thegoldencontracts

[thegoldencontracts]

Ur right

Tenna would NEVER keep me up at one AM doing... Whatever the fuck he was doing with my mom

This is why he is CLEARLY SUPERIOR to the skele-BUM smh my head sans is a FRAUD

Literally stole Susie's line in his genocide fight too... Smh my head can't wait for chapter five to happen and Kris and Sans

I for one can't wait until Asgore goes rage mode in chapter five and fights sans and becomes the flower man trapped in asylum... Truly the Delta rune of all time...

I SPIT ON YOUUU IF YOU COMPARE SANS WITH TENNA I SPIT ON YOUUUU

[thegoldencontracts]

Pookie are you still there

I'm... Resurrected... You se... Finals killed me T_T

Can't believe that of ALL THE TIMES to get back into twst and writing I picked before finals. admittedly not the best decision making on my part

[thegoldencontracts]

[thegoldencontracts]

I will wholeheartedly support you in ANY AZURUGGIE ENDEAVOR RAGGHHHHHH they are. Such a peak ship (not a biased source in the slightest trustttt)

I need to make more azuruggie I miss them dearly

[thegoldencontracts]

midnight snack

[thegoldencontracts]

Fem!Savanaclaw and Octavinelle chibi designs 🐙🦁

the leech twins were kinda rushed lol sorryyy

[thegoldencontracts]

I'm pretty sure Leona Kingscholar shows more skin than ur sona 😭

Double standards smh my head... /j

Im so sorry that her boobs are just out like that 😭😭

[thegoldencontracts]

Ruggie Fact Sheet

(Was ranked 6th-most-popular-character on the jpn server in a combination of seven different character-ranking surveys held throughout 2021)

In Japanese, the spotted hyena (or laughing hyena) is called "Buchi Hyena", the word "hyena" itself being a borrowed term and "buchi" meaning "speckled" or "a mix of colors". According to the official Fan Book, "Ruggie" comes from either the word "rug" or perhaps from his "rugged life".

Ruggie will occasionally refer to the fact that he is a hyena in a self-depreciating way (“This place is so busy, he’s relying on a hyena like me to help”), which brings into question how he is used to being treated as a hyena beastman in his homeland of Sunset Savannah.

He sometimes works part-time at the Mostro Lounge in the Octavinelle dormitory where he excels extremely, acting in the role of floor manager, waiter, busboy and more in a card vignette to such efficiency that they are able to handle an overwhelming influx of customers that nearly forced Azul to close the cafe.

When Azul compliments his prowess Ruggie responds, “Compared to some others jobs I’ve had, this is a piece of cake”. He says he works at a restaurant at a beach resort during the summer, as a ski instructor in the winter, has job experience on a cruise ship, as a make-up artist and also sells mandragora to the school’s ghosts.

Ruggie gets along well with Azul. They both dislike losing money and insist on being compensated for anything and everything they do, and they both dislike feeling indebted to anyone (when Ruggie forgets to bring Leona’s wallet to the school store on an errand Silver offers to lend him what he needs, but Ruggie refuses, opting to haggle with Sam instead. When Silver compliments him on his haggling abilities Ruggie says “If you ever end up out on the street, I can teach you the art of the deal”).

Another side-job of Ruggie’s is looking out for Leona (doing laundry, preparing meals and other day-to-day tasks) for which he is compensated as much as he asks for as Leona has no interest in money. He also has the freedom of charging purchases made at the school store to Leona’s account.

In his labwear vignette, Leona tosses his wallet at Ruggie so he can buy laundry detergent, saying “There’s plenty in there. Take what you need and keep the change”. Ruggie points out that all Leona has are large bills and he’s uncertain about keeping so much, and Leona tells him to not “get all hung up on the details”, insinuating that Leona seems to do what he can to look out for Ruggie’s finances in his own way without making it seem like charity.

When Ruggie first arrived at NRC he was unfamiliar with how he was supposed to study, as he had never had to do so before. He says that the only “education” he had, previously, was in “practical life skills”. As we know that he has been working since before he entered the school, it is seems that spent his childhood trying to earn money instead of going to classes.

In exchange for his doing chores for Leona, Leona tutored him, gave him study guides and old exams and taught him efficient study techniques. As a result his grades have moved him from the bottom of his class to the middle, and he has expressed surprise at his own improvement, not believing he was capable of it.

Ruggie wears Leona’s school uniforms, which are too large for him (his labwear clothes are also oversized, so it is possible that they were given to him as a gift as well). Ruggie claims that their difference in size was inevitable, given how different their diets and upbringing were, growing up. Ruggie says that he wishes he was taller sometimes, “but I bet that would come with extra eating expenses…” Ruggie says that he often receives things from Leona, keeping what he needs for himself and selling what he doesn’t.

In a homescreen line, Ruggie says that his necklace represents nature. "The red of the sun, the blue of the sky, the green of the earth…it reminds me of my hometown."l

Ruggie excels at animal linguistics, saying it “is a practical skill for the workforce, but knowledge of the past ain’t that useful” when Trein admonishes him for a low score on a history of magic mock test.

In order to gain an advantage on the test, Ruggie makes a deal with Lucius: Lucius sneaks away from Trein in exchange for tuna. When Ruggie returns Lucius to Trein and explains how he lost precious test-preparation time by saving Lucius from a rooftop, Trein tells him the parts of the textbook to be covered by the test out of gratitude.

Trein later goes to Ruggie for help with finding thirty rats that escaped from the Animal Linguistics class in exchange for nominating Ruggie for a prestigious Animal Linguistics Speech Contest. Ruggie agrees to help, as the contest would be an invaluable addition to his resume for future job-hunting.

Leona finds Ruggie struggling with the rats and says “You’re pretty nimble, a smooth talker and cautious, so you can handle just about anything by yourself”, but “you’re practically programmed to think like an underdog lackey. Try seeing it from a pack leader’s perspective”. Ruggie uses his advice to employ Lucius and Lucius’ “cat friends” to round up the rats, expressing gratitude for Leona’s help and reflecting on how he needs to use the resources he has on hand instead of always trying to do everything by himself.

Ruggie seems to have a good relationship with Lucius, who once guided him to a place where lots of dandelions were in bloom. Ruggie says he is "a very thoughtful cat".

Ruggie’s grandmother taught him how to cook, and he is often able to make do with whatever he has on hand. He is able to teach Jade how to use the same mountain vegetables to make three different dishes (in compensation for accidentally using Jade’s property, which he had thought belonged to the school) and Leona, who will complain of food served to him at the school and elsewhere, will tell Ruggie to “make whatever” when he is hungry, insinuating that Ruggie is an accomplished enough cook to meet the expectations of a literal prince.

Ruggie says his “mom joined the stars in the sky” right after she gave birth to him, while his father “went out to scrounge up some money one day and never came back”, so he was raised by his grandmother. Doughnuts are his favorite good because they are what she would make for him on his birthday in lieu of the birthday cake they couldn’t afford.

When asked what his most prized possession is he responds “money”, but when pressed he says it is the warthog piggy bank in his room. He found in the trash by a rich man's house and kept it after he was unable to find a buyer for it. Having grown to like it, he says he is thinking about buying it a friend: a meerkat bank from the same series.

In Chapter 5, he is happened upon while collecting wild dandelions to eat (dandelions are indeed an edible plant, even for humans). This leads to Rook referring to him as Monsieur Dandelion on JPN-server (pronounced Tanpopo), while Rook uses the French word for dandelion ("Dent de Lion") on NA, which literally means "the lion's teeth".

Ruggie loves gold, and when taking alchemy lessons he is excited to smelt gold and gems. Despite this, he has never once stolen from any of the precious gems or expensive objects strewn throughout Leona’s room, on personal principle.

There is a line in the Eng-server Beans Day event where Azul tells Ruggie, “You’re the vice-housewarden!” and Ruggie doesn’t deny it, but this is a mistranslation. The original line is “He is an underclassmen in your dorm!”.

However, he is depicted as aiding Leona by participating in the entrance ceremony, and is recognized by those around him as the unspoken number-two of Savannaclaw.

Before going on holiday, he always takes food that is about to expire from the cafeteria to share with his family and friends back home (according to him, people who can use magic are rare in the area where he was born and raised). He also seems to take good care of the local children, whom he references making flower crowns for when he was younger.

In his birthday vignette, he tells Jade about washing laundry in a tub with his feet as a child, as no one could afford a washing machine, and how the task would often turn into water-fights with the other children.

He is always certain to gift friends and acquaintances on their birthdays, with the ulterior motive of getting them to gift him on his birthday is response. "Many of the students at this school are rich, so the investment comes back many times over."

Floyd refers to him as “Kobanzame-chan" (a species of remora known as ‘sharksucker’), possibly in reference to how he is always attached to Leona.

Ruggie's unique magic is "Laugh With Me" (In Japanese: "Fool's Parade"), and it forces the person it is cast on to mimic Ruggie's own movements, essentially transforming them into a living puppet. He finds it difficult to control multiple people in this way simultaneously, however, even after taking a magic-enhancing potion that he received from Azul in Book 2.

It is possible that his unique magic itself was inspired by the hyenas forcing the buffalo stampede in Disney's "The Lion King", while the name, Laugh With Me, may have come from Scar's encouragement of the hyenas to obey him ("Stick with me, and you'll never go hungry again!")

Some great artists for Ruggie fan-art and more (SFW, no story spoilers) Short comic about Ruggie’s birthday

Savanaclaw trio with their animal inspirations

Master Chef illustration

Savanaclaw trio out of school

Voice Ruggie is voiced by Ichikawa Aoi (市川蒼) , whose other work includes Just Because! (2017), Darling In The Franxx (2018), Tsurune Kazemai Koukou Kyuudoubu (2018), Boogiepop And Others (2019), Bakugan: Battle Planet (2019), Magical Sempai (2019), number24 (2020), Tasogare Outfocus (2020), Plunderer (2020), Sonny Boy (2021), The Ancient Magus' Bride (2021), and Caligula2 (2021).

More information available here

Additional Fact Sheets ・Riddle Rosehearts ・Trey Clover・Cater Diamond ・Ace Trappola・Deuce Spade ・Leona Kingscholar ・Ruggie Bucchi ・Jack Howl ・Azul Ashengrotto・Floyd Leech・Jade Leech ・Kalim Al-Asim・Jamil Viper ・Vil Schoenheit・Rook Hunt ・Epel Felmier ・Idia Shroud・Ortho Shroud ・Malleus Draconia ・Silver・Sebek Zigvolt・Lilia Vanrouge ・Sam・Crewel・Trein・Vargas・Crowley

[thegoldencontracts]

JEHDHDJSJSJSHS RAGGHHHB IT'S DO CUTEEE

Gonna be drawing idia like this guys brb

[thegoldencontracts]

That ain’t Ruggie bucchi that’s Ron Blake 😭

ruggie stans I am so sorry you have been all fighting a fucking BATTLE WHO IS THIS

THATS A WHITE BOY. THATS A WATTPAD BAD BOY. HIS EYES ARE SKY BLYE AND HE IS ADRIAN AGRESTE BLONDE

[thegoldencontracts]

Kisses

From this list:

1. Malleus—Lizard Kiss

The two of you sat there in a comfortable sort of silence. He was reading a book about fae, and you were doing schoolwork.

Suddenly, however, he stood.

"Tsunotarou—?" You asked. He moved towards your seat.

"May I kiss you?"

A gentleman, wasn't he? Malleus always did know how to say the most charming thing without even trying.

"Of course," you said. He nodded, chuckling lowly.

"Close your eyes, child of man," he whispered in your ear. You obliged, bracing for the inevitable explosion of emotions.

And then he licked your lips.

It was not a kiss, no. A kiss would imply your tongues at any point made contact. Rather, this was something different. You were deeply confused. What was he doing?

He pulled back, and you opened your eyes. He looked awfully proud of himself.

"What was that?" You asked, brow raised. "Was that supposed to be a kiss?"

Malleus looked at you confused, very much resembling a lizard, though the way he tilted his head reminded you more of a very sad puppy. Now you felt bad.

"Is that not how you humans kiss?" He asked. You fervently shook your head.

"What—?! No! That's not-" you sighed. "Here. I'll show you."

With a newfound resolution to show this foolish dragon the true implications of a kiss, you leaned towards him, pecking him on the lips. When you pulled away, you noticed he was dumbfounded.

"I take it you liked that?" You asked. He remained unmoving.

"Fascinating," he said at last. "For such a little action to feel so wonderous."

"Now that's a little far-"

"Do it again."

"Huh?"

"If you would please," he re-iterated. "Do it again."

You had a feeling you were going to be there for a while.

2. Ruggie—Palm Kiss

“What do you think of fairytales?” He asked one day.

You looked up in surprise.

“Now that’s a question I never expected you to be asking," you said. Ruggie snickered.

“Can’t blame a guy for being curious,” he said. “You can tell a lot about someone from how they answer something’ like that. Maybe they’re a dreamer, expectin’ a Prince Charming to come sweep ‘em off their feet. Or maybe they’re one of those folks who thinks anything remotely happy is stupid. But, ah, you’re definitely not the first type. You’re datin’ me, after all.”

He laughed to himself, a mix of causal and slightly self-deprecating.

“Imagine,” he said. “Me, a prince, pullin’ all sorts of cool moves to make you swoon.” In a caricature of a gruff voice, he tittered, “It’ll be alright, babygirl, I’m here.”

You laughed, both at the impression and at the words he spoke.

“It is stupid.”

“Yeah,” you said. “It’s obvious I’d be the Prince Charming. You’re the fair maiden swooning."

Ruggie snickered.

“Then maybe you should be pampering me,” he said. “Like by doing the dishes for once.”

You grabbed his palm.

“Of course,” you said. “Anything you desire.”

And then you pressed a kiss.

Watching him short circuit in real time was priceless.

“I- I was just jokin’ when I said that, y’know,” he mumbled. “I don’t need coddling-“

“Shh,” you said, pressing a finger to his lips. “You’re tired. Sleep.”

And despite his protests, he was out like a light.

You fell asleep as well. It was a lovely thing, you thought, the two of you, in peace, together.

“You’re still not gonna do the dishes, are you?”

“Ehehe, sorry…”

3. Leona—Ear Kiss

“You know,” you said. “You’re kinda like a big cat.”

Leona scowled.

“I ain’t a cat.”

“Hey,” you raised up your hands defensively. “That wasn’t what I said. I said you’re like a cat.”

“Give me one way I’m like a cat.”

“Your tails kinda flicks around when you’re happy about something,” you started. “And your ears droop when you’re sad.”

He sucked in a rapid breath, tail swishing anxiously.

“You’re making stuff up.”

“Am not!” You huffed. “Look, your tail’s doing it right now!”

He looked to it, eyes narrowed as if he were betrayed, positioning himself so his tail was hidden.

“Hey!” You said. “Don’t hide your cute tail from me!”

He just stared at you, eyes narrowed.

“I’m not showing it for your to gawk at,” he muttered, ears flattened. Cute.

You stood up, resolute.

“At least let me appreciate the other cat part of you, then!” You said.

And just as it looked like he was about to find a was to hide his ears as well, you pounced.

And kissed around his ears.

“What’re you—“

“Do you want me to stop?” You asked. Leona looked away for a second.

“Do whatever you want,” he said simply. You just snickered.

He really was a big cat.

[thegoldencontracts]

Reckless Road Trips

𝖆/𝖓: since I did first years, why not write something with second and third years [coming soon] too? no romance once more btw

𝖙𝖜: none, usual nrc chaos

𝖕𝖆𝖎𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌: second years x reader

𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉𝖘: 1144

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

The van swayed gently down the sun-soaked highway, packed with eight eccentric second-years and you crammed somewhere in the backseat between Jade and Floyd. It was meant to be a "relaxing getaway," something Azul had insisted would be good for your health and interpersonal development. You weren’t sure if being in a vehicle with this much raw chaos counted as relaxing.

Floyd’s legs were draped across both yours and Jade’s laps, a foot tapping idly to a playlist Kalim had made—an energetic mix of party music, pop, and oddly enough, frog sounds. Riddle had already protested twice. "We are not listening to amphibian mating calls!"

“Are we theeeeere yet~?” Floyd groaned dramatically.

“That’s the fifth time,” you muttered.

“Sixth,” Jade corrected pleasantly.

“Stop keeping track!” Azul called from the driver’s seat, gripping the wheel like it was the only thing keeping him tethered to sanity. “If anyone else asks that question, I’m cancelling the shaved ice.”

A beat.

“Are we there yet?” Kalim asked cheerfully.

Azul visibly died inside.

When you finally reached the beach, it was like a switch flipped. Everyone exploded out of the van, hauling towels and umbrellas like it was a timed race. Ruggie took off toward the water, yelling, “Last one in buys lunch!” before leaping straight into the waves.

You hung back a moment, stretching out sore limbs before grabbing a beach ball from the trunk.

“Hey Floyd,” you called, tossing it toward him. “Game?”

“Ooh~ Shrimpy wants to play?” Floyd’s grin spread wide. “Let’s see how long you last!”

The game started off easy. Light volleys, lots of laughter. You had just gotten into a nice rhythm when Floyd’s competitive instincts took over. His next spike sent the ball screaming across the sand.

“NO—!” you shouted.

Too late.

It slammed right into the back of Riddle’s head.

His ice cream went flying.

There was a moment of dead silence.

Floyd whistled innocently. “Oops~”

Riddle turned around, the picture of quiet rage. “FLOYD LEECH.”

Even the seagulls went quiet.

You doubled over laughing. Ruggie cackled from the shore. Kalim gasped, “Oh no! Riddle, I’ll buy you another!” while Jade said calmly, “You had to know that was going to happen.”

Later, you knelt near the tide line, carefully constructing a sandcastle with Kalim’s help. Jade occasionally offered eerie suggestions—“Add a trench for dramatic flair. Perhaps some bones?”—while you shaped towers with seashell windows. It was kind of nice, getting lost in the simple rhythm of sculpting.

But you had built it too close to the shore.

You realized it the second the wave came barreling in.

“No no no no—!”

Your castle crumbled in one powerful surge of water, reduced to a slurry of wet sand and disappointment.

“Nature is a harsh mistress,” Jamil said from a beach chair, sipping coconut water.

You glared. “I worked hard on that!”

He raised an eyebrow. “So does the tide.”

Azul walked over, shielding his eyes. “Everyone ready to head to the cabin?”

“Already?” you asked.

He gestured to a very grumpy Riddle, now coated in sand and scowling. “I think we’ve reached the ‘cut our losses’ part of the day.”

You expected a log cabin. Maybe something rustic with questionable plumbing.

What you got instead was luxury.

The glamping site Azul had booked looked like a forest resort—glass windows, warm wood paneling, a fire pit outside, and a kitchen that looked straight out of a magazine.

“...You rented this?” Riddle asked skeptically.

Azul adjusted his glasses. “I negotiated. Extensively.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ruggie said, flopping onto one of the beanbags. “Bet it still cost more than all my groceries for a month.”

There was one small hiccup.

Only six bedrooms.

Which meant one room had to be shared.

“We’ll take it,” Jade offered calmly. “We already share a dorm room. The bunk bed arrangement won’t be awkward.”

Floyd threw an arm around his brother. “Jade snores like a kelpie! It’s like sleeping next to a drowning walrus.”

Jade smiled serenely. “At least I don’t talk in my sleep. ‘Mmm shrimp, don’t leave~’.”

You ended up paired with Kalim, who had somehow brought his own disco ball. He plugged it into the ceiling lamp, turned on music, and invited everyone to an impromptu dance party.

Jamil’s soul visibly left his body.

By the time the sun dipped below the trees, you were roasting marshmallows at the fire pit, wrapped in a borrowed hoodie, and nursing a cup of hot chocolate. Silver was already asleep beside you, Floyd was trying to toss popcorn into Riddle’s mouth (he missed, a lot), and Azul was casually checking stock charts on his tablet.

“This was... nice,” you said softly.

Azul didn’t look up. “I plan thoroughly.”

Ruggie raised a skewer. “To glamping!”

“To glamping!” the group echoed.

You thought that would be the end of it. But the next morning, Azul announced one final detour.

“There’s a secluded hot springs inn nearby. I already booked us a night.”

You blinked at him. “When did you do that?”

“Before the beach. I anticipated fatigue.”

“You mean this was the cooldown for the cooldown?” Riddle muttered.

Still, no one objected. The moment you arrived, any hesitation melted into the mountain mist. The inn was traditional and beautiful—wooden beams, soft lanterns, and the scent of mineral water drifting through the cool air.

“Only one spring?” Kalim asked.

“It’s mixed,” said the innkeeper with a smile. “It’s fully private tonight, so you have it all to yourselves.”

You shuffled toward the changing rooms with a towel clutched to your chest, cheeks already warm.

The outdoor bath was surreal. Steam rose into the night sky, stars twinkling above as warm water lapped gently at the stone edges. You slipped in with a sigh, letting your body melt.

“This is heaven,” you mumbled.

Until Floyd cannonballed in.

Water exploded over the edges.

Riddle screamed. Azul’s glasses fogged up. You got a face full of wave.

“FLOYD!”

“Hot soup time~!” Floyd sang, splashing around. “Mmm, shrimp stew!”

“Stop calling it that,” Jade muttered.

You sank lower in the water, shoulders shaking with laughter. Silver drifted in, practically asleep, and Kalim floated on his back, humming happily.

Ruggie was balancing rocks on your head.

Jamil was too tired to fight it.

You and Azul ended up side by side, staring up at the stars. He exhaled slowly, tension fading from his shoulders.

“You really went all out,” you said.

“I wanted something we’d remember.”

You bumped your knee lightly against his. “Mission accomplished.”

That night, after a second soak and way too many snacks, you curled up on a futon between Silver’s gentle snores and Kalim’s soft singing. Floyd had fallen asleep halfway through a horror story, and Riddle was still arguing with Jade about the proper way to wear a yukata.

You smiled.

Yeah. You could definitely get used to this.

credit to @enchanthings-a for divider

[thegoldencontracts]

Ramshackle Midnight Mayhem

𝖆/𝖓: third years is finally here. ...I should probably have a better posting schedule

𝖙𝖜: ghosts, Idia passes out

𝖕𝖆𝖎𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌: third years x reader

𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉𝖘: 903

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

It started as a joke over lunch.

"If all of you think Ramshackle is so 'atmospheric,' you're welcome to stay a night and find out just how drafty and ghost-ridden it really is," you'd said, tossing a chip at Cater for teasing you about the "haunted mansion aesthetic."

"Bet," Cater grinned. "Slumber party at Ramshackle! I’ll bring the ring lights!"

You assumed that would be the end of it.

It wasn’t.

7:34 PM – Arrival

One by one, the third years arrived like ominous omens.

Trey came first with supplies — a cooler, a thermos, and a bakery box. "Crowley asked me to bring food, just in case," he said, eyeing the creaky porch. "And I packed some basic first aid. Just a precaution."

Cater followed, dragging two duffels. One held clothes, the other? Lights, skincare, a mushroom-shaped speaker, and a mini projector. "Time to give Ramshackle a makeover~!"

Leona strolled in, yawning. "Calling dibs on the couch. Anyone tries to move me, and they won't live to tell the tale."

Vil showed up in a shawl and gloves. "I brought cleansing mist, aromatherapy, and satin sheets. I will not sleep directly on any of your cursed mattresses."

Rook didn’t use the door. "Bonsoir~! The ambiance is exquisite! The mildew, the moonlight... the mystique!"

Idia blinked into the room via a glowing teleportation bubble. "I hate it here," he declared, hoodie drawn tight. "This is how horror games start."

Then came Malleus, regal as ever, touching the frame of the door. "What a charming dwelling. I sense the presence of three spirits."

Finally, Lilia descended from the ceiling. "Where's my coffin for the night? I brought snacks! Most are probably safe."

9:13 PM – Unstructured Chaos

Ramshackle became a hive of activity.

Trey claimed the kitchen and started unpacking food. Cater hung fairy lights and set up his tripod. Leona claimed his corner. Vil wiped down a chair and placed a barrier of lavender oil around himself. Rook wandered the halls, humming eerily.

Idia was buried in blankets, streaming from his handheld console. Malleus examined the toaster with intense curiosity. Lilia... well, no one could find Lilia until he reappeared with a cursed music box that played haunting lullabies.

Cater screamed. "Nope. Absolutely not. We’re not summoning anything tonight!"

"Yet," Lilia grinned.

10:45 PM – Games, Ghosts, and Pie

Board games were next. Rook treated Uno like a battle of wits. Lilia cheated. Vil caught him and threw down his cards. Malleus played Go Fish with the seriousness of international diplomacy.

When charades began, Malleus mimed a dragon so realistically that a real ghost fled the cupboard in fear. It waved apologetically and left a note that read: "love the vibe, be back later <3."

Trey unveiled an apple-caramel pie. Leona devoured a third before anyone else got a slice.

Midnight – The Great Pillow War

No one remembers who threw the first pillow. Maybe it was Lilia. Or Rook. Or Cater.

What mattered is that Leona retaliated.

Then Vil got hit.

And then it was war.

Blankets flew. Trey got knocked off his chair. Rook declared himself the "phantom of feathers" and dive-bombed the sofa. Cater live-streamed the chaos. Malleus summoned glowing pillows with mass. Idia retreated under the table.

You tried to protect the furniture.

Grim tried to join in.

Leona and Vil locked in a duel of precise strikes and petty vengeance until Cater yelled, "Omg you two are basically a married couple!"

They both stopped.

The war ended.

2:17 AM – Deep Thoughts and Weird Tea

Trey made cocoa. Malleus brewed a mysterious glowing tea that changed colors. Yours turned minty green. Idia's went pitch black. Lilia drank his glowing magenta without blinking.

The dorm finally started to quiet.

"Y'know," Cater mumbled from a bean bag, "this is kinda cozy."

Vil didn’t open his eyes. "The bar is very low."

"But still," Trey added, "it’s rare we all hang out like this."

You yawned. "You’re welcome any time."

Malleus smiled. "Truly? Then I shall return often."

"Warn me first."

Lilia cackled. "Where’s the fun in that?"

3:12 AM – Ghost Story Finale

Rook told a tale about a mirror that devoured reflections. Vil sighed but listened. Idia shivered.

At the climax of the story, the room temperature dropped.

A translucent woman drifted into view, clapped politely, and whispered, "10/10, very spooky," before fading into the wall.

Idia passed out as you left out a rubber duck with a mustache as a peace offering for the next time she came.

7:36 AM – Breakfast at Ramshackle

You woke to the smell of something surprisingly pleasant.

Trey was in the kitchen flipping pancakes, wearing an apron with a cracked egg on it. Malleus was watching attentively, having cracked all the eggs with perfect form.

Lilia served up skewers of grilled fruit. Cater had brewed fresh coffee with his own mini-press. Rook brought in wild herbs he'd foraged from the woods (you did not ask when).

Vil sipped from a bone china teacup he'd brought in his own bag.

Leona was still asleep, a pancake on his head.

Idia sat at the end of the table, bleary-eyed, chewing toast like it betrayed him.

Cater snapped a group selfie. "Best sleepover ever~!"

Crowley opened the front door, gasped at the sight of the ghost still humming lullabies, and immediately shut it again.

You passed the syrup. "Same time next month?"

Malleus raised his teacup. "Indeed.”

credit to @cursed-carmine for divider

[thegoldencontracts]

Kind of a request but also not, I was wondering if you have the "every single talent x character has" posts linked somewhere? If there aren't a lot of twst posts I can probably find them if you have an archive. I'm on mobile right now so it is harder to tell. I saw one before for Floyd and just saw Azul so I thought maybe you have done a couple of them and they'd be useful to check out! I hope this doesn't come off as rude/entitled, but if you have a quick link to those posts batched together or something i thought I should ask because I didn't see it on your masterlist post. No problem if no, though, just figured I'd ask first

Okay so it took me WAY too long to answer this i am so sorry but umm unfortunately I only have those two and more recently, the Ruggie one. I'll definitely consider making a quick link for those if I actually manage to make enough to warrant smth like that loll

ngl I actually never realized they could be useful until I saw someone reblog one explicitly stating that they were going to save it as reference loll... it's more just a fun thing I did T_T

[thegoldencontracts]

slay the princess but leona is the princess ahahahah get it because. he's royalty. and he has the power to end the world

do you see me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure plz send help

[thegoldencontracts]

You should definitely make a continuation of the cultural shock where reader finally gets it after research because these boys are so dumb they piss me off 💔💔 (it was so cute)

Like damn G how was I supposed to know 🫩

LMAOOO so smart yet so stupid... All of you... I'M JUST A HUMAN HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW HOW LIONS COURT

Anyways I made it! It's right hereee <3

[thegoldencontracts]

Hi sorry to bother you, but can you please make a part 2 of the courting fic where the prefect realizes what they were trying to say and "un-rejects" them?

Love your writing, keep up the good work!!

So happy to see people on the same page as me here, because I wrote the fic right before going to bed and my immediate thoughts were (I feel so bad so themm... wait but they're also being kinda stupid shit GUYS LOCK IN)

Anyways Part Twooo to this fic let's gooo! Featuring them getting a taste of their own medicine because I thought they deserved it (affectionate)

Cultural Exchange

—"You could have just said you liked me."

Characters: Leona, Ruggie, Floyd, Azul (same as in the first fic)

Notes: Let me I tell you I had wayy too much fun writing the little intro for each section I thought I was sooo clever didn't I

Leona:

—Humans are known to give flowers to their objects of affection. Bouquets, particularly those containing roses, are a common gift given to someone a human wishes to date.

Your phone, you noticed, was already open. A google page laid in front of you. Did Leona try to look something up and forget to close it? No, as slothful as he seemed, being careless like this just wasn't in his character.

But the phone was opened to-

Lion beastman courtship rituals.

The page stared you in the face, daring you to read.

"Lion beastmen," it said. "Have extended courting rituals. They stake out their desired mate and spend time building relations."

Wait. Those weeks the two of you had spent together...

"When the time is right, beastmen will often roar to declare their intent. They show desire by pawing, nuzzling, and-"

He'd roared beforehand, hands all over you.

"Biting."

Goddamnit you just fumbled Leona Kingscholar.

You wanted to crawl into a hole. You wanted to apologize. And you kind of wanted to yell at him for not just saying that like a normal person when you asked what was going on.

But that would have to wait for another time.

For now, you'd have to find some way to make it clear you returned his interests.

Flowers. Everyone, boy or girl, old or young, broke prefect or genius lion prince, could probably appreciate a nice bouquet.

So you stopped by Heartslabyul and the Seven themselves or whatever the deities of this world were must have been smiling down upon you, because they had a bunch of extra roses from some growth spell mishap they needed to get rid of.

"Good luck with your boyfriend," Ace had said, snickering.

So here you were. Outside of the Savannaclaw common room, a bouquet of flowers in hand.

"You gonna eat that?" Ruggie, standing in front of you, looking at the flowers scrutinizingly. Noticing the expression on your face though, he just laughed. "Jeez, I'm just joking with ya! I can get my own food. Maan, you're so dense... shishishi, no wonder Leona-san's obvious signs went right over your head!"

Speaking of Leona-

"Can you take me to him?" You asked, and Ruggie nodded.

"'Bout time. Leona-san's been in a mood since you shot him down." You didn't shoot him down, you just asked what he was talking about! "He's been sulkin' all day."

You had a feeling Ruggie was just saying that to embarrass him.

"But anyways, come on! The sooner you lovebirds kiss and make up, the better."

The door to Leona's room was locked. But Ruggie just pulled a hairpin, fiddled with it, and-

Of course he picked the lock.

"Your mate, Leona-san!"

"The herbivore's not-"

And Ruggie was gone. Just you and him now.

Leona stared at you from where he was lounging in his bed, tail flicking expectantly.

"You saw it, right?" He asked, voice deceptively impassive. You nodded.

"This all would've been a lot easier if you just explained what you meant. "I mean..."

You pulled the small bouquet of roses from behind your back.

Leona just stared, confused.

"Are you- callin' me an herbivore or something?" He asked. "You tryin' to say I'm fragile like the flowers?"

What.

He had the gall to expect you to understand these lion mating rituals or whatever, and he couldn't even understand what flowers meant?

"Lighten up, herbivore, I'm just jokin' with you," he said, taking the bouquet. "I do my research."

Unlike you was left unsaid.

"I really am sorry Leona-san," you said. "But how was I supposed to know you biting me was a mating ritual?"

"Well, it's more obvious than flowers," he huffed. You had to disagree, but since he was following your, uh, 'courting rituals'...

"I guess I should return the favor," you said, grabbing his arm. His face flushed ever so slightly, barely noticeable on that tanned skin of his.

And then you bit. He stared, shocked. But not the good kind.

"That," he said. "Was the weakest bite I've ever seen?"

"Huh?"

"You really are an herbivore," he said, before putting his head on your lap. "I'm going to sleep."

His tail flickered contentedly, though.

Cute.

Ruggie Bucchi:

—Humans give food items to their prospective mate, particularly sweet items with either a heart-shape or a heart-shape container. To highlight their affections, the sweet items are often made by hand.

Ruggie had been avoiding you. It was clear as day.

The excited little "Morning, Kantokusei-kun!" whenever he saw you had turned into a chorus of excuses about Leona calling for him and whatnot. His constant visits to your room had all but vanished.

You were getting fed up with it. What did you do? Did you accidentally eat his donut or something?

It all came to a head when you bumped into Leona in the greenhouse.

"Hey, herbivore," he said. There was something almost unnerving about the calm in his voice, the way he scrutinized you like he was picking apart the very fiber of your being.

After a while, though, he laughed.

"Ruggie's got himself up in a twist over nothing," he said.

"Um, what?"

"You," he said. "Do you know," he trailed off. "What hyena beastmen do—"

"—When they find someone they want to mate?"

Where did this come from?

"The guys do this thing," he continued. "Step forward and step away. Then they cross their legs and present their scent."

Oh.

He'd crossed his legs, telling you to join him on the bed...

"Seem familiar?" Leona said, a languid grin. "Good. Now clear this whole thing up. Ruggie's being a pain."

You accidentally rejected him! Goddamnit!

Well, if he'd just been a little more clear, you wouldn't've-!

Whatever. You needed to make it clear you liked him back, you supposed.

And what did you do when you liked someone? Make them chocolates! Heart-shaped ones for good measure. Plus, Ruggie liked food gifts, so that seemed like something he'd appreciate.

So you got to it. Made your chocolates, and off to Savannaclaw you went.

You knocked on the door. Once. Twice. Thrice.

Maybe he wasn't there?

But no; you heard a muffled yelp, from none other than him.

He wanted to hide. Unfortunately for him, in the time of your friendship, you'd long since learned how to copy his lock-picking technique.

Hairpin in the lock. Another one to serve as a tension wrench. And with a little bit of fiddling...

The door was open. Ruggie was staring at you, eyes blown wide.

"Hey, uh, pal!" He said, opening the window. "It looks like Leona-san needs another tonkatsu sandwich, and-"

"I'm sorry," you said, rushing to block the window before he could jump out of it. Well, hopefully that wasn't actually what he was planning, but you could never be too sure. "I mean, you were being really really vague, so honestly it was kinda your fault, but I- you know-"

You sighed.

"Just take this," you said, shoving the box of chocolates in his hands. "This should tell you how I feel."

You didn't know how you expected Ruggie to respond, maybe eat the chocolates happily, maybe say something about the changed nature of your relationship—

But you didn't expect him to stare at the chocolate like it personally offended him.

"What's this supposed to mean?" He asked. "You tryin' to butter me up so I owe you later or somethin'?"

What. What was he talking about. What was going on in his head when he said that.

"They're- They're heart-shaped chocolates," you said. "Do you- not feel the same way anymore or something?"

Ruggie stared at you like you'd just said the sky was green.

"Heart-shaped-" he stared at the chocolates. "Wait, m so iss this like- uh- it could be- you givin' me your heart-"

You saw the moment the puzzle pieces clicked together in his head. He probably didn't have the completely right idea, but eh, good enough. His face went bright red.

"You, shishi, didn't have to- go all this way, y'know," he said. "Not that I'm conplainin'."

He popped one into his mouth, and you could tell he liked it from the way his face brightened.

"Good?" You asked, and he just shoved the uneaten half of the chocolate into your mouth in response, the imprint of his sharp canines clear as day.

You chewed for a few seconds. It really was good. But more importantly...

"That was an indirect kiss, y'know."

"Indi-what?"

"Indirect kiss. Your lips and my lips touched the same thing."

"Talk about weird," he said. "Sharin' food like that's completely normal!"

And then, popping another chocolate into his mouth, he continued:

"Can't you humans just sniff each other like any normal person?"

Floyd Leech:

—Humans will often use humorous expressions of desire with prospective mates in order to gauge interest. These are known as "pick-up lines".

Floyd had been avoiding you all week now. You had absolutely no clue what you did. Was he really that upset you'd told him to just be honest if he was bored with your rambling?

But still, the fact remained that he was avoidant, and just generally in an awful mood. Maybe something else had happened? Maybe it was just a mood?

Your question was answered when Jade cornered you after school, a toothy smile that most certainly didn't reach his eyes.

"I hear you've had quite the spat with my brother, Prefect," he said. "I understand that you may not return his feelings, but I would advise you to apologize for your harsh words. My brother is not, as you insinuate, the sort to court another so casually."

Wait.

Court?

"What do you mean, 'court'?" You asked. "I was talking, he started yawning, he asked me to dance out of nowhere, and then he got angry and left. Simple as that. Where do you see courting?"

The gear seemed to turn in his head for a while, before realization dawned upon him, mouth widening into a little 'o'.

"Prefect," he said. "Are you aware that moray eels open their mouths wide as a sign of desire?

"Huh?"

"When a moray eels sees a prospective mate," Jade re-iterated. "They open their mouths. And as a finalization, they perform a mating dance."

Mouth opened wide... Mating dance...

"Holy shit," you said. Jade just stared at you, still slightly threatening.

"You're telling me he was trying to tell me he liked me and I pretty much called him a fuckboy."

Jade nodded.

"Indeed, you did."

You could only sigh, long and low.

"Damnit."

"I do suggest you, ah, clear the air," Jade said, though his tone made it clear this was more of a demand. "Make it clear to him what I realized."

"Yeah, yeah." You still thought he should've just told you what he wanted.

Jade nodded, satisfied.

"Then I'll be leaving," he said. But before he left, he turned back, for just a split second.

"Prefect?"

"Yeah?"

"My brother and I both lack very little in terms of comfort," he said. "So I think you'll find that actions and words shall both speak louder than any bribes you attempt to bring."

And with that cryptically delivered piece of advice, Jade was gone.

You got to work. No point in making something, you recalled. Best to just bring yourself and your own sincerity.

Floyd was near impossible to track down. You really thought you deserved points just for doing that. He really put you through the wringer, after all.

"Floyd!" you said at last, trying your best to stay calm as he scowled. "I have something to say."

"I don't wanna hear it."

"You- You do!" You said. "Listen, I know you're annoyed because I called you a playboy, but have you ever considered-"

"Shut up."

"-That it was actually your fault for being really really vague while also managing to misunderstand me in the worst way possible?"

Floyd looked like he wanted to snap your neck. He also looked intrigued, though, which was a good sign.

"What're you saying?"

"I'm saying that I didn't know you were trying to tell me you liked me!" You said. "I mean, you looked like you were yawning, and I don't know jackshit about moray rituals, so what the hell was I supposed to think? All I know is—I'm talking, you're yawning, and suddenly you want to dance. Of course I'm going to think you're bored!"

Floyd stared at you for a few seconds.

And then he burst out laughing.

"F-Floyd?!"

"Eheh, you're so stupid sometimes, Koebi-chan!" Very nice. "But you've got some guts for a shrimpy. Maan, I remember why I like you so much now."

In an instant, he was back to his typical, lackadaisical mood.

"Use your head a little more next time, alright? I really thought you were trying to say I was some flaky little guppy," he said. You shook your head vehemently, pushing down your urge to tell him that he was the one being ridiculously vague.

"No, I know you're not like that, I mean- I like you too!" Now what. "Uh- Uh-"

"You know, Floyd," you said. "They say the tongue is the strongest muscle."

Now, he just looked confused.

"It's not. When it comes to strength by size, the masseter-"

"So," you said. "Wanna wrestle?"

He narrowed his eyes.

"Tongue-wrestling would be boring. Why're you even bringin' wrestling up right now? Lame."

Did- Did he seriously not get it?

"Our tongues should wrestle," you re-iterated. He shook his head.

"How'd you even do somethin' like that?" he asked. "Just, like, put your lips together-"

You didn't even have time to realize when it all clicked for him because he grabbed you.

"Changed my mind. I wanna tongue-wrestle with you, Koebi-Chan!"

"And you were calling me the oblivious one?"

Azul:

—Humans will often initiate contact between their lips and the lips of a prospective mate, a phenomenon known as "kissing". When done for an extended period of time, this is called "making out".

Azul did not act particularly different.

But you could tell he was upset. It was written all over the slight strain of his saccharine smile, the way he laid it on just a little bit too thick when he attempted to ingratiate himself to you, and the slight bags under his eyes—a sign he was overworking himself in an attempt to distract from his problems.

Yep. He was definitely upset.

And of course, inevitably, the twins cornered you.

"You did somethin' weird to Azul," Floyd said, glaring at you. "Fix it or I'll squeeze ya."

Jade snickered from behind him.

Of course. Welp, you had absolutely no clue what you did, sooo...

"Is this because I offered to take him to the Doctor's office when his arm kept changing color?" you asked. "Seriously, I knew he didn't like getting help, but- ugh, isn't that too far!"

"Why'd you do that?" Floyd said. "Man, Koebi-Chan really is mean, tellin' Azul he's sick for wantin' to make you his mate."

"What does changing color have to do with, uh, mates?"

Floyd looked like he didn't know whether to laugh or slap you.

"You do know a little octopus like Azul changes color because he wants to be your mate, right?"

...

That couldn't be. That just- it-

"Indeed," said Jade. "Octopi will also often grab their prospective mate from behind."

His arm was changing color. He'd grabbed you from behind.

"Goddamnit," you said. Couldn't he have been a little more specific?!

That was it. You were not dealing with this stupid misunderstanding any longer! This stupid, insanely intelligent, oblivious octopus was going to know you liked him!

You stomped away.

"Where're you going, Koebi-chan?"

"Oya, going somewhere, Perfect?"

"Clearing the air," you said. That seemed to be an answer they approved.

"Actions speak louder than wor-"

"I know."

You cut off Jade's attempt at delivering cryptic advice before storming over to the VIP Room. There was Azul, working on some contract or the like.

"Azul."

"You're not allowed to be in here, you know. There's quite a hefty fee."

"Azul."

"Yes?" He looked up, looking entirely unhappy to see you.

"I didn't realize that thing you were going last week was a part of octopus courtship, you know," you said. "You really should've told me."

"What are you-"

"Let me show you a human courtship ritual to set things straight."

And you kissed him. It was not the sort of kiss that I initiated fireworks, nor was it anything like the novels you'd read. In fact, it was an exceptionally awkward kiss, because Azul was an awful kisser. You didn't entirely mind, though, it was cute.

You both had to pull away because Azul was out of breath, gasping and wheezing like he'd been made to run a mile for P.E.

"Does that make my feelings clear?" You said. He just huffed, looking firmly at his contract.

"I- suppose we can work something out..." He muttered, gesturing to the chair across from him. "Why don't you take a seat?"

The offer seemed simple, but the truth of it was clear.

He was considering that relationship.

So you sat, enjoying the contented silence and the resolved misunderstanding. But there was one thing you had to get off your chest.

"You know, it's insane how bad you suck at kissing."

"Shut it."