Ayatomi's Writer Blog

Andrew tossed and turned in his bed, unable to sleep. He had a hard day of matches, most of them ending in losses, and he should be tired, but for some reason, he just couldn’t find it in himself to sleep. With a tired sigh, he decided to at least get a glass of water and take a nightly stroll. The hallways were dimly lit with the moonlight, so he barely had use for the lantern that he had brought with him. That was when he felt it. Now it was no secret that the Hunters also had their places in their manor, however, despite their segregated living spaces, there were only two places the two factions shared: the bathroom and the common living rooms.

Now let this be known Andrew had only been here for a week, and he rarely ever left his room, so he had yet to experience what it was like being near a hunter outside of matches. So when his heart started glowing purple and beating erratically, he panicked, getting ready to dig. Except he left his shovel back in his room. Slowly, the beating and glowing grew louder and brighter. Frozen in fear, he stood in front of the bathroom door, ready to make a run if needed.

The door opened slowly...or what felt an eternity. In reality it was actually just a moment. But what greeted the Grave Keeper was a sight that he never would have expected.

“Mr. Kreiss, is there something on my face?”

Andrew was at a loss for words. What was...Is that…

“Mr. Desaulniers?”

Sure enough, it was the Photographer who stood before him, a strange green film on his face, his hair wrapped up turban style on his head by a towel.

“Yes, that is me…” Joseph replied, scrutinizing Andrew, when his eyes suddenly lit up. “Ah, my apologies, I believe this is our first meeting outside of the game. Please excuse my appearance, it’s my routine.” Joseph tossed his head as if flipping his hair. “I don’t have my beautiful milky white skin without putting in the work!” He laughed haughtily.

The poor grave keeper had drawn back a but, overwhelmed by the Hunter’s flamboyance. He was just about to excuse himself when Joseph spoke up.

“Well, I better head on back. It is awful late and I must catch up on my beauty sleep. Adieu!”

“Yes, g-good night..”

Vera sighed, staring at her torn and dirtied clothes. This was her third match of the day and all she wanted was to curl up in her room and sleep. The hunter for that round was the Feaster, and despite her perfumes, she was quickly downed by the god’s tentacles and eliminated. The others didn’t fare much better. The Seer, after going to save her twice, soon followed after despite his best efforts, the Mind’s Eye was caught and eliminated before she was, and the Magician got terror shocked trying to rescue the Seer. So many things that could have gone wrong went wrong that match and now all she wanted was a nice hot bath and sleep. Thankfully, it was the last match of the day, so after parting ways with the others, the Perfumer headed straight to her room.

When she exited the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her and her hair still dripping wet, she was met with soft knocking. Vera huffed. She was honestly hoping for some peace and quiet. 

“Yes, yes, just give me one second.” 

Quickly drying off and changing into some more comfortable, yet presentable clothes, Vera opened the door, ready to give some passive aggressive remark, when she spotted you standing in front of her door, sheepishly holding two steaming mugs of what looked to be cocoa. 

“Sorry, I can come back later…”

“Ah, no, it’s fine. I was thinking it was one of the others. Please, come in. I’ve missed you.”

Vera flashed you one of her rare, soft smiles that she reserved mainly for you and for you only. You smile brightly back, entering the room without hesitation and set the cups down on the small table set in the middle of the room. Vera sits on the armchair, gesturing you over. You comply, making yourself comfortable on her lap. You both smile, sharing a quick, but sweet kiss. 

“I missed you.”

‘I missed you, too.”

You comb through your lover’s wet hair, patting it dry with the towel. Vera takes one of the mugs and sips it, sighing in content. 

“Now this is how you relax! Thank you, you always know how to make me feel better. Plus your cocoa is the best!””

You giggle at her antics, sipping your own cup.  “Well, it’s my job as your lover to make you happy. I hope you don’t love me just for the cocoa.”

Vera hugs you close, cradling her head on your neck. “Of course, not, love. I love you dearly, whether you have cocoa or not.”

“I’m glad.”

It was a normal morning. Or at least, that’s what it was supposed to be, according to Naib. But as he wandered the halls on his way to breakfast, he noticed a strange tension in the air, especially whenever he was present. It wasn't a bad tension, but it put him on edge nonetheless, the way the others kept whispering and planning something behind his back. At first, it didn’t bother him as much, but when hunters started letting him go, he began to get suspicious. 

“What is going on…”

The match this time was with the Ripper. His teammates this time were the Mind’s Eye, the Priestess, and the Cowboy. However, with Ripper spinning around so merrily, it seemed that he wasn't looking for a serious fight that day, so while everyone was busy decoding, Naib decided to take it easy and spend some time with him. 

“I don’t have a bad feeling so much as a feeling that they’re planning something...Even the hunters. No matter what, I’m always let go or ignored...It’s not so bad sometimes, but when they spare me after slaughtering the rest of the team...well…”

Jack nodded his head, humming in acknowledgement. The two were currently hanging out on the second floor of the Sacred Heart Hospital, with Naib sitting on one of the beds and Jack leaning on another across from him. It was no secret that the two were close. It still baffles many residents how the two became as close as they were, despite the rocky start the two had, with Naib’s complete distrust over the hunter, and Ripper mistaking the Mercenary for a child. Yet, when Naib had succumbed to the pressure and memories of his past during a match, it was Jack who had ultimately helped him through his panic, and occasionally kept him grounded when his friends were unavailable. They were also able to connect through the fact that both of them had a significant body count. Now they could be found spending time together even outside of matches, something the others rarely see him do, except maybe with the Seer, Embalmer, and Forward, and occasionally the TonTon duo. 

“You don’t happen to know anything do you? It’s not often you decide to take things easy either.”

Jack gave him a look through his mask, pausing his fidgeting with his claws. 

“You...Don’t know what today is?”

The Mercenary tilted his head in confusion. 

“Is today some important event or something?”

The Hunter merely sighed and shook his head.

“No, it’s nothing....”

Naib hummed, suspicious. He’d have to check his calendar once the match was over. Right on time, the last cipher had popped, yet Jack’s eyes had yet to flare up. 

“I see you took off Detention.”

“Of course. I have no need for it if I’m planning on letting you all go free anyways.”

“Hah, fair point.”

He extended a hand towards the Mercenary with a gentlemanly bow. 

“Well, aren’t you being a gentleman today,” he remarked, taking the hand that was being offered, blushing slightly when it was kissed.

However, instead of being helped down, he was swept upward into a bridal carry, something Jack rarely ever did, unless it was a special occasion. Naib’s face was red in embarrassment, and could practically feel the smirk that was permeating through his mask. 

“You’re a real piece of work, you know that?”

“I try.”

And Jack proceeded to carry Naib to the gate, where the others were waiting. 

“Thank you very much, Mr. Ripper,” Helena bowed politely, her can gripped close. 

“I’m not one fer friendly matches, but thanks.” 

“Yes, it’s nice to be able to have some time to relax, even within matches,” Fiona agreed. “And I see you two have been having fun while we were out decoding.” 

The priestess had a knowing smirk, eyeing the mercenary being carried by the Ripper, making him blush brighter. 

“I-It’s not like I’m being carried like this because I like it!”

Kevin laughed heartily, “Yet yer not even strugglin’! Actions speak louder than words,kid.”

Jack put him down, as a flustered Naib tried to defend himself to his team as they left one by one. Once Naib was the last one left, Jack took off his mask, a privilege he gave only to Naib on the survivor’s side. He always did enjoy seeing Naib get all flustered, and because of him no less. No matter how many times he sees it, Naib’s cheeks always gets dusted in pink whenever he sees his face uncovered. With a shy wave of thanks and goodbye, he leaves. 

Jack sighed, staring at his hand. Today, he was going to do it. He had an inkling Naib felt the same, but even if he didn’t, he wanted to clear the air before continuing their current relationship any further. They’ve had their moments, but he wanted to make sure. So he was going to test the waters tonight. After all, what better day is there to confess than today?

---

Naib stood frozen in front of the calendar. July 23rd. His birthday. How could he have forgotten? No, it wasn't that he had forgotten. He just hadn’t celebrated it in so long, he simply forgot the importance. And to be fair, there was never any reason, nor was there time to celebrate it. War was no place for personal celebrations, especially as a Gurkha. 

At the same time, Naib wasn't stupid. The way the other survivors kept hiding something behind his back, the hunters letting him go free even if it was their loss. He should have noticed the patterns. Heck they did something similar for Servais’ birthday not too long ago. But since birthdays were things he didn’t deem necessary to celebrate for himself, he never stopped to consider how the others might view it.  A sigh escaped his lips as he combed his hand through his currently loose hair. But even with this newfound knowledge, he didn’t want to raise his hopes up. After all, despite his suspicions, there could always be the possibility of a different celebration. But in that case would the others be keeping it secret from him? 

A knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. It was Eli, one of his closest friends within the manor. 

“Good evening, Naib. I was just calling you down for dinner.”

“Yeah, sure. Gimme a sec, I’ll be right down.”

Since he was in his room, he had left his hair down and taken off his green hood. Once he deemed himself presentable, he left the room and headed towards the dining hall with Eli. But when Eli had walked straight past the hall, Naib couldn’t help his growing suspicions. 

“Hey, where’re we going exactly?”

Eli merely smiled mysteriously. “You’ll see.” 

They stopped in front of the garden entrance. Naib was confused. What were they doing at the garden? He was about to ask, when Eli opened the door. 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAIB SUBEDAR!”

Naib was greeted by excited shouts of congratulations and birthday wishes. The garden was brightly lit with paper lanterns courtesy of Michiko, Xie Bian, and Fan Wujiu, and there were tables set with food and sweets, complete with a huge birthday cake, courtesy of Hastur. Naib couldn’t believe the scene before him. For a split second, he was no longer at the manor, but at home, with his mother smiling warmly at him. For some reason, it filled him with a strange sort of happiness that was almost painful. He hadn’t even realized he was crying until his usual friends were surrounding him, and Jack was wiping them away, and the others became quiet. 

“S-Sorry,” he quickly wiped them away but the tears wouldn’t stop. “I...It’s been so long...I guess I forgot…” Despite the silent sobs that wracked his body, Naib made the most genuine smile, something he felt he hadn’t done in so long. “Thank you, everybody...Thank you so much!”

The worried faces quickly melt away to smiles. 

“It should be us who should be thanking you,” Eli spoke up. “You’ve done so much for us already, both in and outside of matches, this is the least we could do.”

Naib nodded, grinning at them wide despite the tears. William returned Naib’s smile with his own and a pat on the back, declaring with a loud voice, “Alright, what are we waiting for, let’s PARTY!”

Everyone cheered, and the party was a success. Naib was given many gifts, mostly handmade and small, due to the limited supplies in the manor, but to Naib they were something he would cherish forever. The festivities lasted long past midnight, till everyone just passed out in various parts of the garden. Only a handful of people were awake, helping clean up the mess in the garden. Naib was in the middle of taking the trash back inside when he was stopped by Jack. Michiko, with a knowing smile, just nodded at him, and took the bag inside for him. 

“This was honestly really nice. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but I’m glad nonetheless.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Jack and Naib were sitting on one of the benches that was a bit more isolated and less brightly lit, so that they could see the stars clearer. Jack had his mask discarded by his side while Naib settled his head on the taller man’s arm, since he couldn’t reach the shoulders, much to his annoyance. 

“Thanks, Jack.”

“I didn’t do anything. It was more of everyone’s ideas, but, you’re welcome.”

They sat in silence. Jack took a breath. 

“Naib.”

“Hm?”

Without another word, Jack’s lips found it’s way onto Naib’s forehead. 

“Happy Birthday.”

Naib was frozen, wide-eyed, a bright blush dusting his cheeks. 

“You--”

“Sorry,” Jack immediately pulled away. “I should have asked permission first. You were just so cute, I couldn’t resist.”

Silence reigned between the two, awkward and thick.

“You could’ve just asked…” the mercenary mumbled.

“Hm?”

Naib sighed. “I said...You could’ve just asked...I wouldn’t have minded…”

Jack smirked. “Oh?”

Naib was now a very deep shade of scarlet, his eyes refusing to meet the Ripper’s own. 

“And...next time…”

“What was that?”

“...’

Jack’s smirk grew wider. He absolutely loved teasing the mercenary. “I’m sorry, Naib, you’ve got to speak up.”

“I said...Next time...You can do it on the lips.”

Naib was blushing deeply, while this time it was Jack’s turn to be caught off guard. Slowly, his shock faded into a more genuine smile, his long arms snaking around Naib and hugging him close to his side. 

“Thank you, Naib. Happy Birthday. I love you.”

    It was his first week and Andrew was already lost. He sighed for the umpteenth time that afternoon. Fortunately he wasn't scheduled for any matches so he didn’t have to worry about missing any, but he was still frustrated. Why did the mansion have to be so big? And with a bunch of the same looking areas? He was only trying to find the library for crying out loud! It should not have taken him over three hours. He would have asked for directions, but there weren’t anyone around. Which was odd, since most survivors liked to lounge around the public spaces. But strangely enough, not a single soul was in sight.

    “I’m starting to wonder if I’m even going the right direction…”

    He looked at his surroundings once again as he opened yet another door that led down another hallway. 

    “What is with mansions and long hallways?”

    Yet despite the similar looking halls, there was something about this one that made it feel different.  There was a strange oppressiveness in the air that made breathing a bit difficult. Andrew paused in his steps as his brain finally made the connections. 

    ‘Oh dear Lord, I’m on the Hunter’s side of the manor.’

    Andrew quietly cursed himself for his idiocy, when a thought occurred to him. According to the others, Survivors and Hunters got along rather well outside of matches, some even having intimate relationships with one another. Not that Andrew was looking for anything like that, but that tidbit of information helped to soothe his fears of being suddenly attacked for possibly being in their territory. 

“Meow” 

Andrew jumped as a black cat appeared suddenly at his feet, rubbing against his leg. He sighed in relief as he knelt down to pat the kitty. 

“Hello, there. Don’t suppose you know the way out do you?”

“My my, now that’s a rare sight.”

Andrew froze as he heard an unfamiliar voice from the shadows. From the darkness stepped a tall woman, slouching slightly, cradling another black cat in her arms. Andrew noted her dress as something similar to a nun. Standing abruptly, he quickly stuttered out an apology.

“I-I-I-I-I’m s-s-s-s-so sorry. I got lost a-a-a-and--I’ll be out of your hair…”

Anne laughed, amused. 

“Calm down, child. I won’t hurt you outside of the games. I believe you were the new Survivor...The Gravekeeper?”

“Y-yes...Apologies for my outburst…It’s my first day...And I’m no good with talking...”

“It is no trouble. Although, surely the other Survivors have given you a tour?”

“Ah, yes, they did, but I forgot how to get to the library.”

“I see,” Anne hummed. “Come, I shall show you the way.”

Andrew’s face brightened at the thought. “Thank you very much! Um...I apologize I forgot to introduce myself. I am Andrew Kreiss, the Gravekeeper.”

Andrew stretched out his hand in greeting, giving a shy smile. Anne merely stared, surprised, before she softened and took his hand. They then started the walk towards the library in silence.

“It’s strange,” she started, “ you are the first person to approach me without fear or animosity.”

Andrew paused, collecting his thoughts. “Well, I must admit I was quite scared when you first arrived. But I have always been raised to never judge a book by its cover, and the Lord also teaches to always be open to those around you no matter the background or physicality.”

“Hm, I see you are also a man of religion.”

“Yes, I grew up in a highly religious town, working for the church as a gravekeeper before coming here.”

“I see…”

“By the way, I don’t believe I caught your name.”

“Oh.” Anne gasps inaudibly. How rude of her, to not introduce herself. “Do forgive me for my late introduction. I am Anne, also known as the Disciple. I too, was a nun in my own town church.” She gestured to the cat in her arms, “This little one is Daphne,” then to the one by Andrew, “And that is Iris. I have another, Lily, but she is currently out on her own adventures.”

“They are all very well-behaved and cute.”

“Thank you.”

The two finally arrived at their destination. 

“Thank you very much, Miss Anne. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

“You’re very welcome. And likewise.”

Anne turned to leave when she was stopped by a shy, “Wait.”

Andrew was blushing deeply, struggling to find the right words. 

“If...If it is no trouble...W-would you...like to join me? It doesn’t have to be today, it could be anytime...Whenever...I--I would like to be your friend...Is that...okay?”

Anne couldn;t help the amused chuckle escape her lips. This child was truly an odd fellow. “Iris seems to have taken a liking to you as well. I would love to join, if you will have me?”

“Of course.”

Yuu yawned, stretching her arms. She had pulled another late nighter. Her stomach growled.

“Ah, I forgot I haven’t actually had dinner yet. But the cafeteria isn’t open at this time...I don’t wanna cook...Oh!”

She pulled out the card the Leech twins had given her during the Anemone Head incident. She smiled, a small blush creeping onto her cheeks. If it was the Mostro Lounge, then she can also have an excuse to meet with Floyd out of the blue. Ever since the third Overblot incident with Octavinelle’s dorm head, she and Floyd have grown closer. Especially after they agreed to no longer hold dangerous contracts and deals. Of course, the incident brought everyone closer together, but Floyd was..different. She wasn't’t stupid, she knew she had somehow began to harbor a crush on the chaotic Leech twin, despite all the trouble he, his brother, and their leader caused her and her friends. Yet there was a certain charm that pulled her towards him. 

Catching her thoughts, Yuu blushed even deeper. With a shake of her head and a light slap on her own cheeks, the magic-less Prefect stood from her desk. Grimm was already fast asleep in their shared bed, and with a fond smile, Yuu left the dorm quietly, heading to the Lounge, but not before taking the ghost camera. 

A quick trip to the mirror hall and a flash of light brought her to her destination without much trouble. Because of the late hours, the amount of students visiting the Lounge were few, which meant that Floyd should be a bit free for a while. 

“Ah~, little miss shrimp~! Did you come for some food?”

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

“Hi, Floyd. Yeah. I was up studying and forgot to grab dinner.”

Floyd grinned, ruffling the prefect’s hair a bit. 

“That’s not good~. You need to eat lots, or else you’ll be a little shrimp forever~,” he paused, “Ah, but you’ll always be my Little Shrimp.”

Yuu pouted a bit, but soon broke out into a shy smile, laughing a little at Floyd’s jokes and antics. She was led to an empty table that was a bit more isolated. Floyd knew her preferences well.

“I’ll get the usual order for you? And we can take our time talking.”

“Yes, please. Thank you!”

Floyd left for the kitchen to put in her order. A while later, he returned with a tray of her favorite dish, seafood pasta. She snapped a picture of the food, checking to make sure the photo was perfect before grabbing a fork.

“Thank you for the food!” Yuu said before happily digging into the food.

Floyd watched her eat, a rare, soft grin gracing his features. He enjoyed her presence, and being with her and seeing her smile made his heart skip a beat, especially when they’re aimed at him. But he also noticed how his little shrimp had been looking a bit down lately, whether she realized it or not. 

“You enjoying the food?”

Yuu nodded, happily, “Yes, it’s delicious, as always! Thank you!”

Floyd laughed, “Well, it’s our job to keep the customers happy~”

Yuu giggled, finishing her food. “Ah, that was delicious!”

Floyd smirked to himself, watching the sole female NRC student relax into her seat. He stood up, only to be stopped by Yuu’s questioning glance. 

“Back to work already?”

“Hmmm…..Something like that. It’s a secret~.”

With that, Floyd left the confused prefect at the table. He entered the kitchen, greeted by Jade’s knowing smile. They shared a look as Floyd pulled out a plate of white balls from the fridge before leaving the kitchen. Yuu perked up from fiddling with her camera to find Floyd returning with a familiar looking snack on a plate. Her eyes widened.

“Is that…”

Floyd smiles his toothy grin, placing the plate down in front of her with a fork. “It was hard to make, since we’ve never heard nor seen of this kind of dessert before, but I remember Little Shrimp mentioning it during one of the talks about your home. I made it with Jade and Azul.”

Yuu took the sweet in her hands, ignoring the powder staining her finger, and tentatively took a bite. The taste brought tears to her eyes. It was mochi. A confectionary she never thought she’d be able to taste. Although the texture and taste was a bit off, it still felt nostalgic. So lost in nostalgia and emotions, she even forgot to take a photo.

“Little Shrimp?”

It was then Yuu realized she was crying. A sob ripped from her throat, Floyd watching with rare, genuine concern. The prefect quickly tried to wipe her tears, but they wouldn’t stop flowing.

“I’m sorry...I don;t know why…”

In an almost un-Floyd-like way, he pulled the crying girl into a hug, gently patting her back in a soothing manner. That was all she needed before Yuu began to let the tears flow freely, shoulders shaking from the quiet sobs. After everything had happened, this single confectionary had reminded her of home, making her realize how much she missed her home, her family, her friends. She really did want to go home. But despite all the hardships, she was happy to have at least made some close friends, and perhaps, maybe something more in Floyd. But right now, she leaned into Floyd’s embrace, letting him act as a wall between her and the rest of the lounge. 

“Better?” Floyd asked, once Yuu had finally calmed down. 

“Yes, thank you. For everything. I’m sorry you had to deal with all...that.”

“Nah, for you? Anything.”

That made Yuu blush a cherry red, and the two spent the rest of the night chatting away until closing. As an apology and thank you, she even helped out with cleaning up, before Floyd had escorted her back to the Ramshackle Dorm. 

“Hey, Floyd, will you...perhaps...make the mochi again? This time, I want to make it with you.”

“Sure, Little Shrimp! I’m looking forward to it!”

A shrill bell rang, signaling the end of History class. Yuu groaned, trying to rub the grogginess from his eyes. Usually he’s able to fight off the sleep during Professor Trein’s lecture, but for the past week he had been busy running errands for the Headmaster and had to stay up late to finish some homework. He also couldn’t sleep last night despite his exhaustion, so he decided to stargaze a bit outside, and accidentally fell asleep. He almost gave Grimm a heart attack because of his absence from the bed.

And now, this morning, he woke up outside with a growing headache, and slightly sluggish, but he chalked it up to just a morning thing, plus he slept outside. But as the morning dragged on, it was starting to get harder to focus to the point where even Deuce, Ace, and Grimm noticed how out of it Yuu seemed. The headache got increasingly worse when they got to the cafeteria, and the sight of food made him recoil. 

“You’re not gonna eat anything?” Deuce asked, concerned. 

“Nah, don’t really have an appetite at the moment, but maybe later,” he replied, smiling to stave off the worried glances. “I’m gonna grab some air. I’ll be in the courtyard if you need me.”

With that, the student supervisor left the cafeteria as quickly as possible, despite his entire body feeling like lead. He felt a bit feverish as well. 

‘Welp...I guess it’s official. I’m sick. Hopefully the others haven’t caught it…’ Yuu stifled a groan as the headache became a migraine, leaning against the wall for support. ‘I should grab some medicine and head back to the dorm...I’ll need to write a message for the professors…’ 

Yuu didn’t even register the fall before darkness consumed him.

---

Jack was planning on doing a light jog around the courtyard after he finished his lunch when he spotted the Student Supervisor. While Jack was distant and didn’t really care for others, for some reason, he was drawn to Yuu. And when he noticed him struggling to stand, his nerves were on high alert. He immediately made his way towards him, and caught him just in time before his body hit the hard ground.

“Hey. Hey, Supervisor. Yuu?”

But Yuu was out cold. His breathing was ragged and uneven, his cheeks slightly flushed. Jack didn’t even need to touch his forehead to realize that Yuu’s body temperature was too warm to be healthy. 

“Damn…” He growled, worried. 

Carefully scooping up the smaller male, he rushed to the infirmary. Fortunately, due to it being a lunch break, the amount of students roaming the halls were few. 

“Professor!”

“What’s wrong--Oh my! What happened?”

“He suddenly collapsed in the hallway. Feels like a fever. Felt I should bring him here first before doing anything.”

The professor nodded. “Alright, thank you for bringing him here. I’ll take care of him. For now, why don’t you head back to class. Lunch period is ending soon. I’ll let your professors know the situation.”

“Thank you very much.”

With that, Jack left Yuu in the infirmary. He checked the time, and sighed. He didn’t have time to relax and jog, but at least he got some decent exercise, moving about while carrying another student. He then paused, a light blush creeping onto his cheeks as he realized the way he carried the ill student.

‘Well, it was definitely easier and fast to carry him like that...Why is that so embarrassing all of a sudden? I was just carrying him...Now that I think about it, I wonder if he’s eating right, he’s too skinny and light--Wait, why do I care? He’s just another student. And aside from the incident during the interdorm Magift tournament and that fiasco with the Octavinelle Dorm Head contract, I don’t have a reason to be with him.’

He sighed, ruffling his hair in slight frustration before continuing on his way. It was no use dwelling on it further so he hurried off to class.

---

Classes seemed to drag on longer for some reason Jack couldn’t understand. He never had problems focusing on his classes, not that he’s having any problems now, but his mind kept wandering off to the currently ill prefect. Of course, he’s worried. A fellow student collapsed and now he has one less person to test his skills against. But he realized that wasn't exactly how he viewed Yuu. 

Yuu was someone he surprisingly felt a certain amount of respect for. Despite not having magic, he works hard to keep up in class, and works hard as a Prefect, accepting favors from the Headmaster (like he has a choice), and often facing challenges and troubles created by the dorm heads head-on. He admired his courage and bravery. And he’s surprisingly cunning, if the incident with the Octavinelle dorm head had anything to say (Seriously, even he would find it hard to blackmail Dorm Head Leona Kingscholar). But was that it?

“Mr. Howl, I appreciate your interest in magic history but class is over, you should head back to your dorm before curfew.”

“Ah, yes,” Jack quickly replied, shooting up in his seat and grabbing his things. With a quick apology and goodbye, he bolted out the door. He also made sure to send a quick message to Grimm and the others about Yuu’s condition before heading to the infirmary to pick up the ill prefect.

---

“Yuuuuuu!!!!”

“Prefect!”

“Are you alright?”

The door slammed open as three blurs burst through. With quick reflexes, Jack caught the three troublemakers, checking to make sure Yuu was still asleep before bonking the three over the head lightly.

“Ow…”

“Quiet, you’ll wake him.”

Spade smiled nervously, “Sorry, Jack. We heard he collapsed and rushed over as soon as we could.”

“Hm. Well, that's to be expected,”

Ace rubbed his neck in frustration. “Damn...We were right there with him and we didn’t notice anything...What kind of friends are we?”

Grimm’s ears merely drooped as he landed lightly on Yuu’s chest. 

“Well, it’s no secret you guys are oblivious idiots. I don’t think anyone’d blame you.”

“Hey, we’re not that dumb!” Ace protested.

Jack smirked in response but didn’t say anything, for that was when Yuu awoke.

“Ah…”

The four were by his side in seconds, helping him sit up and asking a bunch of questions. Yuu was starting to get another headache.

“Enough!” Jack’s voice silenced the others before he started giving out instructions, “Give the guy some space. He’s sick with a fever and you guys aren’t helping any by making noise. Deuce, you know how to make porridge and soup and stuff? So you’re on cooking duty with Grimm. Ace, I need you to change out the water and towel.”

“A-alright. Come on, Grimm.” Deuce grabbed the cat-like creature and let for the kitchen. 

“Being told what to do doesn’t sit right with me...but just this once, I guess it’s okay. Since it’s for Yuu.” Ace also set to work, heading to the bathroom sink. 

“Thanks, Jack…”

“Don’t mention it.”

Jack grabbed a vial from his bag and handed it over to the ill patient. 

“Here. It’s medicine from the school doctor.”

“Thanks.”

Ace returned with the bowl and towel, placing it on the bedside table. Jack nodded his thanks and proceeded to dip the towel and place it on the prefect’s forehead after he had laid back down.

Yuu coughed, turning his head slightly to keep away from the other occupants. Slowly, his eyes started to droop. The medicine was kicking in and it was making him a bit drowsy. Ace had left to help out with the chores, leaving Jack as the only other occupant in the room. With a slight blush, the wolf pat Yuu’s head.

“Just sleep. You’ll need the rest if you ever want to be in tip top shape.”

Yu nodded before drifting off. Once Jack had made sure Yuu was asleep, he made his way down to the kitchen where the others had gathered. 

“I’m assuming he’s asleep?” Deuce asked with a knowing smile. A steaming pot of chicken was currently boiling on the stove. 

“Yeah.”

Ace grinned, “Alright, let’s get started!”

Grimm perked up, confused, “Start what?”

Ace rolled his eyes. “Chores!”

“But, you hate doing chores.”

“Shut up, Deuce. I’m not a fan, but...it’s the least we can do for the Student Supervisor. Overwork is no good you know.”

“True…” Deuce laughed. “But I’m surprised. I didn’t think you’d be that considerate.”

“Huh? What’s wrong with me being considerate?”

“Oh nothing…”

Jack watched the two make quips at each other with Grimm egging them on and understood how stressed Yuu must be. It’s like looking after a bunch of toddlers. 

“Okay break it up. You’ll wake up Yuu,” Jack intercepted. “If we’re gonna do this, we’ll do this right.”

Jack proceeded to give orders and break up the work. They each took turns taking care of their ill friend as well. A couple days passed and Yuu’s fever finally broke and soon he was attending classes as he usually would. 

“Thanks everyone, for all your help. Sorry for worrying you.” 

“It’s no problem! It’s what friends do!”

“Jack, you too. Thank you for everything!” 

Jack blushed, embarrassed, but his tail immediately made it obvious of his happiness. 

“Don’t push yourself too much. You’re only human. Rely on us once in a while, yeah?

Yuu froze for a moment, but soon melted into the most beautiful bright smile the guys have ever seen.

“Thank you, everyone!”