Uncertified Writer

Small caresses, whispers of sweet words, and delicate laughter.

“My dear, you are radiant.” His voice was soft, softer than anything you’ve ever heard from him.

Your head rested on his shoulder, your gaze found his, the bright green soft and gentle.

“You flatter me every time. My words are not as eloquent.” You smile.

“Nonsense, it’s what you deserve.”

His lips brushed your forehead.

Moments like this had Malleus buried into your heart, and you’d done the same to him.

These fragile feelings became something solid and real. Something that you believed that would last forever—that could cast away even the darkess.

Well that was until recently.

Though perhaps it wasn’t the darkness you were afraid of but what was in the darkness.

Something that would haunt you forever.

When his overblot happened you thought you’d finally got used to them happening.

You were wrong.

Not when it was someone who held your entire heart.

Not when the ink-like substance spread and swallowed every inch of light. The darkness all consuming.

Not when bodies began to fall into a deep slumber that you too were consumed by.

His overblot had brought about a long and arduous journey but you and the others eventually made it out after much effort.

But even in the waking world things fell apart.

You watched them fight his draconic form, you watched the life fade from Lilia’s eyes and watched his children mourn.

However you also saw that life return, which should have been a relief, and it was. But…it was also terrifying, seeing something like life be brought back by such force. It made you tremble.

You watched Malleus—who held so much of your heart, lose a part of himself to bring back Lilia.

After all of it was over you barely got to see him, only a short conversation before he was whisked away by S.T.Y.X.

But that terrifying feeling you had felt throughout everything didn’t dissipate, not even after everything was over.

You were relieved of course, everyone you cared for was okay, everything was okay now.

It should be okay—it had to be okay.

It was when you finally saw him again you realized what this feeling was—repulsion mixed with deep sated fear.

And he noticed, of course he did. One of his own greatest fears was real; his beloved feared him.

He reached for you like he’d done a thousand times before.

“My dear-“ His hand froze when you flinched, drawing away from his touch.

You hadn’t meant too, but that intense fear screamed at you and you couldn’t ignore it.

It pained you but what hurt more was the sheer heartbreak that flashed across his face.

He quickly smoothed it into something devastatingly neutral, even though his world was crumbling apart.

“I’m sorry…..I know no words can console you. Just tell me what I should do.” He spoke softly, like he was afraid he’d scare you off.

You glanced at him—then away, your voice trembling with emotion.

“I….just need some time.” You answered as steadily as you could.

“Time….yes, I can do that. Whatever you need, I’ll do it.” He responded, his voice close to breaking.

Time could heal all, he thought.

But deep down you knew—time wouldn’t fix this, it never would.

He’d prepared a rod and some bait for you.

You carefully followed his movements, adjusting relatively quickly. Getting the hang of it easily.

It was quiet as the two of you stood shoulder to shoulder, enjoying the warm weather and the quiet lapping of the water.

You felt a tug on the line.

“Oh! I think I got something.”

His gaze shifted to you, watching in case you needed any help.

But you succeed, reeling in a small fish.

“Aw, this guy's little.”

“Probably best to throw em’ back.” He said, looking at the tiny fish on your line.

You unhooked the small fish and gently tossed it back into the lake.

At the same time something tugged on Arthur’s own line, when he reeled it in the fish was significantly larger than the one you had.

The two of you (Arthur) had managed to catch a few more for keeping.

As the sky deepened the two of you quietly walked back to camp, your shoulders brushing as you walked.

“We should do this again, but without the fish.” You said, gaze landing on him.

He turned his head to look at you fully, one eyebrow raising.

“You askin’ me on a date?” His voice gruff, slightly amused.

“Yes, I am.” Your words firm and blunt.

You watch him glance away, your boldness clearly surprising him.

He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Then it’s a…date.” He answered, his voice low.

Your face lit up.

He held a toothbrush in hand.

“This brand of toothbrush is the best, it’s got soft bristles but it’s great for working in groves. And this toothpaste….”

You watched him go on, the words barely registering. It was silly, yes, seeing your partner prattle on about dental care. But it was his love language and you loved watching him be so passionate over something.

For whatever reason maybe it was the sheer care in his eyes, but it made you speak abruptly.

“I love you.”

Three simple words, but they were filled with endless admiration.

It made him pause the brushing motions he was explaining, your suddenness catching him off guard. A faint tinge of pink dusted his cheeks—expression turning a bit sheepish at your abruptness.

He cleared his throat, placing the toothbrush down.

“I love you too.” He responded, his full attention to you now.

“Was there any reason for your sudden delectation? He asked, a faint hint of amusement and curiosity in his voice.

“No, just wanted to say it. I like seeing you so passionate about this.”

He chuckles, smile smile making his eyes crinkle,“Well, so proper flossing….”

Ruggie Bucchi

You carried a box of doughnuts into the Savanaclaw dormitory. It was a gift to your lovely partner as well as his favourite treat.

You had some money and they were selling them at a nearby bakery, so you thought you’d surprise him.

You found him working on a task in his dorm room.

“I come bearing gifts.” You declare as you enter, placing the box onto his desk with flare.

His ears perk up and his gaze is drawn to the box, the scent immediately catching his nose.

“For me?” He asks, already opening the box.

“Of course, who else would they be for?” You laugh.

You watch him pick up the fresh and very enticing looking doughnut. Perfectly round and glazed.

“Don’t mind if I do.” He says before sinking his teeth into the fluffy dough.

Your gaze tracks every flicker of enjoyment across his face, as he savours the sugary delight. Cute, you think as you simply watch him enjoy the simple treat.

You’d buy him all the doughnuts in the world if it means getting to see him this happy.

So the words slip from your mouth without too much thought.

“I love you.”

He pauses his chewing, now on a second doughnut. He blinks one, twice—then a flush tints his cheeks and neck, but he regains composure quickly.

“Shhehehe I’m getting spoiled today.” He says with a grin. He picks up another doughnut, extending it to you.

“I love ya too.” He says as you take the sweet treat from his hand.

Floyd Leech

It was before his basketball game, which you’ll admit was probably not the best time to abruptly announce your love. But it wasn’t intentional.

You were seated in the front row of the bleachers, watching the team warm up, your gaze drawn to your partner who was clearly lavishing in the attention.

When they called for a break, giving some time before the start of the game, Floyd was already bounding over to you.

He was immediately rambling on about how happy he was that you were here, how he was going to win the game. You listened, admiring his excitement.

You smiled, nodding along. You loved listening to him like this, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise when your sudden words came out.

“I love you.”

He paused, processing your words, when he did a grin appeared on his face—showing his sharp smile.

It was no surprise that you were immediately engulfed in a tight embrace that you’d know become used too.

“Aw my shrimpy loves me,” He buried his face against your shoulder, “I love my shrimpy too.”

So dinner was much anticipated, the five of you sat around the table. Malleus at the head, with Silver and Sebek seated at either side, Lilia had taken the seat next to Sebek, leaving you seated next to Silver.

The clinking of silverware echoed along with some quiet chatter.

Everything was normal, until Lilia’s voice cut through peace.

“So..you two are dating.” He states, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Silver’s fork stills.

You choke on a sip of water.

A faint flush spreads across Silver’s face.

Lilia only looks amused.

Sebek’s brows furrow and Malleus tilts his head.

It’s quiet for a moment as you regain your composure, Silver gives you a small glance, checking if you're alright before speaking.

“You knew?” Silver asks, shifting in his seat.

“Well of course, the way you two look at each other isn’t exactly subtle.” Lilia responds, the amused smirk still on his face.

You only groan.

“We were going to tell you…” Silver starts.

“I get it, young love. You're both way more obvious than you realize.” He laughs.

Malleus smirks, he knew too of course (Lilia told him). Sebek only grumbles something under his breath, surprisingly quiet for once.

“Well at least we don’t have to hide it anymore…or make any announcements.” You sigh, glancing at Silver who gives you that soft smile that makes your heart flutter.

His knee brushes yours under the table—a quiet show of affection and reassurance.

You think that’s the end of this slightly mortifying conversation but that would be too easy.

“So who confessed first?” Lilia asks, his elbows propped up on the table, his food abandoned—far more interested in your relationship.

The two of you groan, before sharing another small affectionate glance.

You watched, seated on one of the chairs sipping some apple juice that Epel had brought.

It was almost amusing how they pondered over what kind of pizza they wished to eat first.

Ace and Sebek chose first, the margarita pizza. You watched as Deuce chose a pizza with boiled eggs on top, then Jack picked deep dish one and Epel, a meat lover’s.

Ortho hovered close to you, watching alongside you; having fun just watching the group.

When the group had picked their pieces, you grabbed a slice of your choosing.

Grim had stacked a bunch of slices on top of each other, due to his inability to choose just one kind.

The group talked back and forth over food, as you observed quietly. They all fell silent when Sebek asked for a knife and fork.

As the group judged his choice of how he consumed pizza, you felt your lips twitch up, a small snort leaving you.

They glanced at you, a flicker of surprise before all falling into loud laughter that echoed through the room.

The night continued, a chaos filled one. You all ate too much food and watched nonsensical movies.

You had woken first when morning light filtered through the window.

You glanced at the group, sprawled around the living room. A small content smile was on your lips, these foolish first years had wormed their way into your once hollow heart.

Grim padded next to you, the fuzzball noting your expression.

“It all flew by so fast…” He said, you glanced down at him.

“Mm…then we should do it again sometime.” You said.

Grim looked a little shocked before grinning.

“Yeah, you’re right!”

Your gaze fell back onto the group still sleeping away, before watching the sun rise outside. It flooded into the room as it rose, the group slowly stirring. Grim already forcing them to clean up.

You watched, a content smile on your face. For once feelings had come easily, no longer a wishful dream—just a group of rowdy teens that had thawed your once time frozen feelings.

In this moment living no longer felt so empty.

Well today was just the same as any other, the same stress of being in a different world mixed with school assignments and the fifty other tasks on your plate.

Maybe it was the school work. Maybe the long list of chores. Maybe the rowdy flaming cat at your side. Or the random naggings of your “oh so gracious” headmage.

Whatever it was had your anxiety rearing its vicious head.

Even whilst trying to focus on the conversation of your friends you felt a tightness in your chest, like your lungs refused to expand fully.

A subtle tingling in your hands, mixed with a feeling of dread in your stomach. Leaving you mostly tuning out of the conversation as your mind continued to spin.

It was like a never ending carousel.

It didn’t matter that you knew rationally everything would be okay or how many times you listed off different colours you could see—it persisted nonetheless.

The irrational fears and what ifs followed you all the way back to your dorm, leaving you exhausted and on edge.

As the sky changed colours you found yourself outside, in the quiet courtyard of Ramshackle. In hopes of finally being able to get enough air into your lungs.

You saw the flicker of green lights first, then his appearance. His visits to Ramshackle were common, the fae was a steady presence.

When his gaze landed on yours his expression shifted, as if sensing your distress.

“Child of man, you seem troubled. Are you alright?”

He asked, his voice was filled with quiet concern.

You felt your chest squeeze at the concern, the feelings you’ve been trying to rein in threatening to spill over. You swallow trying to collect yourself, you knew lying would be futile to someone so attuned to your feelings.

“I….no…I’m not.” Your voice trembled at the quiet admission, the weight of your anxiety almost crushing. Your hands trembled at your side as you watched his expression flicker with concern.

He took a step closer. “Has something happened? He asked, trying to decipher the root of your distress.

Your gaze flicked up to his.

“I’m just….overwhelmed. So much is happening, it makes my chest tight like I can’t breathe. I know I’ll be okay but part of me believes that everything will go horribly wrong.” You rambled. You watched him nod, the gears turning in his head.

He extended an arm, gesturing to you to take it. When you did, you two began to walk a familiar path. He was quiet for a moment.

“There is still much I’m learning, but I think I can understand how you feel,” he began. “I feel the same when I’m around others, every time I scare them off I feel my heart sink.” He explains, his voice contemplative.

You stared at him, a little shocked that someone like him felt nervous, but it was also a little comforting.

He glanced down at you. “I wish I could do more to bring you comfort, so if you ever need me I shall answer any call.” He said, his eyes were filled with a soft devotion.

His words and soft expression made something loosen in your chest.

“Thank you Tsunotarou. I think I feel a bit better.” Your gaze met his, watching as relief flickered in his eyes.

A small smile spread across his face.

“I’m glad.” He said quietly. “Shall we continue our usual stroll?”

“Mhm, I’d like that.”

As night creeped in, the two of you talked, falling into your usual conversations. It was familiar and comforting.

And even though that fear still lingered on your chest—you could finally breathe a bit easier because everything would be okay.

She opened a path for you to continue your passion, to allow your fingers to dance upon these keys. It brought you great satisfaction to be by her side as she shined.

Your finger hit the last note and the crowd erupted into cheers. At one point you caught her gaze as she sent you a smile that made your stomach do flips.

Now with the adrenaline of the night worn off you sat outside, leaned against a wall and watching the stars.

You glanced over your shoulder when you heard familiar footsteps. Robin stepped beside you, her green eyes flicking from your face to the stars.

“Your playing was wonderful, as always.” She said, a soft smile on her face.

“Thanks! You were amazing too, but I’m sure you’ve heard that already.” You replied with a small chuckle, she was no stranger to compliments.

She hummed, “Yeah, but it’s different when it’s you.”

“How so?” You tilted your head.

“I just feel like you see me differently, like it’s more than a simple compliment, it’s special.”

You blinked, did she know?? You had been quiet about it, trying to keep your adoration buried in fear of overwhelming her. But it seems you had underestimated her.

Her gaze landed on yours and you could feel your face heat up.

You rubbed the back of your neck, “I mean tons of people love you…a compliment from me shouldn’t feel that special.” You shifted your gaze back to the starry sky.

But your attention was quickly drawn back to her when she laughed, her face lighting up; eyes crinkling.

“I…what are you laughing at? What did I say?” You questioned, flustered and confused by her laughter.

She covered her laughter with her hand.

“Nothing, I just remembered how glad I am to have you by my side.” She said as her laughter died down into a small smile.

Your gaze shifted back to the stars, cheeks burning.

“You really enjoy teasing me, don’t you?” You grumbled, though not really upset.

“Hm, just a little.”

You could feel her gaze on you before it shifted up to the stars you were gazing upon. You felt her shift, her shoulder touching yours as the two of you enjoyed the quiet moment.

This had started as a simple trip to the library to aid you in the upcoming history test for Trein’s class, but now you were lost and alone. And of course your fuzzy companion was no where to be seen.

It was a total bust, and you’d only found one book that wasn’t completely incomprehensible.

You sighed into your hand, rubbing your temples before deciding on a new strategy. Certainly there was a pattern to this maze of a library or someone around somewhere.

So you walked and walked and walked. Calling out in hopes of finding other signs of life.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” You huffed, leaning against a shelf as your frustration boiled over.

“Hello! Is anyone there?” You called out again, how big exactly was this library anyway.

You grumbled and started again, walking to the right around another set of bookshelves towards the right.

“Can anyone hear–“ “You’re going the wrong way.” A voice cut you off.

You paused, wiping to look around—but the area was empty.

The voice sighed.

“You should go left…then take three rights…jeez what a noob.” The voice sounded tired, like it was bored by this situation.

You glanced around, still no sign of life.

It was a ghost, it had to be.

You were no stranger to ghosts since your arrival here at NRC, but you weren’t quite expecting one to help you out of this library maze. Or that it would be so…rude…and what did it mean by noob??

Whatever that’s not the point right now, the point was you could finally get out of this place. You took a left, then paused.

“Um…thank you ...uh library ghost.” You said before moving quickly down the isles in hopes of freedom.

On your last right you made it back to the main area of the library. You let out a sigh of relief.

Your fuzzy companion jumped into your arms, almost knocking the book from your hand.

“Where have you been hench-human, I’m starvin” Grim complained.

You simply sighed, guess he didn’t suffer through the library maze.

“Alright alright, calm down. I was just grabbing a book so we don’t fail this history test.” You responded, setting the furball onto the floor.

“Come on, I think I’m sick of looking at books.” You grumbled, as he sauntered beside you rambling on about tuna.

You gave one last glance at the library before leaving, with the hope that would never happen again.

A floating tablet lingered in one of the book isles, mumbling.

“Library ghost…what sort of lame name is that? Jeez…” He mumbled.

He stiffened when he noticed you stir, lashes fluttering, breath changing. You blinked, eyes hazy, mind addled by sleep. You noticed him awake, his gaze on you.

“Can’t sleep?” You mumbled, voice laced with sleep.

He glanced away, the slight shift in his expression revealed his embarrassment after getting caught staring.

“No, just thinkin’” He muttered. Your brows furrowed as you shifted, the bliss of sleep slowly fading and now replaced by concern.

“About?” You prompted, worried something was bothering him.

His gaze found yours again, soft and gentle.

“You.” He answered, this time his lips quirked up into a half smile, his voice gravelly. “How lucky I am to ‘ave ya.”

Your initial worry melted away, warmth spreading through your chest. A sleepy smile graced your face.

“Hmm, I’m pretty lucky too.” You shift, tugging his forearm gently. “C’mere.”

He obliges, moving to wrap you in his arms as he settles back into bed. Your hands find his mussed hair, combing the strands. His fingers trace shapes on your back.

The moment forever sealed in the silent night of Saint Denis.

A lucky man he was indeed.