Leo's stalker

Dislikes:

His eyes. I like to believe his eyes resemble his father more than his mother, and that's why he doesn't like them. They kind of remind him of his father whenever he looks in the mirror.

Tohma: I think Tohma is pretty consistent. He's also tall and lean, but I like to think he has more muscle and a bit more body fat than Jin. He just hides it well behind all those neat outfits he wears. I like using his Rolling Waves card as a reference. He's the type that looks more toned with his clothes off, like how he looks bigger in his Onsen card. His Rook's Morning card is also a good reference for how I imagine him. He was bulkier back in Vagastrom but toned it down after transferring to Frostheim to fit his polished image.

Likes:

Really hard to tell because I can't understand this man. But for now, I think his hair. He takes really good care of it. I like to imagine that back in Vagastrom, he dyed it a lot and styled it all the time. Somehow it's still strong, soft, and well-maintained despite all the chemicals he's put on his head LOL. So now he takes great care of it. Avoiding going bald too soon.

Not exactly a dislike:

Can I say his face? I imagine a lot of people hit on him because of it or make assumptions about him because of how he looks. It can be an obstacle sometimes when he's working and wants to keep things professional.

Kaito: He's lean and a bit underweight for his height. He should gain more weight. The best reference is the Sunken Memories card. I think Kaito is the type of person who has a hard time gaining weight no matter how much he eats, so it frustrates him a bit when he tries to follow a training diet.

Not exactly a like: I think he became more confident after people told him he had a cute smile. So hehehe, maybe his face?

Dislikes: His hair. I have no idea why, but I like to think he dyed his hair not just because he thought it looked cool or suited him more. He just doesn't like his natural hair and tries his best to change it.

Lucas: He's fit and muscular, so his weight can actually be pretty heavy. Good references are Unrelenting Discipline and True North. His ass is flat as hell, like who stole your cake, babe? To be fair, I think it makes sense. He has more muscle and low body fat, so his body is very toned and solid.

Likes: At first, he had none until you told him you liked his abs. So yeah, maybe his abs, haha.

Dislikes: Nothing. He's pretty secure about his body, though I'd say he tries to build more muscle on his upper body.

𝐕𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐦

Alan: I always imagine Alan being muscular from head to toe, so fuck those stick crab legs, okay? He's toned toned. Built like a bear, a tree, a mountain, a brick wall. His Indomitable Outlaw card is a good reference, and Solitary Lost Property is too. Also his Tarot themed card. In my mind, he has broader shoulders. Yeah, so double that up.

Likes:

He never really thought about it until you told him you liked his chest and biceps, so maybe that. You always seem fascinated whenever he rolls up his sleeves to work on cars.

Dislikes:

His face. People have told him he looks scary before. He doesn't think much of it now because he doesn't care whether he looks approachable or not, but sometimes he remembers it.

Leo: Good references are Diabolic Influencer and Vicious Tea Break. He's thin. Yeah, like thin thin. But his weight is inconsistent. Sometimes he gains weight, sometimes he loses it. You can tell if you pay attention to his face because his cheeks get fuller and plumper when he puts on some weight.

Likes:

His face, obviously. Lots of people call him cute and handsome, and he takes pride in that. I'd also add his fingers. He works with them, and they look so pretty and flexible on the keyboard. Also when he finger- ayayaya.

Dislikes:

The rest of his body. That's his secret insecurity. He knows he has some nutritional issues, and sometimes his body scares him when he can't maintain his weight.

Sho: Good references are Change of Pace and Ordinary Morning. He's tall and fit, not too lean. I like to believe he has more muscle than people think. His clothes just cover it all up, ahwhehehehe.

Likes:

His face and hands. Lots of people call him handsome. As for his hands, he's lost count of how many people enjoy it when he wraps them around their neck during-

Not exactly a dislike, just a bit annoyed: His hair and eyes. They just remind him of a certain someone hahaha.

𝐉𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐜𝐤

Haru: I think Haru's body is very consistent throughout his cards, which is why I love most of them. But Sunlit Smile makes him look bulkier and taller, which could just be the angle and perspective, but it's still a bit odd. Honestly, I think almost every card is a good reference for how I picture him. He's not too tall, lean and fit, but very, very toned. He works out through work, very practical, so he might look thin, but he's built more solidly than you'd think. Toned back, very toned back. Just look at his Rainy Dawn card 🤤

Likes:

His face. He's been called a cutie a couple of times by students visiting Jabberwock on tours. They especially like his smile, so that's probably it. But if you're able to see his eyes and call them pretty, oh, that's what he'd treasure most now. He's over the moon, darling.

Dislikes: His hands. He's done a lot with them, both good and bad.

Towa: I like to believe Towa is very tall. Not as tall as Jiro, but tall enough to unintentionally intimidate people. Lean and a bit toned, but also underweight for his height, so he doesn't have much body fat. Good references are Swanky Ensemble, his Tarot themed card, and Yearning Altair. I imagine him with broader shoulders than most people think.

Likes: He's never really thought about it. Whatever you like about him, he'll like it too.

Dislikes: None.

Ren: Good references are Melancholic Misfit, Cracked Composure, and Flushed Cheeks. He's handsome. Canonically, we all know that. He's also a tall, strong young man. Is he huge? I'd say yes, but more because of his bone structure than his muscles or anything else. I'd say he's toned, but he also has some body fat, just not that much. I can imagine Ren being someone who struggles to gain weight no matter how much junk food he eats, so in some ways he's a bit underweight for his height. Most people can't tell though, because he still looks toned.

Likes: His hands and fingers, maybe. He gets complimented on them a lot. Also, gamer hands. He needs those, eheheh.

Dislikes:

His height? His face? I don't know. I just feel like Ren doesn't like standing out, and his height plus his face make him stand out way too much. He's lost count of how many random people have approached him asking for his contact information. Do people not understand the concept of fear and caution? What if he's some criminal with a pretty face?

𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚

Taiga: Good references are Walking Hazard, Exquisite Taste, the Onsen card, Unarmed Beat, Beast's Lair, and Entrapped Prey for a clearer visual. Gwahahahaha I like to think Taiga actually looks way more "petite" than his personality would suggest. Like, he has pale skin and not much body hair. He could even be considered pretty if he groomed himself more. I can totally see some dumbass trying to approach him back when he was still living on the streets. Big mistake. He's average height and lean, a bit lighter than you'd expect for his height and appetite, but still muscular and toned enough. I'd say he loses weight easily, but he eats a lot so he's fine for now. As he got older, his features became more defined, so people no longer saw him as "pretty," but you can still imagine it.

Likes:

His dick. I'm joking. I don't think Taiga really has anything he'd categorize as a like or dislike. It's just his body. What's there to think about? But yeah, his dick, because someone once commented that it had a great shape and was way thicker than his appearance would suggest.

Dislikes: None. He dgaf.

Romeo: Good references are the Onsen card, Silken to the Touch, and Summer Centerfold. He's beautiful, but in a pretty kind of way. I feel like his nose has something distinctive about it, and he has pretty lips too, eheheh. Long legs, lean and fit. I can imagine he maintains his figure really well. Way more toned than people give him credit for. His skin is incredibly soft, not just his face. He takes care of his body really well.

Likes:

Everything. He's pretty from head to toe. But you can definitely rile him up when you compliment his face or his fingers. He takes a lot of pride in his fingers.

Dislikes: That one leg iykyk

Ritsu: Good references are Lawful Plunder, his Tarot card, and the 2nd Anniversary card. He's lean and fit, but I imagine that before enrolling at Darkwick, he had a bit more body fat. After enrolling and doing training, he became much more toned. Baby face, and I'd like to believe he has a pretty long neck. But when he smiles, his features sharpen and he looks a bit cunning, ehehehe.

Likes: Nothing in particular. I don't think he really thinks about it. "What do you like about me?" He'd probably want to take that into consideration too.

Not exactly a dislike, but an annoyance: His chubby cheeks. They make him look younger than he is and cause people to take him less seriously, like he's some brat.

𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐮𝐛𝐢

Subaru: Good references are the Onsen card, Tarot card, Hell Flower, and the 2nd Anniversary card. We all know Subaru is pretty. Kaito literally called him a doll. But I'd like to believe there's something more eerie and haunting about his beauty. Like, at first glance he's pretty, but if you stare at him long enough, there's something unsettling about it. He's lean and fit. I wouldn't say he has a lot of muscle, but he trains enough to keep his body fat from getting too high or too low. He likes to keep things consistent. He's also used to it because back when he was in the kabuki industry, he had to follow a strict diet. He doesn't have to be as strict now, but he does it subconsciously anyway.

Likes:

Hmm, hard to say. I think he used to like his hands because people sincerely praised them when he was younger. But as he got older, he stopped caring that much.

Dislikes:

Mostly everything about himself and none of it at the same time. But I know he probably doesn't like his eyes. There's this long standing theory that Subaru might be a sociopath who learned to mimic other people's emotions to fit in better, but eyes don't lie. He can't fake them, so that's why I imagine he doesn't like them.

Haku: Good references are the Wedding card, Wedding Warding card, Onsen Warding card, and Teasing Grin. Now trust me when I say I don't think Haku is that tall. Like, yeah, he's tall by average male standards, but not as tall as some of the other ghouls. It's just the way he carries himself that makes people overlook that. Same as Tohma, he's more muscular and toned without clothes. With clothes on, people tend to think he's leaner or thinner. He's good-looking, with features that are more defined and structured than Subaru's. If you stare at him long enough, he's actually pretty masculine.

Likes: "What do you like about me, princess?"

But probably his face, because people say he's handsome and maybe that helps him woo you over. His hands too, because he can hold yours.

Dislikes: None. He doesn't even think about that.

Zenji: Good references are his Birthday card and Valentine's card. I swear I have so many ideas for Zenji. I think he's good-looking, but people tend to overlook it because he's the kind of person you have to look at closely to realize he's attractive. But he's always wandering around, so it's hard to catch on. Also, I think Zenji wouldn't want people focusing on his face anyway. He has very androgynous beauty, at least in my mind. You look at him from different angles and find something beautiful every time. His features seem soft at first glance, but if you pay closer attention, you realize how sharp and defined they really are. He's taller than people expect, and his hands and feet are huge. Slender, long fingers, but rougher than you'd think because I believe he did a lot of physical work before enrolling at Darkwick.

Likes: His hands, because he can create art with them haha.

Dislikes: None. He values his body... especially when you've experienced what it's like to no longer have one.

𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲

Ed: TWINK. I'm sorry, I'm joking.

Let's be serious here. Good references are the Onsen card, Devil Hours, Nocturnal Rulers, and the 2nd Anniversary card. He's tall, but not too tall. Because his legs are so long, they give the illusion that he's taller than he actually is. His features are much sharper than people expect. Like Romeo, I believe he has a very distinctive nose, something people would notice first about him. He has a slender and elegant body type, but he slouches so much that people forget about it hahaha.

Likes:

His eyes. I like to believe he could hypnotize people with them, even before becoming a vampire. People have always told him his eyes are beautiful, so yeah, his eyes.

Dislikes:

Everything. I don't know if he was turned into a vampire or what exactly happened, but I don't know if he ever gave consent to becoming one. If he didn't, I can imagine him hating himself for the longest time before eventually adapting to his abnormal life.

Rui: Good references are the Wedding card, Butler card, 2nd Anniversary card, Quiet Reflection, and Deathless Night. I like to think he was thinner before being cursed because he kept himself lean and fit. But after being cursed, there wasn't much he could do when he couldn't interact with people like he used to, so he started training more, which made his body more solid and toned. Still tall and lean, though. Handsome and attractive, but honestly, I love Rui and I still imagine his good looks to be pretty conventional haha. It makes people gravitate toward him because he feels familiar and easy to warm up to. He has trouble maintaining his weight, so he has to put extra effort into his diet and stuff. His soft and sharp features blend together really well.

Likes: His face. Pretty privilege at its finest.

Dislikes: His face. I can't really explain why, but I feel like sometimes he looks at himself and thinks, "Wow, my face is really the only thing I have going for me." (Oh my baby, I love every corner of you.)

Lyca: Good references are Wayward Wolf, Metropolitan Oasis, the Wedding card, and the Birthday card. I'd say he's handsome, but in a more rugged way. Since I don't think he really knows how to groom himself like Rui or Romeo do, people usually see him looking messy and don't pay much attention. He's tall, but I'd say average tall because he's still growing. His face still has some soft features, but his eyes are very sharp.

Likes: He doesn't really have anything about his body that he likes. But you seem to enjoy touching his wolf ears, so maybe those.

Dislikes: His fangs. They seem to scare people, and he can tell they're sharper than normal human teeth. Grgrgrgr.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐤𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐧

Yuri: Good references are the 2nd Anniversary card, Wedding card, Plague Doctor, and Tarot card. His eyes are sharper than people think, but his features are softer. He somehow has both that sharpness and softness at the same time, which gives him a sort of dignified look. People also tend to warm up to him at first glance. He actually looks very approachable and friendly when he smiles, but most of the time he's smirking or just looks indifferent, so yeah. He's average height, but because he has a smaller frame and is thin, people tend to think he's shorter than he actually is.

Likes: His brain? Oh, that doesn't count. Then his hands. They're his most valuable assets after his brain, eheheh.

I can imagine Yuri getting hit on a few times, but it completely flew over his head until someone just straightup told him. He'd get flustered and call them indecent. "Pretty eyes" is probably the compliment he's heard the most.

Dislikes: Nothing, really. Maybe he wishes he were taller or had more muscle, but he doesn't care that much.

Jiro: Good references are his Wedding card, Unchanging Expression, A Little Too Convincing, Blurred Vision, and his Tarot card. He has softer features than people give him credit for. They just never look closely enough. Very tall, with large hands and feet, though I don't think his feet are as huge as Zenji's. Broad shoulders too, but he slouches a lot, so people rarely notice. Long legs as well. He's toned, and even though he looks lean and fit, he's much more solid than people think.

Likes: Nothing in particular. But you seem to love kissing his moles, jawline, and chin, so maybe those.

Dislikes: None.

𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚

Jo: Good references are Mysterious Ringmaster and Darkwick Chic. In his male form, he's tall with broad shoulders. He's toned and solid, with abs and all that. Not overly muscular, but he keeps his body fat low, probably because of his performance outfits. I'd say both forms have a beautiful mix of soft and sharp features. Gorgeous from every angle. High nose bridge and pretty sharp eyes that get a bit cat like when he smiles.

Likes: His face and his long legs 🤤

Dislikes:

For now, nothing. Though he finds it annoying when his tape grows out and he has to redo it, unless his stigma can somehow make it permanent and keep his hair the way he wants without having to touch it again.

Mio: Good references are Clockwork Artisan and the 2nd Anniversary card. His eyes are sharper and narrower than people think. He has a pretty visible jawline, but also plump cheeks, so people don't notice it right away. Slightly pointed chin. Biceps 💪. He's toned and solid, more lean and fit than heavily muscular. He could gain more muscle, but just chooses not to right now.

Likes: He's never really thought about it, but you seem to love clinging to his back while he's working and squeezing his arms, so maybe that, eheheh.

Dislikes: Nothing really, though he wishes he could gain a bit more weight. He also thinks his feet are a little too small compared to the rest of his body.

Shion: Good references are Cruel Magician and his Tarot card. Like Subaru, I like to imagine Shion as having a sort of haunting beauty. The kind that immediately tells people he's not entirely human. Beautiful from afar, but if you stare too long, there's something dangerous about him. Sharp eyes too. I also like to think he looks especially mischievous when he smiles, though he chooses not to smile much. He's fairly tall, but not ridiculously so. Lean and fit, but his body is toned and solid because he swims a lot. He might look thin, but his arm strength is 🥵🔥

Likes: His hands because he can perform magic tricks with them. Also his tongue. He has a talent for it 😌

Dislikes: Bro, Shion's concept of likes and dislikes is weird. He'd probably ask you first, and if you told him you liked everything about him, he'd turn around and say he hated everything haha.

Elias: Good references are the 2nd Anniversary card, Darkwick Chic, Toying Fingertips, and Lingering Glances. He's tall and lean, but actually more built than people expect once the clothes come off. Like Tohma, he has some body fat, but he doesn't really mind it. Long legs. Long fingers too, though they're thicker rather than slender. He looks younger than his age but talks older than his age. He smiles a lot because his resting face can come off as intimidating. Sharp bone structure paired with softer features.

Likes: His face ^^ He'll admit it helps him in a lot of situations. His fingers too. They're very nimble.

Dislikes: Hmm, his eyes. I'm not sure why, but I just feel like he thinks his eyes look a bit cold and distant.

Did I miss anyone?

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐀

🎰 ————————————————— 🎰

Taiga Hoshibami:

Taiga liked chaos.

Loved it, actually.

Fights. Arguments. Explosions.

The louder things got, the more entertained he became.

Which was why he was completely unprepared for discovering there was apparently someone scarier than him.

You.

It happened during a mission.

A civilian had been injured because somebody ignored protocol.

Ignored your warnings.

Ignored the danger.

And now someone had gotten hurt.

Badly.

Taiga expected you to patch them up.

Expected your usual calm voice.

Expected kindness.

Instead—

"What the HELL were you thinking?!"

The entire area froze.

Including Taiga.

Because you were screaming.

Actually screaming.

At full volume.

The poor idiot on the receiving end looked ready to evaporate.

"You were told not to go near it!"

"I-I thought—"

"YOU DIDN'T THINK."

Taiga blinked.

Slowly.

Then looked at Romeo.

Then back at you.

Then back at Romeo.

"...Kitty's angry."

Romeo smacked him.

"Obviously."

But Taiga wasn't listening anymore.

Because he was fascinated.

You were furious.

Not annoyed.

Not upset.

Furious.

The veins in your neck were visible.

Your voice was raw.

And somehow every word hit harder than a bullet.

"Someone could have died!"

The idiot flinched.

You pointed toward the injured civilian.

"LOOK."

Your voice cracked.

Just slightly.

And suddenly Taiga realized something.

You weren't angry because of rules.

You weren't angry because someone disobeyed you.

You were angry because someone got hurt. Because you cared.

Too much.

Always too much.

And now all that fear and worry had become rage.

Taiga stared, completely captivated.

"...Whoa."

You rounded on him immediately.

"WHAT."

For perhaps the first time in recorded history—

Taiga Hoshibami actually took a step backward.

"...Nothing."

"THEN STOP STARING."

"...Okay."

Romeo nearly collapsed.

Because Taiga never listened.

Ever.

Yet somehow your fury had succeeded where years of discipline had failed.

The second you turned away, Taiga leaned toward Romeo.

"Kitty's terrifying."

"You're just realizing that?"

"No."

A grin spread across his face.

"Wanna know something?"

"What?"

"I think I like angry Kitty."

Romeo groaned.

Of course he did.

🎪 ————————————————🎪

Shion Genkai:

Shion loved watching people panic.

Loved fear. Loved tears. Loved chaos.

Which was why this should have been entertaining.

It really should have been.

Instead, it was terrifying.

Because somehow—

You were scarier than him.

The incident started when Shion found you in one of the campus hallways.

A group of students were surrounding a frightened first-year.

Mocking him.

Making him cry.

Shion had been about to watch.

Maybe even join in.

Then you arrived.

And everything changed.

The first thing Shion noticed was your expression.

Or rather—

The lack of one.

No smile.

No warmth.

Nothing.

Just silence.

Cold silence.

The students noticed too.

One of them laughed nervously.

Bad choice.

A very bad choice.

Because your head snapped toward him.

And suddenly—

You exploded.

"GET AWAY FROM HIM."

The hallway shook.

Everyone jumped.

Including Shion.

Which never happened.

The students immediately backed away.

You weren't finished.

Not even close.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!"

The words cracked like thunder.

Years of frustration.

Years of restraint.

Years of watching people hurt others for fun.

All of it poured out at once.

And Shion?

Shion was fascinated.

You were furious.

Beautifully furious.

Terrifyingly furious.

The kind of anger that came from loving people enough to protect them. The kind he'd never understood. The kind he couldn't look away from.

The students practically ran.

The first-year burst into tears.

You immediately turned around.

And just like that—

The anger vanished.

Your voice softened instantly.

"Hey."

The boy looked up.

"It's okay."

Shion blinked.

What?

A second ago you looked ready to kill someone.

Now you were comforting someone.

Like nothing happened.

The transition gave him whiplash.

You helped the first-year leave.

Then finally noticed him.

"Shion."

A warning.

He grinned.

"You were scary."

"Good."

The answer came immediately.

No hesitation.

No embarrassment.

Good.

And somehow that made him smile wider.

Because there it was.

The monster hidden inside the saint.

Not cruel.

Not malicious.

Just protective.

Dangerously protective.

Shion took a step closer. Then another.

Completely delighted.

"You know."

"What?"

"I think I'd cry if you yelled at me like that."

"..."

"I mean it."

"..."

"It'd be very upsetting."

You stared.

Shion stared back.

Then finally—

"Shion."

"Yes?"

"Go away."

His grin widened.

There was the inspector he knew.

Though honestly?

The furious version was becoming one of his favorites.

⛓️ —————————————————⛓️

Leo Kurosagi:

The first sign something was wrong was the silence.

Normally, Leo would hear your voice immediately whenever he wandered into a room.

A greeting.

A question.

A reminder that he hadn't submitted whatever assignment he was supposed to submit.

Instead, you were standing in the courtyard.

Completely still.

Staring at a group of students.

Leo noticed it immediately.

Because your smile was gone.

Not faded.

Not weakened.

Gone.

Completely.

"...Honor Roll?"

No response.

Now that was weird.

You always responded.

Leo shoved his phone into his pocket and approached.

Then he heard what the students were saying.

Laughing.

Mocking.

Making cruel comments about a younger general student who was visibly trying not to cry.

The student looked terrified.

Humiliated.

And the group just kept going.

Leo clicked his tongue.

Idiots.

He was about to say something when suddenly—

You moved.

Fast.

Much faster than anyone expected.

The students barely had time to register your presence before you were standing directly in front of them.

Your voice cut through the courtyard.

Sharp.

Cold.

"Say that again."

Everyone froze.

Because that wasn't your voice.

Not really.

It sounded wrong.

Like hearing a bird growl.

The students laughed nervously.

"Oh, come on. We were just joking—"

"NO."

The shout echoed across the courtyard.

Every conversation nearby immediately stopped.

Every head turned.

Leo stared.

You were yelling.

Actually yelling.

Your hands were shaking.

Your entire body was trembling with fury.

"You think that's funny?"

Nobody answered.

"You think humiliating someone is funny?"

The students took a step back.

You took one forward.

"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH DAMAGE YOUR WORDS CAN DO?"

Leo had seen people angry before.

He'd seen screaming matches in the Pit plenty of times before. Fights. Breakdowns. You name it.

But this?

This was different.

Because this wasn't someone losing control.

This was years of patience finally running out.

The terrifying thing wasn't the volume.

It was the conviction.

The absolute certainty behind every word.

"You don't get to treat people like they're worthless!"

The group looked genuinely scared now.

Leo couldn't blame them.

Because your eyes were blazing.

Not with hatred.

Not with cruelty.

But with pure, righteous fury.

The kind that came from seeing someone hurt. The kind that refused to stand by and watch.

One student tried to speak.

You cut him off immediately.

"No."

The single word hit harder than any scream.

"No excuses. No explanations. No apologies unless you actually mean them."

Leo felt goosebumps.

Because suddenly he understood something.

Everyone always assumed you were harmless because you were kind. Because you were gentle. Because you never fought.

But kindness wasn't weakness.

It never had been.

And right now?

You looked absolutely terrifying.

The students practically fled.

Leaving only silence behind.

Your breathing was uneven.

Your fists clenched tightly.

Leo watched as you slowly lowered your head.

The anger still there.

Still simmering.

And for once—

The great Leo Kurosagi genuinely didn't know what to say.

"...Damn."

You looked over.

Still furious.

And Leo actually felt his survival instincts activate.

"Honor Roll."

"What?"

"...Remind me never to piss you off."

The response came instantly.

"Then don’t."

Leo blinked.

Then immediately raised both hands.

"Message received."

~~~~

Tag list: @genevathekitty @sh0jun @elfes-materia @edwardhartenjoyer @mylovelycinema @glamorousspoon @cleverthylacine @ox-ren-xo @bao-yu-sarah-morningstar-wang-9 @innocent-and-angelic @ajade19 @ziyeriah-png @ghostfox9249 @dailyvahine @shion-genkai @lycasartist @jadesharp2006 @blackmoonlilith15

𝐉𝐢𝐧, 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐬

They like older women because mommy issues.

Jin, because I feel like he hasn't been in a serious relationship for so long. He's more into hookups or casual dating because so much shit happened around him. So he'd prefer older women with more experience, so they know how to define the relationship. Also because he doesn't want to lead someone on.

I believe his preferences aren't that solidified yet because he hasn't explored that much. But maybe someone elegant? Sensitive? Someone with high emotional intelligence? I feel like he'd prefer someone nurturing.

Elias, same as Jin, doesn't want to lead people on, especially innocent young women. So his ideal type is older women. Also, I feel like he'd be very into feisty women, the independent type that takes nobody's bullshit. The type that would definitely slap him across the face and call out his lies all the time. He's into that shit, okay? Lecture him too if you want. Cute or sexy doesn't matter. As long as you dare to bite him, he'd love it.

𝐓𝐨𝐡𝐦𝐚

Elegant older women

Just because he tends to date older women and it suddenly became a pattern, so he stuck with it. He prefers someone who can understand him without needing him to share much. But he also likes someone who communicates well with him because Tohma's work makes him run back and forth with mind games. He's tired of it.

So he'd prefer someone blunt and straightforward enough to voice their thoughts to him all the time. He also likes a yapper. Seeing your enthusiasm while talking about your day while he listens carefully is very amusing to him. He also loves people with curious minds and those willing to spend time getting to know his hobbies. Quality time is secretly his love language.

𝐉𝐨

Leans more toward older women.

As for vibes, he's diverse. He likes someone, then he likes someone. Though I feel like he'd want someone who can match his sense of fashion and aesthetics, someone willing to explore and find out more about themselves. He'd be more than happy to help.

He also likes someone he can share burdens with when he's tired. He tends to keep things to himself, so he'd like someone sensitive enough to ease his exhaustion.

𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬, 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐨

They'd like someone around their age.

Kaito

Because he's insecure. Someone with much more experience makes him feel like he might disappoint them, or he's afraid of being compared to their ex-partners. Someone younger than him? He's afraid he might mess up their experience because he doesn't have much experience himself. This boy overthinks everything.

His ideal type is someone who can share his sense of humor. Someone who enjoys his baking or learns to bake with him. He also likes someone who praises him a lot because he loves words of affirmation. Give him more love hehehhehehe.

He also likes clingy types because he himself is very clingy hehehehehe.

Lucas

His ideal type is hard to describe. But I'd say he wants someone with as much of a sense of justice as he has. He wants someone decisive and secure in themselves. Confidence and bravery are what he looks for.

Since Lucas is the type who tries his best to keep his word, his ideal partner should be like that too. Keep their word. Be transparent and honest with him because since he can do that, he expects you to do the same.

But I think deep down, Lucas wants someone who can anchor him because y'all know how reckless he can be sometimes. Most of the time, Kaito is the one who snaps some sense into him. I believe that added one more thing to Lucas's list haha.

𝐋𝐞𝐨, 𝐒𝐡𝐨

I feel like neither of them would date anyone younger than them. They have lots of experience and choose to stick with people around their age or older.

Leo

His ideal type is someone who would never judge him or doubt his judgment. You don't have to agree with or support everything he does, but DON'T ever doubt him. He hates that in a relationship.

He also doesn't like being told what to do, so he'd definitely want someone who knows how to smooth out all his rough edges. He wants someone patient and reliable enough for him to open up. Be gentle with him.

But you also have to match his foul mouth. The more you talk back to him, the more turned on he gets. He also likes when you can keep up with new trends, even before him. He's very into smart girls too, so add that to the list. Doesn't matter if you're book smart or street smart. Smart is enough.

Sho

I just feel like he'd love someone who openly relies on him a bit, and someone who isn't ashamed of PDA. He's pretty secure about himself, so he expects you to be the same.

His ideal type is someone who notices his efforts and gives him praise for them. I also think Sho prefers someone independent, but ONLY relies on him ehehehehehheheh. That strokes his ego just right.

He prefers someone mature enough to give him space when he needs some, but also lean on him when they need a shoulder to cry on. Perfect balance, eh?

𝐑𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐮

Imagine bro has a 50 page document on his ideal type and it keeps getting thicker every day.

No preference about age, but he'd never date anyone too young or too old for him.

I feel like he's the type who wants someone who trusts him and stands by his side when he needs them. Support and encourage him too.

Somehow, he'd want someone nurturing enough to understand his soft side, but he also likes someone independent and secure enough to call him out.

In conclusion, he loves successful women. Be successful. Be mighty. Be sharp and outsmart him!!

I can also see him secretly loving it when you tease the hell out of him. Ehehehhehehehhe.

𝐑𝐞𝐧

No specific preference, but he'd want someone who understands his humor. Someone who spends time playing games and watching movies with him to 2AM.

Ren actually likes cuddling more than most things, so he'd want someone who likes physical touch, BUT not too clingy and not into PDA. His ideal type is someone who knows how to set boundaries and voice out their thoughts in a gentle and understanding way.

He doesn't like when people avoid each other or give each other the silent treatment. He HATES mind game and people that play hard to guess.

I also think Ren would prefer someone who knows how to take care of others and themselves. Especially if you're older than him, his senior for example, take care of him a bit and he'd already fall for you a little hehehehehehe.

He likes someone confident and reassuring because he finds himself lacking in that aspect, so he'd want someone who can fill that gap for him.

I also feel like his ideal type would be someone who understands social cues and socializes well. Because then he won't have to do that... He'd thank Universe everyday if he managed to bag someone like that.

𝐋𝐲𝐜𝐚

Can I say he's giving Taylor Swift teen-pop phase?

I feel like his ideal type is like some teen love story. He'd like to go on picnics with you, kiss you under the rain by the sidewalk, give you piggyback rides etc. He's such a lover boy, so he'd want a lover girl for himself.

He'd like someone who communicates well too because he's not used to human etiquette. Same as Ren, he likes someone who can take care of others, but combined with Sho's ideal type, he also wants that person to lean on him a bit.

He loves the feeling of being trusted, so he'd want someone reassuring who makes him feel safe.

At the top of his ideal type list: MUST love animals and nature.

𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐮, 𝐇𝐚𝐤𝐮, 𝐙𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐢

I don't think these three have any specific preference when it comes to age. You can be younger, older or the same age as them. I think they lean more toward how you carry yourself.

Subaru

He'd definitely want someone who can understand his hardships and his interests too. BUT most importantly, you'd have to be patient because he's not the easiest person to open up. He also prefers someone who can be honest and transparent with him.

Same as Jin, he prefers someone nurturing, but with more fire. I feel like Subaru is elegant enough himself, so he'd want someone who breaks out of that delicate chain. Someone who stands proudly and independently. It reminds him of what he can't find in himself.

Someone who lives freely and wildly.

Haku

Oh, can I say he prefers women who are a bit traditional? Not housewife traditional or anything, but more like someone who nurtures and preserves what they believe in.

Someone who can stand side by side with him and make him feel reassured that no matter what he does, he always has somewhere to return to and someone to lean on.

I must say, his type is complicated. He likes the traditional aesthetic, but he likes it even more when you talk back to him, when you're secure in yourself and very independent.

Like Ritsu, he loves successful women. More specifically, his ideal type of woman is a leader! Boss him around if you want eheh he's into that sht. 

Zenji

Oh, oh, he'd definitely love someone who shares his enthusiasm for art and brings it to others. He's nurturing himself, so he'd want someone who is nurturing too and spreads as much love as he does.

I'd say his ideal partner is someone who is passionate about what they love and would never give up no matter the circumstances. He likes someone resilient with a strong mind.

He's good with sensitive souls, so he'd want his partner to be sensitive too. Either lean on him or let him lean on them.

Also, I feel like Zenji would want to start a family someday, so his ideal type would be someone who shares the same values and interests as him.

𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐚, 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨

Taiga

Bro has no preferences. I'm joking... kind of.

But seriously, I don't think he has an "ideal type" when it comes to dating. I don't even think he does dating, y'all. But let's just say, in case he does...

He doesn't necessarily like someone who resembles him or anything. But same as Elias, he likes someone feisty who takes no bullshit from anyone. He loves someone who can call out cap and bullshit.

Also, break the rules!! Be free!!!

And he'd definitely like it when you're a bit freaky because he's a freak himself. Be yourself, kitty, and he'd love you regardless of who you are.

Romeo

Must have a high sense of fashion and have dignity and pride in themselves. Being secure and confident is a must, must have.

He also likes someone elegant and seductive, especially when they're captivating. He loves it when he can shower his partner with all kinds of luxury and expensive gifts.

He loves showing off his partner, so his ideal type is someone high-maintenance too. Standing next to you makes him feel way more confident than usual.

Definitely into intelligent types because he loves it when you can challenge him, especially if you outsmart him in business negotiations 😉 He'd love a woman who knows how to talk business.

𝐑𝐮𝐢

Hmmm, more difficult than I thought.

He'd want someone who can see through his insecurities and jealousy sometimes because he finds himself checking off many things in his head. He can't really help it.

So he'd want someone transparent, sensitive, and patient enough to guide him through his mental warfare.

His ideal type is someone who can flirt back with him just as much as he flirts with them. He especially likes it when they can make him flustered.

He also likes when you depend on him and lean on him. But at the same time, you're secure in yourself. He likes someone who shines brightly enough that he can't take his eyes off them.

𝐘𝐮𝐫𝐢, 𝐉𝐢𝐫𝐨

Yuri

Older women. Smart and intelligent. Someone who understands his geeky and nerdy side.

Yes, his ideal type is someone who would support him in his work no matter what. Someone who never doubts his actions and judgment.

He also loves praise, so words of affirmation are a must.

He'd like someone smart enough to understand his line of work. Yeah, he prefers academic weapon girls because he's an academic weapon too.

He also secretly loves it when you know how to tease him and push his buttons, even if he doesn't admit it out loud.

He's an achievement oriented person, and he expects his partner to be the same.

I'd say his standards are high as hell!

Jiro

No particular preferences... yet.

He's blunt and has a curious mind. His ideal type is someone who can match his energy. Curiosity and honesty are must haves when looking for a partner.

But I also feel like Jiro would want a partner who's a bit shy around him because he enjoys teasing them a little.

He loves people who yap constantly because he's usually the quiet one. Whether he listens or not, he'd always find it amusing when someone talks to him all the time.

(He remembers everything.)

𝐌𝐢𝐨

Hmmm. Since Mio has lots of siblings, his ideal type would be someone who's good with kids and also independent.

He needs space for himself too, so he'd want someone mature and understanding. But he also likes someone who leans on him sometimes.

So, a family oriented woman, but not in the traditional way y'all are thinking. More like both of you becoming the pillars of the household together. Knowing what to do, knowing how to lean on each other, but also staying independent in your own ways.

He finds confident people really attractive, so his ideal type just has to be confident and secure in themselves.

He also likes when the other person can be straightforward because he can be shy sometimes.

𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐧

His ideal type? You, his wife, obviously. Duh?

Let's be serious.

His ideal type is someone who can match his freak, or at least someone who can understand his freaky, silly side and not get scared by it.

He'd want someone who knows how to pamper him and talk him through things too. He wants someone gentle and patient with him.

But if you're a freak just like him, then congratulations. Even death won't part you two.

𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚

My ideal type? You, Dandelion!

Honestly, I can find no other answer for Towa. But I'd say his ideal type is someone who never questions his actions.

Why does he do that? Why didn't he say anything?

He likes someone who tries to understand his world, his perspective, and respects him because of that. He'd also want someone who loves nature like he does.

Both Towa and Shion's ideal type is someone who only has eyes for them.

They don't like it when your attention is divided.

You're supposed to be theirs, right?

𝐄𝐝

I think his type is also very diverse, like Jo's, but he leans more toward knowledge and philosophy.

He loves people with curious minds and those who dare to take risks, the kind of people who have the courage to dive headfirst into the abyss of the unknown. I'd say living for so long has kind of dulled his edge a bit.

He needs someone to spice up his life, so yeah, he'd be into someone adventurous. Someone who embraces their uniqueness and quirks instead of trying to mold themselves into something they're not.

He'd probably find people who challenge his perspective fascinating. Someone who enjoys discussing ideas with him for hours, questioning things, and looking at the world from different angles. Not necessarily someone who always agrees with him, but someone who's willing to walk beside him into unfamiliar territory and discover things together.

I also feel like he'd appreciate someone who's comfortable with being themselves. Someone authentic, someone who doesn't chase expectations or try to fit neatly into boxes. He'd rather have someone strange, passionate, and genuinely alive than someone who's trying too hard to be perfect.

And after living so long, I don't think he's looking for excitement for the sake of excitement anymore. I think he'd treasure someone who can remind him that life still has endless things to discover. Someone who makes him curious again.

✦ 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐀 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ✦

The man’s face splits into a wide, sleazy, grin. “Hah. So, you had that asshole lie for you, huh? What a fucking tease.”

Your stomach churns as he steps closer. The smell of bourbon and sweat burns your nostrils. Instinctively, you walk backwards, but don’t get very far before something obstructs your path. The railing, you realize. A quick glance around the vicinity and your face pales from the absence of people.

This will be the last time you ever accept a cruise ticket from a raffle drawing.

“Don’t step any closer,” You warn through clenched teeth. If only you had a weapon on you. Although, the ship’s security wouldn’t permit it. In saying that, you’d think they’d be prepared to handle inebriated losers like this.

“C’mon baby,” The man drawls in a low, hair-raising rumble. “Don’t be like that. I cancelled my plans so I could come see you again. Good thing I caught you before the crowd did.”

You attempt to slink out of the way, but he’s faster. Before you can even blink, the baboon has you pinned against the railing. You attempt to shove him off, but his hands move to your wrists and constrict around them in a death grip.

Your heart hammers in your ears, as your body switches gears into fight or flight mode. With the intent to make a scene, a shout rips from your throat. “Get your hands off me!!!”

“Quiet…!”

Without releasing your wrists, the man smothers your mouth with the meat of his palm. You redistribute your weight against the railing and attempt to use it as leverage to kick him off. Much to your horror, he only pushes his body closer to yours, effectively ceasing your mobility. Your teeth sink into his hand, causing him to yelp in pain, yet he still remains unmoving, like a boulder. You try to scream again, but it hardly projects at all.

Is this it for you…? Will you die trying to fight this psycho off?

He makes a point to push you harder against the steel bars, to where it’s digging into your skin painfully. His next words come out in a belligerent whisper. “Stupid bitch. Make a scene and you’ll regret it.”

Even through the blood pumping thunderously in your ears, you can still hear the roaring ocean waves below. It’s so deafening that you fail to pick up on the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps on deck.

The man’s eyes go wide and he curses under his breath. “Fuck…!”

His gaze looks wild and pervaded with malintent. The next thing you know, you’re being hoisted up and over the railing. Another scream rips from your mouth, but by the time it reaches anyone’s ears, you’re already plummeting towards the dark waters below.

……

The frigid temperature of the water combined with the pain of your body’s impact against the sea had been enough to make you lose consciousness. So, when you hear the sound of a gentle lullaby in your ears, you’re convinced you must have already died. It sounds far too lovely for any being from planet earth to make. You’re not sure you recognize the tune. In fact, it sounds like it’s being sung in a different language.

Soft, echoey, hums. The voice sounds too high-pitched to belong to a man, yet too low to belong to a woman. Almost as if the melody itself were cognizant, it dances all around you. Each and every note carries resonance with it, like they’re echoing against the walls of a chamber.

“Beautiful…” You murmur unthinkingly.

Like a record comically screeching to a halt, the singing abruptly ceases after your comment. You hear the sound of something wading through water.

“Wow, finally awake? And here I thought you may have died on me.”

Huh…?

The voice of a young man. It’s a bit raspy and shrill. He must be talking to you, right?

Your eyes snap open and you hinge upright. The change in position elicits a tickling sensation in your chest before you can even make out your surroundings. And suddenly, you’re coughing up a shit ton of water.

“Uh, gross? Warn me if you’re gonna do that. I don’t want your splashback.”

“Like I’m–cough…! Doing it–cough…! On purpose,” You protest weakly, cringing as water begins to spill unpleasantly from your ears.

“Pffft. For a thing that needs water so bad to survive, you sure can’t handle swimming in it, huh?”

Too preoccupied with expelling the water from your lungs, you don’t even register how abnormal the comment is. After your coughing fit dies down, you look around and absorb your surroundings.

Rocks. Rocks are quite literally encompassing you. You realize that you’re sitting on a grotto floor. Above you, maybe twenty feet in the air, is a cave ceiling illuminated with blue bioluminescence.

“Looking at everything but me, huh? Can I at least get a ‘thank you’?”

Your gaze descends from the ceiling and you find yourself tilting your head a little bit to your left. A pair of lovely golden eyes greet you. They belong to a man with soft features and a mop of short, gray, and fluffy hair. Notably, he’s wearing a pair of dangly gold earrings shaped like sand dollars. If you had to guess, he appears to be in his early twenties.

You continue to stare at him owlishly. And despite his earlier complaints of your silence, his lips curl into an impish smirk. The pretty stranger leans on the ledge of the rocks with both of his elbows and tilts his head playfully.

“What? Cat got your tongue?”

“I… Sorry.” You shake your head and pivot your body to properly face him. “I thought I was a goner. Did you save me?”

He narrows his eyes into a squint. “Mmmhmm. Y’know, I’ve never seen someone try to dive off a watercraft that big. At night, too? You must’ve had a death wish.”

You shake your head again. This time with purpose. “That’s not it. Some gross guy shoved me off.”

The young man’s eyes widen marginally and his smile falters. “Yeah? Did you piss him off?”

“You could say that.”

He blinks again, seemingly waiting for you to continue. So, you speak again.

“Thinking back on it… I think someone was about to find us. He was trying to overpower me and presumably drag me somewhere else. I guess rather than risking arrest, he shoved me off board.” You huff out a disgusted sigh. “What a pig… I hope he got arrested. No, you know what? He tried to kill me. I hope the repercussions are worse.”

“Like… Death?” The man rests his cheek against his forearm, his eyes not leaving yours. “I could make that happen, if that’s what you want.”

You laugh a little at that. “Yeah, right. They’re probably long gone by now anyway.”

“Are you underestimating me? You really shouldn’t do that,” He chides, his monotonous tone giving little away.

You raise an eyebrow. “Am I supposed to believe you’ll swim after the boat? And then what? Climb it to avenge me? That’s impossible.”

“You talk as if you know what I’m capable of. I bet you assumed that man wouldn’t try to throw you in the ocean too, huh?”

“Uh… Point taken, I guess.” You’re not sure that you want to linger on the topic of potentially killing your aggressor with this stranger. Thanking him and finding a way out of here is your priority. Wherever ‘here’ is. “Thank you, by the way. For saving me. What’s your name?”

He raises an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you tell me yours first? I mean, you’re asking, after all.”

You tell him your name and he repeats it back to you.

“Huh. So, that’s what it is.” He hums. It sustains for a few seconds, before tapering into a sound of disapproval. “...Nah. I don’t like it.”

“Um…”

“Come to think of it, when I found you, a barnacle was all caught up in your hair. Probably from the underside of that watercraft.”

You’re not sure where he’s going with this…

The stranger breaks out into a grin. “Yeah… I think I’m gonna call you Barnie.”

“What…?” You snort out a laugh. “Isn’t that a dated western name? And for men at that.”

“Is it?” The man shrugs dismissively. It’s clear he’s not interested in giving the objection much thought. “Well, I like it. So, that’s what I’m calling you.”

It doesn’t bother you enough to debate about it anyway.

“So, I’ve told you my name now. What’s yours?” You press.

“My name? You sure you wanna know that?” He shoots you a dubious look.

He sure is evasive. At the very least, he seems to enjoy messing with you.

“Of course.”

“Haven’t you heard the legend?” Leo asks cryptically. “I was so sure that’s a tale you landlubbers would eat up.”

“...I’m sorry, but you’re not making much sense. What legend is there about exchanging names?”

“If I give a human my name, you might just be stuck with me.” The stranger flashes you a teasing look. “Like a ‘ball and chain’ type deal.”

You stare at him like he just grew a third head. Is this guy larping or something?

“You’re still incomprehensible. Why are you calling me a human as if you aren’t one?”

His jaw goes slack and his expression contorts into one of unmitigated disappointment. “What, you seriously think a normie could have saved your ass? During high tides? In the middle of the ocean? When it’s pitch black? You’re kind of dumb, aren’t you?”

“Hey…! That’s also kind of rude don’t you think–” Your words die in your throat. Just behind the pretty man in the water, you notice a vibrant, golden, fish-like tail breaking the water’s surface. It submerges itself after you’ve had just enough time to get a good look at it.

“You’re… A merman?” You ask in disbelief.

“Looks like it.” The man winks playfully. “Kinda scary, huh?”

More like unbelievable. You didn’t think this kind of thing was grounded in reality. It takes you several prolonged beats to fully process the revelation.

“...Why would I find it scary? You saved my life, didn’t you?” You force a close-lipped smile. “It seems kind of unreal, but you’re here. If I should believe anything, it’s my eyes, right?”

The man scrutinizes you with newfound interest. Without warning, he props his palms up on the rocky ledge and hoists the upper part of his body out of the water. You gasp as his face gets rather close and level with yours. There’s maybe a foot and a half of distance between the two of you.

Unable to look him in the eye with the current proximity, your gaze deviates downward. You notice gold body chains looping around his neck and torso, as well as arm bands cinched around his biceps. The jewelry matches the color of the scales adorning his hips. He’s certainly on the petite side for a man, yet still lithe and toned.

“What are you gawking at, pervert?”

You feel heat crawl up your neck and your eyes snap up to meet his. “S-Sorry…! Look, I didn’t mean any offense–”

“Oh, I’m offended. You’re seriously looking at me like I’m some piece of meat after I just got done playing hero?” The complaint comes out rather blasé considering the severity of the accusation. He tilts his head, giving you a rather judgy looking side eye. “Creeper alert.”

“You expect me not to look? I’ve never seen a mermaid, or merman before! As far as I know, the tail could be fake or something!”

You don’t really believe that, but it came out impulsively in an attempt to defend your innocence. Crossing your arms over your chest, you divert your attention off to the side. The cave goes silent for a brief lapse in time and the only noise echoing off the rock walls is the gentle sound of rippling water.

You slant your head back in the merman’s direction. He flutters his eyes shut, and for reasons unbeknownst to you, his mouth tightens into a tiny ‘o’ shape. Unexpectedly, a gust of air is expelled in your direction. It’s strong enough to make your hair and the clothes on your body flap in the artificial wind. And just like that, your body is bone dry, like you hadn’t been in water at all.

The merman’s lips turn up into a self-assured smirk. “Barnie, you can call me Leo~♡.”

“Leo…” You scoff in quiet disbelief. “That fits you. You’re covered in gold.”

“I know, right?” Leo pushes himself off the ledge and sinks back into the water. “Anyway, I kinda have something to do. So, I’ll leave you to it.”

Panic rises in your chest at the announcement and you impulsively crawl closer to the edge of the platform, ignoring the way your knees dig painfully into the bedrock. “Wait, don’t go!”

Leo arches an eyebrow. “You’re gonna fall. Right after I just used magic to dry you off too. You should really be more grateful.”

“So, what? I’ll jump in the water if you leave,” You threaten, feeling a bit dumb as soon as the words leave your mouth.

Leo practically turns his nose up at you. “Is that supposed to rattle me?”

“What if I drown?” You blurt out.

The man just stares at you blankly as he floats in the water.

“You told me your name,” You start. Heat fizzles on your ears as you prepare to reference the callback that could very well have been fabricated. “If I’m your ball and chain, will you let that happen?”

Leo surprises you by breaking out into a toothy grin. “Well, when you put it that way, I guess not.”

Your increased blood pressure begins to alleviate and you exhale in relief.

“Buuut. I still got shit to do,” Leo adds, before you can get too comfortable with the idea of being back on land anytime soon. “So, I’ll come back when I’m done with that. Kay?”

Well, what are you gonna do in this situation? Pushing your luck seems audacious at best.

“...Okay. Do you have an ETA?”

Leo gives you an exasperated look. “A what?”

“Like… Do you know when you’ll be done?” You ask hopefully.

“Damn, you’re clingy. Should I be worried?” The comment comes off light-hearted, but you get the feeling Leo’s becoming antsy. He must have his own merfolk obligations.

“Just take a nap or something,” He suggests. “You’re tired aren’t you? I’ll be back when you wake up.”

He’s right, you do feel exhausted. And you wonder how he can be so sure that it’ll line up that way, but you don’t want to take his kindness for granted by holding him up any longer. You’re lucky to be alive, after all.

“...Okay,” You agree with a nod.

“Good girl~♡. If you get thirsty, there’s a flask up there with purified water too. See ya!”

With that, Leo dives into the water and disappears out of sight.

“......”

The first thing you check once you’re alone is your phone. The battery is practically dead and there are no bars anyway. Just your luck.

Before you even think about sleeping, you spend some time walking around the cave. The traversable surface is pretty vast. You’re no expert, but you’d guess you have maybe twenty meters of space to freely walk around on. This kind of environment should be scary, especially considering the fact that you’re alone. You’re surrounded by water, yet it looks crystal clear. And the vicinity is illuminated with an ethereal, blue, glow. The water leads down a winding path, so you only have visibility up to a certain point.

Overall, it’s pretty peaceful.

When you’re tired of exploring, you find the most level patch of ground to lay down on, with the flask Leo provided for you in hand. It’s gold and ornately decorated with a hexagonal lid that’s easy to pop off. To make it more convenient to lug around, it even has a chain attached to its shoulders. You take a sip from it, even though you’re not particularly thirsty. Somehow, it’s better than any water you’ve ever tasted. It makes you wonder where he got it from. If he can just blow air to dry you in seconds, is it farfetched to think that he purified this himself?

After screwing the lid back on, you prop your head up on your arm and use it as a pillow. It isn’t long before you begin to doze off.

…..

“Looks like I kept my promise. Wakey wakey, Barnie~♡.”

Leo sits on the rock’s ledge with his tail partially dipped in the water, staring down at your sleeping form. His voice elicited some movement out of you, but it didn’t rouse you from your sleep. Although, he did drop a sizable chest onto the ground beside you, and that didn’t wake you up either.

It’s been some time since he’s been this close to a human. Not one that didn’t end up dead shortly after anyway. There are plenty of avaricious intruders that have tried to invade Shiogakure. Humans aren’t permitted to gather proof of his kind’s existence. If they’re suspected of it, they’re executed without mercy. In your case, it was misfortune that brought you to him.

If Leo were tribalistic he would have turned you in to the capital. Taking your circumstances into account, they likely wouldn’t have killed you, but they would have thrown you in some air pocket cell until you could prove that you’re trustworthy. Not that it matters anymore.

Now, you’re his little pet human.

“Barnie…” Leo tries again.

This time you roll on your back. How you seem so comfortable tossing and turning on the bedrock like that is beyond him.

“...Damn. You sure sleep like the dead.”

Leo smirks as an evil idea surfaces in his mind. He sidles himself even closer to you and rests his palm by your head, before lowering his face towards yours. His bangs tickle the bridge of your nose in warning, and he hesitates for a few seconds longer. When you stubbornly remain fast asleep, Leo closes the distance and slants his mouth against yours.

….

Your eyes flutter open.

It takes you all of three seconds to register what’s happening. When you do, your hands fly to Leo’s chest to shove him off. You sit up and shrink back a few feet, your fingers splayed over your lips in shock.

“Leo! What the hell?!”

“Pffft… Hahaha!” Leo breaks out in laughter at your expense. “You’re so red. Just from that? Weak.”

You clench your fists at your side, as irritation bubbles up in your gut. “You can’t just kiss people like that! Is that normal for you?!”

“Just thought it’d wake you up,” Leo explains as his laughter wanes. “And it worked didn’t it? You were out like a light.”

You did prefer to be awake. But you’re not about to thank him for using a method like that. Considering he’s a merman, you’re open to giving him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he’s ignorant of the significance of kissing someone. But then again, why would he be laughing like a hyena if that were true?

“Leo… I don’t know how it is for mermaids, but you should only do that with someone you’re in a romantic relationship with,” You chide in a measured tone.

“Oh?” Leo lays on his side while facing you and props his head in his hand. Now that you get a better look at him, the mischief imbued in both his eyes and smile are kind of reminiscent of a cat. “You should really teach me these things beforehand. I had no idea.”

You’d accept this as some sort of an apology if he sounded even the slightest bit contrite. Actually, you’re pretty sure he’s reveling in this.

“You’re making fun of me,” You accuse.

“I’m having fun with you,” Leo corrects. “That’s not a bad thing, is it?”

You catch a glimpse of his tail in your peripheral. With it out of the water like this, you notice more variety in the coloration of his scales. They shimmer beautifully underneath the blue glow of the cave. “You’ll give people the wrong idea… Ugh. What am I saying? You’re clearly fucking with me.”

The two of you are different species. Even making the suggestion that Leo could be playing at that angle when he looks so pleased with himself feels like a humiliation ritual. You shake your head dismissively. “Whatever, I’ll let it slide. Just this time. My primary focus is on getting home.”

Leo’s lips pull downward, almost imperceptibly.

“Yeah? How are you gonna do that?” He asks, his voice icier than usual. It’s enough to catch you off guard, and the expression you make in response is nothing short of guilty.

“Um… Well.” You cross your legs and sit up straight. “I was actually hoping you’d be able to help me with that?”

Leo’s gaze hardens. “You think I’d just lug you across the ocean like that? Do you have any clue how far we are from land?”

You feel your heart drop. “No… I don’t.”

“Well, it’s a lot and you’re heavy. Besides, I’m not even permitted to go half of that distance. Just because you humans can go wherever and do what you want doesn’t mean I can.”

“...I see.”

So, you’re just gonna stay in this cave forever? Until another boat comes by? Won’t you starve by then? At this point, you think drowning might have been the more merciful alternative.

“Fuck.” Your voice cracks and you feel hot tears involuntarily begin to well up in your eyes. “So, I’m seriously screwed.”

Leo blinks owlishly and he suddenly shoots upright. “Woah, hey. What are you doing? Stop that.”

“S-Stop… Stop what?” You duck your head in embarrassment, refusing to meet his gaze.

Leo clicks his tongue. “Crying, obviously. I said I wouldn’t let you die, didn’t I? So, what is there to cry about?”

“...You don’t get it. What about food? A bed?” You begin to rub the moisture out of your eyes, but the tears won’t stop. “I need to be able to bathe and brush my teeth. I need clothes. And now I’m supposed to live alone in this cave?”

“Well, you’re not alone…” Leo argues sheepishly. “And I can get you all of those things, y’know. You’re not far from my home.”

You choke out a sob, clearly not sated with the vague reassurance he’s given you. “You have your own life and family, don’t you? I don’t actually want to be a burden to you.”

“You’re worried about that?” Leo sighs and smooths a hand over the back of his neck. “Look, I don’t really have a family like that.”

You look up at him again, your face puffy from crying. “For real?”

“Yeah, for real…” Leo stalls, deliberating on how much he should reveal. “Long story short, I’m technically a bastard from an… elite bloodline. Because of my father, I have more abilities than the average merfolk, but I’m basically shunned from noble ranks. When that happens, people like me basically get thrown onto the frontlines. The reason I found you is because I’m stationed nearby as an echo listener.”

“An echo listener…? What’s that?”

“Just a fancy word to say I look out for threats to the city. My hearing is better than most, and I have a knack for steering away noisy ass ships like yours from the area.”

“Are you allowed breaks?” You ask, your voice laced with concern.

Leo scoffs. “Obviously. I’d have dipped forever ago if I was treated like their bitch. Not like I have much going on, but it’s just the principle.”

“I see,” You murmur quietly. “Then… Is it normal for merfolk to save humans?”

“Nooope. You’re literally a threat to our existence. If the wrong ones find us, it would mean war.”

Does that mean…?

“Are you worried that I’d tell someone about you? Is that why–”

“Uh, no,” Leo retorts, immediately shutting down the notion. “No offense? But you don’t seem like someone that has a ton of influence on the surface. Besides, I’m not some nutty sectarian that lets my lineage dictate all my decisions. What I said is what I meant. I won’t lug you across the ocean.”

“...”

And it’s not like you could rightfully demand that of him either.

“Ships roam out here every once and a while. I’ll let you know when the next one does. Until then, you’re stuck with me, Barnie.” Leo sticks his tongue out playfully, exposing a gold piece of jewelry embedded in his tongue.

You sniff and dab at your drying tears. A small smile plays at the corner of your lip. “I didn’t think mermaid’s got tongue piercings.”

“You also didn’t know we existed ‘til yesterday,” Leo quips back.

“...Was I really asleep that long?”

Leo shakes his head. “It’s still early in the morning, so not really.”

You nod slowly, your attention falling on the item you noticed in your peripheral upon waking up. “I meant to ask. What’s in that chest?”

“Wow. Finally, you acknowledge my efforts.”

Leo unlocks the latches on both sides of the storage container, causing it to spring open. It's filled to the brim with various items. You shift over to the box and pull out the first thing you see– A cylindrical, thick, tube that’s vacuum sealed in what appears to be plastic.

“That’s a bed roll. There’s a pillow in there too that needs time to fluff up after you take it out of the wrap,” Leo explains.

“Thank you…”

A little more digging and you find basically everything you need. Toiletries, an engraved hair brush, and even a few nightgowns.

“Where did you get all this?”

“Uh, the store?” Leo says, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Some of it's from human ships, though.”

Your jaw goes slack in disbelief. “I hope you didn’t spend much.”

What kind of currency would mermaids have anyway? Shells? Precious gems?

Leo shrugs. “It wasn’t a shit ton. Guess that means you owe me now, though.”

You laugh in spite of yourself. “Implying I didn’t before.”

…

After you set up the bedroll and unwrap the pillow that came with it, you decide to interrogate Leo a little more. He’s since submerged himself back in the water, hanging off the ledge like the first time you met him.

“So… If you bought them from your world, does that mean you sleep in a bed too?” You ask carefully.

“Where else would I sleep?” Leo asks, genuinely perplexed.

“Well… You float in water, don’t you?”

“Oh, that. Most of the rooms we use to sleep in are affected by a type of magic. Gravity works as it would topside,” Leo explains.

“I see. That’s interesting.”

“Anyway, I’ll get you a blanket. I can control the temperature of the water here, so it shouldn’t get too cold in the meantime.”

“Are you gonna leave again?” You hope your apprehension doesn’t surface in your voice.

“I have to, yeah.” Leo sports a smug, crooked smile. “Think you can handle it?”

You find yourself unconsciously smiling back. “Yeah. I’ll be fine.”

……

“What is that?”

You watch Leo lay down a slab of meat into the hanging pot he brought up earlier. The pan audibly sizzles as it hits the hot oil.

“Swordfish,” Leo replies. “You can eat that, can’t you?”

“I don’t see why not. Is that seasoning on it?” You ask, leaning close to peer into the pot.

“Uh, yeah? Don’t tell me you’d rather have nothing on it.”

You shake your head, before sitting back on your floor cushion. “It’s not that. I just didn’t really expect you to know how to cook. How does that work in water exactly?”

Leo sets the tongs he was holding on a silver tray. “Air pockets. That or just not using heat to make food.”

“Like salt curing? Or fermentation?”

“Yeah.”

The meat does smell good. And fresh. Leo even set up the fire on his own using driftwood and loose stones.

“Was this pot already at your home?” You ask.

Leo huffs out a sigh. “You ask a lot of questions.”

“Being quiet the whole time would be awkward, don’t you think? Plus, I’m curious.”

“Yeah,” Leo answers belatedly. He continues to keep an eye on the fish as it cooks. “I got it from my place. Never used it though.”

You hum in acknowledgement. “...So. What kinds of food do mermaids eat?”

“Fish, crustaceans, kelp, seagrass.” Leo shrugs. “We also have gardens for produce that grows on the surface. Costs more to get a hold of.”

“And what do you like to eat?”

Leo purses his lips as a thoughtful expression crosses his face. “...Celery.”

“Just celery? That’s more like a snack. Or a component in soups and stews.”

“It’s good.”

You pull your legs to your chest and rest your chin on your knees. “So, will you eat fish? Crustaceans?"

“Sometimes fish. Depends. Crabs are kind of a chore to eat.”

He’s totally a picky eater. You suppress a smirk as the realization dawns on you.

Leo continues. “Enough dissecting me. What about you?”

You share your likes and dislikes with Leo. Notably, the conversation flows more effortlessly when the attention is off him. He really has something to say about everything.

At some point during your chatting, you notice the smell of something burning. Leo flipped the fish once, but it's been on there for quite some time. You peer inside the pot and notice a black crust forming at the bottom.

“Do I take it out or what?” Leo deadpans.

You gape in disbelief. “What? You’re asking me? I assumed you knew what you were doing.”

“Nope. Didn’t I just say I’ve never used this thing?”

“Definitely take it out now, then!” You urge him.

Leo obediently pulls out the chunk of charred meat and sets it on a silver platter. He hands it over to you with a fork already resting next to it. You accept it without complaint and begin breaking into the flesh with the utensil provided for you.

“You don’t want any?” You ask, before taking a bite.

Leo puffs out his cheeks, appearing mildly annoyed. “Trying to pawn it off on me? Don’t tell me you don’t want it?”

“No, I want it,” You assure him. “It just seems kind of rude to eat in front of you when you don’t have anything.”

“Hardly. I’m not hungry. Whether you like it or not, it’s all yours.”

“Suit yourself.”

When you take the first bite, you’re pleasantly surprised to find that it’s still edible. In fact, you’ve tasted worse. A butter sauce would go a long way with this.

“It’s not bad. You know, if you bring up more ingredients I can try making something for both of us next time.”

Leo stares at you with an unreadable expression for several beats. You’re not sure if he’s gauging your sincerity, or considering your suggestion. In the end, he tears his gaze away indifferently.

“Maybe.”

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

It takes time, but you start to get used to living in the cave. Pretty much every day Leo provides you with something new to make the experience more comfortable.

Following your suggestion, Leo brings more spices and ingredients, along with new meats and vegetation to try. You even get him to have meals with you sometimes, but you notice he never eats much. Whether that’s due to the quality of your cooking, or his own bad habits, you’re not sure. But you lean more towards the latter.

For bathing, he brings a basin that’s large enough for you to sit in. You found out that Leo can actually purify water, and even change the temperature in the bin. Apparently, the water in the cave is clean enough to swim in too, but the basin provides you more privacy. Especially knowing that Leo could surface at any time.

Additionally, Leo brings you a sponge, soaps, and exfoliant scrubs. Since mermaids spend most of their time in water, what they use regularly is different from humans. Allegedly, he knows someone that knows how to make shampoos for “topsiders”.

Aside from the essentials, Leo also brings you random books. Some are made by humans and salvaged from a shipwreck. Others are created by mermaids, with a special waterproof parchment. Beside texts, you end up with a few canvases and naturally made paint pigments from the ocean. Leo tells you that they were created using seashells and clay.

With the lack of sunlight coming into the cave, it’s difficult to know the time of day, or even how many pass. The only way you find out is when Leo tells you. From what you gather, he’s stationed in one place for his job for about twelve hours out of the day. It usually starts in the evening, then ends in the morning. He comes to see you for a few hours, then returns home to sleep.

Every day that passes you find yourself looking forward to his company, more and more than the last. You know that you’ll miss him when you return home.

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

“Do you recognize this game?”

Leo uncovers a wooden board in front of you. It has twelve round pits formed in two rows of six and two larger oval pits at both ends of the board. There are various round stones in each of the divots, save for the ends.

“Manacala? Yeah, I haven’t played it since I was a kid,” You say.

Leo leans on the rocky ledge and rests his head against his fist. “So, do you remember the rules?”

“Somewhat,” You answer noncommittally.

Leo’s lips quirk upwards into a mischievous smirk. “Good. Guess that means I’ll have to explain a lot less.”

“You wanna play with me?”

“Duh. Why else would I bring it?”

You smirk as you lay down on your stomach, using a pillow and part of your bedroll to make the position more comfortable. “Fine, but go easy on me.”

Leo briefly covers the basics of the rules. There are four marbles in each of the round pockets. You start the game by picking a pocket on your side and continuing to drop one marble into each pocket you pass, save for your opponent's oval one to his right.

As you drop the last “marble” on your first turn, it dawns on you.

“Oh, these aren’t normal marbles,” You say.

In fact, there are pearls, quartz, obsidian, and pebbles. It all ranges from beautifully vibrant to dull and muted in color.

“Yeah.” Leo takes the stones from a pocket and begins his turn. “I found the board from a shipwreck and later learned the rules. It didn’t come with the stones.”

“So, mermaids don’t usually play this game?”

Leo drops his last stone on your side and catches your gaze. “Nope. This is my first time playing. Thought it might feel familiar to you.”

Your cheeks heat up suddenly. Whether it’s from his intense gaze, or the implication of the statement, you’re unsure.

“...You’ve really been good to me, Leo.” You smile bashfully and turn your attention back to the board as you initiate your next turn. “You’ll make a great husband one day.”

Leo scoffs. “Assuming you’re the only one getting something out of this. I get bored too.”

As if that explained everything else. But you've since learned that Leo responds this way when he feels vulnerable. You’re feeling extra nice today, so you let him puff his chest without teasing.

“Still. Thank you.”

Leo doesn’t say anything to that and the two of you continue to play in silence. You try to focus on the board, but end up sneaking one too many glances at him. If he notices, he doesn’t say anything about it.

“Do you like desserts?” You ask suddenly.

“Depends.” Leo drops a stone in an empty pit across from yours and ends up taking all of the stones across from it. “Why?”

“I want to make something you like. Duh,” You say, mimicking his colloquialism.

“Hitting on me again?” Leo teases flatly. “Did you eat a dreamfish when I wasn’t looking?”

You roll your eyes and pick up more stones. “Nope. Quit being evasive, there must be something you like.”

“I dunno.” Leo shrugs. “I don’t mind chocolate.”

“...Crepes, then? Since I’m not using an oven.” You saw a recipe for them in one of the books Leo brought up too.

“Sure. Sounds good to me.”

“Score! I’ll do that then. Before you leave, I’ll double check if I have everything for it!”

The game resumes. And you can’t help but notice that Leo is collecting stones at a rapid rate. You haven’t been paying attention to it until now, but his hands are moving awfully fast.

Hmm…

So, after finishing your next turn, you pay close attention to him as he picks up five stones from a pit and begins dropping into the adjacent ones. One, two, three, four–

“Hey! You skipped one,” You protest, pointing an accusatory finger.

The corner of Leo’s mouth twitches upward, before smoothing out in nonchalance. “Nuh uh.”

He drops the stone into an empty pocket anyway and takes all of the ones across from it.

Your jaw goes slack from the audacity. “Bullshit, I totally counted! No wonder you’re collecting them so fast!”

Leo cups his face in his hand, flashing you an irritatingly smug look. “Maybe you need to learn to count better.”

“Cheater. Cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater.”

“Aw, poor you,” Leo puffs out his bottom lip in a mock pout. “Sounds like you’re just a sore loser.”

“I haven’t lost yet!” You protest, even though there’s hardly anything left in the pits. It’s already written in the stars– you’re going to lose.

Leo snorts. “Yeah, yet. Honestly, I can’t believe it took you that long to notice it. Probably because you were too busy making googly eyes at me.”

You squawk indignantly and abruptly sit up on your knees. “--What?!”

Leo’s mouth breaks into a shit-eating grin. “Guess that’ll teach you not to be a pervert.”

“I was not…!”

“Yeah, ‘cause someone innocent would have such a defensive reaction,” Leo retorts sarcastically.

Caught in 4k.

Well, in your defense, it didn’t come from a place of ‘perversion’. More like observation you thought you were getting away with.

“I wasn’t being a pervert!”

“Mmmhmm,” Leo hums sardonically. Suddenly, he’s putting the lid back on the board. “Anyway, I gotta get going. It’s late.”

“Huh? How can you tell?”

“I got a good sense of time,” Leo replies vaguely. “Keep the board up here, will you? We’ll play again later. Next time give yourself a fair shot.”

Your cheeks burn as he sticks his tongue out petulantly.

“Ugh… Fine.”

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

“Blegh…”

A few weeks pass into your stay at the cave and you start to experience the early symptoms of a cold coming on. Your throat gets all scratchy and fatigue weighs you down. It even feels chillier than usual, but you know the temperature hasn’t changed. Leo told you that he keeps it regulated.

After giving up on the painting you were working on, you throw on a thick, long sleeve shirt and sweatpants, before crawling into your bedroll. A few hours of rest should make it subside. Then you can make dinner. Hopefully Leo can’t catch human illness.

Only a few seconds after your head hits the pillow, you drift off into dreamland.

……

By the time you stir again, it’s due to the scent of something slightly sweet and aromatic filling your nostrils.

Your head lolls in the direction it’s coming from, causing something damp to slip off your forehead. Slowly, you crack your eyes open. The fire underneath the hanging pot is going, heating up whatever delicious smelling ingredients that are currently residing inside. Did Leo start making something already…?

You nearly jump out of your skin when you catch a pair of legs walking in your peripheral. An intruder?

Your body hinges upright in a panic and you shimmy backwards until the rock wall behind you stops you in your tracks. A man that is identical to Leo settles cross-legged, about five feet from you. Everything about him is the same from the face, to the hair, to the jewelry… The only difference is he’s wearing a pair of thin, baggy, red harem pants. Notably, he’s also barefoot and shirtless.

“...W-Who are you?” You stutter out dumbly.

Leo shoots you an unimpressed look. “Don’t tell me you caught dementia. Who else?”

The voice and sass are still the same too. You fix your gaze on his legs. “How…?”

“What’s with the theatrics? It’s your fault, y’know.”

“Huh???” Your lips part in disbelief. “How?”

Leo shrugs. “I tried calling out to you a shit ton and you wouldn’t wake up. You’re a heavy sleeper, but I knew something was off. So, I got up here to help you out.”

“Okay, but that doesn’t explain the legs?!”

“If I stay out of the water too long, it happens.”

“.....”

You reluctantly push yourself off the wall and shift over to Leo. He doesn’t budge an inch as you settle in front of him. You reach out and put a hand on his knee, giving it a light squeeze. It feels like a normal leg.

“Did I say you could touch me?” Leo asks, his tone uninflected.

“S-Sorry…!” You hastily remove your hand from his knee. “I was just surprised!”

In spite of what Leo just said, he reaches out and pushes your hair out of your face. Without preamble, he’s pressing his forehead against yours.

“Hey…!” Your eyes screw shut, but you don’t pull away. His forehead feels nice and cool against yours. The proximity has your pulse raising like crazy despite the innocence of the gesture.

“Hm…” Leo breaks away after a few seconds and clicks his tongue. “Your head is still on fire.”

Your eyes flutter open. “...Didn’t you just make a comment about touching?

Leo smirks. “It’s different.”

“How?!”

“I can touch you, but you can’t touch me. That’s how this works, duh.”

“Says you! If you touch me, I can’t promise that I won’t touch you back!”

“Yeah?” Leo cocks his head to the side and his eyelids droop slightly. His stare almost becomes sultry. “Why don’t you retaliate, then?”

Your pulse expedites. His sudden shift in demeanor is making you feel a bit dizzy. Or maybe that’s just the sickness kicking in.

Leo’s eyes widen and his expression falters into one of concern. “Hey, you should really be lying down. You’re literally wobbling in place.”

“Ugh… Make me,” You joke weakly.

“.....”

It happens so fast, you’re not sure how he even achieved it. Your head is suddenly cushioned onto your pillow and Leo is staring down at you in exasperation. “I’m heating up soup. If you tire yourself out now, my efforts are gonna go to waste.”

Your brows knit together in confusion. “I thought you didn’t cook.”

“Notice how I said ‘heating up’.”

“Oh… Who made it?”

“My slave,” He answers, gold eyes glimmering with amusement.

“...Be serious.”

“Who says I’m not?”

Instead of a verbal reply, you give him a hard stare. It turns into a staring contest for all of five seconds before Leo rolls his eyes and concedes.

“Just a buddy from my city.”

“Someone you like?”

The question leaves your mouth so impulsively, you forget to be embarrassed. Leo’s initial puzzled reaction switches up into haughty derision.

“What’s it to you?”

So, it is…?

For some reason your stomach twists at the idea. You pull your comforter over half of your face. If only you could sink into the ground.

“...Curious,” You say, your voice small.

Leo snorts out a laugh. “What’s with that look? You’re the one asking me for confirmation after I gave you the answer the first time.”

That is true. Why did you ask that…?

…

Developing a crush on a mythical being seems foolhardy at best. It’s probably just because he’s the only person you’ve seen in a while. And he’s so beautiful and takes care of you. Your priority is going home. Not starring in some gooner fanfiction, romancing a hot humanoid creature.

“...Yeah, sorry that was weird of me. Must be the fever talking,” You mutter awkwardly.

“...”

Leo’s expression softens. He exhales through his nose as he prepares to stand. “Be right back.”

…..

Leo returns to your side a few minutes later with a thermos in hand. You sit up and accept it with a quiet ‘thank you’.

“It’s hot, so I’d wait a few minutes to sip on it,” Leo advises you.

You nestle the thermos between your crossed legs. The warmth is nice. “Does it taste good?”

“I dunno, haven’t tried it,” Leo replies with a shrug. “Everyone sings his praises for his cooking, so it’s probably decent.”

Oh, so his friend is a ‘he’. You’re still curious, but if you keep asking questions about him, Leo might really think you’re jealous. That would be mad embarrassing.

“Thank you for the soup.” Your fingers hover over the hot steam coming from the lip of the thermos. “You’re not gonna get sick being around me, are you?”

“Nah. But if I did, you’d have to take care of me.” Leo lays on his side, propping his head against his fist.

You scoot over to make room and pat the spot next to you on the bedroll. It’s about the size of a full size mattress, so there’s plenty of room. “You can lay here. There’s no way that’s comfortable.”

Leo stares at you with an unreadable expression. “...You’re inviting me onto your bed?”

You nod. “Yeah. I don’t mind.”

“.....”

Leo slides onto the cushion, but keeps to the edge. You catch the faint scent of salt water and crushed sea lavender.

“When will your legs go back to normal?” You ask.

“There’s no telling. Might be stuck like this forever,” Leo deadpans.

Your eyes widen like saucers. “You’re joking.”

Leo just smirks in response.

“It’s mean to mess with me when I’m sick, you know,” You pout. Cautiously, you bring the thermos to your lips and take a sip.

A thick, sweet, liquid pools onto your tongue. The flavor is reminiscent of a squash bisque. It’s seasoned tastefully with a variety of herbs and spices. Thankfully, your congestion isn’t so bad that you can’t enjoy this.

“As soon as I go back in the water, I’ll be back to normal. Just figured this would make helping you easier,” Leo replies. He nuzzles his cheek onto one of your pillows and shuts his eyes.

“...Okay, good.”

Is he going to nap? Not that you mind, but you wonder if it’s still okay to talk. You’re a lot less tired now than you were before he laid down.

You take another drink of the soup before speaking again. “I was reading one of the mermaid books you brought me, by the way.”

Leo hums in acknowledgement. “Find anything interesting?”

“Well…” You start, twirling the thermos idly. “Is it true mermaids develop an inseverable bond with their mate?”

Leo cracks an eye open and raises a brow. “That was in one of those books?”

“It was briefly touched on in the book about the trench warden. And it said mermaids only pick one mate for life.”

Leo shuts his eye again and exhales. “Eh… It’s kind of bullshit.”

“Kind of?” You press curiously.

“As far as I know, that kind of bond is possible to initiate, but there’s a process. My generation rarely follows that practice. It’s more of a tradition adopted by older commoners.”

“Why commoners?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Leo rolls on his back and pulls the blanket over him. “Nobility means being forced to fuck people you don’t want to fuck for the sake of procreation. Real talk? Most of the royal lineup probably have side pieces.”

“...But you’re technically not a commoner or nobility, right?”

“Yeah. That about sums it up.”

You unconsciously chew at your lip. “So… How does the bond work? You said there’s a process.”

“You’re asking me?” Leo sighs, but continues to explain away anyway. “I’ve only heard the story once or twice. Basically, if a condition is met, they have until the next lunar cycle begins to either reject the bond, or consummate it.”

“And if neither of those things happen beforehand…?”

Leo shrugs. “The bond stays for good anyway. As far as I know.”

“The book said it creates a connection where you’re able to sense what one another is feeling, or even share dreams. And if you’re apart for a while, it might induce ailments. Like you’re tethered together by a tide pull?”

“Allegedly,” Leo corrects. You catch him stifling a yawn. “Doesn’t mean it’s true.”

“Well, if it is, that’s awfully romantic. Don’t you think so?”

Leo stares up at the cave’s ceiling. “...I guess.”

After drinking maybe half of the soup in the thermos, you lay flat on your back next to Leo, staring up at the glowing bioluminescence. It feels sort of like star gazing.

“So… No sign of any ships?” You ask, sparing him a glance in your peripheral.

“.....” Leo’s expression remains indecipherable, as he hesitates to respond. His eyes eventually flutter to a close. “Nah. Don’t you think I’d tell you if that were the case?”

“Yeah. I know you taking care of me must be a lot of work.”

“...” Leo rolls over on his side, facing away from you. “Not really. Don’t get all pathetic about it.”

You didn’t mean it that way, but you can see how he would arrive at that conclusion. It’s not really a misunderstanding you feel is worth going over anyway.

“So, you’re going to nap with me?” You ask in a playful tone.

“Well, you’re sick. If you’d rather I leave, just say so.”

“I don’t want you to,” You say, perhaps a little too quickly.

…..

It takes you a bit to fall asleep. Mostly because you’re resisting the temptation to cuddle up to Leo’s backside. He’s invitingly warm. Fish are usually supposed to be cold, right?

If you ask him, he will probably answer indirectly and it’d be more awkward. And if you just cuddle against him… Well, the worst that will probably happen is him pushing you off. Leo’s kissed you once before too, without even asking! You haven’t forgotten that. If this gets you in the hot seat you could chalk it up to human ignorance.

Gulp…

Impulsively, you move flush against him, spooning his backside and wrapping an arm around his waist. Even the body chain wrapped around his torso feels warm against your forearm. You notice his body stiffening from the spontaneous contact. Pressing your forehead against his shoulder, you speak up.

“Is this fine? Sorry… You’re warm.”

“Asking me permission after the fact? You’ve got guts, Barnie.”

You can tell by his tone that he’s not upset, at least.

Your hold on his waist tightens a bit. Maybe you’re being too self indulgent. “You kissed me once without warning. We’re even now, as far as I’m concerned.”

Leo goes silent. For a moment, you’re worried that you crossed a line. The apprehension dissolves the second you feel his fingers wrap around yours.

“Whatever. Get some sleep,” Leo retorts belatedly.

You can’t help but notice that the back of his ears have turned red. Cute.

Sleep comes effortlessly that night.

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

After applying a hair mask and scrubbing off in the water basin, you’re tempted to take a dip in the cave water. Leo mentioned before that it’s not only clean, but comfortable in temperature. He shouldn’t be back for a little while, so the likelihood of him catching you in the nude is very low.

…

You decidedly move over to the ledge and carefully lower yourself into the water to avoid any splashing. Your sleeping space is pretty close by, after all. Once you’re submerged, you hang onto the bedrock for a few seconds in mental preparation, before pushing yourself into the open pool.

It feels nice.

With the glow of the cave walls, there’s still visibility in the water. But you’re not confident regarding the depth. For that reason, you doggy paddle around and avoid straying too far from the walls. A small part of you is tempted to explore the tunnel leading into the sea, but since Leo’s not around that’s probably a bad idea. What if you were swept away by the tide?

But then again, what if you didn’t go that far? Just enough to peer outside. The prospect of seeing sunlight again for the first time in, what…? Three weeks, or more? It’s tempting.

As you wade closer towards the tunnel, you catch sight of something swimming in front of you. The exact shape is difficult to distinguish, but it’s large. You get a glimpse of pale skin, mottled in dark spots. Your body goes rigid and you attempt to float with minimal movement.

When the aquatic creature disappears from your vision, only to reappear in the same spot a few seconds later, you feel your heart lurch in your throat. Is it a shark?

Something fleshy brushes against your skin and you let out a sharp, involuntary, yelp that reverberates against the cave walls. You jerk your foot upwards, your chest tightening with panic. What’s the best course of action? Try to swim away? You’ve read that will make it worse!

Before you can make a decision, you feel it graze your other foot. Your composure shatters, as well as your ability to stay properly afloat.

“LEO…!!!” You shriek.

You hear the familiar sound of a body breaking the water’s surface, maybe five seconds later. With your arms prematurely outstretched, your body pivots clumsily towards the source.

“Hey! Are you okay…?!”

Leo meets you half way, his arms looping around your waist. You impulsively cling onto him by his shoulders.

“S-Something touched my foot! It was huge! I think it’s a shark!” Your explanation stumbles out hastily, so much so that your words run together.

“...A shark?” Leo repeats in disbelief.

“Yes! I saw spots on its back!”

“...”

Leo’s chest quivers as laughter begins to bubble up from his chest. Your lips downturn into a frown.

“What? What’s so funny?” You bite out irritably.

His laughter dwindles. The tone he uses to address you afterwards is softer than you'd expect. “I should’ve warned you. But I didn’t really expect you to go in the water without giving me a heads up after all this time.”

“Huh?”

Leo removes a hand from your waist and brings it to his mouth, before pushing out an ear-piercing whistle. Not a second later, you hear something emerge from the water.

“Take a look for yourself,” Leo urges you.

You loosen your hold on him and turn your head towards the source of the noise. A flat, pancake-like, creature that’s at least five feet in diameter floats at the surface a short distance away. Its back is decorated with black splotches, identical to the ones you saw earlier.

“Oh… A stingray?”

“Yup. Her name’s Cookie.” While holding you close with one arm, Leo stretches out his free one. Cookie wades closer and brushes against his hand affectionately. “She was probably just getting a feel for you.”

“Hah… Oh, man. I’m an idiot,” You mutter. “She’s pretty cute.”

Leo retracts his hand and returns it to your waist. “Pet her if you want. Just don’t try to touch her tail, obviously. I told her not to flash it near you anyway.”

“...You can talk to her?” You hold your hand out this time, observing curiously as the stingray swims away and circles back to brush against your palm. Her skin feels smooth and velvety to the touch.

“Eh… It’s more accurate to say that I understand the way she communicates,” Leo explains vaguely. “She sort of keeps guard of this place for me. If something comes up, Cookie lets me know.”

“A little warning would have been nice. I hope I didn’t scare her,” You say guiltily.

“You probably did a little.” Leo shrugs. “I didn’t exactly expect you to go jumping in the water without a heads up. It’s not like you have yet.”

You give Leo a suspicious look. “And how would you know that?”

Leo raises his brows. A smirk plays at the corner of his lip, as his eyes impishly crinkle at the corners. “How else? I’ve been peeping on you every time you take a bath.”

You roll your eyes. “Yeah, right. I think I would have noticed your head poking out of the water. Why would you be interested in seeing that anyway? Unless you have some kind of interspecies kink.”

“Hm… Yeah.” Still fixed on you, Leo’s gaze sharpens imperceptibly. “You’re right, I guess I wouldn’t be.”

You struggle to mask the way the retort miffs you. Your lips press into a thin line and you cast your attention on the puppy-like stingray periodically coming up for pets.

“It’s not like I care,” You reply childishly.

Leo snorts in amusement. “Sure seems like you do, considering I didn’t ask.”

You feel your eye twitch involuntarily as you release your hold on Leo. “You’re the one looking at me like you’re expecting a reaction. Anyway, sorry for scaring you, Cookie.”

Your fingers skim across Cookie one more time, before you head off in the direction of your makeshift base.

“Where’s my apology for giving me a headache over your screeching?” Leo asks as you wade away. “Come back over here, dummy.”

“No, thanks, stupid. I want to rinse my hair. Also, you don’t get one! I wouldn’t have yelled if I thought Cookie was your pet, or even a stingray.”

“She’s not a pet,” Leo argues pointedly. “And you’re kind of being a baby, just saying.”

Your face turns scarlet at that. If he weren’t actually clocking you this wouldn’t be so embarrassing. Why should you care if Leo’s attracted to you or not? You’re the one that prompted him to say it too.

“...Whatever,” You reply lamely, as you reduce the distance between you and the rock’s ledge. At this point you’re just eager to hide your shame. Hopefully Leo stops negging you about it–

“WOAH?!”

Out of nowhere, a wave twice your size emerges from the still water, creating a barricade between you and the bedrock. Mercilessly, it folds in on itself and surges towards you with such ferocity that you’re pushed back the way you came. Just when you think you’re about to go under, Leo deftly grabs your wrists and spins you around to face him. Copying your previous position, he directs your arms around his shoulders and holds onto your midsection again.

You can’t be certain if it was a trick of the light, but his eyes seem to glow with a blue tinge for a short moment.

“Defy the tide and the tide will take its due. Haven’t you ever heard that saying?”

You stare at him, dumbstruck. The tone he uses is distinctly devoid of its usual levity. But then again, he is often pretty deadpan.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” For some reason, you find yourself pushing out a nervous laugh. “And you can control waves now too? What can’t you do?”

“A lot,” Leo replies, this time with a more playful edge. “But I’d learn without issue.”

You let out a one-syllable laugh. “I don’t know, I can’t see you getting into cooking.”

This is the part where Leo would usually throw some snide remark back at you, but instead he stares at you with an intensity that makes your throat tighten with apprehension.

“...Hey. You’re into me, aren’t you? And don’t try to bullshit me either.”

“W-What…?”

“You heard me,” Leo persists.

Considering he just got done implying that he wouldn’t be interested in you… Joke or not, the question feels unfair. You have trouble holding his gaze. His scrutiny feels far too heavy right now. “...Why do you want to know if you’re not interested? Is this some kind of humiliation ritual?”

“Why are you so stubborn about coming clean?”

You sigh tiredly. “...I think anyone with eyes would find you beautiful. You’ve helped me a lot. You’re funny and fun to be around. Developing some sort of crush on you is kind of inevitable under these circumstances.”

Leo lets out a low, amused snicker. He seems entirely too pleased with himself. “Sounds like you’re coping with it. Leave it to a human to develop sappy sentimentalities for a bonafide sea creature.”

You redirect your attention to him, your lips pressing into a hard line. “You’re making fun of me.”

Leo blatantly ignores the accusation in favor of a topic switch. “You asked me about bonds, didn't you?”

“Yeah. So?” Your tone carries a defensive edge.

The merman lowers his face towards you. Impulsively, your eyes flutter shut when you feel the bridge of his nose graze your own. Rather than landing a surprise kiss, you feel him settle his forehead against yours. An unfamiliar, warm sensation blooms from his touch. Goosebumps prick the expanse of your body, starting from your head and traveling down to the tips of your toes. A pleasant, inexplicable, yet dull hum ripples beneath the skin.

“Why don’t we do it?” He murmurs, his breath fanning teasingly over your lips.

“...Do what?” You squeak out dumbly.

“Fuck, obviously.”

Your eyes snap open at that. “What?! That’s not what you just said!”

Leo draws back slightly and a derisive laugh rips from his throat. “Oh, so you do remember?”

“You…!” Your face feels like it’s on fire. “You never told me what ‘bonding’ entails, jerk!”

Leo squints playfully. “So, you want to?”

For some reason, you find it difficult to outright reject the notion. “That seems… Impossible.”

“Not really. I could make it happen,” Leo confesses easily.

Is he serious…?

Your words catch in your throat and you struggle to formulate a response. This is the equivalent of asking to have a romantic relationship, isn’t it? No, it’s much more than that.

“All you gotta do is abandon your mundane life on the surface. Then I’ll serve you ‘til the day you die. Sounds like a fair trade, doesn’t it?”

The suggestion rolls off his tongue like your life up until recently was something inconsequential. Disposable even. Buried underneath the complacency, there’s something vulnerable about the way he looks at you. As if he’s prepared to hang on your every word.

…

“Leo…” You start carefully. “I can’t stay here forever. I have obligations of my own and people waiting for me. If this bonding thing means isolation… I don’t think that would work.”

Leo exhales through his nose, shooting you a disappointed look. “Tch… Boooring.”

“But I still really like y–”

Your sentence is stifled by Leo’s mouth sealing against yours in a bruising kiss. The gold bar embedding his tongue clacks against your teeth as his tongue invasively pushes past your lips without so much as a warning. A surge of warmth unfurls torturously in your abdomen as he brazenly explores your mouth. Unlike last time, you can’t bring yourself to push him away. However irresponsible these feelings might be, the prospect of intimacy is all too inviting.

Much to your dismay, Leo breaks away just as you begin to return the kiss. The bitterness etched into his pretty features is enough to make your stomach lurch. He removes your arms from around him and without warning, water surges forward, sweeping you a few meters away. Your hand grasps the ledge of the bedrock and you gape at him in confusion.

“I need to be somewhere. Don’t wait up for me,” Leo says curtly.

“...You’ll be back tonight, right?”

“Nah. Tomorrow.” Leo tears his gaze away and disappears beneath the water before you can get another word in.

𓆉 ⋆.˚ 𓆝⋆.˚

“Leo, you received another letter from the oracle's daughter. It seems she has taken a liking to you.”

A teenage, bipedal Leo sits across from a beautiful woman who bears an eerily close resemblance to him. She brings a porcelain cup close to her lips as she gauges his reaction to the news. Leo maintains a poker face, while pushing the greens around on his plate. He never did like eating this shit.

“You told me that last week,” Leo replies monotonously. “I’ve hardly spoken with her.”

She takes a modest sip from her cup, humming in contentment. “There’s no time like the present. Her family is highly respected within the kingdom. That’s quite lucky, wouldn’t you say?”

“If she had half a brain she would find someone that’s not surface-touched,” Leo retorts. There’s an edge in his voice that’s misdirected.

“You shouldn’t put so much importance on that,” She chides with a sigh. “Don’t misunderstand. As your mother, above all, I want you to be happy. Her social standing is not nearly as precious as her sincerity.”

“I know what you meant.” Leo drops his fork, deciding he’s spent enough time toying with the idea of finishing it off. He knows he won’t. “If it’ll make you happy, I’ll talk to her next time I see her. But I don’t think she’s my type.”

Leo’s mother covers her mouth and laughs airily. “Since when did you decide that you even have such a thing?”

Leo shrugs. “I’m not really interested in merfolk.”

Her expression flounders into a complicated one. She folds her arms over her chest, fingers idly grasping at the chiffon sleeves of her dress. “You know my being here is a special circumstance. Your father requires you to be here.”

Leo rolls his eyes and abruptly stands from the table. He picks up his unfinished plate in preparation to leave. “I didn’t say I was gonna do anything. If it doesn’t work out with Maris, at least I gave you a reason. I don’t need to court or bond with anyone.”

She appears mildly less perturbed by the revelation. A small smile curls at her lips. “...The sea is brighter with you in it, Leo. By moon and tide, travel safely.”

𓆉 ⋆.˚ 𓆝⋆.˚

You wake up the next morning with a headache that lingers and throbs towards the front of your skull. The most obvious explanation for it would be neglecting to hydrate yourself the night before. You were so caught up on Leo’s behavior that sleep hadn’t come easily. And you can’t recall definitively, but you’re pretty sure you dreamt of him too.

…Why did he kiss you after that?

It seemed less like an affectionate gesture and more akin to a petty act of defiance. The fact that he doesn’t seem to want you to leave should concern you. A part of you wonders if there have been ships that steered out your way and Leo just didn’t tell you about it.

But would he really do that?

…Other than him providing for you, it isn’t as if Leo’s given you a reason to think that’s not out of the realm of possibility. You trust that he doesn’t want to harm you, but does he truly have your best interest in mind?

You know that doubting him won’t do you any good. You need Leo to survive. Moreover, you want to maintain a good relationship with Leo because you’ve come to care for him. As of right now, he’s all you got.

…

The day drags by. You make an attempt to finish reading that book about the trench warden, but your mind continues to wander in the process. After rereading the same paragraph for what felt like the tenth time, you give up and set it aside.

Maybe you could get started making food. Leo said he would be here.

He brought you up a basket of uncut vegetables the other day. Radishes, purple potatoes, carrots, onions, and even garlic. Apparently, they’re from a conservatory in one of those air pockets he mentioned before. You still can’t fathom how it works. If only you were able to go see it with him.

Finding the most level part of the bedrock, you set up a sturdy, white cutting board on top of a crate. The board itself felt unlike any you’ve used before. Smooth, yet if you run your fingers over it thoroughly, you notice micro ridges speckling the surface. And the knife he brought you is sharper than any you’ve handled back home. Made from obsidian, it appears black and reflective enough that you can see your face through the blade.

Nearly everything he’s brought you has been a glimpse into his world. As endearing as it is, it also serves as a reminder that you’re far from home.

Conversing with him, it’s easy to forget that he’s not human. Yet he can purify water for you to clean these vegetables with. Control the tides, adjust the sea’s temperature, dry you with a small gust of air, and communicate with sealife. It’s almost as if he’s closer to some kind of oceanic God than a mermaid.

If you left today, would you be happy…?

The cognitive dissonance you feel is disconcerting. So, you bury the thought and begin cleaning and chopping your vegetables.

…

“What is this?” Leo brings his face close to the bowl in his hand and gives it an experimental sniff.

You can’t help but notice he chose to stay partially submerged in the water. As of late, he would at least sit on the edge of the rocks. He’s keeping his distance, isn’t he? Maybe he secretly hates you now.

“Just a vegetable soup.” You blow on your own bowl in an attempt to cool it down, before taking a tentative sip from the lip. It could use more salt, but otherwise isn’t bad. “You’re kind of picky about vegetables, right? I figured you brought the ones you liked.”

Leo sets the bowl down on the rocks. Far enough that you speculate that he doesn’t plan on reaching for it again. “Nah, it was random.”

You can’t help but pout a bit. “You don’t want it?”

“I’ll try it later,” Leo insists. The assurance doesn’t sound that convincing.

Usually it wouldn’t bother you, but considering you’re still under the impression that he’s mad at you, his pickiness hits differently. You swallow the mild hurt with another gulp of your soup. It tastes worse the second time.

At least your headache seems to have cleared up.

“How was work?” You ask softly.

Leo shrugs as he rests his chin against his forearms. “No different than usual.”

“.....”

A brief silence follows. You’re not sure if it’s awkward or not, but your insecurity tells you it is. You stare into your concoction that contains various things Leo gave you.

…

“...If you could pick one thing to take out of the soup, what would it be?” You ask suddenly.

Leo quirks a brow at you. The answer comes effortlessly anyway. “The wakame.”

“Really? Why?”

He makes a face that elicits a quiet laugh from you. “It’s briny. Kind of slimy. Just gross in general. I’ll still eat it, so don’t sweat it.”

A wave of déjà vu suddenly hits you. Didn’t you see something similar in your dream this morning…? Another question lurks at the tip of your tongue.

“...Leo. Can you tell me about your Mom? You mentioned your Dad being important in your kingdom, but not much about your Mom.”

The merman blinks at you. It’s clear the question took him off guard. “Where did that come from?”

“I just… I don’t know. I had a dream last night and I think I may have seen her in it. Well, obviously I don’t know what she looks like! My brain at least made up an appearance for her.”

You expect Leo to make fun of you, but he just watches you with a curious expression. “What happened in it?”

“Nothing much that I can recall. But you didn’t eat the wakame on your plate. Oh, and you and your mom both had legs?”

Leo smiles, just barely. “Dreams during a new moon reveal hidden truths. All of that sounds about right.”

If not for the bittersweet touch in his expression, you’d probably assume he’s making some kind of a joke. “So, all mermaids sprout legs like that?”

“...Pffft. Of course not.”

“So, then…?”

“My mother was a human, Barnie.”

The bowl in your hands nearly clatters to the ground in your stupor. “WHAT?!”

Leo scowls and covers his ears with his palms. “Could you be any louder? These walls echo, y’know.”

Your voice drops in volume, but only marginally. “You’re half-human?! That explains, like, a lot? And wait, what do you mean ‘was’? You don’t look much older than twenty. How did she…?”

Leo snorts. “Twenty? Yeah, you’re a bit off base. She was getting up there in age, but I’m older than you think.”

“...It wasn’t old age? Sorry, if I’m coming across as rude, or touching a sore spot. You can totally ignore me!”

Leo exhales tiredly. “Don’t get all weird on me about it. That was years ago. Her death was sudden and the coroner ruled it as a heart attack. Living in an air pocket for decades probably ate away a few years on its own.”

“She lived in your kingdom?” Your jaw goes slack in awe. “I didn’t think that something like that would be permitted…”

“Generally, it wouldn’t be. An order from a Triton is law, though. My father wanted to keep her close by.”

“He must have loved her then, right?”

Leo stalls to answer, his gaze breaking off to nowhere in particular. “...She wanted to be around to raise me. There’s no way she could take me to the surface to stay.”

The evasion of the question doesn’t go unnoticed. Daringly, you try a new angle. “Do you dislike your father?”

“I don’t think about him,” Leo replies vaguely. “He has his own thing going.”

“I see…”

You drink more of your soup while Leo pets Cookie. She intermittently resurfaces to the top of the water like some underwater pancake boomerang. It isn’t long before you come up with new things to ask him.

“Are you like… Hundreds of years old then?”

Leo chuffs in amusement. “Nah. Way less than that. I stopped keeping track a while ago, though.”

“When’s your birthday?”

“May.”

“The day?” You press hopefully.

Leo’s eyes stay trained on Cookie as he skims his fingers over her back. “...The twenty-third. Yours?”

You tell him your birthday. He hums in acknowledgement.

“Have you been to the surface as a human?”

“Yeah. Many times.”

“Really?” A grin splits your face. “Where did you go? What did you do?”

“My mother used to go with me to the persimmon festival in the fall. It’s the only time of year my father allowed it.” Leo pauses with a ruminative look on his face. His lips upturn slightly, as if he’s recalling a fond memory. “Yeah. They always taste better that time of year.”

So, Leo likes persimmons. You’ll remember that.

“When’s the last time you went?”

“Not since I was a kid.” Leo retracts his hand from Cookie and leans against the rocks again.

Your fingers tighten their grip around the bowl in your hands. “...Maybe we could go together someday?”

“Nah.” Just like that, the idea is immediately shut down.

“Why not?” The hurt in your voice isn’t masked well.

Leo’s gaze flicks in your direction, before receding a few seconds later. Notably, his tone softens a smidge. “...I don’t even know where it is anymore. It would be a pain in the ass to get there without my father’s assistance. And I don’t plan on asking him.”

A dull ache begins to swell in your chest.

“...If I make it back home, will I ever see you again?”

“Probably not,” Leo deadpans mercilessly. “Also, what’s with the ‘if’?”

“I don’t know. Anything could or couldn’t happen.” You set the remainder of your soup down. Suddenly, you don’t have much of an appetite.

“That’s a switch up.” Leo clicks his tongue in quiet disbelief. “...And actually, that reminds me. About a week from now, a fishing boat will come by. It’ll be a bit of a swim, but it’s nothing compared to finding a shore.”

“How do you know that?”

“The same group of humans do every month. It’s part of my job to keep track of that stuff. So, stop sweating it. You’ll be back to your old life in no time.”

Leo seems confident in his assertion. Yet, it does nothing to alleviate the discomfort you feel right now.

“...You’re upset with me,” You say.

Leo’s brow furrows marginally. “Huh?”

“Usually you sit closer. And you showed up later than usual, didn’t you?” Not that you can definitively say for sure, but the way he doesn’t flinch at the accusation is telling. Instead, a sardonic laugh spills from his throat.

“What? Do you suggest I cuddle you after being brutally rejected? And since when do I have a curfew?”

Leo has a point. You have no business having those sort of expectations for him. But then again, you wouldn’t bring it up if his behaviors remained consistent. And isn’t ‘brutally rejected’ sort of a stretch?

You stare at your lap wistfully. “...I don’t mean to suggest how you should or shouldn’t behave. I care about you, so I don’t want us to be on bad terms.”

“You’re the only one making that assumption here. Do you think I’m so pathetic that I can’t accept no for an answer?”

“That’s not–”

“Forget I brought it up, seriously,” Leo interjects. “I can’t leave you here by yourself all the time, so the least you can do is not make it awkward.”

It makes sense that he doesn’t want to dwell on it. You both know there isn’t a perfect solution here.

“Fine. I get it,” You concede.

Leo quietly turns his attention to the bowl he left abandoned wayside. Following through on his earlier promise, he picks it up and takes a few quick gulps from the lip.

“...How is it?”

Leo sets it back down and wipes the edge of his mouth, sporting a theatrically pained look. “All I taste is the seaweed. Gross. No offense.”

A blithe laugh escapes you. “I don’t blame you. At least you tried it.”

The two of you bounce back to normal after the minor hiccup and chat about the mundane. Leo doesn’t stay for much longer that night.

𓇼 ⋆.˚ 𓆉 𓆝 𓆡⋆.˚ 𓇼

A week passes without anything out of the ordinary happening. That is, until Leo doesn’t show as expected that evening.

Despite not having a clock for confirmation, you could tell that something was off. Concern plagues your mind when you hear the distinct sound of thunderclaps from just outside the cave. Even more so when the usually still water on the inside is affected as well.

Miraculously, the tunnel leading out into the sea seems to be separated from your immediate vicinity by some kind of magical barrier. As the storm rages, you watch waves crash against the thin veil protecting your cave from harm. You can only pray that Leo is safe.

The headache returns, this time with agonizing persistence. Not only that, but your body begins to exhibit signs of a fever. You shed your regular clothes and replace them with a thin night gown that Leo brought up for you. You’ll have to wash them in the morning. Hopefully, by then you’d be back to normal and would be able to see Leo again.

You set up your bedroll even closer to the ledge of the bedrock and bury yourself underneath the covers. The faint smell of crushed sea lavender wafts into your nose. You’re not sure if it’s from the pillow or leftover soap remnants on your skin. Either way, it reminds you of Leo. Particularly the time you slept together here. You had felt more well-rested that night than any of the others in this cave. Probably more so than you have in years. You wish he was lying with you right now.

Almost as soon as the thought springs into your head, you notice your mottled pancake friend wading towards the water’s surface closeby. You’re pretty sure she even makes eye contact with you. A tired smile curls at your lips in acknowledgement.

Cookie must be checking on you. Unfortunately, your body feels far too fatigued to reach over and pet her. You might actually fall in. If only you knew how to communicate with her like Leo.

Your eyelids sag with every passing second. It isn’t long before exhaustion drags you into a deep slumber.

……

“...Barnie. Hey, talk to me.”

You feel a cool palm touch the side of your face. Unconsciously, you find yourself leaning into it. A pleasant buzzing sensation thrums from the point of contact. When he draws his hand away you expel a pitiful groan.

“At least you’re moving now. You had me worried for a second there.”

Slowly, your eyes crack open to Leo’s blurry form. It takes a few seconds before your eyes are in complete focus. You realize Leo is sitting cross-legged beside you, dressed in those red harem pants again. Initially, you’re confused. But then the memories of the storm come flooding back.

“...Leo. You’re safe. I was worried,” You say softly.

He offers an obscure, but gentle smile. “Yeah. That storm got pretty nasty, huh? I got caught up tying some loose ends, so I couldn’t make it back in time.”

“How late is it…?”

Leo hums with a ruminative look. He hands you the gold water flask that you make a point to keep close by. “Mmm… Maybe, like, five? Six in the morning?”

You accept it with a quiet ‘thanks’ and sit upright to take a drink. The water feels so refreshing going down your throat that you end up draining all of its contents. You sigh in contentment and set the flask off to the side. “So, not much time has passed? That’s strange. I don’t feel feverish anymore.”

“Guess I cured you, huh?” Leo sticks his tongue out at you playfully.

You suspect that may actually be close to the truth. After all, your headache disappeared when he showed up before this too.

“...”

As happy as you are to see him unharmed, his presence so soon after the storm ceased is a cause for concern. One that you’re no longer able to overlook.

You settle your head back onto your pillow. “Hey, Leo?”

Leo tilts his head curiously, as he leans back on his palms. “Yeah?”

“Hypothetically, if humans were to travel here in search of your city, what’s the easiest way to deal with them?”

He stares at you for a prolonged moment, before delivering an answer. “If it’s a decent sized vessel? Probably a tornadic waterspout.”

Your fingers clench around the fabric covering your chest, as you stare up at the luminous ceiling. “That kind of phenomenon is usually accompanied by thunderstorms, isn’t it?”

Leo’s impenetrable gaze lingers on you. “...Yeah, I guess so. Wow, you’re familiar with how meteorology works? Congrats.”

There’s the phantom headaches, the foreign sensations from Leo’s touch, and the clairvoyant dreams… You’ve suspected it, but now you’re almost certain. Somewhere along the line, Leo initiated a contingent bond. You hadn’t taken it seriously at the time, but maybe it really did start with revealing his name. Leo mentioned that the bond solidifies after the next lunar cycle. That began last week.

And the fishing boat that was meant to take you back to shore? Something in your gut tells you that it sank today, by his own volition.

Leo never intended for you to leave. You’re not sure if you’re more disturbed by the conjecture, or the fact that it doesn't affect you nearly as much as it should. That tale about the trench warden mentioned something else about bonds that you’ve been dwelling on.

Leo cannot lie to you.

Your eyes flutter to a close. “Did I die the day I was thrown overboard?”

Leo laughs at that, in genuine amusement. “Did you hit your head while I was gone? You’re alive and breathing. All thanks to me, by the way.”

You’ve felt as if you owe him since the first day you met him. Is isolation really the price for receiving help from a mermaid demigod?

“...Is that fishing boat coming anytime soon?”

“...”

Your eyes flick over to Leo, who’s now avoiding your gaze with visible impatience.

“With these storms? Is that even a question?” He bites out.

The question wasn’t direct enough. But you’re not sure if you’re ready to hear the answer directly from his mouth anyway. If you knew without a shadow of a doubt, would that make you responsible in some way? Maybe you’re making assumptions too hastily.

“Leo. My body aches,” You lie. It hasn’t since you awoke. But that incessant desire to come in contact with him all over again is tenacious.

The change in subject seems to abate Leo, because his sharp eyes are honed in on you again. “And?”

You roll over on your back and hug your pillow. “...Can you rub my shoulders? Please? I’ll love you forever.”

“Huh? Since when am I a massage therapist…? And don’t go making promises you can’t keep.”

Regardless of his complaints, you hear him settle next to you, before feeling his fingers experimentally press against the trapezius muscle on your right side. A soft sigh passes your lips that encourages him to continue. His hand curls around your shoulder in a c-shape and you feel his thumb press in and roll upward. You melt into the pillow, biting your tongue to stifle the embarrassing noises that threaten to spill over as he works at the muscle.

“Your muscles feel knotted. Might need to find you more layers for the bedroll.”

“Can you do both of them? My shoulders,” You clarify.

“Uh… That angle is awkward.”

“You can sit over my back,” You suggest flippantly.

“What?” The unease in his voice is palpable. “You seriously want me to straddle you?”

“Just do it.”

“......”

Several beats pass and you feel him settle over your lower back without applying much weight. Both of his hands begin working on your shoulders and coaxing the tension out. Wherever they press, a soothing current seems to follow in their wake. You feel the sensation of his fingers clumsily snagging on your nightgown’s straps. Not a second later they’re being pushed off your shoulders, before he continues his ministrations.

“How long am I supposed to do this for? My hands are getting tired,” Leo complains. You find it hard to believe considering the rhythm and intensity of his touch remains consistent.

You’re mildly surprised he even followed through with it. He had been avoiding coming close, let alone touching you for the last week. That aside, he doesn’t seem like the type to go around massaging people. All you know is that you don’t want him to stop.

“You don’t have to keep going if you don’t want to.”

Leo doesn’t entertain the idea with a response. Instead, his thumbs continue to knead, until your shoulders loosen up. Once that happens, he’s quick to remove his hands and prepare to maneuver off of you.

“You should be set, Barnie–”

“Wait,” You blurt out.

You can practically hear him rolling his eyes. “...Yeah? I’m waiting.”

“My lower back hurts too.”

“...Are you for real? You’re wearing a loose dress. How the hell am I supposed to do that properly?”

“I can take it off.”

The conversation sinks like a stone. And the silence that follows starts to make you second guess the temerity of your word choice. It isn’t until Leo sighs, for what seems like umpteenth time, that you let go of the breath that you didn’t even realize you were holding. He moves off of you and sits on the bedroll, before tearing his gaze away.

“If you’re serious, then do it.”

…

You end up peeling off the dress and using your blanket to cover up the lower half of your body. Leo straddles your thighs once you’re face down again. His knuckles push against your lower back muscles, moving vertically in an up and down motion. Quiet hums rumble from your throat as your body buzzes with pleasure.

Every time his hands get close enough to brush against the band of your underwear, you feel your core tremble. You should feel embarrassed for getting excited by this, but the last thing you want him to do is stop. Eventually, his hands move to hug the curves of your hips, while his thumbs rub slow circles in an upward motion. Much to your chagrin, something that sounds like a moan escapes you when his fingers brush over a particularly tender spot.

Comically, Leo’s movements cease entirely.

“...Wow. You like it that much, pervert?”

You feel your face warm up, your thighs tensing underneath him. “So what if I do? It feels good.”

Leo’s thumbs experimentally skim over the same spot, eliciting a similar noise from you again. “Your head's not in the gutter, is it, Barnie? Should I feel objectified?”

The derisive taunting is enough to have your abdomen coiling with pressure. “...It might be.”

“Aaw,” Leo coos, as he lowers his body towards you. His lips brush against the side of your neck, before he’s placing a chaste kiss onto your skin. “Have you gone and changed your mind?”

More like, you know that your fate is sealed. But you can’t bring yourself to kill the mood.

“...There’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now.”

Leo clicks his tongue irritably. “‘Right now’, huh…? I’ll let that slide for now.”

Your breath catches in your throat when Leo’s hand skirts down from your lower back and slips in between your thighs. His fingers press against the damp fabric of your underwear and you unconsciously arch your back in response.

“Ah…!”

“I knew it. You’re so wet. What exactly were you thinking about?” Leo’s digits push past the fabric of your crotch and swipe over your folds. A self-assured smirk curls at his lip when you let out a strangled cry. “You weren’t thinking about us getting it on, were you? That’s pretty degenerate, Barnie.”

“S-shut up! Like you aren’t the one saying it.”

“So, you want me to stop?” Leo places another kiss, this time between your shoulder blades. You feel a phantom thrumming sensation when his lips break away from the spot, almost akin to a heartbeat.

You wonder how different this is for him with you– a human. He doesn’t seem shy about it either way. “...No, I don’t.”

The tip of Leo’s nose brushes a little bit lower on your backside, his breath fanning over the skin. He cements his arm on the bedroll beside you, his position shifting to where he’s hovering over you, granting your hips more mobility. “What do you want me to do?”

“K-keep touching me where you were.”

Leo’s fingers loop around the band of your underwear, before he’s tugging them off completely. You hike your hips up marginally and suffocate a whine into your pillow, as his fingers return to your sex to run along your folds again.

“I’ve never touched a human like this. If I don’t hear you, how am I supposed to know what to do?”

In spite of the comment, his fingers deliberately push against your clit, drawing yet another obscene noise from you. This time, it echoes against the walls of the chamber. You feel the tip of one of his digits sink into your heat and shallowly stroke at your walls. Leo’s breath hitches as you clench eagerly around him.

“Leo…” You steady your weight on your elbows and rock your hips, attempting to take more of his finger in. He’s hardly done anything and yet you’re trembling at his touch. “Mm…! Y-you can keep moving.”

Leo pays no mind to your request. Instead his other hand slips beneath your chest and pinches your nipple forcefully. Your core twitches involuntarily and you find yourself slamming your hips into his hand, effectively taking all of his finger in. He nips at the back of your neck, a fiendish giggle escaping his mouth.

“Aw, aren’t you all cute and desperate?” Leo languidly thrusts his finger inside of you a few times. You whimper pitifully when he pulls it out altogether and rolls your nipple between his fingers. “I don’t feel like doing that anymore. Give me something different.”

He’s just toying with you. But you’re so determined for this to continue, that you’re not even sure you care all that much.

You abruptly sit up on your knees, causing Leo to roll on his side. You’re pleasantly surprised to find that his cheeks are dusted with a rosy pink, yet he still regards you with a confident smirk. Bringing a hand to cup his pretty face, your thumb runs along his supple lower lip.

“...Fine. Why don’t you use your mouth?”

Leo’s eyes go half-lidded as he assesses you with a smoky gaze. Satisfaction crosses your features as he appears to burn brighter. “Where? I don’t get it.”

Brat.

“If you don’t want to, why don’t I do it to you?” You move your hand to his chest, your fingertips teasingly brushing downward on the golden chain links that adorn his body. His hand catches your wrist before it can travel past his navel.

In the blink of an eye, you’re being lifted by your waist. Leo lays flat on his back and drops you to where your heat is hovering over his face. You buckle forward, your hands sinking into the pillow as his tongue darts out to lick a stripe along your slit. Leo’s hands smooth along your thighs, before roaming to your butt and giving it an appreciative squeeze.

“You’re so soft,” He murmurs in awe. “I bet you bruise just as easily here as you do on your neck.”

Leo steadies you in place as he continues to lave his tongue over your arousal. The gold bar embedding the appendage intermittently grazes your bundle of nerves with deliberate transience. In spite of the lazy way he’s eating you out, you feel pressure rapidly build in your abdomen. The deprivation of direct and predictable stimulation has you nearly choking out a sob as you quiver above him.

When he moves his mouth away just as you’re about to climax, you feel nothing less than betrayed.

“W-Why’d you stop…?”

Leo’s hands grip your hips again, and before you can even register what's happening, you’re being moved to his lap. The wind is nearly knocked out of you when he sits upright and crashes his lips against yours with bruising force. Your fingers tangle with the chains in an attempt to ground yourself as he kisses you like he intends to steal your very last breath.

Once you manage to separate your mouths, you wedge your fingers against his chin, taking a moment to steady your ragged breathing. “H-hey…! Wait a sec.”

A lackadaisical hum rumbles from his throat. He grabs your wrist and brings your fingertips close to his mouth, before planting a kiss against them. The gesture is so unexpectedly gentle that you feel your heart skip a beat. His gilt eyes lock with yours, imbued with a fervor that feels new.

“You should know that the ocean knows your name now. There’s nowhere you can go that I won’t find you.”

There’s a sense of foreboding intertwined with the comment. One that feels out of place to be spoken by a youthful faced, small-framed, man that more often has a tendency to speak in juvenile colloquialisms than anything. You might try to laugh it off if it weren’t for the timing.

“I won’t try to leave you,” You say instead.

Leo sputters out a laugh. “Pffft. Yeah, it’d be kind of pointless. It’s a good thing you’re having fun with me, huh?”

He keeps one arm looped around your waist, as his free hand moves to one of your breasts. Leo’s hips rut against yours as he begins rolling your nipple between his thumb and index finger again. Your mind goes blank when you feel his hardened cock grind against your arousal, with only thin pants acting as a barrier between the two of you.

You suspect it may be the effects of the bond. The way every kiss, touch, and caress is mind-numbingly intoxicating. As far as you’re concerned, you need Leo like lungs need oxygen.

“Leo… Hah! D-do you think…? Can we…”

“Can we, what?” Leo presses an open mouthed kiss to your throat as he kneads your breast. “You want me to fuck you, right?”

You raise your hips and reach for the waistband of his pants, pulling at it with an impatient tug. “Please.”

“Hmm…” Leo slows his movements and lands a quick peck on your cheek. “Kay. But on one condition.”

You peer at his face with a probing look. “Wha–What is it?”

Leo doesn’t pitch the idea first. Instead, he quickly shucks off his pants, with you hovering over his lap. You barely catch a glimpse of him, before he sets you to the side and slinks off into the water. Confusion riddles your expression as he comes back up around twenty seconds later and props himself up on rock’s ledge.

“It’ll be our first time, so it’s gotta be done like this,” Leo announces matter-of-factly. “Consider it, like, tradition or something.”

“Oh… Is that possible?” You hadn’t really put too much thought into how mermaid anatomy works. But you’d be lying if you said it didn’t cross your mind once or twice.

“Wouldn’t suggest it if it wasn’t. How do you think I was made?” Leo sticks his tongue out at you petulantly. “Get in here, or I might change my mind.”

Decidedly, you shimmy over to the ledge and lower yourself into the water. Leo’s quick to sidle himself beside you and take you in his arms. You brace yourself against his shoulders as he blindsides you with another barrage of kisses. Leo grabs your thighs and aligns you until you feel something slick graze your entrance.

You let out a shaky breath as the tip of his cock penetrates you. It initially feels thin, until you’re sinking down to the hilt. He stretches your walls out, almost to the point of pain. A chaste, placating kiss lands on your temple.

“Relax. It’ll feel good,” Leo murmurs softly.

White floods your vision when you feel his cock twitch inside of you and press up against your sweet spot. A breathy moan rips from your throat and you wind your arms tightly around his neck for support. Guiding you by your hips, he begins to rock into you at a slow tempo.

“Leo…” You bury your face against his neck and messily pepper teeth-grazing kisses as he fucks into you. The pressure from before stacks at a much faster rate. Spurred by Leo’s shattered moans, you hook your legs around his torso and attempt to bounce against his thrusts.

“F-Fuck… You feel so good,” Leo rasps. If you’re not mistaken you hear your actual name fall from his lips.

Your abdomen sets fire as his pace hastens and the tip of his cock bullies your cervix. The thrusts become more shallow, as if he’s intent on burying himself in you as much humanly possible. Your walls spasm and contract around him as you approach your climax.

“Leo, I’m going to…!”

Unexpectedly, Leo drops his hands from your thighs. He pivots to face the rock’s ledge and holds onto it, hoisting the both of you out of the water. You hardly register the pain of your back making contact with the gravely surface as you come undone with a blinding thrust. Seconds later, Leo’s hips stutter against you, filling you to the brim with his seed.

He hovers over you, supporting his weight on his arms while his tail remains partially submersed. Your chest heaves tiredly and your unfocused gaze lingers on Leo. He continues to languidly pump inside of you, while nipping at your exposed breasts.

“You think it’ll take?” Leo asks suddenly. He doesn’t even bother looking at you as he asks the question, like it doesn’t concern him in either direction. His mouth encloses on one of your nipples, dragging a whimper out of you.

The high you’re feeling seems to be inhibiting the alarm bells that should be going off right now. He sucks on your breast, before releasing it with a wet pop.

“Never really wanted kids or anything. I’d try it out with you, though.”

The weight of the comment slowly begins to sink in. You sit up on your elbows, your eyes snapping open wide with shock. “What?! W-Wait, we can’t! I’m staying in a literal cave, are you out of your mind?!”

Leo raises an eyebrow at you. “What? You want a spot in my city? I could make that happen.”

“That’s like a small fraction of the problem here! It’s way too soon to be talking about kids!” You protest in exasperation.

Leo heaves out a sigh, his expression twisting in annoyance. It looks like he has more to say, but ultimately refrains. “...Fine. I’ll drop it for now. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

"Really honor roll? What are you? Some kind of lovesick?" Leo picked one of the cookies to taste it and then took the rest from you before walking away

It doesn't matter what Leo says, you love him, you know all he needs is a little patient and that is all you have, except for when he talks to other girls...like right now, you were so close to breaking your phone from you grip

Why is he giving the cookies you made for him to another girl?! Is he teasing you?....all incoherent thoughts disappeared when that girl took a bite and held Leo's arm, before you knew it you stomped there and pulled Leo away

You hear Leo scoffed above you and when you look down he has that expression, you couldn't tell if it was love or hate, surely it's love...for you, right?

The girl walked away as she sees you two looked eyed and Leo freed himself from you before walking away

"I'm so sorry, Leo, I don't know what came over me! I didn't mean to touch you without permission or embarrass you..."

You apologizes while trying to catch up with him and then he turned around and pulled you closer to him

"Is that it? You think I'm yours? How sickeningly stupid" Leo clicked his tounge before smiling

"You're just so pretty like this, so desperate"

Leo says as he drags you with him to sho's food truck, nothing else mattered, he was holding your hands, he called you pretty...you could live like this, under his touch and everything else

Whilst you were eating of sho's food truck and Leo went away for a minute, he sat down besides you

"Senpai, what are you doing to yourself? Leo's not the guy"

"What?" You looked at him confusedly

"He's hurting you, he's playing with you, open your eyes, senpai"

You just stared at sho, processing his words "playing with you" those words repeated on your head continuously, that's not possible right? Leo will eventually like you back, his actions said so

After you were done eating, you waited for Leo to comeback, you two were supposed to go somewhere today and so you waited, waited and waited

Until you opened your phone and saw a video that Leo just posted that he's somewhere right now...he might've forgotten, he's a busy after all, keeping up with his fan's wishes and being a vice captain, so you messaged him just to confirm

"Are you busy Leo? You can't make it today?"

"Make what today?"

We were supposed to go somewhere?"

"Oh yeah lol I forgot"

"That's okay!! Let's just do it another time! Bye Leo have fun!!"

You looked at the messenges, he really is a busy person

You stand up and decided to just go home, on the way there you were stopped in your tracks by Jo who was in his car and asking you if you were free

"If you're free, you could join me cutie?"

"For someone who just got released you sure are carefree" you laughed and then opened the door to his car before going inside

"Where we going?" You asked looking at Jo

"Wherever the road takes us" and he flashed you a charming smile

The whole ride was peaceful, you could choose any song you like and Jo the whole time was charming and gentleman, you guys joked around and before you guys realized it, it was time for dinner

Jo asked you what you'd like and when you do and offered to pay he turned it down and just gave you a cheeky smile before ordering

Jo was charming everyone in the restaurant, people were coming and asking his number but he just pointed to you which made you hide yourself feeling shy and when you asked Jo why he was pointing at you he simply says

"Because you're my date and I wouldn't want to mess it all" he said winking at you

While waiting for the food you two chatted and when he was about to get the food, Leo suddenly enters your brain but it wasn't you simping, it was you comparing, Leo was almost never like this

Most of the time it was you who did everything and he'd give everyone his sociala if they asked....Jo is exactly the opposite....you tapped yourself awake out of your thoughts

"What are you thinking about?! Of course Leo would give his socials he's an influencer and ....and" before you could finish your train of thoughts it was cut of by Jo

"Cutie? What's got you so occupied? Mine telling me?"

"Ahh nothing, I was just lost in my head, are we gonna head back?"

"Ahh yes, but we could to this again if you'd like?"

"Of course Jo!"

Jo smiled and pinched your cheeks before the two of you head out to go to the car, on the ride back home it was fun, Jo made you smile all the way...has Leo done anything like that?

Before you know it you were back and Jo was escorting you home

"Thank you jo! That was fun" you said giving him a quick hug

"So see you tomorrow cutie?"

"Already? Sure!"

You went inside and this time you slept peacefully without looking at a certain someone's account

For the rest of the week you had unknowingly spent your time with Jo, of course it was only whenever Leo's busy, is what you told yourself

Jo would ask you out even if Leo was just besides you, scrolling through his phone

"Cutie~ let's go?" He said offering your hands

And you happily accepted it without even glancing at Leo

"Of course!"

Leo looked at you with disgust before scoffing, leo walked away to go to sho's food truck, soon as he arrived he scoffed

"Tsk, did you know that honor roll is hanging out around that Dionysia captain?"

"Jo-san? Yes I know, they were hear yesterday, it looks like they're dating"

Leo's face contorts into a sour face and sho spoke again

"What are you, jealous? Did you actually like senpai?"

Leo only huff in annoyance before walking away, that damn girl how dare she wall away from me like that, she'll come around, she'll be back again, Leo thought

But it has been weeks! Why haven't you kissed the ground he walked on? Baked him the cookies and make excuses for everything he does! He was gonna confront you but then he saw with him again

Happier, he never you saw you smile like that, Leo walked towards you the moment Jo steps away

"Honor roll, what have you been up to? I have been messaging you!" Leo assumed you were gonna plead and ask for forgiveness instead you were looking at him confusedly and...calmly?

"Oh... about that, sorry I have been busy"

"Busy about what dating that captain?" Leo was once again sure you were gonna say no but instead you hid yourself in your hands, blood rushing to your face

"Do-does it look like that?" You asked meekly, Leo only scoffed before walking away

Have you truly moved on? That can't be it, Leo spent the whole week trying to get you back on his side but no matter what he does, he just can't, he tried to give you flowers but you already have enough, asked you out to date but you already had one...

"Why am I even trying to get her back?! She's just an NPC!" Leo said frustratingly in the garage

"Have you ever thought that maybe you like her? And that you're jealous?" Sho's words pierced him, like her? That npc? No way!

"And besides she's happy, what more could you want from her?" Leo only looked at sho annoyed, huffing before going out to clear his head and then Leo saw you...with him again.

Did you really not like him anymore? Why were you smiling like that? What could be so fun about that NPC?

The moment you and Jo bid farewell you say Leo walking up to you

"Hi Leo! Need something?" You said greeting him warmly

"... honor roll, I like you." Leo said with an expression that you'd think he was playing with you but you knew Leo, he wouldn't do this

"That's.... I've waited for that words to come for so long Leo...but I've moved on, I'm sorry, Leo, really sorry" you walked out on him and went inside

Outside Leo was laughing whether it be out of bitterness or something less, walking away, Leo only had one thing in his mind

He was a little too late

🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰

Ore Users - tough, gruff, and masculine guys that will handle business; might be in a gang or something.

🦇Rui - he calls himself 'Ore-chan'! 🤭 I don't think I ever see that, if at all! Like, he's so masculine enough to use 'Ore' but still cute and boyish enough to add on '-chan'. It's just too cute and automatically made me adore him tbh.

🦇Edward - he's an 'Ore' guy interestingly enough. You would think he would use 'Watashi' since he's a foreign vampire but I guess he fancies himself a tough guy too, lol.

🦇Lyca - as expected.

🎋Haku - love when pretty boys use 'ore'

❄️Kaito - trying to hype himself up, gotta be 😭

❄️Lucas - I def thought he would be a 'boku' boy!

❄️Jin - yep, as expected

🎰Taiga - if he said anything other than 'ore', it would be a problem tbh

🎰Romeo - a little unexpected since he's Italian and a bougie baddie

🧡Ren - such a tuff guy 🤭

🧡Towa - unexpected. like really unexpected. sort of scary.

🔧Alan - of course

🔧Sho - of course

🔧Leo - sort of funny to me but I guess it makes sense.

💉Jiro - pegged him a 'boku' user but nope.

🎪Mio - once again, pretty boy using 'ore' is 👌🏾

🎋Zenji - as expected of my boy

Boku Users - proper little good boys; might be Peter pan.

🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰

💉Yuri - despite how highly he thinks of himself, it's 'boku' 😂 it's sort of cute

🎋Subaru - I would have almost thought 'watashi' user but 'boku' def gives him some personality

🎪Jo - very cute.

🎪Shion - him using 'boku' leads me to believe he is mothefkin crazy, genuinely 😭😂

🎪Elias - i feel like he is too grown to be talkin' bout some 'boku' but okay elias!

🎰Ritsu - if he used 'ore', i would lose it, like, what kind of lawyer???

Watashi Users - refined and proper; may be someone's mom?

🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰🟰

❄️Tohma - as expected, very watashi

''This is your fault Leo.'' Blaming leo through any situation was kind of Naomie's specialty, this time it just so happened that it actually was his fault.

''How was I to know that old door would get stuck?!" Well it's true there was no way for him to know that that door has been faulty for a few weeks now and wouldn't open nor close well.

''I specifically told you not to close it damn it.'' Hence Naomie's insistance on keeping the goddamn door open... And to avoid situations like these.

So for reasons that were nobody's fault (it was Leo's fault) Naomie and Leo had found themselves stuck inside one of the patient's rooms in mortkraken.

''Great just great, and of course this scrappy room doesn't have an signal.'' Sighed leo, finding a place to sit down.

Bla bla bla they fight a little bit sexual tension they get close and...

At some point their faces had gotten so close together she was sure he could almost feel her breath on his lips.

Those stupid kissable lips that wouldn't shut up.

In one swift motion she had closed the remaining distance between them pressing her lips on his, partly to shut him up, and partly because she really wanted to be closer to him.

He didn't even try to pull away, or seemed surprised by her act. He was kissing her back as if he'd been waiting for this ever since he got here.

His hands found their way to her waist bringing her ontop of him, he needed her close, much closer than he'd ever admit.

Her lips were warm and soft to the touch. He could pick up the taste of her lip balm, the same peachy flavor she's had since highschool, her favorite.

Her right hand had found its way to the back of his neck, softly playing with his hair, but still tugging it from time to time to keep him in his place. He'd probably later complain about how she ruined his hairstyle but right now she couldn't care less. Her only thoughts were focused on how good she felt and how good she wanted him to feel, intoxicating him into always wanting more. Completely and helplessly addicted to her lips.

Her other hand was resting dangerously low on his abdomen, playing with the hem of his shirt before sliding her hand underneath it. Her cold fingers were not unfamiliar to him but it still surprised hom everytime they came into contact with his warm skin.

For once that they didn't let their pride take over they calmed down pretty quickly, resuming to a slower pace just enjoying their kisses.

What started out as a messy make out session to shut the other up, ended up with them just softly kissing eachother, which is quite rare for them as usually those two would always ended up in bite marks and angry sex (the only thing they're angry about is how horny the other makes them feel).

Naomie was playing with some loose strands on leo's head, curling them on her fingers knowing damn well his hair couldn't hold a curl,

sighing into the kiss everytime he'd suck a little more on her lips.

Leo's hands were lazily positioned on her ass, squeezing it from time to time. No matter how much he wanted to act like a brat, turn things around and show her who's in control, but just hearing her heart beating so loudly in her chest made him feel so warm and fuzzy inside. That she was actually here, with him, chose him. Her words may be sharp with her heart couldn't lie.

Is as composed as he can be, but will want you by his side at all times to make sure you don’t misstep in his shoes. If you’re hyper or energetic and can’t contain yourself, he will try to keep you out of the public eye. He’s also curious about the changes he can experience, but he won’t act on them without express permission from you (aside from unavoidable things like washing and changing.) 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ❌

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ❌

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ❌

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ✅

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ❌

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ❌

Will he want to kiss himself? ❌

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ✅

Kaito

Freakinggggg tf out. Instantly occurs to him, grabs his boobs. And he’s apologizing because he just felt you up. Also that kinda turned him on. Oh no, being turned on as a woman is different. Everything feels weird! Seeing himself from another perspective is so trippy too, his self-loathing doesn’t know what to do with it, especially since your mannerisms and style make him look a bit different. 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ✅

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ✅

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ✅

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ❌

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ✅

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ❌

Will he want to kiss himself? ❌

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ❌

Luca 

He is small and weak now, how will he protect you like this? Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Still wielding his swords, practices when he can. Tries SO HARD not to get distracted with being in your body but it feels different and he’s getting different reactions from people when they pass him by and stare. Afterward he’s going to be even more protective because he’s felt how the world treats someone pretty as you. 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ❌

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ✅

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ✅

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ❌

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ✅

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ✅

Will he want to kiss himself? ❌

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ❌ 

Alan

He’s not strong anymore. It takes effort to lift things. As much as he hates his ridiculous strength, it’s surprisingly unsettling. He’s also watchful over you adjusting to being in his body. He is a little embarrassed, but tries not to be. He trusts you and hopes you trust him. 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ❌

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ✅

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ✅

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ❌

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ✅

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ✅

Will he want to kiss himself? ❌

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ❌

Leo

Selfies galore, and he won’t admit how much he likes seeing you in his clothes. He wants you in on the selfies too (as him) and teases you when you make a few of his trademark expressions. He’ll even teach you how to pose better. 

But he’s kinda living for this even if he complains and teases you about everything. It’s genuinely made him giddy. And if he finds there’s something lacking, like your skincare or bath products, he will just “happen” to get some extra that he’s trying to “get rid of.”

Will he relish looking at you naked? ✅

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ✅

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ✅

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ✅ (from his followers)

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ✅

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ✅

Will he want to kiss himself? ✅

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ✅

Sho

He wants to get back in his body asap, but while he’s stuck in yours he wants to see if foods taste different. Huh. They do. He tries various things, things you like that he doesn’t and things he likes that you don’t. It’s an interesting experiment. He still doesn’t get any more patience for picky eaters. 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ❌

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ✅

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ✅

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ✅

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ✅

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ✅

Will he want to kiss himself? ❌

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ❌

Haru

No more zoomies. But he’s much cuter now! And Peekaboo isn’t biting him as much. He’s extra careful around the animals now since you don’t have a ghoul’s healing rate. He’ll also treat it like a fun time, dressing up and shopping. He insists on hanging out and seeing if people notice anything different about you two. He’s also going to test how much you can drink, if you let him. 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ✅

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ✅

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ✅

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ❌

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ✅

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ✅

Will he want to kiss himself? ✅

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ✅

Towa

Amazed. When he’s looking in a mirror, he is his pretty Dandelion. It’s like you really are soulmates now, one in heart, mind and body. He isn’t as happy seeing himself from a different perspective but once he reminds himself it’s you in there he still hugs you, takes your hand and leads you to his favorite places. He’s a little extra vocal because his voice is prettier when it’s yours. 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ✅

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ✅

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)?✅

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ❌

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ✅

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ✅ (he will probably hold it for you o.o)

Will he want to kiss himself? ✅

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself?  ✅

Ren

Fix me now! He’s super weirded out by it. He’s uncomfortable that you’re in his body and in his clothes. He doesn’t want to be bothered by this because it’s going to be hard to forget this embarrassment. And his phones face ID isn’t working anymore :( 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ❌

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ❌

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ❌

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ✅

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ❌

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ❌

Will he want to kiss himself? ❌

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ❌

Taiga

Perks up a little, being pretty interested in testing your limits. Instantly overeats and he’s not having fun anymore. He’s not used to stomach pain like that. Chastises you for having such a tiny appetite. Thats why you’re just a little kitty cat to him. 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ✅

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ✅

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ✅

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ❌

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ✅

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ✅

Will he want to kiss himself? ✅

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ✅

Romeo

Aghast at your skincare. Touches his face and looks horrified every time. He gives you a thorough lesson and by the end of it, you have a skin regimen well out of your budget. He will throw some samples at you and it’s up to you to find their generic counterparts, because he will have none of it. 

Also he wants his body back ASAP. If he has a single split end, blemish, or extra pound he will make you pay for it. You’ll have a debt over your head as big as Kaito’s at the snap of his fingers. 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ❌

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ❌

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ❌

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ✅

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ❌

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ❌

Will he want to kiss himself? ✅

Will he want to experience sleeping with himself? ✅

Ritsu

Disclaimer that everything he does in your body is not a form of harassment, as long as no intentional harm is done and he expects the same from you. He goes through his routine with you to make sure his physical and mental balances aren’t upset. He’s another who finds it more pragmatic to stick together and let people know you’re affected by this curse. 

Will he relish looking at you naked? ❌

Will he let you explore his body while you’re in it? ❌

Will he let you put makeup on him (his man face you’re in)? ❌

Will he insist on keeping it a secret? ❌

Will he have a sleepover with you just to ease the transition? ✅

Will he teach you how to penis (if you don’t already have one)? ✅

Will he want to kiss himself? ❌

Jin Kamurai:

He would notice the shift in your day even before you get burnt out. He often demanded you to go study in his room so that when you need to ask him something related to your material, he can answer you quickly.

No, it's totally not because he wanted to accompany you while doing your own things together…

It started off subtle honestly, the way you were starting to answer him in short sentences instead of your usual long ones. Did it worry him? Yes, he wouldn't lie about that.

You've been studying for God knows how long, heck he never studied that long, thinking it's a waste of time since he can ace the examinations no problem. He understands you need it though. That's why he's currently confiding with Tohma on how to ease you up. The other man simply said "Just keep your presence around Jin" the answer was simple, but he wasn't asking for that specific one.

Knowing Tohma though, he knows that the other knows him well enough to answer vaguely, the only thing the frost king wants is confirmation if it's something he should do. He never needed any advice.

And so, here he was, making his own version of Matcha or whatever drink you see fit to help with digesting such complicated topics in your major subject.

The things he does for you honestly…

"Oi" he calls out, a metal tray in his hand as he places it down near your study table causing you to break out of your focus. You almost glared at him for tresspassing till you smelled the scent of your favorite afternoon snack, topped with your favorite drink that dissipated any stiffness your body had after being rudely interrupted.

You inspected the whole meal, what is this? Did Jin…?

As if reading your mind, he sighs, "I did" he answered, it was so short, you were expecting him to scowl on it , but when you glanced at him, you noticed how his usual nonchalant facade cracked a bit just to show the worry he has on you.

"Thank you" you chuckle, deciding to take a break for now, after all. For the first time a king decided to cook for you instead of using his "servant" for it.

You pulled him by the necktie , planting a soft kiss on his cheek as a thank you for his efforts, causing his eyes to widen gently before relaxing and a faint blush on his cheek. "Do you wanna eat together?" you asked making him nod without question.

You find him rather sweet.

Tohma Ishibashi:

He's been wondering… You were slouching a lot more than usual lately, it's making him worry that you'll one day turn into a shrimp. Tohma wanted to scold you obviously. Walking to your direction while you're almost looking like a zombie.

When he finally reached you. He noticed that you were about to slip causing him to grab you by the shoulders before you fell, only for your head to become limp.

"Honor roll?" he shook you a bit, but you weren't waking up. Tohma's expression went from nonchalant to worried as he scoops you up into his arms, carrying you straight to the clinic.

Of course, in the darkwick clinic, not mortkranken. That house still hates frostheimers.

Nicolas told him that you were alright, just severely exhausted, in which he connected to how Cornelius has been sending you out constantly without fail to dangerous missions that a normal girl like you shouldn't be going for.

He nodded, "How long does she need rest?" he places his hand on the end of the bed, wanting to hold your hand, but not infront of the professor. "Roughly 2 weeks can get her energy back" he answered, a guilty smile etched on his face, the latest mission was in Mortkranken, so Nicholas felt responsible for your state right now.

But Tohma didn't care, his focus shifted back at your resting form. Paler, thinner in form. It made him… slightly annoyed.

"Thank you, professor Nicholas" he looked back at the doctor. "I'm sure you have more pressing matters yes?"

He sounded rude, but who cares? he flashed the other man with a fake smile, Nicholas wasn't dumb, he knows he's being pushed out. He sighs, standing up and placing his pen inside his breast pocket. "I'll come by from time to time" He said, "Tell me the state if you will soon, Tohma?" he added, as Tohma nods without glancing back at him.

He immediately placed his hand on top of yours, rubbing his fingertips on your knuckles. It felt calloused, most likely because of the physicial labour you were placed in from certain missions.

He gently pulls your hand into his lips, giving it a kiss before he leans down, face hovering upon your unconscious state. His hand darts into your cheek as he feels your temperature.

He wanted to warm you. He wished he was there for you anyway possible.

He bumps his forehead against yours in such a gentle manner and yet it woke you up, hand twitching as his hair tickles your skin.

"T- Tohma?" your voice croaked, mostly because of the dryness in your mouth after being in the clinic for a few hours.

And yet, Tohma didn't leave, he simply pulled away for a bit just so you can focus on him. "Hello, Honor roll" he whispered your name so gently that it made your heart thump despite being drowsy. "What happened?" you tried asking but he just gives your hand a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

"You passed out earlier" he answered. "Professor Nicholas said it's due to exhaustion" he watches as you start to process the information he said.

"Do you want anything? you've been blacked out for a few hours" he asked, getting his phone, ready to order. "Something to drink would be nice" you answered, giving him a smile

Even water is okay

Kaito Fuji:

Kaito wouldn't have noticed since he was busy trying to shoot his shot with you against Lucas that one faithful day during Lunch hour. But you were so busy, still studying with your notebook or laptop in hand with whatever lecture modules you had for a class entirely separate from his own.

He knew that he should use you as an example and be as studious as you are, but whenever he tries to study, even with you. His mind drifts away into what the future holds.

Hehe… where he's your husband, with kids or not, it's your call… a good house and-

Then a sudden cough snapped him out of his daze, eyes whipping to you, he noticed you were coughing quite.. hard today. Actually, you've been sniffling and coughing more often to the point he started bring hankerchiefs whenever you're with him.

"Hey are you okay?" Lucas asked, worry etched on his face, but Kaito didn't care, he stood up from his seat, going close to you instead as he gives you the hankerchief, but this time his eyes widened as he noticed the moment you reached out. Your hand had blood in it. You were having a nosebleed!

"Honor Roll?!?!" he screeched, dabbing the hankerchief into your nose, and making you take it. "Use this!" he half screamed half whispered to you. Making you listen to him since you didn't want him screeching into your ear again.

You felt a warm hand grasps your shoulder, guiding you out of your seat, head already laying low after a few minutes of keeping it upright. "I'm taking you to the clinic" You didn't really hear what he was talking about since it was all muffled in your hazed brain.

You shook your head, making Kaito look at you and stop at the side. "I asked Lucas to go tell the professor of your next class that you're going to the clinic" he answered, as if he was reading your mind as to why you're being dragged into anywhere else but the examination hall.

You can't. That quiz has 20% of your grade and you can't just skip it. You shook your head again, tears accumulating in your eyes. Making Kaito frown.

"Honor roll…" he muttered, as he sighs. "I'm sure the professor will understand?" he tried to reassure you, but you still didn't want to just absent on the whim. It's not worth it. "How about I take care of you?"

You lifted your head, looking at him with widened eyes, making him jolt at the sudden eye contact-

"Wait-" he stuttered, his face turning into a beet red tomato. Get it together Kaito! your crush is staring at you with the most beautiful eyes you've ever seen but she is SICK!

Your love after! He mentally abused himself, hitting his subconscious to get it together.

"I know I may not be enough to make you c hange your mind but I can ask Luca-"

"We'll hang out?" you asked, your past dizziness vanishing a bit as you watch him squirm upon your gaze. "It isn't really hanging out though?!" he thought but he couldn't bring himself to say it on your face

"I can take care of you" he soothed, "My gramma used to have these types of stress attacks before " he guides you once more out of the cafeteria.

"I know that you can still catch up with your exam, There is absence slips right?" he rubs your back while making sure you don't stumble and fall making your way to frostheim. "You can use my room for studying too, So that when you take the make up exam you can ace it"

"Kaito" he glanced down as you sneakily intertwine your fingers on his, making his heart jump out of his chest. His cheeks flushed as he stares at you.

"Yes-?" he asked, what were you gonna say? are you going to say he's a good man? he's the perfect husband for you and that you'll let him court you or maybe you'll give him just this one chance to prove his love to you and that you'll live happily ever afte-

"You also have remedial exams."

"Oh"

Lucas Errant:

Lucas was panicking. One moment you were walking with him after a all nighter you just did the night prior, and now you suddenly blacked out while you're both walking in the park, hoping to find Sho's truck to get something to eat.

His gaze on you was a mixture of worry and panic, his arm trying to shake you awake, but you weren't waking up. He shouldn't have suggested an all nighter!

How stupid can he get!?

"Honor roll!" he tried to call out to you louder, causing Sho to notice and rush to both of you. "What happened?" Sho asked, leaning down to check on your vitals. "She passsed out" he answered.

He felt helpless-

just as helpless when he lost his fucking brother-

"Get your shit together Errant" He snapped out the moment he heard Sho's anger come out of his mouth. "She's okay" he continued, urging Lucas to stand up and carry you. "Just go to the side, she's probably tired" he sighs, making Lucas' mouth turn into a thin line.

"Right" he thought to himself, shaking his head. Maybe he overreacted and didn't think straight cause of the all nighters you both pulled, so he immediately went to the side, where theres a bench on the second floor, good ventilation since it was literally outside in the area, with enough sun to at least let you rest properly.

After all… it's been cold lately.

He didn't want to go to the mortkranken with the animosity their captain has with frostheimers and the clinic is temporarily closed so he had to make do with what Sho gave.

A blanket he had in his truck that apparently was for when he does overtime and gets too lazy to go back to Vagastrom, and a pillow as well.

He went and decided to only use the blanket, grabbing a few things that can rehydrate you and get your energy back the moment you wake up. Luckily there was a bench that had a backrest and not just some backless marble, which was the usual.

The moment he had "tucked" you in, he placed your head on his lap. Ready with snacks just in case you wake up and felt hungry.

The wind blew on lucas' face, gently swaying a bit of his hair causing him to take a deep inhale. Maybe a lot of people would ask him why he didn't bring you back to Clementia or his bedroom (heavens no).

But the truth is….

His eyes darted down your face. You've been looking tired lately, in which he thinks you needed a walk in the small park to let your mind unwind. In his sleep deprived haze, he didn't realize that you both needed the rest. Your eyes heavy with eyebags as your breathing was even.

Thank the gods it wasn't anything. That he wasn't going to watch another one of his loved ones die infront of him.

His mind went blank. Died..? Infront of him..?

A small flash of someone's all too familiar face came into his mind, causing his head to ache.

Maybe he's just overthinking things and he's imagining it. He places his hand on yours. Gently giving it a squeeze. He wanted to say sorry for what he did. Suggesting that an all nighter would be great for you.

He was stupid for that, and yet..

Lucas' eyes started to feel heavy as he slowly drifts into sleep with you. Hand resting rather protectively on you. Just in case something happens.

Leo Kurosagi:

You're an idiot.

You're an utter idiot.

It makes him laugh that you think you can try and hide your exhaustion from him when he's clearly facial cleanliness 101??? you think that breakout of acne on your face or that stupid eyebags' going to be hidden with concealer?

It's laughable honestly.

"Honor roll" he called out to you the moment you reached Vagastrom, bringing that fuckton of books you planned to study while he's using your ability to spy on Alan and Tohma once more. "You came in late" he huffs, making you frown.

"I'm sorry-" you tried to apologize but he just pats the side of the couch he's sitting on. Bubblegum popping as he licks the remnants of it sticking on his lips. "Stop it with the apologies and just get here" he continued, as you languidly walk to him. If he didn't know any better, it's like you're imitating Subaru's walk when he's acting like a pick me.

"Are you okay?" was SUPPOSED to be what he was gonna ask, but the moment you sat down, he just draped his arm on your shoulder, pulling you close to him as he looks at the book you're reading. "You look like shit" was the one that came out, the hand using your shoulders as a resting spot forced you to look at him.

His critical eye examined your state, making him scrunch his nose. You look… terrible.

"What the hell Honor roll" he huffs some more, standing up and gripping on your wrist causing your books to fall out of your hand without proper weight distribution against you. "Leo!?" you squeaked when he started pulling you inside his room.

Fuck Alan and Tohma, they can go gyrate with one another, right now he needs to fix his tool before it breaks down.

"You're resting" he said, as if it's finalized without any repercussion from you, but you tried to pull away. Curse his gorilla ghoul strength!

"Leo - no!" You protest. Watching him open his bedroom and lock the door the moment you come inside. "I can't use you properly when you look like you've run out of oil" he rolls his eyes, pushing you down his bed.

You weren't surprised that his bed smells like heaven on earth especially with the paddings being so soft that you had freeze from complaining to him. He removed his jacket, throwing it at his chair before flopping down with you. Grabbing the remote to change his lights into a projection of the stars.

Your eyes widen as you watch the details of each star twinkle upon you… Has Leo ever told you about this?

He glanced at you as he pulls you into his arm, letting your head rest against it. "I use it when I can't sleep" he said, this time, without any judgement in his tone, which is unusual. But with the way he's been manhandling you to sleep, it wasn't.. so bad.

"I didn't know you cared for me that much" you laugh, nuzzling closer, it's a rare opportunity to cuddle with the grumpy influencer. But this made you fail to notice the way his heart started thumping faster and his cheeks slightly turning red at the close proximity.

"Don't fucking flatter yourself" he scoffs, hitting your head with his knuckle making you squeak. "I just didn't want my favorite toy to look like shit," he continued, as the blue luminesce of the sky started relaxing you.

"If you look ugly while I use you, I don't feel like doing it anymore" it was like he's' trying to save face, which made you chuckle gently as you started drifting to sleep.

"Goodnight Leo" you murmur, as you shut your eyes. He stares at you for a bit before pressing his lips on your forehead.

"Sweet dreams, idiot"

Alan Mido:

He's not one to get worried over tired students or classmates. He knows they all have their own thing going on…

So, why does it worry him immensely, when he saw how you've been glued to your books/Laptop for about 3 days now while he was working on some project that he randomly wanted to do. Like trying to find a way to put some privacy alarm in the car he uses to talk to Tohma after one of the first years decided to sneak in it and try to force out their plan of his?

"Honor roll" he called out, making you stop rereading your notes over and over again because none of the lecture slides were sticking in your head and you've been stuck at the same page for hours now. "Yeah?" you asked, a bit worried that he's going to you for… something.

Hopefully, it's not some weird mission again… your grades has been falling behind because of those stupid missions that aren't related to Kyklos or borderline fails because of circumstances that you can't even blame the school, or the ghouls for its fuck up.

Alan on the other hand looked restless. He just ended up staring at you with the same look that screams "I want to tell you something but I don't want to make it sound rude or stress you more"

"Alan" you give him a reassuring smile, "out with it" you urged, as you closed your laptop, hoping that it will ease the gentle giant of a captain.

"You've been studying a lot" he started, scratching the back of his neck. "You don't really good right now, maybe you should rest"

….

That's it? you thought to yourself, as you laugh at the back of your mind. You smile a little bit more, finding him really cute, honestly, how could he be feared that much by other students?

Then it reminded you of how fast he was in beating that ghost up after it almost made you fall to your death.

The thought made you shudder as you shook your head, looking back at him, Alan's right, you should rest. "How about you rest with me?" you asked, making him look at you with a confused expression. "You want to?" he clarified, making you sit down. "I remembered i bought some meatbuns from the cafeteria, and I was hoping to share it with you" Alan watched as you offer him the meatbun, it was cold but he didn't care. Sitting down besides you on the dingy couch just outside his room.

"Thank you" he said, waiting for you to take a bite first before he takes one. "How about you take it easy for today?" he asked again. Glancing back at Alan, he looked genuine with his concern. You know he is.

"Hm, I guess for you cap" you teased, flopping your head on his shoulder making him freeze. "I'll rest, if you rest with me"

Looking down at your cute face. He couldn't help but crack a smile at that.

"Alright, if it makes you rest"

Shohei Haizono:

Sho raises his eyebrow cause he never once saw someone eat his cooking so pitifully that it made him think of grabbing that food box away from you and throw it out just so he can make an even BETTER batch of his food. So you don't eat it like… that.

Like how you ask?

Like a fucking zombie-

"Senpai" he went to you, sitting down on the opposite side while you look like you're about to ascend to heaven… or hell for the matter because of your hunched posture, eyes looking like it's about to close shut for eternity and a skin so pale some people might mistake you for the rumored ghost lady roaming around darkwick.

You hum out of acknowledgement, making him worry more for you. He places his hand on top of yours, stopping you from eating that small portion that you took from your plate making you glance at him.

"How about I spoonfeed you instead?" he asked, worried about your state, but what he didn't realize was how it made your eyes widen and your brain to run 100 miles per hour.

"What?!" you squeaked out causing one of the rice to lodge into the wrong pipe and make you cough and gag on it. Sho's brows furrows out of concern, immediately opening the water bottle you purchased from him and giving it to you to drink.

After taking a large gulps of water, you managed to relax Sho decided to defibrillate your dying heart. "Are you okay?" he asked, using his clean hankerchief to wipe the rice that's hanging on your mouth. "I" your breath hitches, making you turn more beet red. He's so effortlessly flirty sometimes.

So much worse than a certain vice captain of Hotarubi…

"What do you mean by you wanted to spoon feed me?" you asked, trying to blink away the tears that unconsciously accumulated from coughing too hard. "It's just that" he places his hand on his cheek while staring at you. "It's my first time seeing you in a really shitty state senpai"

"You're usually smiling whenever you eat my cooking" his eyes softened at the memories of you moaning in delight after giving a try on his trial meals before he added it to the menu. Your enthusiastic response giving him the motivation he thought he never could have after everything.

This made you blush in contrast to his memory. You thought he was making fun of you so you looked down in shame.

This snapped him out of his blissful reminiscing, and turn his attention towards you with a more serious look, realizing that you might've gotten the wrong understanding of what he meant. "I thought that my food was starting to taste bad because of how you looked miserable eating it"

"It's not that!" you protested, glaring at him with a small huff. "I love your food always Sho! you make me eat too much!" you complained, making him laugh a bit.

"Well, I'm glad I'm keeping my future wife fed and plump yeah?" he answered, making your eyes widen and cheeks turn beet red. But there was Sho, who remained relaxed. Did he not know what he said..?

"Sho- you-" He cuts you off by cutting a small portion of your food once again and bringing it up to your lips.

"I'll help you out in your studies" he adds, smiling "Just make sure you finish my food, yeah?"

Subaru Kagami:

He noticed even before you showed any signs of fatigue, the way you're getting more than your usual tasks both in academics and observation duties. How could he not worry?

So, in his good nature, he paid you a visit, bringing some mochis you might like as well as Haku's teas. He knows its not sufficient as an energy provider, but he would use anything in his disposal to make you get some rest.

The walk to Clementia was quiet, his mind racing with thoughts about the next missions, which regrettably falls under his jurisdiction. He knows Cornelius is going to force you to accompany them when even before they were considered one of the houses that has the best teamwork, second only to Dionysia. The moment he walks closer to the almost pitiful state of a door. Giving it a knock before announcing his arrival.

"Honor roll?" he called out. He waits for a few seconds, no answers. This worries him. You're usually the type to immediately answer and open the door.

Especially for him…

hopefully.

He shook those weird possessive thoughts away and decided to push the door a bit, only for it to open slightly. This alerted him, summoning his artifact. He pushes it further. Seeing that everything else was only illuminated by the lights of the sun from outside. Where are you?

He walked further inside, going immediately to your room, trying to twist the door knob, it didn't budge. Causing him to knock on that door much more harsher than the door from outside. "Honor roll?" he called out once again, much more firmer this time. "It's Subaru" He stated as if it's not obvious by his voice.

"Are you okay there?" he asked, worry laced in his words as he twists the knob again, no answer. Should he break it down? his brows furrowed, thinking if he should just cover the expenses if ever he needed to do such a thing.

He snapped out of his trance when he heard shuffling inside, and a weak voice dinstinctly coming from you. "Coming" you answered, trying to push yourself from the seat you've been rotting at for the past few hours.

You gripped on the door, unlocking it, and opening it just to see Subaru's worried expression, oh what a sight for sore eyes. You forced a smile, despite your brain hazy from overworking.

"Suba…" you tried to call him out only for your vision to suddenly get shrouded with darkness. Subaru immediately catching you, "Honor roll?!" he gripped on you, trying to keep you from falling flat on the floor. You're burning up!"

"Honor roll!!" Subaru's panicked voice was the last thing you heard before your body decided to force itself to shut down.

Subaru's heart almost died when you fell into his arms, body too warm than of a human, he had to grip on you with one arm and place the food aside,scooping you up so he can go inside.

The first thing he noticed was how hot the room is, making him flinch. It's summer yet there was no signs of insulation anywhere, the only opening was the window upstairs, aside from that there's not much to work here. Everything is so… dirty.

He decided to place you on the couch, immediately pushing every ventilation system he open up. Aside from humidity, he noticed that your clothes were all over the place. Papers of what seems to be…. reports? revisioned reports of every mission you were in and a few that were assignments.

Even if he was incredibly curious he avoided the one with reports and went straight into sweeping up everything else. Reading the a few assignments and wondering why you even threw them out in the first place. After cleaning up a bit, he could finally take care of you.

You were still there, motionless, but when you were still breathing and sweating a lot. He had to grab the cleanest bowl he can find and fill it up with water, then grabbing a clean towel just to douse it in there. Sitting on the floor as he gently wipes your body. His hand dabbing at every crevices of your body. Yes, he's worried about accidentally activating his stigma when he's touching you. However, he made sure that the only thing touching you was the towel, and his sleeves.

And even if he did read… anything about you, he can forget about it. What's more important is that your fever subsides, and he'll be damned if he just leaves you to your devices when its clear that you can't even take care of yourself.

He can't blame you though.

Subaru sighs, after fully wiping you down to let the heat of your body get out. He drenched the towel once again, squeezing it till it's not dripping, folding it into a square before placing it on your forehead. "You're the most abused by the insitution than anyone else here" he muttered, his sadness evident in his voice. If there's even anything else he can do.

But only Haku has Darkwick's trust and even then, he only has so little authority to do anything. Or so, that's what he says.

After he was done managing your fever, he went to rummage in the nearby storage, managing to find a fan that he used to help circulate air in the room.

It only took him a few hours to do a deep cleaning, he went to chat Sho about buying take out in case you woke up hungry. Explaining the situation to him and causing the first year to worry.

"Serious? I'll be there asap" he texted, after that, the conversation ended. Subaru dipped the towel into the cold water he made, putting it back on your forehead once again. The last time he checked your fever stabilized, still high but not as high as earlier when he felt your whole body burning.

Deciding that everything was squeaky clean, he decided to go to your study desk to see the reason why you even started an all nighters and based on the information he collected around your room, it was three straight days without sleep since when he went upstairs of your bed, seeing that it was the only thing untouched.

Then he heard a beep of a motor outside, causing his thoughts to stop. He went down to see Sho with the plastic bag filled with the order that he knows you usually eat.

He thanked Sho, grabbing it while rummaging in his pocket for money, only for Sho to stop him. "It's my treat," he answered with a smile. "She's been working hard right?" he asked, looking Behind Subaru to see you resting, peacefully atleast."It was our House's fault that she got tired"

"Really?" Subaru's eyes widened, the papers that were drafts of reports for the duties you've done as their observer was Vagastrom's mission? Sho's expression turned solemn, scratching the back of his neck. "One of them almost killed her" he went straight to the point. Subaru knows that Vagastrom's specialty was more on aggressive anomalies, but were they always forced to handle one of the most dangerous? the one that can actively harm humans?

So why were you dispatched there?

"I see…" was the only words Subaru can muster. "I'm guessing she still hasn't given the final draft for the report?" he asked, causing Sho to shake his head. "She did-" he answered, his hand rubbing on his chin, thinking of what hour did you sent it to him cause Alan sucks at mobile.

"Around 5 am?" his eyes widens at the realization. "Don't tell me she's been up till that?" he asked in disbelief. "Three nights" he corrected. Sure, he should've felt bad cause it wasn't Sho's fault, but still…

He sighs, "I'm sorry" guilt evident on his face making him put both of his hands together. "I know it's not my place to say anything but-"

"No, i get it" Sho cut him off, "I'll submit the paperwork in her behalf" he continued, as he hops into his motor, not wasting time to proof read it if there's any problem. Cause if there were the fault lies on you. "Tell her that, and Subaru?" he placed his helmet on. "Tell her not to do that again, or I'll convince Alan not to take her anymore"

"I got it" he answered, waving goodbye at Sho.

He's a good man, Subaru thought before making his way to you. Realizing the discussion had woken you up, your eyes looking at him groggily.

"Good morning" he greeted, smiling at you. "Suba..?" you called out, trying to move into a sitting position, however doing that gave you a bit of a headache. You didn't even realize the towel falling down your forehead, perfectly being caught By Subaru mid fall. "Relax, you're still sick" Subaru added, placing the warm food down.

You never felt so relaxed in your sleep. You didn't know who was helping you out, but with the way they were taking care of you, treating you like a fragile flower after being in dozens of missions where the other ghouls treated you like a ragdoll. It was a nice change of pace.

You were only awoken when you heard muffled voices. The first voice definitely was from Subaru and the other is…

Sho? You thought to yourself, forcing your eyes to open despite fatigue screaming at you to sleep more. "Was that Sho?" you asked, with the food that you absolutely love eating when you go to his truck, it's also warm. So he probably came by.

"Yes" he confirmed, grabbing the spoon and swirling the hot warm food for it to mix. "Can you drink water first?" he asked, glancing at you.

You pouted, you're not incapacipated enough to not be able to do that. So you grabbed the nearby water bottle and started chugging it down, you didn't even realize you were thristy.

"How did you get here?" you asked, wiping the excess water on your lips. Subaru who was sitting down besides while preparing your food a bit with just a bit of stirring. "I went here because I noticed you've been overworking" he answered, glancing at you.

"But you weren't really working with me though?" you added, confused. If you remember the events, you've been running around. That's it, so how would Subaru observe you all the time if you've been bolting from faculty, class, and such?

"I just -" You noticed a faint blush on Subaru's cheek, or was it your imagination? you're still sick after all. "I always end up observing you sometimes, and I got worried when your eyebags were more evident"

He stopped stirring, blowing on the scoop of food he got before bringing to your mouth, "And you were often out of it" he added, you unconsciously opened your mouth, eating the food he offered and humming in delight. Sho's food is always top tier!

Back to the matter. You gulped down the food, letting it warm your insides up. "You ended up observing me and noticing how i look bad?" you joked causing him to start shooking his head along with his hands. "No of course not!" he said panicking

"No matter what state you're in you're always going to be the most beautiful woman I've laid my eyes upon Honor roll" he said it so fast that it took awhile to register in your head. "So don't accuse me of ever thinking you're less than that" he added, making your eyes widen and stare at him.

…

..

.

"What?" you choked on your own saliva, cheeks burning while Subaru didn't even notice what he just said. Or maybe he knows?

Subaru on the other hand, was so worked up at the thought of ever offending you that he let his mouth just tell you how he feels.

How he TRULY feels.

It took him a few moments to realize what he just said that the spoon dropped on the floor. His brain registering what he said, making his expression turn from angry to horror.

"I-" his cheeks started to burn, "I- let me clean this spoon!" he stood up, grabbing it from the floor before retreating to the sink. "For the mean time! Honor roll pleasegotrysippingthefoodimsureit'snotthathot" he said in such a hastened state. You tried to stop him only for him to dash into your kitchen.

Did he actually meant what he said? your brain was rushing once again only for it to overheat and give you a piercng headache. Fuck.

You flinched, deciding to relax and follow his orders, sipping on the warm soup to ease it up.

You can ask him what he meant… maybe when you're feeling better.

For now, you'll try to get better.

Subaru vigorously cleaned the spoon, mentally hitting himself for even saying such a thing, it sounds like a confession, maybe he can say he lied? no stupid! that's just plain mean!

He sighs as he forces himself to relax, now finishing to clean up a spoon. You know, it shouldn't take 15 minutes to clean a spoon. Subaru hopes you don't think he's avoiding you purposely (he is)

He just needed to unwind. If anything, maybe he should ask you about the events as to why you even overworked in the first place. Sure it's usual for you but it doesn't reach to the point your body forces you to rest.

When he came back. You looked or rather, acted like nothing happened, making him relax and go sit down. "I'm sorry for that" he bowed slightly. "I didn't mean to act like a child"

Yeah. This should work, he can fix his emotions that he feels about you when you feel better. He thought to himself, looking up, you gave him a bright smile, making his heart skip a beat. "It's alright Suba, I'm grateful you came here to take care of me" you added sheepishly, placing the empty cup of soup down. "You're the Captain of Hotarubi, and yet you willingly make time to come visit"

Subaru chuckles to himself dryly, placing his hands on his lap. "Well, doesn't it feel more like Haku is the one leading?" he murmured, but it was loud enough for you to hear. "I don't think so" you countered. "You're in that position because you're capable of being a captain"

"I think that's an impressive feat" you praised him, he glances back at you. Heart soaring at the compliment. "Is… that how you feel about me?" he asked, hoping it wasn't a joke on your part. You couldn't help but blush a bit, after all the missions you've been with Hotarubi ghouls, He was always the one that you trusted the judgement of.

Of course you trusted him.

"Yes" you answered, truthfully, Subaru didn't say anything and you're afraid if you stare at him again you'll get lost at his beauty so you decided to just stare at the tea that was in the plastic.

Hearing a bit of rustling, you glanced at what Subaru was doing, the towel he grabbed earlier, placed inside the Bowl, squeezed and folded again.

He decided to lean down to your level, placing it on your forehead. "Do you want me to wipe you up Honor roll?" he asked, this time you see the gentleness, is this how he was looking at you when you passed out?

"My, my Subaru" you grinned "Who am i to refuse?"

Haku Kusanagi:

He really wants to smoke.

The itch comes back whenever he's feeling stressed out. And he knows himself. He will always take the easiest way out. No matter what happens.

But you weren't like that.

You always do your work in the most honest, all by the book. You were so ridiculously collaborative with everyone even though it's so obvious they're using you. But he guessed he can't really put a fault in honest work.

He was far away from Hotarubi, if anything, he wandered into Frostheim's domain. The past reminding him of the time he found solace in smoking there. Leaning on the cold wall just perfectly hidden was the area where he takes his breaks. Taking out a cigar, he wanted to place one in his mouth till he heard some commotion from the inside causing him to get curious.

The commotion seemed to have been coming just near the balcony, a smash of something fragile and Jin's voice beckoning the other to get out of their sight. When he heard that, he thought about what unfortunate soul got into the Frost prince's bad side again.

Getting curious, he walked nearby the door, seeing you in tears, rushing away. His eyes widens; Instinctively grabbing you by the wrist and making you whip your head back to see him.

"Haku?" you said, voice shaky. He kept his smile, a gentle one that he hoped would help you ease up. "Hey" he answered when you finally relaxed yourself.

Putting two and two together wasn't so hard for Haku, especially after he and Yuri left; the only people Jin trusts was you and Tohma. "You got yelled at?" he asked, making you freeze on the spot and wipe your tears. "Yeah-its complicated"

Ah, so you didn't wanna talk about it. That's quite alright. He noticed that your skin looked more paler than usual, making him flip your arm to compare his tone to yours. He's pale himself so you being more paler makes him worry. Have you been resting?

"Are you okay?" he asked, worried about your situation. If he remembered from his "sources" You were supposed to pick Jin for the important mission of capturing the one that cursed you. Kyklos. Of course, he was there and all, but during the chase he lost contact with you and a few ghouls…

And Rui ended up destroying that one final path left. Leaving you with nothing but despair.

Haku grips on your wrist, his worry evident when you glance at his face but only after a few seconds, his grip loosens up,"Take it easy princess" he says, giving you his signature charming smile. "How about I take you out for today?"

You look away, "I don't feel like it" Haku didn't feel offended by that but he wanted to insist. "It'll help you"

"Help me what?" you glare at him, but he leans to kiss your hand, dissolving any negativity in your heart. Curse his charms and his goodlooks.

"Help you process your emotions" he answered, turning your hand to place it on his cheek. "Don't you wanna rest up with me?" he whispered, making your heart skip a beat.

Haku ended up acquiring a permit to leave the campus. Of course you didn't know how he did it so fast. Considering even General students have to fight tooth and nail to get it, and so much more for ghouls since they were a hazard to public safety.

You rather not think about it, deciding to just put it as… one of Haku's amazing tricks.

Haku tapped his card to ride the expressway, waiting for you on the other side. He was admiring how cute you looked in your uniform. Honestly maybe he should try making you try out other cosplays and what not… like a cute ruqun styled in the best colors that would fit you…

Or maybe nothing at all-

He could hear Zenji's voice in his head berating him for being a perverted lout. His sweat dropped, realizing that he should probably keep his head out of the gutter before you invite him into your bed.

…Hopefully you will someday.

"Where are we going?" you asked, snapping him out of his thoughts as the expressway train comes making a stop. A few darkwick students coming out and ignoring them.

"There's a cat cafe I've been seeing that's trending around tiktok" he answered, opening his phone while you both find a seat before the train leaves. You look at his tiktok with a blank face before glancing at him. He raises his eyebrow, confused why you're looking at him like that.

"Haku" you called out, making him put his phone down. "Yes?"

"Aren't the campus cats enough cats for one day?" you answered making him stare at you with that stupid expression.

"I… never thought about that" he answered sheepishly.

You both ended up in Ikeburo instead. A request that came from you. Since Darkwick is such a dingy old place, there wasn't much trending there. Perhaps you were a bit of a "Leo" yourself when nightfalls, that's where the most populated city in tokyo starts to "come alive"

Your eyes shone, admiring the way that it was crowded, reminding you of the time before you were cursed and your love for going out or rather atleast being able to absorb everything of the outside world that was aside from academics (where you're surrounded by the same tens and thousands of darkwick students) and missions (where you're trying to fend for your life, not being able to admire outside)

You were so invested in looking around, being all too happy to see your favorite stores that you didn't notice Haku's little smile while following you from behind, hands in his jacket. Luckily for him, he acquired enough allowance to spoil you.

You wanted a dress? He'd buy it for you no problem, even if it's expensive. Even if you felt incredibly bad for spending his money and yet he insist.

"Haku…" you frown, watching him buy the red dress you've been eyeing on. "Are you sure?" you asked, tugging his sleeve and giving him that guilty look.

It made his heart twinge; focus, Haku.

"Of course princess" he laughs, as the cashier places the dress in the bag. It was expensive but all for his princess. The way your eyes brightened up got him addicted to seeing that expression every time something caught your pretty self.

"If you say so…" you still hesitated, grabbing the bag that had a pretty famous logo on it, even with allowance or a job, you never dreamt of buying a brand like this. "Let's go?" he asked, looking down, it looked like he wanted to hold hands. You immediately clasps your hand on his the moment he started walking, feeling it twitch on you before wrapping it around yours as well.

You didn't really see Haku's expression, but you did notice his ears turning bright red. "Haku are you okay?" you asked,walking towards his side and yet he looks away, having you fail to see his expression. "I'm fine princess" he answered.

Haku did NOT know why you started holding his hand out of nowhere, he only had it dangling to his side and you came in like thor's hammer, intertwining your fingertips on his. If he even mentioned it, you're gonna notice and he won't have that.

As you two walk through the crowd, it wasn't a problem since people were polite enough to have two way walks where they stay in one lane going and leaving. Haku's eyes darts back to you, no matter how pretty the scenery is in Ikeburo, the bustling and hustling of each person was white noise for him, all he was hearing was your gasps of excitement, how you almost geek out whenever you find something of your interest.

He saw the expression you gave him, you were having fun.

So much better than seeing the way you cried after being dismissed by Jin. After the Frost prince threw you out like that. Like you were nothing.

It made his heart clench, unsure if it's sadness or contempt for what happened. Was he mad that he was the one that picked up the pieces of your broken heart? You always somewhat favored Jin out of every ghoul in your arsenal. Even if some ghouls would put their lives for you.

… Like him.

He would kill just to see you be better to FEEL better. Just like the time he first met you. He was the first ghoul that found you after all. Of course excluding Taiga cause he did almost kill you off by throwing you out the train.

You honestly didnt't know what's going on with Haku's brain. You've been doing most of the tweaking out, enjoying almost everything.

Everything that you took advantage of before Darkwick encaged you from the world. Being able to binge shop, play arcade games, see anyone else. Maybe Haku's bored cause he gets permits so easily? is that it?

You frowned; glancing at him, and honestly that was such a bad mood cause he was staring at you back. Not even understanding what expression he was making but he looked… content.

On what? watching on the sidelines? He never once dragged you somewhere he liked, it was mostly you, you you, not him.

Worry stirs into your heart, maybe you're just dragging him around, you two were close sure. But friends are always give and take, for example if you did something you like, you do something you like.

But right now, he's just been accomodating all your whims, without any complaints about how you're expensive and all, it almost feels like a…

Like a…

You stop walking, tugging Haku with you. He stops, looking back at you with a confused expression, but easily noticing how you look flustered, hand sweating with his.

"Princess? are you okay?" he asked, going close to you to the point that just a few inches you could wrap your arm around his. Like a boyfr-

"Is this a" you stutter, looking up to him "is this a date?" you finally got it out of your head. Oh god, this would be so embarassing if Haku laughed and told you it's not, I mean WHY would it be? He saw you crying as a good friend he would want to like, you don't fucking know?! be a good friend?

"Forget it" you answered yourself, almost letting his hand go till you felt him hold your hand much more firmer, you look up to him. Eyes wide. You know, you never realized it, but…

Aside from being handsome, he's incredibly easy to see when he's flustered

"Listen" he bought you out of your trance. "I do want to date you princess" he confessed, his thumb rubbing your palm, as if trying to ease you up, but in reality it was giving him comfort to try and confess to you.

"Why else do you think I bought you out here?" he asked, in a confused tone. You glare at him with a little huff. Hitting his side making him fake an "ow"

"Because you're always flirting!" you complained. It's true! If Haku kept flirting with you, obviously how would you take him seriously. "Even when we first met you were like that!"

"Love at first sight?" He got hit again.

You ended up wrapping your arms around his, pulling him close, now you two feel more closer… like how a girlfriend and boyfriend would be.

Haku lets you, he knows that you might not be ready, but that's alright. He can wait. Processing takes time and,

He'll make sure you will have more time.

Zenji Kotodama:

You were walking into Hotarubi's forest, almost getting lost honestly, till you heard the strumming of a guitar (?) and a soft melody of some kind of play. You were sure it was Zenji.

Getting out of that forest, you stumbled upon him getting wet just sitting down floating(?) on the edge of the wooden flooring that you're sure is going to get moldy at one point.

"Zenji!" You called out. Out of every ghoul you've met, Zenji was by far a breath of fresh air. He always worries about you, has your back and often stops Haku from his sexual harasser jokes.

Zenji stopped playing, turning his head to you, giving you such a bright enthusiastic smile "Girl!" He doesn't move from his seat, seeing as you have a umbrella of your own. Perfect

"Why are you out here?" you asked, squatting beside him cause the floor's wet, shielding him from the pouring rain. His eyes gaze into yours, that gentle yet tense stare he gives. You're not sure if he was admiring you or analysing you…

Maybe both?

"I just wanted to feel fresh air my girl!" he answered, chirping at every word that came out of his mouth, placing the guitar down and dipping his feet into the water. Although he can't really feel it nor did the water move around his feet. It did remind him still of the olden days when he was younger, where he and Jiro would compete with one another on who gets to splash higher and getting drenched in the process.

Going home all wet and scolded by the maids, ah the good old times. Zenji's eyes darted back to you. "What brings you here?" he parroted your question back. A grin flashed on your face as if you're about to make the most stupidest joke ever

"i just want to feel fresh air! my Zenji!" you tease him causing both of you to giggle at the stupidity. The way you said "My zenji" made his dead heart thump and honestly? Maybe he would've liked it when he was alive but…

It worries him that you would be another reason as to why he can't rest in peace. He pushed those dark thoughts at the back of his mind. Deciding that since you were here. He didn't want to depart with regrets of ever pushing you away.

Then his attention darts into your face and well, more like, almost everything? You look like a mess… a pretty mess of course! but still. He hovered his hand on your cheek, letting his fingertips go through your face but he didn't care. "My (love) dear have you been resting properly?"

Ah

You were caught.

Zenji noticed the sheepish smile, and the way you tried to deflect the question by going on a tyriad of useless excuses. Making him sigh, oh if only he can give you a pat on the head. "You don't need to lie to me" he calls out, grabbing his instrument once again as he plays the first few notes. "You can always tell me my girl, if something is bothering you.

That was the least he could do.

"I guess some stuff started clashing and I haven't really gotten the best amount of sleep." you answered, the rain almost growing heavy the moment you finished. Sometimes you want to theorize whether it resonates with random people's emotions cause it does fit the bill.

Your thoughts were stopped when you heard Zenji hum, a familiar tune you've heard from past folk lores you've heard him sing. It was… what was that?

"The tale of the bamboo cutter?" you answered a unknowing question, Zenji continued to strum the strings. "I'm surprised you know one of the pieces I created!" he beams at you.

"What do you think of that tale?" he asked, you didn't even realize that Zenji was distracting you, letting you unwind with him even if it's under the rainy skies of Hotarubi. You had a few minutes to think about it. How the girl was the only child of the poor parents, and her beauty being the only factor that most men see in him. She didn't even want to leave earth, and yet she was forced to…

"I think it's unfair" you said, looking at yourself on the lake that was rippling the image of you. "If I were her, I'd want to fight" you added that, causing Zenji to freeze for a few seconds before continuing to strum, music heals the soul, he thought, while he can't heal your physical fatigue, he can help with your mental fatigue. After all…

Music heals the heart.

"Is that so, my friend?" he chuckles, "Even when the princess' wasn't supposed to be there in the first place?" he added, looking at you, and your.. beauty.

Oh how the most prettiest view would never compare to what you have. That even he, a poet cannot describe how he feels.

"She already established a life there! friends! a loving family! people who actually…care" you ranted, and yet when you glance at Zenji, he looked as if he's silently agreeing. "Zenji-"

You frown, "Hey do you feel like her?" you asked, now thinking about it. Zenji's soul has always been weak, if he loses more of himself. Wouldn't he simply vanish, just like Princess Kaguya?

Zenji remained silent as the strums of his strings continued, creating a beautiful melody. "Oh my girl, you have the most observant eyes"

Shouldn't it be you? You thought to yourself, looking at where he's looking, the drops of rain pitter and pattering on the pavement, and the water itself. Maybe that's one of the reasons why you like it here. The constant rain tunes out any overthinking you were having outside of Hotarubi.

The people are nicer than Frostheim, the weather is constant despite it being just rain unlike Jabberwock, The people aren't hostile or under some kind of tyranny unlike Sinostra, you don't fear the forest unlike Obscuary, you don't feel like youre being constantly watched unlike Dionysia, you're not seeing a certain fuckass influencer unlike Vagastrom. And most of all…

Your eyes didn't tear from gazing at him. Zenji, the one that capture your heart. Even if he was a ghost, you still fell for him. Not because of his looks, or his charms as a gentleman. But because he's Zenji.

Your heart soared as your eyes twinkled, that must be it, you loved him, It was as if every fatigue you felt vanished, finally sitting down, not caring if your uniform got drenched, you leaned closer to Zenji.

"Zenji I-"

"Must get going" he interrupted as he stood up. Seeing Haku approaching. "Saburo must be looking for something to eat" he lied, Saburo doesn't eat, but you didn't even see his expression, as if he's cutting you off from his life after healing your soul.

"Take care, my dear" he bid farewell. Not even looking back at you. Not even bothering to see what he was doing was breaking your fucking heart.

The soul he was mending a few minutes ago.

"Princess" Haku called out, jogging towards you with a umbrella in hand. "What are you doing here?" he asked, confused as you stood up, he immediately noticed that your uniform was wet. "You're drenched" he frowns, going closer to you. "Let's share an umbrella" he urged, as you looked down. "But Zenji-" you tried to protest., looking at Haku with tear filled eyes. But you were met with a blank expression.

"Zenji?" he asked, looking confused. "Who?"

Jo Kongoza:

My my…

What do we have here? Jo thought, seeing you faceplanting on the study table in the library. He was hoping to find some new magazines to help obscuary with their "Mid" outfit problem. But it seems like you wanted to help yourself.

Jo sighs, as he grabs the nearest seat, sitting down besides you. His eyes focuses on the magazine that you were looking at, and the way your face was cringing most likely from a nightmare. It made him chuckle.

"No… don't take that outfit it looks stupid.." you mumble to yourself, making his smile grow wider. "Oh how cute"

He deftly tries to pull the magazine off your sleeping face and slip in a small pillow that he usually brings whenever he wants to go off and wander into some random place and sleep there.

Lucky for you!

You settled in on that soft pillow, wrapping your arms around it; burying your face into the softness, making his heart soar at how freakishly adorable you are.

It makes him wanna play with you and do something to make you dream of him.

He goes to check on the magazine you've been skimming. Honestly… Not bad! he hums, reading the articles of how clothing attracts women, what clothing would attract them. Now that makes him think. Do you think he's attractive?

What are these thoughts? he frowned, maybe looking at the magazine was bad cause he's starting to assume how to change for you to like him back. He closed the magazine, deciding to just glance at you. fingertips brushing away the hair covering your sleeping face.

His eyes narrows, have you been sleeping properly? you don't look good…

His actions made you stir up, but he didn't pull away, hand still hovering your cheek as you wake up. "Good morning sunshine" he greets, almost teasing causing you to jolt up right. "Jo!?" you squeak out. He laughs pulling his hand back and placing his chin on his palm. "You were sleeping so soundly" he hummed, "I had to come accomapny you"

"Why are you here?" you asked immediately, feeling embarassed cause how can you just randomly doze off especially when you're in the library! you're so lucky the librarian was kind enough to ignore that stupid rule of not sleeping there.

"Rui was complaining to me on how mid the clothes for your upcoming mission was" he looks down, opening where you dozed off. "You into this?"

The page was in some alt to punk style, making you stare at it blankly. "No--"

"I was looking based on who I was going with" you explained, going closer to him, and pointing at the punk style. "Don't you think Lyca would look really cool in Punk style?"

Jo hummed in acknowledgement, giving you that charming smile he had when you first met him. "Oh that is true! you have your way with fashion cutie"

That nickname really gets your heart pumping.

"A- anyways" you stuttered. grabbing the magazine. "I just wanted to look into it" you look away. "You didn't need to accompany me while I dozed for a bit"

"Oh" he crosses his legs "I want to cutie, after all, Rui asked me and I can't turn it down when I heard you'd be a host too!" he says, "You're pushing yourself too much cutie" his hand goes closer to your face, making you freeze as he swipes his thumb under your eye. "Look at you," he frowns, looking incredibly worried. "You have eyebags, if that gets bigger it'll be harder to hide with a concealer"

You winced. "It's not that bad…" you pout but Jo went through his small bag, grabbing a pocket mirror and letting you see yourself.

Oh.

You definitely do not look peachy.

The way you touch your face like a sad victorian woman who found acne made him laugh and look away. You glare at him, closing the mirror. "What are you laughing at" you whined as he composes himself. "Nothing it's just" he said, voice high pitched cause he's trying his damndest not to laugh.

"Jo!"

You two ended up going back to Clementia cause he managed to urge you to get some rest for today and that he'll take care of the outfits along with yours. "Are you really sure Jo?" you asked, trying to glance at him but you just felt his hands on your shoulder, pushing you more as you walk closer to Clementia.

"Of course cutie!" he exclaimed, he had turned into his female form, pretty hair swaying from the wind. "You have to trust me" he purred into your ear causing you to shudder. "Don't do that!" you huff as you open Clementia's door.

"Do you wanna stay for awhile?" you asked, noticing he was staying on the same spot. He blinks, cheeks turning slightly pink as he twirls his fingers on his hair. "Oh are you inviting me in your bed?" he teased causing you to slam the door. "Nevermind goodnight-"

"Waitt!" he whines, going up the stairs and knocking. "I won't do anything bad please cutie!" he said half laughing at the little antics you both were doing.

You couldn't help but smile behind that door, unlocking and opening it slowly. "Fine" Jo beams, pushing the door slightly and going in. "Wanna have a girl sleep over?"

"A girl's sleepover?" you asked, confused, but Jo just grabbed your wrist. "I noticed you don't have any female friends!" he chirped, pulling both your hands together with his. He looked too excited, you never see Jo like this before.

Or maybe because he's quite one of the newer ghouls you met. Even Elias you met long ago, just… never interacted much.

"I can be a substitute to that" he pulls you more, "I bought enough things for myself, so you don't need to worry about sharing a bed" he added, not wanting to make you uncomfortable. "What if I want you to sleep with me?" you said unconsciously.

"Oh" was the only thing you heard from Jo while he had asked you to sit down on your own couch. "I.. I'll go make some hot chocolate?" he asked, placing his hand on his hips. You nodded, as he made his way out to your kitchen.

"A sleepover? huh.." you murmured to yourself.

Jo's cheeks were beet red while he's making two mugs of swiss miss. He didn't even thought about sleeping in the same bed as you, maybe you were just joking? or out of it? Either way, he probably needs to use a few pillows for a barrier between both of you.

The moment he finishes, you heard him bring the two mugs to the table, the rain started to pour, a really good time for cuddling while drinking hot choco.

…

What were you thinking? you shook your head , slapping both of your cheeks making Jo glance at you. "You okay?" he asked, as you grabbed the warm swiss miss. Drinking it slowly, it warmed up your whole body, making you relax.

After a comfortable silence, Jo spoke up. "You know" he glanced at you. "You should learn how to relax and rely on others" This made you stop using the mug's warmth for your cold hands. "What do you mean?" you asked. Raising your head up to face him. "If I didn't come and push you back to Clementia, would you have been brainstorming about what outfit would best fit each of your friends?" he asked, making you ponder the question.

"Maybe I would probably have to ask someone to help with recreating it." you mutter, not so confident with your plan cause truth be told, you're no master of clothing. So you can't sew. Even if you can, the mission was 2 days away and you had to make like what? four?

"See" Jo chuckles, but it wasn't out to humiliate you. "Rui went to ask me for help, and you know the guy" he places his empty cup down. "He only asks for help when he truly needed it. Maybe he wanted to make sure this mission is a success since you're here"

You gripped on the mug, Rui? him? he…

"Then why did he fail?" you whispered to yourself, feeling your voice wavering even if it's soft already. Jo frowned, realizing he fucked up by mentioning that. "Don't worry" he soothed. "Why don't we clean up? so we can start our little girl's night?" he shifted topic, standing up and opening his bag. "What you truly need right now is good rest!" he chirped.

"Do you want a massage?" he said, putting his hair into a bun. That made you intrigued, as you sat on the bed. "A massage?" you wanted to confirm, Jo who was stretching already. "Yeah, when I was holding your shoulders, it felt stiff" he added placing his hands on your shoulders and giving it a squeeze and making you wince.

You huff, feeling his gaze pierce through your body. "Lay down!" he pushes you on the bed, "Okay okay!" you huff, fixing your position and relaxing.

"Usually Masseurs would pour oil on their client's body but even in this form, I'm a little uncomfortable trying to undress you" Jo bit down to add a teasing remark "Even if i wanted to" as he places his hands on your back, starting his massage from top to bottom. Jo continued to talk but in hushed tone as if he's making some kind of ASMR.

It was oddly working though, your eyes feeling heavy and Jo's incredible massaging skills lulling you to sleep.

After Jo was finished, he wipes his sweat, seeing you all relaxed and asleep made him smile. That was worth doing. He tucks you in, fixing up his stuff that he used during the massage.

As he finishes up, he goes to sit down on the empty side of the bed, removing his bun and switching into pajamas.

"Finally…" he flops on your side, seeing you face him, looking so peaceful made his heart jump a bit. Is this the sight that he wants to see when he grows older? if you ever accept his-

He shook his head, jumping into fantasies like that wouldn't do him go. He leans closer, grabbing the blanket but careful enough not to pull it off you, he leans closer, face hovering on your sleeping form, he leans to kiss your forehead. "Sleep tight cutie" he mutters, placing his hand on top of yours.

Elias Pratt:

Flowers of every kinds are beautiful in their own ways. Elias thought, as he hums a song that's been stuck in his head for quite awhile. Lost in his thoughts, he only snapped out the moment the floor started getting wet after he accidentally overwatered it.

"Oh dear" He sighs, stopping the water hose, not bothered by it; however, overwatering can kill these beautiful flowers. He touches one of the petals, gently swiping his thumb on it. "It would be a shame to have such a beautiful type of flower wilt" he said to himself.

"What's beautiful?" a familiar voice called from behind him, making him glance at you. "Oh, Honor roll, you scared me" He teases, giving you a smile.

"Lies, I know you" you retort back, seeing the mess he made. "Were you distracted when you were watering these flowers?" you asked, touching the stem of the red roses. "They're not supposed to be overwatered" you said in a matter-of-fact tone. Some ghouls would probably take that as offensive if he was anything but patient.

Plus, he finds it cute when you try to educate him. Every insight from people can have valuable information. Even if one thinks of it as useless.

"I fear my head was up in the clouds" he said in his oh so pitiful tone, making you giggle. He stares at you for a second, noticing the little signs of exhaustion, such as your hair looking a bit frizzy, your eyes having eyebags and the way you look like you're anemic.

He observes you quietly, you look a little droopy. Your hands carrying what seems to be a report (a thick one) nestled on the side of your hip. "Going to the faculty room?" he asked, tilting his head. You followed his eyes to where he's staring. "Oh you mean this?" you grabbed the clear folder and showed him only the title. It was the report paper for the mission you were just in. And if he's correct, this mission was finished 5 days ago.

"Have you been up doing this Honor roll?" he asked, lacing his voice with gentleness, he's not mad about you doing all nighters, but you really do look like a mess; and that won't do.

The way you freeze and refuse to look at him confirmed his suspicion, eyes narrowing while he's staring at you. "Well- I haven't been sleeping well for the past few days cause you know…"

Elias does know, he holds your hands gently, causing your hands to freeze. "How about I accompany you to the faculty and Let's go out for today?" he said.

"Oh, you don't need to" you stutter, blushing at how warm his hands are. "I insist, sweet thing" he rubs his thumbs on your palms. "It's the least I could do"

Unfair…

It's unfair when he uses those words against you.

In the end, you two made your way to the faculty room, Professor Dante being the one who accepts the paperwork since Hyde and the others aren't around. The next stop would be Cornelius. Elias told you to stay outside and he'd speak with the short man himself.

Honestly, you're more than willing to stay outside. If he sees you, what stupid mission is he gonna get you entangled with again?

It hasn't even been 10 minutes and Elias emerged with two permits, giving one to you as well. "That was fast" you said, tucking the paper inside the bag you bought. "headmaster cornelius is easy to talk with" he answered rather vaguely, causing you to wonder what he said that made him acquire it in such a short time.

You looked at him as you both walk into the expressway. But it seemed like he wasn't keen on saying anything about it.

When you arrived to the express station, Elias was greeted warmly with a loud meow by the station cat. They seem to like him a lot as he gives them a head pat, rubbing the edges of their ears and cooing at them.

Oh you wish that was you…

What are you saying.

You tap the card, waiting for Elias to finish talking with the kitty as he taps his. "Some of the roads are blocked off" he mentioned, the train getting there immediately. "Apparently there was a huge accident that occurred in Osaka" he lets you go inside first and sat in a circular table. "That's a shame, i was hoping to take our little date out there" he sighs but it didn't have any emotions into it.

Ignoring the fluttering feeling of your heart when he said it was a date, you glanced outside as the loud announcement said that it will be departing. "Where are we going exactly?

"Somewhere" he looks outside. You huffed. "This can be considered as kidnapping you know"

He chuckles, looking back at you with that mischevious glint in his eyes. "You're not a child and I didn't force you willingly , my dear"

Ugh…

that nickname again.

You reached a place that you were unfamliar with, but it seems like it was somewhere with a clear lake and a pretty big hous - actually more like a mansion? An tall brown haired man popped out of the big door, bowing to Elias in a fist-to-hand salute. "Lord Elias" the former murmured his name in reverence.

"Lord Elias?" you thought as Elias brushed off the nickname. "Just Elias is fine" he said as you both were guided inside. "Wait… Lord??"

Did Elias own this place?

As if hearing your confusion, Elias offered his hand as you accept it, he pulls you close to his side. "I'm just a heir to this, nothing more" he answered. The butler was talking about how Darkwick has been helping them with sealing his disappearance… yada yada

but it never occured to you that Elias might be of noble birth? He was playing a Janitor's role for fucks sake so why would it ever occur to you that he was?!

When you both reach the inside, Elias sat down on the tatami mat, urging you to come sit with him. You glared at him as you sit down, a maid placing food that was definitely not something you can buy on the streets, and most likely high quality that you can't afford even if you tried to work for more than 50 years of your life. "You did not tell me about this!"

Elias pokes the mochi with his fork, that isn't how you should eat mochi but sure… "It was irrelevant, I'm sorry my dear" he says , but he's not sorry for one bit.

"Why did you take me here?" you asked, hesitating to eat such… fancy food. But you had to since you don't know how the rules work here, what if Elias is the type to whip someone since their guest didn't like the food cause it wasn't eaten…

You shudder at the thought and deftly grabbed one mochi to eat. Unsurprisingly it taste really good. "I was hoping we can unwind here since Darkwick is a pretty rough place isn't it?" he answered, drinking his tea. Rough? You thought, looking at him.

Rough as in, not really safe and people are noisy as hell even at night ?

You didn't really know what he meant by rough so you just nod while drinking your tea. This taste like the one you would like. Amazing

"I was thinking of going either Ikeburo with you or maybe Osaka" his eyebrows furrowed yet his smile remained. "But I didn't think of anything that would be your fancy"

You place the tea down, looking confused. "So, you took me here?"

"Is this not something you like?" he asked, raising his hand to signal to the butler you saw earlier. The butler immediately went to get what Elias was asking by just a signal. No wonder he's serving the Pratts family… or something.

"I do like it, I'm just confused what we would do in your house" you asked, realizing you sound like some spoiled princess after saying it. It made Elias chuckle. "I admit, this is a pretty boring house"

"House" he says…

"But, I think an underwater place where we can watch either fishes or maybe a built in cinema would do the trick?" he added, making you blink at him like an idiot.

"a WHAT?!"

You were once again, dragged underground, the moment it opened. Your eyes has never been bestowed such a sight before.

There was a big whale that floated against the glass when you were going in. Elias waved the guy that gave him a bunch of chips and cokes again. Was he trying to fatten you up or what?

You sat on the bed, not realizing the implications of it since you're too busy admiring the whole atmosphere and vibe of the place.

"Do you like it here?" he asked, removing his gloves and his uniform vest. You couldn't help but turn yourself away. "It seems nice " you answered.

You suddenly felt Elias pull you by the arm and it took you merely seconds to get pushed down the bed, him without his vest hovering over you. "Elia-?" you squeaked out when he leaned closer, so close that you could feel his breath against yours.

"Then we can use this bed to get you well rested yes?" he muttered.

And that's when you felt woozy, your eyelids growing heavy. Elias pulling your hand up just so he can kiss your knuckles. "Wait…" you said, or did you? you were starting to feel like you're about to inevitably doze off soon.

The last thing you hear is Elias leaning close to you once again, your forehead being kissed and seeing that smile of his one last time.

"Good night, my little flower"

Elias sees you dozed off now. Tucking you in while he goes to do business as usual. His butler mentioned you'll be out cold for around 8 hours, which is the ideal time of rest.

He felt bad that while, he was worried about you, he used going on a date with you as an excuse to come back home since his parents told him that they had to discuss family matters.

And it would do you good if he managed to make you sleep while he deals with it? Hits two birds in one stone.

The butler reappeared right by his side, stoic as always. "Make sure the she's comfortable" and that was the only orders he gave him as the guy bowed and pointed where the meeting would be held.

When you woke up, it almost felt like you had a good sleep… not remembering much, you tried to turn only to feel a heavy pair of arms wrapped around your waist. Trying to blink your way into focus. You only noticed Elias peacefully sleeping right besides you. In his… yukata.

Your eyes going from his face down to his exposed chest…

Your brain started overheating as you jump out of the bed, stumbling a bit only for the butler to catch you by the waist "Be careful madam" he murmured, as Elias rubs his eyes, sitting up. "Got a nice sleep?" he asked,oh he looks rather pretty drowsy like that.

"Did you drug me?!" you asked, clearly aghast by his action and yet, he didn't show no ounce of regret. But the look does seem convincing.

"I know it'll take awhile for me to urge you to sleep, plus it wasn't a drug" he stands up, touching your hands while you're pressed against… his butler as well. Is the other man not uncomfortable?

"I simply got him to get some food that would induce you to feel drowsy, but that's all" he beams,making you sweat drop.

Alan: Tbh I think Alan is more of a thighs person. However, he tends to prefer his partner to have more curves because when he holds them, he isn't too afraid of hurting them, if that makes sense. I also think that due to the fact his hands are pretty large, he would love to be able to have someone who fits right into his palm or even kneads you enough to have the skin press between his fingers. I mean, I would enjoy that if I had large hands myself.

Taiga: Now, I think Taiga also prefers someone with more curves, but at the same time, he just dgaf. If it is an established relationship kind of situation, I think he really does not care what size you are. But if it is some type of fwb or hookup type of situation, then I think he would prefer someone with more curves.

It really depends on his mood. Since people always say he is a freak and into all that BDSM stuff, I just think he would prefer someone chubby and curvy with big breasts for him to hold onto. They just look pretty erotic when he puts his straps on them. He does not really care.

Sho: Bro, I also think he prefers this because his hands are quite large too. He likes the sensation of something fully sitting in his palms. Also, I can imagine he is quite clingy when he has had an exhausting day, and squeezing your boobs is like a way of stress relief to him. So, big boobs might be better for him to knead around?

Ren: This is funny because I feel like he is very respectful when it comes to looking at anybody, especially when you consider how he reacts when people keep touching him. I also feel like this might likely stem from the fact he works at his dad's beach stall and meets all types of people everyday. A handsome young man like him might have met quite a few handsy customers. I can imagine he switches places with female workers so they won't be harassed by those customers, putting himself in that position instead. I also think Ren is kind of used to seeing all types of breasts because he works on a beach. He just does not really care, and no one should be constantly staring at people's boobs because it is weird and considered harassment. So, his eyes are very respectful.

But the thing is, he is tall, so sometimes he sees everything even when he does not mean to. If you are shorter than him and have large breasts, he can definitely see them when he looks down at you. Looking down at your head and your breasts might make him combust and turn into a puddle of a mess. For the sake of his reputation and not being called a pervert, I feel like he prefers an average size. I also feel like his hands are large and he prefers to have that filling sensation when he touches you.

"My face is down here, why are you looking up at the sky, Ren?"

He is just trying not to have a restraining order filed against him.

Elias: I just like to assume that if he ever had any ex-partners, most of them had large breasts as a pattern, though he does not really notice that. People just like him first, and if he feels the same way, he dates them. If he thinks about it more seriously, I would say any size is fine with him. If it is you, then it is you. Though, if he has a partner in general, I would say he prefers them large. There is no particular reason to be honest; he just likes them that way. He especially loves when they bounce when you ride him. Oh, what a sight to see.

Jiro: Surprise, surprise. Tbh, I view him as someone who dgaf what size it is. As long as it is the person he likes, he likes it all. He might straight up tell you that too. But I can imagine that if you have large breasts and just suddenly hug him, his face buries in your soft breasts and suddenly he feels so cozy and nice. Oh, he knows about human anatomy, but being able to touch such a heavenly sensation is a first time experience. He enjoys that more than he thought he would.

I would say Jiro is more a guy of texture than size, if that makes sense. He likes when it is soft and squeezable. So size does not really matter, but most soft breasts are quite large, so I would say large breasts. His preference is any size, as long as it is soft.

Tohma: Now, I want to say this man does not really have a preference, as long as it is not a cutting board like me, and that it is good enough for him. But I can imagine Tohma back in his Vagastrom days. All his partners or the people who approached him had large breasts. He just has this aura that attracts these women, and he also enjoys their company, so one thing led to another. If you consider that pattern as him loving large breasts, then he does. He has no shame admitting that either.

But as I said, I do not think he would think much about the size because, to Tohma, his amusement comes from being able to edge you all over the place, turn you into a mess, and make you beg him to let you cum. So, breasts are not what he puts at the top of his list. Any size is fine.

Those who prefer smaller to medium breasts

Edward: Oh, how surprising, but I just feel like Ed is the type to enjoy you wrapped in some clothes from his ancient time, and he takes enjoyment in taking those off of you. It is a big turn on for him. He prefers small to medium, I suppose. It also makes him feel closer to you when he cradles you in his arms, if that makes sense. B and C cups, or slightly over, are fine. He prefers more about how they look in attire.

Romeo: I don't know, I just feel like he would enjoy designing some clothes for you, and a medium size just works easier for him. It is not that he has no confidence in making clothes for a large breast size. He just likes the fact that his hands can hold you just right and all. C to D cups, and over, are fine. Same as Ed, attire is important to turn him on if the clothes hug your breasts just right.

Lucas: I do not think he has a preference, but the people he dates tend to be around a medium size, I suppose. I can imagine Lucas has that dirty little secret where he loves tea-time dresses a lot. If you wear one, he will be all over the place that day, and if you rile him up enough, he will get a boner. He loves the sight of your breasts flopping out from behind the soft fabric while he drives himself inside you with the dress all puddled up around your waist. Any size is fine because he focuses more on the attire and how erotic you look in those clothes.

Kaito: I feel like he just feels his hands are too small for large breasts, and it hits his masculine insecurity a bit. So he prefers a medium size because it feels like a perfect fit. Though, even if you have a larger size, he would be more than happy to please you. I can imagine him having that lactation kink also. He would spend all day between your boobs, sucking on your nipples until they get hard. He also enjoys it if he can make you wet just from playing with your breasts. C to D cups, and slightly over, are fine.

Zenji: I just know he is a freak who is into traditional Japanese bondage! He has several poems and paintings of your erotic poses from when you two are together. So, likewise, I must say he enjoys whatever size you are. However, he leans more into small to medium because it is a bit easier for him to tie you up in those red ropes.

He also likes the fact that his hands are large enough that your breasts cannot fill his palm, which turns him on a bit. I also think he would be into a significant size gap because I always imagine Zenji to be quite tall, likely around the same height as Jiro or even taller than him, who knows. He takes pride in his fingers, so he would like to tease you relentlessly, especially by playing with your boobs. He prefers medium to large sizes.

Subaru and Haku

I just feel these two fall into the same category because they would die to see you in some traditional attire. It does not matter if you are large or small because those outfits will always hug you just right, enough to hide away your curves but also enough for them to see how perfect you are.

Haku: He straight up says he wants to see you in a Hakama. I think he would prefer a medium to large size because he would like to see your breasts flop out when he is able to take the fabric off of you. He would plant soft kisses all over your breasts and put one or two marks there, because only he gets to see that.

I also imagine he is the type that likes when you wear some outfit that shows your cleavage, as it is so erotic and beautiful at the same time, and all for his eyes to see. He also likes that you always tease him by sending him pictures of your cleavage. Sometime he wishes he were not that busy so he could spend more time drowning between your breasts.

Subaru: I would say he would love to see you in his stage attire. There is something very intimate about that, though he cannot quite put his finger on it. I say medium to large also because when he touches you, he can see all the memories of all the times you naughtily touched yourself while moaning out his name so desperately and needily. He just knows you love having your nipples teased and played with. He learns everything through your own dirty memories, dear.

Those who prefer medium to large breasts

Mio: Yep, he is a man of culture. I feel like he would be into skinship a lot, but he is also shy. He loves the sensation when you hug him from the back while he is working, pressing your boobs all over his back and rubbing on them a bit, especially on days you both wear thin clothing because, well, handywork is heated. He can feel your boobs rub against his back and get all flustered. If you wear no bra, he can also feel your nipples press on him, which turns him on more than he admits.

He loves the sensation of your breasts being larger than his hands, and how when he sucks and licks your nipples, it always feels overwhelming because your breasts are even larger than his face. He would be too shy to admit that, but he is into that, if you know what I mean. Reward the hardworking man!

Rui: Yeah, I think he is the same on medium and large, but overall he does not really care about the size. However, I would say those girls he used to date or hook up with tended to have quite large breasts, so there is a pattern. Though, if he is dating someone seriously, then he won't really think much of size or preference. He would still like to have something to palm his hand around. The same as Sho, this man needs some stress relief balls, and what else is better than your breasts?

Ritsu: Lactation kink, I am not repeating myself. He is down bad for that and might be too embarrassed to admit it at first. He loves those massive, giant breasts, okay?

Though, I think he would not have a preference. He just kind of discovers things when he is with you, and breasts are one of a few. Like, how can he be so weak against a person's body part? Then he collapses right into your arms, buries his face between your breasts, and takes a great nap.

I also feel like the sensation when he is fucking you face-to-face and you needily cling onto him is intense. Your breasts rub against his sweaty skin, creating such a heating, burning sensation that he can cum right away. Also, he loves it when you ride him and let him suck on your breasts at the same time. He would likely never leave his mouth empty when he fucks you.

No particular preference

Jo: I think he prefers your breast size entirely based on how you prefer his in his female form. Like, do you like small, medium or large? She likely can turn to any size if that is what you want. So, what do you want, darling? Though, I would say he would love to have a breast pillow also. After a day of running around for his tasks and trying to find Shion, he would enjoy it when you are on his lap, letting him press his face against your breasts as you cock-warm him so slowly and so torturously. He loves to multitask if that is what you like too.

Jin: I would say he does not care about size because the people he used to sleep with are likely very diverse. Most of them are quite elegant, so I think he prefers the way people carry themselves more than just their size.

Though, I would say that in bed, he loves when you play with your own breasts while moving your hips to match his rhythm. That is so fucking lewd and he enjoys that way far more than he admits. There is something about the way you are underneath him and trembling, mindlessly playing with yourself and begging him to make you cum. Such a pretty sight to see.

Towa: You ask what this man prefers and he just says 'Dandelion'

So whatever the size is, he loves it regardless. Also, I feel like he squeezes your boobs a lot. It is very interesting to him because he does not have any, and it is so soft and squeezable. You make cute sounds when he touches you there, and he would love to hear that lovely sound again, dandelion.

Lyca: Why are you asking him this? He is all blushing now!

Though, I would say Lyca prefers small boobs, but because he has never really been with anyone, any size is fine to him. As long as it is you, he would love to enjoy the moment with you. But I can imagine an inexperienced Lyca can be quite rough, which likely means he would bite your nipples a bit too hard and leave his teeth marks everywhere on your boobs. He just loves marking you, that is all.

Shion: He would cut that part of you and put it in some specimen glass if he could. I'm just kidding, kind of. Anyway, I think he does not have a preference at all, but small maybe? Because he likes the feeling of you fitting right into his arms. But as I said, size does not matter to him, he just likes you regardless. If you ask him what size he prefers, I feel like he would either say he hates every size or likes every size, because he never admits his preference out loud about anything.

Yuri: I just like to think he does not even think of that until you ask. What an indecent question! What are you on about? Though he does not admit it, I feel like Yuri's preference is very diverse. It can come from small to extremely large, as he loves the human body. Whatever body type or size you are, he just loves it all, especially your breasts. He likes being able to hear your heartbeat, but he also enjoys being drowned between your soft skin. It just feels that good to him. So, there is no specific preference. He just likes you.

Leo: His preference is also very diverse because he whores himself out with different types of people. So small, medium or large, whatever, he does not look at people's size and instead decides he prefers the personality and technique.

Really? Personality. Yes, personality!

You see how he attaches to Alan and Sho, he has great taste in personality, you must admit that! If you have large breasts, I can imagine he makes a few dirty jokes enough to rile you up. He likes to fondle your boobs and bury himself between them, and he might even take some pictures with his face buried between them, as he is so fucking shameless and dirty at the same time. If you are small, then well, he would start telling Sho that if his cutting board ever gets broken or moldy, to just use you instead because it is flat enough to dice some vegetables on.

Sho Haizono

Sho is one of the most helpful people for this task. He knows what’s fresh and juicy from what’s probably a day old. He’s most likely already acquainted with a few of the vendors, so he knows where to get the best stock of fish, meat, fruits and vegetables.

You’re going to be holding the lighter load since he insisted on holding the heavier ones. If you insist on carrying both, he’d eye you and snort. You’re not carrying anything heavy while he’s there.

You get mistaken for a married couple by so many. Sho doesn’t deny it if you don’t. He goes with the flow, and frankly, he isn’t bothered by it.

There’s not much talking going on since he’s so focused by the task. Occasionally he’d mutter to himself. The only times he’d talk to you is to ask if you’re interested in a specific dish he has in mind so he could buy the ingredients for it. “Senpai, what do you think of [dish]?”

⋆ꜱᴜᴘᴇʀꜱᴛᴏʀᴇ

At the grocery, the one pushing the cart could go either way. Initially, he’d do it, but if you wanted to be the one pushing the cart, he’d let you.

He’s prepared. He has a list and everything. The list contains food for the truck, himself, and for you of course. If you wanted to add onto the list, just tell him and he’d consider it.

He’s taking this really seriously. He’s not letting you just throw anything inside the cart either. He’s definitely not letting you buy instant. He gets so offended. “Wow, really? In front of a chef? If you don’t like my food, just say so.”

He’s so dramatic despite how monotone his voice is. You can’t tell if he’s teasing or genuinely sulking. “Guess I’ll have to step it up.”

Sometimes he’d pick something up, glance at you as if considering how you’d look tasting something he made with it, and base it off your expression whether he puts it in the cart or not. He cares about your approval more than he lets on.

He’s also the type of guy to leave you at the line of the cashier when he remembers something he needs to get. He doesn’t run back, he just walks. He’s laughing at you when you start acting like a nervous child when you reach the cashier and he’s nowhere to be found.

“Pft. Don’t worry, I’m here.” Sho ruffled your hair.

Overall a 10/10 to take market and grocery shopping with. Husband material to the T.

Leo Kurosagi

Leo is not stepping food in the market. Especially when it's this noisy and crowded in the morning. The stench of fresh meat and fish isn’t helping. You’re going to have to do the first part of shopping alone while he roams around outside the vicinity of the market.

What’s worse is he gave you a list of food ‘he’ wants, and it's up to you to find ingredients for that in there. He’s not going to tell you he wants a taste of your home cooked meal. This is the best you’re going to get out of him.

After you have everything you need in the market, you’ll see him looking bored outside, waiting for you. The moment his eyes meet you, he’s going to complain a lot. How long you took, how the sun is too hot, how you should be grateful he’s even there.

⋆ꜱᴜᴘᴇʀꜱᴛᴏʀᴇ

He’s going to monetize the whole trip: “grocery shopping with loml live.” People like seeing him acting ‘domestic’ after all.

He’s going to push the cart just so he can play ‘good boyfriend.’ He’s not showing the media your face, the most he shows is the back of your head.

He’s so noisy, commenting on everything. “Really? That? Have some standards honor roll.”

He also puts things he wants on the cart when you’re not looking. Call it his compensation for being dragged here. Keep an eye on him or he’ll flood your cart with nonsense for funsies.

The comments are flooding about your relationship with him. Half our genuinely supportive and just chilling, and the other half are his more envious fans. Either way, publicity is publicity. Good or bad, he’s milking it. And you bring in so much controversy that he’s practically trending.

“They’re so mean to me, you guys. I always do so much for them, and they won’t buy me this measly bottle of juice. Like this is on discount too. You guys agree, right?” Then he goes on and on, making himself the ‘victim’, peer pressuring you to get his way.

Genuinely though, he’s filing away your preferences, eyeing what you choose and put inside the cart. When you do get something for him without his insistence, he sort of short circuits before teasing you for being wrapped around his finger. Can’t let you know how much you affect him.

“Stalking me now, honor roll? You like me so much that you pay attention to these things, huh?”

He’s not paying either. He ‘forgot’ his wallet, so he just stood by the cashier, having finished his live stream. He’s on his phone not helping anymore. He’s done and he wants to leave. Be happy he didn’t walk away yet. He’s at least waiting for you to pay. Good luck making him carry anything.