. All that practice over the summer did me good!” That grin faded to a smile as he asked again, “So, what was it you needed?” 

“Um…” Well, he was here - Cater was so nice to direct him to you. Might as well bite the bullet. “Cater mentioned something you called me a while ago, and I was wanting to know if it was true.” 

“Hm?” That smile was gone in an instant as Jack feared the worst. “Was it something bad? If it is, I didn’t say it. If I had a problem with you, I’d say it to your face; I’m no coward.” 

“I know you’re not,” you reassured. “And it wasn’t anything bad! It just…well, it surprised me.” Jack looked at you expectantly - here goes nothing. “Cater said he overheard you tell Deuce I was adorable.” 

Those big wolf ears quickly flattened against his head, expression one of shock. He was clearly flustered, that was for sure; Jack was so taken aback he nearly dropped his board! Either Cater just told you a blatant lie to rile you up (which you’d definitely kill him for), he misheard Deuce and Jack’s conversation, or…It was your turn to wait in anticipation for Jack’s answer. For a moment, he didn’t say anything, eyes glued to you. Then, in the next, he looked anywhere but you. Finally, after a long pause, lost in his own head, Jack rubbed the back of his neck, eyes glued to the sand below. 

A clear sign he was embarrassed - shy, even. 

“Uh…y-yeah, I did.” 

The air was knocked from your lungs. For a few seconds, you couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. When your brain fog cleared, only one thought was there to greet you: Jack thought you were adorable. “R…Really?” you muttered, eyes as wide as saucers.

“Mmph.” You supposed that noise meant ‘yes’. Now it was time for your heart to rattle in your chest. That fluttering increased as Jack went on. “I…I didn’t wanna tell you, not till later. I just didn’t think it was the right time. I talked to Deuce about it; I guess that’s when Cater-senpai heard me say it.” 

You simply nodded your head in reply. Your hands gripped the wood of the chair, as if for dear life. 

“Well…I’ve got no excuse now.” Jack’s hand fell to his side, posture straightened again. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath; after five seconds, he released it in one long exhale before opening his eyes again. When they did, they looked directly into your own. “Can I take you out to dinner?” 

Your mouth felt as though it were full of cotton. Blood pumped in your ears, nearly overpowering the sound of crashing waves - and of a certain someone wiping out once again. You paid no mind to the three different laughs that followed. Really, you had no idea how to reply, what to say. Jack Howl, your friend, was asking you on a date. You promised yourself you wouldn’t catch feelings for him; when they began to surface, you pushed them way down into the confines of your soul. You didn’t want to ruin things…apparently those fears were for naught. 

“W-We don’t have to if you don’t want to.” It was so odd to hear Jack stutter, nervous and unsure of himself. “There’s no pressure - you don’t even have to give me an answer. I know this is all sudden, and I-”

“I’d love to.” The words left your lips before you could even think. It was instinct, you guessed. Jack seemed to jolt at your reply, ears once again pointing straight up at the sky. It was cute…you finally let yourself smile as wide as your cheeks would allow. “Nothing would make me happier, Jack.” 

For another moment, there was silence between you. Then, slowly, Jack’s tail began to wag. It gained speed more and more until it was almost hard to make out. You wondered if Jack even noticed - likely not for the way he almost seemed to beam. “You would?” Those words were nearly a breath, inaudible, but you caught them. You nodded enthusiastically, now grinning. 

Like the one he wore before out in those waves, yours was contagious. You watched that toothy grin slowly reappear as he seemed to let out a breath of relief. “Good…good, that’s good! I-um, sorry, I’m not myself.” On the contrary, you thought Jack was currently more of himself than he let on. For now, though, you let it slide in favor of witnessing this rare slip of composure. Jack tried to regain that tough image of his as he took another quick deep breath, the exhale much quicker. He no longer grinned, but his smile showed all the confidence in the world. 

“When would you like to go out?” he asked. 

“Would tonight be okay?” you asked in response. 

“Yeah!” Jack nearly resembled an excited puppy. Though his tail no longer wagged at the speed of light, it was still pretty fast. “Is it alright if I pick you up at six?” 

“That sounds wonderful.” You could feel yourself slowly begin to melt under his golden gaze - which you could now only describe as loving. “I’ll get someone to watch Grim while I’m gone.” Your smile must have sent Jack’s heart into flips for the way his cheeks turned pink. It looked pretty against his tan skin. “I can’t wait for tonight.” 

“Me too…” He simply looked down at you for a moment, as though the world had just fallen into place before him. Then, he recomposed himself once more and said, “Oh, and don’t worry about dressing up or anything! I know a place we can go. It’s not too fancy - I think you’ll like it.”

“You always know what I like,” you chuckled. 

“I like to…” Jack trailed off once again; you wondered if he could ever get tired of staring at you. It didn’t seem like he would…come to think of it, he’d looked at you that way before. Many times before, actually, for the past several months. Was that…was that what Cater meant earlier? You understood now…it was nice. 

“Well, what do we have here?” 

The both of you jumped at the sudden voice behind you. The two of you whipped your heads around to look at the source: Vil. Rook was beside him, in his arms two large bags, over his shoulder an even larger umbrella and a pair of long, fluffy towels. Both smirked from ear to ear as they eyed you both: they knew. You knew they knew from the glint in their eyes, the same as Cater’s before (eesh, Leona had nothing on them). How many people knew? Was it that obvious?! 

“Don’t mind us,” Vil said with a wave of his hand. He walked past your chair with Rook in tow, though he glanced over his shoulder as he pulled down his expensive shades enough to reveal those lavender, knowing eyes. “We won’t intervene. Certainly don’t stop on our account~” 

With that, the two walked away without another word. Jack seemed to shrink on the spot, clearly mortified. You followed along with him as you practically curled up in your chair, knees tucked under your chin and hot face pressed into the crevice between. You groaned to yourself - so embarrassing! Then you heard something shuffle next to you. When you peeked out from your knees, all you saw was Jack. His fingers came to brush a strand of hair away from your cheek; you practically shivered at his soft touch. 

“If you’ll wait for me, I’ll walk you back to the hotel later.” 

You wanted to, but… “I-I can’t,” you mumbled, clearly disappointed. “I promised Malleus I would go with him and Lilia out to lunch. I don’t want to cancel at the last minute - and Grim would kill me! I need to get back at least an hour before.” 

Jack made a small noise as he nodded to himself. Instead of dismay, however, he smiled at you again. “That’s okay. You go and have fun, alright?” His knuckle softly grazed your cheek as he retracted his hand. You almost wished he kept it there a bit longer. “I’ll see you tonight then?” 

“Mhm,” you hummed with a shy little smile. “I’ll see you then.” 

For how close he was, you thought Jack might kiss you…but he didn’t. You recalled when he said minutes ago that he thought it wasn’t the right time to ask you out before - was that what he felt now? Maybe. Even so, you hoped it would be soon. You…wanted to. Really bad. He smiled as he departed back for the sea, tail wagging all the way. 

You really tried to ignore the knowing smiles that were sent your way, both from the sea and sand. Cater, Vil, Rook…you really hoped Lilia didn’t know. If he did, it was going to be a very long lunch. You hoped Malleus would be a little better - but for the way you could picture that smirk in your mind, you doubted it. Oh, the things you just did and would do…but you didn’t regret it one bit. 

[italoniponic]

Hello! Can I rq a hc with Malleus, Jade and Leona with a s/o who has a small dragon/eel/lion plushie in their colors the s/o made themselves?

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲'𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭

| Notes: Hi, anon!

First of all, I might have interpreted it as some kind of hobbie for the reader (so the hcs could have something going on) just because they made themselves the plushies. If that wasn’t the case, I’m sorry!

But overall, it got pretty cute~~ There is a small reference to the Kelkkalot of Harveston event in Jade’s part because it kinda related to the request. Hope you like it!

Thanks for the request <3 |

Malleus Draconia, Jade Leech, Leona Kingscholar x gender neutral reader / plushies for the boys / headcanons / fluff… I guess literally? / established relationship / use of “you” pronouns

Cherry’s Harvesting event 🍒 Masterlist

Little Plushie

Malleus was aware that you knew a little about sewing — at least, enough to tailoring on old socks and your own clothes. He even taught you a few more tricks and from then on, sewing no longer seemed like such an impossible challenge. But you were surprised that a prince like Malleus knew how to sew;

Apparently, it was his grandmother who taught him the basics in her spare time, and during the last few hundred years, Malleus did so much embroidery to distract himself from the fact that he couldn't leave the castle that he became a master at it. You were so grateful for your boyfriend’s help that you decided to make him a gift with your own hands;

Then — without Malleus realizing your main goal — you began to practice making stuffed animals. Malleus usually helped you buy fabrics, buttons and whatever else you needed, in addition to giving you some ideas of animals to make. Your first plushie was a gray gargoyle which he made the mascot and guardian of his club room;

Your subsequent attempts got better and better. You filled Ramshackle with so many plushies that Grim was starting to get jealous. And when you told this to Malleus, he laughed heartily. Just because in that second you could see his sharp teeth, you had an idea;

Well, you wanted to give him a gift but you didn't know what — and that gargoyle turned out too ugly for you to have given Malleus as a present, though I suspect he would have liked it just the same. According to him, it reminded him of some handmade gifts from Lilia... you couldn’t tell if this was a compliment or a “you need to improve your techniques”;

One day, Malleus saw you on the main street arranging some fabrics you had just bought. You quickly disappeared from there, not realizing that he was watching you. This filled Malleus with curiosity, especially since you didn’t tell him anything about your new plush. So on certain nights, Malleus peered into your room and saw you working on a relatively complicated stuffed animal;

You had a whole map to guide yourself, but it was turned upside down from where Malleus was, so he didn't know how to identify what difficult animal you were building with black and green fabrics. Between your desk and your bed, you hummed a rhythm without lyrics, dancing around the room. Malleus smiled as he realized that despite the hardships, you were having fun;

His wait was finally over when one day, you called him up to the Ramshackle to deliver something. Malleus was actually surprised to find that the end result — which he ended up not seeing because he left you to work alone — was a dragon plushie. It was almost a miniature, simplified version of his own dragon form, including the horns;

“All that work... was it made for me?,” Malleus asked, hugging that precious plush. He was feeling so many emotions that he didn't quite understand how to react. As a prince, it was normal to receive gifts of all kinds at diplomatic celebrations among the fairies, but this was no ordinary gift. It was something made by you and that was already more than special; 

As it turned out, it was you who approached and gave him a tight hug. Malleus realized that you were a little exhausted from all that work. You were a human, after all. Even though you were working with your heart, the tiredness came in the same way. Malleus kissed you on the forehead and smiled, thanking you for your affection and consideration;

The stuffed gargoyle may have been the guardian of the Gargoyle Study Club, but the dragon plushie was safe in Malleus’ room — as you ended up checking days later. It was next to his pillow, but you didn't dare ask Malleus if he slept cuddled up to the plush. Anyway, it was like having a little bit of you in his room.

For a long time, Jade knew about your skills and taste for handicrafts, especially making stuffed animals. Your dedication and work on each piece was simply admirable. You have filled an entire shelf of your room with plushies, several different animals of different sizes and colors;

It almost made Jade remember the time he was invited by Epel to visit his hometown and they took part in the sled race with stuffed animals — which he told you in great excitement and detail, especially about the foods. He even asked you to make a reindeer plush for him, just like the one that piloted his sleigh. It is a very precious gift, no doubt;

Even though it was a long and laborious process, you didn't mind sewing the plushies with a company on your side. Jade didn't always have time to be by your side while you worked — even more so because he was ultra-meticulous about details too — but sometimes, when he wanted to relax a bit, he would stop by to see how things were going;

Recently, Jade had seen you return from the Mystery Shop with a large amount of cotton, ribbons and a turquoise fabric. He found it curious, very curious. But you didn't reveal anything, which wasn't much of your nature. Usually you would comment on the stuffed animals you were making, after all it was a beloved hobby;

Not only that, when classes were over, you would rush back to Ramshackle and if Jade was lucky, he would at least be able to greet you on the way. You were very involved with your mysterious project. But for how long?;

One day, Jade made sure his schedule was clear so he could spend the day with you and finally find out what you were doing, practically hidden from him. When he knocked on the door, you greeted him with a rather exhausted but happy expression. Subtle as only he is, Jade allowed himself to be led into your bedroom normally — but mindful of what you might be hiding;

Then, when he walked in, he was surprised by a turquoise eel plush stretched out on your bed. It was of a medium size, but clearly an eel. A long black ribbon stretched across its back and a smaller one near its head on the right side. You picked up the plush to show your boyfriend up close;

Jade took your work and carefully analyzed it, noticing its tailpieces in the seam and the cute detail that the eel's eyes were two buttons of different colors, one dark brown and the other yellow. He gave a small smile, understanding everything perfectly without having to interrogate you;

“For me?,” Jade inquired and you nodded. “Such a lovely job and I didn't even think of anything to give you in return.” You ended up chuckling a little. It wasn't as if you needed a gift either — not immediately, at least. But just seeing Jade happy with your gift made you feel satisfied. It was a good feeling;

Obviously, as it was a Jade’s plush to the merman himself, he took it to Octavinelle and made sure to show Azul and Floyd one more work of his talented beloved one. Jade swore he wasn't bragging about having you give him gifts — but that's exactly what he was doing, his friends knew;

Some time later, when you went to Jade’s room to study there, you saw the plush around the lampshade near his bed. It was well taken care of and Floyd let slip that his brother always greeted that “damn plushie” when he woke up and before going to sleep, as if he were their little brother. Really, your boyfriend was cute in a unique way, just like his plushie.

Once, Leona found you leafing through a step-by-step sewing magazine while you were waiting for him in the schoolyard. You then told him about learning to sew, hoping that one day you would be able to make even a stuffed animal. Leona shrugged normally but was impressed by your determined look at your new hobby;

Since then, you have begun to practice needlework. Sometimes in the break between classes, at the Ramshackle or when you were around Leona — he would relax by your side. You thought it was funny how sometimes his eyes followed the movement of the wool, just like a cat. But you could never comment on something like that;

A while later, you went on to try to make the plushies that you wanted so much. The first attempts were amateur and weird, as you might expect. Leona had to hold back his laughter as he faced a stuffed animal that he thought it was a malnourished hyena but you insisted it was a meerkat;

But your first cute teddy bear was well celebrated. Leona joked about confirming the plushie’s exact taxonomy and you threw the teddy bear at him, laughing afterwards. In the end, the teddy bear was displayed on a shelf in your bedroom, acquiring your successful work. Jokes aside, Leona congratulated you on your achievement and you, again determined, swore that you could do much more;

And you did. Every few days, you would show Leona your final results and sometimes, the process you went through. Leona wasn’t the most interested person in anything related to sewing — see his uniform’s vest dearly missing a button — but he admitted that you were getting better and better;

But there was one plush in particular that you didn't show him. And Leona ended up discovering this unintentionally when he saw you hide a bunch of orange-brown fabric in your bag the moment you bumped into each other around campus. You seemed a little anxious and left in a hurry, suggesting that you two talked again later;

Leona wondered if it was a plushie you were working harder than usual to get perfect — and was starting to have those perfectionist’s anxieties — or if it was a gift you wanted to make for him. Maybe not him, but some friend and you were afraid to arouse his jealousy. Leona didn’t care much about this question, in part;

If it was a gift for Jack, for example, he didn't have to worry. It would even be funny watching you playing with the sensitive nerves of that poor wolf who liked to seem tough. But you seemed so concerned about this particular project — and didn't want to let him know at all. Leona didn't know what to do. A few days passed and he went straight to Ramshackle to see what you were up to;

And you let him in. Leona saw your fingers full of bandages and was a little worried, even if silently. You asked him to stay in the room and minutes later, you brought him a lion plushie made especially for him. “Is it... me?,” Leona asked, holding the dark-skinned, brown-maned lion plush that had a grumpy expression. “Even my scar, huh?”;

You didn’t know what to interpret Leona's expression, you have never seen someone so confused staring at a stuffed animal. But that's because that little lion transported Leona to a time in childhood where he was carefree and could consider himself relatively happy. Leona hugged you without saying or explaining anything, but you understood that he had liked it;

One day, going into Leona's room to wake him up, you found the lion plushie on his bookshelf along with the chessboard. The lion was practically protecting the pieces — or that was the conclusion you came to. You smiled, staring at Leona sleeping peacefully. You were glad he kept the gift in a safe and proud place.