writingattemptsxx

[writingattemptsxx]

This is Redwhisker, my little dude.

Originally a warrior cats fan character from one of those generators where you get a bunch of names in an allegiance thing and you have to draw it. But he’s just become a character now outside of wc and who I tend to draw for warm up sketches.

He’s just a dude. A happy kitty.

[writingattemptsxx]

Since I’m going to add more drawings to this blog so I can get more practice and keep this blog more active, I wanted to share these two drawings I made of my little mascot/persona/thing. I tried using a new pen for line art and I thought it worked pretty well.

Also, this will still have my writing on it and anyone is free to sent in any comments, questions, or suggestions. If I’m not missing something, Both comments on posts and my ask box are open.

[writingattemptsxx]

My thinking is that it would give me more to post, keeping the blog more active. And honestly, I don’t always have too many story ideas, especially when trying to balance between TWST and OM plus any other fandoms I have a few thoughts about before it not working out.

I do already post some art, but I was wondering if people were okay if that became a second focus.

And if anyone wants to comment or send suggestions in my ask, feel free, story or art. Those are both open. (They should be at least, idk how to Tumblr well.)

[writingattemptsxx]

A Dusk vs A Dusk who didn’t disappear

Dusk is a character I made over on @return-to-twisted-wonderland under 🔆. Feel free to check it out to see more of Dusk or other characters by me and others.

I’m still getting used to some things about digital art, but I think it is pretty good for something quickly made on digital.

— —

More of Dusk’s story or check the blog tagged above

—

More art of Dusk

[writingattemptsxx]

Obey Me Depression

You were feeling bad, even if you didn’t think you should, but luckily the Demom Brothers are here to help.

(Only Lucifer and Mammon)

—

Hi, I exist.

I’ve had this draft in my files forever, but I just couldn’t finish it because it wasn’t giving the brain happy chemical anymore.

I wanted it done or to at least post something since my goal was once a month or so, but I missed a bunch, so I decided to edit what I have made and just post that so I can move on and maybe come back later. Hope you like what is made.

—

Life is… hard…

By all accounts, you shouldn’t have been thinking that. You were getting good grades despite having to learn an almost completely new curriculum, you were in a comfort house with all your needs met, and all the brothers seemed to adore you. You were in, what everyone else would call, a good spot.

So why didn’t you feel that way? Every thing just felt like a mixture of sad and numb… maybe a rare spark frustration. It was hard to even get out of bed, and it had been for a couple weeks. Now it was just getting worse and worse.

You just wanted to lie down and do nothing. Maybe sleep. That’s all it felt like you could do.

But then a knock came and pulled you out of your head. You took a deep breath before getting up and opening the door. Standing in front of you was a demon you know too well.

You just couldn’t hold it in anymore. Leaning on him, you mumbled how empty everything was and let him take over.

—

Hearing you say that made Lucifer’s heart drop. It only made sense you felt that way. For weeks you had been shut in your room whenever you had free time. A part of him hoped you had been doing something and that’s why you started to look worse for wear, but it seemed that was a mistake.

Lucifer took a deep breath then lifted you up before walking towards his room. He didn’t want to drag you out or in public before you’re ready, but he did know a change of pace would be helpful.

He listened to you mumble a question about what he was doing. He simply responded that he was letting you rest.

When he made it to his room, he gently lowered you onto his bed, sitting you against the headboard. He kneeled to your level and asked what you needed.

Did you want a change of clothes, with him helping or leaving you to change privately? You responded no, you didn’t have enough in you to do that.

Did you want a washcloth or wipe to clean yourself, even just face or hands? You thought about it before saying yes.

Did you want him to do it or to do it yourself? You slowly pointed to him.

With your permission, Lucifer got up and headed to his en-suite bathroom. He grabbed a few washcloths. He rubbed his thumb to check the texture and chose the softest one.

He ran it under some warm water and returned to you. He looked at you one more time to get another yes before gently wiping down your face.

Seeing you lean into the warmth was a relief. Hopefully feeling clean could do something in getting you out of your rut.

—

Mammon was utterly confused by what you said. Empty? How? You were very much full of stuff. You’re a human.

But your voice didn’t sound like you. Is that what you meant? You were empty of… you? How does that- No. that’s not what mattered. You mattered, and so did getting you back to being full.

How was he going to do that?

…

…

A movie night! That’s how! He had a bunch of different kinds of movies in his room. And if that’s not enough, Levi sure has some he could have. His little brother wouldn’t mind for something so important, right?

Mammon took your hand and lead you to his room, setting you on the couch. He wrapped a small blanket over you and started heading from room to room. Anything he saw that could make a perfect movie night quietly ended up in his hands.

The kitchen had a bunch of good snacks that you two could nibble on. The planetarium has some of Belphie’s pillows. As he thought before, Levi’s room had a bunch of good movies. Every room had something.

When he eventually returned, he kicked through his door. He paused for a second and checked the damage. It was just his door and it’s not like he could have opened it normally, his arms were full. Lucifer wouldn’t be too harsh about that, right? It’s just dented anyways.

Ignoring that… He moved to set everything up, bouncing from place to place. He even tried his best to talk to you, hopefully letting you have fun with a conversation. But even if you didn’t respond, he could just have fun talking without a reply.

Today would be a great movie night. Maybe it would help you be full of you again.

[writingattemptsxx]

This isn’t exactly my usual writing, but more just something I wanted to say as I finish up Playful Land since it hits close to home for me. I just had a lot of emotions on the point that I wanted to share. (This post is just me rambling completely unplanned, so feel free to skip if you’re not into that.)

Rant is bellow the cut and this does have spoilers.

—

I think Fellow and the message of Playful Land is a really important to listen to with his points on school. And I say this because I’ve been through a similar situation. It’s far from the same thing, but similar enough that his point struck home. Mainly what the NRC gang were talking about when they school matters.

Beyond around Elementary School, the point of school isn’t education, that’s already done. The only thing about school education that will matter is how to read, how to write, and how to do basic arithmetic. All stuff that you’d learn by the end of elementary school. Sure there may be points that matter outside of elementary school (and probably more inside elementary school that I didn’t list), but not much that will affect daily life.

What matters after that is the fact school is a safety net. You learn how to make friends, how meet people with different experiences, how to set expectations and boundaries. All with adults around to help you. It allows you to learn the basics of society with safety, because in real life, if you mess up, you don’t get an out, you don’t get a “we’re here to learn how to do this”.

Now, unlike Fellow, I was in a financial position to go to school, but for where the safety net of society part was, I couldn’t use that opportunity due to mental and physical health/disabilities. In middle school, I was dealing with mental health problems which caused me to shut myself out from everyone, and in high school physical health problems kicked in and I couldn’t even go into school because I couldn’t get out of bed.

So, just like Fellow, I missed a lot of the opportunities people others were given. I felt a door slam in my face every time. I felt everything shut me out. Without school I didn’t have any social knowledge on how to make friends or how to just interact in a way others got years of practice with.

And there’s even the way school teaches you to prioritize things, trying to keep on top of your grades and have a decent stable social life. Another lesson I missed. And since grades became a measure of this (along with the connections that I also didn’t have) and mine tanked, those were more doors shut.

Of course, I didn’t end up like Fellow did and do horrible things. And I don’t expect people to think that Fellow is a good person either, because he’s really not, but his story is important. People who don’t have school as an option have every door slammed in their face and are shut out by society.

And that envy is definitely real too. Seeing others happily get what you lack and being able to act like it’s normal is one of the worst feelings.

Plus the expectations Fellow mentioned for about one line, those are also real. And while, at the start I was a ‘gifted kid’ and on the other side, when my health started acting up and my grades tanked, I saw the other side too. Where people expect things from you whether you can give it or not. And if you can’t give it, they drop you.

Now, do I think Playful Land is some masterpiece that should be studied for years to come? No, I don’t really even think the event is good beyond some fun moments. The plot feels unplanned and strung together haphazardly. And the message at the end feels shoved down your throat.

But it shouldn’t be ignored because the message has real consequences for real people.

Anyways, this isn’t meant to be a “poor me” thing or anything more than just a ramble I wanted to share because I had big feelings. And I know there are people who are probably closer to the specific scenario than me, but I still just wanted to mention my point of view.

But that’s enough of me on my soapbox. Thank you for reading my rambles and have a good day/night/whatever time zone you’re in.

[writingattemptsxx]

Found Yet Still Lost

Lilia’s son, Dusk, was his world, yet one day he disappeared without a trace.

—

I was writing this off and on for about two months. Motivation is a funny thing.

This is a songfic (Two Birds on a Wire) about character I made for @return-to-twisted-wonderland’s prompt, Dusk Vanrouge, Lilia’s oldest son. Who I’ve also drawn and posted on this blog.

—

Two birds on a wire

One tries to fly away

And the other-

Watches him close on that wire

He says he wants to as well, but he is a liar

“I’ll believe it all. There's nothing I won't understand. I'll believe it all. I won't let go of your hand.”

Lilia felt nice as he just got to relax. He got to sit under the tree and watch his four-year-old son play. All the while songbirds sang, squirrels scattered around, and even bigger forest creatures like foxes and deer came around to see all that was happening.

His son, Dusk, was his absolute joy. Dusk looked extremely similar to him. Well as similar as a kid could look to an adult. He had the same long black hair Lilia has, just without the long red streaks. His eyes were also a bright lilac that were always so full of life.

“Daddy!” Lilia looked up to see Dusk repeatedly jumping.

Lilia got up and floated over to his son. “What is it, little bat?”

Dusk pointed at him with a pout. “That! How do you do that?” He tried jumping a few more times.

“Do what?” Lilia looked at himself and noticed his feet floating off the ground. “Are you trying to float?”

“Yeah.” Dusk nodded.

“Oh! All you need to do is use your magic to go fwoom and keep yourself up.” Lilia only earned a confused stare. He sighed and lifted his son up. “Ok, here we go! How does this feel?

Dusk giggled and wrapped his arms around his dad. “Cool! I can't touch the ground!”

“Alright. Try to remember how this feels. Then you have to try to make the same feeling with your magic. Got it?”

He nodded again.

Lilia lowered his son to be just a bit above the ground. “Alright. Try to lift yourself up.”

Dusk wiggled a bit, trying to move his body instead of using his magic. But just as Lilia was about to correct him, Dusk became lighter. He was floating. He didn’t lift himself back to the original height, but his feet were off the ground from his own magic.

“See! You did it! I knew you could.” Lilia was so happy! His son was doing something so impressive, and doing it on his own. Lilia started to release his grip to see how Dusk could fair on his own.

Sadly, the happy moment didn’t last too long. It might have been Lilia releasing his grip or Dusk just focusing more on the fact he did it rather than continuing the magic. But Dusk lost his concentration causing him to fall. And he wasn’t too high from the ground, he would have been higher if he just jumped, but it was sudden. Sudden enough to at least spook the young kid and make him tear up.

Lilia internally cursed at himself for being too quick to think his son could keep himself up unsupported. He quickly picked up Dusk and glanced over for any injuries, just in case. Luckily there weren't any. Dusk was just scared.

“Oh, that was a fall, wasn't it?” Lilia’s only response was more crying. “Don't worry, you're safe, but that probably was scary. Huh?”

Dusk clung and buried his face into Lilia’s shirt, mumbling something Lilia couldn't quite make out.

“Yeah, it probably was scary. I believe it. Don't worry, I understand.” Lilia carefully placed his hand over his son’s. “If it helps, I can hold your hand for as long as you need.”

Dusk slightly lifted his head off of Lilia’s shirt to quietly say something. “Daddy…”

“Hmm?”

“I wanna try again.”

Two birds on a wire.

One says “C’mon”

And the other says “I'm tired.

The sky is overcast and I'm sorry.

One more or one less.

Nobody’s worried.”

“I’ll believe it all. There's nothing I won't understand. I'll believe it all. I won't let go of your hand.”

He was nowhere. Dusk was nowhere. Lilia woke up a few months ago and went to wake up his son only to find him missing.

There were no signs of exit or entry. If someone broke in or Dusk broke out, there would have been signs, or Lilia, with all his general training, would have been able to notice something. There weren't even any signs there was any magic used that would have been able to teleport someone in or out. There was nothing.

Despite that, Lilia couldn't stop his search. He spent countless days and nights using all his energy to search, search until he passed out from sheer exhaustion. Lilia even brought some soldiers he was close to help, but as more and more time passed, they started to lose hope that his son could be found. Lost hope that his son was even still alive.

The only ones who kept searching with the same vigor were himself and his closest friend, Baul Zigvolt. Both of them would do anything to find Dusk, no matter how much time passed and no matter how much sleep they were missing out on.

“General Lilia!” Baul’s voice, as loud as ever, snapped Lilia out of his thoughts. “We found no leads. Again…”

“We simply need to search somewhere else. I'll start looking south. Keep others looking here while I scout ahead.” Lilia knew how he probably sounded. He probably sounded just as empty and drained as he felt. He's seen how hollow he looked just by seeing his reflection.

“General. We have plenty of skilled people who can scout. You have been going for days straight. Fresh eyes would have an easier time.”

“I’m fine. Not to mention you are running low on sleep yourself.”

“I am low on sleep, yes, but you haven't had any for the past few days. Lilia, I'm worried for you. Not only as a subordinate.”

“I have no time for emotional talk. Either you have something important to say or I'm leaving to scout further.”

“Your health is important! I've found you passed out enough times to be worried. You of all people should know troops who aren't in their best health need to rest otherwise they risk any upper hand or even level playing field they might have.”

Lilia does completely understand, but he so understands risking some things for an important goal. What general would he be if he didn't risk himself first? What father would be if he didn't give everything he had? “Again, I'm fine-”

“You are far from fine. I know you are going through a lot right now, but I'm not going to stand by here while a dear friend compromises his health.”

“Baul-”

“Whatever you tell me I’ll listen and believe it! I will do anything in my power to try to understand anything you're going through! I won't leave your side if you wish!” For as strong and loud as Baul was he truly did care for those around him, in his own way. It would seem like a bad trait for a soldier to have, but he made it work.

Lilia took in a sharp breath. Baul was only trying to support his friend. Lilia was better than snapping at someone who was just getting in his way. “As I said before, I am fine. Now I'm going.” Lilia immediately started to walk away. He had no time for this. He would find his son.

Two birds of a feather

Say that they're always gonna stay together

But one’s never going to let go of that wire

He says that he will, but he's just a liar

Lilia had gotten more or less used to his life now. Malleus, Silver, and Sebek have created quite a lot of fun for a man in his old years. Even now, he was in a third entrance ceremony as the Vice Housewarden of Diasomnia. Though he was more focused on wondering what dorm Sebek would be in, hoping he’d be in the same Diasomnia with the three of them who were already there.

The ceremony got even more interesting when a small cat jumped out of nowhere and created quite the hubbub. It called itself Grim. Lilia should remember that name. Seeing the chaos unfold was probably the most fun he'd been a part of for a long while.

He was definitely sure he made the right choice to come to Night Raven with Malleus. Malleus got experience socializing with non-fae and he got himself some relaxing time in his older years. What fun.

Grim was definitely causing a mess, though. While Riddle and Azul offered to help catch him, they seemed like they were doing more fighting than actually catching. While it was still amusing, it's best that someone stepped in.

Lilia was seconds from helping when someone, disguised in their ceremonial robes, beat him to it. He grabbed the cat by the scruff and spoke as if venom was dripping from his mouth. “If others here can't catch this mangey thing, I wonder why I should listen to them.”

Lilia already felt bad for whatever dorm the mystery person ended up with. He already seemed like a bit of a powder keg. A free spirit, to say it nicer.

Even hidden behind the robes, he seemed short. Isn’t it a typical thing that short pople have a bigger personality? He might have even been related to Rosehearts, someone known for exactly that. Actually, looking closer, he seemed to be closer to Lilia’s height.

The mystery kid handed Grim over to Headmaster Crowley, who quickly handed it over to a very unimpressed Professor Crewel. No words left the professor’s mouth but he gave a murderous stare strong enough for the students seated around him to get shivers. Luckily he did actually leave to take Grim outside and presumably off campus.

Meanwhile, the kid sat back in his seat. Lilia watched him as the kid seemed restless and gave off the same venom in an aura that was in his words.

While Lilia watched, he noticed long black hair and glimpses of lilac eyes that made memories of a time long gone flash through his head. No. Dusk had been gone for years.

But that sore spot definitely never left. He still hasn't ever mentioned Dusk to anyone who wasn't already aware of his son’s existence. He wanted to, but he just couldn't.

Lilia was going to look away and check on Sebek when the kid was told to stand in front of the Dark Mirror.

“State your name.” The face inside the mirror wasted no time in starting the process.

“Dusk Vanrouge.”

There is no way Lilia heard him right. No, his son had been missing for almost two centuries. Can his son just come back after so long?

The truth was soon proven when after the kid got sorted into Savannaclaw, he turned to head back to his seat. That's when Lilia got a full view of his face. A face that looked identical to his.

Lilia was sent into a daze for the rest of the ceremony. He was pretty sure even Silver, who he brought to make sure he had help if the new dorm members got too out of hand, noticed.

The end of the ceremony soon came, and Lilia told Silver to line up all the Diasomnia members, and that he'd be right back. Silver was a bit confused, but agreed. As soon as he made sure Silver was doing ok with lining everyone up, he went to find Dusk.

His son came back. His son came back! It's been so long, and now he could finally have the final piece of his family.

Lilia found Dusk standing slightly away from the other Savannaclaw students. He put his hand on Dusk’s shoulder, getting snappy words as Dusk turned around.

“What do you wa-” Once Dusk turned around, Lilia could see the recognition in his eyes. “Dad? Is that you?”

Lilia immediately pulled Dusk into a hug. His eyes completely welled up with tears. His son was alive and came back to him. Dusk was alive and came back to him.

Sadly, that happiness only lasted a few seconds. “Fa-Lilia, who is this?” Silver walked up to them, and the truth hit Lilia all at once.

He never told anyone about Dusk. He never told any of his other sons about Dusk.

“Oh, Silver!” Lilia snapped to face Silver. He knew this wouldn't sit well with anyone. Their dad had a secret and missing oldest son who he never mentioned once. “This is Dusk… my son.”

“You have another son?”

“Another?” Dusk looked at Silver then Lilia. “What is he talking about?”

“This is Sliver… my other son…”

Silver spoke back up. “You had a son before me? Where has he been? Why didn't you mention him?”

Lilia tried to get a word in, but Dusk cut him off. “You didn't mention me? Not once? Were you trying to forget me?!”

Again Lilia tried to get in another word but was cut off. By Silver this time. “Do Malleus and Sebek know about this?”

“There are others?”

Another chance to respond. Another chance stripped away as Leona Kingscholar’s voice came through calling all Savannaclaw students back to their dorm.

Dusk looked between Leona and his family, specifically Lilia, before letting his face settle into a glare. “I’m leaving.”

“Dusk, wait!”But Lilia’s voice did nothing to stop his son walking away. He looked back to Silver, whose face was confused and upset. “Silver, I didn’t mean to keep this a secret. I sw-“

Silver held up his hand. “I need to think for a bit.” Then he to walked away, his arms hugging his body.

Now Lilia was left alone as tears stung his eyes before falling.

Two birds on a wire

One tries to fly away

And the other-

Watches him close from that wire

He says he wants to as well, but he is a liar

Dusk’s presence and his relationship to Lilia had become well known on campus. It’s pretty hard to keep a loud conversation like what they had secret, and even if they did, the two of them look visibly related.

It was hard to watch Dusk around the school. It was even harder when they made eye contact and his son’s face turned into a scowl. And rubbing salt in the wound, Malleus, Silver, and Sebek all started avoiding him too.

Lilia couldn’t blame any of them. He kept his first son secret for so long, and even if he didn’t outright lie, it built his other three son’s world on a mistaken concept. Simply because an old man couldn’t control his grief, he made others suffer. He wouldn’t want to see himself either.

Yet, Lilia can’t bring himself to leave any of them alone. Malleus, Silver, and Sebek are all in the same dorm as him, so they can’t fully avoid each other, but Lilia found himself almost tailing Dusk. If Dusk was in the courtyard, he was too. Just watching his son from a distance.

Lilia knew he was making things worse. He should have stopped. He should have stopped a long while ago. But again, he was an old man experiencing the pain of losing his kid, his life, and this time it was happening four times at once.

He would stop eventually. He would stop when he was sure Dusk was settled in. He would stop when he didn’t feel the crushing need to see his sons safe and sound, even if it was at a distance because the same sons hated him.

Two birds on a wire

One tried to fly away

And the other-

[writingattemptsxx]

A Diamond and an Eel with a Clover

Trey starts dating Jade, and Cater finds himself picking up similar feelings.

—

First ever attempt at writing romance. This is just a ship I really like and wanted to share. This got way longer than I expected.

This is mostly Cater/Jade, but Trey and his ships are there.

—

Trey suddenly paused his mixing and looked up at Cater, giving him a smile. “Oh, I wanted to tell you, I’ve finally started dating someone else who I've been talking to forever now.”

Cater and Trey had opened up their relationship a while ago. They were both fine with it, thought it would be nice if anything, so after some conversations they both easily agreed. Cater was honestly a bit shocked his boyfriend didn't have someone hounding him sooner, but maybe that's just his bias.

“Aw! That's adorable! Who is it?”

“Jade Leech.”

Cater felt his eyes widen and his mouth part a bit. “Who? You’ve started dating who?” It's not like he didn't trust Trey to pick out someone nice, but it's impossible to not hear the rumors. That trio from Octavinelle didn't have any good words surrounding them.

Trey sighed. “Jade Leech. I know what you've probably heard, but trust me on this.”

“No no! I trust you. It’s just…” What was it? He couldn't say he didn't trust Jade, though that is probably the truest statement. “I was just a bit shocked tbh. Not something you would expect.”

“You’d be surprised what you learn when you actually get to know people.” His boyfriend gave a shrug and poured the batter into a tin as the oven started to beep. “Maybe you should get to know him. You two might enjoy each other’s company, plus it would be nice for you two to get along.” He wasn't even facing Cater anymore, fully turned to putting the cake in the oven.

“I can def try. We’ll just have to see how we get along.” That seemed to satisfy Trey who started to hum as he started to clean everything up. It’s not like Cater ever planned to intervene in any way. He truly does trust Trey. He could only sigh and hope things ended up well.

—

Trey! There he is. Why was Cater, the one without muscles, sent to get the extra bag of hedgehog food? Totes not fair.

It was only when he got a bit closer he noticed the baker talking to a tall person, dressed in their school uniform, and with light blue short hair. Jade Leech. The one who noticed Cater first.

Jade gave a sudden yet quick shift in his body language, guarding himself. It’s something that probably would have gone unnoticed by most others who didn't have experience doing the same. “Hello, Diamond. How are you?” He gave a fake smile that made Cater’s hair stand on end. He didn't scare Cater instantly as the rumors made him out to be, but he seemed as if he was hiding something. Right as Cater walked up to them too…

“Cater, hello. Do you need help with that?” Trey’s voice dragged him out of his thoughts. He nodded and handed over the bag of food.

“Riddle gave poor old me the job of getting the extra food bag, can you imagine that?” He leaned into Trey, gaining a chuckle in response.

“Oh, I definitely can.” He turned to Jade. “Forgive me, but I should probably help here.

Jade gave a small nod. “Of course. I wish you two a good day.”

With that, Cater and Trey started walking off to their dorm. Cater cuddled up to his boyfriend, thanking him for being his big strong savior, but he couldn't shake what he saw. He doubted there was any danger involved, but what was he hiding? No matter how much he thought he couldn't read any further into the mask. He, Cater Diamond, the one who worked so hard to being able to be friendly with all by being able to read them, couldn't read someone. He couldn't tell what bugged him more, that or his actual suspicions.

He simply took a deep breath. Trey wouldn't pick a bad person. He just needs to trust that.

—

For someone who's constantly on their phone, Cater actually doesn't bump into people often. It shocks him just as much as anyone else who he tells it to. Sadly, that luck doesn't hit every time. Sometimes he runs into people, like how he ran into Jade Leech this time.

They were both walking, so luckily none of them got hurt, it was just a corner blocking their view.

Cater looked up to Jade. “Hey sorry about that.” He was about to ask if he was ok, but as he took a step away, he noticed something off.

Jade’s smile seemed forced, as always. He had a barely noticeable lean away from Cater. His arms were crossed and held slightly too high up than someone calm, unusually close to the chest. His eyes were scanning Cater, but refusing to look at him for too long, looking anywhere else. His whole perfect posture felt stiff, as if he had to physically force himself there.

Was he anxious?

“Are you ok?”Cater didn't even know he was speaking out loud until he heard his own words hit his ears.

“Yes, I am perfectly fine. A small bump into another wouldn't cause any damage.” Jade finally looks at Cater’s face. His gaze felt soft. He had all these sharp features, yet with his eyes, they felt comforting. “Are you alright?”

“Oh, yeah. I'm good.”

Jade gave a small bow. “Then if you will excuse me.” He continued to walk off.

Cater couldn't help but watch him leave, remaining utterly confused. He wasn't the man who was supposed to be able to ‘read your soul’, was he? He seemed anxious, not aloof. It made Cater think of him… differently… In what way? Cater didn't know himself.

—

Cater normally loved helping Trey bake for Unbirthday Parties. His boyfriend always seemed to be in his element and it was adorable, but this time, his mind kept wandering. Every time he tried to just think about the now, a thought of Jade popped up. Was he just anxious every time? Was he always just good at hiding his emotions? Cater even started to look around for him and noticed the same traits every time Jade talked to someone or was in a crowded space.

He looked up from the bowl he was helping mix. “So, uh… Is Jade good?”

Trey quickly looked up from taking the previous batch of cupcakes out of the oven. “Last I checked he was fine, yes. Why? Did something happen?”

“Oh! No, nothing happened. I just noticed that he kinda seems constantly anxious.”

Trey’s worried face instantly changed to one of amusement as he tried to hold in a laugh. “Oh, he's fine. He's just… not good with people. You need to learn to start with context, Cater.”

“Hey! I was only worried. We bumped into each other and I noticed stuff there. It was weird seeing the famed Jade Leech as someone who's simply anxious.”

“Seeing him as Jade and not Jade Leech?”

“Yeah, pretty much that tbh. His gaze seemed soft. It felt weird.”

Trey paused what he was doing for a second, looked Cater’s face up and down, then turned back to his cooling cupcakes. “For someone who can read others so well, neither of you can read yourselves.”

“What does that mean?”

“Nothing. Don't think about it.”

“Wha-? Trey!” With every pout, Trey only told him it meant nothing.

—

Wow… Sam’s shop prices were definitely cheaper than expected, at least to Cater. He was so used to going to all those popular pop-up restaurants with sky-high prices that when he counted out the money Trey gave him to see what ingredients were the best to go for, he realized he could get the better-end items for his whole list.

Cater was even more shocked that the school store had the whole list. Strawberries. Blueberries. Heavy cream. Flour. Sugar. How did Trey JUST realize he was he was running low on all of this?

Next and last was cinnamon. He turned the corner only to find Jade looking at some spices and carrying his own basket of baking supplies. Was Monstro Lounge going to offer baked treats? There's no other likely reason. Right?

Seeing Jade made Cater’s heart jump. “Hey, Jade!” He gave his usual high-energy smile as he quickly walked closer. The closer he got, the more noticed Jade leaning away. He didn't know why, but Jade leaning away stung his heart a bit. Cater just stopped walking forward.

“Hello, Diamond.” Jade stood up, placed the baking powder in his own basket, and tried his best to return to his proper posture. But after what happened before, it wasn't hard for Cater to notice the signs of anxiety.

“What are you up to? Monstro Lounge going to make some new sweet treats? You should 100% let me see them. I bet they'll be totes cammable.” Cater tried taking a deep breath. Trey mentioned him being good at reading people, so maybe he was picking up on the fake smile vibes? Just a natural smile, that’ll lighten the mood.

Cater checked Jade’s reaction and he seemed to calm down slightly. He stopped leaning away, his posture looked less stiff, and maybe his mind was playing tricks on him, but it seemed like whenever Jade looked at his smile, a slight pink dusted across his cheeks.

“No, Monstro Lounge has no intention of offering sweets yet, though I may suggest that to Azul. Trey told me he just noticed he was running low on some ingredients, so I was getting him some.”

“Wait really?” Cater looked between his basket and Jade’s. They had only sugar in common, the rest of them were completely different supplies, just from the same isles. Did their kitchen really need a full restock? What's with the two separate lists? “Trey told me the same thing.” Cater lifted his basket, showing off his own ingredients.

“How does one notice they are suddenly running low on so many ingredients at once? When was the last time your dorm bought stuff for your Unbirthday Parties?”

“We stock up regularly enough. I didn't notice we were running low on so much stuff. I just thought Trey knew better than I did with how much he’s in the kitchen.” Were they truly running out of this much stuff? Was Trey planning something big? Did Riddle agree to whatever Trey was planning, if he truly did have a plan?

Jade sighed. “What is that man doing?”

“I never know what's in his head.” Cater gave a light chuckle “You want to check out with me? We can both head to Heartslabyul together if you want, or I can just carry it all back.”

The faint pink that Cater thought he saw on Jade earlier, but came back definitely noticeable this time. It came back when he mentioned going to his Heartslabyul together. What? Was he flustered about seeing Trey while he was doing whatever he was trying to do? He seemed a bit lost in thought.

“Whatever he’s doing, it’s probably not something he would be upset we caught him on.”

Jade snapped back to reality. “Oh! Yeah, he probably wouldn't.”

“Come on.” Cater grabbed Jade’s basket and started walking to the check-out. “Let’s check out then grill Trey.”

Jade slowly tagged behind. A very slight smile on his lips and his cheeks ever so slightly pinker.

—

Cater thoughts continued to roam despite the homework splayed out on his desk. Apparently, Trey had gotten Riddle to agree to some sweet treats for the dorm before upcoming tests.

While it was nice, it was all a bit unusual too. This is the first time Trey had ever mentioned even wanting to do something like this, and going straight to Riddle with no mention of it before to anyone else was a first for him. Not only that, only Cater and Jade were sent for ingredients. One single student from his dorm and one student from a separate dorm.

What? Was Trey using his boyfriend privileges to get free work from Jade? Couldn't he use his Vice Housewarden privileges to send more people from Heartslaybul? What is Trey doing?

Only him and Jade? Now that thought of it, Trey always seemed to look between the two of them whenever they bumped into each other, even if it was only just for a second. On top of that, after he mentioned he felt weird after he mentioned feeling weird after bumping into Jade that once, Trey looked at him funny, then said Cater can't read himself.

What’s up with Trey? If Cater wasn't crazy here, he felt there was some pattern. Only the two of them… Looking between them… Feeling weird around-

Cater has a crush on Jade and Trey instantly caught it and tried to set them up together.

He felt heat rise to his cheeks as he jolted up from his chair. Trey, that traitor! Trey-tor! Cater immediately started speed-walking out of his room and to the kitchen. There is no way he's letting Trey get away with this.

He didn't even know what he was going to do if his boyfriend wasn't in the kitchen. He was just hoping the ever-present want to bake would work in his favor. He was supposed to be making the sweets for their dormmates anyway. After the corner, he found sweets did work in his favor for once.

“You!” Cater pointed at Trey who stopped in his tracks.

“Cater! Do you want to give me a heart attack?!” Trey set the oven timer and oven mitts down roughly, as roughly as he could without breaking the timer, then turned to face him.

He stomped right up to his boyfriend. “I want revenge! You noticed my developing crush, somehow before I myself did, then tried to set me up with him! Absolute Trey-tor!”

Trey just doubled over in laughter, only getting words out in between laughs and gasps for breath. “Again, you need to learn to start with context. You can't just jumpscare me.” He stood up straight again, barely keeping in a few residual laughs. “But I have no clue what you even mean. Why would I set you two up? How would I even notice your crush? It’s not like your cheeks flush whenever he talks to you or like you look around whenever you’re in an area he’s likely to be in too, or even like you've been bringing him up more and more. No, I would never be able to tell.”

Trey's smirk as he leaned onto a countertop top only made Cater’s face feel hotter and hotter. He couldn't even say what emotion he was feeling. He just tried to show some part of that wasn't happy.

“Aw, you can pout somewhere out of my kitchen if you're not going to help. I have a lot of baking to do still.” Trey turned Cater to face the entrance and pushed him towards it. “But if you two were to date, with your crush that no one ever knew of before now, that would be nice.”

Cater opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He could only stomp back to his room.

—

It’s been a while since Cater’s realization, and maybe Trey was right. His crush was kinda obvi. Even right now, he was looking around since there was even a slight chance he could have bumped into Jade. Could you blame him? He did it with Trey before they started dating too. Is it sad? Probably. But he can't help it. They didn’t interact much during the school day, and Cater just wanted to interact more.

Jade was probably somewhere here in this courtyard around this time of day. All he had to do was look… And there he is! Sitting on a bench and what looks like copying something off his phone onto some notebook. He looked completely peaceful.

Cater makes his way to Jade, keeping his pace nice and peaceful. Hopefully keeping his pace slow might slow his heart too. “Sup Jade?”

Apparently, he was too absorbed in whatever he was doing because when Cater’s voice came out, he practically jumped and his face became absorbed in pink. “Hello, Ca-Diamond. How are you?”

“You can call me Cater, no worries. And, I'm good. What are you up to?” Cater couldn't tell how he scared Jade so badly that he couldn't get Jade couldn't gather himself and was practically dunked in pink paint, but he must have. He couldn't see another reason for any of it. He could at least try and act calmly.

“Oh!” He turned back to his notebook which had a mostly finished drawing of some mushroom, a copy of the mushrooms shown on his phone. “I was drawing a Common Ink Cap Mushroom. It’s also known as an inky cap, tipper’s bane, or even scientifically, Coprinopsis atramentaria. It starts off as bell-shaped, but flattens as it disintegrates. As they disintegrate, they also make a black liquid that can be easily used to make ink. You can also eat the mushrooms as long as you aren't eating any alcohol with them.”

Cater couldn't help but continue to listen and hum some acknowledgments as Jade rambled on and on about these mushrooms. He seemed so interested and happy to talk about them. His focus was solely on the mushrooms.

While Cater made an effort to listen, it was all interesting facts, Cater’s focus remained mostly on Jade’s face. His whole face was lit up by his smile. The corners of his eyes were crinkled up on following his mouth. All of his sharp features seem to only reflect the light of his smile. And while the pink on his face seemed to have died down, some of it still dusted his cheeks. It all made Cater’s heart melt.

Cater immediately started wondering how he could hear him all the time, and as expected, one thought came up. “Do you have a Magicam or something? I bet so many people would love to listen to and learn all of this. I could follow you.” The instant those words left his mouth he regretted them. Did it seem like he was taking attention away from Jade? Why would anyone else have his Magicam addiction? Did that make Jade hate him? Ugh!

Jade’s pink grew back to the same level as when he first shocked him and he gave no response. Yup, he totally hated Cater now. Sure, he had a smile, but how he got just jumped with Cater’s addiction, that was probably nothing more than an awkward smile before letting him down gently.

“Of course, you don't have to make one or let me follow you! It’s good either way.” Cater tried to laugh it all off. Oh, this was so stupid.

Lucky for him, Jade snapped back to reality at his words, at least enough to respond while clumsily tapping on his phone. “I actually do have one, I just don't post to it much. You can follow me though, and I could try posting more. That would be fun.” He brought up a Magicam account with the user ‘MountainEel’. “The account isn't all mushrooms. There are some plants and animals, but it's mostly mushrooms.”

Cater quickly brought up his phone to search for the account. It only took a few seconds to find, but with how his heart was racing it felt like ages. He finally found it and hit the follow button. He swore his heart was seconds from stopping. Cater looked up to see Jade give him another smile. Yup, he's dead. He could barely collect himself to smile back and watch Jade’s pink face deepen in color.

—

“Unfair! Just totes unfair! Why did you get him first?” Cater had been whining into the corner of Trey’s neck for a good few minutes now. It had all started when they wanted to spend time cozy with each other by cuddling in bed, but cuddle time was disrupted by a notification Jade had posted, a daily thing since Cater followed. Trey teased him for how he instantly went to check the post causing Cater to bury his face in between his boyfriend's shoulder and neck, who only responded with a sigh and started playing with Cater’s hair.

“It’s far from unfair. I simply got to know him first.”

“Unfair! That was because you just had the chance to get to know him first. If I had that chance, I woulda done it too!”

“You still can. There's nothing blocking you from talking to him. Just hang out for a bit and try to be friends, it will evolve from there. No matter where it ends up, two of the people I love just getting along well would be nice.”

Cater removed his face from hiding to glare pouty daggers at Trey. “Easy for you to say! I was about to die when I ended up getting his Magicam. I almost died again every time I wait for his reply to my comments.”

“If he's posting more, he probably enjoys the comments and attention. He has been on his phone more.”

“Still doesn't stop my heart from racing.”

“Just let yourself hang out with him.” Trey thought about something before letting a fond smile grow. “You can also just look at him. If you can see past his initial barrier he can’t really hide anything.”

“I think I keep scaring him. He keeps getting all fidgety and can't compose himself while I'm around. He also blushes when he gets startled, which is cute.”

“He wha- Cater… Dear…” Trey sighed and cupped Cater’s face.

“What?”

“He doesn't- He’s not startled, well at least not only startled.”

“But I only see it when I say something out of the blue, like if I can walk with him or follow his account.”

Trey gave him a pitying look for a few seconds before taking a deep breath. “You’re lucky you’re cute. But, just hang out with him for a bit more. Try to learn his signs a bit more.” A playful smirk grew on his face. “You'll get plenty of chances to do that.”

“What does that mean? What’s with that smirk?”

Trey moved his hands from cupping Cater’s cheeks to covering his eyes “What smirk?”

—

‘Hang out’. ‘Why don't you just hang out?’ This is why! He was only walking through the halls while talking with Jade and it was taking all of his energy to not keel over.

What did Trey even mean by ‘learn his signs a bit more’? Cater was reading him pretty well, at least he thought he was. At minimum, he could tell Jade was happy when talking about his hikes, talking and listing about Trey, or listening to Cater talk about whatever he was caught up in at the moment.

“I did see a few beautiful birds on my last hike. Sadly, they flew away before I could get a picture, so I can't say their exact species.” Jade was standing tall, wearing a smile on his face, making the distance between himself and Cater ever so slightly smaller, and using his hands to gesture about the birds. See? Cater could read him. That's a happy eel.

“What did they look like?”

“They were small and ground songbirds. They looked to be some kind of finch.” His smile only grew as he continued to ramble on and on about the birds he saw, along with any animal, interesting plant, or cool fungus that crossed his path.

His smile only continued to grow. Every gesture he made fit exactly what he said. He leaned slightly towards Cater when he couldn't walk closer.

Cater just wanted to fawn over him. “You really are adorable.” It wasn't until his words hit his ears, that he even realized he said something.

Jade’s attention snapped right to Cater as he stopped walking and his face flushed. “Excuse me?”

“I- uh- I just-” Cater’s heart and mind were racing. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid! Who just blindsides someone like that, especially someone who probably gets a heart attack with how much you spook them? But mostly, why would you ever tell that to someone who would never love you back?

Cater wanted to die on the spot, but he couldn't so he did the next best thing. He pushed past Jade and ran away. He heard Jade call his name behind him, but he only darted to his room.

—

Cater spent the past day or two in his room or hiding from Jade. When class was out he took the most roundabout way to get to the next one, making sure it changed almost every day so no one could wise up and tell Jade. The second school was out for the day he went right to his room and didn't go out. Trey and his clubmates kept bombarding him with texts.

Cater can't do anything right can he? First, he accidentally half-admits his crush. Then he does what anyone else would call an overreaction. Finally, he made everyone worry about him wallowing in self-pity over a crush. He even noticed Jade hadn't posted since he ran, probably a bit awkward to post with him constantly lurking.

So why was he here? He was out in the open sitting on the same bench he found Jade on while sketching those mushrooms. Ink caps, right? Trey had texted him and told him to be here for a surprise. Trey practically demanded he come. Yet he's been here for about ten minutes and hasn't heard from Trey once.

He accepted his fate to just sit there in silence for the foreseeable future until he heard a loud voice.

“Nuh-uh! You’re going!” It was Floyd Leech holding his brother in a headlock and dragging him in the same direction as Cater. That can't be comfortable.

Jade continued to try and futilely push against Floyd while complaining. “I said I’m fine just sitting in my room!”

“Nope! He said he needed you here.”

“Who?!” Someone needed Jade here but didn't tell Jade himself? Who tells someone to forcibly drag their brother somewhere without telling the brother first?

Floyd noticed Cater and finally let Jade go, pushing him in Cater’s direction. “Bench.”

Jade looked up and at the bench, making eye contact with Cater, and Cater instantly knew who forced Jade out. The same man who force him out as well. The Trey-tor.

Jade stood stalk still only for Floyd to push him again. “Bench!”

Cater turned his face away when Jade slowly started walking closer with Floyd grumbling and walking away from both of them. What felt like after waiting ages, Jade sat down next to him. They both just sat there silently for another long while. Cater wanted to die.

“You ran away.” Jade spoke up out of nowhere. When Cater looked over at him he was curled up, his feet on the bench and his face slightly hidden in his knees. His eyes had even started to tear up.

“I- uh-” Cater didn't know what to say. He did run. They were having a nice time. He complimented Jade. Then he ran. That must have turned any compliment straight into an insult.

“I thought we were getting along. Then you said something that made me feel so, so happy, then you ran away.”

“I'm sorry.”

“No, don't be. I got my hopes up for our relationship because I couldn't help my own feelings.” Jade gave a sigh and placed his feet back on the ground.

“You're feelings?” Feelings? Cater thought he might have known what that meant, and it made his heart jump. No, he shouldn't get his hopes u-

“I’ve liked you for a while now.”

“You what?”

“Ever since I saw you genuinely smile and laugh when we bumped into each other while shopping. When you said I was adorable I thought for a second you might have returned my feelings, but then you ran away and I didn't know what to think. Now I guess I just think I got my hopes too high.”

Cater was speechless. Jade liked him? Jade liked him! Wait, wasn't that when the blushing started? Oh! That's probably what Trey meant.

“I know I probably sound stupid here, but I couldn't help letting my em-”

“-I like you too!” Cater let everything just come out. “My crush started probably around the time we bumped into each other in the hall. Random seeming time, I know. I just convinced myself you wouldn't like me back, so I tried to keep it to myself. When I accidentally let my feelings slip I got so flustered and embarrassed I only thought to run.”

“Why would you think I wouldn't like you?”

“When we first met you were always anxious and guarded when I came around, so I just assumed you hated me. Well, that and I suc-”

“-Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” Jade glared daggers at Cater. His face then quickly morphed into a pout. “You were the exact same with me. When we first met, you always had a strained smile around me. I didn't know what you were thinking under the fake smile, and I might have gotten scared…”

Cater let a laugh bubble up. “So we scared each other by trying to fake pleasantries and only tried harder after getting scared?”

Jade's face instantly melted into one of joy as he brought one hand to cup Cater’s cheeks. “With how your genuine smile and laugh are what caused me to develop a crush, I probably would have fallen for you instantly if I had seen that first.” Before Cater’s mind gathered what Jade said, he had wrapped Cater into a tight and comforting hug.

Cater moved to rub Jade’s back. “If you had fallen earlier, would it have been any better? With what Trey said of you, I doubt you would have done more than silently pine.”

Jade jumped out of the hug with a playful gasp. “Excuse you? I am amazing at bringing myself to confess. Also, what are you and Trey doing together? Slandering me?”

“Oh really? Who confessed to who with you and Trey? Also, it’s not slander if it's factual, btw.”

“Trey is irrelevant. I confessed to you.”

“What? No! I confessed. That’s what got us here.”

“Yes, because calling someone adorable and then running away is confessing.”

“Shut it!” Cater could feel his cheeks flush. The color only got worse when Jade started to genuinely laugh. It sounded perfect. This whole scene was perfect. Jade was perfect.

Cater moved his hands to Jade’s cheek, mimicking what Jade had done before. He gave Jade a small genuine smile, causing the other’s cheeks to regain some of that pink Cater couldn't help but love.

“What are you up to now?”

“Can I kiss you?”

The small amounts of color on Jade’s face immediately turned to vibrantly cover it. Jade stared at Cater for a quick second, looking between him and his lips. Finally, he gave a nod.

Cater didn't waste another second before pulling him into a kiss. It was clumsy and didn't last for more than a few seconds, but it felt wonderful.

Once Cater pulled away, Jade immediately melted into a puddle. He leaned on Cater as if he had no bones in his body, and hid his face in the crook of Cater’s neck.

Cater couldn't help but laugh. “Are you hiding?” He only got a huff in response. “Mister big strong ‘I-confessed-you-first’ can't handle a kiss? Are you sure you even could withstand confessing? I think my argument is proven.”

That earned Cater a bigger response, a pinch on his cheek and a pout.

“Alright, ow, got the message.”

From behind them, they heard Trey’s voice suddenly appearing, nearly giving Cater a heart attack. “So I assume all went well?”

“Trey! Don't sneak up on people!” Cater turned to see Trey. He had a small basket with what looked like freshly baked bread. It smelled delicious.

“Sorry! Sorry. I didn't know you didn't hear me, though I probably should have guessed based on how you looked.” Of course Trey would instantly go to teasing them. Jade immediately poked his head out of his hiding spot and gave Trey a pouty look.

Wait, Cater had forgotten in all this mess but Trey was the one who set them up. How dare he? “Oh, wait! I'm mad at you. You set us up with all your tricks.”

Jade gave a nod in agreement. “How could you? Such tricks on your own boyfriends.”

“Fine, sure, I did. But I know both of you. Nothing would have come of it otherwise. Though, as recompense, we can all eat this pumpkin bread together.”

“Should we, Cater? If anything, I think we deserve more. Like some cuddles.” Jade gave such a saccharine and fake innocent face before leaning on Cater.

“Fine, fine. You'll get what you want, but we should probably eat where there's more space.”

Jade and Cater both got up to walk with Trey to Heartslabyul. Jade tried to steal a piece of the bread multiple times, and Trey moved it away every time. Jade immediately pouted and leaned on Cater, calling Trey mean. And, as silly or weird as the scene may have looked, Cater found it perfect.

[writingattemptsxx]

A drawing of Dusk Vanrouge, a character I've made for @return-to-twisted-wonderland’s Au. (🔆anon)

I've been working more on anatomy and am really happy with this. Though dorm uniforms are way too complex than they have any right to be.

Also here's my blog name on the art for wanted to make sure it was mine.

(For anyone who's following my blog for my writing, I’m getting things finished, just slower than I'd like. I’m just busy with irl things.)

[writingattemptsxx]

Claws and Fangs; Tentecals and Ink; Together a Deal

Jade was shunned by all and just wanted to curl up and cry, but a weird octopus changed that.

—

The octotrio is fun to write for and imagining what kid them would be like is even better.

—

Tw: Quick mention of blood

—

These halls felt cold. They were probably physically cold. Rock and shell walls underwater in the north couldn’t be warm, but they felt more emotionally cold and intimidating. They were the walls that housed the truly scary things.

Jade had never been the one to go out of his way to talk to people. That was his twin brother, Floyd. He was the one who clung to his parents and didn't want to leave their side. He was in middle school now, so he was at least used to being on his own, even in a crowded school. But, it didn't mean he liked it. Even worse, the ones he was supposed to interact with, to build friendships with, painted him as a monster purely because he existed.

Both he and Floyd were overly familiar with the whispers. “Look at their teeth.” “Their claws will rip you to shreds.” “They can dart after you in seconds. They'll get you before you know it.” “I think one of them looked at me! Am I going to die?”

They even changed their approach depending on which brother they were gossiping about. Floyd, the curious and hyper one, was said to be someone who would chase down any prey and show off his teeth just to mess with it. On the other hand, Jade, the anxious wallflower, was painted as a manipulator who was always scheming in the shadows.

Right now he just wanted to find his brother. Floyd always swam away the second classes were out, finding something new to look at or mess with. Even just yesterday, he darted off to mess with some shells he found. And all of that would be fine if he didn't leave Jade alone with these disguised sharks. He was going to cry if he couldn't find him soon.

“Where are you?” His voice was already wobbling. It wasn't until he turned a bend that he ran into Floyd, literally.

“Hey!” Floyd turned around. “Oh, hi Jade.” After recognizing Jade, he turned back around, paying him absolutely no mind. Instead, he peered back into a random classroom and stayed mostly hidden by the wall. He seemed so interested, which wasn't new, as if he didn't know his very own twin was anxiously scouring the whole school for him. Knowing him, he probably genuinely didn't know any of that.

“What are you looking at?”

“Some kid in here. He looks cool. Usin’ all his arm… limbs? What do you call them again? Whatever. He's using them to look and write at like a hundred things at once!”

Jade followed his example and peered into the room through the gap of an entrance. It was another mer their age. If memory serves, he was in their class going back a few years. He was an octopus merfolk all alone in the room. He was sitting mostly turned away from the door and to a round stone desk. He was inside some sort of pot or cauldron with a lid settled next to it. All his tentacles were just spilling out of the pot bushing themselves writing, just as his hands were.

His hands were leaning a stone slate on the edge of his desk to write on. Each of his tentacles were also scrawling out something on different slates and even some parchments, most of them were on the desk, but some had to be placed on the floor likely to prevent things from getting in the way of each other. He was scratching notes into the stone with hard fish bones as well as using what looked like octopus ink and thin bones to scribble on the parchment.

How did he even get those? The stone slates and fish bones were used often enough underwater, especially in school, but the others were shocking. Ink could be expensive with how hard it was to get usable stuff from anything that made it. Paper and parchment could be even worse with how much work went into making it waterproof and writable.

Jade was studying the unaccompanied mystery until he realized his brother was lazily swimming toward him. “Floyd!” He was trying to keep hidden and quiet as to not draw attention, but he didn't want to be alone again, so he quickly swam after him.

“Where’d you get this?” Floyd suddenly grabbed the ink pot. The octopus jumped back and Jade wanted to die on the spot.

“What?! Give that back!” He reached out with his arms and tentacles only for Floyd to dodge every attempt.

“This stuff’s expensive, so where'd you get it? Did you make it? Octos can do that, right?”

“No?! I bought it. But anyway, it's mine! Give it back!” The octopus sounded like he was fuming. At least if he attacked Floyd, Jade would have time to escape.

Jade tried to sneak around to check the notes. He might not be as adventurous as his brother, but some curiosities screamed to be answered. The second he touched one of the stone tablets, a hand swatted his away. “You too. Stop messing with my stuff!” Instantly being scared off by Mr. Octo, he swam behind his brother.

Now he was staring straight at both of the twins. After getting a better look at him, he had quite an interesting look. He was mostly black except for his chin and up which was an ashen gray. His eyes were a striking blue that looked as if they would scare you away from him alone. His hair was a shining silver coming down to his ears except for one lock on his left side that curled down to his chin. He was round and looked squishy and soft. Even his cheeks were puffy as they kept in black ink-filled tears seconds away from being shed.

“Just give it back! I'm not going to do anything ‘funny’! I'm not your little twerp to mess with!” His voice was shaking and he sounded like he was holding back a gasp for air. As he slid further into his pot, one of his tentacles suckered onto the lid and started to lift it.

“What?”Floyd was probably starting to panic with how he reached back for Jade. It seemed neither of them knew what to do and what he was on about. “I just asked where you got this. I didn't say any of that.”

Octo paused for a second, his eyes just above the entrance. His voice even echoed into the pot. “I know what you're thinking. You aren't unique picking on me.”

“Sevens, ... I'm sorry?… I didn't wanna make you cry…” Floyd lightly put down the ink in front of the pot and started to slowly inch away.

Jade couldn’t help but feel bad as he also inched away. He was going to cry, himself, about a minute ago, and from the sound of his rant, it seemed like they had the same culprit as to why. Both bullies and Floyd.

Jade made it about halfway to the door and Floyd a bit closer to the door, before the hideaway octopus spoke up. “If you weren't here to mess with the ‘octo-twerp’, what were you doing?” His eyes were still just above the pot entrance and he looked like he was going to kill them both with his stare alone. He didn't trust either of them an inch.

“You just looked cool… I'm sorry I messed with you. Didn' want you to cry or anythin’, just… I can leave…”

“I looked cool? I want to know why you stole my ink then. You, yourself, said it was expensive.”

“Yeah. Cool, neat, that stuff. Seeing you write all that at once seemed interesting. I stole it to mess with you, sure, but I just wanted your attention. I planned on givin’ it back.”

Mr. Octo’s eyes marginally softened and he rose from the pot ever so slightly. “Just don't steal my stuff. Who even are you?”

“I’m Floyd.” Floyd swam up to Jade and put his hand on his head. “And this is Jade. He's kinda shy, so he doesn't talk a lot.”

What? How dare Floyd speak for him? With a pout, Jade tried to whack Floyd’s arm away.

The hidden octopus gave a small chuckle as he rose to rest his arms on the pot rim. “I’m Azul.”

—

Jade silently snuck through the halls and right before he turned to the corner to the unused classroom Azul stole to make a study, he flipped the direction of his black hair strand.

Both he and Floyd were almost identical. If you weren't paying attention, you might confuse them, but at least they thought it was obvious who was who. They looked like mirror images of each other. Their bodies had mostly blueish-green skin except for lighter bits on their chest and head and darker bits as their fins and stripes that scattered around their body. They also both had ear-length turquoise hair, sharp facial features, and a long eel body with a tail about two-thirds their total length. Their easiest-to-notice difference was that Floyd had a golden eye and a long black lock of hair on his right while Jade had the same on his left.

He turned right into Azul’s room and snuck behind him. He waited one more moment as the other was distracted with a few pages and stones. With a jump, he covered Azul’s eyes, even tilting his head so his newly placed hair would be felt.

Azul didn't even waste a second before placing his hands over Jade’s. “Hello, Jade.”

Jade gave a pout as he swam to the other side of Azul’s stone desk, lowered himself to eye level, and gave him a very unhappy glare as he fixed his hair.

“Don’t look at me like that, you sore loser. If I was genuinely Floyd, I would have heard him.” The three of them had only been talking for a month or two, yet Azul could read them almost exactly. His eyes still read of distrust, but he never did anything to show that and talked to them pretty well. Even so, Jade had a hard time getting past Azul’s suspicion and hasn't said much, mostly communicating with body movement or through Floyd. What he's said verbally could probably be counted on one hand.

“Where’s Floyd?” Jade gave a small shrug making Azul sigh as he turned his attention back to whatever he was doing before. “If he barges in here shouting or touches my stuff again, I'm going to kick him back out. I need some peace.”

Jade looked over all of his things and noticed that amid his usual marked beige parchments was a mostly clean golden one. It had barely any writing on it and what was there looked intentionally placed, as if there was a pattern he was following. There was even a very slight glow to it. It was placed right in front of him and any added writing was made by a fish skeleton dipped in ink. Jade gave a small point to the new thing.

“This? It's just something I'm working on. I’m-”

“-Guess what!” As predicted Floyd came bursting in shouting. He held up a small red crab, held by a grip on its pincers. “I found something!”

“Floyd! Can you come in here without belting at the top of your lungs?!” Azul put down the skeleton in his hand, folded his arms, and gave the boisterous intruder a grimace.

“It's a crab!” He bolted and stopped right in front of Azul’s face. “Look!”

“I see it?…”

Floyd shook the crab before placing it on the far side of the room. He immediately swam back to them and pointed at it. “Crab! Imma call it…” He paused for a second. “Snappy!”

Jade lazily floated over to his twin and gave a similarly lazy smile. He waited for a second before bringing Floyd a headlock and giving him a noogie with a pointed grin. It earned him noisy protests.

“Look at the ink-spewer and his monster guards!” The trio looked over to see a group of roughly five mers, some from the grade above. They all look like the stereotypical mer. The kind you'd see everywhere. Fish-like tails of various bright colors. Similar colors scattered their hair as well. Even their skin had varied shades from pale peach to a deep brown. The one who specifically spoke had a purple tail and hair with tan skin and freckles littered on his face and shoulders.

If you were to ask a young Jade, there wouldn't have been any difference between them. They looked different, sure, the others even looked different from each other, but they were all mers, but now it was quite obvious. They were the standard and the trio were animalistic monsters with their claws, fangs, tentacles, and ink.

The second Jade loosened his grip on Floyd, Floyd darted to the middle of the room, putting his arms out to cover Jade and Azul. Jade, on the other hand, swam to hide behind the pot with Azul ducking deeper inside it with a tentacle lifting the lid. “Just shut up! We weren't doing anything to you!”

“Aww, not anything? Doesn't that defeat your whole purpose?”

Azul was almost completely hidden by now, the lid was over the top of the pot, but was tilted slightly up so he could just see outside. “Just ignore them, Floyd.”

This time another mer came forward. He had light brown skin, dark blue hair, and a green tail. “Aww does the crybaby wanna curl away in his pot? Are you going to stain it with ink?”

“SHUT UP!” Floyd was mad. His tail flocked from side to side as his shoulders rose up and down with each attempt at a deep breath. Even Jade was starting to get upset. If he didn't think Floyd would snap soon, he might snap himself.

“What? Does it upset you that we call a crybaby a crybaby?” The first met to speak swam up in front of Floyd, intentionally invading his space. With that, a slap came down, hitting him in the face.

“That’s it! You wanna see claws?! You’ll get claws!” Floyd lurched forward and Jade instinctively closed his eyes and Azul closed the lid to his pot.

The next thing he knew was screams and the iron-rich scent of blood diffusing through the water of the room.

—

Both Floyd and Jade got in trouble. Despite Azul specifically saying Floyd’s name, apparently, ‘someone could have been lying and it could have been either one of them’. Jade wasn't even shocked. It's not like he didn't notice even adults looked at his fangs and claws before his eyes.

Luckily, it came to light that they were bullying Azul and it was self-defense, so with the anger of both their and Azul’s parents, they got off with only being suspended for a bit. Jade and Floyd were going to mention they were bullied as well, but the mess was already too big. They already wanted to hide away. They didn't need more attention on them.

Today was finally their first day back after being doted on by their parents. Mom and Dad weren't happy Floyd attacked another, and they certainly weren't happy that Jade got punished for doing nothing, but they were proud that they stood up for someone else and were worried about them being attacked first.

They went back to school expecting it to be mostly normal, except for more fear and rumors around then. That was true, but there was something else that was swirling around too. Gossip that was different from the usual rumors around the eel twins.

The entire day they heard whispers of many people's skills going missing as they gained something else. Someone gaining a girlfriend but losing their smooth voice. Another gaining a smooth voice but losing their speed in the water. Multiple similar events had gossip swirling.

Both Jade and Floyd were discussing the rumors as they were passing by Azul’s room, and before they even looked inside, something wrapped around them and pulled them inside. The next thing Jade knew, they were both in a big hug.

“Are you two ok? Especially you, Floyd?”

“Wha-” Jade was extremely confused. Confused enough to try pulling away to look Azul in the eyes, but he was squashed back into Azul’s chest with double the strength. He tried to mumble something into his chest, but even he could barely understand himself.

“Azul! Too much!” Finally, at Floyd's words, they were both let go, allowing them to take a second to take in some breaths again.

“Sorry…” Azul’s voice was small and he even shrunk back slightly. He had ink-filled tears diffusing into the water around him. “You two got in trouble because of me. I'm so sorry.” He was barely able to sob out his words, gasping for air every other second.

Floyd went up to him and roughly gave Azul’s hair a rub, completely messing it up. “Nah, they were just stupid. Couldn't have done anything to me.”

Azul looked at Jade. He had the same puffy eyes as the first time Jade saw him tear up, but it was missing something. He couldn't find the distrust in his gaze. It made him feel oddly fuzzy. Jade was barely able to utter anything, and even when he did, his voice was still small and barely audible. “I’m fine. I didn't even fight.”

Suddenly Azul’s eyes widened and he took in a gasp. “Oh, right! Jade, you remember that golden paper?” Jade gave a nod. “I finished working on it!” He opened his hands in the space between all of them, and a glowing golden scroll was summoned. “I call it ‘It’s a Deal’! I can trade anything I have or can get, magical or not, for the same with someone else! All we have to do is agree on the terms and have them sign on the bottom line. With this, all three of us can be everything we wanted. I don't have to be a loser crybaby and you don't have to be feared monsters.”

All of that could come from this scroll? They could all have what they wanted? Jade looked back at Azul who looked practically beaming. “Really?” His voice was still small, but it grew with hope as the fuzzy feeling in his heart grew.

“Absolutely! I can give us all exactly what we wanted, all I need is your backup. It may not be easy and we might even need to play into some things, but at the end of it all, we’ll have what we hoped for and more.”

“I’ll do it.” Floyd brought attention back to him as he gave firm words.

“Do what?” Azul looked completely confused scanning Floyd's face for some hint.

“Your deal thingy. I'll do it.”

“You don't have-” Azul paused for a second. He took a deep breath. “No. Let's do it.” The golden page’s glow suddenly got brighter as the words started to rewrite themselves to say exactly what they talked about. In exchange for not attacking Azul or leaving his side for another, they were to be given a share equal to Azul’s and stay his right hands, him never choosing another before them. Once the words stopped two fish skeletons, already ink-dipped, were summoned. One in front of Jade and the other in front of Floyd.

Neither of them wasted a second. They both scrawled out their names on the bottom lines. Floyd Leech. Jade Leech. The skeletons suddenly disappeared and the contract curled up as Azul grabbed it. “It’s a Deal!”

—

“Jade?… Jade!” Azul’s voice shocks him back to the present. “Are you ok? You aren't one to daydream while doing work.”

Looking at the desk in front of him, Azul’s right, he is supposed to be working. The log book for Monstro Lounge is sprawled out on the desk in front of him. To his left is Azul sitting at his mahogany VIP room desk and in front of him is Floyd sleeping and taking up the whole couch. Jade himself was sitting on one of the chairs for the glass table with a marble rim they nicknamed the ‘deal table’.

“Sadly, no, I am not, Azul. I am horribly bored. I might as well just leave. The exam and thus the results are way too far away.” Jade is giving his fake customer service smile, something he knows Azul can see right through. They just made a bunch of deals for students not willing to truthfully attempt the exam, and they need to wait for the results to come back to have their fun with those not able to hold their end of the bargain. Some part of him wonders if any of them will actually succeed, the question is just screaming for him to find the answer.

“You can't walk out! That's a complete violation of your contract! Also, the exam is two days away, with the results about three days later. You can wait.” Azul’s flustered face will never not be funny. It‘s a nice return to who Jade originally met, that emotional octopus. He has been a bit overzealous in his work and contracts recently. He needs to relax a bit.

“If you look back at it, it is not in contract violation. My side of the contract is to not attack you or turn on you for another, not that I have to stay and do grunt work.” With that, Jade earns a small huff from Azul. Who mumbles under his breath before returning to his work and silence with Jade doing the same.

After a few minutes of sulking, Azul looks back up at him. “You two are extremely stressful, you know that.” Azul sighs. “Don't answer. I am well aware you do it on purpose. I swear I might be the next to overblot. There have already been two.”

Hearing that, Jade also looks up, giving Azul an upset glare.

“It was merely a joke. I have enough control to prevent that.”

[writingattemptsxx]

Uno War

Fellow and Gidel are at the Schoenheit house for a game night but aren't able to predict the winner.

—

Another little fanfic inspired by/made for Sympathy for a Villain. You don't need to read it to understand this, but it's a good read. All you need to know is Crewel and Eric are Vil’s parents and Fellow became a teacher.

Side note. I have finally gotten the bulk of Finn’s story done, so it should be out soon(-ish).

—

As of now, they were in a circle playing a card game. In a clockwise direction, after Eric was Divus, then Fellow, then Gidel, then finally Vil. Eric was originally happy to sit between his wonderful husband and child, but now he feels ostracized.

Divus was starting daggers at Fellow while targeting him with all his attacks, keeping their flames of rivalry alive. On the other hand, Vil was caught up in his own mind on planning how to win, and by his targeted speech, that was likely by fueling the fight.

The only two who didn't seem obsessive over the game or using it in some way were Gidel and Eric. Gidel seemed to be thinking of something else entirely and messing with his mallet when it wasn't his turn. Eric couldn't help but sigh at the mess his family had become. A wonderful mess, but still a mess.

“I can't wait to end this school year with a fox shawl. Maybe then Crowley would pick a qualified teacher.” Divus placed down his card, a green 8.

“Maybe then you would finally have some color beyond your usual monotone. Tell me, doesn't that ever feel… dull? Your want of this humble fox’s color says something.~” Fellow was almost singing as he lightly put down his card, a green 4.

Vil nudged Gidel who snapped back into reality placing down a yellow 4, changing the color. Perfect.

Vil put down his own card, a yellow 5. “Father says he looks best in minimal colors, Mr. Honest.” Vil said it so composed as he looked back down at his own cards that Eric was almost impressed. If he wasn't the kid’s father, he might have missed the small smile Vil gave.

“Ah, of course. Not everyone can pull off everything, also you don't need to call me sir, dea-”

Divus jumped closer to the fox, who in turn held his cards close to his chest. “I can absolutely pull off colors. Also, don't you dare use your honeyed tone in this house, much less on my pup. But you're right, he doesn't need to call you sir. He’s a Schoenheit.”

Eric coughed out a small ‘Divus’. His husband could be… eccentric… at times. He couldn't help but adore it, even if it could cause problems. His family was amazing, that's all.

Looking down at his hand, everything was playing out perfectly. Eric might not be as competitive as his son or husband, but that didn't mean he didn't have a plan. He placed down a yellow 3, leaving him only with a yellow 2 and a wild. Quickly, he changed his hold so they were stacked on top of each other, and to any outsider, they looked like one card.

When Vil first brought his creation he called ‘Uno’, Divus and Fellow would call each other out whenever they got low on cards, actually having an uno or not. As could be easily guessed, that got annoying quickly. In response, they made a house rule: If you call out someone who doesn't actually have an uno, you now have to draw four cards instead. Now that rule would work perfectly.

A yellow 6 by Divus and a yellow 4 by Fellow, leaving it back to Gidel, who again, wasn't paying attention. Vil looked up from his cards, but before he could nudge the cat, he saw his father. “You didn't call out uno!”

“I didn't? Well, I don't have an uno, so…” Eric revealed there was at least one more card hidden, barely holding back a smile. Hopefully, he disguised the fact that it was only two cards well enough, but only time will tell that. For now, Vil reaches for more cards, muttering a ‘cheater’ under his breath.

Vil got Gidel to play his card, a yellow skip, allowing Vil to seethe even more. Eric wanted to feel bad for his son, but of now it wasn't more than pity. Hopefully, this would be a lesson not to be too competitive over a trivial game, though for that lesson to work, Eric would have to teach that to his husband too.

He sighed as he set his yellow 2 down. All that's left is to act normal. He could get rid of any risk by saying uno, but while there is a strategic reason not to somewhere, what's more fun than a sudden win?

Divus gave Fellow two cards and skipped him with a yellow plus two. Gidel was nudged back to reality for him to play a red plus two, giving Vil more cards and skipping him again. Finally his turn. He dropped his wild down, and-

“I win.”

“What?!” Three voices in unison all yelling out. It was almost painful. Eric only held up his hands, showing they were free of cards.

“How could- I had the best possible plan.” Fellow looked between his own cards and the deck.

“Absolutely not! I had the best possible plan.” Divus held up a hand to his chest, looking and sounding the most offended the diva possibly could.

Vil was also back to existing in his head, muttering to himself something that Eric couldn't quite make out clearly, but it sounded like a run-through of his plan.

He gave a small sigh before walking over to Gidel. The bickering finally seemed to keep the cat from his thoughts. “Gidel, what do you say about seeing if we can get a snack?”

He gave a vigorous nod before standing up, grabbing his mallet, and quickly making his way to the kitchen.

“Hey, wait for a moment!” Eric gave a quick chase. Hopefully Divus, Fellow, and Vil wouldn't mind them leaving.

[writingattemptsxx]

Antagonistic

An antagonistic little human suddenly showed up in Lucifer’s life. Why does it hurt when they leave?

—

Early story Lucifer is fun to think about. I couldn’t let go of how he would react to an antagonistic/prideful mc.

—

Tw: Death

—

From the moment Lucifer knew you, you were nothing but antagonistic. You had no respect for Prince Diavolo. Really, you had no respect for any of the powerful beings right in front of you. Any of them could kill you in an instant, and you didn’t care.

Once you got to the House of Lamentation, it only got worse. You were upset to have Mammom assigned to be your guard, even going as far as to go up to him, Lucifer, THE Lucifer, and demand it to be changed. Even when he decided to listen to you for even a second and asked who you might prefer instead, you demanded to have no one.

“I can take care of myself.” That was your favorite phrase from the moment he met you. He tried to help you understand the obvious; you in fact could not, but you didn't care. Demons surrounded you. Demons, beings capable of ending your existence just because they had a bad day, were everywhere. Yet you held your back straight and refused to back down.

It only took a while, but then the pacts started, and your already infuriating nature became more and more apparent.

Mammon was the first to go. Apparently, it was to get his stupid ‘Goldie’ back. Lucifer has no clue why he was so obsessed with his stupid credit card, but Mammon was and here you were using it against him. And now whenever you wanted to say you could take care of yourself, you always pointed to the new pact.

Second was Leviathan. Funny enough for someone who claims to be self-sufficient, the rigged quiz was a group effort. You looked so pleased coasting through the quiz’s easy version. Lucifer could have sworn he saw you look over at him with that smug antagonistic grin. After Levi’s little rampage, Lucifer saw the magic of a new pact when you handed him the record.

Lucifer couldn't help but admit to himself, you were quite interesting. With you, he never knew what was next, but he could guess your reactions perfectly. Insisting you could do it and could take care of yourself, even if ‘by yourself’ meant being the commander of help. It was… wonder- no, curious.

The third pact was Beelzebub’s turn, and his was the longest string of events. It all started with you and Mammon being the tornados of chaos you were. Beel found you eating his food and that was even more of a disaster. Your room was destroyed and left with no other choice, he demanded Beel let you in his room.

Little did he know that now open door led to a small Angel sneaking in and finding their basement and the cursed grimoire. Beel, the cause of the chihuahua being here, decided to protect him. When Lucifer claimed he would get the grimoire, any means necessary, including going through Beel, you too came to protect both of them.

When he confronted you with the fact you couldn't save both, you only claimed you could and stared back at him with the same look as always. You stared at him as if you saw directly through him. As if you saw, not Lucifer, the Avatar of Pride, but Lucifer, the demon in front of you. It tugged at his heart, but that tug only stung his pride more. If it wasn't for Diavolo coming when he did, he might not have seen you again, but this time with the magic of Beel’s pact.

After the whole situation, he had a hard time looking at you. Why? He didn't know. He's done worse than threaten many attackers before, yet felt no issue there. What was happening with you? Why were you different?

Even with Lucifer's little crisis, you looked at him no differently. Maybe even more proud of yourself. You came up to him just to mess with him, something you admit. A human who enraged Lucifer and lived. For some reason, that smug grin while you intentionally antagonized him, felt lifting and playful.

You even continued your pacts, Asmodeus being fourth in line. Making a pact with him seemingly only because he liked your magical prowess. A stupid reason if you ask Lucifer. Demons, especially ones as powerful as them should be self-respecting. A self-respecting demon like him, who resists no matter how hard it feels.

Then there was Satan’s pact. Lucifer couldn't tell exactly when it started, only that it was likely sometime when they swapped bodies. Satan and he seemed closer during the whole thing and after a while, Satan seemed to start mulling over something. It didn't come as a shock that he decided to make a pact with you, but it was shocking that he decided to do it because he wanted to and not to spite Lucifer.

To be honest, he was proud of Satan. He knew the other spent a lot of his life surrounded by anger at him, so to finally let that go, even partially was an achievement. Though, even with that, something still stung about it. Something in him wanted to rip all the pacts off you. Something in him wanted to replace them with h- no, he would never be… jealous…

You had everything in the palm of your hand. You had that smug grin that always seemed to come out on top. You had your playfully antagonistic nature that never gave him a break. So why? Why were you lying there in Mammon’s arms and not moving?

You look bloody and scarred, as if someone had used you as their personal punching bag. Well, not as if, it did happen. Belphagor did it. He’s standing there and teasing everyone for ‘acting so heartbroken over a mere human’. All of his words sink into Lucifer’s mind, yet at the same time, they go into one ear and out the other.

Even Mammon’s begging you to live isn’t changing how empty he feels. Even Asmodeus’ plea for Lucifer to do something, or at least know what to do, isn’t changing his cluelessness. Even Satan attempting to analyze everything isn't changing how his brain feels like it's stopped.

He locked Belphagor away to protect him from this exact situation, but now that it's happening, he couldn't care less about the one he once thought of as a brother. Right now he wants you. Where is the smug self-absorbed agonistic little human? Where is his playful self-reliant antagonistic little human?

[writingattemptsxx]

Masterlist

—

Master list for all my writing work, which as far as now includes mainly Obey me and Twisted Wonderland.

More series may be added later.

If the fics are set in the same world or are their own series, then they will have a matching symbol in front of the fic name.

—

- Obey me -

Stories

—

Demons in Grief - MC is gone and the Obey Characters go through the five stages of grief - Versions: 1 2

Just Needing Comfort - Satan and MC in the human realm come across a Karen who says he and Lucifer are the same.

Sleep - You’re sick of Levi’s all-nighters and decide to get him to sleep even if you have to trick him.

A Small Gift - To get the brothers to let you go to the human world and do some exchange program work, you promise them gifts.

Antagonistic - An antagonistic little human suddenly showed up in Lucifer’s life. Why does it hurt when they leave?

Obey Me Depression - You were feeling bad, even if you didn’t think you should, but luckily the Demon Brothers are here to help. (Unfinished and only had Lucifer and Mammon)

Incorrect quotes

—

Obey/twist incorrect quote - Why Yuu/Mc is good at alchemy.

— —

- Twisted Wonderland -

Stories

—

;; In Sam’s Shop - Finn and Grim go to Sam’s shop and find him there

;; Unbirthday Party - Cater and Finn at an Unbirthday Party.

;; Finn in Twisted Wonderland - A school full of teenagers and staff, but what happens if instead of a normal student being teleported, a five-year-old comes along? Along with Grim breaking in to join him of course. - Chapters: 1 2

Booping Twst Characters - A small boop is a wonderful April Fool’s day joke. How do Ace, Deuce, Leona, and Vil respond?

These Words Hurt - Rumors swarm around NRC, but a lot of times the forces on a specific Moray eel. A Moray eel who wants it to stop. Floyd wants it to stop.

A Petty Rabbit - A rabbit is late to an unbirtday party and bumps into someone he hates along the way. Can’t he have a break?

Bottling up Emotions - Vil has a lot on his plate, but he doesn’t want to rely on others. It takes Crewel to snap him out of it.

Uno War - Fellow and Gidel are at the Schoenheit house for a game night but aren't able to predict the winner.

Claws and Fangs; Tentecals and Ink; Together a Deal - Jade was shunned by all and just wanted to curl up and cry, but a weird octopus changed that.

A Diamond and an Eel with a Clover - Trey starts dating Jade, and Cater finds himself picking up similar feelings.

Found Yet Still Lost - Lilia’s son, Dusk, was his world, yet one day he disappeared without a trace.

Incorrect quotes

—

Obey/twist incorrect quote - Why Yuu/Mc is good at alchemy.

Twist incorrect quotes - A random assortment of incorrect quotes.

— —

- Original stories -

OC’s Intro - A harpy is shoved into a world different than his own.

— —

[writingattemptsxx]

Bottling up Emotions

Vil has a lot on his plate, but he doesn't want to rely on others. It takes Crewel to snap him out of it.

—

I read a Divus Crewel/Eric Venue and Crewel being Vil’s dad and I absolutely fell in love, so I made a quick write of a story.

The story is “Sympathy for a Villian” by Pink_Beep on AO3. 100% recommend it.

—

Divus’s class had ended a while ago, yet for some reason, his pup remained. He decided to stay to work on his notes and get organized before leaving. It wasn't something new, far from it, but it was getting more and more common. Vil is, and always has been, a good and hard-working student who took after his fathers. Even if it was in character, it wasn't above the poor pup’s father to worry.

“Pup?” His only answer was a small ‘hmm?’. “You’ve been staying after class more and more often. Is anything confusing you?” There was only another hum. He's not paying attention, is he? Just staring at his textbook as he jots things down on one of many papers. “Your Papa and I are leaving modern society and have no plans to return.”

“Hmm. Wait what?” Vil snapped his head up, his writing freezing in its tracks.

“Do I finally have your attention?”

His pup’s face immediately fell into a displeased expression. He takes a breath, sets down his pen, and closes his book with a paper inside to keep his place. “Hilarious joke, father.”

“Of course it is.”

Vil just sighs. “Now what is it you need? My club starts in a few hours, and I need to make sure I have all my notes done before then.”

“Are you struggling to understand something? You’ve been staying behind more and more. I'm just… Worried.”

“No? I'm fine. Writing notes is a completely normal thing.”

“You completely dodged the question. What's wrong?” Divus’s pup definitely took after his fathers, for better or worse. Even if you were nothing but direct with your questions or worries, he would never want to open up. A closed and locked book.

“I’m fine.” A huff comes from Vil as he opens his book and grabs the dropped pen. “There is nothing you need to worry about.”

“Somehow, I don't believe that.” Divus walks over to his son and stands there, waiting to be acknowledged as Vil continues to work. Sadly, that acknowledgment didn't come. After a few seconds of waiting, he gets fed up. He is his pup’s father for seven’s sake! If something is bothering his son, he should be one of the first he reaches out to for help. His hand acted before his mind and he snatched the book.

“Father!”

“I am absolutely not letting you bottle up your emotions! What is wrong?!”

Vil stands up from his seat. His face was red, only growing more so. He was bottling up a lot, most definitely, and this was the last straw. “Oh? So stealing from me is the way you ensure that?!”

“You never tell anyone anything! I'm running out of options!” Both were silent, just staring at the other as the swirl of rage ran through them. After what felt like years, but in reality was likely only a minute or so, Divus sighed and placed the book back on his son’s desk. “I’m sorry. I acted before thinking. While my reaction wasn’t the way I should have, you can't just ignore negative feelings and shove away anyone who gets worried. I'm your father, and want to make sure you're ok. Even if you can't talk to me, I want to know you have at least someone to go to.”

Vil sighed in return. “Things have just been stressful. I have a lot on my plate. My career. My schoolwork. My clubwork. My dormhead work. I'm just dealing with a lot.”

“Pup, if you are struggling with too much work, you could have just told me and I would have helped reduced your schoolwork or at least extended the deadlines. Your Papa can also help with anything involving acting. He's an actor, just as you are.”

“I have to be able to deal with work on my own though. I can't rely on my fathers’s favoritism forever.”

“Part of learning how to grow up is learning how to rely on others, not how to ignore them. While self-reliance is important, it's not the be all end all. And us helping you is not favoritism. Your Papa and I would help anyone in your position. I’m your teacher and he's your mentor.” Divus put a hand on his pup’s shoulder. “Even if it's not relying on us, there are good people who you can rely on. Just don't bottle things up.” That's the one thing he wished his pup never had picked up on and copied.

Vil lets a small giggle loose as Divus wraps him in a hug. “Thank you. And I’ll talk to Papa later today.”

[writingattemptsxx]

A Small Gift

To get the brothers to let you go to the human world to do some exchange program work, you promised them gifts.

—

This took way too long to write. I'm just glad it's done. I thought some fluff would be nice.

—

A month-long visit to the human world took you away from the brothers. At first, they didn’t like the idea. Some used the excuse of not wanting you to be somewhere without supervision. Some were honest that they didn’t want to be away from you. Luckily with assurance that you would be fine, as well as a bribe of gifts on your return, they relented. You went out and gathered a gift for each brother, hoping they’d love it. You even bought a few gift bags. You did hope they liked it, but you more hoped they’d be less trouble on future trips.

Lucifer - A snow globe - Lucifer’s gift was the first one you found. You went into a gift shop, saw it, and it screamed ‘Lucifer’. Why? Who knows!

Mammon - A key chain - Mammon is usually one of, if not the first to complain about not being with you. Now he can have this with him at all times. Also, it's shiny.

Leviathan - A pack of pencils - You went into a stationary store realizing you were missing something, and they just happened to have a pack of pencils themed around an anime he likes, so you grabbed those too.

Satan - A bookmark - In the stationary store where you found Levi’s gift, there was another thing that caught your eye. There was a small bookmark with cat faces all over it and a fold-out bit to save your specific line.

Asmo - A makeup brush set - Another gift you were actively searching for, and it was pure pink, his favorite color. What’s not to love? It may not be those expensive ones he always buys, but it definitely wasn't cheap.

Beelzebub - A water bottle - Your first thought for him was food, obviously, but you didn't want something the Avatar of Gluttony would scarf down in two seconds. Plus with a water bottle, he can bring it to the gym and his practices.

Belphegor - A blanket - A perfect gift for Belphie. Knowing him, he'd keep it in good condition for centuries. It may only be a blanket, and on the cheaper side at that, but it was comfy.

While you were on your trip you hoped to relax at home, but you forgot something. Something you remembered the second the door opened. There was no relaxing in the House of Lamentation. Ever.

It was very obvious that they were all ecstatic to see you again, but you could tell at least a part of each of them wanted to know their gifts. What did you get them? Where were they? When do they get them? They were way too easy to read.

You told everyone to buzz off while you at least got unpacked. You needed to relax, not be mobbed. You'd give them their gift later, once you settled back in. As you watched each go on and do their own thing, you couldn't help but hope they liked their gift.

—

Lucifer was doing his typical work. Sitting at his desk behind mountains of paper wasn't new, but it still was not the best experience. He saw the door slowly open and started to wonder which brother wanted to get in the way of his work, but instead, you came through the door. You tried your best to be as quiet as possible when coming in and closing the door, which Lucifer greatly appreciated.

Once the door clicked you turned to him beaming. “Luci, I got this for you!” You held up a decently sized blue gift bag, careful to not shake.

“Your gift for me? I was wondering when I'd finally receive it. I hope it’s something I like, you should know me well enough by now.” A smirk appeared as his words poked at you.

Your face changed into a pout and you stuck your tongue out at Lucifer. A bold move, no matter how close you became. You dramatically sighed and put the back of your hand to your forehead, something you no doubt learned from Asmodeus. “I got you this out of the kindness of my heart. You can't be picky about this.” You walked forward and gently placed the bag on his desk.

“We both know it was a bribe so my brothers would let you out of the house.” He, himself, argued against you leaving but now didn't seem like the time to bring that up. “Also teasing you is too fun to stop.”

Lucifer pulled the bag closer and carefully removed some crumpled paper you stuffed in the bag. He reached in and pulled out… “A snow globe?” It seemed like an odd choice gift for him. Granted, it was very pretty. It was a single, yet very detailed tree sitting in the middle of a white plain with the snow of the snow globe also inside. The base was a vibrant admiral blue.

He looked up to you for answers, but you only shrugged in response. “It’s just something I saw that reminded me of you. Don't ask me why.”

Lucifer was silent for a moment only to change into quiet giggles. “Thank you. I love it.”

—

Mammon was pacing his room. You just came home after so long and he had to leave you alone for even longer. He is happy you get to relax, even in this house, but he just wants to hug you before leaving you be again.

Suddenly he heard the door open and whipped his head around to see you. Not only that, you were holding a very small yellow gift bag. Both his eyes and voice lit up seeing you. “Human!” He cleared his throat. “What took you so long?”

“I had to get your gift ready. That is, unless you don't want it.” You held up the bag and gave it a small shake all the while showing a teasing smirk.

The next thing you knew the bag was missing from your hands and found in Mammon’s. “Nah, Nah. The Great Mammon always deserves gifts.” He dug through the crumpled paper and pulled out a small keychain. It was very small, just a shiny gold keychain with a dangling star. He couldn't tell why, but he felt so light seeing it. He just stared at it for what felt like forever.

Suddenly your voice cut through his thoughts. “So… you like it?”

“This gift is definitely worthy of The Great Mammon.”

—

Levi was shockingly out of his room. He was going to go on an anime binge in a bit, so now he was stocking up on snacks. Chips, snack bars, bag popcorn, and anything he could get his hands on that wouldn’t spoil.

“There you are! I thought you’d be in your room as always.” Your voice was quiet but came very suddenly, and it took everything in him to not jump.

He turned around to see you holding up a pretty small orange gift bag as you looked around. You dropped the bag in his hands. Levi stared at it for a few seconds before looking back up at you. “A gift? Also, what's with the house inspections?” He pointed in the directions you were looking between.

“Yes, I said I'd get you all gifts, didn't I? And because I’m not willing to hear the wining of any brother upset they didn't get theirs first.”

Levi shrugged. He wouldn't put it past any of his brothers to take not getting a gift first as something to get upset over. He wouldn't even put it past himself to do that. “Yeah, they totally would. But the gift was a very obvious bribe. I didn't expect you to mean it. I thought you'd at least forget or something, or at least not give me something.”

“Of course, I'd get you something. Now come on, open it.” You were all but bouncing on your toes while staring at him and the bag. He dug through the crumpled paper in the bag to pull out a pack of pencils. Seemed like an odd choice for him, maybe something closer to something for Satan or Lucifer. It was only until he noticed the pencils were patterned with characters from an anime he loved.

His eyes lit up and just barely held in an excited squee. Any merch is welcome merch. Levi shot up and pulled you into a hug. “Thank you!”

—

Satan was reading in the living room. He was reading a book he’d read many times before. He intended to read the book he bought a few days ago, but after starting it he realized his mind kept drifting to you. He was curious how you were, and he wanted to check up on you, but he knew you needed some time to relax before interacting with him or his brothers again.

He started to hear steps that got louder and louder. Eventually, you appeared as the source looking around corners before you turned them. Satan also noticed an extremely small green gift bag in your hand. You held it to your chest as you quickly walked towards him.

“What with the secrecy?” Satan put down his book to give you an amused stare.

You dropped the gift bag on his lap. “Your brothers. That's what. If any of them, even one, learned that I gave one a present before another, I'd never heard the end of it.”

That was completely true for almost everyone in this house. He just let out a sigh and decided to move on. Carefully rifling through the crumpled paper he pulled out a long bookmark. The bookmark was a dark fern-green and littered with cat faces of all colors. There was also a long plastic connection, and on the packaging, it explained that it was meant to save your specific line.

It was just adorable and all the cats making different smiles made his heart melt. Satan held it to his heart and gave you a big smile. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

—

Asmo was looking his face over in the mirror. He wanted to go out today. But for that, he needed the perfect look that would be perfect in completing his looks. But for that, he needed inspiration. Truth be told, he could go out with no makeup at all, he was already gorgeous, but putting it on was fun.

While he was mulling over his choices, he heard his door slam closed. He turned around, immediately turning into his demon form, ready for a fight.

Instead of seeing an intruder or even one of his brothers, he saw you muttering to yourself about how you didn't mean to be that loud, and that you even scared yourself. He clutched his chest, transformed back, and slumped back down onto his vanity chair.

“Darling, you gave me a heart attack. I thought you were an intruder or similar. My skin will not like this stress.”

You bolted around at his words, as if shocked to see him in his own room. “Sorry! Sorry. I just wanted to close it fast, not slam it. On another note, I got you this.” You held up a small pink gift bag, giving Asmo a big smile.

The gift! He didn't forget about it, how could he forget about a gift for him, but he did push it to the back of his mind to focus on other things. He rushed right up to you, enveloping you in a tight hug. He let go and took you over to his vanity. He gently took the present from your hands. He removed the crumpled paper, dropping it into the trashcan.

At the bottom of the bag was a small set of a few pastel pink makeup brushes and a blender. It was small, but it seemed of good quality. The thought put into the gift melted his heart. Gently setting the brush set down, Asmo pulled you into another tight hug. “Thank you! Also, you just gave me the perfect inspiration for a new makeup look!”

—

Beelzebub was working out in his room. All he had were a few handheld weights. He wanted to go to the gym, but he couldn't find any will to actually go. He wanted more to make sure you settled back in as well as possible.

He was mid-routine when you quickly opened his door, stepped through, and closed it, careful not to slam.

“Hey Beel, got you something.” You quickly walked over to him and placed a pretty big red gift bag in his hands. Inside it was stuffed full of crumpled paper. He dug around for only a second before his hand touched hard plastic and he pulled it up. It was a giant red gallon water bottle. The plastic was translucent, there were measurements on the side, and the side was even carved out to make a handle.

“I thought you could bring it to the gym or practi-” Before you could finish, Beel pulled you into a massive bear hug that lifted you off the ground.

“Thank you! I love it!” He gave you one of the biggest smiles he could.

—

Belphie was sleeping as usual. He was in the observatory. All the stars were calming and the room was usually silent and dark. It was his perfect nap spot. Well, it was until about a minute ago when someone started shaking him awake. “Belphie. Belphie. Wake up I got something for you.”

He let out a groan and grabbed the hand you decided to disturb him with. “Can’t it wait? Just put it down next to me or something. I'll pick it up when I get up.” Belphie rolled onto his back and fell back asleep within seconds, but he only slept just as quickly as a big gift bag was roughly placed on his stomach.

“Rude.” He opened his eyes to see a really big purple gift bag and pulled it down so the top faced him instead of getting up. He slowly dug out all of the crumpled paper, dropping it on the floor to deal with later.

After a few seconds, he pulled out a folded blanket. It was a cow pattern, similar to his favorite pillow, and it was super fluffy and soft. Just touching it made him sleepy.

“Like it?” Belphie just looked at you for a few seconds, contemplating if he should pull you into his nap. Eventually, he decided and tugged you down next to him, covering you both with his new blanket, and drifted back to sleep in another few seconds.

—

Lucifer’s snow globe was kept either on his desk or on a shelf. He found comfort in even just staring at it, but every now and then he shook it to see the snowfall.

Mammon’s keychain was a permanent fixture on his phone. He took it everywhere and showed it off at any chance he could.

Levi kept his pencils in package with his other merch, not wanting to ruin them, but they were always near the front of any display he made.

Satan used his bookmark for any book he could. He adored it and kept it as pristine as possible.

Asmo started using his new brushes almost instantly. Even if they were not the fancy brands he typically uses, they worked just as well. The fact it was from you also helped inspire some looks.

Beel took his water bottle practically wherever he went. When anyone pointed it out or asked questions, he'd happily gush about his new gift.

Belphie’s new blanket became his favorite one. Even just touching the fuzziness made him cozy and tired. He did everything in his power to keep as soft as the day he got it.

[writingattemptsxx]

I finally drew Ivory.

Also I know they are all supposed to have a suit and have it painted in their face, but I’m just ignoring that fact. Although it affects their outfit (the shoes change colors and have their suit on the tongue), so technically he’s a diamond like Cater.

His story:

Edit: This was made for an older version of his character. His appearance and most of his personality remain the same, but his reasoning/background and some smaller personality bits are changed.

[writingattemptsxx]

A Petty Rabbit

A rabbit is late to an unbirthday party and bumps into someone he hates along the way. Can’t he just have a break?

—

An OC I have for Twst based off the White Rabbit. His name is Ivory Era. His just one of the twst OCs I have and I might make more of him or any other characters I have.

Edit: This was made for an older version of his character. His appearance and most of his personality remain the same, but his reasoning/background and some smaller personality bits are changed.

—

On top of the furthest cliff on the NRC campus, where no one went, the shore was absolutely beautiful. Smells of sea salt. Repetitive hits of waves. Sunlight reflecting on the water. On top of that, the cliff that Ivory was on still had grass covering it, not the grating sand. So the smell and feeling of grass also added to the pleasure of everything.

Today was another Unbirthday Party. Loud noises and overstimulating colors were everywhere. Not to mention the people. To Ivory, people were nothing but a nuisance. Self-serving. Manipulative. Cruel. And, just like the party, they were loud and irritating. Although, it’s not like he wasn’t most the above himself. All except for loud that is. And he likes to believe he’s not irritating. In his opinion, he’s just a person, but subtracting a few of the usual negative traits, so inherently better. Why would he ever want to be around other people? He’s fine in his own company.

Sadly for him, he had to be in the dorm known for its constant parties. The other dorms weren't exactly better options, but maybe Diasomnia or Ignihyde would be nice. They were both known for keeping to themselves. It would be nice not to have anyone expecting him to socialize much. At least he was able to make this cliffside a safe space where he doesn’t have to talk. Away from noises. Away from chaos. Away from people.

Sadly, it was probably time to get up. Ivory dug through his vest pocket and grabbed his pocket watch. He checked it and… Late. Late! LATE! How could he be late on such an important date? Well, to be completely truthful, today isn't incredibly important to him. But he’d rather not lose his head, so it's best to be at the Unbirthday Party. He was still in his school uniform and on the other side of campus. Why was his calm spot so far from the dorms?

He shoved his watch back into his pocket and scrambled up, almost taking clumps of grass with him. He should have checked his watch before. Riddle will be MAD. Could Trey help him or at least pacify Riddle? The house warden had most of the power in the dorm. Ivory can’t get anyone like that mad at him. Also what about his grades? He needed his magic for those!

Ivory ran and ran. Trees and school buildings pass by him. Each foot pounded down, kicking up dirt and grass behind him. Now he probably even needs to shower with all the dirt covering him, and with how much he was probably sweating. He could still make it if he didn't stop, right? Ivory was a rabbit beastman. He was a fast runner.

After running for what felt like centuries, the trees stopped appearing, and he saw the statues of Main Street. The center of the campus! Half way! How much longer did he need? He dug back down into his pocket and looked down to check what he was grabbing, but the minute he couldn't see his surroundings, someone slammed into his side.

Ivory hit the hard stone, feeling some free pebbles dig into any exposed skin. What's worse, his watch flung out of his pocket, and if it weren't for its chain, it would have flown further.

“Owww.…” Ivory’s voice fell in both pain and a feeling of futility. He’s not making it to the party, is he? Would Riddle accept him being run into as an excuse? The stones were way too sharp, and he probably got cut too. More for the excuse hopefully.

There was one issue, his eyes betrayed him and tears pricked the corner of his eyes. He just wanted to lay there and cry. The jagged stones definitely did some digging into his skin. Could he just not exist peacefully for one day? Of course not the fated servant would never get his deserved break. He didn’t want to be here. He didn’t want to be at a party. Just exist as nothing. He would chew out everything in his way if he didn’t fear what would happen to his reputation. He just kept his eyes screwed shut.

Rustling a bit away from Ivory got his attention, but he couldn’t bring himself to look.“Is that you, rabbit? Can’t even get up? Shihihi.” That laugh. That stupid laugh. That got his eyes open. “You’re alive! Welcome back!”

“Hello, Ruggie. So nice to see you again. Sadly, I have a party I must get to.” As he spoke, he instantly shot up, trying to clean off the gravel. He stood over the hyena and gave a smile he hoped Ruggie could see was fake. Could see him clenching his jaw and the disdain in his eyes. This hyena can’t leave him alone. He can’t be afforded that simple luxury?

Truth be told, Ivory didn't have a reason to hate Ruggie. At least, not a reason he, himself, wasn't guilty of, but he can't help but view this hyena as nothing more than a rat. A suck-up to Leona. It would be a valid rebuttal to say Ivory was a suck-up to Riddle, just as intentionally as Ruggie was to Leona, but Ruggie seemed somehow proud of himself. Proud of serving another? Ridiculous. It was suffering you had to get through until you would be served. Who would be proud of the worst stage in their life? No matter how much you learn to persevere, scheme, or become a ‘hard worker’. Servants are worthless until they can get their own power.

Plus Ruggie had gotten in his way too many times to give any sort of mutual respect. Ivory would prefer to stay away from any struggle between powerful people, even if it was just two subordinates meeting.

“Another tea party? You guys have those every other day, don't you?” By now Ruggie was also standing. He spoke in the most jovial tone. It was nothing but maddening.

“Once a month.” He checked his watch as he started walking to Heartslabyul. He was certainly late. Even if he ran now, it would be of no use. “You should get back to whatever errand Leona sent you on. You were running just as I was.”

“You say that like he’d be mad I waited a few extra minutes to grab him his extra pen. He's probably sleeping now anyways. Mind me coming with you? I won't cause trouble, just grab some food and go. I could fix your hair as payment. Shihihi.”

His hair? His hair! As he reached back he couldn't find his usual tie. Instead with every stroke, he could feel some rubble. His hair is normally pristine, as ordered, and tied back into a braid. If he can't find his hair tie, the cheapskate hyena is paying him back, no matter how cheap it is and how many he has back at his dorm. Maybe even more for laughing at him.

Suddenly a hand with a red band is right in front of his face. His hair tie isn't gone luckily, but it would be nice to see Ruggie have to pay up, also he now has a small debt to him, even an ever so minor one.

Ivory snatches it back as his other hand combs through his hair. A ‘thank you’ sounds through gritted teeth. “Fine, you can come on my invite, but you must see the party through fully. You can't leave once you fill yourself with food. Rules numbered 136 and 243: All debts must be repaid and One must stay for a party for the full stated time unless there is an emergency. The full-time for Unbirthday parties is three hours. Also, don't bring any boxes or containers to store food, that's just improper without the party head.”

Ruggie made a very audible ‘yes!’ right before he immediately followed right between Ivory. Maybe the rat would mistakenly break some obscure rule. A collar for inviting him would even feel vindicating if he got to see the kindly invited guest be punished too.

I was going to draw Ivory but didn’t find the time, so here are some picrew a of him for the moment and I’ll probably post a drawing of him at some point.