Althea.

You were nervous. And you naturally had every right to be. 

You stood in the kitchen with Grim hovering around your legs. In his little paws was a fish shaped cookie made of chocolate powder and sugar. He demanded that you make him at least one treat for the holiday since he matters more to you than anyone else on campus. So he says. 

You were looking over a different set of treats with scrutiny. They were molded into little hearts; bite-sized and easy to eat. A pale, sun kissed color and dusted in a thin sheet of powdered sugar. They sat on the table encased in a small plastic wrapped bag. Tied shut with a thin yellow ribbon. You purchased some lemon extract from Sam’s shop about a week ago. According to your favorite salesman, it was supposed to help you get closer to someone you were interested in.  

Sadly, the person who caught your one sided affections suffered from social anxiety. He rarely left his room and on the occasion he did; tragedy struck the campus in one way or another. At the most you wanted to become proper friends with him if nothing else. And today was Valentines Day according to the calendar in your world. The perfect holiday for giving gifts filled with love. Both platonic and romantic.  

“Are you ready or not? We’re gonna be late!” Grim asked, taking another bite of his cookie as you jolted in alarm. You took the bag into your hands and tucked it into your blazer pocket. “Yeah! I’m ready.” There’s no turning back now. You had to be brave. Rejection may hurt but at least you tried. “Come on Grim.” You took Grim’s little paw in your hand as you left the dorm together. And with a final crunch, Grim’s chocolate cookie was gone.  

Crumbs coated his muzzle that you would have to wipe off before classes started. It was a sunny day with a few fluffy clouds scattered across the blue canvas. You told some friends good morning as you entered your first class with Grim seated next to you. As time went on you noticed that you hadn’t seen the man you were looking for. Classes proceeded as normal, and you silently repeated an introduction in your head. You know that Idia is awkward during social interactions. You didn’t want to scare him away. He at least knows who you are. 

The two of you are mutuals online. You play the same gacha game, you sometimes get help from him in an RPG which is usually him escorting you through a high level dungeon to xp farm. But you hadn’t actually spoken to him in person. And when you tried he always turned red in the face and ran off.  

Upon asking Ortho for the reason he just told you ‘Idia is like that’.  

You sighed as you doodled in the margin of your notebook. Zoning out during history with your chin in the palm of your opposite hand. Grim was falling asleep beside you. Leaning against your body with his large eyes fluttering shut. You had managed to speak to Idia’s younger brother before your history class started. Which was the cause of your defaltion in mood. “He’s not here today..?” Your shoulders sagged as you looked down at Ortho. He gave you a small nod, the small blue flames danced on his head as he folded his hands together.  

According to Ortho, today was a holiday that existed in most of Idia’s online games. So he was absent to collect his in game rewards and was attending class virtually. You would have to go and see him once classes ended for the day. Bringing the cookies with you to school left you with a sensation of defeat. You were hoping to have something magical. A scene pulled straight from a movie or a romance book. Standing beneath the budding apple trees finally blooming with little white flowers, looking coy and presenting the treats to Idia. Then you would kiss... Well, in your fantasy with Idia, that’s what happened. You knew you were too awkward to actually try to get on your toes to kiss him first. 

Once school ended you took Grim’s paw in your hand and made your way to the school doors. “What happened to your cookies? I thought they were a gif?” He asked, poking at your blazer pocket as you frowned. “The person I wanted to give them to wasn’t here.” Even though you didn’t tell Idia your plan to give him cookies you felt like you had been stood up. “Can I have them?” Grim had a hopeful sparkle in his eye as your eyebrows creased. “What? No. They aren’t for you to eat you’ll get sick.” You had a semi-stern tone with Grim and watched as his ears folded back. The Direbeast was pouting now. 

“I’m serious, Sam said you can’t have any.” You weren’t trying to be mean to him. “That’s why you got a special Valentine’s Day cookie.” A smile grew on your face as you pushed open the heavy wooden door and led Grim down the stone carved stairs. You could see his expression starting to brighten up. His cerulean eyes glistening and proud. “Just for me..?” He asked as his tail began to wag. “I mean, of course! Because the Great Mage Grim is the best! And he gets a special gift thats one of one from his hench human!” He was starting to smirk and you fought back a giggle. 

“Next year for Valden Times Day I’ll make you a cookie too, a surprise cookie and no one else can have it!” Grim declared through his awkward pronunciation of the holiday. You wouldn’t mind having a tradition with Grim. Who knows how long you’ll be in Twisted Wonderland? Considering the fact that Crowley is taking his sweet time finding a way for you to go home. 

As you reached the Hall of Mirrors, you hesitated to enter. Would it be a good idea to bring Grim? You didn’t want him to see you get rejected. But you knew Idia was fond of him. It could score you some brownie points. But was it worth it? “I have a quick stop in another dorm before going back to Ramshackle.” You gave Grim’s paw a little squeeze and he looked up at you with suspicion. “Which one..?” You didn’t tell Grim who the cookies were for. And you didn’t expect him to have the intelligence necessary to figure it out. 

“Ignihyde-”  “Why?! Ignihyde sucks. That blue haired skeleton tricked me last time and all the guys in there are creepy!” He whined as he began to drag his feet. “Griiiimmm it’s like five minutes.” You pleaded as Grim’s paw slipped loose the closer you got to the entryway. 

The both of you were standing across from one another groaning now. “The Fantastic and Spectacular Mage Grim of Ramshackle is hungry and wants dinnerrrrrr...”  “Well, The amazing hench human from Not-Around-Here has a super-mega-important thing to dooooo... Right noooowww...” You couldn’t skip out on this. You rarely saw Idia and you didn’t want the cookies to get stale. There were three seconds of silence before Grim cracked first.  

His eyes scanned over you as his expression hardened. “If... If someone tries anything then just yell for me! And I’ll come save you!” Grim darted up to your legs to give you a hug. His nose pressed against your hip as you blinked in surprise. Grim never went anywhere alone. Even with the bathroom he made you wait outside the door or else he would cry. “I promise it won’t take me long. I’ll meet you back at the dorm.” You reached down to pet his head before the two of you separated.  

Grim cast one final sad look before taking off down the stone path where it diverged into dirt and forest leading to Ramshackle. You exhaled a breath of relief to let go of any anxiety and nerves. It would be quick. Keep the conversation short. Say hello. Be polite. Ask for his phone number. Maybe not his phone number... Ask if it’s okay to email...  

Your throat was drying up as you passed through the mirrors magic glass. Ignihyde was always freezing cold and uncomfortably humid. You weren’t too sure where Idia’s room was. But asking someone was no easy feat. As you entered the building, you approached someone hoping for help. But the sight of your kind smile freaked him out. He was scurrying away to hide most likely.  

The patterned repeated three more times until you caught sight of Ortho again. “Oh thank god. Er- The seven.” You corrected yourself awkwardly reminding yourself that this world has no concept of Christ. “Ortho! Hang on, wait!” You waved a hand as you rushed over to him on the opposite end of the metallic hall. The cookies jostled in your blazer pocket and you quickly adjusted them as you stumbled up to the younger Shroud. “Hello again! Did you need something? I can give you over three thousand solutions to any problem.” Ortho offered sweetly as you started to relax. 

Finally, someone who isn’t a shut in.  

“Uhh, I was looking for Idia actually. You mentioned earlier that he was staying in his room today. I just had a gift for him.” You pulled out the small bag of cookies. Some of them had cracked and gotten crushed at the very bottom of the bag. But they were mostly salvageable. And you were positive that Idia wouldn’t care about presentation. 

Ortho looked at the cookies. His head tilted with a mechanical whirr and you heard a small beep erupt from within his chest. His eyes fell half lidded and suspicious. “I see.” His tone was flat as he went from hovering to standing. His arms crossed as he looked up at you with disapproval. Your heart began to sink as you looked between the cookies then Ortho. “Wh... What?” Did he decide the cookies weren’t good enough for Idia?  

You watched Ortho tap a finger against his arm before eyeing you up and down. “What did you put in those cookies?” Your eyebrows creased and you parted your lips to explain. Was it the lemon extract? Was it bad? Did Sam sell you something that expired? Maybe it was poisoned? You didn’t have time to try your creations and test the potential effects. “Actually, that’s disgusting I don’t care.” He rescinded your chance to speak. “Disgust-” 

“Take the elevator to the third floor, make a left, then two rights, cross the atrium then you make three lefts it’s the door on the right.” Ortho’s instructions felt too fast for you to keep up with but clearly, he was upset with you because of the gift. When you tried to speak again, he held up his hand to silence you before floating away. “Figure it out.” And with that he was gone. 

It felt like everything was trying to prevent you from seeing Idia today. You looked at the cookies in your palms with a frown. “Does Idia not like lemon?” You knew he liked gummy worms and candy but surely he wasn’t picky about flavoring? You took the elevator first with the gift tucked into your blazer pocket once more. You tried to recite Ortho’s instructions, getting lost in the maze of dorms until a shy student politely directed you the rest of the way. You finally made it. You can finally understand the true appeal of completing an RPG quest now. 

You took a final deep breath, smoothing out your uniform and adjusting your skirt before knocking on the door. “Excuse me? Idia? Are you here?” You told him your name, then your username. It was almost a reminder of how distant the two of you really are. 

The door suddenly cracked open. Lapping at the frame were flaming strands of blue hair. His yellow eyes scanned over you before he opened the door further. His lanky body slouched as his gaze met yours. He was dressed in dark blue sweatpants and black t-shirt saying something unreadable due to the extreme goregrind font in neon orange. “What?” He asked, keeping it short as your muscles tense up with fear. Idia can be both blunt and rude. You didn’t want to risk bursting into tears today. “Oh! I, uh, made you some cookies.” You held up the small plastic bag as he looked at them with a frown. “... For what?” Idia asked as his pale hand reached to gingerly accept the small bag. 

A sign of progress. At least for you.  

“Today is Valentine’s Day so I wanted to make you something.” You smiled with a small shrug of your shoulders. You looked down at the tips of your shoes as heat settled in your face. You felt embarrassed and a little lame for the gift. You know that Idia loves candy and snacks. Did this read as you being a stalker? What if he genuinely didn’t like lemon and Ortho was upset on his older brothers behalf?  

Before you could shrink away, the door was fully open now. Idia straightened his posture and stood at full height. You often forget that he was tall. “Just come in. I’ll share with you since I’m working on something.” He motioned with his hand to wave you into his bedroom.  

“Also, you’ll attract attention. I don’t want anyone poking their head around a corner and misunderstanding anything...” He grumbled as you ducked pass Idia and entered the bedroom. Looking around in awe at his bookshelves and poor cable management. “Girls don’t usually show up on campus. And they don’t come anywhere near this dorm.” Idia sighed as he walked over to his PC and sat in his swivel chair.  

It was organized chaos. A clothes pile here, a stack of light novels there, a death metal idol group on that wall, an RPG anniversary poster on this wall. And it smelled shockingly good. Not to mention well ventilated in the space. A small crunch made your head swivel in the direction of the desk. You could see Idia’s long pale fingers taking and snacking on the small cookies. “I thought...” You trailed off, watching him eat with his right hand and type with his left. “What? I’m still sharing with you. I’m busy.” He was starting to scowl as you skittishly approached and peered over his shoulder at the monitor screens.  

He was coding... Something. All the monitors and open applications filled with code were leaving you in a daze. You were trying to read what was on the screen. Your eyes squinted and only the tickle of Idia’s hair told you how close you had leaned in. “It’s for work.” The tired tone in his voice caused you to jolt. “Oh, sorry-”  “You aren’t smart enough to understand it. So don’t bother reading the screen.” He snickered as his sharp teeth appeared in a smug smile. Your posture started to sag as your narrowed eyes became a glare.  

Once your gazes locked did Idia’s demeanor change. The tips of his hair began to flush with a pale pink as his expression fell. “Sorry. Not funny.” His apology was muffled as he simultaneously ate and used his left hand to type. Occasionally stopping to use his mouse. “The cookies are seriously good. One hundred plus xp gained for your mission. The baking guild awaits.” He commented softly as he went back to eating. Briefly pulling his hand away from the bag for you to have a few of the cookies you made. “I thought Hearts Day was an in game thing only. It’s cool that you celebrate irl. ‘Valend Tine’ is a weird word though.” His soft voice helped you relax as you savored the delicate lemon and sugar taste of the cookies.  

Idia wasn’t lying about how good they tasted. “It’s a real holiday in my world. You give chocolate or cookies or candy to the person you like.” You explained as your tongue rolled over your top lip to taste any remnants of sugar. “You like me?” Idia asked as your heart fell into your shoes. Your face became hot. “Like a friend! Friends in person!” You jolted back with a defensive tone. Your hands raised as you tried to clear up the misunderstanding.  

Idia is very handsome. You liked how tall he was in person. He was blunt and honest, but he was so cute when he gushed over all of the things he liked. And he let you info dump on him too. Usually it was through voice call or text in game. But you wanted to get to know him better in person too. “I want us to be friends outside of our games too because I like you in a very normal person way.” Your phrasing was awkward and your palms were becoming clammy. 

E-Dating is cringe if the guy you like is a 15 minute walk away. You needed to establish holding hands and casual dating in person first. Idia pulled his hand away from his keyboard as he reached into the bag of cookies again. He looked uncomfortable. “You... You want me to go outside..?” He whimpered and you quickly shook your head. “No, nothing like that! Just... Maybe we could have a LAN party sometime. Sometimes it can be nice to have another person around.” You knew what it was like to be alone. 

Even if everyone was in the same room doing their own thing; you preferred that more than rotting away in bed.  

Idia was combing his long pale fingers through his hair. A small blush formed on his cheeks as a smile grew on his face. “As long as I don’t have to leave the Lair of Shroud I don’t care.” He snorted softly before turning back to the screen. He was braiding the end of his hair now. His smile looked less smug and more giddy. “And I can see your set up and replicate it in here... So that way we can speak in real time in case vc fails again.” Idia’s voice left your heart fluttering with joy. 

This went way better than you thought. The cookies were finished and you and Idia started to catch up. You found yourself kicking off your shoes and sitting on his bed. The two of you going back and forth with your shared horror stories of disconnecting servers and party members bailing on you during battle. “Ramshackle has the worst wifi signal because it’s surrounded by trees. I refuse to climb onto the roof to install an antenna.” You had tried making a tower of tinfoil, using copper and electrical tape for a makeshift (and extremely dangerous) bootleg ethernet cable. All so you could be online with Idia. “When I’m not busy, I’ll come over and check if you have any plugs meant for ethernet. If Ramshackle has electricity; it must have at least one outlet.” Idia offered as you laid back on his bed. Staring up at the ceiling with a smile. 

“Thank you.” You whispered as you curled your toes tight in your socks. The room felt warmer than before. You didn’t plan to stay all night since Grim was waiting in Ramshackle for you. Maybe the heat was because of all of his equipment? Or maybe it was his hair? There was a soft crinkle of Idia taking the empty plastic bag from his desk and into in his fingers. “I’m happy you liked the cookies. Ortho made it seem like something was wrong with them.” The joke was your way of conjuring up some clues on what Ortho’s attitude was about. 

Idia’s younger brother is sweet and cheery. You wanted to pinch his silicone cheeks and dote on him. But his sudden flip in personality was a sign of concern. We’re you a bad person for giving Idia the cookies even if you knew subconsciously, they were tainted by something? No. You already came here and you ate some too. And if they were harmful or poisonous for Idia to consume; Ortho would have told you or turned you into a pile of ash where you stood. 

Idia was quiet at his desk. His swivel chair creaked as he rocked back and forth. “He sent me a text with the ingredients before you got up here.” His soft voice held a strain now as he ducked his head towards his desk. You could see the pink in his hair crawling higher and higher towards his scalp. “I mean... I get it. Yeah... I didn’t know it was like that.” Idia was squirming as you stayed relaxed against his mattress. You weren’t sure what he was talking about.  

You could feel a familiar warmth blooming between your thighs. How the flesh became sensitive against the cotton crotch of your panties and how your uniform felt uncomfortably tight. Your finger hooked itself into the knot for your school tie and tugged until it was loose. You should leave soon. 

“... What?” The whisper that passed your lips didn’t sound like you at all. Your brows creased and you could feel your body getting heavier. You couldn’t remember what Idia said to you. The lemon extract that Sam sold you was to help create a nonexistent connection or strengthen it. So why do you feel like this?  

You pressed your thighs together as you heard Idia’s chair creak. There was the soft pat of his feet against the carpet. His hair was wild in the darkening room as he loomed over you. His face flushed and red. Was he sick? “Is this kind of thing okay?” He asked as he pressed his knee against the bed.  

The weight shifted as you slowly sat up. Looking up at Idia with half lidded eyes. You could feel a small gush of slick coating the fabric of your underwear. Darkening the color as you looked up with a small frown. “The cookies..?” You didn’t understand. Was this what Sam meant? Sure you have needs and you get horny but sex on the first date isn’t something you planned for.  

You didn’t wear any cute underwear; you didn’t have much on for makeup and your hair looked basic. Idia is straddling your hips now. When he rested his weight on you the sensation of his cock through his sweatpants made you moan. The slight twitch lit a fire in your stomach. You laid still as he rested a hand on your chest, experimentally palming your breast and feeling the cup of your bra in his way. “I won’t if you say no... I’m not that kind of guy but I’m guessing that because of the cookies...” Idia was mumbling as he started pulling your uniform shirt. Freeing you from the fabric constraints and removing your tie so he had a better view of your chest. 

Your bra was plain, but to Idia it was a work of art. A marvel he only beheld in porn and cam websites when he donated enough for a topless stream. “Idia..?” His name danced on the tip of your tongue as he suddenly slipped his hands beneath the fabric of your bra. Shoveling it up over your tits to reveal the mounds of flesh. “Woah.” He whispered, his hands quickly finding your bare skin to tease and grope your breasts.  

Your back arched from the sudden touch. You weren’t this turned off by just playing with your nipples. But you felt like you could orgasm with just enough teasing. Your eyes fluttered shut as Idia pulled at your nipples, his hands kneading the flesh like soft dough as he giggled to himself. “No way, real boobs feel like this?” He whispered and you clicked your tongue with a small roll of your eyes. 

You couldn’t help but smile too. At least someone appreciated your chest. “Can we kiss?” Idia asked softly from above. Pulling on your left nipple, pinching it gently as you twitched and whimpered against the blue sheets. You gave him a small nod. You would be happier if kissing was involved.  

You don’t know what happened but Idia’s weight was crushing you. For someone so thin he was pretty heavy. His lips moved feverishly against yours. A string of curses melted between your combined gasps and mewls as you wrapped your arms around him. His hair was tickling your skin as he pressed his tongue against yours. His sharp teeth occasionally nipping at your lips as you allowed him to rock his hips against your willing body. 

Maybe this was a good thing. You knew you wouldn’t regret having sex with Idia. Even if this was a passing crush and never became anything beyond being friends you wouldn’t have anyone else in his place. You were positive he felt the same. “You feel good.” He murmured as you tried to respond with a weak ‘thank you’. Only to be drowned out by his hands grabbing the waist band of your skirt and everything underneath to peel off of you. “In my way.”  

Idia’s tone sounded a little more aggressive. But you agreed in silence. The fabric was overstimulating and you needed some relief. Even if that meant stripping down entirely. “You… You’re doing this for me… Just me…” Idia was whispering to himself between kisses. His long fingers diving between your folds as the remnants of your uniform were discarded to the floor. He only paused to take off his shirt before going back for more kissing. 

Your hands roamed over his cold skin, you could feel some of his lean muscles. Some of the places where bones jut out from how thin he was. Maybe you could fatten him up a little more. You gasped as his fingers teased your clit in slow circles. “It’s here right?” He asked for confirmation and you nodded. Your thighs shaking as he sped up.  

His cock resting against your thigh as your walls fluttered and convulsed helplessly. Your hips rocking up into his hand as he kissed and kissed until you were breathless. Your nipples hard and perked in the cool air of the room as sweat collected on your body. “O-Oh um gonna…” You whispered weakly suddenly trying to close your legs and push Idia away. The orgasm that was ready to crash over you felt like it was going to be intense. “I-Idia?!” You tried calling his name to get his attention. But he used his arms to keep your legs pried open.  

Teasing and bullying your clit with quick and hard strokes as you started to cum. A soft scream ripping through your throat as your toes curled into the blankets. Your entire body tensed up as you gasped and struggled to breathe. Your pussy fluttered as it leaked with clear, orgasmic fluid. Dripping onto Idia’s sheets as you started to relax. Shuddering as Idia slipped his fingers inside to pump slowly.  

The inner muscles were sensitive but relaxed. Your sounds were getting louder as Idia started to remove his sweatpants. His cock was erect, the tip was a bright blue color to your surprise. It was shiny with precum that dripped onto your thigh as he pulled away from you. He didn’t ask before starting to manhandle your body. Pushing you onto your stomach and re-arranging you both until your ass was raised in the air and Idia was behind you. You had the luxury of being at the head of his bed now.  

The soft pillows welcomed you with the faint scent of linen and pomegranate detergent. “You really made those cookies just for me right? No one else got any?” He sounded like he was pleading for that to be the case as you hugged one of his pillows. “No, well, Grim got a cookie but…” You lost your train of thought as the flared tip of his cock rubbed against your clit. The lewd wet sound made your bottom lip tremble. “So it’s not just me…” He slapped the heavy flesh against your aching cunt. Rubbing his cock between your folds and coating his shaft in your juices. 

He whispered something under his breath you didn’t catch. All you could focus on was the slow sink of his shaft inside of you. Pushing slowly into your pussy, your walls accommodating his girth and length as you pressed your head into the soft pillows below. His right hand held your hip tight, and suddenly his left hand grabbed your hair and pulled. 

Hard enough for you to yelp. But not enough to cause a sense of panic. He started a steady rhythm, deep and slow to get used to the sensation. Your eyes were already rolling back at the feeling of him being so deep inside of you. Your legs were shaking as he held you upright by your scalp. Mumbling and growling to himself as he thrusted and ground his pelvis into yours.  

It wasn’t long before Idia’s hips bullied into your ass. His hand tightly gripping your hair and pulling back on your head as he fucked you from behind. His body leaning over yours as if intending to flatten you against the bed. “So you wanted attention? You’re a slut aren’t you?” You are not. “You did this so I would have sex with you. Just ask next time.” Idia panted in your ear. Nipping and biting the soft cartilage shell. “You always have your tits out too, you just like attention from guys. That’s why you came to see me. Right? Because you were bored?” He demanded an answer as you gasped and whined in response. A trail of drool was making it’s way down your chin as your vision fluttered from the overwhelming stimulation.  

Each time his balls swatted your clit it was like your nerves were being electrocuted. Leaving your brain fried and useless. “Cause... I like you...” The confession was almost drowned out by the sounds of slapping skin. Idia pulled on your scalp, turning your head to meet him as he kissed you again.  

His sharp teeth nicking your lips and tongue as you allowed the pain to fade into pleasure. The bed rocked and creaked as Idia flattened your body underneath his his moaned we’re becoming higher pitched as his once languid thrusts became quicker and rougher. Pushing you into the mattress as tears of pleasure beaded in your eyes. Your mouth agape as you felt the next orgasm crashing over you. Your nails found some part of Idia to cling to as he fucked you through it.  

Your walls gripping and attempting to milk him of his seed as you laid boneless and happy against the sheets. Feeling his body shake and suddenly relax on top of yours like a blanket. You gasped softly for air, your hair sweaty and clinging to your skin. “M’sorey…” Idia grumbled from on top of you. As you looked up, only now did you notice the soft pink had gone brilliant orange.  

AND THEM HANDS??? oh, don't get me started on this man's hands―UGH TAKE ME NOW. they can hold you down, and i mean pinned down ! perks of being a gamer, gripping your wrists down together above your head or at your side is like holding a game controller. despite his slender appearance, idia can most definitely keep you down if he actually tries.

i also feel like idia would be the type to try out different toys, IM NOT EXACTLY SURE WHAT KIND, LITERALLY ANY HE MAY FIND THAT HE THINKS WILL GET YOU GOING. bonus points if you give him the same treatment. he would experiment different kinds of vibrators on you and keep them in the back of his mind.

idia shroud is a switch, and will most definitely top you when he feels like it. maybe fuck him once or twice and get him to cum fast―not that you barely have to try―he'll try to beat your record by remembering all the ways to get you crying out his name in disheveled gasps.

man, i luv my bf guys...

end notes ; scared to post this because i don't want people to come at me saying this is all inaccurate, im always scared of mischaracterisation and cry about it for a whole day (⁠˘⁠･⁠_⁠･⁠˘⁠)

𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐲𝐥𝐮𝐯𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐮 𝜗ৎ ― 2026

Riddle Rosehearts

It was a peaceful afternoon in the Rosehearts household, tea steaming gently on the table, a book resting on Riddle’s lap as he enjoyed a rare quiet moment. That calm, of course, didn’t last long.

“Papa?” a small voice piped up.

Riddle looked up from his book to see his son, clutching something behind his back. His expression softened immediately. “Yes? What is it?”

The boy fidgeted a little before pulling out a colorful picture book. “I found this in the library! It says babies come from a lady’s belly.”

Riddle blinked. His heart skipped a beat. “…Ah. Yes, that’s… technically correct.”

The boy tilted his head, eyes wide and curious. “But how do they get in there?”

Riddle’s face went pale in an instant. His teacup trembled slightly as he set it down with a clink.

He opened his mouth once. Closed it. Opened it again. “…That’s… quite the question,” he said carefully, voice a touch higher than usual.

His son just waited patiently, eyes expectant.

“Well…” Riddle began, straightening his posture and trying his best. “That’s… a topic for when you’re a bit older. Much older, in fact.”

“But I wanna know now!”

Riddle’s composure was visibly cracking. His ears were red, and his hand twitched like he wanted to point at something…anything…just to avoid the conversation.

“Er…tell me, where did you find that book?” he asked quickly, slipping into full on parent mode. “Perhaps I should… ah… put it somewhere safer.”

His son blinked up at him innocently. “It was on the bottom shelf in the library. Next to the gardening books!”

“Of course it was,” Riddle muttered under his breath, massaging his temple.

He stood and gently patted his son’s head. “Thank you for telling me, dear. Why don’t you go wash your hands and get ready for snack time? I’ll, ah… take care of this book for now.”

As the little boy skipped away happily, Riddle sighed in relief, clutching the offending picture book to his chest. He definitely wasn’t ready for that conversation. Maybe when his son turned sixteen. Or twenty.

He glanced toward the kitchen, where you were humming to yourself, and murmured under his breath, “You’re handling the next round of questions, my rose.”

Leona Kingscholar

The late afternoon sun was warm, golden, and perfect for napping. Leona was stretched out on the couch in the living room, one arm slung over his face, tail flicking lazily against the cushions. He was deep in dreamland, that rare, blissful state where no one was pestering him about duties or responsibilities.

At least… until a small voice shattered the peace.

“Daddy!”

He groaned, one eye cracking open. “…Im sleeping, cub.”

His daughter, of course, didn’t care. She bounced up beside him, eyes wide with that unstoppable curiosity she definitely inherited from you.

“So, I was with Uncle Ruggie today,” she began, completely ignoring his grumbling. “We were buying fruit, and I saw this lady with a huge belly! I asked Uncle Ruggie why it was so big, and he said she’s pregnant!”

Leona’s tail stopped moving.

“Uh-huh…” he said warily.

“Then I asked him how the baby got in there!?” she continued innocently. “And he said I should ask you!”

Both his eyes snapped open.

That traitor.

He sat up, squinting at his daughter for a long, silent moment while mentally debating whether to strangle Ruggie later or fake dead his way out of this conversation.

But her wide, curious eyes and trusting little face made him sigh in defeat.

Alright. Time to improvise.

“Well, you see, cub…” he started slowly, scratching his neck. “When a man and a woman really love each other, they… uh… wanna get close to each other.”

She tilted her head. “Like hugging?”

Leona froze for a beat, then seized on the opportunity. “Exactly. Hugging. When a woman hugs a man too much, sometimes a baby starts growin’ in her belly.”

Her eyes went wide. “Really!?”

“Yep” he said, nodding, proud of his quick save. “So, you’d better not let any little boys hug you, got it?”

She gasped and nodded fiercely. “Okay! No boys allowed!”

“’Atta girl” he said with a grin, already lying back down.

But then

“What about you, Daddy? You’re a boy too!”

Leona cracked a lazy smile, patting her head. “Family doesn’t count. You can hug me all you want, cub.”

Satisfied with his brilliant parenting, he went right back to sleep.

A few days later…

Leona was rudely awakened again, this time by you standing over him, arms crossed, foot tapping, with your phone in hand.

“Leona Kingscholar” you said in that dangerous calm voice.

He cracked one eye open. “…what’d I do now?”

You crossed your arms tighter. “Why did Jack just call me to say our daughter refused to hug him because she ‘doesn’t want a baby in her belly’!?”

Leona blinked. Then blinked again.

Then snorted, tail flicking lazily as a smirk spread across his face. “Hah. Guess she listens well. Smart kid.”

You gawked at him. “Leona!”

He chuckled and rolled over, muffling his laughter in a pillow. “What? I was improvisin’, herbivore. Better she learns that than the real thing.”

You groaned, dragging a hand down your face. “You’re impossible.”

Azul Ashengrotto

It was a calm, quiet evening drive, or, well, it had been.

Azul’s hands rested neatly on the steering wheel, eyes on the road, the faint hum of the engine mixing with the rhythmic tap of his fingers. The wind through the open window made him feel almost relaxed after a long day of paperwork.

In the backseat, his daughter was happily swinging her legs, clutching a little plush octopus that Jade had given her earlier.

“I had sooo much fun with Uncle Jade today!” she said brightly. “He even let me watch TV!”

Azul’s smile twitched. “…He did, did he?”

He loved his business partner like a brother, but too much screen time for his little girl? That was not on the list of approved activities. He made a mental note to discuss this with Jade later.

“What did you watch, sweetheart?” he asked, forcing a calm tone.

“A documentary!” she chirped proudly. “It was about octopuses! Did you know they come from eggs?”

Azul blinked. “Ah, yes, I’m aware.”

“Uncle Jade said that baby octopuses hatch from eggs, and I saw it!” she continued, eyes wide. “So… does that mean I came from an egg too?”

Azul nearly swerved.

He cleared his throat, gripping the steering wheel tighter. “N-No, my dear, absolutely not. You did not come from an egg.”

She tilted her head, confused. “Then… where did I come from?”

He tried to choose his words very carefully. “From your mother’s belly.”

For a blissful three seconds, there was silence. Azul allowed himself a small sigh of relief. Maybe that would be the end of it…

“But how did I get in Mommy’s belly?”

Azul froze.

His jaw locked, his eyes flicking toward the road like they could save him from this question.That was the exact moment he realized, he made a terrible, terrible mistake.

The car went quiet for several seconds.

Finally, Azul inhaled deeply through his nose, straightened his tie, and with the smoothest voice he could muster said

“That… is an excellent question, darling.”

A pause.

Then, with a perfectly polite smile that masked his absolute internal panic

“I think… your mother can explain that one far better than I can.”

“Really?” she asked. “But you’re smart, Daddy!”

His eye twitched. “Y-Yes, well, even geniuses know when to defer to the proper authority.”

She beamed, totally oblivious. “Okay! I’ll ask Mommy when we get home!”

Azul’s knuckles went white around the steering wheel. “…Wonderful.”

By the time he pulled into the driveway, he was sweating. The moment he saw you at the door, he gave you that please handle this before I collapse look.

You blinked, already suspicious. “Azul? Everything alright?”

He adjusted his glasses with a stiff smile. “Oh, yes, my pearl. Our daughter just had… a few educational questions for you.”

And then he fled to his office before you could ask why.

Jamil Viper

It was one of those calm afternoons when everything was, for once, normal. Just Jamil quietly chopping vegetables in the kitchen while the smell of spiced curry filled the air.

Then, his son came in, dragging his favorite toy snake by the tail.

“Dad?”

Jamil hummed without looking up, still chopping onions with practiced ease. “Mm?”

“I’m lonely at home” the boy said, lower lip puffed out. “I want a little brother or sister to play with.”

Jamil paused, his knife hovering in the air. Ah. There it was. The kind of conversation he was not emotionally prepared for before lunch.

He turned slightly, offering a patient smile. “That’s… not really something you can just get in a minute, you know. It’s not that easy.”

“But why?”

“Because…” he started, already regretting opening his mouth. “…babies are… complicated.”

His son tilted his head, clearly not satisfied. “Where do babies come from, then?”

Jamil froze. His expression didn’t change, outwardly calm, perfectly neutral, but internally, he was screaming.

He stood there for a long moment, considering all his options. Then, with the same cool composure he gave the smartest answer he could think of

“You should ask your mother.”

And that was that. Or so he thought.

Five peaceful minutes passed. He went back to chopping vegetables, humming softly to himself, mentally congratulating his quick thinking. Then tiny footsteps returned.

He didn’t even turn around when he heard his son’s voice again. “Dad?”

“Yes?”

“Mom said to tell you…”

The tone. Jamil already knew this wasn’t going to end well. He slowly turned, raising an eyebrow. “…What did she say?”

“She said, ‘I carried, now you explain it.’”

Jamil blinked. Once. Twice. Then stared blankly at the wall like his brain had just blue screened. There was a long, painful silence. The kind that only happened when Jamil was truly defeated.

He finally exhaled, setting down the knife and rubbing his temples. “…Of course she did.”

His son watched, eyes bright. “So? Where do they come from?”

Jamil gave him a long, serious look, the kind that could silence a whole room.

Then he said, in the calmest voice possible “You know, maybe it’s time you and your mother both went to visit Uncle Kalim. I’m sure he’d love to explain it.”

“Really? Yay!” the boy cheered and ran off toward the living room, leaving Jamil staring into the middle distance.

He sighed deeply, muttering under his breath, “If Kalim actually tries, I’m moving out.”

Vil Schoenheit

The court of Princess Schoenheit’s tea party was in session.

Plastic tiaras, sparkling tulle skirts, mismatched dolls and at the center of it all sat Vil and his little daughter, sipping “tea” from pink plastic cups with all the grace.

“Thank you for the invitation, my darling” Vil said smoothly, crossing one leg over the other with dramatic elegance. “This blend of chamomile is divine.”

His daughter giggled, her golden curls bouncing. “Thank you Papa! I made it myself!”

“Of course you did,” he said proudly, pretending to take a delicate sip. “Flawless as expected from my daughter.”

They continued their sophisticated chatter for a while, discussing her stuffed animals latest scandals and who would host the next tea party. Then Vil, in his ever graceful way, decided to bring up some real world news.

“By the way, my dear” he said, smiling warmly, “Uncle Rook and his wife going to have a baby soon.”

Her eyes widened, her little hands gripping the teapot with excitement. “Really?! Then we can have another tea party guest!”

“Indeed” Vil said with a pleased hum. “Another precious little one to add to our circle.”

But then she blinked, her expression turning thoughtful. “…Papa? Where did Uncle Rook get the baby?”

Vil froze for half a second. His perfectly trained smile faltered, just a flicker, before returning in place. Oh, Seven help him. He should have seen that question coming.

“Well…” he began, setting down his cup “when a man and a woman truly love one another, a stork brings them a baby. That’s how it’s always been.”

A harmless tale, of course. She was too young for anything more, and honestly, a touch of whimsy suited the occasion.

But instead of the awe he expected, his daughter grimaced. “Eww, I don’t like boys, boys are gross.”

Vil blinked, then immediately, immediately, nodded in full agreement.

“Yes. Yes, they are” he said, leaning closer. “They are terribly messy, often inconsiderate, and most of them do not even moisturize.”

She gasped in horror. “They don’t?!”

“Tragic, isn’t it?” Vil said with a sigh, hand pressed dramatically over his chest. “Which is why you mustn’t even bat an eye at them. Keep your standards high, my darling. Only family, your Papa, and perhaps Uncle Rook are exceptions.”

She nodded with determination, her little brow furrowed. “Okay! I’ll only love you, Mommy, Uncle Rook, and Grandpa. No boys.”

Vil smiled, satisfied, and very proud of himself. “Excellent choice, my love. I see you’ve inherited my taste and my wisdom.”

He lifted his teacup again and took another imaginary sip.

Idia Shroud

The lab was quiet, soft hum of machines and the frantic tapping of Idia’s keyboard. His hair glowed a low, steady blue as he mumbled to himself about codes, fully immersed in his latest program.

Everything was perfect, until a small voice broke his concentration.

“Dad.”

Idia flinched so hard his knee hit the underside of the desk. “Huh?! Wh-What-oh, it’s just you.”

He turned to see his son standing at the doorway, arms crossed, cheeks puffed out in the same adorable pout that Idia could never say no to.

“Uh… hey, champ. You look kinda serious. What’s up?”

The boy’s eyes narrowed. “I want a sibling.”

Idia’s hands froze over the keyboard. His glowing hair flickered from blue to pink. “Y–You what?!”

“I want a brother or sister!” the kid said firmly, stomping a foot. “I’m alone. Everyone else has siblings to play with! Uncle Ortho has you, but I don’t have anyone. It’s not fair!”

Idia’s brain short circuited for a second. He stammered, trying to form words while his son glared up at him. “O-okay, first off, buddy uh… that’s not how it works. You can’t just… order a sibling.”

“But why not?”

“Because…uh…it’s complicated! You see, um… getting a baby is a… uh… long term… cooperative side quest, and uh…requires two players, okay?”

The boy tilted his head. “Then where do babies come from if it’s so difficult?”

Oh no. Idia’s internal system crashed. He could practically hear the Windows error sound in his brain. He needed an answer. Any answer.

“Well…” he began nervously, sweating bullets, “you see, when a-a woman… eats… uh… too many jelly beans… it… starts growing in her belly, and uh…. ta-da! Baby!”

He even added jazz hands. Jazz hands.

His son blinked. “…Really?”

Idia nodded furiously. “Y-yeah, totally. I mean, you know how sugar’s like, uh… energy and life force, right? And moms are super powerful beings, so, uh… yeah! Jelly beans equal baby. Science.”

The kid seemed to consider this seriously before gasping in awe. “That’s so cool!”

“Y-yeah… cool…” Idia muttered weakly, turning back to his monitor in the hope that the conversation was over. His hair slowly dimmed back to a relieved blue as he heard his son run off, muttering something about jelly beans.

Peace returned for a blissful five minutes. Until he heard you call from the kitchen.

“Idia! Sweetheart!”

The tone was too sweet. “Y-yeah?”

You appeared in the doorway holding a bowl full of jelly beans, and your son right behind you, grinning proudly.

“Would you care to explain” you said, eyes narrowing, “why your child is trying to feed me jelly beans every minutes and saying it’ll give him a sibling?”

Idia turned pink to the tips of his hair. “Uh…uhhhh…uh, you see, it’s-it’s a science project?”

You stared. “A science project?”

From behind you, your son proudly offered another jelly bean. “Mama, eat more! I want a baby sister!”

Idia just whined. “I’m uninstalling myself from this whole conversation…”

Malleus Draconia

It was supposed to be a quiet evening in Briar Valley. The sky shimmered faintly outside the castle windows, and Malleus was in his study, writing letters and sipping tea when an unmistakable sound echoed, the screaming of small children.

He sighed, setting down his pen. “…Ah. The little thunder and lightning are at it again.”

He strode down the hall with regal calm, though a faint flicker of worry glimmered in his green eyes. Opening the door to the twins bedroom, he was met with chaos.

Toys were scattered everywhere, his daughter face was red and tear streaked, and his son stood with his arms crossed, looking both defensive and guilty.

“What is the meaning of this?” Malleus asked gently, voice deep but calm as always.

“She said!” “He said!”

They both started at once, their little voices overlapping until Malleus lifted a hand, and the air itself seemed to hush.

“One at a time,” he said. “Sweetheart, you may speak first.”

She sniffled, rubbing her eyes. “Daddy, he said I’m not your real daughter! He said you found me in a box on the street and took me home!”

Malleus blinked, his ears twitching slightly in disbelief. He turned his gaze to his son. “Is this true?”

The boy scowled, chin raised in defiance. “Well, she started it! She told me I was the street baby first!”

Malleus closed his eyes and took a slow, deep breath. the kind of breath.

“Children” he began “Neither of you were found in any box on any street. You are both our beloved children.”

The twins exchanged wary looks.

“Then where did we come from?” his daughter asked, tilting her head curiously. “If we weren’t found, how did we get here?”

Malleus smiled fondly. “You both came from your mother’s belly, of course.”

That answer, he thought, would settle it. Simple, truthful enough, and free of unnecessary details. But instead of relief, the twins only looked more confused.

His son squinted. “…How did we get in there?”

His daughter nodded eagerly, wide eyed. “Yeah! Did Mama eat us?!”

Malleus froze. The calm, regal smile on his face went utterly still, as if his soul had momentarily left his body. He stood there in dignified silence for a long moment. The twins blinked up at him, waiting.

Finally, with all the composure, Malleus cleared his throat. “…Perhaps…” he said slowly, “you should ask your grandfather Lilia. He is… quite experienced in such matters.”

He thought that was a brilliant deflection, wise, strategic, perfectly logical. Until he heard your voice echo down the hall

“MALLEUS DRACONIA!”

He visibly flinched as your footsteps approached, fast and furious.

“I swear!” you said, appearing in the doorway with your hands on your hips, “if you ever let Lilia educate our children about that—!”

Malleus’s expression turned sheepish, shoulders slightly hunched like a guilty child himself. “Ah… my love, I was merely suggesting he might… elaborate upon the biological aspects.”

You arched an eyebrow. “Biological aspects, huh? Do you want him to tell them about the ‘romantic fire of youth’ and ‘fae rituals’ again?”

Malleus winced. “…Perhaps not.”

The twins looked between you and their father, utterly lost.

“Does this mean we were found in a box?” the boy whispered.

Leona Kingscholar betrothed to his brother

Leona has only ever had one friend- you, the heir from the neighboring kingdom. It shouldn’t be a problem to love you the way he does, but the stars in the sky had other plans, it seemed. Because from the moment you were born, you were meant to marry Falena.

Leona has long-since learned that no matter what he does, he’ll never be enough to win the public’s love. It didn’t matter that he knew you never had feelings for Falena, or that Falena was seeing someone else in secret. His brother will be king, not him. He’ll watch you walk down the aisle towards him, and then he’ll go back to his room and take a nap, and tell himself that he won’t be upset. That’s just the way life will be.

One day, while napping behind a curtain in the royal library, he catches wind of something so very interesting. Your parents arrived in the kingdom that morning, bearing news: Falena’s engagement has been peaceably broken, by your own choice, nonetheless. It’s a huge, life-changing decision and so a formal dinner is being held, to re-discuss the terms of the treaty. Leona wants to snap you up right away to be his, but he has to bide his time. For now, he’ll meet your eye across the banquet table, scowl softening a little. He should have known that he has always been king in your heart.

Silver childhood soulmates

Right person, right place, right time. Rarely did the universe ever align so beautifully. From your first meeting at the tender age of five to the time you were accepted into NRC, Silver has always been by your side.

He’s the first thing you see when you wake up in the mornings and the final good night you say before going to sleep. When small birds land on your desk and deposit gifts of acorns and flowers to you, you know exactly who they were from and who was thinking of you at the moment. And when you look at your handsome knight, you can’t help but imagine him by your side, every step of the way for the rest of your life.

Silver is more than just your best friend and first love. He is your person, through and through.

Best Friends to Lovers

Epel Felmier first friend, first love

You met Epel on the first day of school, getting beat up by a blonde upperclassman in the hallway. Much to the surprise of both boys, you jumped in to help him- pulling him off the ground and scolding the taller boy, who merely scoffed and wandered off. Though Epel’s ego was a bit bruised, he was grateful to you for helping him.

Epel became your constant companion after that. You could listen to him talk for hours while laying on the floor of your dorm room, a bag of apple chips in hand. His roguish accent and mischievous jokes charm you a little more each day, making him more than just the rough-hewn boy you met at the entrance ceremony not long ago.

His grandparents know all about you from the letters he sends home. Even in ink, they can sense his lovestruck heart. They had felt the same way when they started courting all those years ago. The Felmier family are fools in love, it seems. You would call him your best friend if someone asked, but Epel wants to be so much more.

Ace Trappola best friends to lovers

It’s pathetic how fast Ace changed his tune. The first time he met you, he was jeering you for being a magicless human. Now, he’s in love with you? When did that happen? And why did it have to be with you of all people?

Ace isn’t fooling himself. He knows why it’s you. It’s simply because no one could ever capture his heart the same way you do, with your smiles and your laughs and the way you look at him in both disapproval and exasperated fondness when he makes a crude joke.

Don’t act surprised when he holds your hand out of the blue or when he searches your face with those eyes, wondering what it would feel like to kiss you silly right then and there. He wants you, not anyone else, and it’s driving him crazy.

Kalim Al-Asim what are we?

Everyone thinks you and Kalim are dating already. You joke about it all the time. Oh, yeah, we’re partners in crime! Soulmates! Two sides of the same coin- but the line between teasing and reality has begun to blur. Once, you even made a jibe that you’d marry him one day, and Kalim got you an actual ring! It was so extravagant- a ruby inlaid with smaller gilded gems along the edges. He told you it was a family treasure, kept in the storerooms of Scarabia and just waiting to adorn the hand of the right person.

You tried to refuse, but he insisted. Money wasn’t something the Al-Asim heir ever had to worry about. So you go along with it, the golden band rubbing between your fingers and his when you walk down the halls, hands interlaced.

How does Kalim really feel about you? You’re not sure, so one day you ask- Kalim, what are we?

He looks at you curiously. “Aren’t we engaged?”

Strangers to Lovers

Deuce Spade the hallway crush

Every day between alchemy and history of magic, Deuce finds himself scanning faces in the hallway for someone who makes his face flush and his palms turn sweaty. And every day when you catch his eye and send him a wave, he finds himself tangled up a little more in his heartstrings, tripping over his feet as he tries to return your greeting.

He’s not sure when he first noticed you. Maybe it was when he fumbled and nearly dropped a potion on the carpet, and you caught it. His heart did flutter a bit then, but maybe that was because he nearly messed up the project he had been working on all night. He wants to talk to you again so badly- more than just a ‘hello‘ or a ‘thanks.’ He wants to brighten up your day just by walking by, like you do for him. Maybe if he becomes an honors student, then you’ll finally notice him too.

Jack Howl the mysterious savior

Being hounded by a group of rogue students wasn’t in your plans for the day. Trying to slip between the mob, avoiding their prying hands and sharp words, a sudden growl makes them all look up. A tall boy with wolflike ears towers over them.

Leave them alone. His voice is sharp, like a dog's canines. Golden eyes meet yours, steely and cold, but they soften for a moment when you manage to say thank you.

Your savior rubs the back of his neck. ‘S nothing, he says gruffly, but the lingering traces of blush on his face tell a different story. Only when he leaves do you realize that you had never gotten his name. Perhaps fate will lead you to meet once again, in the near future.

Azul Ashengrotto love at first sight

One minute he’s discussing the best way to mix a potion with his lab partner. The next, he’s sitting straight in his chair, eyes blown wide when you walk into the room. You’ve ensnared Azul Ashengrotto’s attention and heart without a single word. And when you finally say hi to him, ignorant of his shady dealings and strange company, he’s caught- hook, line, and sinker.

Azul begins to do things for you. Not in the way he does for others, with a flourish of his pen and a snap of his fingers. No, you’re special. He could never ask anything of you.

It’s so obvious, the way he favors you and gives you the best of everything he has. But he can’t bring himself to care- not when this new feeling brings him such happiness.

Idia Shroud closer than he thought

Idia Shroud has never met you irl. No way. All you are to him is a profile picture on a leaderboard, telling him to dodge the next attack or that he’ll never beat you in the latest game the two of you are playing. You make his gloomy days a little brighter. And when they’re brighter, he finally takes a chance to step outside for a bit and go to class.

In class is where he met you. His charming desk partner, whose presence he enjoyed far more than he thought he would. He likes your jokes. He likes that you play the same games as him and nerd out about the same topics. But when he returns to the world of online anonymity, he can’t help but feel disloyal- so much so that he doesn’t notice the lilt of the voice in his speakers is the same one that rings in his ears when he falls asleep in class.

Malleus Draconia love from afar

No one knows who you are, a mere human who attends NRC. You could be dangerous as far as his retainers know. Malleus isn’t supposed to speak with you- but oh, does he want to.

He’s tried to ignore the pull towards you, but he just can’t. Why is this mere child of man lingering in his thoughts, ensnaring his every waking moment?

One night when Sebek is busy berating Silver for falling asleep on the job, he sneaks away and finds you beneath the moonlight, staring up at the stars. He’s caught like a fly in a web from the first hello.

Enemies to Lovers

Riddle Rosehearts academic rivals

He’s so annoying. With a loud voice, short stature, and short temper, you could consider Riddle Rosehearts to always be underfoot. But even you have to admire his academic prowess, his name topping the scores at every turn. And just under him, is you. How very frustrating.

You’re so focused on one-upping one another that you don’t even catch yourself when thoughts of him wander into your mind throughout the day. Of course you think of him, you’re trying to beat him. But slowly the competition turns into wondering. What does he do in his free time? What’s his favorite food, his favorite color?

Little do you know, he thinks of you too.

Ruggie Bucchi the goodhearted thief

You heard from your neighbors about the slum thief who steals things from their shops. It’s only a matter of time before he comes to you next, they warn, so be ready.

And ready you are. When a skinny boy with rounded ears atop his head tries to slip something into his pocket, you call him out. And when he dashes away, you scramble after him- tackling him in a paved alley near some dumpsters. Cans go crashing over to reveal several homeless youngsters, shivering in the cold and barely more than bones. The boy tosses the food to them before you can intervene- but why would you, when you’ve just seen what you saw?

When he comes into the bakery next time, you make sure he pays. But you also slip an extra loaf or two into his order, with a wink and a nod. Your conversations become a bit longer, a bit friendlier. He’s quite charming and you have to berate yourself for falling for a thief.

He’s stolen your heart, hasn’t he?

Floyd Leech the hallway bully

Floyd Leech. Just his name makes you groan and roll your eyes. It’s not just you he teases you in the hallway by holding your things over his head, but you seem to be his favorite. How are you supposed to get your notebook back when it’s dangling almost 8 feet above the ground, courtesy of his freakishly long arms?

The graceful solution you come up with is to kick him. Right in his eel, to summarize. His twin brother is by his side in an instant while you walk off.

Jade expects Floyd to be livid. But even when he’s doubled up on the ground in pain, he’s got a grin plastered across his face.

His shrimpy is such a badass.

Jamil Viper flirting rivals

For someone who’s usually level-headed and cool, you sure bring out Jamil’s temper. He can find a million ways to insult and discredit you, but still you’ll bounce back with some snarky, suggestive comment that just makes his blood boil.

He swears he can feel your eyes on him from across the hallways. It makes him want to pull his hood up over his face. But when you approach him, he’s as calm as ever. Why are you leaning closer, prefect, and running your hands over his tie? He’s not going to fall for your ruse, so don’t even try.

Still, his eyes can’t help but wander down to your lips, wondering if they would taste like he imagined.

Rook Hunt one-sided annoyance

It seems like you’ve gained yourself a one-man paparazzi recently. If Rook is meant to be a hunter, you have to wonder if he’s any good at his job. He never seems to conceal his presence, following you down the hallways brazenly while spouting off fake compliments about your demeanor and beauty.

Well, you thought they were fake. It’s hard to believe anyone is genuine in a school full of villains, but you might have caught the attention of the one person who actually is. His company isn’t so bad sometimes, especially when you can talk his ear off about anything and everything.

Sebek Zigvolt forced proximity

This was meant to be a partner project, not a threeway. But being paired with the great Malleus Draconia means putting up with his annoying, self-proclaimed bodyguard for the next week as well.

You pity Sebek’s alchemy partner, because he’s ignoring his own work in favor of hovering over you and his liege. His loud, unsolicited advice and passive-aggressive comments don’t make him any more bearable. By the time Thursday rolls around, you’re about ready to drop-kick him into the cauldron.

Thankfully, you and Malleus get your work done early. When you’re packing up your things to leave, you find Sebek quiet for once, deep in concentration as he rushes to finish his own work.

I don’t need the help of a human, he proclaims in that loud, obnoxious bark of his. But he doesn’t complain when you settle down next to him, stirring the potion while he measures out ingredients.

Exes to Lovers

Cater Diamond the one that got away

Cater knows you probably hate his guts. Hell, he hates his own guts for fucking up so badly. You were the best thing that ever happened to him and he drove you away with his constant neediness and self-deprecation. It took him years to realize that he was so focused on himself that he didn’t realize that you needed support too.

He’s been lonely for a while, working on himself and his problems in the shadows. It’s been a while since he last saw you- he knows you might not want to see him again anyways, but he’s changed now- both for himself and for you.

Cater wants you back, if you’ll have him.

Jade Leech second chance romance

Jade was nothing more than a talking stage that never got off the ground. He was fun to be around and a good hiking partner, but you stopped seeing him after first year ended and you no longer shared a class together.

You didn’t think of him much throughout your second and third year at NRC . But when you arrive at your new work study to meet your partner for the program, a tall, familiar figure greets you at the door.

“Jade?”

Vil Schoenheit right person, wrong time

Vil has no one but himself to blame for the downfall of your relationship. He broke things off with you after his manager advised him to- she said that a young, taken idol isn’t marketable. You need to think about your image.

The stage lights blinded him and he dropped you without a second thought. Any trace of you in his life was erased; smoothed over to perfection like a beauty filter.

But oh, how Vil regrets it when he scrolls on his phone late at night, your Magicam account pulled up to a photo of you laughing. What he wouldn’t give to have you smile like that at him again.

The icon for a DM request sits beside your profile picture. Vil regards it for a second, finger hovering over the button, then clicks.

Lilia Vanrouge facing the future

Lilia has always known that humans live short lives. In his time, he’s seen countless people born and died. It’s just a fact of human life; a phenomena he watches from the outside in- disconnected. It doesn’t dawn on him that yours too will run out until Malleus points it out- and then Lilia becomes scared.

He’ll cut you off, hiding in the shadows and avoiding your eyes until a great danger almost befalls you. It is then that Lilia realizes he’d rather have loved and lost you than never have known you at all.