Royal Blue Rose

"Ah, look at this one! It's so tiny~!" Cater cooed as the two of you looked through the cafe menu. "And this coffee has an animal face on the cream... say, d'you think the cream they put on coffee would go well with one of these treats?"

"I mean, isn't coffee cream the same as regular cream?" You chuckled, enjoying Cater's marvelling at the menu. Plus, unlike your companion, your attitude was 'the more, the merrier!' when it came to sweets.

"Ah~ I suppose that's true. The art's just really good! I wonder if Trey can do stuff like that...? Actually, this is coffee we're talking about." Cater shook his head with a laugh of his own as he placed down the menu and looked around the shop.

It was a small place, located in the Rose Kingdom not too far from Trey's family business - that was how Cater had learnt of the place. It was quaint, with white walls splashed with random red and black paint and tiled red-and-black floors. On the wall was a giant pocket watch clock, and on each table were red and white roses in rabbit-themed vases.

Cater had been checking out the place for a while, deciding the best times to enter, when the food was at it best, the perfect time that the natural lighting came through the giant store-front window, etc. Once he'd decided, all he had to do was call you, his good old cafe tourist buddy. He may or may not have made enamel pins.

Not that you minded. Any reason to get off school campus (and away from being Crowley's slave assistant) was a good one. Plus, you got a bunch of free food! What wasn't there to like?

"Did you pick on you liked?" You asked, taking the menu to look at for yourself.

Cater pursed his lips in thought and tapped his chin with his phone. Then he looked at you with his signature smile. "Hmm~ guess!"

"C'mon, again? I swear you do this every time we eat out alone." You reprimanded him good-humoured.

Scanning the list of items, you try to find what items you thought match his aesthetics the best. The cream-art coffee was a given, obviously, since it was something that Cater could actually stomach. So what would he be getting you to eat? The heart-shaped parfait? The bunny pudding? The card suit macaroons?

You settled on an item, pointing to it on the menu with your little finger. "You want the raspberry diamond tiramisu."

"Eh, they have those? I had no idea!" Cater exclaimed, taking the opportunity to look over your shoulder. He was forced back soon enough by your finger pushing him in the middle of his forehead.

"Don't lie, you've probably looked at this menu online like, ten thousand times!" You tell him with a knowing look.

He holds up his hands in defence. "Okay, okay, you win! You were right! I'm paying... again...~"

"C'mon, you didn't really make that a bet without telling me." You laughed, nudging him lightly. "You know I have no money."

"Sadly~ but when you do, I expect at least one cafe date in return, you got me?" The orange-haired third year held out his pinky, grabbing on to the one you had used to point at the menu with.

"Alright, fine. Let's just order already." You smile at his antics before flagging down a waiter.

"Ah, just before that!" Before you could protest, Cater swung an arm over your shoulder and pressed his cheek against yours, his camera pointed to both of you with a wide smile. "Say cheese~!"

"Cheese!"

~~

You smiled appreciatively at the staff as they greeted you goodbye, then did a short jog to catch up with Cater who'd gotten distracted by the pictures on his phone, not even commenting on the interesting noise the 'bell' made when you let go of the cafe door.

The selection was, admittedly, a lot different than usual. Usually Cater took pictures mainly of the item itself, maybe occasionally incorporated into a selfie-styled photo. Recently though, today especially, the majority of his gallery’s new additions were pictures of the two of you. One picture you noticed Cater seemed to linger on was one where you were holding the plate of tiramisu in one hand and catching him off-guard as you tried to feed him a spoonful with your other hand.

“Are you going to upload that one?” You asked.

“H-Hm? Oh, no, my face in it is awful~!” Cater quickly swiped on to the next picture, not realising you’d already caught up with him. “I was thinking more of the one where you were holding the one for the camera~”

“Oh, those were some nice ones. You could see the display case in the back with the right angle.” You nodded in agreement.

“My thoughts exactly~!” Cater nods in agreement before turning off his phone. “Ah~ it’s such a shame we can only visit a cafe once a day! There’s this one in the Land of Pyroxene that’s been trending like crazy lately~!”

“Is it near your home?” You threw the idea out there as the two of you turned the corner.

“Well, it’s not close, but it’s not far either.” Cater admitted. “Why?”

“I was just curious. I mean, you never post anything about your home.” You explained with a shrug. It was genuinely out of curiosity.

Cater took it a little differently. “You... want to see my house?”

“I suppose.” You agreed. “I’d get to meet your family, too. That’s more what you consider ‘home’, right?”

A blush spread across Cater’s face, one you thankfully didn’t pick up on thanks to the fading light of the sunset. “Well, I guess my sisters have been pushing me to invite a friend home... sure, we can go to one in the morning and the other in the afternoon!”

You smiled sincerely, then laughed a little as an idea hit you. “Maybe the cafe in the morning, so your sisters don’t get any ideas?”

“Ah, yeah...” Cater hummed in agreement, even if those ideas were what he hoped would be true. Your smiling face was enough to lift his mood though. “At least the morning lighting is usually good over in the Land of Pyroxene.”

“Of course that’s what you’re thinking of.” You say with a shake of your head, then stop walking suddenly, making Cater stop and look back at you. “Although, that reminds me...”

You pull your own phone out of your pocket and motion for Cater to come back to where you were standing.

Once he does, you try putting your arm around his shoulder like he did to you earlier and hold your camera up to capture both of you in frame.

“You have so many pictures of us, while I barely have any.” You explain to clear up his confusion. “So, now’s the time to get some of my own!”

Cater blushes once again as you turn your face back to your camera, only remembering to do the same when you nudge him, giving a wide smile when he does do so.

“3, 2, 1... say cheese!”

Happy Birthday Malleus!!!

Malleus stood impatiently by the gates of the Ramshackle dorm, holding a small box in his hands, wrapped in appropriately-themed Diasmonia colors. The paper was black with a subtle thorn pattern as a design, flourished with a bright-green ribbon and bow on top. He was grateful Lilia had been around to help him - his first attempts at wrapping had been... less than favorable.

Once that ordeal was finished, he'd approached your dorm with high spirits. How could he not? It was his precious Child of Man's birthday, after all! When you'd let slip it last night, he was confused to say the least.

"Don't humans appreciate birthdays?" Malleus had questioned. As a fae, he could understand why those of his own race didn't celebrate it every time the day rolled around, but he was under the impression that humans were intent on making that day 'special'.

"Well, yes... it's just... different." You'd given the vague response with a sad smile. While Malleus hadn't understood the cause of your sadness at the time, he'd done his best to console you.

Later, when he'd explained what had happened to Lilia, he felt guilty for not realizing earlier. You were in a brand-new world, far, far away from your friends and family back home - and sure, you had your new friends here, but it likely didn't make up for the lack of people you usually spent your day with present.

Though he never fully understood the appeal of birthdays, they were a famously human celebration, and therefore he wouldn't allow you to pass the day in sorrow. So he steeled his nerves and thought about the best way he could brighten your day. It had to be something birthday-themed, of course, but also something you actually wanted, not just something cheap like a banner you would throw away when the day was over, or a cake that would eventually disappear (probably very fast, knowing your beast companion's appetite).

With all that said and done, what better way was there to improve your mood then with a gift? Luckily for Malleus, he'd had the perfect gift in mind too. Something to lighten up not only your day but the rest of your time at Ramshackle.

He quickly assembled what was needed, waited with baited breath, and then turn up at your door. Being away from the main campus the weather fairies didn't typically pay much mind to your decrepit home, so the night was cold, but strangely enough the thought of your smiling face warmed him up from the inside.

Even if it had been almost an hour.

The single line of thought made Malleus dejected. It wasn't as if it was late - he'd made sure to arrive earlier than your typical 3AM meeting time, and he'd seen movement inside the building a little bit after he arrived. So why weren't you coming out...?

Could you not see him? Or were you just not expecting him? Maybe he should just go up to the building and knock-

"Tsunotaro?"

Malleus turned to the side, blinking in surprise. There you stood, in a more casual version of your NRC uniform, a plastic bag with the logo for Mr. S's Mystery Shop on it, looking just as perplexed as you.

"How long have you been out here for? You've got goosebumps!" You continued, concern gracing your features.

"I'd say... about an hour?" Malleus offered, not completely sure himself.

"An hour!?" Your expression grew even more worried. You moved past him to open the gate and walk up the stairs to the dorm, indicating for him to follow. "Come on, come inside! It's not much, but the fireplace should warm you up at least a little bit."

"Ah, Child of Man, wait." Malleus held forward your gift towards you, intent on seeing your reaction.

He noticed a twinge of pink blossom on your cheeks once you realized what was in his hands. However you shook your head and indicated to Ramshackle. "Let's just focus on making sure you don't have a cold first."

With little choice left, Malleus followed you up the path and into Ramshackle, ducking his head to make sure his horns didn't make a dent in the door frame. He followed you further into your dorm, an odd but pleasant feeling spreading in his chest.

He sat down on the couch nearest the fireplace as you instructed him to then took the chance to look around. Admittedly, it wasn't the best dorm he'd seen - there were cracks on the floor, tears in the wallpaper - but he liked it.

"There we go." His attention turned back to you as you backed away from the fireplace, rubbing your hands with a pleased smile on your face. He wasted no time pushing the gift back in your direction once you turned to him.

"Here." Was all he said, not seeing the point of saying much else.

"...Thank you." You hummed in appreciation and took the seat next to him.

He watched with avid interest as you unwrapped the present slowly, feeling as if time was stopping. You open the box underneath, and...

...blinked in surprise.

"Seeds?" You pulled out the numerous picture-labelled packets from the box and looked at them in your hands, as if that would give anymore of an answer than when they were stored together.

"Rose seeds." Malleus clarified. "I'm unsure if there are any differences to growing roses that vary in color, but I can give you pointers on the white ones, at least."

You looked between Malleus and the seeds before letting out a laugh. That single peel of laughter was music to Malleus' ears.

"Luckily, I don't think they do." You spoke through your laughs. Once your laughter had mainly subsided, you looked up at Malleus with light dancing around your eyes. "...Thank you. You didn't have to."

"I wanted to." Malleus replied honestly, his smile making butterflies erupt in your chest. "Seeing you always makes my day a bit brighter, so I wanted to do the same for you for once."

The pink returned to your face at his bluntness. He probably didn't even realize how much his words meant, did he?

No matter. You lean against him, the happy smile Malleus had wanted you to have so badly displayed for all the world to see.

Happy Birthday Lilia!

~

You flick through the pages of the book absent-minded, humming at certain names, occasionally pausing to pick up a pen and circle around those which you liked the most. It’d been easier when you were leafing through a book of human names, but the different fae names had you somewhat stumped. Some had meanings that sounded wonderful, but you knew you’d never be able to fully pronounce the names: and then there were some names that were beautiful, but the meanings were... ambiguous.

“Dear?” You flinched and quickly closed the book, shoving it in your pocket so your boyfriend couldn’t see.

Lilia soon turned the corner into the lounge and his soft smile grew, opening his arms as he walked forward. You met him half way, sinking into his embrace with a smile of your own.

The two of you had graduated from NRC long ago, coming upon your five-year anniversary of when you officially got together a few months after your graduation ceremony. Sadly you had never found - no, you told yourself, had yet to find - a way back home to your world, but you never had and never will forget the kindness Lilia showed you as your time in Twisted Wonderland went on. Simple things like helping you get a better grasp at your subjects or invitations to stay with him during the holidays had made your heart grow fond for the fae.

These feelings multiplied as he offered you a place to stay once you could no longer find shelter in the Ramshackle dorm, when he’d stuck by your side as a magicless human trying to find work in the fae world and helping you scour through endless books on worldly transportation, being your one source of positivity on those dark days you’d thought of giving up. Soon you’d found yourself confessing your attraction to Lilia and he’d returned your feelings in full, taking you in his arms just like now, professing his happiness that you loved him as well.

Your reminiscing was brought to a close as he pecked a chaste kiss to your lips, stroking some stray hairs from your face.

“How was your day, my dear?” Lilia asks, reluctantly letting go of you to take the groceries into the kitchen. “I hope your cold is getting better.”

“Seems like it was only a day flu.” You reassure him, taking a place beside him to assist with putting the food away.

Lilia presses a quick kiss to your cheek. “I’m relieved.”

The two of you continue your routine in a comfortable silence filled only by the opening and closing of cabinet doors. You left out a couple of items for that night’s dinner (and glared at Lilia when he attempted to add some things to the group that would have ruined it completely) before opening the glass cabinet to pour the two of you drinks.

“Malleus’ little one had his first magic lesson today.” Lilia recounts once the two of you had retreated to the living room, drinks in hand. “The poor boy nearly set his teacher ablaze!”

You hum, absent-minded, as Lilia continues to speak more about the Draconia family and their youngest’s exploits. You tried to show only enthusiasm but Lilia was quick to pick up on your hidden feelings when he saw your face.

“Are you feeling alright, my dear?” He asks softly, still smiling but concern etched into his voice and features. “Are you sure you’re feeling better? I don’t mind if you need to rest.”

You shook your head, laughing away your apprehensiveness. “No, no, I’m feeling fine! Sorry, maybe I’m just a bit tired.”

Lilia hums before reaching in to his pocket and pulling out a familiar book. Best Names for your Newborn Fae. “Is it something to do with this, then?”

Your eyes open wide and your cheeks turn red as you realised you’d been caught. “Um... W-Well...”

Your gaze dropped to your lap as you ran your thumb over your cup as words tried to formulate in your mind. Lilia didn’t push you, instead lowering the book into his lap and keeping that steady, reassuring smile.

“Sorry... it’s just...” A sigh escapes your lips as you finally attempt to speak. “Every day, you come back with stories of Malleus’ children, or I hear about my friends’ kids... even Ace has a family now. A little girl, can you believe it? ...I guess it just got me thinking a little, that’s all. Sorry, I should’ve said something instead of just buying those books...”

Lilia chuckles and shakes his head. He places his drink and the name book on the side, then takes your hands in his and kneels in front of you.

“(y/n), you have nothing to apologise for.” Lilia tells you soothingly, rubbing circles into the backs of your hands. “I should’ve noticed sooner.”

“It’s just... we haven’t even gotten past the marriage stage yet, I never really thought that far, I just...” Your words came out in a rush, jumbled together as all your negativity comes bubbling to the surface.

“...Do you want to?” Lilia asks after a moment’s pause so you can collect yourself, his expression kind but unreadable. “If I asked you to... ‘(y/n) (l/n), would you marry me?’... would you say yes?”

You mouth feel open in shock as your heart began to speed up. One of your hands left Lilia’s to drift up to your face, covering your mouth as tears formed in the corners of your eyes.

“Yes. Yes, I would.” You tell him through broken sobs, a shaky smile on your face. “Yes. Yes. A hundred times, yes.”

Lilia lets go of your remaining hand to throw his arms around you, which you reciprocated, happy tears flowing freely. Lilia began to pepper your face with kisses, kissing away all the tears, even though some of his own were threatening to fall as well.

“Humans typically have a ring for such occasions, don’t they?” Your lover - no, fiancé - recalls with a chuckle. “My apologies, dearest. I’ll make sure to find you one soon.”

Laughter of your own peals out from your lips. Even if a ring was tradition, right now it seemed so arbitrary that you couldn’t care less.

You moved your face from the crook of his neck and brung him into a kiss, one that said everything you wanted to say without a single murmur. Lilia’s face was glowing when you pulled about after what seemed like centuries.

“Though, I am curious.” Lilia continues, returning to his place on the couch and pulls you into his lap. You lean your head against his chest as he talks. “What do you prefer? (y/n) Vanrouge, or Lilia (l/n)?”

You shake your head as you laugh slightly. “Does it matter?”

“I should think it does.” Lilia raises an eyebrow, though his smile didn’t turn any less fond. “We need something to write on the certificate.”

“...” You stayed silent in your thoughts. Both sounded nice, but... not quite right. “How about... (l/n)-Vanrouge?”

Lilia hums in thought before nodding, smile widening into a grin. “That sounds perfect.”

You reach up to peck his lips, a sign of sealing the deal. Lilia returns it, then gives you another, then another, constant kisses causing you to laugh once more as he reaches over and takes the name book from the side.

Happy birthday Idia!

This is a direct sequel to this post: https://bluerosewritings.tumblr.com/post/626417568274628608/please-be-my-sibling-in-law-ortho-x-reader

You moved your hands from your cheeks, using them to support yourself against the spare bed’s frame while you tried to make sense of what happened. There were troupes in Idia’s anime and games where their younger siblings got involved in their older sibling’s love life, but it was usually to stop the MC getting romantically involved with said older sibling, not encourage it! On top of that, Ortho’s choice of words to ask you to be his ‘sibling-in-law’... surely he knew what he said, right? Or would it be better if he didn’t? Even if your heart was even ready to comprehend Idia waiting for you in a tuxedo, you doubt his encounter with Eliza had left him wishing for early marriage.

Sighing, you push yourself off the bed frame and shake your head to get a hold of yourself. That shouldn’t be the part you were focusing on - right now, what you needed to think of was how you were going to confess.

...yeah, you couldn’t even think that with a straight face.

Why did love have to be so hard...? It was easy for the love interests in an otome game to just... say whatever they were thinking! Wait, but in some games it was the MC who confessed and had to hope the love interest’s stat was high enough... so, which one were you!? Love interest or protagonist!?

“Wait, maybe don’t compare yourself to a piece of code...” You quietly reprimand yourself, massaging the bridge of your nose. “Just... how can you confess in a way that isn’t going to completely scare off Idia...? Yeah, that’s probably impossible.”

Still, you couldn’t let that deter you. Ortho may have already alerted his brother and he was on his way over, probably completely oblivious to what the younger Shroud had planned. That meant you might have less time than you thought. 

You quickly whipped out your phone and typed in ‘confession advice’. Surely there’d be one or two sites with help outside the usual be yourself stuff, right...?

“Um... (y/n)?”

Idia’s hesitant voice makes you jump out of your skin, turning around to see him standing awkwardly in the spare room’s doorway. You also lost your grip on your phone and it fell to the floor before you had a chance to even glance at the suggestions.

“O-Oh! Idia! I didn’t think you be here so soon!” You laugh half-heartedly.

Idia’s hands fly up to his chest, his expression turning into panic. “E-Eh!? W-W-Was I too fast!?”

“It’s okay! It’s fine!” You tell him, hoping he would relax. Though the fact you weren’t facing might not have helped too much. You just really needed to look at that advice! You’d take anything at this point!

Idia frowned at your behaviour, dropping his arms to his side as he watched you scoot across the floor. He was starting to regret coming over so fast - Ortho had told him you’d had something important to talk to him about and hurried over, worried that something serious had happened. It had not crossed his mind once that he would be lucky enough to have maxed out your metre high enough to reach your confession ending. No way. Not once. No way a gross otaku like him would even dare to think he’d have a chance with someone like you.

His worry only grew at seeing you get more and more frantic while searching for this unknown item. Idia looked across the floor and noticed a small light peaking out from the spare bed. Curious, he kneels down and stretches out to grab it, only being noticed by you at the last second.

Everything seemed to slow down once you realized your phone was still on. “Wait, don’t look...!”

Sadly, your words proved futile, as when they were spoken Idia’s eye’s registered the words on the screen. Not even a second later, his hair turned into raging red flames, not helping your panic at all.

“Idia! Calm down!” You tell him, though it came out more like a question than a command due to your frantic nature. “I-I can explain!”

“T-T-T-This has to be for some sort of g-g-game, right!?” Idia tries to rationalize, pointing between you and your phone. “D-D-Did you want advice for s-some s-super hard game or something!? Haha, you didn’t have to call me all the way out here for t-that...!”

“W... Well, not... exactly...?” You explain hesitantly, trying not to scare him any further. “If I wanted to beat a game, I’d just search up a guide...”

“S-So, what’s this for...?” Idia asks, only slightly calmer as his curiosity took over.

You bite your lip, unable to look Idia in the eye for more than a moment, though you tried your hardest to keep looking in his general area. “...I like you, Idia. Not just platonic. Also romantic.”

You treasured those precious seconds before Idia’s hair burned even bright. A worry about if your phone was melting would have crossed your mind if it wasn’t occupied by thoughts of what Idia’s answer would be. His prolonged silence was not helping in the slightest.

“Y-Y-Y-You m-m-mean it...?” He searched for a confirmation, voice cracking at every possible opportunity.

You slowly nodded, your heart racing too hard for your brain can function your words. Idia went back to his silence as he handed you back your phone, lips quavering as he struggled to summon up a simple one-word answer.

“T-There’s a movie. That we can see this weekend.” You tried to suggest, hoping it would help the situation even the smallest bit. “I can’t remember the name, but it’s something you’d like...”

Idia hummed, cleared out his throat and then nodded. “Yeah... yeah. I’d like that. A lot.”

The two of you stayed in an awed silence before you felt a surge of courage go through you. You couldn’t get any more embarrassed over how this confession was going anymore, right?

You walked up to Idia, who instinctively flinched. Determined not to be deterred, you measure yourself to his height and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before smiling warmly.

“Want to head back to your room and start planning?” You offer once you realize Idia’s muteness wasn’t going to go away anytime soon. Judging by his facial expression anyway.

Idia could only nod in response and follow, eyes wide, as you took him by the hand and guided him back to his own room. He really had gotten high enough on your metre to reach the confession ending...! Was this actually real...!?

Happy birthday Rook! 🥳🥳

“Just like that...” Rook whispers next to you, one arm wrapped around your shoulders and the other lightly cusping your outstretched hand. You don’t see his eyes move, but he hums in delight. “Parfait. Go ahead, mon cher.”

He backs away three steps, giving you space. Just as he’d instructed you, you take a deep breathe before letting go of the string and watching the arrow fly. The thud echoed throughout Night Raven College’s field as it pierced the target. Anticipation heavy in your chest, you place down your bow on to the floor beside you and walk up the designated path then across to where your target was, biting your lip as you approach, praying for a bullseye.

You move in front of the target and sigh.

“What’s wrong, mon cher?” Rook calls out from the other end of your impromptu archery range. With his superhuman vision, you were sure he already knew, but decided to humour him anyway.

Though that didn’t mean you were going to announce your disappointment to whoever else was on the field. You clasp you hand around the base of the arrow engraved into the target’s fabric and yank it out, along with the rest of the arrows you’d borrowed from Rook. Once they were tucked safely under your arm, you took off down the designated path again. When you were back, Rook met you at the end of the walkway and took his arrows off you, his bow already magically (probably literally) gone.

“It just grazed the target.” You admit with a defeated tone, unable to look Rook in the eye after the months he’d spent mentoring you.

“Magnifique! That’s wonderful progress!” Rook complimented.

His words didn’t do anything to improve your mood. Rook always managed to see the beauty in all situations - while it was one of the qualities you (secretly (hopefully)) loved about him, it always made you worry about whether what you were doing was good or whether the positivity was just coming from Rook’s never ending optimism.

“Mon cher?” Rook frowned as you sat down and leaned against a nearby tree. “What’s the matter?”

“...nothing.” You deny, not in the mood to talk it over just yet. “Can you just... demonstrate for me?”

Rook blinks then chuckles, throwing his arms up in fake dismay and shaking his head. “How many times would that be now? Well, it’s of no matter. Watch closely, oui?”

You nod mutely. Rook gives you one last smile before retrieving his bow and taking up his position while simultaneously nocking an arrow. You envied his elegance while doing so. He seemed so at peace with himself, yet so eager to shoot at the same time, eyes locked on to the target like it was the one prey he’d been seeking all his life. Then off the arrow flew and that intense moment went with it, making you second-guess yourself once again.

You continued to watch Rook diminish the arrows in his quiver until he ran out. The entire time you wondered whether you would reach the same level as Rook some day. Archers had always been interesting for you, whether it be in movies, TV shows, books or just plain old real life. So when you learnt that Rook was an expert on archery, you’d begged him to teach you - or, well, you would have if he hadn’t accepted the second the first plea left your mouth.

“I thought I told you to watch closely?”

You look up and see Rook looming over you, quiver once again full with it arrows and bow strapped to his back. Instead of continuing to scold you, he sits down in front so you couldn’t look away.

“...How do you do it so well?” You ask after a moment. “You always look so... perfect. It’s mesmerising.”

“Ah, merci, mon cher, for the high praise!” Rook exclaims, his smile widening. “But it’s just the old saying - practice makes perfect, and I have been practicing since I was young.”

Letting out an irritated sigh, your shoulders slump and you turn your gaze away.

“But!” Rook’s sudden continuation caused you to look at him once again. “That does not mean you cannot reach the same level, mon cher. Your work today - true beauté! I’ve never seen a more captivating expression.”

Despite your best efforts, a happy blush rises to your cheeks at the compliment. “Thank you... though, is there really no other advice you could give?”

Rook chuckles at your determination. As a mentor, he supposed he offer some pointers, so he thought over what he could say.

“Well,” he hums, “it always helps me to think of who I wish to capture the most - the one target I hope my arrows fly true to.”

“That sounded oddly romantic.” You giggle slightly. “Who is it, Leona?”

“As magnifique as Roi du Léon is, I must admit that someone new has captured my attention.” Rook admits, catching you off-guard. “Someone from whom I truly hope to embody the name ‘Hunter of Love’ for.”

“I-I see...” You nod, even more surprised that you had been correct about the romantic aspect of his words too.

“I have to ask a question, as well, mon cher.” Rook says, leaning in slightly closer. “Why do you wish to get a bullseye so bad?”

Your hands clenched into fists. A month ago, you wouldn’t have had an answer - you would have simply said you wanted the satisfaction, the thrill of reaching your childhood dream. But now...

Now you wanted it because that would be the day you finally confess to Rook.

“...It’s personal.” Is all you share. Rook doesn’t seem to react. “Once I reach that goal, well... I promised myself I’d do something then.”

Rook leans back, seemingly satisfied. “What a coincidence. I promised myself to do something when that day arrives as well.”

You’re taken aback momentarily, then shake your head. For all you knew, Rook could just mean moving on to teach you how to fire an arrow with your feet instead. You shouldn’t allow yourself to get your hopes up.

“All the more reason for me to reach it, then!” You smile, your confidence returning as talking about your goal fills you with determination.

Rook nods and stands up, offering you a hand. “Then let’s not waste anymore time, mon béguin.”

You accept the hand but raise an eyebrow at the sudden change of nicknames. “Mon béguin? What happened to mon cher?”

“It just feels more right, mon béguin.” Rook says, looking as if he was trying the words out on his tongue. “Oui... mon béguin. That is parfait for now.”

You laugh a little, long used to this kind of behaviour from Rook. “I’m going to practice my stance a bit first, if that’s alright.”

“Of course!” Rook nods and eagerly hands you his bow.

You smile appreciatively at him and return to your place in front of your chosen target. Rook watches you happily, his expression a perfect mask of content.

“Mon béguin is good for now.” He repeats to himself, quieter than a whisper. “But one day, I hope you shall allow me to call you mon amour.”

~

Translations:

Parfait - Perfect

Mon cher - My dear

Magnifique - Magnificent

Oui - Yes

Merci - Thank you

Beauté - Beauty

Mon béguin - My crush

You charged through the rose maze, cursing how loud your footsteps were. You'd heard Heartslabyul students talk about how insanely hard it was to even get halfway through the maze, but you never thought it would be this bad. Why, out of everything you could have done, did you think it would be a good idea to run into here?

Everything had gone so wrong. All you'd wanted was to help Ace and Deuce get out of their punishment - and if solving that with a duel meant helping the other students, great! There's no way it could end up worse than what happened in the Dwarf Mines, right?

You envied your past self's innocence.

In a weird way, you blamed yourself. If you hadn't opened your mouth, Riddle wouldn't have retaliated, so Ace wouldn't have decked his dorm leader in the face, someone wouldn't have thrown that egg at Riddle, Riddle wouldn't have freaked out and started beheading everyone, and he wouldn't have turned into... that. With that... thing hovering behind him like some sort of cruel puppeteer, looking way too familiar to whatever had tried to hurt you and your friends in the Dwarf Mines. Had you always been this unlucky?

Crowley had barely been able to say a thing before Riddle had cast Off With Your Head on the headmaster, then on Trey, Cater, and whatever poor souls that hadn't yet escaped Heartslabyul, tying them up with rose bush roots. Once again, you'd been the only one without a collar - maybe it was because of your lack of magic, maybe it was because you were from another world, you didn't know. You didn't hang around to find out - once Grim's yells at you to hurry up and get out of there snapped you out of your horrified trance, you bolted. Unfortunately, Riddle had noticed your sudden departure and chased after you, screaming your name.

You'd ducked into the Rose Maze hoping to shake him off. You wished you hadn't - all that you'd accomplished was getting yourself lost. Riddle's voiced seemed to be getting closer and closer by the minute, too.

"(y/n)!" Speak of the devil. The sudden shock of his voice nearly made you trip. "Come out this instant! Do you want your punishment to be even more severe!?"

Shaking off his words (or were you literally shaking?), you turned the corner. There seemed to be more and more roses as you went on - maybe a sign you were nearing the exit? Hoping so, you followed the blood-red flowers.

"(y/n)! I'm saying this for your own benefit! Tell me where you are, now! (y/n)!"

The leaves seemed to be disappearing under the red petals. A war between the two pieces of nature, two things that should be living in harmony instead being tainted by greed and ruining their peace. You had to be nearly out.

"(y/n)!!"

There were barely any leaves left now.

One last turn. One last turn and you should be--

Stuck. The roses didn't lead to the end of the maze at all. They led to the center of it.

A statue of the Queen of Hearts, like the one in the school among the other Great Seven, seemed to mock you with her smug expression. Now that you got a good look at her, she looked eerily similar to the specter haunting Riddle. Of course she did.

"So this is where you've been."

You turned so fast you fell over. Your mind couldn't even register the pain from your new cuts as you stared up in terror at the twisted form of Riddle. The boy himself seemed to be conflicted on whether to look at you with sympathy or smirk.

He settled on disappointment. "If you'd have just answered me earlier, you wouldn't be in such a sad state now, would you? Good grief."

Though he approached you at a normal pace, even that was enough to send a shiver down your spine. Desperately you tried to push yourself off the ground. Only it didn't work - you looked down to see yourself literally rooted to the floor. Following the root's path, you saw they were coming from the two rose bushes levitating by Riddle's side. No surprise there.

Out of options, you looked up at this new version of Riddle looming over you. Trying not to let your fear show, you glared at him. The look only caused Riddle's eyebrow to twitch before his emotions exploded forth.

"Don't look at your Queen that way! Change your expression immediately!"

"W-Why should I?"

"You...!" Blood rushed to Riddle's face. "Ever since I met you, everything you've done...! Causing a disturbance at the entrance ceremony, encouraging Ace and Deuce's idiotic behaviour, even managing to turn Cater and Trey against me...! I should despise every single part of you! So why...!?"

Before you could ask what he meant, the rose roots shot their way up your back, repositioning themselves so they pushed you upwards. You had no time to react - not that you could do much, your hands were still restricted, now bound together - as Riddle tangled his fingers in your hair and forced his lips on yours.

It took you a second to process what he was doing. Once you realised, you begun trying to wriggle your way out of his grip. Unfortunately, this only annoyed Riddle further - he tugged at your hair, causing you to yelp. Riddle took the opportunity to deepen the kiss. Any cries of protest went ignored.

You weren't sure how long the kiss lasted, but when Riddle finally pulled away you wasted no time gasping for air. There was a metallic taste invading your mouth. Your first thought was that it was blood but you couldn't raise your hand to check.

Riddle kept your foreheads touching, his hand still in your hair to keep you from moving away. You thought you were the only one that was dealing with a lack of air, but it seemed that Riddle's power up couldn't keep him from panting.

"Why...?" Riddle looked you in the eyes. The dark intensity scared you. It was a mix of anger, regret, confusion... and something else that somehow scared you even more.

"Why did I have to fall for someone like you...?"

Love.

Somehow the ferocity of the first kiss hadn't made it click for you. Now, however, the rush of fear gave you the strength to fling your head back and crash it onto Riddle's.

Only your foreheads were connected but it was enough. Riddle yelled in pain and let go of you. You fell on to the floor but were quick to get up as the pain was distracting Riddle from his control spell.

"(y/n)...! HOW DARE YOU!?"

You make it to the other side of the Queen of Hearts statue before roots burst out of the ground and latch on to your ankles. Caught mid-run, the sudden stop causes your to fall face-forward onto the floor. More roots appear to take advantage of the opportunity, latching themselves around you, binding you to the ground.

You couldn't turn your head, but you could feel Riddle approaching, glaring at your back. You weren't sure what was worse; the foreboding sense of darkness from Riddle's stares or the crushing feeling from the roots.

By the time Riddle was standing in front of you, black dots were decorating your vision. Tears were dripping out your eyes as you were unable to stop them. The unknown anxiety from what Riddle would do made breathing even harder. Riddle gritted his teeth, still nursing his head.

"Why do you insist on being so disobedient!?" Riddle growled. "Is it just because it's me!? You have no problem listening to those first-year ruler breakers! Is it them? Did they influence you? It has to be! It's their fault!"

"No...!" You croaked out.

Every word Riddle spoke caused the roots to become tighter. The tears fell even harder as you gasped for air like a fish out of water.

"No? Look at yourself!" Riddle scoffed. "This wouldn't have happened if you'd just followed my rules! I should have approached you from the start... I should've seen what leaving you alone would do. Damn it!"

"Pl...ease...!" You could barely make out Riddle's words. A dull ringing was going off in your ears, making it hard for you to focus.

"You had so much potential, right from the beginning, even if the mirror said you were magic-less, I saw it!" Riddle continued to scold himself, unaware of your desperation. "I should've told Crowley to place you in Heartslabyul, where I could've kept you on the right track... instead you had to become a rule-breaker! Why!?"

"I'm... sorry...!" You cried out.

The words caught Riddle's ears. He finally turned to you, realising what he'd caused. Gears turned in his head before he finally spoke.

"You're sorry, what?" He tried.

"I... I'm sorry, my Queen...! Riddle...!"

Instantly, the pressure was released. The sudden rush of oxygen to your lungs made you choke. Even though the roots were off you, you stayed laying on the ground, not wanting to push Riddle into doing that again.

"(y/n)." You looked up. "Come here."

Riddle stiffly opened his arms, as if embarrassed by the act. You hesitated, unsure if it was a trap. Riddle frowned.

"(y/n). Come here, now."

Out of options, you slowly pushed yourself off the floor. You still hadn't completely recovered, so you more stumbled than walked into Riddle's arms. It didn't seem to matter - the second you hit his chest, his arms wrapped around you, holding you tight against him. The similarity to what had happened not long ago earlier caused you to tremble. Riddle didn't seem to notice.

"Thank goodness." Riddle sighed in relief, burying his face into the crook of your neck. "You're not too far gone... you just need to properly learn the rules... that's a relief..."

The smile you felt caused your skin to crawl. Riddle began tracing kisses up your neck, across your jawline then connecting your lips again.

The kiss was softer this time, a chaste one that would've made your heart race if the situation wasn't so, so wrong. Even so, the fear of angering whatever you were kissing made you lightly press back. The monster in Riddle's form pulled back slowly, a child-like smile on its face.

One hand came away from your waist and ghosted against your neck. It sighed before you felt a wisp of magic circling your neck. While you couldn't see it, you felt the new accessory adorning your neck - a black choker with a red heart outlined with gold at the front; with no clasp to take it off.

Riddle hummed in approval, happy at the sight. He wasn't as pleased when he saw the look in your eyes -  a poorly concealed fear at what he'd done. He sighed, giving you a quick kiss before leaning you into his neck now instead. He raked his fingers through your hair in a soothing manner.

"I'm doing this for your benefit." He explained. "It's my fault for letting you hang around bad influences, but it's okay now. I'll make things right for you. You'll be following the rules perfectly in no time."

Riddle placed a kiss on your forehead and leaned next to your ear. He pressed a finger against the heart of your choker.

This is a platonic story! There is an element of Idia x MC, but this is not a romance between Ortho and MC because nope!

Happy Birthday Ortho!🥳

You exited Idia's room. A small smile was on your lips - even if your relationship with the flame-haired senior was strictly platonic, your time together still made you feel warm inside. Every time your hands brushed when he passed you the controller or you fed him candy to help his game rage, you had to fight the blush you felt crawling up your neck. Not that it worked - you were lucky the dorms were so hot to blame the redness on.

And that's no even mentioning the times he let you hug him! You felt you were melting each time he did (in a good way). It took all your strength to resist grabbing his face and planting kisses all over it. A giggle escaped your lips - how would he react if you did that? His face would probably match his hair colour!

Distracted, you didn't notice the younger Shroud approaching you until he tapped on your arm. You turned to see Ortho smiling at you (as well as he could with a mouth covering).

"(y/n), are you and Big Brother done for today?" He asked.

You nodded, to which he clasped his hands together. "Can I ask you for a favour, then? It's for Big Brother!"

Even without the mention of Idia, you would've happily helped his robo-brother. Not only was he the one who introduced you to his brother in the first place, your relationship had grown with Ortho to the point that he felt like your little brother as well. Plus, who could say no to such an adorable smile? ...Or facial expression?

You hum in confirmation. "Sure, what do you need?"

Ortho's eyes lit up. "Thank you! Um, it's something I'd like to talk about in private, so please follow me!"

Ortho turned around and moved away, his little rockets going so fast you had to half-run to keep up with him. The two of you walked through the underground maze that was a the Ignihyde dorm, all the way to what could be considered the "back" where all the store rooms and unwanted spare rooms were. Ortho opened the last door of a spare room in the corridor and ushered you in. It was only as you entered the room that you realised how heavily soundproofed the walls were.

You turned to Ortho as he locked the door. "So, what did you need, Ortho?"

The robotic boy didn't reply. His head was down low as he played with the buttons on his arms, mumbling to himself. Your smile faltered.

"...Ortho?"

Suddenly, Ortho rushed towards you, becoming eye-level. He grabbed a hold of your hands tightly. His face was the most serious you'd ever seen.

"Please, Prefect (y/n)," he cried, "become my sibling-in-law!"

You paused. Did he just...? No, you must have misheard him.

"S-Sorry, Ortho!" You laughed nervously. "I didn't hear that right. Could you repeat-"

"Become my sibling-in-law! Please!" Ortho cried again, louder.

So you hadn't misheard him. Huh. Well.

Then you properly processed the words. Become his sibling-in-law... that would mean...

...marry Idia?

A violent blush spread across your cheeks. "W-What?! S-Sibling-in-law?!"

The grasp on your hands became tighter as Ortho nodded. "Yes! Please!"

You felt your face heat up even further. It was beginning to make you feel light-headed. Marry Idia? You hadn't even confessed! Besides, you weren't even sure Idia liked you back!

"O-Ortho," you said carefully, trying not to let your embarrassment show, "I... I don't think I can..."

"Please date my brother!" Ortho interrupted.

...date?

"Date?" You repeat.

"Yes!" Ortho confirmed. "Please ask my brother out on a date! I can even help you plan, if necessary! In fact, there is movie of-"

"Ask out? As in... just dating? Not... the part after that?" You couldn't even bring yourself to say the word 'marriage'. At least some of your composure was returning.

Ortho nodded. "Yes!"

You let out a shaky breath of relief. He just wanted you to ask his brother out - maybe it was still something romance-related, but at least it wasn't straight to marriage.

"You really need to choose your words more carefully, Ortho..." you sighed.

"I do?" Confusion flashed across his face until he remembered his original objective. "Besides that! Please, (y/n), you need to ask Big Brother out! His life depends on it!"

"His... life?" Memories of Eliza come flashing through your head. "Eliza isn't coming back, is she? Or a friend of hers?"

Ortho shook his head. "Not that I know of."

"Then, how is Idia's life in danger?"

Ortho pulled away from your hands, tapped a few buttons on the side of his head, and turned to the wall next to the two of you. A projection came out from his left eye.

"Before you and Big Brother became friends and frequented each other's company, Big Brother's chances of going outside was 3.56%." Ortho turned a wheel on the side of his head. "After meeting you, however, that statistic increased to 11.98%."

"So... you just want your brother to go outside more?" You concluded. "Wouldn't the outcome just be the same if I asked him out as a friend?"

Ortho made an 'X' with his arms. "It's not just that!"

The statistics on the projection the wall changed. Whereas before the words "Big Brother's Outdoor Time" had been written in the top right corner, it now said "Big Brother's Love Life".

"As Big Brother is still extremely adamant about staying in his room, his current chances of finding a suitable partner are at 2.01%," Ortho continued, "however, even if Big Brother's outdoor time does increase over the next year, the likelihood of him finding a suitable partner will still fall to at most 1.3%!"

You bite your lip. "But, wouldn't going outside give him better social skills? Surely-"

"Do you really think my Big Brother would be able to stop thinking about 2D long enough for him to establish at least average social skills!?" Ortho argued.

As much as you hated to admit it... he had a point.

But still... ask out Idia? Again, you weren't even sure if he liked you back. What if he rejected you? Then not only would you have failed Ortho, you'd also walk away from Idia with a broken heart. With how Idia was as well, you weren't even sure if he'd be willing to associate with you anymore if he rejected your confession.

"Ortho... even so... your big brother might not-"

For the who-knew-at-this-point time, Ortho cut you off. "Don't worry! Big Brother also has dilated pupils and an increased heart rate whenever he is around you!"

"Also?"

"Yes, just like you!"

You didn't know blushes could grow to this extent.

"He also does not shut up about you when you aren't here! Based off my research, those three signs are the most common signs that a person is infatuated with another!"

Infatuated with another. Idia was infatuated with another. Infatuated as in liking. Another as in you. Idia liked you.

You felt like you were going to pass out.

"So, please, (y/n)!" Ortho's voice brought you back to the land of the living. "Ask out Big Brother!"

You still weren't a hundred percent certain Ortho's calculations were correct. Idia was shy, after all, so his younger brother may have just mixed up the signs. But one look at the desperation in Ortho's eyes caused the last part of you telling you not to do it to crumble away.

"...Okay. I'll do it." You said.

The blue flame by Ortho's heart seemed to grow larger as it flickered around dangerously as Ortho's eyes sparkled. He pulled you into a tight hug. You had a feeling that if he could, he'd be jumping around with joy.

"Thank you so much, (y/n)!" Ortho pulled away, his excitement only growing. "I'll go find Big Brother and tell him to come here right now! Don't move, okay?"

Without giving you a chance to reply, Ortho flew off, not even pausing to close the door. You leaned back onto the spare bed's post. In an attempt to cool yourself down, you placed your hands on your cheeks. It didn't work.

[Originally uploaded to ‘The Hearts Mirror’ on Wattpad]

Your stubbornness had started off as an admirable quality to Riddle. While other students were grumbling about the Queen of Hearts' rules, you were determined to follow them, almost to a fault. Sure, you weren't as big of a rule abider as Riddle but you'd set your mind on upholding what you believed to be the values of Heartslabyul and Riddle respected you for that.

The only issue was when you came across a rule you didn't agree with. Not matter what, if you didn't want to follow it, you would never follow it, and it drove Riddle insane. Even post-overblot, your dorm head was still shocked at how adamantly against you were at following rules 39, 176 and 590. Especially rule 590.

That was how you had once again been called to the dorm lounge long after it had been deserted by the other students, sitting across from Riddle who was massaging the bridge of his nose. A frustrated sigh escaped his lips as he briefly looked up at you, wondering how in the of Twisted Wonderland the two of you managed to keep finding yourselves together like this.

"(y/n)-"

You cut him off. "It wasn't my fault."

Riddle couldn't stop his eyebrow from twitching. "It wasn't your fault?"

You nodded.

"So the fact that your roommate is currently in the infirmary after a magic duel from a shot multiple people, including myself, saw you cast... is not your fault?" Riddle said, finally looking you in the eye. His expression was a hardened glare, though you could tell there was something else behind it as well.

"Look, he started it," you explained, "he said some pretty stupid stuff and said if I won a duel against him, he would keep his mouth shut - if I lost, he got to tell everyone and I took his place in Azul's contract. Not my fault."

Riddle shook his head. "Even though you broke the rules of the duel?"

The accusation made you shift in your seat. Riddle knew logically you couldn't deny it - it was a miracle that the headmaster had agreed to let him deal with the issue, even if he was your dorm head. While duels typically weren't allowed on school grounds, rule 590 of the Queen of Hearts was something of a loophole, where as long as only non-elemental magic was used a duel was allowed. During your duel, however, you had cast wind magic, causing your opponent to be pushed backwards. You'd intended just to scare him but he instead tripped and fell down on his arm at a not so nice angle, luckily managing not to break it but unfortunately it was still pretty battered.

"...He shouldn't have been acting like an idiot." you eventually replied, receiving another unhappy look from Riddle. "Look, he was going to use elemental magic on me too, okay? I had no choice!"

"And you know that, how?"

"Because he was bragging about it to his friends in broad daylight like an idiot."

"If you knew that, then you should've come to me. In fact, why didn't you?" Riddle crossed his arms, confusion now showing on his face. "I usually mediate all your duels. So why—"

"B-Because I don't want to keep dragging you into my messes!" You say.

A pout forms on Riddle's face. While you'd usually consider it cute, you knew it meant he didn't believe your lie. You internally cursed yourself for not thinking of a better excuse.

"(y/n)," Riddle's voice grew sterner, "why didn't you talk to me?"

You mumbled under your breath. Riddle gave out another frustrated sigh.

"(y/n)."

"...because then he'd have known."

Riddle furrowed his brows. "Known? Known what?"

"That we're dating."

Riddle blinked, unsure of how to reply. "Why would you talking to me make him know... that?"

"That was the secret." You told him. "He said he knew we were... y'know. But I could tell he wasn't 100% sure, so I played it off and tried to keep away."

Well, that explained your lack of presence being made up by late-night texts, then.

"I mean, I still don't see why we have to hide us," you continued, "since you shouldn't care about what your mother thinks after what she did to you! But... you don't want that, so... I had to break the rule. I... I'm sorry."

Riddle froze. "Huh? Could you... repeat that?"

"Repeat what?" You feigned innocence, knowing exactly what he meant.

Riddle wasn't going to give up so easily, however. "The last thing you said."

"I had to break the rule."

"After that."

"...I'm... sorry." A blush spread across your cheeks. You didn't exactly mean your words - you were sorry, yes, but really for worrying Riddle rather than for standing your ground. You were pretty sure Riddle knew it too.

It didn't matter. Your apology and your expression caused Riddle to soften. He stood up from the lounge's "throne" couch and made his way over to you. Using your bodies to shield your hands from any unlikely late-night visitors, Riddle intertwined his fingers with yours, giving your hand a light squeeze. As the two of you rarely made any contact, the action caused a light red to spread across both your cheeks.

"Thank you, (y/n)." Riddle said. "However, this does not mean I approve of you going around and disrespecting not only the school's rules but also the Queen of Hearts' rules. Understand?"

You huff. "Even though they're so pointless?"

Riddle raised an eyebrow. "Does that make rule 2 pointless as well?"

"Of course not! Scones without fruit tea is unforgivable." You argued, shocked Riddle would even suggest the idea.

Riddle sighed, though you saw the corners of his mouth twitch. "Then you need to follow the other rules, too. You can't just do what you think is right concerning rules - I think what happened to me should be proof enough of that."

The thought of Riddle's overblot sent a cold feeling down your spine. "I would never... get that far. I promise."

Riddle smiled. "I know; I wouldn't let you. Not that you'd let yourself get 'there' either."

"Thank you." You whispered. You dropped your voice even lower. "...I love you."

"I love you, too." Riddle replied, words so quiet you had to read his lips.

His lips... before you could stop yourself, you placed your lips on his, clutching his hands. Secrecy temporarily forgotten, Riddle loosened his grip on one of your hands to move his to the back of your head, adjusting the angle of your head so he could kiss you deeper. The kiss likely lasted no more than thirty seconds, but like every time you touched, it felt like a thousand years.

For the millionth time, you cursed Riddle's mother and the fear she'd pushed into her son that caused the two of you to keep your relationship on the down-low. You couldn't help yourself - you wanted more. You dove you head closer to his again, only your aim was off, causing the two of you to bump noses.

Riddle let out a cry of pain as you cursed your bad luck, using your free hand to massage your nose. Once the pain subsided, you and Riddle caught each other's eyes. Laughter started coming out of Riddle as he had to look away, your pout too cute for him to handle at the moment.

"I'm getting better!" You insisted. "It's just dark in here, that's all."

"Of course." Riddle complied.

He brought his free hand away from the back of your head and began to caress your cheek. You leaned into his palm, though your pout still remained. Riddle giggled and placed a quick, chaste kiss against your lips. Like always, he adored the look of surprise bliss that decorated your face.

You missed the heat when he eventually pulled his hand away. Your hand felt empty without his to hold.

You were happy you could still look into his eyes. "(y/n), even if someone is threatening to reveal our relationship, if anything like that happens again, make sure to come to me. Understand?"

You frowned. On one hand, you were happy he was willing to risk your relationship to keep you out of trouble; on the other hand, you didn't like the implication that you couldn't handle your own problems. It may have ended badly this time, but that didn't mean it would always end somewhat tragically.

But one look into Riddle's worried eyes and you knew you couldn't say no. "...Okay. I promise."

The tension seemed to literally fly off Riddle's shoulders. "Thank you, (y/n)."

He placed a kiss on your cheek and smiled. "I'm expecting a five hundred sentence essay on your self-reflection about the school rules and rule 590 in my room by tomorrow night, as well as a written apology to who you injured."

"Wha- Riddle!?" You turned, too stunned to grab his arm as he walked off. "That's unfair! Riddle!"

The red-head chuckled, looking back at you with a smirk. "Would you rather it was off with your head?"

No, you didn't. It didn't stop you from grumbling about it however.

Riddle chuckled. "Be glad I'm making you drop it off in my room instead of in front of everyone. Good night, (y/n)."

Riddle left, leaving you alone in the lounge. You let out a frustrated sigh, even though you were getting off leniently. And why was he making you drop off the essay to his room specifically, instead of just letting you just hand it to him whenever? And at night! He-

Chapter 2 + 4 spoilers

Warnings: yandere, force, possessiveness, snakes

—

"Now, now, Prefect." Jamil tutted. "No need to scowl."

He traced a finger up from your neck to the tip of your chin. When he felt you squirm against the odd texture of the ink, he grabbed you by the jaw and forcefully pulled your face closer to his. The sudden action made you lose balance, falling to your knees in front of Jamil. Though he kept a hold of your jaw, your face now rested between his knees, forced to look up at his triumphant grin.

His grip loosened on your jaw and he begun to rub circles into your cheek. After a long silence, he tapped your should so you fell backwards on to your butt, hands bound so you were unable to soften the fall. You watched him eye you up and down, admiring the red silk garments he'd had the other dorms members force you into. His eyes locked on to yours, letting out a chuckle when he registered the look you were giving him.

Picking up the dorm leader's staff, Jamil flicked the head of it over his shoulder. As he'd attached the chains of your golden cuffs to it, what he now considered a minor use of strength caused you to be yanked on to his lap, bumping against his chest. Before you had a chance to pull back, he placed his free hand on the small of your back. The snakes that were formerly his hair wound themselves around your legs and arms. The one that didn't tangle itself around you flittered its tongue against your ear.

"I was right," Jamil whispered, looking down at your clothes again. "Red does suit you better than that pathetic green Kalim gave you."

"My eyes are up here." You snap.

Jamil smirks, bringing his eyes up. "Like I said, no need to scowl. Surely you prefer being in the arms of the most powerful man in Night Raven instead of that waste of space Kalim's?"

Your glare intensified. "At least Kalim's better a- mmph!"

Your words were cut off by Jamil slamming your lips into his. As you attempted to pull away, Jamil pulled at your hair, making you yelp in surprise. The noise made Jamil smirk, pushing you closer to him as his chuckles vibrate across your lips. When he finally let you pull away, you found it hard to move your mouth, lips tingling with the fresh memory of the harsh kiss.

Jamil pushes your head down, forcing you to nuzzle into the nape of his neck. "I don't want to hear that fake sultan's name again, understand?"

While you knew he said it with a smile, you also knew it wasn't a question. The snakes wriggling unhappily on your limbs were enough proof.

"...Yes, Jamil." You reluctantly said.

"I'm sorry?"

You took a deep breath and spoke louder. "Yes, my Sultan."

The hand in your hair relaxed. "Good Prefect. Though I suppose you won't be needing that title any longer... how does my little charmer sound instead?"

You felt him pull at a piece of your hair, twirling it around his index and middle finger before giving it a light tug. Seeing it as an order to look up, you took a deep breath before meeting Jamil's eyes, trying to look as submissive as you could. Maybe if you acted like the perfect pet, listening and following his commands, you'd be able to buy yourself enough time for Kalim and the Octavinelle trio to come back, or maybe for Grim to bust out his cage and contact the headmaster... then again, option A seemed much more likely.

Jamil, unaware of your train of thought, was just soaking in your presence. Ah... how he'd waited. While he hadn't taken much notice of you at the entrance ceremony, his interest in you had grown when you were investigating the accidents before the Magift tournament. He'd recognised the sense of duty in your eyes - not a willing one, but one where you'd been instructed and made to act. Just like he had to with Kalim.

Yet you'd still looked at him with empathy. He'd seen the way your eyes had glanced at his cut and noticed the sorrow - not pity, but genuine sadness and regret. Heard the way your voice had softened when speaking to him. You were being forced, yet you'd seen him as his own person. Not some hand or means to an end.

So when he found out you were staying at the school for the winter holidays, he was... well, happy to put it lightly. Not only were you potentially a massive step forward in his plan, but he would be able to just get to know you. See if that empathy continued, if you really saw him as an equal - you listened to him about the dorm's issues (even if they fake), smiled at him in reassurance to encourage him. The time he spent with you felt like he'd wandered into his own Cave of Wonders, happily cherishing every second of it no matter how limited.

Limited because of Kalim. That fake sultan always had to ruin everything. Whenever Jamil has free time outside his plan to be with you, Kalim would be there, practically sitting on your lap as he offered you food or something else he owned. That wasn't the worst of it thought - the worst part is that you humoured him. Gave him that priceless smile, letting him hear your laugh that was sweeter than anything Jamil had ever tasted. And that magic carpet ride! Jamil knew he should've convinced Kalim to leave that blasted thing at home. How close had you gotten? As close as Jamil was to you now? Even closer?

Jamil released a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding. That didn't matter now, Jamil told himself. Now, that spoilt brat was at the end of the world, far away from you, you who was currently sitting in his lap and giving him the cutest look of obedience. Oh, how he wished he’d overblotted sooner. If he had known about the amount of power he now possessed, he would’ve gladly pushed himself past his limit if only to have you in his arms quicker. Still, he had you now, and that adorable look you had and your smile were all his.

Still blissfully unaware of your thoughts, he cupped your cheek. Cautiously, you leaned into his touch, shivering at the feeling of the ink.

Softer this time, Jamil pulled you in for a second kiss. As much as you wished it wasn’t, you had to admit this one was not just better, but actually a good kiss, period. Jamil had managed to tilt his head just right so the kiss felt completely natural and breathtakingly perfect. You felt the emotion he was pushing into the kiss - the adoration, the relief, the possessiveness, all the repressed emotions you'd sensed in him, what had drawn you to him, bursting forth in this one kiss. And you didn't mind it. You didn't know if you should be ashamed as leaning into the kiss and wrapping your arms around his neck seemed easier than it should have been.

You didn't know how long you kissed him for. Pulling away left you feeling light-headed and craving more. Was this an effect of the overblot?

Jamil, meanwhile, couldn't have been happier. "You learn fast, my little charmer. Where'd all that fight from earlier go?"

You improvised. "I was just... shocked. Scared. I was worried you wouldn't..."

You didn't know how to finish your sentence. Judging by Jamil's chuckle, however, it seemed it didn't matter.

"Don't be." He reassured you, turning you sideways on his lap to hold you better. "Now that you're with me, you won't have to be scared of anything ever again. No one will stop us from getting what we want. I'll make sure of it."

You leaned against his chest. Even with the cold metal pressing against the side of your face, even with the odd feeling of ink from the arms enveloping you, you had to admit it was... nice. The previously threatening snakes had retreated from your limbs, now decorating your shoulders, neck and jawline, tongues ghosting your skin in what you now realised were kisses. The realisation brought a new shade of red to your cheeks. Jamil chuckled at the sight, placing a quick kiss on your forehead as a way to calm you down, though it did the opposite.