#rsa drafts

[coffmakovski]

LeBlanche's main motivation for entering show business was the desire to take care of the gnomes. He wanted Snick to be less sick... to worry about his health, but medicine is expensive.

[thomine]

AUTHOR'S COMMENTARY; ready, set, aim

Basic Stats

pairing: venti / reader (romantic)

time: about a month

drafts: 2 (9 total)

total word count: around 5k (final 1.8k)

deviation: 2/5

*deviation from original is on a scale of 1-5, 1 being there was no change and 5 being it was completely changed.

⠀

Brainstorming

when i received the request, cupid was the first thing that came to mind. mondstadt is the city of love, and with the power of extrapolation, venti could be considered a cupid. it’s so fitting that cupid is an archer too. divine marksmanship… divine because it’s from a deity (i.e. cupid), and marksmanship because it takes skill to hit bullseye when doing the job of cupid, don’t you think?

however, even if i do believe venti has a hand in playing cupid around mondstadt (which is a talk for another day), i don’t think he’ll work as a typical cupid does. the thing is that mondstadt is not only the nation of love. it is also the nation of freedom. the way cupid works, where he assigns two people to each other without consent, is not the way i believe venti (as how i understand his character) will approve.

he’s more for “i’m giving you the skills (the marksmanship) in order to call your own shots”. he guides them to make that shot, and it’s divine as he is an archon. hence the birth of this fic. the foundation was to show venti as a guide to people of mondstadt, just as he rules the nation, except the twist is reader confesses to venti—to cupid himself!

⠀

Deviation

the original idea wasn’t that different from what i posted, but this story was given a 2/5 due to the loss of a prominent scene.

as mentioned, the story starts in windblume. reader is the only student for venti’s love poem classes (i.e. this story could have taken place in patch 3.5). instead of venti and reader having a heartfelt talk while walking the streets of mondstadt at night, venti was supposed to teach reader all there is about confessing in the bar.

it would be a secret that reader didn’t have a poem in hand, and throughout the conversation with venti, they would be constantly making metaphors and similes for their poem in their head (there was a whole joke about trying to find the right rhyme for eyes).

at first i thought this was a good idea until i realised i wanted to show how reader trusts venti to pour their worries, even if it’s about him.

back to the original idea, it was only at the end of windblume does reader solve the problem of not being able to write a love poem. when the star of windblume is chosen to give the flower to barbatos, it's a different flower from the year before. reader has a realisation that it's not the flower that matters but the heart behind the flower which allows reader to finish writing their love poem without worry of it sounding "unpoetic", focusing on it being true to the things that has to be said, and confronts venti at starsnatcher hill during sunset to confess.

the story sort of deviated from this naturally. when writing the first half of the (complete) draft, i had this sudden inspiration to write it non-linearly. if i were to include the windblume scene, it would have been a linear story. i didn't know how to include the scene if the second part was told in a non-linear fashion, so i decided to drop it all together.

it was also largely because i decided that reader would not keep the true issue of the confession a secret from venti that lead the dialogue between venti and reader to a point where venti teaches reader on the spot (hence the scene of venti telling reader the steps to confess).

if the windblume scene was to be included, venti would have left with a simple hint and leaving reader to think alone, which i felt was not something he would have done given that reader was telling him his problems honestly.

as a side note, the reason why i chose to scrap the confession being at mondstadt's plaza rather than starsnatcher cliff was because (1) having people around should deter someone as nervous and shy as reader to confess, so if they do, it highlights how important and urgent it is to them to confess to venti. (2) it was also to add a bit of tension, a bit of challenge that reader has to overcome. when it comes to a confession, reader tries to play it smooth but the people around do not help (i.e. the little kid that gives away their location). it was a better lead up to the climax (the confession scene) then if reader just waltz up the cliff.

in the end, even though this was a loss of a great scene (which i might write in the far future as a standalone), i'm pleased with how this fic turned out and i'm glad to see that readers enjoy it as much as i enjoyed toiling over the execution of this idea :)

⠀

Drafts

the reason why drafts are counted as 2 but there's another number (9) is because i wrote the whole thing once, then rewrote it again. however, i also did restart the beginning multiple times, and there were many paragraphs i threw away making the story reach a total of 9 drafts. fun fact: i restarted the opening of the story 5 times.

as you can see, that is why the final word count is 5k.

[twstowo]

Their Magicam Accounts[Twst]

♡��How I think their Magicam Accounts would look and what they do in them.

♡︎This was been catching dust in my drafts for months now. Crazy

♡︎Includes: NRC, RSA and Rollo

⋆⋅☆Riddle: Owns two accounts on Magicam. The first one is only used to like or comment on posts from friends, Carter set up this account against Riddle’s will. He once accidentally posted a picture of the two of you and had a heart attack trying to delete it. The second account is a secret one where he only posts hedgehog pictures.

⋆⋅☆Trey: Has one account where most of his posts showcase his cakes, including pictures from unbirthday parties and moments of you cooking with him. His profile picture is him with that dog filter, you can’t change my mind.

⋆⋅☆Carter: Literally Owns Magicam, posting pictures every time he does something or is with someone. #Thevoicesarewinning. Comments on every post and totally knows that Riddle owns the hedgehog account. He also has a side account for stalking people. Changes his profile picture daily.

⋆⋅☆Ace: Initially only posted embarrassing pictures of people and would only take them down if they paid him. Got suspended quickly from Magicam. The second account is more relaxed, where he shares random content whenever he feels like it. He’s also the type to edit group pictures to make everyone look bad except himself, just to annoy everyone.

⋆⋅☆Deuce: Was the one who reported Ace’s first account since most pictures were of him. Has Shaky pictures, the best picture he has is one of him, Ace, and you together. Probably uses social media mostly for chatting with friends. Also, he, Ace, and you have one of those quirky couple profile pics.

⋆⋅☆Leona: Owns an account with no posts, profile picture, comments, or followers. Rarely uses Magicam, but he occasionally checks your posts.

⋆⋅☆Ruggie: Uses Magicam for selling stuff. Created a group for selling second-hand items and pins all his stuff to ensure faster sales than everyone else.

⋆⋅☆Jack: Gym pictures? Nah, I feel he’d be too shy for that. Probably has one image that he uses everywhere else just to identify himself.

⋆⋅☆Azul: Opened an account to promote Mostro Lounge, daily posts feature new dishes, prices, menus, and sales. He also has a personal account but doesn’t post (doesn’t think he looks nice in pictures).

⋆⋅☆Jade: Mushroom account, has so many followers who share his fascination. Their conversations are all about their mushroom hikes and can last for hours. Makes really aesthetically pleasing posts filled with detailed information about different types of mushrooms.

⋆⋅☆Floyd: For legal reasons I won’t say why, but his account got suspended after one week of its creation.

⋆⋅☆Kalim: Sends party invitations through Magicam, Jamil had to create a group to prevent Kalim from sending individual invitations constantly. Enjoys capturing pictures of the sky. Once posted a picture of Jamil, after it was deleted, he didn't post anything for a whole month, I wonder what happened.

⋆⋅☆Jamil: Similar to Leona, but he often checks Trey’s account for his cake posts. When he saw a picture of you and Trey together, he invited you over to cook with him but didn’t have the courage to ask for a picture of the two of you.

⋆⋅☆Vil: Posts frequently, sharing about himself and his daily routine, always looking impeccable. Regularly receives barking comments, he spends hours deleting all of them.

⋆⋅☆Rook: We all know he has a fan account for Neige. Likes posts of all the celebrities he adores. Writes extremely lengthy comments whenever he finds someone beautiful. He's been blocked so many times he's lost count.

⋆⋅☆Epel: Initially tried taking cute pictures following Vil’s advice but got annoyed as he looked too feminine. Instead, he started promoting stuff from his farm back home.

⋆⋅☆Idia: Uses an account with a weird name to hide his identity, posts about games and occasional activities. Engages in lengthy debates with anyone who disagrees with his new hyperfixation. Has a different notification ring for your posts.

⋆⋅☆Ortho: Shares many pictures of you and him and others doing silly things, sometimes posts gossips and causes huge scandals with them, to the point he decided to create an account with only gossip info. (Azul is literally taking notes.)

⋆⋅☆Malleus: This man owns a Nokia 3310.

⋆⋅☆Lilia: Creates posts about the Doramas he watches, managing a fan page to discuss them with others. Shares pictures of Silver, Sebek, and Malleus, although the latter two get embarrassed, leading Lilia to take down their pictures.

⋆⋅☆Silver: Posts images of nature and cute animals. There's only one picture of him – you took it while he was sleeping and posted it. He didn't have the heart to delete it, knowing it was you.

⋆⋅☆Sebek: Shaky hands #2. Takes pictures of his paintings of Malleus; if you scroll long enough, you might see an accidentally posted painting of you.

⋆⋅☆Che’nya: Shares pictures of people's scared faces, taken while invisible when the flash goes off.

⋆⋅☆Neige: Lost track of his posts; like Vil, he has many followers. Captures moments with the dwarfs and shares funny stories about his day in every picture.

⋆⋅☆Rollo: Has one account filled with pictures of Fleur City. His profile picture used to be a croissant, but he removed it since it looked dumb. He was blocked every magic user, except for you. Yet.

[silkkorchid]

What went down in TWST rp in a week-

Covers 3/30 - 4/5

This week was ok ish…

NRC therapist and Gardening club seems to be planning something against Mrs. Rosehearts…

NRC Newspaper club has a new member called, Atlas, seeming to be an unofficial prophet for NRC, thanks to his Unique Magic.

There is a Dance Club at NRC now-

One of the hosts and the host club seem to have a questionable draft that was soon posted by another host. I’m looking at you 🪞⚜️.

NRC Host Club has now a menu of food, with the one of them being uhm a very clever name for it!

NRC cooking club made a disgusting salad that I cannot describe…

NRC allows students to have tazer if worn correctly…

Another race is happening between Royal Sword Academy and Night Raven College. And there is a poll which school is going to win, some students at NRC are rigging the poll.

Both of RSA and NRC Cleaning club have log entries.

Che’nya is at it with the invisible boop towards the boys.

Some of the boys’ future children are throwing powder ball at them, for no apparent reasons???

The Diasomnia gossip account seems to be telling all the juicy stuff that happens in Diasomnia- wait does Malleus even know this exists?

Someone said Sebek is just… I can’t say it as I’m gonna puke…

A boop war has commenced between us who will get the most boops.

A boop battle between Ruggie and Silver. Silver surrender with Ruggie being the winner .

A student of Diasomnia ate a whole pathway since they were hungry. The person that did this, u know.

Malleus and Althea is having a boop match across campus. Then lasers were incorporated into this match of theirs.? After all that happens, Althea and Malleus end their boop match with ice cream.

Althea trying kidnap Gidel, NO TOUCHING THE CHILD ALTHEA!

General Lilia came back from the dead.

Lilia destroyed the microwave again, wait is that smoke coming from Diasomnia?

Lilia got into Ramshackle’s kitchen and yeeeee….

Riddle realized his mother now got a Tumblr account-

Ace got food poisoning, and Riddle ban him from the kitchen till he gets his credit for the mandatory cooking class.

Mrs. Rosehearts has came back after 4 days. Someone gotta hold onto me before I jump her.

Seems like fans of Riddle are pushing their buttons with Mrs. Rosehearts, and I’m proud seeing them being straight forward on causing chaos.

Ace destroyed a microwave. No questions ask.

Ace got collared for the millionth time.

Ruggie’s future child SOMEHOW broke through a wall!? H-how does that logic work!?

Someone cast a spell onto ruggie in which made him wear bunny ears and a tail.

Leona is trying to pass his responsibility onto Ruggie.

Azul has now met his future child after idk how long.

@quartztwst made Azul bald.

Jamil trying to prevent Alcestris dating Najima, his sister. Meanwhile Althea cheering Alce on…

Epel came back after a beauty break to see the last update before shortly going offline.

Idia arguing which anime he and his future children will watch.

Idia allowing his future children to commit arson…. Ortho please stop him being a bad influence to his own future children…

Idia loosing his shit when the topic of Sonic came up.

Idia lost something very important for his magic pen.

Someone reminded Idia that he accidentally left Ortho’s filter off and you know the story.

The boys’ future children somehow got gender-bend due to a potion.?

The children tried monopoly and it turn into a full on war.

One of Sam’s friends can speak that wired language that I can’t understand-

Cheka came back after a long nap.

Someone taught Cheka to swear-

Fellow and Gidel is at it again trying to find new puppets…

[rosietrace]

『 “Ella & Kit” 』

| Roya Callistis and Gwendolyn Schnee | 🗡️ + ❄️ | (ft. Tinsley LaBelle)

✎ᝰ. synopsis : My heart has wings. And I can fly. I'll touch every star in the sky. So this is the miracle that I've been dreaming of…

✎ᝰ. content warnings : none

✎ᝰ. genre : romance, fan event fic, oc x oc, fluff, mutual pining

( ˚₊· ͟͟͞➳❥) a/n: A (VERY) belated happy birthday goes to Ellis!!! I would like to formally apologize for this taking so long to come out 😭 it's been sitting in my drafts for god knows how long but thank GOD I managed to actually finish it. I hope you enjoy this, and if Gwen or even Tinsley feel ooc… I'm so sorry >=)0

Roya felt out of place.

Not that that was out of the ordinary for him, not in the slightest. The difference was that tonight, with luminescent stars in the midnight river and shining crystals shining a light against the ballroom tiles— Roya was, quite literally, not supposed to be there.

The Glimmering Soirée seemed to be open for everyone, but it felt almost exclusive to NRC students only. Not a single RSA student in sight, or at least as far as Roya's silver eyes could get a grasp at.

Keeping a low profile was even more precarious; being a prince was one thing, but being an alleged cursed prince? Quite frankly, that was much worse.

Everyone knew everyone, and even if Roya wasn't a member of Night Raven's student body, they most definitely knew of him.

They could've at least seen a picture of me, Roya figured, twisting his lips as he pondered. Although the palace painters never seem to get my nose ri–

“Roya?”

He flinched, his head whirling around and unintentionally smacking whoever it was behind him with his long braid.

Tinsley LaBelle yelped and recoiled, covering her face with both hands and hissing. “Ow…”

“Tinsley!” Oh, how Roya was relieved to see a familiar face. But upon seeing her expression and the hiss she'd elicited, he felt an immense guilt. “A-Ah… I..”

“It's fine!” Tinsley laughed it off, awkward at that, but somewhat assuring to some level. “Nothing to worry about! Haha… ha…”

“I am so sorry.”

“Don't be. I know you didn't mean to.”

“Yes, I… You just startled me, is all.”

Tinsley chuckled. For once, she can see what Gwen sees. “Right…”

“... You do know you aren't supposed to be here, right?”

Roya flushed, sputtering out words that came off as gibberish more than they did coherent sentences and bared his teeth at Gwen's sister.

At his poor attempt at a smile, Tinsley smiled through a grimace. “So… You do know?”

He nodded once. “Yes, I was…”

“You wanted to see Gwen?” How adorable, Tinsley's face seemed to say, making Roya flush all the more until he rivaled the redness of his hair.

He didn't answer the first time, looking around the ballroom for any sight of short winter white hair and a familiar pair of ice colored irises.

With no avail, and Tinsley having already repeated her inquiry, Roya hesitated. But as Gwen's older sister, Roya knew that he could trust Tinsley.

Tinsley did the same as him, looking around for any sign of her little winter fairy sister. Both their attempts ended fruitlessly, and they conceded at their momentary loss.

And then… finally, he saw her.

Oh, how beautiful she was. Against the crystalline lights, Gwen glowed like the moon in an ocean of stars— overcasting all with her luminescence.

She'd merely been minding a business of her own, admiring the decor, seeing to the needs of his royal majesty, Prince Malleus; yet Roya cared little for the wants or needs of a prince most unimportant to his night.

Roya went over to her, the encouragement and abruptness of Tinsley’s voice falling on deaf ears. His eyes, his body, his heart, all focused upon Gwen.

His hand took hers, both gloved. “Gwen…” a smile came on his face just by uttering her name so truly softly.

She flinched, her head turning to meet his gaze at last. Her surprise soon went suppressed and overshadowed by a softness that made his heart melt.

“Roya…” She smiled, before the question on her mind finally reached her lips. “Wait– Roya? What are you–”

“I came,” he explained, taking his hands in his, “to see you, dear Gwen.”

“M-Me…?” Her head tilted to one side. Flattered as she might've been, her concerns over him getting in trouble outweighed it. “But Roya–”

“I know it's risky being here, but I couldn't help myself.”

So that's your excuse, Gwen's beautiful face conveyed. “Roya…”

“Please, Gwen, treasure of my heart?” Roya smiled, his gentle hands intertwining their fingers with Gwen with a pleading tilt to his head.

How could Gwen say no to a smile so… so genuine, so sincere?

She indulged his wishes, the chances of getting scolded be damned. They rounded the corner and entered the threshold of the dancefloor.

Gwen looked around. She suddenly felt all too aware of the eyes that soon caught a glimpse of her and a prince who shouldn't even be here with her.

Roya directed her eyes back on his, that same smile of complete utter sincerity diminishing all possible signs of worry or concern. “Eyes on me.”

She obliged, taking her hand in his and her other on his shoulder; all the while Roya wrapped his free hand gently around her waist, pulling her a bit closer.

She flinched at the movement, at the sudden contact. They looked at each other and they both laughed, smiling all the while and let the music do the talking for them.

As the band played on with a new melody, Gwen noted the dichotomy of the gentleness of the way Roya held her; especially compared to his abilities in the art of dance.

It left much to be desired, really. But given that Roya's talents lied in swordsmanship and equestrianism, it didn't entirely bewilder Gwen the way it probably should have.

But then a compromise came to mind. A solution, of sorts. Whether or not it'll be successful in the end, Gwen didn't know— but it was well worth a shot!

She broke the silence, leaning so he could hear and keeping her voice low and soft. “Your steps are too stiff.”

“What?” Roya stared, frankly for a couple more seconds longer than he should be. (Either way, Gwen found it cute)

Not wanting to sound overly critical, seven forbid rude, Gwen continued. “It’s… a bit uncoordinated, shall we say.”

“Oh…”

“I-It’s nothing to be emba–”

“I apologize,” muttered Roya in a manner that could only be described as sheepish and awkward.

Gwen breathed out a sigh. “To quote a certain someone,” said Gwen, “eyes on me.”

Clever girl, Roya thought when she echoed her words right back at him. Much too clever and talented to be a servant.

And just when his thoughts began to wander to a life where Gwen wasn't a servant under Malleus’ employ — a life where they'd be together side by side, never to be separated — he shook his head at the absurdity of it.

Now wasn't the time for mindless daydreaming. He needed to focus. Eyes on Gwen.

All eyes were on Gwen and him now, really. But Roya couldn't fathom the thought that everyone was focused at his appearance at a non RSA event than they were admiring just how striking Gwen was.

At times Roya’s drifted downwards to keep focus on his footwork. Upon noticing that however, Gwen brought a gentle hand to his chin, tilting it back up to meet her gaze.

“Remember— focus on your partner's face. Not their feet.”

“You cannot fault me for my anxiousness,” mumbled Roya, lifting his arm alongside hers for her to spin across the ballroom floor with him by his side— gliding like ice laid beneath their feet.

Endeared by his answer, Gwen chuckled. “I suppose I can't. But should you focus elsewhere, I fear I'm not as good a teacher as I'd hope.”

What nonsense. Roya huffed. “You make a wonderful teacher, really. Perfect.”

“Well, now you're just flattering me.”

“And is flattery not well deserved?”

“Pffft- Roya…”

“I am but saying this jest, dear Gwen.” As her spin came to a halt, Roya's arm returned to its place around her waist. “Praise and adoration are all but two of the many things I believe I should adorn you regularly.”

“Roya—”

“My adoration for thou is quite concerning, actually. One might chastise me for bordering on obsession, but I can't help it, really.”

They stopped at the edge of the dancefloor, only a few steps away from breaching the bridge of dancer and observer.

Roya tucked a stray hair behind Gwen's pointed ear, his thumb then coming to trace the outline. “It… it feels as though I've known you all my life, Gwen. As if I've met you in a previous life of mine.”

“... Surely you jest..” Gwen turned her face away, a warm flush painting her cheeks in lighthearted embarrassment.

Now it was Roya's turn to tilt her chin, for her to meet his attentive gaze. “I could hardly joke over something like that, Ella.”

Something almost close to familiarity flashed in Gwen's crystalline eyes at the use of the name. Strange, Gwen sensed something, but that something hardly felt amiss.

“... If I am to be Ella,” Gwen murmured. “Might you be my Kit?”

It was odd. How familiar both names sounded even when it was the first time they've said them aloud. That hardly couldn't matter, couldn't it?

The chances of pondering more over that rode off like a freight chain, regrettably. Dire Crowley was in Gwen's line of sight, and as… questionable as her headmage is with his methods of handling NRC, she couldn't imagine what kind of trouble could erupt if he were to find an RSA student within campus grounds.

Whatever Roya wanted to say fell on deaf ears when Gwen took him by his wrist and rushed him out of the ballroom before Crowley could catch them.

A part of Gwen dreaded that Crowley might've spotted Roya and his standout red hair. In other circumstances, hair of that color helped make him easy to spot in a crowd; this useful aspect of his appearance was not so useful at the moment.

They fled far enough to reach the courtyard, with Gwen letting go of Roya's wrist to catch her breath against the lone tree that Leona usually frequented. At least he wasn't there at the moment.

Somehow Roya wasn't even half as out of breath as Gwen was. He barely broke a sweat and it made her wonder if it was impressive or not. Probably is.

Clearing her throat and placing her gloved hands behind her back, she sent a sheepish smile his way. Apologetic. “Er… the headmage was within our line of sight, so…”

“I understand.” Roya nodded, standing close to her with a hand over his heart. “And for that, I am thankful that you… Well, helped evade me from getting in trouble.”

“It was the least I could do.” Gwen laced her fingers with Roya's, intertwining them like twin flames at long last reunited. “You put it in the effort to sneak in to see me.”

“Of course I would.”

Gwen felt Roya's hand reach the side of her face, but not before he took off his glove to feel the ice cold skin beneath his warm palms.

“You… are precious,” Roya declared, “in every way that matters. My heart sings a symphony I hope yours can hear and understand, and when I'm with you, I…”

Gwen inched closer, threatening to close the gap between them until their noses brushed. “You…?” She prodded shyly.

Roya swallowed. Hard. “With you, I– I feel as though I could fly and touch the constellations with you by my side, I… I can't seem to breathe without you near, I—”

He let out a dry, humorless laugh in humility. His forehead pressed against hers. “I love you, my Ella. And in my heart, I dream of you loving me, too.”

Her icy heart melted at his declaration, his promise. With a tender smile, Gwen's hands cradled his face as her lips pressed a chilling kiss to his forehead that nearly undid him.

“I love you too, sweet Kit.”

【 Taglist / Credits 】

↳ In order of OC appearances/mentions

Roya Callistis – Me 😈

Tinsley LaBelle – @jasdiary

Gwendolyn Schnee – @starry-night-rose

@authoruio | @fumikomiyasaki | @sakuramidnight15 | @twsted-princess | @geminiiviolets | @hallowed-delights · @terrovaniadorm | @absolutelyobsessedkiya | @valse-a-mille-temps | @oseathepebble

[bluesylveon2]

hello,

may I please request prompt 5 with ace trappola please?

Hello anon! This prompt fitted Ace so perfectly! You could tell that I was having a bit too much fun with this (it has the basketball club). I hope that you enjoy! 😁

Prompt: 05. I’m a pro-athlete at a press conference and I make a comment to my buddy about you because I forgot my mic was on

Note: Modern au, aged up characters, twst basketball club are pro players, Floyd being chaotic, and Jamil dealing with it. FLUFF.

*Yuu's shirt is inspired by @siphoklansan's comic where her OC (pls correct me if I'm wrong) wears shrimp-patterned pj's. I recommend checking it out!

Word Count: 1338

Warnings: not beta read and possible OOC characters

500 Follower Event

"Ace, what are your thoughts about tonight's game?"

Ace smirked and confidently looked at the reporter. "You could say it was teamwork that helped us beat Noble Bell, but my winning shot was where I scored that 3-pointer."

Floyd, who sat next to him, merely rolled his eyes. "Neh Crabby, it was really me scoring that awesome dunk." He made the motion of a dunk, causing the reporters to laugh. Ace laughed along with them as he turned off his mic.

It was Jamil, the team captain's, turn to speak when Ace recalled back to the game. It was the semifinals, and although Noble Bell was a formidable opponent. They were not as tough as RSA, their opponent at the finals. RSA was filled with talented players, but they were snotty, pampered princes that made Ace want to barf. 

"Psst."

Ace could not wait to return to the hotel room and watch the replays. He needed to improve before the next match. He could imagine watching the ball as it goes through the hoop and-

"PSST!"

"What?" Ace hissed under his breath, his daydream gone. His eyes briefly glanced at Jamil, who was still answering his question, and Floyd, who looked at him with a pleased look.

"I'm bored. Let's play I Spy," Floyd whispered like a kid. 

Ace blinked. He would never get what goes through his teammate's mind. "What are-"

Floyd grinned. "I'll go first!" His bi-colored eyes scanned the crowd, looking closely at the reporters. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he leaned towards Ace. "I spy someone wearing a shrimp-patterned blouse."

Ace raised an eyebrow. "A shrimp-patterned blouse? You must be seeing things."

Floyd shook his head. "Hah? It actually exists. See for yourself." He jutted his chin to point at the crowd. 

Ace rolled his eyes but decided to look anyway. Jamil was going on about the game, and it would take a while before they moved to the next question. Ace leaned forward slightly and scanned the crowd. One reporter had a solid-colored shirt, and another had a simple patterned one. None of them matched Floyd's description. He was ready to dismiss Floyd's claim, and then he saw it.

In the middle of the crowd was a girl patiently waiting her turn with her list of pre-drafted questions. Ace was too focused on her outfit to notice the same face staring back at him.

(Ace would later learn from his future girlfriend that he was not subtle at all). 

"That is the ugliest blouse I have ever seen."

It was like someone scratched a record. Jamil's jaw dropped, and the team stayed silent. All eyes turned to the girl, and Floyd burst out in laughter. 

"Wow, Crabby! You really messed up there!"

Ace's eyes widened, and his ears turned red. He didn't know his mic was on! It was not supposed to be on in the first place!

Jamil, trying to save face, chimed in. "What he means is that your blouse is very unique. He has never seen that before."

Floyd, while still laughing, turned his mic on. "I like your blouse! It's very cool, Shrimpy. Let me take a closer look!" He suddenly jumped over the table and maneuvered through the crowd to get to 'Shrimpy' while repeatedly asking, "Can I?" The press and NRC's PR team immediately ran to him to stop him from hurting others or squeezing the poor girl too hard. 

Meanwhile, Ace covered his face in his hands and groaned. Of course, the mic also picked that up, but Ace was too embarrassed to care. 

Jamil rolled his eyes and leaned back. He was not bothered by it because this was how chaotic a typical press conference would go anyway. At least Floyd broke his personal record of how long it would take for him to jump over the table and go to the crowd. Jamil was grateful for that. 

---

After Jamil's stern lecture about when to shut up and how to treat women, Ace had no choice but to find the girl and apologize. 

"Can I watch? I want to see my new friend slap Crabby!" Floyd had said before proceeding to be dragged away by Jamil. 

Ace had found the girl near the stadium's entrance finishing up her notes. He sighed and made his way to her. He stopped until he was a few feet away from her and cleared his throat to get her attention. The girl looked up, and Ace felt his heart stop. The girl before him was beautiful, especially with the big gemstone-like eyes staring at him. Of course, she still wore the shrimp-pattern blouse. 

"It's you. Ace, right? Do you need something?"

Ace ran his hand through his hair. He looked away, and a blush formed on his face. "Look, I'm sorry about what I said earlier."

The girl smiled. "I forgive you. I didn't mind the comment anyway."

Ace turned to the girl, his eyes wide. "What? What do you mean?"

The girl laughed and picked at the collar of her blouse. "This blouse is a gift from my friend. He thought it would be hilarious for me to wear it since it would make me stand out. Which it did." 

Ace could not believe it. He expected her to yell or slap him. He was not expecting this. "If you didn't mind the comment, then you should burn that blouse. I'm pretty sure it is all over Magicam right now."

The girl grinned mischievously. "Oh, I know it is. In fact, I might wear it on the red carpet of Vil Schoenheit's next big premiere. My friend, Epel, the one who bought me this, would love to see his reaction." She finished it with a laugh. 

Ace laughed with her. "Well, I want to see that. I would love to get pictures of it."

"How do you plan on doing that? You don't have my number." She asked slyly, and Ace played along. 

"How about I give it to you? That way, you could send me the proof."

The girl hummed in thought. "Well, I could do that, but how about I do that after you take me out on a date? That way, we both benefit from this." 

Ace grinned boyishly. "There is a bakery nearby that I've always wanted to try. I heard it has good strawberry tarts and cherry pie."

The girl smiled. "It's a date." She turned her papers over until she found a blank one, ripped part of it out, scribbled some stuff, and handed it to him. 

Ace grabbed the paper and found not only her number but a name too. "I'll text you the details later, Yuu."

"I look forward to it."

Bonus:

"Wow, you were right! These strawberry tarts are good!" Yuu moaned. She had messily eaten her tart, and her mouth was covered in strawberries and filling. 

Ace laughed and picked up a napkin. "Here, let me get that for you." He said and wiped Yuu's face. The two maintained eye contact long after Ace was done. They both felt an invisible pull and began leaning forward. Ace placed his free hand behind Yuu's chair, and Yuu grabbed Ace'a arm. The two were only a centimeter away from each other when-

"SHRIMPY!!!" 

Yuu and Ace immediately pulled away to find Floyd running towards them at top speed. Ace instinctively grabbed Yuu and pulled her towards him, using his body as protection. Suddenly, Jamil appeared, looking like he ran a marathon, and tackled Floyd. 

"No fair! I wanted to stop Ace from kissing my new friend!" Floyd cried out, causing the other two to blush. 

"You are ruining their date!" Jamil gritted out as he grabbed Floyd's shirt. He gave the two an apologetic look and dragged Floyd away.

Ace and Yuu watched the two in silence. They had no idea what just happened, and the atmosphere they once had was gone. 

Yuu turned to Ace, a concerned look on her face. "Is that normal?"

Ace sighed. "Sadly." 

Disclaimer: I do not own Twisted Wonderland and its characters. Those belong to Aniplex, Walt Disney Japan, and Yana Toboso.

©: This story belongs to bluesylveon2 2020-23. DO NOT modify, republish, or plagiarize my work.

[the-deal-breaker]

RSA Ocs (Technically)

Also know as I watched the animated one recently and had some thoughts

Anyway my plan for RSA version of heartslabyul, IK it says child of play, but the more I thought about it. The dorms theme being courouisty fits better.

I also know its common practice to make Ace's counter part Alice but in his story its the ousters sooo---

Hope you enjoyed my Draft!!

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

tyvm for 8k+ followers!! 😭

Ignore the crazy number of drafts I have—

WEHHH 🥺 You guys keep surprising me time and time again! Like I always say, thank you for the support!! Each and every one of you has been such an integral part of this journey.

At the 7k follower milestone, I revealed seven NRC dorm uniform designs for Miss Raven (my TWST OC and blog mascot/muse!). For this milestone, I’ll do the same, but for RSA and NBC uniforms 🎵 They’re just sketches, but I hope you find them interesting all the same! I designed them with the prompt of "what if Raven ended up at a different school than NRC" in mind. How would these new environments and students shape her as she learns and grows?

Royal Sword Academy

The hairstyle for RSA!Raven is similar to NRC!Raven, but with the pigtails lifted much higher to represent a shift in her place and role in the world. It's crazy how just the pigtails being higher makes her look so different... almost kind of resembles Hatsune Miku! You'll also notice that it's not actually a single large chunk of hair curling in each pigtail; it's meant to look sort of like two segments intertwining (think like OMGkawaiiAngel from Needy Streamer Overload, but with thicker hair; it looked weird when Raven's hair wasn't thick).

RSA!Raven's look is a mixture of what a tomboyish, active princess would wear and what a more traditional princess would wear. The base look is very Snow White-inspired, since that's an important and historical film for Disney. She has a little red bow clipped to the center of her hair, puff sleeves that resemble the ones on Snow White's dress, and her collar is high and poofs out similar to Snow White's. The bow also appears on her boots, which are high and come with a stable sole for trekking around.

Raven's jacket is long and boasts a flamboyant train that flares out, and with the sash repurposed to her waist and the pleated skirt, it gives the illusion of a dress. On top, she wears a frilly blouse and a cravat of raven feathers. Cinched as an accessory atop the cravat is her magestone inlaid in an RSA brooch. She wears a pair of safety shorts under her skirt so she can run and climb without worry. What if there's a cat stuck in a tree or an old lady that needs help crossing the street?! Have no fear, the tomboyishly heroic Raven-san will come help!!

This version of Raven is much more upbeat and outgoing! Since RSA is a place that promotes teamwork, she's now the type that's eager and willing to fight for her friends and to help those in need! Raven's still ever the curious intellectual, but at RSA, where her wishes and hopes for the future are planted, watered, and left to bloom, she's much more open about sharing her dreams and confiding in others. No trust issues here! In fact, maybe she's a little too trusting (much like how she initially started off at NRC). Even though she may have girlish dreams and small stature, you shouldn't underestimate her! She can pack quite a punch with her small fists and loudmouth. RSA!Raven is a classic bright, doe-eyed do-gooder that would surely piss the NRC boys off. When she's not writing a story, she's going around with Chenya and seeing what fun new things lie in store for her. (It's rare that you'll find Raven cooped up in a room!) She's also the first to admit wrongdoing or defeat if she's done something wrong or stepped out of line. RSA!Raven is just honest to a fault, and it's usually Chenya who has to talk her out of apologizing for everything. "Mmm? What's the big deal if we sneak onto NRC campus? Sure, they may not like us, but there's no rule against paying a visit to old friends! You should come along~ I bet it'll be real fun!"

Noble Bell College

NBC!Raven doesn't have too many outrageous modifications (like, no super short skirts here) to her outfit because in my mind, the school is pretty conservative and wouldn't stand for that. There's a ribbon tied in her beret, as well as another at her chest to secure the diamond-cut magestone there. Usually the shawl NBC students wear is all cloth, but I layered it so there's cloth over Raven's usual feather shawl. The sash coming from her shoulders is also longer and cut a little differently to help signal that she's an anomaly within the student body. Her collar is also a little looser to help her breathe. Last but not least, Raven decided to personalize her uniform a little bit by tying a loose piece of fabric over the longer robes underneath. It has golden beading along the hem, which resembles a piece on Esmeralda's own skirt. Raven wears strings of pearls on her waist in her original NRC outfit, so I thought this would be a neat parallel for her NBC look.

I wanted Raven's hair here to be simple, so it's let down and falls in natural loose waves. Some of it is over her shoulder, but the rest is behind her back, so this helps to slightly differentiate it from the other hairstyles she has worn before. I think it helps to give the impression that she's a studious scholar, but there's a cute and quirky side to her too.

If you thought NRC!Raven was an introvert, hoo boy 😅 you haven't seen anything yet! In the quiet solace of Noble Bell's untarnished halls, peace reigns supreme. Under the watch of the Bell of Salvation, Raven has blossomed into a quiet, stoic, and innocent flower. She does her due diligence sweeping the floors and washing the gargoyles (greeting them every day with a soft smile), then writes stories by candlelight. In the afternoons, she likes to observe the townspeople from a seat at a cafe, or even from up on high, at the tallest tower in the city. Raven respects authority and the rules, and, above all else, believes that justice and equality should be upheld. As expected of someone growing up with the tales of the Just Judge!

If the bad influences of NRC aren't around to be bad influences on her, then surely Rollo will get the job done for them. Thing is, we don't see him acting out in the presence of his peers. This will, naturally, lead to Raven foolishly thinking that he's an excellent role model and thus strive to be just like him. She follows him around like a lost puppy and shyly asks him for advice on various things. Maybe she'd even be a member of student council (secretary?) and hope that her contributions will bring her ever closer to reaching the pinnacle that is the president. With the vice prez and aide, they form the Rollo Fan Club!

... And yet, even though she admires him so deeply, there's a part of her that suspects that Rollo-senpai isn't telling his whole story. She's incredible empathetic and good at reading people (after all, she talks to the stone statues around campus too!)--and her senses tell her that behind Rollo's calm demeanor and dependableness, there's something dark eating away at him. "I wish he would trust us enough to let us know," she says. But maybe someday he will open up to her. (ie Raven is so totally going, "I CAN FIX HIM!!")

[the-weirdos-mind]

🖊 Oscar

Oscar is a character I hold close to my heart. I have a soft spot for him as he’s a little guy. But imma be dropping some lore on him

Oscar finds comfort in spaces people find tight. He has a spot in his dorm room that’s nothing but a pillow and a blanket. When he feels very overwhelmed or stressed he goes to that spot, wraps himself up in the blanket and watches stuff on his phone. This mostly happens when he finishes conversations with his mom.

His mom wanted him to go to RSA, but he didn’t see himself being happy there. He applied for NRC behind her back and she never knew about it. He knew he was taking a massive risk if she found out. He knew he was a disappointment in here eyes for not being like his sisters but he wanted to prove his worth by being himself instead of what his mom wanted him to be. His sisters knew and never said anything about it.

His sisters often visit him from White Ash. At least once a month, they go over to NRC and check up on him. They see that he’s come out of his shell and has friends! Seeing him doing better than he was back home makes them worry less about him. They met the first years (and Oscar almost strangled Ace for hitting on both of his sisters).

He does visit them at White Ash as much as he can but with everything going on, he didn’t get much opportunities. It’s something that makes him feel bad but he doesn’t outright admit it to not make his sisters worry about him even more.

He likes country music. He listens to country music when he’s writing drafts of rat telenovela scripts and building sets.

Vil was initially hesitant to have him join but gave him a chance. He got absolutely invested in the story he made and immediately got him in production to update the sets for the rats. At least one club meeting is either making more rat telenovelas or adapting them for the others to perform to work on their acting.

Oscar eventually starts a Magicam dedicated to his rat telenovelas and it becomes popular.

White Ash belongs to my moot @adrianasunderworld

@adrianasunderworld @mangacupcake @writing-heiress @fair-night-starry-tears @queen-of-twisted @achy-boo @abyssthing198 @fiendishfan @boopshoops

[unpredictable-probabilities]

Azul Ashengrotto of Royal Sword Academy || Chapter 1: That Dastardly RSA Student

(art by @patchyegg87)

Summary:

Jamil Viper was almost the one to have brought victory for NRC against RSA in a hundred years, if not for Azul Ashengrotto.

It was supposed to be Jamil's chance to finally be at the top, and having victory stolen from his grasp by that RSA merfolk still irked him more than he would have expected. Hopefully, he'd never have to see him again.

Word Count: 4,688

Author's Note:

As of writing this, canon hasn't told us anything about Prince Rielle except for his first name and that he was classmates with Azul in middle school. Everything else about him here is just headcanons~

This is an AU that I wrote with @patchyegg87 where Azul and Kalim had gone to school in RSA instead of NRC. It's the first book of at least a two-part series that we have planned~

We have drafted about ten chapters already, we just need to finish editing them. We plan on posting a chapter every week ^_^

We hope you like this first one!

Jamil has worked hard to be here. Staying up for nights to review all topics that could possibly be covered, borrowing the maximum amount of textbooks from the library, skipping basketball practice.

And here he is indeed. Toe-to-toe with RSA at the Magical Inter-school Competition.

Only one thing stands in his way: Azul Ashengrotto. Right there at the podium across from him, waiting intently for the final question much like he is.

"And now, for the question that would decide everything!" says the host, pausing dramatically.

A drumroll sounds from invisible speakers, and the host makes a show of reading the question.

"What is… a six-letter word for an antidote? In ancient times, it was believed that a glass of it would be able to neutralize any type of poison."

Wait, that's it? That's too easy—

Azul Ashengrotto precisely blasts magic at the big gemstone floating in front of both of them—their version of a buzzer.

"Bezoar," he says calmly. "It originates from the Far West, a word that literally means 'antidote'."

There is a full second of silence, and then the RSA side of the audience bursts into applause. Glittering confetti explodes out of invisible cannons and rains down on Jamil's frozen figure, arm still raised to blast magic at the gem.

Royal Sword Academy takes first place.

Again.

Jamil can barely hear the cheering over the mind-numbing realization that he lost, only by a matter of a few seconds.

As NRC's crowd stays deathly silent, Jamil feels the shame crawling up his spine. As if losing to these Mary Sues wasn't bad enough, he now made a fool of himself in front of his own school.

He slams his fist down on his podium in silent frustration, but other than that, he just stands there and coldly glares at his opponent.

And to make matters worse…

"It's okay, Jamil! You did great!" Kalim yells, sitting amongst RSA's "little angels".

Jamil's jaw tightens.

Azul Ashengrotto just smiles politely at the crowd. He glances at Jamil and sees his cold glare, and Jamil takes satisfaction in how Ashengrotto's smile falters for a fraction of a second. Then they're both ushered down from the stage.

Jamil had never been to Golden Bridge Academy before, and he has no idea where the canteen is. He had skipped lunch for this competition and so far had only managed to find a vending machine to get a fruit soda from. Normally he'd familiarize himself with a place before going there, but he didn't think he'd need to, especially if he'd be too busy being congratulated by his schoolmates to go anywhere else by himself.

Now he's trying to get away from those schoolmates. He barely escaped without having resentful glares cast his way.

"Hey!" a growl calls his attention..

Jamil turns to look at him, and as soon as he does, the tiger beastman swats the bottle of soda from his hand. It falls to the floor with a thud.

"Shouldn't you be hiding in shame somewhere?" the beastman bares his teeth. "You're in the basketball varsity, ain't ya? How's it that that nerd with the glasses moved faster than you?"

Jamil keeps a proud, condescending look on his face, trying his best to hide the evident irritation in his voice.

"I don't know what you mean. The other man simply won, and that's all there is to it. Besides, as if you could do any better. Do you think I wasn't there when I saw you and your team lose to RSA yesterday? Now unless you can tell me where the canteen is, beat it. I'm already in a bad enough mood as it is."

The beastman growls and lunges faster than Jamil had expected for such a buff guy.

Jamil pulls out his Magic Pen, fully knowing he won't be quick enough to stop the sharp claws reaching for his face—

"Agh!" the beastman suddenly stumbles back as a magic blast hit him, a hand clasping over his shoulder.

"That is no way to treat a schoolmate, is it?" a familiar cool voice says behind Jamil.

Azul Ashengrotto lowers his Magic Pen, but still keeps it at the ready. "Jamil Viper had put up an excellent fight, and I have no doubt he knew the answer to that final question. I merely won by chance."

The beastman makes a low growl. "We'll get your asses next time, just you wait."

"I look forward to it," Azul tips his head politely.

The beastman storms off.

Azul pockets his Magic Pen, then picks up Jamil's fruit soda bottle and offers it to him.

"Just go straight ahead and to the right, you'll find the canteen near the statue of the fairy," Azul says.

Jamil stares at the soda bottle in Azul's hand for a long moment before he takes it.

He squints at Azul. "Have you been listening in on our conversation?"

It was too soon for him to see this guy, he mutters in his head. Of all the people to run into...

"It was difficult not to, your friend has quite the loud voice," Azul Ashengrotto has a small smile of amusement. "But I did not mean to eavesdrop, I assure you. I was just passing by from the shop. I ran into some of your other schoolmates, I think they were heading to the canteen as well." He absently adjusts his glasses, and Jamil notices for the first time that one of the lenses has a crack that wasn't there earlier during the quiz bee. "They seemed about as friendly as your tiger companion earlier, so might I suggest that you sit at the north side if you want a peaceful lunch? The tables there are not in plain view."

Jamil looks at Azul strangely, wondering why he's telling him this, because it's true that he'd rather avoid further ire from his schoolmates.

"…What do you want?" He asks, voice laced with suspicion.

It doesn't escape Azul's notice, and his eyebrows raise in mild surprise, then he shakes his head. "I merely had the impression that you wanted to avoid further disturbances. I had information, I passed it on. That is all. Regardless, I shall leave you be."

Azul tips his head politely and turns to leave, but before he could walk away, another voice rings out.

"Octy! Sea Snake!"

Floyd appears faster than Jamil could react, and the eel is suddenly between him and Azul Ashengrotto, an arm around each of them.

"Heyyyy, can we join yer hangout?"

"Azul Ashengrotto," Jade walks towards them with an amused smile. "It's been a long time. Are you both headed to the canteen?"

Jamil struggles under Floyd's grip, widening his eyes at the twins' approach.

"What the— Hang on, you guys know each other?" He incredulously asks.

"We were classmates in middle school," Azul Ashengrotto says from the grip of Floyd's other arm. Then he turns to Jade. "Hello, Jade Leech, Floyd Leech. I see you two have retained the same… enthusiasm in greeting people."

Floyd laughs. "I missed ya, Octy! And you, Sea Snake, why're you keeping him to yourself? That's rude, you know!"

"Feel free to take him," Jamil grumbles, unable to escape Floyd's grip. Curses, he normally would've heard him coming from a mile away. Azul's tip about the tables had distracted him. "Just leave me out of it."

"Nooo!" Floyd complains. "I gotta talk to you about the new Basketball Club uniforms! You've been skippin' practice so you dunno that Coach told us to pick up the fabrics for 'em in town next week!"

"And we want to catch up with our old friend Azul," Jade smiles, the kind that looks like there's definitely something else behind it.

"Let's gooo!" Floyd practically drags Jamil and Azul along.

Jamil sees that Azul was right about the other NRC students at the canteen, but all of them give their group a wide berth. That's one good thing about the Leech twins, at least. If they're bothering you, no one else will.

"Can I take everyone's orders?" Jade asks as they all settle into a table. "My treat."

Jamil sighs, seeing that he's got no chance of escaping this now without attracting Floyd's ire. Glancing at the front of the canteen where a menu can be seen, he then mumbles, "I'll take a plate of carbonara, I guess . . ."

He feels his stomach growling in satisfaction. Huh. Guess he has been neglecting a bit of his needs for this quiz, now that he thinks about it.

"Beef stew, please," Azul Ashengrotto says, seated in front of Jamil.

"Large fries!" Floyd pipes up, sitting beside Jamil. "And a taco!"

Jade nods in acknowledgement and leaves to order.

"You don't look delicious in your human form, Octy," Floyd rests his chin on his hands, his elbows propped up on the table. "You don't even have any chewy bits."

"If it means that you won't be biting my limbs again anytime soon, then I don't mind the absence of chewiness," Azul says good-naturedly as he takes out a small container from his pocket and places it on the table.

Jamil can't believe he's sitting with the guy who bested him in a battle of academic wits. A part of him wants to stay irritated, but now that the sting of defeat has mostly left him, he just feels resigned.

He glances at his former opponent and at Floyd, frowning. "Were you guys close friends back in middle school or something?"

He's never seen the twins be this excited over one individual before.

Azul considers for a moment. "We were friends, yes, but we didn't exactly spend enough time together to be considered close—"

"Because Flame Tetra stole you from us!" Floyd slams his fist on the table, a gesture that would have been intimidating if not for the childish pout on his face. "Jade and I were about to scoop ya up, but he swam in and made you part of his gang. Blech," Floyd makes a disgusted face.

"…Who's Flame Tetra?" Jamil asks, not even sure what a Tetra is. "…And you call this guy 'Octy' because…?"

"'Flame Tetra' is how Floyd refers to Rielle Triton, another one of our classmates back in middle school," Azul responds. "And Floyd's nickname for me is because I'm a cecaelia. In my true form, my lower half is an octopus."

"With chewy tenta-klees!" Floyd reminds them, wiggling his fingers towards them as an imitation of said tentacles.

"We still could have been close, you know," Azul says to Floyd. "It isn't like Rielle forbids his friends to be close to other people."

"Nahhh, we don't like hangin' out with royals," Floyd waves a hand dismissively. "And he's always hangin' around you! It was real annoying. I wanted to squeeze him for it but Jade didn't let me."

Friends with royalty? Connection to the Leech twins that isn't a death sentence? Consider Jamil intrigued.

"What about this guy is so interesting to you, Floyd? Is it 'cause he's half-octopus?" He levels his gaze down the silver-haired boy's way as he takes a sip of his soda.

"Well, many of our classmates were racist bastards," Floyd says bluntly. "Octy was the only cecaelia in our class, and they kept givin' him shit for it. I was like whatever, y'know. There's assholes everywhere, why not in school? BUT THEN, Jade noticed that those bastards slowly became less bastardly. They also began gettin' skills n' stuff outta nowhere, but also losin' things? Like, this merman, his tailfin changed color to a glittery green thingy, it was rad. But he became stupid in math.

So Jade and I snooped on Azul and found out he was makin' these contracts to make deals with our classmates. He had figured out his Signature Spell at that age! BESTIE MATERIAL, RIGHT??"

Azul has a hand to his forehead, like he's covering his face from embarrassment.

"Oh?" Jamil utters, raising an eyebrow. "Your Signature Spell developed so you could get one over people who used to make fun of you?"

That's a tad more dastardly than he gave the guy credit for.

"Impressive…" Jamil mutters, recalling the time where he first manifested his Signature Spell…

Control, control…

That's all he ever asks for.

Please… If he can have at least one thing in his stupid life…

He blinks himself back to reality. "Did you want to befriend Azul 'cause you wanted some kind of boon from him?"

"Eh?" Floyd looks confused. "I wanted to play with him! It's Jade who wanted a boon."

"Hm? Did I hear my name?" Jade appears with a tray of their food. It looks like he got spaghetti for himself.

"Sea Snake was wonderin' why we wanted to hang out with Octy back then," Floyd jabs a thumb towards Jamil's direction.

"Can we please talk about something else?" Azul says, looking uncomfortable with the attention.

"But we missed you!" Floyd pouts. "Let's hear what Jade has to say."

Jade chuckles as he sits down in front of Floyd and next to Azul.

"Having Floyd as a sibling certainly raises one's standards for what is interesting. And Azul, who used to dissolve into tears from the bullying of our classmates and then ended up lording over them, certainly reached that standard," Jade says. "And I must admit, I wanted to see if he and I could work together."

"But you didn't because… Rielle?" Jamil asks. He's heard of the name, since the Asims' personal retainers are expected to know the different royal families in case they ever have to meet or welcome them. He wonders why the Leeches don't like associating with the prince.

Jade shrugs. "Prince Rielle has always been too well-guarded. I would rather not have eyes on any endeavors I do."

"And they definitely won't let me chew on Flame Tetra's tail," Floyd adds.

Azul has stopped paying attention to them and is currently getting two pieces of glass from the container he had placed on the table.

Jamil's eyes follow this movement and glance at the container. What's that?

Azul removes his glasses and places them down.

"Ah yes," Jade says, noticing what Azul is doing as well. "I've been meaning to ask. What happened to your glasses?"

Azul takes out his Magic Pen and begins to magically replace his glasses’ lenses. "A group of your charming schoolmates approached me earlier. One of them aimed a punch at my face. I managed to cast a shield, but not fast enough. The punch didn't make contact with my face, but the shield wasn't able to stop the force entirely. Hence," he holds up the cracked piece of glass, now detached from the frame. "Fortunately the shop here sells lenses that fit my eye grade. This would have to do until I can get new prescription glasses." He looks down to carefully attach the new lenses, muttering incantations with waves of his Magic Pen.

"You got jumped?" Floyd says in interest. "What'd you do?"

"I made them leave," Azul said simply, still fixing his glasses.

Jade chuckles fondly.

"Aw hell yeah! That's our Octy!" Floyd grins.

Jamil frowns as he tries to imagine Azul prevailing in a brawl. It's hard to picture, but it's certainly not a bad picture.

"Those idiots," Jamil shakes his head. "Acting like sore losers that way is only going to give the rest of us more trouble than it's worth…" He glances at Floyd's way. "How was your swimming competition?"

"He was disqualified about a few seconds in for going severely out of bounds." Jade happily replies.

"That's what they get for makin' me join," Floyd groans, leaning back on his seat. "Why would I wanna be in a swimmin' contest? I swim all the time."

"You're a fast swimmer," Azul points out, wearing his newly repaired glasses. He blinks a few times as if testing his vision. "Surely it would have been quite easy for you to win such a competition."

"Exactly!" Floyd says. "Where's the fun in that? Ooh, YOU shoulda joined, Octy! You ain't a fast swimmer at all, it'll be a real challenge."

Azul seems to get pink in the face from embarrassment. Then he clears his throat and puts away the container that now holds the old lenses.

"In any case, I am glad that you are a tad bit friendlier than your peers, Jamil Viper," he says to Jamil, then smiles a little. "Or at least, not as aggressive."

Jamil can't help but give Azul a smirk, both pleasant and smug all at once. "What can I say? It's much easier to take people down when they least expect it."

"How adorable," Jade coos, immediately undercutting the cool and intimidating image Jamil was going for.

"Ooh, you better watch out, lil' Octy," Floyd teases. "Sea Snake can hold a reeeeeal grudge."

"It takes someone clever and cutthroat to stay in his position as Scarabia's Prefect, after all." Jade then compliments. "His dormmates are pleasant enough, but they're crafty and waiting for the day they can pull off their long con against him."

"Hmph. Let them try." Jamil huffs, already familiar with who his turncoats might be.

"Hey, hey, are you still doing those contracts, Octy? How many people do you got under your thumb nowadays? Do the RSA guppies make for fun peons?" Floyd asks, leaning forward to lie his head on the table.

Azul looks around, his face an impressive mask of nonchalance, but Jamil still sees the nervousness underneath it.

No one seems to be paying attention to their little group, though.

"Yes, I still do the contracts," Azul says slowly. "But I've become a bit more… amiable, in my methods. My contracts are more straightforward now, without any of the cleverly hidden fine prints or loopholes that you might be familiar with from middle school. So, no peons."

"Awwww," Floyd laments. "Flame Tetra made ya boring. Though you still did beat up those guys who jumped you so I'll let it slide."

Azul chuckles in amusement.

"Is it because of 'Flame Tetra', though?" Jamil inquired. "What made you stop with all the fine prints and loopholes?"

Sounds like a very useful tool that he'd hate to be on the other side of had Azul been a fellow NRC student.

"Well…" Azul fiddles with his spoon in his stew. "As Jade and Floyd have pointed out, being friends with Rielle means that one would be relatively watched. And I couldn't risk marring a crown prince's reputation. Either way, RSA is not fond of, ah, sketchy things. The amount of trouble I can get into for such loopholes…" he shakes his head. "Fortunately, I found that being close friends with a crown prince has its own perks. Some might say a more subtle way of gaining… peons," he looks at Jamil and gives a smirk that the Scarabia Prefect wouldn't have expected of an RSA student.

Jamil is mildly surprised that Azul directed such a smile his way. After all, he may have asked the question, but the twins were the ones who wanted to be impressed. Still, he doesn't dislike it. It's like how he and Ruggie share twin smirks when they both know they aren't up to any good during classes. There's a certain kinship to it.

Very well, he can admit it. Azul doesn't seem like a complete angel. For him, one of the factors of an individual's tolerability is their innocence. He can't deal with someone so perpetually nice and good, it reminds him of the guy who grew up with him since childhood—it grates on his nerves.

"Is that why you decided to become friends with Rielle, then, to the point where you came all the way to a place like Royal Sword?" He continues the inquiry. "For the benefits his royal privilege can bring?"

"Oh, not at all," Azul says. "Rielle was the first to approach me during a time when most of the people around us had disliked me. Especially considering how he was the most popular kid in class, it was a big risk to his reputation befriending someone like me at the time."

"HEY!" Floyd cut in, frowning. "WE would have been the first ones to approach you! We were just a lil' bit late!"

Azul smiles at him. "Once again, we can still be friends now, Floyd."

"I'm just sayin'," Floyd grumbles, crossing his arms.

Azul turns to Jamil again. "Yes, I'm genuinely good friends with Rielle. He's surprisingly humble for a crown prince, very loyal to his friends, and is sincere in all his actions. And I didn't even know he was going to RSA until I got my acceptance letter and told him about it. Apparently he had gotten his letter on the same day."

"Ah," Jamil nodded, though a part of him felt displeased with the information. He chalked it up to disappointment that there was no duplicity to be found in their bond. After all, he can see what Floyd meant now, about how Azul's penchant for manipulation have mellowed out due to his environment.

Not that it's a bad thing for people to grow up with decent company and a non-hostile environment for once, but it's another point that differentiates him and Azul in the end. Azul got the chance to make his life turn around for the better.

Meanwhile, Jamil's still a snake, coiled in an arid land as it dreams of growing wings and flying away.

"My, it's good to hear that your boon companion has been doing well, Azul." Jade replied, before his mouth forms a small O-shape in polite surprise. "Oh, pardon me, is that an appropriate term for him? Or would you prefer that I call him your boyfriend or partner?"

Azul rolls his eyes. "Rielle and I are not romantically involved. No matter what gossip you may have heard."

"As you say," Jade politely concludes, though it's clear from a mischievous twinkle in his eye that he doesn't think Azul's being entirely truthful.

At least, that's how Jamil interprets it.

Anyway, this is completely unrelated to him now, so Jamil doesn't know why he should care—

"YET." Floyd emphasizes, finishing his fries. "Bet there'd be merpeeps out there who'd kill to be in your spot right now. Dating the crown prince of the seven seas–you got a real rags to riches story in the making, from being the runt of the class to king of the oceans. C'mon, don't tell me the thought never crossed yer mind. Even I could see what a steal that is and I don't even care about that stuff."

Azul hesitates only for a brief second, but it doesn't escape Jamil's notice.

"I had thought you to be above gossiping, Floyd," Azul says lightly.

"Yer avoiding the question," Floyd points an accusatory finger at Azul. Then he elbows Jamil. "Hey, Sea Snake, what do ya think? A Scarabia Prefect like you understands, right? Flame Tetra's a real steal for Octy here. And Octy himself ain't bad. Heck, if Flame Tetra wanted to hang out with him when he was a crybaby octopus in a pot, then why not now when he's dressed in the princely clothes of RSA?"

"Indeed," Jade nods. "What do you think, Jamil? Isn't Azul handsome and strong enough to be king of the oceans?" he smiles at Jamil in feigned innocence.

Jamil shoots a side-eyed glare at Jade, knowing that the other is up to something somehow. "I don't know why you want my opinion, but . . ." he casts Azul a long glance. "I see the potential. It would be foolish for Rielle not to consider you." He looks back at the twins. "However, if the guy wants this to be dropped then we should drop it. Whatever's going on with them isn't any of our business."

Azul looks quizzically at Jamil, like he didn’t expect Jamil to stare at him for so long, then he turns to the twins. “Exactly, especially since there is nothing going on at all.”

“Oh, Azul, there you are,” a voice says.

Jamil looks up to see a redhead RSA student approach their table.

“Jade and Floyd Leech,” he says in pleasant surprise. “And… Jamil Viper, I believe? Good day to you all.”

“Flame Tetra!” Floyd says cheerfully. “We were just talking about your wedding with Octy.”

Azul rolls his eyes. “The Leech twins subscribe to gossip, apparently.”

“Ah,” Rielle nods. “No wedding, I’m afraid. I’ve already proposed to Azul three times and he has always said no,” he puts a hand to his chest in a mock expression of sadness.

“Your jests are not helping,” Azul says in amusement.

“Why don’t you join us, Prince Rielle?” Jade says pleasantly, gesturing to the vacant chair at the head of the table, to Jamil’s left and to Azul’s right.

“Oh, thank you,” Rielle takes a seat. “And you know there is no need to call me by my title, Jade. Especially since you have seen me cry and fumble my way through our exams far too many times for any formalities.”

Jade chuckles. “It’s lovely to see you again.”

“Heck yeah!” Floyd agrees. “It’s been like forever!”

Rielle smiles good-naturedly at them, then turns to Jamil. “Hello, Mr. Viper. I am pleasantly surprised to see that you are friends with these three as well.”

Jamil shakes his head, his polite attitude showing its face out of pure habit. "I wouldn't really call them friends. After all, I just met one of them today, and the other two, well, since you seem familiar with them, then you're probably aware of their… difficult natures. Still, hello to you as well, Mr. Rielle."

Speaking of, Jamil's beginning to feel a bit out of place here. These people seem to know each other well and he's like a fish out of water (pun intended).

He turns to Floyd. "Anyway, what was that about our basketball uniforms? That was the whole reason why you dragged me here to begin with."

“Oh right!” Floyd suddenly remembers. “We’re supposed to get the fabrics for the uniforms in some shop in town this Saturday. Ooh, why don’t we make it a fun lil’ hangout? All of us can go! It ain’t too far from RSA!”

“I have Vice Prefect duties this Saturday, remember?” Jade says. "We have been away for a while and there is some work I have to catch up on.”

“Boo,” Floyd scrunches up his face. “How about you? Flame Tetra? Octy?”

“I think I am free, yes,” Rielle nods. “There are some errands I need to run in town anyway for the upcoming ball at RSA.”

“Let me see…” Azul frowns in thought.

“You’re coming too! Great!” Floyd says before Azul could continue.

“But I haven’t—” Azul tries to say.

“It’s a hangout!” Floyd raises his arms triumphantly.

Azul sighs. “I suppose.”

“I hope we aren’t imposing…” Rielle looks at Jamil hesitantly.

"Not at all," Jamil calmly responds. "It is Floyd who should be apologizing for forcing you two to come with us."

He holds no particularly strong feelings on whether or not Azul and Rielle would be included. He is used to keeping up a pleasant facade for people with higher status and Rielle seems more or less respectful of boundaries. What he's a bit annoyed with is Floyd strong-arming them together on a whim. He's willing to bet that on the day of the town visit, he would have lost the mood and make Jamil go all on his own. He'll have to ask the basketball captain for details first then make some adjustments to his schedule…

"Ahem. Anyway, if you'll excuse me." Jamil states, standing up and taking his finished plate. "It's been pleasant chatting with all of you, but I'll have to take my leave."

To do what? He's not really sure since the event's coordinators won't allow anyone to go home until a certain threshold of time.

Perhaps he'll watch the other competitions and keep seeing NRC lose to RSA so he can feel much better about himself.

Chapter 2 ->

(Masterlist)

[devionnar]

Melt Into Me

A request by Mishigone

The letter arrived on a particularly windy afternoon, the kind that sent biting cold drafts rattling through Night Raven College's stone halls. Jack Howl hadn’t been expecting anything unusual—just the same routine as always: classes, training, the occasional bout of chaos if Ace or Deuce decided to open their mouths at the wrong moment. But then it happened, a soft flutter of parchment that stood out among the usual stack of mundane notices and assignments. It wasn’t NRC stationary. The envelope was cream-colored, neatly folded, with his name scrawled across the front in handwriting that could only be described as… sweet. Almost obnoxiously so. The letters were cheerful and round, like they were smiling up at him.

He didn’t need to open it to know who it was from.

Jack's ears twitched, betraying the flicker of anticipation he felt as he sat down on the edge of his bed. He stared at the letter for a moment longer than necessary, debating whether to read it now or wait. It wasn’t that he wasn’t happy to hear from Neige—he was, more than he probably should be—but there was always this strange… warmth that came with reading Neige’s words. Like sitting too close to a fire on a cold day. It made Jack restless in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

With a quiet huff, he tore open the envelope and unfolded the letter. The first thing he noticed was the doodle in the corner—a little snowman waving enthusiastically, complete with a tiny scarf and hat. Classic Neige. The guy couldn’t send a letter without turning it into a whole production. Jack’s tail flicked behind him despite himself as his eyes skimmed the first few lines.

Dear Jack,

Hi! How have you been? Are you staying warm? It’s been getting SO cold here at Royal Sword Academy. The first snow fell last night—it was absolutely beautiful! The gardens looked like something out of a fairytale, all sparkling and quiet… I couldn’t help but think, “Jack would probably like this.”

Jack stopped reading, his brow furrowing as his ears twitched again. Why would he think that? He shook his head and kept going, though the tips of his ears felt uncomfortably warm.

Anyway, guess what? I’ve been planning something really exciting for winter break! My friends and I usually stick around the RSA campus during the holidays (it’s quieter here during break, and I LOVE it), and I thought it might be fun to invite you! I know it’s a little out of the blue, but I think you’d really enjoy it. We could have snowball fights, drink hot chocolate, and sit by the fireplace—super cozy, right? Plus, I’ve been wanting to show you the gardens in winter. They’re even prettier than in spring!

Please say yes! I’d really love to spend some time with you. It’s been so nice exchanging letters, but it’s not the same as seeing you in person. Think about it, okay? I promise it’ll be fun! And… it’d make me really happy. 😊

Your friend, Neige ♥

Jack exhaled slowly, folding the letter back up and staring down at it like it had insulted him in some subtle, baffling way. It was… so very Neige. Bright, unrelentingly earnest, and absolutely dripping with optimism. Jack could practically hear Neige’s voice in his head, bubbling over with excitement as he wrote about his "winter plans" and the snowball fights and the fireplace and—

it’d make me really happy.

Jack’s ears flattened against his head as that last line replayed itself uninvited. It wasn’t the first time Neige had said something like that—his letters were littered with little phrases like “You’re so amazing, Jack!” or “You’re one of the kindest people I know!”—but there was something about this one that stuck. Probably the way Neige had written it so plainly, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

And it wasn’t like Jack didn’t… feel the same. Sort of. Neige’s letters were always a bright spot in his week, even when he didn’t realize he needed one. They had a way of dragging him out of his own head, reminding him to slow down and appreciate things he would’ve otherwise brushed past. But the idea of actually visiting RSA? Of seeing Neige in person? It felt… complicated.

Jack’s Thoughts:

What would I even say? It’s not like I fit in at RSA. Neige probably wouldn’t even— No. That’s stupid. He invited me. He wants me there.

By the time Jack realized his tail had been thudding gently against the mattress this whole time, he was already standing, the letter clenched in his hand. A strange, restless energy filled his chest, and he couldn’t tell if it was excitement or nerves—or some mix of both.

He hadn’t said yes yet, but deep down, he already knew. The idea of being in that snowy, sparkling place Neige had described, with him, was too tempting to ignore.

The train ride to Royal Sword Academy had been long and unusually quiet, though Jack couldn't tell if the stillness was an actual lack of noise or just his own nerves drowning everything out. When the gates finally came into view through the frost-covered windows, he caught himself gripping the strap of his bag a little too tightly. He wasn’t even sure why. It wasn’t like RSA was any more intimidating than NRC. If anything, it was… brighter. Cleaner. But that was part of the problem, wasn’t it? Jack felt like he’d be walking into the kind of world where he didn’t belong—too shiny, too polished, too… Neige.

Even from outside the gates, Jack could already see the snow-covered gardens Neige had written about in his letters. They were extravagant, with twisting hedges and perfectly spaced trees, their branches glittering with frost in the soft, pale light. The walkways were coated in a thin layer of snow that looked like it had been deliberately smoothed out. The whole scene looked like something out of one of those holiday cards Neige would probably buy in bulk. It was beautiful, sure. But it also made Jack feel like he should’ve polished his boots or something.

A gust of wind swept past him, and Jack adjusted the scarf around his neck, muttering under his breath as he approached the gates. Relax. It’s just Neige. You’ve been writing to him for months now—it’s not like he’s a stranger. But the moment the thought crossed his mind, his ears twitched, standing at attention as a familiar, bubbly voice rang out across the courtyard.

“Jack!”

Jack barely had time to process it before a small figure—wrapped in layers of white and cream and soft-looking knitted scarves—came bounding through the gates like a rabbit out of a burrow. Neige’s cheeks were already pink from the cold, his gloves dusted with snow as he waved both arms in the air, his grin stretching impossibly wide. Jack stopped in his tracks, staring like some kind of idiot as Neige sprinted toward him, his boots crunching in the snow with every step.

“You made it!” Neige practically skidded to a stop in front of Jack, his breath coming out in quick, foggy puffs as he craned his head up to look at him. “Oh my gosh, I was starting to think the train got delayed or something! You must be freezing—you don’t look like you’re wearing nearly enough layers.” His hands fluttered near Jack’s arms like he was considering patting him down for warmth.

“I’m fine,” Jack said quickly, the words coming out harsher than he intended. He cleared his throat, his tail flicking behind him as Neige blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. “I mean, uh… it’s not that cold. Wolf beastmen handle winter better than most.”

Neige tilted his head, his expression shifting into something Jack could only describe as delighted curiosity. “Oh, that’s so cool! You’ll have to tell me more about that later.” He grabbed Jack’s hand before Jack could protest, tugging him toward the entrance like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Come on! Let’s get you inside before the frost sticks to your fur or something.”

Jack stared down at their joined hands, his fingers stiff and unmoving in Neige’s smaller grip. His gloves weren’t enough to hide how soft Neige’s hands felt, even beneath his own. The tightness in his chest spread lower, twisting into something strange, something warm, and before he knew it, his ears were pressing flat against his head in a mix of embarrassment and… something else he didn’t want to name.

“This is bad,” Jack muttered under his breath, his voice low enough that Neige didn’t notice. He let himself be led forward, his eyes fixed on the back of Neige’s scarf, the corners of it fluttering with each bounce of excitement. “Why does seeing him so happy make me feel like this?”

Jack was no stranger to the cold. He thrived in it, honestly—his wolf beastman blood made sure of that. But standing in the middle of Royal Sword Academy’s perfectly manicured snow-dusted gardens, following Neige as he practically bounced ahead of him like an overexcited pup, Jack felt a different kind of warmth creeping up his neck.

“Over here!” Neige called, spinning around to face him. His boots crunched softly in the snow, and the light caught on the flakes in his hair, making him look like some kind of… Jack didn’t even want to say it. Fairytale prince? No. Absolutely not. Get a grip.

Neige didn’t wait for Jack to catch up before dropping down onto his knees in the snow, scooping up a handful and testing its weight. Jack raised a brow at the way Neige’s gloves immediately got coated in white, but the thought barely had time to form before—

Thunk.

A soft splatter of snow exploded against Jack’s chest. For a moment, he just stood there, blinking down at the damp patch on his jacket. His tail, which had been lazily swaying behind him, froze mid-swing. Slowly, his golden eyes flicked up to meet Neige’s, who was already covering his mouth with both hands, his eyes wide with fake innocence—and absolutely zero remorse.

“Oh no!” Neige gasped, his voice wavering with suppressed laughter. “That was an accident! A total accident!”

Jack’s ears twitched, and one brow lifted ever so slightly. “Really.”

Neige’s giggles spilled out, uncontainable now. “Okay, maybe it wasn’t an accident,” he admitted, already scooping up another handful of snow. “But in my defense, you looked like you needed a little… I don’t know. Winter spirit?”

Jack crossed his arms, glancing down at the growing pile of snow in Neige’s hands. He knew better than to engage—he really did. But there was something about the way Neige’s smile curled at the edges, all mischievous and bright, that made his instincts hum. Not the usual ones that told him to stay steady, stay calm, stay Jack. No, this was something sharper, tugging at the corner of his mouth, pulling him toward something reckless.

“Winter spirit, huh?” Jack murmured, his voice a low rumble that almost made Neige pause. Almost. His tail flicked once behind him, and in one smooth motion, Jack crouched down, scooped up his own handful of snow, and let it fly.

It missed Neige’s face by a fraction of an inch, exploding into white powder against his shoulder. Neige yelped in surprise, one hand flying up to brush the snow off as his jaw dropped. “You—!”

Jack smirked. “That was an accident.”

“Oh, it’s on,” Neige shot back, scrambling to his feet. He was laughing now, his earlier attempt at fake outrage replaced with something softer, more genuine. Before Jack could move, another snowball was already flying toward him.

They were off. Neige darted between the hedges and frosted statues like he was trying to survive a battlefield, his laughter carrying through the crisp air as Jack followed at a steady, measured pace. Jack let him have the illusion of the upper hand—throwing just enough snowballs to keep Neige squealing and ducking for cover, but never enough to actually corner him. It wasn’t until Neige tried to launch a sneak attack from behind one of the larger trees that Jack made his move.

“Gotcha,” Jack muttered, catching Neige mid-throw. His snowball struck Neige squarely in the side, making him stumble back with an exaggerated “Ow!”

“You play dirty,” Neige accused, though his voice was breathless from laughter. He tried to scoop up more snow, but Jack was already closing the gap, his strides long and deliberate.

“You started it,” Jack countered. And then—because he didn’t trust himself to stop smiling like an idiot for too long—he reached down and grabbed a handful of snow, raising it just high enough to make Neige freeze.

“You wouldn’t dare,” Neige breathed, his eyes flicking from the snow to Jack’s face.

Jack tilted his head slightly, letting the smallest smirk curl at his lips. “Try me.”

The effect was immediate. Neige, giggling like a maniac, turned on his heel and made a break for it. And that was how he ended up tripping over a buried root and landing in a heap of snow, half-squealing, half-laughing as he tried (and failed) to shield himself from the snowball Jack lobbed directly at him.

When it was clear Neige wasn’t getting up anytime soon—“Oh no! Fatal injury! I’ll never recover!”—Jack finally crouched down beside him, letting out a huff of air that almost sounded like a laugh. He reached out instinctively, brushing some of the snow from Neige’s hair. It didn’t even occur to him how close they were until he felt how soft Neige’s hair was under his fingertips.

Jack’s hand lingered. Just for a moment. Just long enough for the scent of Neige to hit him—something light and sweet, like snow mixed with vanilla or sugar or… Jack pulled back quickly, clearing his throat as his ears flattened against his head.

“You’re covered in snow,” he muttered, because it was the only thing he could think to say that wasn’t You smell good, or worse, Why are you looking at me like that?

Neige blinked up at him, his cheeks pink but not from the cold, and Jack had to look away before the tightness in his chest got any worse. “You okay?” Jack asked, his voice quieter than usual.

Neige beamed at him, still lying in the snow like it was the most comfortable place in the world. “I’m great. That was so much fun!”

Jack stood, offering a hand to help him up. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re too good at snowball fights!” Neige teased, grabbing Jack’s hand and letting himself be pulled upright. His smile softened as he glanced down at their joined hands. “Thanks, Jack. For, you know… playing along.”

Jack didn’t answer right away. His tail swayed once, slow and deliberate, before he stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest. “Yeah, well. Don’t get used to it.”

Neige just laughed, and Jack’s chest tightened all over again. This is bad.

The sun was starting to dip low on the horizon, its light spilling across the snow in soft, amber hues. The gardens felt quieter now, the earlier laughter from their impromptu snowball fight lingering in the air like an echo. Neige had slowed his bouncing steps, his usual boundless energy settling into something softer. Jack wasn’t sure if it was the cold or just the calm that came with the evening light, but Neige’s movements had grown smaller, more delicate, as they continued their walk through the pristine pathways.

Jack noticed it first in the way Neige rubbed his hands together, pulling his mittens tighter despite their snug fit. Then came the little shiver that rippled through his shoulders, almost imperceptible… almost. Jack’s ears twitched, his tail stilling behind him as he watched Neige glance up at the sky with a soft exhale, his breath curling into the air like mist.

“It’s getting colder,” Neige murmured, half to himself. He smiled faintly, like he didn’t mind, like the chill was just another part of the fairytale scene around them. But then he shivered again, just slightly, and that was all Jack needed.

“Here,” Jack said, already shrugging off his coat. His voice was gruff, blunt, the way it always was when he was trying to cover up something he couldn’t quite explain. He didn’t give Neige a chance to protest before draping the thick jacket over his smaller frame, the weight of it nearly swallowing him whole.

Neige blinked up at him, wide-eyed. “Jack, you don’t have to—”

“You’re cold,” Jack cut him off, his ears flicking back as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’m fine. Beastmen don’t get cold as easily as humans.”

Neige opened his mouth to argue, but whatever he’d been about to say dissolved into something quieter as he wrapped the coat tighter around himself. It was comically oversized on him, the sleeves hanging past his fingers, and the collar was big enough to nearly cover the lower half of his face. Jack averted his eyes, pretending not to notice the way Neige buried his nose into the fabric, or the way his cheeks flushed a little darker as he glanced back up at Jack.

“You’re so kind, Jack,” Neige said softly, his voice muffled but warm. The edges of his smile curled up, faint but so genuine it made something in Jack’s chest twist uncomfortably.

“It’s no big deal,” Jack muttered, his gaze fixed firmly on the snow-dusted path ahead of them. His ears burned hot against the cold air, and he could feel the instinctual hum at the back of his mind growing louder now: Protect. Hold. Keep him close. His tail twitched once, betraying his agitation—or maybe it was nerves. He didn’t know anymore.

Neige’s steps slowed again, and Jack forced himself to look down at him, his golden eyes catching just the faintest hint of hesitancy in Neige’s movements. Before Jack could say anything, Neige shifted closer, just a fraction, his shoulder brushing against Jack’s arm. He didn’t look up this time, didn’t say a word, but the way he leaned ever so slightly into Jack’s side was answer enough.

Jack’s breath hitched, and his entire body stiffened before he quickly forced himself to relax. What is he doing? The thought came fast, followed by another, sharper one: Why don’t I hate it? His instincts hummed louder now, drowning out reason as he caught a faint whiff of Neige’s scent—snow and something sweet, vanilla maybe, soft and subtle and completely infuriating.

“Thanks for looking out for me,” Neige said after a while, his voice barely above a whisper. He still wasn’t looking at Jack, his gaze fixed somewhere far ahead, but the way his shoulder stayed pressed against Jack’s spoke volumes. “You always do.”

Jack exhaled slowly, his breath curling into the air as he muttered, “Someone has to.”

Neige finally glanced up at him again, his lips parting like he wanted to say something more. But instead, he smiled—that same gentle, disarming smile that had been chipping away at Jack’s defenses since the day they’d met. Jack’s heart thudded heavily in his chest, and his tail flicked once more before he forced himself to keep walking, ignoring the way his ears were practically on fire now.

Inside, the voice in his head whispered again: Protect. Hold. Keep close. But Jack pushed it down, burying it deep beneath his usual steady demeanor. For now.

Back in Neige’s dorm room, the chill of the outside world melted away almost instantly. The space was warm in every sense of the word—soft golden lamplight pooled over bookshelves, little trinkets and fairy lights decorated the walls, and the faint scent of something sugary lingered in the air. Jack had been expecting something cozy; he wasn’t expecting something that looked like it had come straight out of one of those overly idealized holiday postcards.

He stood awkwardly near the door, unsure where to sit without accidentally knocking something over with his tail. His gaze flicked to the fireplace, where flames flickered softly, casting a faint glow that made the room feel even smaller, even more intimate. It wasn’t bad, necessarily. Just… unfamiliar.

“Make yourself at home!” Neige said brightly, pulling his scarf from around his neck and hanging it on a little hook. “Oh! Sit by the fire—you’re probably freezing after all that snowball fighting.”

“I’m fine,” Jack muttered for what felt like the hundredth time today, though there was no bite to it. He glanced at the armchair nearest the fire and finally lowered himself into it, careful not to take up too much space. His body sank into the cushions, and he exhaled in spite of himself. Okay. Maybe it was a little warmer in here than he’d expected.

Neige was already bustling around near a tiny kitchenette, humming to himself as he rummaged through cabinets. Jack watched him from the corner of his eye, his ears twitching at the sound of a drawer sliding open, then the soft tap of ceramic against the counter.

“Hot chocolate or tea?” Neige asked over his shoulder.

Jack blinked. “Uh. Doesn’t matter.”

Neige turned to shoot him a mock-serious look, one hand on his hip as if Jack had just personally insulted him. “Jack. It absolutely does matter.”

Jack frowned, his tail flicking once. “Fine. Hot chocolate, I guess.”

“Good choice,” Neige said, grinning as he turned back to his task. Jack watched him pour what looked like milk into a small pot, his movements precise yet somehow still brimming with that same bubbly energy. It wasn’t long before the faintly sweet, chocolatey aroma filled the room, and Jack had to remind himself not to let his nose twitch too obviously.

When Neige finally returned, he had two mugs in his hands, one of which he handed to Jack with a look of pure, unfiltered excitement. “Careful, it’s hot.”

Jack took the mug, his rough fingers brushing over Neige’s for half a second before he pulled back, his ears flattening for reasons he didn’t want to think about. He glanced down, and—

There was a marshmallow smiley face floating in his hot chocolate.

His first instinct was to glare at it. But the longer he stared, the harder it was to hold back the faint, almost imperceptible tug at the corner of his mouth. That didn’t stop the heat from creeping up his neck, though. “What’s… this?” he muttered, already regretting asking.

Neige plopped down onto the couch beside the fire, cupping his own mug in both hands and grinning at Jack. “A smiley face! Do you like it?”

Jack hesitated, his tail flicking once against the armchair. “You… you made a face out of marshmallows.”

Neige’s grin softened, and if Jack weren’t already holding the mug, he might have crossed his arms just to give himself something to do. “I thought it’d make you smile,” Neige said quietly, his voice warm but a little more tentative now.

Jack huffed, lifting the mug to his lips. The hot chocolate was rich and sweet, the warmth spreading through his chest with every sip. He glanced back down at the little marshmallow face and muttered, “It’s… not bad.”

The silence between them was comfortable after that, broken only by the occasional crackle of the fire or the quiet clink of their mugs against the table. Jack couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this at ease just sitting in someone else’s space. When Neige finally spoke again, his voice was softer, quieter, like he didn’t want to break whatever spell had settled over the room.

“Jack,” Neige started, staring down into his nearly empty mug, “can I tell you something?”

Jack’s ears twitched, but he didn’t look away from the fire. “What?”

Neige shifted on the couch, pulling his knees up to his chest and hugging them. It was such an innocent gesture, but it made something in Jack’s chest tighten. “I really appreciate how patient you are with me,” Neige said, finally lifting his eyes to meet Jack’s. “You’re always so protective, even when you don’t have to be. It means a lot, you know?”

Jack stared at him for a long moment, the words replaying themselves in his head: protective, patient, it means a lot. His tail thumped once against the chair, unbidden, and he quickly shifted his weight to stop it. He felt cornered, somehow, even though Neige was sitting there all soft and open, his smile just a little shy but still so earnest.

Jack cleared his throat, setting his mug down with just a little too much force. “You… make me happy, Neige.”

The words came out rougher than he meant them to, like they’d been clawing their way out of his chest for too long. Jack flinched and looked away, his shoulders stiff. “I didn’t expect it, but you do.”

There was a beat of silence, and then—“Really?” Neige’s voice was so light, so hopeful, it made Jack feel like his chest might actually cave in. He glanced back, only to find Neige’s face lighting up, his eyes wide and bright in a way that made Jack want to look anywhere else. Before he could move, Neige had set his mug down and crossed the short space between them, his fingers brushing over Jack’s hand as he took it in both of his.

“You make me happy too, Jack,” Neige said, his voice full of so much warmth it nearly burned. “So much.”

Jack stared down at their joined hands, his golden eyes unblinking. Neige’s skin was soft, his grip light but steady, and Jack couldn’t ignore the way his instincts flared to life at the contact. Protect. Hold. Keep close. He swallowed hard, trying to force the thoughts down, but the tension between them had already shifted into something heavier, something Jack wasn’t sure he could ignore much longer.

The air between them stilled, warm and thick with something unspoken. Jack’s pulse was too loud in his ears, drowning out the faint crackle of the fire, the soft clink of Neige’s mug when it was abandoned on the table. Neige’s hands were still wrapped around his—smaller, softer, and far too steady compared to the storm raging under Jack’s skin. He didn’t pull away. He didn’t even think he could.

Neige tilted his head, his soft black hair brushing the collar of Jack’s jacket still draped over his shoulders. His eyes caught the firelight, wide and bright, and Jack could see every fleeting emotion flickering there—curiosity, hope, and just the faintest trace of nerves. It was enough to make Jack’s chest tighten, the wolf instincts in the back of his mind howling louder than ever: Closer. Keep him safe. Mine.

Neige opened his mouth, like he wanted to say something, but the words caught on his lips. Instead, his fingers squeezed gently around Jack’s hand, pulling him back from the spiraling mess of his thoughts. And that’s when Jack looked up—really looked—and it hit him like a gust of icy wind.

Neige wasn’t pulling away. He wasn’t laughing, or teasing, or even blinking in confusion. He was just… there, watching Jack like he wanted something and wasn’t sure how to ask for it. The tips of his ears were pink, either from the fire or from the way Jack’s thumb had started tracing slow circles over his knuckles without thinking. And his lips—Jack’s gaze dropped there for half a second too long—were parted just slightly, enough to make Jack’s tail flick against the chair.

Jack swallowed hard, his throat thick and dry. He told himself to let go, to pull back, to say something neutral and break the moment before it spiraled. But he didn’t. He couldn’t.

Instead, he leaned in.

It was slow. Tentative. Careful in a way that Jack wasn’t used to being—because if there was one thing he feared more than getting too close, it was the thought of scaring Neige away. Jack could feel the warmth of Neige’s breath between them, could see the flicker of surprise in his eyes, but still—still—Neige didn’t move. He stayed perfectly still, watching Jack close the distance until their foreheads almost touched. And then, just as Jack hesitated, giving him one last chance to pull away, Neige leaned forward.

The kiss was so soft at first, Jack wasn’t sure it had really happened. Neige’s lips brushed against his in the lightest, most tentative way imaginable, like he was testing the waters, unsure if he’d crossed a line. But Jack wasn’t unsure. Not anymore. Something in him cracked open, and all of the hesitation, the restraint, the careful control he’d been holding onto finally slipped through his fingers.

Jack reached up, his hand cupping Neige’s cheek as he leaned in again, his lips moving more firmly against Neige’s. Neige made a soft noise in the back of his throat—barely a sound, but enough to make Jack’s ears flick upward, his blood rushing hot under his skin. He tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss with just enough pressure to draw out another one of those sounds, sweeter than any hot chocolate he could’ve tasted.

Neige’s hands slid up from Jack’s, one clutching the front of Jack’s shirt as if to steady himself while the other pressed lightly against Jack’s chest. His touch was so gentle, so careful, and Jack wanted nothing more than to pull him closer, to feel that warmth against him in every possible way. But at the same time, he didn’t want to rush it. Didn’t want to risk breaking whatever fragile thread had drawn them together in this moment.

Jack pulled back just enough to breathe, his golden eyes half-lidded as he searched Neige’s face. Neige’s cheeks were flushed, his lips slightly swollen, and his wide, dazed eyes made Jack’s chest ache in ways he wasn’t ready to admit.

“Neige…” Jack murmured, his voice rough, like he’d been holding something back for far too long.

Neige blinked at him, his expression softening into something that made Jack’s heart trip over itself. And then, quietly, almost shyly, Neige smiled. It wasn’t the bright, bubbly smile Jack was used to—it was smaller, gentler, but no less disarming.

“Jack,” Neige whispered, his voice barely audible over the fire’s crackle. “That… was perfect.”

And for once, Jack didn’t have anything gruff or dismissive to say in response. He just stared, his hand still resting against Neige’s cheek, and let himself feel that warmth. Just this once.

The kiss deepened, soft lips parting, a hesitant sigh escaping Neige’s throat as Jack’s hand slid from his cheek to the back of his neck, cradling him closer. The fire crackled merrily in the hearth, casting flickering shadows that danced across the walls, but Jack’s gaze was fixed on Neige—on the flush rising in his cheeks, the way his eyelashes fluttered against his skin as his eyes drifted closed, the soft curve of his lips as he sighed into the kiss. It was too much. All of it. The sweetness, the warmth, the way Neige was giving himself over so completely—it was like a spark igniting a wildfire in Jack’s chest.

His wolf instincts howled, a primal urge to protect, possess, cherish all tangled together in a way that made his head spin. He’d been so careful, so hesitant, but now… now, there was no going back. The floodgates had opened, and Jack wasn’t sure he even wanted to stop the rush.

His kisses grew hungrier, more insistent, pressing deeper into Neige’s mouth as his tongue traced the seam of his lips, coaxing him open. Neige gasped softly, his hands tightening on Jack’s shirt as he leaned into the kiss, his own eagerness matching Jack’s intensity. It was intoxicating—the way Neige’s innocent curiosity mixed with the heat of the moment, the way he was so clearly enjoying this, wanting more.

Jack’s hand slid down from Neige’s neck, tracing the curve of his spine beneath the soft fabric of his sweater. He could feel the way Neige’s breath hitched at the touch, his body arching into Jack’s as he deepened the kiss, his tongue tangling with Jack’s in a dance that made Jack’s blood rush south. His wolf instincts screamed, Mine. Keep him close. Never let go.

He pulled back just enough to breathe, his golden eyes half-lidded as he looked down at Neige. Neige’s cheeks were flushed, his lips swollen, and his eyes sparkled in the firelight like a thousand tiny stars. Jack’s heart pounded in his chest, and he leaned down, pressing soft kisses against Neige’s jawline, down his neck, his teeth grazing lightly over the sensitive skin there. Neige shivered, his hands gripping Jack’s shoulders as he tilted his head back, giving Jack more access.

“Jack…” Neige whispered, his voice breathless, and the sound sent a jolt of pure pleasure through Jack’s veins. He nipped gently at the soft skin beneath Neige’s ear, eliciting a soft moan that made his wolf instincts roar with satisfaction.

He pulled back again, just enough to see Neige’s reaction. Neige’s eyes were half-closed, his lips parted slightly, his chest rising and falling in short, quick breaths. Jack’s cock throbbed against his pants, the wolfish heat spreading through his lower body like wildfire. He wanted to touch him everywhere, to feel Neige’s soft skin under his hands, to taste him, to—

Jack took a deep breath, forcing himself to slow down. He didn’t want to rush this, didn’t want to overwhelm Neige with the intensity of his feelings. But he couldn’t deny the way his wolf instincts were pushing at him, the primal urge to claim what was his growing stronger with every passing moment.

He reached for Neige’s hands, gently intertwining their fingers. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice rough, his gaze searching Neige’s face.

Neige blinked at him, his eyes dazed but full of warmth. He nodded slowly, his lips curving into a soft smile. “More than okay,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “Just… a little overwhelmed.”

Jack’s heart ached at his words. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss against Neige’s forehead. “I won’t rush you,” he murmured, his voice full of the promise he fully intended to keep.

“I know,” Neige whispered back, his fingers tightening around Jack’s. “I trust you.”

And that, Jack realized, was the most dangerous thing Neige could’ve said. Because the moment those words left his lips, Jack knew—there was no turning back.

There was a moment—a brief, suspended moment—where the world seemed to hold its breath, where the crackling of the fire faded into the background and all Jack could feel was the warm weight of Neige’s trust settled between them. It made his heart race and his instincts hum, urging him to take, to savor, to cherish.

With a gentle but deliberate motion, Jack nudged Neige back onto the couch, guiding him to lie down against the soft cushions. His gaze traced over Neige’s flushed face, the way his dark hair fanned out against the fabric, and the soft rise and fall of his chest. Neige watched him with wide, trusting eyes, his lips parted, anticipation coloring the air between them.

Jack leaned down, pressing a series of soft, lingering kisses along Neige’s jaw, down his neck, savoring the little shivers that ran through Neige’s body at each touch. His hands slipped under the hem of Neige’s sweater, fingertips grazing over warm skin as he slowly, carefully, pushed the fabric up, revealing more of Neige’s pale, flawless skin.

Neige’s breath hitched, a soft noise escaping his lips as Jack kissed his way down Neige’s chest, nipping gently at the sensitive skin. Jack could feel the way Neige’s muscles tensed and relaxed beneath his touch, could hear the quiet gasp that slipped free when Jack’s tongue traced the edge of his ribcage.

Slowly, savoringly, Jack made his way lower, pressing kisses over Neige’s stomach, feeling the way Neige’s breath stuttered, how his hands fluttered in the air before settling on Jack’s shoulders, holding on as if he were the only solid thing in the world. Jack’s wolf instincts were howling, a low, insistent hum in the back of his mind, but he forced himself to remain patient, to draw out every sweet sound that fell from Neige’s lips.

“You’re… you’re really good at this,” Neige breathed, his voice soft and breathless, tinged with awe and just a hint of embarrassment.

Jack chuckled low in his throat, the sound rumbling through the space between them. “I’m just getting started,” he murmured, his breath ghosting over the sensitive skin of Neige’s abdomen. He glanced up, catching Neige’s gaze, seeing the flicker of excitement and nervousness mingling in those star-bright eyes.

And then, with deliberate care, Jack moved lower, his hands settling on Neige’s hips as he pressed a lingering kiss just above the waistband of Neige’s pants. Neige gasped softly, his fingers tightening against Jack’s shoulders, and Jack could feel the warm, steady pulse of anticipation thrumming beneath his skin.

He took his time, savoring the way Neige’s breath quickened, the soft, breathy moans that slipped free as Jack’s lips ghosted over him, exploring, teasing, leaving no inch of skin untouched. Neige’s body arched beneath him, his breath a series of soft, stuttered gasps, and every sound, every movement, fed the wildfire burning in Jack’s chest.

When Jack finally reached Neige’s waistband, he paused, glancing up to meet Neige’s gaze once more, silently asking, Is this okay? Can I keep going? And Neige, bless him, nodded eagerly, his lips curving into a soft, shy smile, his eyes bright with trust and anticipation.

Neige’s soft “please” was all Jack needed. With a careful, deliberate motion, Jack eased Neige’s pants down, watching as Neige’s breath hitched, as his cheeks flushed a deeper pink, and the faintest moan escaped his lips.

Jack's hands were steady but insistent as they slid down Neige's body, fingertips tracing over soft, sensitive skin. He could feel Neige shiver beneath his touch, could hear the hitch in his breath as Jack's lips followed the path of his hands, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses against Neige's stomach, his hips, the soft curve of his thigh.

Neige's hands fluttered in the air for a moment before settling in Jack's hair, fingers threading through the soft strands, tugging gently in a way that made Jack's wolf instincts hum with satisfaction. He glanced up, catching Neige's gaze—those star-bright eyes were half-lidded, his cheeks flushed a pretty pink, his lips parted around a soft, breathless moan.

"Jack," Neige whispered, his voice a plea, a prayer, and Jack's heart raced at the sound. He leaned down, nuzzling against the soft skin of Neige's inner thigh, breathing in the scent of him—sweet and warm and utterly intoxicating.

Slowly, teasingly, Jack let his tongue trace along the sensitive skin, savoring the way Neige gasped and shivered beneath him. He could feel the heat of Neige's arousal, could hear the way his breath quickened with every touch, every kiss. Jack's own desire was a steady throb in his veins, but he forced himself to take his time, to draw out every delicious moment.

He pressed a series of hot, open-mouthed kisses against Neige's thighs, nipping gently at the soft skin, soothing each bite with a slow, deliberate lick. Neige's hips bucked beneath him, a soft, desperate whine escaping his lips, and Jack's wolf instincts roared with satisfaction.

Slowly, teasingly, Jack let his tongue trace higher, ghosting over the base of Neige's cock, feeling the way Neige's entire body shuddered at the sensation. Jack's hands settled on Neige's hips, holding him steady as he leaned down, breath hot against Neige's sensitive skin.

"Tell me what you want," Jack murmured, his voice a low, rumbling growl that made Neige gasp and shiver. "Tell me, Neige."

Neige's fingers tightened in Jack's hair, tugging gently, urgently. "Please," he breathed, his voice soft and desperate. "Please, Jack. I want… I want your mouth on me."

Jack's heart raced at the words, at the sweet, aching need in Neige's voice. He leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against the tip of Neige's cock, savoring the way Neige's breath hitched, the way his hips bucked up, seeking more.

And then, with a low, rumbling growl, Jack took Neige into his mouth.

Neige cried out, his back arching off the couch, his hands scrabbling for purchase in Jack's hair. Jack's tongue swirled around him, savoring the taste of him, the heat and weight of him against his tongue. He took his time, bobbing his head slowly, letting Neige feel every inch of his mouth, every hot, slick slide of his tongue.

Neige was a symphony of movement beneath him, his hips rocking up to meet Jack's mouth, his breath coming in sharp, stuttering gasps. Jack could feel the tension building in Neige's body, could taste the salty-sweet evidence of his arousal on his tongue. He hummed low in his throat, the vibrations making Neige cry out, his fingers tugging almost painfully at Jack's hair.

"Jack," Neige gasped, his voice broken and desperate. "Jack, I'm… I'm close, I'm…"

Jack's wolf instincts surged, urging him to take Neige deeper, to push him over that edge. He hollowed his cheeks, sucking hard, his tongue pressing against the underside of Neige's cock, tracing over every sensitive ridge and vein. Neige's cries grew higher, more desperate, his hips bucking erratically into the heat of Jack's mouth.

And then, with a sharp, broken cry, Neige came undone. His body arched off the couch, his hands fisting in Jack's hair, holding him close as he spilled into the heat of Jack's mouth. Jack groaned at the taste of him, at the feeling of Neige pulsing against his tongue, and he swallowed every drop, savoring the sweet, musky flavor of Neige's release.

Slowly, gently, Jack worked Neige through the aftershocks, his tongue lapping at the sensitive skin, soothing him through the last shuddering waves of pleasure. Neige's body slowly relaxed back against the cushions, his breath coming in soft, sated pants, his fingers loosening their grip in Jack's hair.

Jack pulled back slowly, pressing a series of soft, gentle kisses against Neige's skin, nuzzling against his hip, his thigh, savoring the scent of him, the taste of him. Neige's eyes fluttered open, hazy and unfocused, a soft, blissful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Jack," he whispered, his voice hoarse and breathless. "That was… you were…"

Jack chuckled softly, pressing a gentle kiss against Neige's stomach. "Amazing?" he murmured, his voice a low, satisfied rumble.

Neige laughed breathlessly, his fingers carding through Jack's hair, gentle and affectionate. "More than amazing," he whispered, his eyes soft and warm and full of something that made Jack's heart race in his chest. "Perfect."

Jack's heart was pounding, his blood rushing hot and heavy through his veins as he looked down at Neige beneath him. Neige's skin was flushed, his hair mussed, his lips swollen and red from Jack's kisses. He looked utterly debauched, utterly perfect, and Jack's wolf instincts howled with the need to claim him, to make him his.

"Neige," Jack murmured, his voice a low, rough growl. "I want… I need…"

Neige blinked up at him, his eyes hazy with pleasure, but still so full of trust, of affection. "What do you need, Jack?" he whispered, his hands coming up to cup Jack's face, his touch gentle and sweet.

Jack swallowed hard, his heart racing at the simple, easy trust in Neige's voice. "I need you," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "All of you. I want to… to claim you. To knot you."

Neige's breath hitched, his eyes widening slightly, but there was no fear in his gaze—only curiosity, and a soft, aching tenderness that made Jack's heart clench in his chest. "You want to knot me?" Neige asked softly, his thumbs stroking over Jack's cheekbones.

Jack nodded, his wolf instincts screaming at him to take, to claim, to possess. But he held himself back, forcing himself to be gentle, to be patient. "Only if you want it," he murmured, nuzzling into Neige's palm. "I would never hurt you, Neige. Never."

Neige's lips curved into a soft, sweet smile, and he leaned up, brushing a gentle kiss against Jack's mouth. "I know," he whispered against Jack's lips. "I trust you, Jack. Completely."

Those simple words were all it took to break the last of Jack's resolve. With a low, rumbling growl, he surged forward, claiming Neige's mouth in a deep, hungry kiss. Neige melted beneath him, his arms winding around Jack's neck, his body arching up to press against Jack's.

Jack's hands roamed over Neige's body, mapping out every curve and plane, savoring the heat of his skin, the softness of his flesh. He could feel his own arousal throbbing between his legs, could feel the base of his cock starting to swell with the beginnings of his knot.

"Neige," Jack panted against Neige's lips, his voice rough and desperate. "I need to be inside you. Please."

Neige shivered beneath him, his eyes fluttering closed, his lips parting on a soft, needy moan. "Yes," he breathed, his fingers tangling in Jack's hair. "Yes, Jack, please…"

Jack groaned at the sweet, desperate plea in Neige's voice, and he reached down, fumbling with the fastenings of his own pants. He couldn't get them off fast enough, his fingers clumsy with need, with desperation. Finally, he managed to shove them down, his cock springing free, hard and aching and already slick with pre-come.

Neige's eyes widened at the sight of him, his breath catching in his throat. Jack was big, thick and long and curved slightly at the tip. And at the base of his cock, his knot was already starting to swell, a thick bulge of flesh that made Neige's heart race with a mix of nerves and anticipation.

"Jack," Neige whispered, his voice soft and awed. "You're so…"

Jack chuckled roughly, leaning down to nuzzle against Neige's neck. "Big?" he murmured, nipping gently at Neige's earlobe. "Don't worry, snowflake. I'll be gentle."

Neige shivered at the pet name, at the hot brush of Jack's breath against his skin. "I know you will," he whispered, tilting his head to give Jack better access to his throat. "I trust you, Jack. I want this. I want you."

Jack groaned at the sweet, honest words, and he reached down, fumbling in the pocket of his discarded jacket for the small bottle of lube he packed for just in case. He coated his fingers generously, warming the slick liquid between his palms before reaching down, trailing his fingers over Neige's entrance.

Neige gasped at the touch, his hips bucking up instinctively, seeking more. Jack chuckled softly, pressing a gentle kiss to Neige's shoulder as he slowly, carefully worked one finger inside him.

Neige's breath hitched, his body clenching around the intrusion, but Jack was patient, murmuring soft words of encouragement as he worked Neige open. "That's it, snowflake," he murmured, pressing soft kisses along Neige's collarbone. "Just relax. Let me take care of you."

Neige shivered at the words, at the sweet, gentle reassurance in Jack's voice. He forced himself to relax, to let Jack's fingers work him open, stretching him, preparing him for what was to come.

Finally, when Neige was panting and squirming beneath him, his body open and ready, Jack pulled his fingers free. He coated his cock liberally with lube, hissing at the cold sensation against his heated flesh. Then, with infinite care, he positioned himself at Neige's entrance, the tip of his cock nudging against that tight ring of muscle.

"Ready, snowflake?" Jack murmured, his voice rough with need, with barely-restrained desire.

Neige nodded, his eyes hazy with pleasure, his lips parted around soft, panting breaths. "Please, Jack," he whispered, his hands coming up to clutch at Jack's shoulders. "I need you. I'm ready."

With a low, rumbling growl, Jack pushed forward, the head of his cock breaching Neige's entrance, sliding into that tight, perfect heat. Neige cried out beneath him, his fingers digging into Jack's shoulders, his body clenching around the intrusion.

"Shh, easy," Jack murmured, peppering Neige's face with soft, gentle kisses. "I've got you. Just breathe, snowflake. Let me in."

Neige shuddered, forcing himself to relax, to let Jack sink deeper into his body. It was a stretch, a burn, but it was so good, the feeling of Jack filling him up, claiming him, owning him.

Inch by inch, Jack pressed forward, sinking deeper into Neige's welcoming heat. When he was fully seated, his hips flush against Neige's, he paused, giving Neige a moment to adjust to the feeling of being so full.

"Neige," Jack panted, his voice rough and strained with the effort of holding himself back. "You feel so good, snowflake. So perfect."

Neige whimpered, his body clenching around Jack's cock, savoring the feeling of being stretched, being claimed. "Jack," he gasped, his voice soft and breathy. "Please, I need… I need you to move."

Jack groaned, his hips twitching forward instinctively at the sweet, desperate plea in Neige's voice. Slowly, carefully, he began to move, rocking his hips in a gentle, steady rhythm.

Neige cried out beneath him, his body arching up to meet Jack's thrusts, his fingers scrabbling for purchase against Jack's shoulders. It was so much, so good, the feeling of Jack moving inside him, filling him up, claiming him in the most primal, intimate way possible.

As Jack's thrusts grew harder, faster, his knot began to swell, catching on Neige's rim with every thrust. Neige gasped at the sensation, his body clenching around the growing bulge, trying instinctively to draw it deeper.

"Jack," Neige panted, his voice high and breathy with need. "Your knot, it's… it's so big, I don't know if I can…"

"Shh, you can," Jack murmured, pressing a soft, reassuring kiss to Neige's lips. "You're doing so well, snowflake. Just a little more. I know you can take it."

Neige whimpered, but he nodded, trusting Jack completely, wanting this more than he'd ever wanted anything in his life. With a soft, desperate cry, he bore down, his body opening up to accept Jack's knot.

With a low, rumbling groan, Jack pushed forward, his knot finally breaching Neige's tight entrance and locking them together. Neige cried out at the sensation, his back arching off the bed as he was stretched impossibly wide around Jack's thick knot.

"Ahhh! Jack, it's so big! I feel so full…" Neige whimpered, his hands scrabbling at Jack's shoulders. His stomach bulged outward slightly from the sheer size of Jack's knot inside him.

Jack's golden eyes widened as he looked down and saw the visible outline of his cock pressing against Neige's abdomen. His brain short-circuited at the erotic sight. Neige was taking him so well, stretching to accommodate his massive size…

"Look at you, taking me so perfectly," Jack growled, his voice rough with lust and awe. He gently stroked Neige's stomach, feeling himself through Neige's skin. "You're incredible, snowflake. I can't believe you fit all of me inside you like this."

Neige giggled breathlessly and clenched around Jack's knot, making them both moan at the intense sensation. "Well, you are pretty big," he teased, his brown eyes sparkling with mischief even as his cheeks flushed bright pink. "I guess I was made to take you."

Jack huffed out a laugh, his ears flicking back in slight embarrassment even as a pleased rumble built in his chest. He leaned down to capture Neige's lips in a deep, passionate kiss, their tongues tangling together as he started to gently rock his hips, grinding his knot against Neige's prostate.

Neige gasped and mewled into the kiss, his cute noises spurring Jack on. He thrust harder, his heavy balls slapping against Neige's ass as he drove into him again and again, pushing his knot impossibly deeper.

"J-Jack! Ahh, yes, right there! Don't stop!" Neige babbled, throwing his head back in ecstasy. Tears of pleasure pricked at the corners of his eyes as Jack's relentless thrusts nailed his sweet spot dead-on.

"I won't, I promise. Gonna fill you up so good," Jack panted, his thrusts growing erratic as he chased his release. "Gonna pump you full of my seed, fill this cute little belly."

"Please, yes! I want it, Jack!" Neige begged shamelessly, the dirty talk combined with the constant pressure on his prostate sending him hurtling over the edge.

With a high, breathy keen, Neige came untouched, his cock pulsing as it painted his chest and the swell of his stomach with ropes of pearly white. His passage rhythmically squeezed Jack's knot, milking him for everything he had.

The vice-like grip of Neige's walls pushed Jack over the brink as well. Throwing his head back with a guttural roar, he slammed in as deep as he could go and exploded, his knot engorging to its fullest size as he pumped Neige full of his hot, virile seed.

Neige moaned weakly as he felt Jack's cock twitch and jerk inside him, the sensation of being filled sending pleasant aftershocks rolling through him. His stomach visibly swelled with the sheer volume of Jack's release, bulging out obscenely.

"So much… ahhh… I'm so full of you…" Neige slurred, his eyes fluttering shut in bliss. He cradled his round tummy reverently, basking in the feel of Jack's essence inside him.

Jack panted harshly as he came down from his high, his softening cock still spurting weakly, plugged in place by his knot. He gazed down at Neige in wonder, taking in his debauched appearance - the fucked-out, blissful expression on his face, the way his hole was stretched wide around Jack's knot, the pearly streams of cum painting his chest, the obscene swell of his belly…

"You're perfect," Jack whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "My perfect little snowflake. I love you so much."

Neige's eyes fluttered open and he smiled up at Jack, soft and sweet and utterly content. "I love you too, Jack. More than anything."

Jack's heart swelled with happiness and he leaned down to kiss Neige slow and deep, pouring all his love and devotion into the gentle press of their lips. They exchanged soft, sweet kisses as they basked in the afterglow, murmuring words of love and praise to each other.

Jack gently rolled them over so Neige was lying on his chest, taking care not to jostle his knot too much and hurt his precious snowflake. He wrapped his strong arms around Neige's waist, holding him close as Neige snuggled into him with a happy sigh.

They stayed like that for a long time, just holding each other and exchanging soft kisses and gentle caresses as Jack's knot slowly went down. Even when he finally slipped out of Neige's hole with a wet squelch, he didn't let go, content to keep his cute little snowflake safe and warm in his embrace forever.

Neige's breathing slowly evened out as he drifted off to sleep, a small, blissful smile on his face. Jack gazed down at him adoringly, his heart so full of love he thought it might burst. Pressing one last tender kiss to Neige's forehead, he closed his eyes and let sleep claim him as well, following his precious snowflake into dreams.

[scullymurphy]

just thinking about how much i miss following wips of yours.... bending light, falling dark, teach me how to forget..... exquisite!!!!! your vibes are unmatched!! hope you're doing well and just know you are missed!!!

Wow, this is so nice to hear. Thank you, anon! I've been working so hard on my OC lately -- trying to find an agent for my first book and writing my second -- that there hasn't been a lot of time for fandom. And that makes me sad b/c I love creating fanworks and don't want to slip out of the collective fandom consciousness. It feels easy for that to happen with so many amazing new authors and works popping up every day. So it's really wonderful to know that you miss me! 😭🥹

AND I have some good news for you. Now that I have finished a first draft of my second novel, I am going to take a little breather from OC and write some Dramione! I will have two stories coming out this Fall/Winter -- a multi-chap murder mystery with our favorite duo as reluctant partners in solving crime and a snarky ETL one-shot. More info about both will be dropping in the coming weeks and I hope to start posting the WIP this month. Exciting! I can't wait to get into it with you all again here and on the RSA Discord server.

Thanks again, anon! This made my day. xoxo ~ Scully 🥰

[sanyu-thewitch05]

Can we get a part 5 in your F! Yuu’s Dad in Twst Wonderland and how do are dad feel about the RSA and grim?

Sure thing! Already posted and up(honestly it was in my drafts and you just reminded me to finish it)

[emiensr]

(Soundz of door being broken off it'z hibgez) Hi silver‼️‼️‼️‼️I saw the ask game and decided it waz time for angst >:]

✂️ for anyone you want :3

oh shit hi ok . worst memories

angst.

hehe. im gonna do everyone ive posted here + lyn (hes still in drafts IM SORRYY)

For Noel , his worst memory would be something to do with Madi , like seeing Madi go through something bad . nothing bad really happened to Noel before going to nrc other than having no friends bc hes a loser !!!!!!

For Madi, his worst memory is his parents destroying a record that he bought himself (at around 10/11 years old). Madi and Noel's parents are very strict on what they consider "real music" , and Madi's love for jazz doesnt fit their idea . Madi had bought a record at a charity shop, and Noel helped him use the record player at home to listen to it, when their father overheard and got angry, eventually breaking the record into pieces.

Stian's worst memory.. hooo boy . He's always felt excluded because of not looking like a beastman, like his mother. When he was young (around 6/7 years old) he found a kids cat ear headband thing, and bought it with his pocket money. He went home to show his mother that he was "just like her now", but ermm.. she didnt take it very well!

Asken's worst memory would be after he moved to the shaftlands and started at primary school there, just.. the entire primary school experience was not great for him . at least he had stian i guess 💞

Lyn's worst memory err. his mothers death. that he had to watch. i wont say any more about that i think its self explanatory

bonus Aeris my son . bc ive posted about him a few times before ?? just no intro yet . soon . his worst memory was being rejected from rsa . his entire life crumbled and he feels so seperated and different from his family now . hes got cool friends (lie. theyre losers.) at nrc so . all good 👍👍

thank u for the ask i hope the angst lives up to ur expectations

[twsttea]

Twisted Wonderland OC based on Mother Gothel and Rapunzel from Tangled.

The sketches are just drafts that I made yesterday.

They are NRC-Pomefiore and RSA respectively, and I already have a backstory planned out for them.

Their names are [Goel "El" Gothe] and [Stefan Rhyder "Razen" Krona] - I have yet to see if I can come up with better ones or just settle with these.

[twistedwonderlandshenanigans]

Danya Lore

tw: frostbite, execution, murder, drowning

Danya is from back in the equivalent era of ~1920s His homeland was in extreme disarray, and it was clear a civil war was on the horizon. Knowing that her son would be one of the first drafted because of his magic capabilites, she immediately got in contact with his headmage,  Danya's mom wanted him to go to RSA originally but the headmage there was xenophobic, and pitched it as the students being in a state of high fear and that it likely wouldn’t be a safe or welcoming place for him, and kept the bribe that he was sent so she had to to steal again in order to reach NRC in hopes they would accept her son. His mother also paid the headmage at NRC to ensure he was given private lessons by the teachers at NRC until he could speak fluent but heavily accented English He was to have no contact with his mother or anyone really outside of NRC for his own protection, and had come with none of his belongings, his only memory being the song his mother used to sing him and his little sister to sleep, and he quickly found "Once Upon A December" to be his signature spell after accidentally casting it and freezing another student after they startled him on a late night walk Panicked, he left them there and went back to his dorm (which was segregated, not completely unlike Ramshackle, but somewhere much safer and fit for nobility- his mother was a lady in waiting, but in order to send him off, stole money from her Duchess) The kid he froze was luckily, alive but not completely unharmed. He forgave Danya and actually apologized for scaring him, willing to give him another shot as friends, but Danyas guilt made it impossible to accept that as he knew the damage the frostbite had caused under the glove that had been extended to him in friendship In his guilt he went for a walk to clear his head, and continues to do so for several nights. He found out from the headmage a few weeks later that his mother and little sister had been caught thieving, and both of them had been killed. Trying to process that, he took himself down to a lake in the nearby forest, humming shakily to himself trying to remember the sound of their voices if nothing else He didn’t notice the other students best friend following him until he sat down beside him and got to talking. Eventually the other student convinced Danya that letting some of that magic energy go would make him feel better, he could freeze the entire top of the lake, and nobody would be hurt or mind, especially because it was already late December and most students were still on holiday. Danya finally agreed but just as the spell was cast, the other student shoved Danya off the dock, easily breaking through the thin layer of ice and watching in satisfaction as his own magic froze over him, freezing and drowning him Only a day went by before the staff realized he was missing, but nobody found his body or knew what happened to him until the next year in December, when his ghost started roaming campus. He likes sitting in the stairway up to the headmages office, but hes most often seen roaming campus late at night, humming the lullaby his mother used to sing him. He avoids Pomefiore students and beastmen alike now.