koyoi ୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ

Maybe it was your pitiful, sad appearance, your fear so alluring and funny to him. Maybe it was the little tears trickling down your face as you heard that there was no known way to go back to your world - you were from another world, how interesting, he had never met someone from another world.

Yet, he chose to act.

So softly and gently as when he used to soothe Silver after a nightmare, approaching you casually, voice smooth promising you that everything would be fine and that you could trust him, that you could lean on him. It was alright to cry, be anxious and fearful, and it was alright because the situation was stressful.

And you did.

You trusted him enough to let him deal with Crowley, as you were too busy trying to calm your anxious heart down, trying to pay attention to your surroundings, to what they were talking. And this changed everything, first of all:

Your dorm.

"Is this one to your liking?" Lilia asks you, tilting his head to look up to you. In front of you, a simple but comfortable room was offered to you, a much better option than the inhospitable, dusty, broken dorm that Crowley was going to force put you and that strange raccoon.

There you would either shiver in the cold, surrounded by dust and cobwebs and nosy ghosts, or sweat in the excessive heat, without the option of a working air conditioner. Here, you had warm blankets and spells that would allow you to sleep perfectly regardless of the weather.

You wander inside it, opening the windows and the empty cabinets, still unsure that you deserved such kindness from a stranger like him. He had done so much in so little time. You turn to look at Lilia again. "Can I really stay here? I can't repay you, you know. I don't have magic, what if-"

He shushes you quickly, patting your head gently as he would with a crying child. It didn’t matter to him that you were magicless - he would dare say that add to the charm. You were just like a fawn surrounded by wolves. A sheep among dragons.

You were nothing.

Yet, there was something to you that made Lilia protective.

"You don't have magic, so what? Many humans don't. In fact, the mages are a small portion of humans that still have magic on their veins. This doesn't make you any different to me and you deserve a good room, and good people to support in these trying times." Lilia nodded to his own words, a little proud that you were slowly coming around as the reality seemed to be dawning on you.

There was a knot at your throat, a sting on your eyes. He seemed to know as his voice turned even more gentler.

"If the mirror had chosen you, stay and study, no need to repay me anything." He concluded before pulling you to your feet with his soft hands, smoothing down your wrinkled clothes. "Now come, let's get some food on that belly of yours, kiddo. I can't have you starving now, can I?"

As if to embarrassing you further, your stomach growls right at the moment and your whole face got hot while Lilia laughed. You made him feel much younger than he truly is; he missed that feeling.

He missed having someone he can protect and take care of, after all, his children are all grown up and strong, and don't need him that much anymore.

"Oh, that's right" you heard him saying. "I want to introduce you to Malleus, Silver and Sebek. Come, come."

Your academics.

"Hm... Lilia?" You call him, searching for him among the sea of other students. There's tons of books that you're holding in for dear life; some are introductory books on concepts of magic and others on magical symbols, in general, they are complementary books that you should read to understand the subject covered in the first year, even more because you don't have magic nor are you from this world.

Suddenly, tons of books are lifted from your hands with great ease. "Don't be stupid, human. Your fragile arms can't handle this weight."

It's Sebek. Then another pair of hands come to rest over your shoulders and you turn your neck to see who it is; Malleus, his expression much reminding you of a puppy by his pout.

"We have our own space to study, beastie, come." He tells you, all the while he is forcing you to walk as he guides you to their secret, shared place. Sebek is carrying most of your books as you ponder where they had come from.

Since day one, they seemed so fond of you, treating you with such care that almost made you cry late at night for how fortunate you are to have them in this world. It was way too early to say that but you loved having them around as they helped you with all your doubts and never forgot to include you in their plans, even if they were a little forceful while they fought a little for your attention.

It was cute, in a way.

Almost as if suddenly you had three brothers. And an eccentric father, as well.

Silver was sleeping over his book, oh so serenely, his hair spilling over his cheeks as he was biting his lips - probably due to some strange dream. You occupied the empty seat by Malleus side, finally releasing all that height that you had been fighting to hold.

"Lilia said he would help study these books. Do you know if he is nearby?" You asked him and Malleus sighed.

Hos eyes skim over those titles, almost as if they don't hold any value to him. Coming from a prince, perhaps all this knowlegment isn't pertinent.

You remember hearing Lilia's ramblings about how spoiled Malleus was when he was a child, how his tantrums were cute - yet dangerous -, how he liked to put bows on his tiny little horns. Lilia lived to ramble about his sons.

"Some of them are outdated, wrong or a waste of your time." Sebek separated the good books from the bad with a single wave of his hand. He was showing off just to see your eyes shining, as always happened when they used magic - yet he would never admit that.

And this time it wasn't different.

There was just a fascination that settled on your eyes as you stared starstruck at any and all display of magic.

"I can explain the core values of magic to you." Suddenly, Silver was awoken. His voice was hoarse and his eyes were almost closing again due to drowsiness, but he seemed to be fighting it just till he could hear your answer.

Touched yet again by their eagerness, you agreed.

"Very well, Silver will explain the basics, and then you had to read this book." Malleus pointed it to you.

You thanked them, hearing attentively Silver's explanation, writing down the things you understand and asking the things you can't seem to grasp the concept. Overall, your study session is amazing and goes really well.

Now, if only you looked up, you would see Lilia hanging on the ceiling like a bat. He is watching over you, over your progress, as he seems really proud of himself for having you make friends with his children.

He knew you would get along well with them. And he made sure to explain to them that they had to welcome you really well into the family, that you were a little skittish and fearful of this new world and that they couldn't tease too much. Lilia is glad they heard him.

They seemed to have taken a liking to you, just as he did. This is great because he is inserting himself even more on your life, and he will manipulate each and every opportunity just so your schedule lines up with your brothers or his.

Your friendships.

You are surrounded by them whether you realize it or not. Normally, Lilia wakes you up, soft voice and funny words as he rubbed your sides to make you laugh or get a reaction out of you. Even if you lock your windows or door, Lilia still finds a way into your room and you guess you don't really know how he is doing that.

If you try to dissuade him from doing it, Lilia acts all cutesy while babying you because, of course, you're grumpy and fuzzy. The day just started!

As morning goes on, you have breakfast with your little family, hearing Sevek praising Malleus and Silver's soft snores as Lilia laugh at his face. It's chaotic and fun, and you feel really good at being there.

Though, it does get a little overbearing after a while. Malleus likes to walk you to your classes, having memorized them the very first day he met you - but the students like to whisper about you.

About how strange you are from associating with someone like him. How it must be dangerous to associate with you, as Malleus has quite the reputation, despite being an absolute sweetheart.

It's quite isolating. Lonely.

There's tons of lively people you want to meet and be friends with, but they don't seem to reciprocate the feeling even more when they realize that that by associating themselves with you, Malleus and his guards would come as a package deal. Most can't deal with that thought alone and so, they ignore you.

And when you cry about it to your dad Lilia, he just sighs and collects you into a big, warm hug. He let's you vent about how futile your attempts to make friends are all the while instilling in you some very questionable thoughts about other people. Because surely they are in the wrong here, right? They are so judgmental, so prejudiced.... He makes you question yourself. After all, do you really want to make friends with people like these?

Perhaps it'd be better to stick around with them and Lilia.

Your life in general.

With no place to run, with no other people to accept you for who you really are, you pass your days studying with Malleus and training with Sebek - it's funny in a way, plus he is so fearful of harming you. Silver is the one responsible for walking you to your classes and taking you to eat lunch with them, if Malleus doesn't notice the passage of time.

He likes to hold you and float with you in his arms. Mostly, when you don't even realize he is in the same room, he just appears, making you have a heart attack while he laughs at your scared face, holding you against his chest as if you're just a kitten. Or, he tries to make you his cute taste tester while he cooks and bakes, and your brothers have to save you - one of these days, he'll still get you to try his muffin. His very cursed muffin.

It's rather a dull routine, waking up, studying, eating and sleeping, but Lilia keeps it funny with his shenanigans, plus he doesn't let you linger too much on your memories about your old world, so as to not let you be saddened that Crowley - who was certainly not coerced to by the diamsonia - hadn't found a way to open another portal yet.

The weekends are your favorite days. You can sleep till midday, read something, or watch Silver and Sebek bickering - the latter is always funny.

Overall, they consume much of your time.

And it stays like this as the years pass. Sometimes, you still miss the old world, as Lilia calls it, but you had to get over it as there was no way to find a way back.

Lilia isn't fazed by this. But perhaps an accident had happened to you or Silver took a bad fall, and this makes Malleus think about how fragile humans are. How easy it is for them to break bones or die from the flu. He hates the thought. He loathes it.

Your mortality isn't something to be missed. The way you continue to grow, to change, as you graduate, you turn into a very beautiful adult. Silver does too, of course, as he too is a human.

He too will disappear as the wind. Gone forever, just in a few years.

He doesn't want to wake up someday and notice that both you and Silver are gone. He won't have you two dying, not on his watch, so as the king of Thorn Valley, he spends an awful amount of time searching about ways to turn you immortal, to stop the natural cycle of life. If someone can do that, it's him.

And Sebek is right there being his right hand man, helping him, instilling even more these thoughts on him, because even if he is a little prideful, he too would hate to lose both you and Silver.

Their research is futile, though. Maybe because of lack of sources or the books had some torn pages and they couldn't reach any conclusion. Not one that matters, that is.

So Malleus asked to meet Lilia. His father continues with his wolfish smile and sweet eyes. Even as the years passed, his vitality was at fullest. And his knowing eyes pronounced that knew what that meeting was about.

Of course, he knew.

Silver is also part of the guard, he must have noticed how strange was Malleus and Sebek's behavior.

And Malleus tells him. About the researches, the inconclusive answers, how they didn't know how to proceed now. How they were lost. How he didn't want to lose both you and Silver. You were just starting to live and in 50 or more years, you would be gone. Lost forever. Never to return.

"Tell me, boy, what you found." His tone is soft, teasing. It sounds like music to Malleus ears, a smooth song he plans to hear for a long time yet.

He would do the same for Lilia. Wouldn't stop at nothing to find a way to save him if he was dying.

Malleus doesn't bear well the thought that he would see your casket being lowered to the ground, that worms would eat your body until only bones remained. He couldn't live a life knowing he could never again hear you call him "tsunotaro" or how your hands felt when you wrapped cute little bows on his horns. Or how you sang when you thought you were alone.

He couldn't bear to lose Silver. He held that boy on his arms, cuddled him in his sleep, sang him to sleep, and watched him grow. Only to lose him to time? Not happening.

So he begged - unfitting as it was for a king -, he begged his father for help. Almost pleaded, as Lilia lived a very long life and knew a lot. He knew a lot about ancient magic, about lost cultures, about history. He was in so many books. He saw so many empires rise and fall.

"It won't be easy." Lilia says but there's something on his voice that tells Malleus that he knows something. He can do it; stop them from aging. "It will be painful for them in the next year. They may hate you for this too."

"I do not care about this." It's his answer, almost instantly as he looked his father in his eyes. "If you can do it, then please."

Lilia feels good. Of course he was the one passing down those traits for his children - though, you were a little different, sweeter, nicer than your brothers. You would hate the change, Lilia was sure. And he also didn't cared. He too has lost a lot.

He lost Lavern and Maleanor. The two fae he loved the most in the entire world.

And when he lost them, his world had ended. The air was stagnant and polluted. Everything had lost its warmth, its colors. The meaning of everything he had fought for was gone. But then, he found Malleus, a tiny stubborn egg, and then Silver, a lost baby, finally Sebek who was always blabbering about something.

And his heart was healed.

And you too had come to him, the last addition to the family. You had fitted in just like he thought years ago.

"Call Sebek, we might need to discuss a few things."

And Malleus signs for the guard that stands outside to call for Sebek. And as he does so, Lilia glances at the window, enjoying the soft breeze and the sun shining happily. He can see you playing in the river, laughing, with some fae children.

You looks ethereal as human.

And you'll look as much ethereal as a fae, he is sure.

Lilia Vanrouge - 

Hey, Beastie… Who are ya with there? A friend? Oh, how cute! You think that he’s going to get jealous, don’t you? Well, guess what? Lilia isn’t in the slightest! Why, you’re so silly, Beastie! 

What? That wasn’t an attempt at making Lilia jealous? You’re telling him that man right there honestly likes you. You? Why, no, you’re not the undesirable one. You’re beautiful in every way. But that’s Lilia’s job- To make you feel special, to make you feel good, to make you feel loved- And that man thinks he can replace him in it. He thinks he could do better than Lilia could. 

How dare he. Lilia will whisk you off your feet and away at the drop of a hat. He’s an old Fae who never believed he could feel something as simple as jealousy for a human but now look at him. Look at him craving you, look at him loving you, look at him holding you close, so close, until you leave him the same way his other lovers did. But please. Look at him. 

Silver “Vanrouge” - (I am sorry Silver fans, the boy did not want to be written in Headcanon form)

Silver was stretching in the back of the gym as he spied you walking in. It wasn’t odd for you to be there, of course, you would often come in and say hello to him. He expected you to do the same that day, so he paid no mind as you talked to another student first. You shared your last class of the day with him, no? So it wasn’t weird. 

But then another student comes up and joins your conversation. You’re popular- You deserve to be popular- So Silver still isn’t shocked. You are allowed to have more friends than him and a large amount of friends and fun activities is a sign of healthy living. 

It isn’t until you’ve spent half the period and Silver still hasn’t gotten onto his broom as he waits for you to come over that he takes matters into his own hands. He easily walks up to you, putting a hand on your shoulder, and as you push into him he easily melts back into you, all of his jealousy pouring away as your attention has returned to its rightful place. 

Sebek Zigvolt - 

Sebek doesn’t recognize that he’s jealous, no matter how obvious it is. He’s only caring for you because he has to. You are merely a silly little human, much weaker than a half-fae like him. And then you go off with a different human! You two together could never compare to him, so why is it that you’re not by his side? 

Human! How dare you go off without Sebek there, you could be hurt! While he might not care for you at all, you are liked by the great Wakasama, and thus you must be protected for the sake of his lord’s honor. If Sebek’s weakness made Malleus cry, what could ever become of him? How can you not see that? 

Jade & Floyd:

At first, Floyd gets a bit excited to hear that you’re a vampire now. After all, there’s so many more ways to play with you now that you’re much less fragile.

He quickly gets annoyed when he sees your intense devotion to RSA. Why are you paying attention to them, when he’s right here?

Jade is very interested in the ‘new’ you as well, although he’s less vocal about it than Floyd.

He’d be curtious to RSA, thanking them politely for saving you, despite the tension in the air.

Jade would be careful to observe your interactions with them, trying to figure out just how deep the bond is.

The tweels may want you back at the mansion, but they won’t be very straightforward about it.

Floyd will propose ominous ideas for your time together, in which you’re not sure you’ll get out of unscathed.

Jade will say how he misses you dearly, but in his typical disingenuous way that makes you worry about what he’s planning.

They’re two of the most likely to try and force you to come back, as they’re not afraid to use the force you know they’re very capable of exerting. Even if you’re unhappy there, even if you want to get back to your sires, it really doesn’t matter to them.

You lived it okay here before, you’ll learn to love the mansion again. Even if it means they have to punish you when you try to leave.

Vil:

Vil is angry, mostly because he knows Neige had any part in saving you, when he knows it should’ve been himself.

Even more than that, you now feel like you owe Neige RSA anything, let alone undying loyalty?

He refuses to accept it as reality, whilst also knowing all too well that it’s the truth considering his own loyalty to Lilia, no matter how much he wishes he could deny it.

If he’s ever forced to see you in the company of Neige, he’ll be pushed over the edge of anger seeing the two of you get along so well, with your overeagerness to please him.

Where is your disobedience when it came to interacting with him? Now for Neige, you’re sweet as can be?

Vil hates the entire thing with a passion. Even when you’re not with Neige, but with Chenya, it drives him crazy to see you try and protect and help him.

He’s too prideful to ever tell you that he misses you in the rare times he’s in your company, but you understand what he means with his snarky remarks.

Silver

A human who was later turned by Lilia after his adoption.

Silver is very… ambivalent towards you.

He knows that his father knows best but he can’t help but question if Lilia keeping you here is the right thing.

Silver spends his days diligently by Malleus’ side, although he seems to constantly fighting off sleep.

He lives in the mansion, both because of his father and to protect Malleus.

When he comes back one day, collapsing on the couch after neglecting himself for too long, you can’t help but to soften.

Your promised yourself, you wouldn’t let these vampires take any more of your blood but… one time can’t hurt right?

Silver is nice to you, maybe one of the only ones without an ulterior motive. He’s the first to step in if he believes the others are treating you too harshly.

Maybe you shouldn’t give in but you really can’t help it. When you pull Silver close to you, his sharp fangs sink deeply into your neck.

There is a sharp pain but the feeling is quickly overtaken by a feeling of euphoria.

By the time you regain some semblance of awareness, Silver is already whispering apologies to you and licking away any evidence from your neck.

You know that you should be upset but, you’re still slightly high off the pleasure of his bite.

Silver bandages your wounds and swiftly avoids you for the days to come.

Sebek:

Born to a human and a pureblood, Sebek can’t seem to hold back his resentment for his human half.

He stays at the mansion to protect and serve Malleus, and he does so with great pride.

Of everyone at the mansion, no one is more vocal about their dislike of you staying with them than Sebek.

You try not to take it too personally, Sebek seems to hate all humans equally.

Of course, Sebek never fights against Lilia’s choices, he has too much respect for him.

Sebek, however, has no qualms glaring at you from across the room, making patronizing comments, and trying to keep you away from Malleus.

Despite you literally just existing, Sebek is worried you will try to seduce Malleus and pull him away from his duties. He doesn’t understand why his mother chose his human father, but he can’t take the risk with you and Malleus.

When asking Lilia about the beautiful garden outside, you were surprised to find out it was Sebek who takes care of it. Although being with Malleus takes up most of his time, you occasionally spot Sebek in the corner of the library, reading by himself.

Although not ideal, Sebek’s attitude towards you is surprisingly refreshing. You know he has no intention of coming near you, let alone bitting you. One less vampire to watch out for at least.

But even through his mischief, Venti knows what you are. If Celestia ever comes to retrieve you, he’ll be ready to play the trickster, to steal you away like a breeze that refuses to be caught.

“Don’t let them take you back up there, little breeze. The sky is beautiful, but you belong where you can laugh freely.”

Zhongli - The Wise Protector

Zhongli treats you with a mix of reverence and warmth. He is perhaps the only one who truly understands the gravity of your existence. Unlike Venti, he does not ignore your origins—he acknowledges them and prepares accordingly.

“Even the oldest of gods must respect the unknown,” he murmurs when Hu Tao asks why he is so careful with you.

Despite his caution, he ensures you are taught the ways of Liyue’s traditions, history, and philosophy, determined to give you an identity outside your celestial ties. Should you ever express sadness over your connection to the Heavenly Principles, he will kneel before you, placing a steady hand on your shoulder.

“You are not your lineage alone. You are who you choose to become.”

He also spoils you in a different way—gifts of fine tea, calligraphy sets, and jade trinkets are common. He takes you on strolls through Liyue Harbor, explaining the significance of each structure and telling you stories of the past. If you have any celestial abilities, he teaches you how to use them wisely, warning you of their consequences.

Should anyone dare to harm you, the old instincts of the Geo Archon resurface. He may have retired his godhood, but for you, he would summon stone and spear once more.

There is an underlying protectiveness in the way he acts. He never mentions Celestia openly, but there’s a glint in his golden eyes that speaks of caution.

“You must understand,” he murmurs one evening as you sip tea beside him, “power is a responsibility, not a right. No matter where you come from, the choices you make will define you.”

Ei - The Silent Guardian

Ei is distant at first. She does not know how to handle children, much less one tied to Celestia. She watches you carefully, as if expecting divine judgment to be passed at any moment.

But over time, her wariness fades. She begins to teach you the way of the sword, explaining the importance of discipline and strength. If you show an interest in the arts, she encourages it—perhaps as a way to make up for the time she lost with Makoto.

Unlike the others, she does not shower you with affection, but her actions speak louder than words. She ensures you have the best food, the best training, and the best security. If you ever fall asleep in the Tenshukaku, she will sit beside you in silence, keeping watch.

She does not see you as an extension of Celestia, but as an individual. And for that, she is willing to protect you with everything she has.

“If they ever try to take you away,” she says, eyes sharp as lightning, “I will be the storm that tears them apart.”

Nahida – The Understanding Guide

Unlike the others, Nahida understands what it means to be born into something greater than yourself. She sees the loneliness behind your celestial ties, the quiet yearning for normalcy. And so, she does not treat you as a divine being, nor as an anomaly. She treats you as you.

With her, you are allowed to be a child. To learn, to stumble, to grow. She introduces you to Sumeru’s people, lets you play in its forests with the Aranara, and gives you books filled with stories to dream about.

She teaches you dreams and stories, whispering truths and fables alike into your mind as she tucks you in at night. She tells you, “The world is vast, and even the gods do not know everything. If you ever wish to leave the shadow of the heavens, I will help you carve your own path.”

More than anything, she wants you to have the freedom she once lacked. And if Celestia ever tries to take that from you, she will use every ounce of her wisdom to keep you safe.

“No matter what they say you are, you are still you. And that is enough.”

Furina - The Dramatic Older Sister

Furina treats you like a beloved younger sibling—one she absolutely must spoil rotten. You are not just a child in her eyes; you are an audience, a confidant, and a co-star in whatever dramatic performance she has planned for the day.

She insists on dressing you in the finest Fontaine fashion, taking you to grandiose operas and teaching you how to deliver the most elegant of courtly speeches. She showers you with extravagant gifts, sometimes unnecessary, but always dazzling.

But beneath her theatricality, she is aware of the weight of your origins. There is a quiet protectiveness beneath the glitz and glamour. If anyone dares to treat you differently because of your divine bloodline, she will tear them apart with sharp words and sharper wit.

“You may be of Celestia,” she declares grandly, pulling you into an over-the-top hug, “but you are also of Fontaine! And as its beloved citizen, you deserve nothing less than the best!”

She treats you with indulgence, giving you gifts, lavishing you with admiration, yet there is always an underlying tension. She fears the day you might outgrow her influence, or worse—the day you might be taken away.

And if it ever comes to that, Furina, despite all her fears, would stand atop the Opera Epiclese and demand a trial against the gods themselves.

Mavuika - The Fiery Mentor

Mavuika is fascinated by you. She does not fear you, nor does she treat you with excessive reverence. Instead, she welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to Natlan’s grand festivals and teaching you the ways of her people.

She trains you to be strong, to carve your own path despite the divine blood in your veins. If you struggle, she does not coddle you—she pushes you forward, making sure you learn through experience.

But she is not unkind. When the weight of your origins becomes too much, she lets you rest against her, patting your back with a warm, steady hand.

You and Malleus had talked about fae folklore more than once. He was delighted to know fae had something of a presence in your world but was wildly horrified at the misinformation. Out of everything you told him, only a handful were correct:

Don't give your name unless you trust that fae because names have power

Iron will hurt some fae but not all. Iron is more harmful to nocturnal fae than day fae.

Being rude to fae may be the end of you altogether

Partaking in fae food means you open yourself up for a wager

Yes, fae like to play tricks. Expect them and be wary.

Stepping into a fairy circle will summon the fairy who made it.

Just about everything else was wrong. That's why he and Lilia were teaching you what not to do if you came upon the various fae in Twisted Wonderland. Thus far you'd only managed to memorize what herbs kept smaller creatures at bay and how to curry the favor of the various faeries that helped out at NRC. Your current assignment from Lilia was filling out a map of different fae territories and classifying them as 'safe' for humans or 'unsafe'. Each territory had a tree they would love to craft from or loathed to be near and you were expected to know that, too.

Strange stuff but apparently it was important.

They liked to break up the bigger chunks of information with smaller, digestible things like etiquette so it felt more manageable. Malleus was currently instructing you on how to part from a fae in a formal setting as to not incur their wrath.

"Again, Child of Man," he's bowed down until eye level with you, one hand holding yours.

"Light shake, eye contact, nod, slide foot back, squeeze the hand, turn." he's parroting your motions until you turn away. He, instead, draws himself to his full height and observes as you pretend to walk away.

"Excellent," he nods. "But ensure you don't slouch while leaving. It will make some feel as if you don't hold them in high regard."

"That's so--" you roll your eyes. He simply lifts his brow as if to question your mild frustration. You puff your cheeks out and he laughs.

"We can be a bit particular." he agrees.

"To a fault." you smirk.

"Oh?" he's intrigued, eyes twinkling.

"Yeah," you smile. "In my world the fae were known for being literal with their word so you always had to keep something clever in reserve."

"Do tell," Malleus' grin goes from practiced and polite to genuine. A hint of fang shows.

"It's kind of specific though. Depends on that old joke about fae wanting to come for the first born."

"That's not really a joke," Malleus crossed his arms. You can't tell if he's offended or not. "We like the younglings. We're always looking to bring more around to the fae ways. In fact, fae make fantastic guardians because--"

He had a lot to say and you felt the beginnings of a lecture creep up. In some way you felt like you were in trouble. To save yourself, you said, "Just pretend. Then I can show you what we do."

Malleus pretended to make a deal with you. It looked a bit intimidating and official with the magic pulsing in the rickety floorboards of Ramshackle. They were groaning. Shadows danced along his face as pieces of his signature thorned briar wove around your joined hands. "In exchange for the repairs around Ramshackle, you will give your firstborn to me."

You pull him in, his green eyes searching curiously for any hint of what's to come. "Sure! How soon do you want to start working on that? Or do you want to wait a little while?"

All at once the floorboards fell quite. The hum of magic died with a rattle that broke the briar into tiny pieces. A few fell at your feet, the others shooting off into various directions.

Oh. Did he not understand? You thought it was clever! Maybe he was too sheltered to--

His laugh is kind of a snort at first but then you hear it honest and lilting. The hand holding yours slides up your arm and snakes around your waist. You're lifted until your hands find purchase on his shoulders and your legs wrap around whatever they reach. Your heart goes from your chest to your throat when his gloved hands slide down to your thighs as he walks you to your sad couch.

"Now is fine," he's careful to hold his weight above you, silky hair spilling around you and tickling your cheeks. His eyes are bright and boyish, a deadly compliment to his kissable lips.

Well, that technically backfired but if this were a real situation you'd make out just fine because he'd chosen to make out with you instead of curse you.

------ ----- ----- ----

Lilia wanted to focus on physical protection as much as written knowledge when it came to handling fae. You still couldn't wrap your head around the idea of him being a general but he had old photos, a weird mask, and a massive magearm to prove it. You'd picked up quite a few self-defense moves and practiced them regularly. He wanted them to be second nature to you. So here you are, in a designated training room within Diasomnia.

"You just want to cuddle me," you teased, in the familiar position of him being behind you with an arm around your neck. One elbow was planted in your shoulder, the other clasping it at the forearm to make a little prison for you. He gave a reprimanding squeeze, ever mindful of the pressure since you were fully human. Lilia gave a huffy laugh, trying to relax his smile into something more stern as he wove his fingers into your hair. You flinched at the tug and slapped his arm lightly.

"Focus," he couldn't deny himself the simple pleasure of whispering into your ear. If you asked him, it was to throw you off balance and distract you. "What could you do now?"

You thought about just leaning back into him, pressing against him, but you knew that wasn't what he meant. Capitalizing on this moment of closeness, the stillness, to huck him over your shoulder and into the floor crossed your mind but then you'd have to give him a back rub later.

Not that you minded that, either.

"We could make a deal," you leaned back to whisper in his ear even though it hurt your neck a little. You could tell by the way his bangs fluttered that he'd jerked in surprise. Was that a little pink on his cheeks? Before you could nip his pointed ear, Lilia leaned you forward and took his elbow off your shoulder, opting to hold you in a bearhug instead.

"Acceptable in this situation," he managed, clearing his throat when his voice cracked a little. "Although this exercise is supposed to be combat related."

"So make the terms. I can't negotiate a deal that doesn't exist." you try to break his hold, shimmying your shoulders and sliding your feet to see if you could slip away. He lifts you off the ground with an ease that doesn't seem possible with his short, lithe body. You hang there against him as he thinks.

"Your life for that of your firstborn."

A bit dark, wasn't it? Kind of rude, really, you thought. But, your train of thought continued to ramble, he did find Silver somewhere so it didn't seem too unusual that he'd want a kid. Either that, or he was messing with you because you told him that whisking away kids was something fae were known for in your world.

"You can't have a firstborn with your clothes on." you joke.

"That's not true because I found Silver with my--" Lilia drops you when he realizes what you've said. You weren't expecting him to drop you and didn't catch yourself, hissing as you land on your knees. Before you can start complaining or poke fun at him for being an old man he's locked the door. You're bowled over as he rushes over to you, pinning you on your back as he peppers kisses along your throat and collarbone.

He's several bites in and you’re halfway undressed when you think you hear a knock at the door. Lilia begrudgingly peels himself off of you, licking blood from the corner of his lips.

"Father? Are we not going to train today?"

"M'fraid not, my boy," Lilia turns his attention back to you, opening your legs to slip between them. "But you'll be getting a new sparring partner in about nine months."

His red eyes are glowing. They're absolutely beguiling.

"Do they come with therapy?” he hears Silver mumble as you look up at him through your lashes.

He pounces on you again. It was a brilliant, filthy tactic. He's not exactly mad about it. You've earned favor with one fae, at least, and he will protect you from the others.

----- ----- --- ---

Sebek is a hard worker. He's a product of his environment; he has Baur's straightforwardness, Lilia's dedicated regimens, and his mother's impressive teeth and jaw strength. Lilia thought the best way for you to learn some of the self-defense tactics was to fight someone your size.

Sort of. Sebek seemed to be the better choice since Silver was too sleepy to be a constant threat. And, in Lilia's mind, you should have an easier time fighting a half-fae versus a full fae.

You never noticed how muscular Sebek was until you were under him. He's got corded arms and you can see the muscles of his shoulders flexing under the Diasomnia shirt he chose for the exercise.

You've never seen him in casual clothes! He actually looks very nice. Not as buff as Jack but sturdy in his own way; his chest is broader than you imagined. A solid man.

More than capable of being Malleus' body guard.

You groan as he knocks the air out of you a little. He's on top of you, pressed into your back. He's got one foot braced against the floor, leaning his weight into you. Your arms are pinned at your side courtesy of the one he's snaked underneath you.

When did he flip you over? Asshole, you scrunch your nose in frustration as your cheeks begin to burn. He's an asshole that means well and won't go easy on you, though. He makes sure you learn. You try to inch out from beneath him but he angles his shoulder down and grabs his own wrist, dragging you back to him.

"You're supposed to do something in this situation!" he grumps, "You know how to break this hold!"

You do, but he's heavy and it probably wouldn't work. And he's had a literal lifetime of training versus your handful of months. You've tangled your legs together and used his half-lean to put him on his back. Your kicking like a tipped-over bug and almost free when you remember that his fae half is crocodilian and you might have triggered his death roll tendency.

Out of the corner of your eye you see Sebek's pupils change, the dark of his eye slitting and boring into you. His throat strains like he's growling but you don't hear anything. It trembles against the back of your neck and you're reminded in that moment of just how much bigger he is than you.

How he folds around you and encompasses you.

He opens his mouth, teeth glinting and sharp. "You've bested me," you admit, swallowing thickly as his teeth hover near your shoulder. "Make your deal."

You somehow turn yourself around in his unrelenting squeeze.

Sebek huffs as if he's insulted and you swear you see his teeth dull. His pupils begin to fill out. He's usually loathe to acknowledge his human side, as he'd much rather be full fae, but it serves him in this instance. "I'm not a true fae. Such a thing wouldn't work on me!"

"You have to pretend! Lilia's teaching me how to deal with the fae! You just won't hurt me as much. Maybe." you dare to flash that teasing grin at him and Sebek nearly tears into his own lip because he doesn't know what to do with that wiggly feeling you give him.

Him? Hurt you? Not on purpose. It would go against the core values his grandfather AND Lilia taught him! Any fae caught abusing their spouse would be drawn and quartered, made a public display of. Any human man who chose to do so was no man at all!

Sebek's face feels almost painfully warm. He can feel the heat spreading from his cheeks to his ears. "In an act of benevolence inspired by the great Prince Malleus, I shall spare your delicate human self in exchange for a child. Is that the cliche rubbish you desire?"

Some of his once slicked-back hair has fallen down on his forehead, between his eyes, as if it's disappointed in you too.

"You think our child would be cliche rubbish? Cliche Rubbish Zigvolt? That does NOT sound good! I'm naming the firstborn, you're just helping make it."

"Wha--but I--that's not!" Sebek doesn't know what to say and he hasn't been trained for this. He's careful not to shove you away but untangles himself like a thrown ragdoll. He rolls over sharply, totally fine with hiding his face in the floor. His green hair is in disarray and his arms are limp, stretched out to either side of him.

You laugh, climbing onto his back and raking your nails down it gently. He makes the noise. You're not sure what it is but you've heard it before. It's deep and somehow soothing. He relaxes underneath you as you continue to scratch his back, throwing in a squeeze to his muscles every now and then.

It's not until you're in what would be the small of his back (if he wasn't build so solid and thick) that he raises his head, folds his arms up, and rests his chin on his hands. "You're safe." he can't bear to turn his head and look at you right now. If he did, you'd see how...how...weak and mushy he looked. Sebek snorts through his nose, arching his back in surprise as your hands slide all the way up until you flop on his back and your arms hang off his shoulders.

"Thank you, o' kind Zigvolt!" you hug his neck. "This delicate human appreciates it!"

"And I...appreciate...you." he mumbled slowly, the words a little foreign to him. More scary than foreign, honestly. That heartwarming shyness evaporated in an instant when he pinned you and began a stern lecture about how you should NOT offer to conceive a child with ANY OTHER FAE and what YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE INSTEAD.

Trey

Trey figures out you're thinking about leaving when Riddle comes to him in tears. It was the first time since his overblot that he saw him so distraught. He honestly didn't know what to think, since he was too busy trying to comfort his friend. When he finally got time alone, he was truly just confused. Why would you want to leave? He knows you've always wanted to go home, and that you've been working on it for a long time, but does that really mean you have to leave? You have a good life here, friends, people who care about you. Leaving doesn't really seem like the right option. He's not as erratic as some of the others, but he definitely goes through some emotions. Mostly confusion, then anger, then understanding. He gets why you want to leave, this world hasn't been that kind to you. But that doesn't' mean he's just going to except it without at least trying to get you to change your mind.

And that's what he does. He explains how leaving could lead to a lot of problems. What if something bad happens when you attempt to leave, like another overblot or Grim goes nuts. Who will be here to keep all these rowdy boys in line? He tries so hard to convince you it's a stupid decision, without making It sounds like he thinks you're stupid. He's a great manipulator, and doesn't exactly feel bad when he has to do so. You need to stay,

Cater

Cater figures it out from simply watching Trey. It was easily figure out something was up when Trey seemed out of it, messing up recipes and not behaving like his usual composed Trey self. Honestly, he should've figured it out sooner, with the supposed "sickness" his housewarden came down with not too long ago. It didn't take a genius to figure out what everyone was so hung up on. You wanted to leave, what's the big deal. Wasn't that your whole goal the entire time? Why is everyone so surprised.

Cater puts up an uncaring front, acting the same around you. He even supports you on your adventures in the future when you eventually leave. However, behind closed doors, he's an absolute reck. Crying as he scrolls through photo after photo of you, some with the both of you, and some that you definitely weren't away he'd taken. He'd can't believe you want to leave, after everything that's happened you'd just abandon them. Abandon him. His anger quickly melts into determination. He's just not good enough yet, that's it. That's fine, he can fix it, he'll make everything perfect for you. He gets Heartslabyul back into shape, mainly their housewarden, and demands perfection. He'll get everything back to the way it was before, and then you won't even think about leaving.

Leona

Leona learns about your plan from Jack. Like a good first year he tells him right away. Leon honestly doesn't care, not because he wants you to leave, the exact opposite really. He just knows there's no way in hell that you're leaving. You've managed to enamor some of the most powerful people imaginable, and you think you'll just be able to leave? That's funny, but no.

He doesn't understand what Jack and Ruggie are so worked up about. So what if there's some stupid mirror, there's no proof it works. Even if it does work, one of them will just find a way to get you back, no big deal.

He huffs and complains when Ruggie demands he talk to you, believing he can talk some sense into you. He shows up at your dorm with an uncaring expression, talking to you blankly. He tells you that there's no chance you can leave, and you should get it out of your little head. He yawns, and lays his large body on your couch, before threatening to break that mirror if you do forget about it. He falls asleep right after, like he didn't just scar you.

Rook

Rook likes to keep an eye on you, party because Vill asks him too, and party because he wants to. Because of this, he finds out fairly quickly, but waits to do anything about it until he's sure it's true. Then, he tells Vil so that an actual plan can be made. Though, he's never that worried. He has faith that his wonderful housewarden will be able to convince you to remain in this world. Even as Vil and Epel are panicking, he's calm and composed the entire time.

There is a part of him though, a small, small part of him, that wonders what life would be like without you. His mind is blank when he tries to do so, however. You've brought so much beauty into his world, without you it would just be cold and grey. He's reminded of this beauty whenever he watches you, you're so brave and compassionate. He's drawn to you in a way he cannot explain, there are never enough words to do so in one sitting. So, instead, he sends you poem after poem, all in different spots each day. He just wants to remind you that people care about you. Though, as time goes on, and the year gets closer to ending, the poems become more and more sinister and creepy. They're filled with dark reminders of what everyone would do to keep you here, with them. The once sweet and loving lines are replaced to be dark and obsessive.

You wonder what Rook truly feels, if the flowery words you came to enjoy were just a front for the deep and obsessed loved he truly felt.

Knowing him you'd never really know.

Vil

Vil learns from Rook, and he can't believe it. You? Leaving? That can be right? Though, Rook came to him with enough evidence for it to be possible. For a second he considers breaking down right there. If you leave, what would everything he'd done be for? He's worked so hard to become someone you'd love, and you're just going to leave him. He doesn't though, he remains calm and poised, and quickly comes up with a plan with Rook. He knows something must be done about this, especially before others find out.

Whenever Vil is done however, he's a mess. He's in shambles, wondering what he could've done better. Maybe if he was prettier, kinder, smarter, just...more, you wouldn't want to leave. He runs through his mind, wondering what he could do to make you stay. In the end, he decides it's best to talk with you, over the phone however, you can't see him like this. He pleads with you to stay, to reconsider. If you're worried about where to stay during the summer, he's sure his father wouldn't mind you staying with them. Do you not feel happy here? What can he do better, please just tell him so he can fix this, so things can go back to normal, please?

Idia

Idia learns from his brother, who's distraught. Honestly, he should've expected this. He knew this great thing would never last, someone who was kind to him and treated him like a person rather than a bother. He knew you'd get bored and leave. It doesn't make it any less disappointing when you do though. He sits in his room and doesn't leave, which isn't that strange for Idia. What is strange is him being so motivated to keep you here. He hacks into any devices that you have, seeing who you're talking to incase someone convinced you to leave. He also watches you through these devices, making sure you don't actually do anything you might regret.

He almost feels bad, snooping through your stuff like this. Emphasis on almost, however, since this isn't the first time he's done so. It's like he's numb to invading your privacy. He justifies it by believing that he's doing good, he's preventing you from leaving them, from ruining everything everyone has worked for. So what if he's snooping through your phone and reporting back anything suspicious to the others, it's your fault for wanting to leave them so badly. Even with all the mental gymnastics he does, he never once tries to contact you, too afraid of what you might say or do. He doesn't want to loose your friendship, and he can't stand you being mad at him. He's content with watching you from a distance, regardless of how creepy it is.

Lilia

Lilia's known. From the moment the thought was put into your small human head he's known you were planning on leaving. Honestly, he doesn't blame you, the children around this school are anything but subtle. If it wasn't for the lack of resources, you'd would've left this place sooner. But no, you're still here, and you've wormed your way into the hearts of these precious students, and now you have to face the consequences. He doesn't see a point in contacting you or trying to get you to change your mind. He knows that you're serious about it from the befuddled reactions from the students. In fact, he spends most of his time trying to comfort Malleus, since Sebek just had to go and tell him.

"Oh don't worry Malleus, they're not gonna leave." He coons to the poor dragon and he wallows. In truth, he fears for you, for Malleus's reaction. He knows it's only a matter of time before his sadness becomes rage, and at that point Lilia isn't sure he can help.

Lilia doesn't want you to leave. In fact, if you were just a bit smaller he's sure he would've picked you up and never let you go. You're just adorable, thinking you can leave them. And even if you do, there's always a possibility that they'll just find a way to you.

Malleus

In rained the day the news was brought to Malleus from Sebek. Well, rain was really and understatement, it was more like a thunderstorm, rattling all the windows in the school, threatening them to break. It was no secret that the Diasomnia housewarden was enamored with you, he never cared to hide it. So when rain and wind came crashing down, no one spoke a word about it, too afraid of what might happen to them.

Malleus can't possibly wonder why'd you want to leave, they've spoiled you to no end, provided you a home and care, practically worshipped you. He's personally made sure that you were treated the best, because you were the best, at least in his eyes. So what if you were just some magic-less human, you were his magic-less human, and that's all that mattered.

Malleus spends the beginning wallowing in his own pity, too depressed to leave his bed. He's afraid to face you, party because he doesn't know what he'd do when he'd finally see you again. He spends his time being comforted by Lilia, who tries to convince him that you leaving is impossible, which Malleus never believes.

Finally, when the skies clear and people can finally go outside again, do they see Mallues walking the Halls of Night Raven. He's composed, standing tall and regal. When he arrives at your dorm, seeing you for the first time in days, he doesn't belittle you or loose control. Instead, he offers you a smile, before taking your hand as you fall into a deep slumber.

There, he erases any silly little thought about leaving. You'd awake like nothing happened, smiling and happy, ready to see the friends that cared so much about you. You'll never know about the mirror missing from your room, or the chaos you caused because of an offhanded comment made at lunch. All you'll know is you had a silly little dream that felt way, way too real.

---

Cater thinks you are very adorable! but very accident prone that you tripped once and it broke his phone stand. and that was fun... you apologized and cried profusely for many minutes until your throat dried. He knows you haven't had a easy life and seeking for attention is very understandable but he will try to heal your broken heart as you heal injuries. just dont trip for his attention, cutie~

My boy Deuce is SUPER worried about you. you stir up a lot of fights even if you didn't mean to. tripping as you wail and apologize to the bad tempered student infront of you. which they end up making threats to you and which ends up deuce punching them in the face and you healing his bruised knuckles. you beg him to let you bandage his hands because you feel like it was your fault. blushes when you shakily kiss his knuckles.. blushy mess, the both of you.

YOU FELL?? LMFAOOOO - Ace probably. although he finds it hilarious that you trip on air and suddenly your knee gave out, he is worried that you hurt yourself a lot of times. ace tries to be nice to you even if he thinks you are a little empty in the head. does actually worry but never admits it, whenever he sprains an ankle or his finger is bended in a weird way, he comes rushing to your room or nurse's office were you work and acts like a kicked puppy while you patch him up. he does appreciate you more than you know.

----- ☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

Ugh what a bother, is what Leona thinks when you stumble into his life. before he started dating you, he thought.. man.. you are really clumsy and probably and idiot. but after he dates you, he finds you like a little mouse, scurrying away whenever anger approaches. he just wants to bite you and hear you squeak. but but but. he does find you cute (never admits it out loud) and useful whenever you try to do his laundry or dressing his wounds after spelldrive.

Ruggie is dumfounded when you mixed up the colored laundry and the white laundry and scolds you for it. which makes you blubber and cling onto him while he apologizes for getting mad over a mistake and pets you while you sniffle. you can't lie though, you getting attention when you mess up is like a reward... he giggles when you worry about him becauz you are the definition of clumsy. pets you on the head in reward of you not injuring yourself on purpose.

Jack feels the need to protect you no matter what. always catches you with little to no effort. kind of knows when you're gonna trip. he always goes "yup, there they go again" and you 'plop' on the floor as always. acts like you are annoying him but in reality he is just a worried little guy, tries to train your leg muscles more so you don't kiss the ground everytime. but when he finds out most of your stunts are on purpose he gets a little sad, his ears go down and hugs you and pulls you into bed so he can cuddle and you two can talk about your problems and pasts.

----- ☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

Azul is conflicted, cuz in one hand he can understand the feel of not being used to your legs but on the other hand? UR LITERALLY A HUMAN?? kinda finds out quickly your doing it cuz your attention deprived. it was more of a process of elimination. as much as he loves you, he can't keep an eye off of you for even an hour. sympathizes that you were severely bullied, and you two find comfort in each other. promises that bad things won't come your way anymore.

Jade knows immediately, are you surprised? but lets things go your way for his amusement. tripping for his attention? he'll grab you by the waist and help you back on your feet. about to drop a plate of food? he'll clean up your mistakes, catching the falling plates. and pressing a kiss on your cut. oh that blush is so very charming. he'll play along until your music box stops and you stop turning.

This boy right here... Floyd i love you but. he would make your life a nightmare. Like you trip? hes the one who tripped you, probably blames the broken dishes on you becuz hes a bich. but when he finds out that you just want his attention. he finds it a little more boring but he quickly finds out how much more fun it is, unlike jade, he doesn't give you the attention that you want, once you start to blubber away he comes running. Keep being entertaining as usual little shrimpy~ don't let him get bored.

----- ☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

Kalim actually doesn't mind but at the same time, around you the people are worried. imagine him being happy as always and so are you! but the thing is that, you two are very likely to get snatched up by the wrong people. that one time kalim scraped his knee and while patching him up you look up to see his curious and warm eyes. you looked away flushing. you feel his hand cupping your cheek and turns you back to him, you squeal and try to turn away but damn.. he is quite strong with his grip..

Jamil is pushing you away from the kitchen, he doesn't need a walking disaster. ey kidding. he is wayy to anxious to be letting you hold a knife but at the same time you can wield a needle? wayy more fragile than a knife will ever be. one time jamil had a really high fever and you stayed with him, a mask on your face. hugging him while he was shivering from the cold as your tried your best to help him. cuddling with eachother while you warm him up.

----- ☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

Vil is very.. conflicted? like yes he is very grateful you are here to help him in his times of need, but you are literally a bruise waiting to happen. you guys have a very symbiote relationship. if you are going on a important event or have a very hush hush relationship from the public he would help with makeup. and when he gets a small or medium sized injury you would help with band aids and stitches. always a "thank you dear" or embraces. if you promise him to not hurt yourself anymore, you'll get more than that.

Rook knows the outbursts you can have if you feel like everything in the world is targeting you. but he loves your imperfections if you can even call it that. discovers the pain you have and how it affects the way you act today. he knows the secrets to make you tweak. like not in a good way, he starts to talk to other girls/guys and make small touches just enough for you to notice them and he acts dumb when you crash out. but don't worry, he'll hold you in his arms while you cry and wipe your tears away.

being someone who is clumsy but also being your significant other, with Epel who has a bad habit of snapping is a very good duo! totally! But he does have his moments of keeping his cool and apologizing on his knees for being angry at your honest mistake. his mother would beat his ass for snapping at you. if he gets into fist fights he comes to you, his natural accent slipping out as you calmly put the bandage on his cheek, the warm ambient light spilling into the nurses office.

----- ☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

Idia is like "yes! i scored a boyfriend/girlfriend/S/O", but you guys are similar in a way that he didn't expect. no one you can make a first move to romance eachother. hell, how you even got together is a mystery in the first place. but honestly you two have the most like "no, you can have it" battles a lot. you usually stay hugging him whille he plays, and when you're sleeping his hair becomes very pink! but you don't see it cuz ur asleep.

----- ☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆

Malleus finds you very squishy and soft looking(?) your breakdowns don't really bother him, he just finds it a way for you to relieve your emotions. he will hold you when you need him to. He doesn't really need you for physical pain, but if you research on more dragons and their health and such. he'll really appreciate you. catches you with his magic whenever you trip. his heart breaks into pieces when you tell him about your past. you try pushing it off as a joke but he doesn't like that, just trust him..

Lilia finds you super cute, always petting you on the head or hugging you, while you let out shy giggles. always praises you, he has raised kids and knows you lack attention. also another one who never really needs your healing. he is a big tough man he says, is more like a parent more than a s/o sometimes. catches the plates before you crack them, catches you dramatically when you trip "my little attention-seeker~" he coos while sliding his fangs on your neck.

Silver tries to be awake when you trip and fall. sometimes his drowsiness gets slapped awake when you crash and possibly in a suggestive position, but he helps you up quickly. only sleeps soundly when you are in his arms tho. Does love it when you guys have cute little moments in your room or when you bandage his back or massage his cramps. does really feel fuzzy inside when you do it.

Sebek yells a lot, what do you expect? you apologizing while sobbing and his ears has fumes coming outta them. lilia smacks him upright the head and he apologizes on his hands and knees, his forehead touching the floor while he yells his apology. you try to touch him on the head while saying abt some "its okay!" and "no, im sorry" now he comes to you while having a broken arm or leg, fractured bone and happily runs to you so you can give him some special care!

She made a face, pretending to think, while your heart was beating loudly as the seconds go by. She made another sound and then held your pinky with her whole tiny hand, making you walk quickly to follow her lead, as her little wings worked harder and faster.

Around you, the forest stretched out before you like a green and mysterious blanket, birds flying and chirping around you, along with squirrels who sometimes crossed your path to offer you some fruits and nuts.

Other people could only dream of getting to know the forest like you did, of discovering its most curious secrets and the best corners for picnics and playing hide and seek.

The winds welcomed you, gently caressing your face with its invisible fingers as you ran along a muddy path, your yellow galoshes stained brown. You had explored that forest since you were pretty younger, you had cried and laughed with your fae friends - especially Lilia. The older fae pretty much raised you when your parents were too busy fighting each other.

The almost setting sunlight hit the leaves, casting dancing shadows on the ground. Your fae friends, magical creatures you had known since you were a child, seemed to be hiding much deeper into the forest today.

This forest was like your second house and you were happy to be back each and every time. And this time, you would not go back. Things got too bad to bear. You couldn't handle it anymore.

You couldn't handle the screaming and crying, and the fights. You couldn't handle being ignored.

And sometimes, they hid themselves to tire you out and convince you to stay the night. They would never have to do this again, for you didn't plan to ever return "home" now.

Sometimes, they used to do that just to play games or take a nap without being disturbed by human presence - lazy faes, you used to thought, they could just cast some spell or something but they almost never did it. They liked teasing and scaring humans too much.

You stopped running when the little fairy did. She waved you goodbye as she flew away, the sound of bells echoing in the silent forest, a thin bead of sweat running down your forehead as you took a deep breath.

And Lilia really liked to spoil you to the point of being suffocating. You suppose it was because you were a human, a mortal and ephemeral being in his eyes.

And yet, a member of his little family.

Sometimes you would hear playful laughter or the sound of branches breaking, but when you turned around there was no one there. Lilia was definitely in the mood to tease you today and it didn't seem like Silver or Malleus were around to stop him from continuing. A soft smile appeared on your lips. For someone so old and wise as he claimed to be, Lilia could be so silly.

They looked like they hadn't aged a single day in the past five years. And you remembered the time when you were a young child lost in those forests, confused and afraid, and crying inconsolably about how no one would find you. You remembered Lilia's gentle touch on your head and his gentle smile as he wiped your tears with his fingers or the way he held your hand as he led you out of the forest.

In the distance, a soft glow caught your attention. Running in that direction, you emerged into a dark clearing. The sun had set very quickly or perhaps it was Malleus's powers acting to conceal their presence, the forest you were in, despite being beautiful, had a reputation for being haunted by dangerous and treacherous fae.

The same fae in front of you.

The same fae who taught you how to dance, how to escape making a deal with a fae. Who treated you so gently, like you were made of glass.

The next day you returned. After telling the story to your parents, they didn't believe it and said you were dreaming. But you knew it wasn't. You walked purposefully through the forest, trying your best to retrace your steps as you also forced yourself to remember the way back home.

That day, you met Malleus, tall and stern, and dressed in black and green, and you asked if you could touch his horns. He laughed so hard he cried. But in the end, he let you touch his horns while he listened to you chatter about his father, making a comment or two sometimes.

Somehow, you felt like he looked more fae than human, sometimes the necklace he wore around his neck glowed and he had such a gentle, comfortable aura. Instead of sharing the sweets with Lilia, Malleus and Silver, you ended up falling asleep with the platinum boy under a willow tree. When you woke up that day, you were at the entrance to the forest, covered with palm leaves serving as a blanket.

In the days that followed, you brought them sweets. Your mother had told you that if you made a friend, you should share food with them so you wanted to do so, you brought so many sweets that they kept falling out of your pockets and you had to bend down to pick them up. This time, the one who came to your aid was Silver, he was also a human, but he told you that his biological parents had abandoned him in that forest and then a fae decided to take care of him.

Humans can be worse than fae, he told you. And his tone was full of pain as if he was older than he actually looked like.

Sebek, you met after running away from home for the first time. Your parents were fighting for some stupid reason again and it made you so stressed. You kicked every stone you found on the way and grimaced every time the sun touched your face with its rays. Everything in the world seemed boring and cruel that day. You, however, took your mind off it as you were captured in a trap, steel wires binding your legs together and pulling you up until you were suspended in the air.

But the sweets were gone. That night, you dreamed of big red eyes watching you sleep in the dark, but they were gentle and protective eyes, as if they wanted to guard your sleep.

To thank you for the sweets, for making friends with Silver and Malleus.

To this day you don't remember what Sebek was hunting or trying to do, but the story still made you laugh, especially because he was more panicked than you, screaming and shaking. And when Lilia came to his aid, he was also laughing at the situation.

Five years later and it still feels like nothing has changed. Silver had in his hands an ancient and delicate lyre, his fingers plucking his strings in a peaceful rhythm as if inviting his listener to relax and let go of their worries. He once tried to teach you how to play, but you didn't have much talent for it, preferring to listen rather than play.

And it was always a beautiful sight to watch him play, he was ethereal in those moments, as if he was playing a secret song that the world has forgotten, a song that made your heart inside your chest spin.

That called you. That made you feel welcome.

Malleus and Sebek, however, had no such concern and danced arm in arm and spinning in circles. It was a silly and fun dance, and at that moment, you wished you had your cell phone with you so you could register it forever, but you had quickly left the house and forgotten it.

The music was addictive, your body almost moving to the beat. But you stopped yourself in time, knowing that Lilia would offer you to dance with him, he always did because he knew you couldn't accept it. Dancing with a fae is like a drug, one that you don't have a medicine for and that once you try it nothing else in the world makes sense.

And whenever you would agree to dance with him, he'd go on and on without ever stopping.

Well, you'd have to commit this entire precious moment to your memory then, you suppose.

They noticed his presence almost immediately and Silver nodded his head in greeting as he played the last notes of his song.

After finishing their dance, Malleus came to you and, as he always did, wrapped you in a warm hug that instantly makes you melt. Your face sinking into his chest as he stole any and all worries you might have been harboring within yourself to him. A long sigh left your lips and you looked at him fondly.

"Any news to tell us, Yuu?" He asked.

So many things. More things than you could think of at that moment. School, new friends, new changes, everything was new and completely terrifying, and you were abandoning everything. Because it wasn't worth it.

There in that hug that ended very quickly, with those beings that everyone had an irrational fear against, you were at home. You were free to be who you were without any fear of possible rejection from them.

"Too much to say, not enough time for everything." You replied, a little laugh present in your voice. You held onto his shirt, silently asking for another hug and giving him your best puppy eyes, and Malleus, laughing, enveloped you into another of his warm hugs.

"But... I ran from home, this time for good." Your voice was muffled against Malleus shirt.

Sebek was beside you in a moment, and your ears hurt from anticipation. "What do you mean by that, little human?"

You winced, your lips wobbling as you tried not to cry. You failed in getting your voice steadier. "Mom and dad were fighting again... They were screaming, and there was crying, and at some point, they were breaking stuff. And they blamed me for everything, even if i didn't have any fault at all."

Malleus’s eyes widened, and his hands tightened over your shoulders, not out of anger, but out of a fierce, protective desperation. His sharp eyes softened as he saw the tears brimming in yours, the way you were trying so hard to hold them back, to not show any sign of weakness.

You fell into silence, too afraid to cry to continue speaking. When you cried while your parents were fighting, they used to belittle and mock you.

Your mom used to say that her life would be better without you in it.

But to him, there was nothing weak about your tears. It made his chest ache to see you so small and fragile, curling into yourself like you wanted to disappear. He tightened his hug over your figure.

“They blamed you?” Sebek repeated, his voice low and dangerous, as if he could scarcely believe it. “How dare they? Those insolent—” He stopped himself, his fangs bared for a moment before he managed to calm down. He could feel his rage bubbling, but he knew that anger would not help you right now.

“You are not at fault, little human. You never were.” He said softly, through gritting teeth.

You glanced up at him, trying to find comfort in his words, but the hurt you ignored for so long ran too deep. “But they said—”

“They were wrong!” Sebek’s voice boomed, making you flinch, but he immediately softened, realizing he was scaring you. He lowered his voice, though it still held a fierce intensity. “You should never have to bear such cruelty. Your worth does not depend on their words, and I won’t let you believe it does.”

“You don’t have to go back to them,” Sebek said, and there was a finality in his tone, a vow that left no room for argument. “You can stay here, on the woods, where no one can hurt you.”

The forest was quiet, save for the sound of your shaky breathing, and you felt the weight of their gaze on you, unwavering and heavy with emotion. Sebek didn’t always understand humans, but he understood enough to know that you needed protection, and he would do anything to provide it, as would Melleus and Simver.

Anything to make you feel safe, even if it meant guarding you from the very people who were supposed to love you.

You blinked at him, surprised by how quickly he made the decision for you, but a part of you felt relieved, a part of you were afraid they would send you away. “But… I won't be a burden?”

From behind Sebek, you saw a shadowy figure approaching fast, and in the blink of the eye, you realized who it was. Lilia was walking faster, his presence filling the space, his eyes glowing softly in the dim light. He had heard everything, and there was a sadness there, but also a determination that made your heart skip a beat.

Silver's eyes flashed with something unreadable, almost offended by the mere suggestion. “A burden?!” he exclaimed, his voice rising again before he caught himself, this time gentler but no less insistent.

“You could never be a burden. We—” he paused, his words catching in his throat before he continued, “we care for you. Do you not see that? If you are in pain, we will be there to carry it for you. If you are in need, we will help you. You belong with us.”

“What Sebek and Silver says is true,” He spoke, his voice was commanding, as if every word was a decree. “You are no longer alone, darling. The forest now welcomes you as your home now, as I welcome you into my family and we will not let you face any more of that suffering.”

You instantly melt; the tension leaving your shoulders. Part of you wanted to tell them that you didn’t want to impose, that you didn’t want to drag them into your problems, but another part — a much smaller, quieter part — felt relieved, like you could finally breathe. Like you didn’t have to keep fighting alone.

Lilia appeared beside Malleus, a soft, knowing smile on his lips. “You poor thing,” he said, his voice as light as a lullaby, yet with a hint of sadness. “You’ve been carrying so much weight by yourself, haven’t you? It must have been exhausting. But you don’t have to anymore. We’re here for you.”

Silver's usually sleepy eyes were now wide open and he was fully awake. “If your family can’t see how precious you are, then they don’t deserve you. We’ll take care of you, and you won’t have to worry about going back.”

You felt the weight of their words, the way they seemed so sure, so unyielding in their determination to keep you safe. It was overwhelming, and for a moment, you couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. They spilled down your cheeks, hot and unbidden, and before you could even try to wipe them away, Sebek took you from Malleus’s arms and into his.

His arms were firm and steady around you. “There, there, little human,” he murmured, his voice gentler than you’d ever heard it. “Cry if you must, but know this: you are not alone anymore. Not now, not ever.”

Malleus stepped closer, placing a hand on your head, his cool fingers brushing against your hair. “We will keep you safe,” he said softly, his tone carrying a promise that echoed through the room. “And if anyone dares to hurt you again, they will face our wrath. As the fae king, I promise you this.”

It was a strange feeling... To be surrounded by so much protectiveness. They were intense, determined. And you had been aching for something like this for so long — to be wanted, to not be a burden.

You leaned into Sebek’s embrace, your sobs slowly subsiding as the warmth of their presence surrounded you. Maybe it was wrong to feel comforted by this, but right now, you didn’t care. All you wanted was to believe that, for once, you could let go and be cared for, without fear or hesitation.

“Thank you,” you whispered, your voice barely audible, but they heard it. And in that moment, you felt the unspoken promise between you and them solidify, a bond that was as fierce as it was unbreakable.

"Yes," there's a faint giggle following your words, one that makes his eyes narrow, "He's been such a great help! I've never gotten so much done in a day."

Your callousness—your casual disregard for how he may feel hearing this—stings most. More than it does seeing another arm brush back your hair as you're leaving and your radiant smile directed to someone else when he's right there. More than the knowledge that he's been kicked to the curb so you could giggle away with someone else.

It appeared to him that you may have forgotten that Lilia was not always sweet and doting. You had gotten too used to your playful senior, unaware of the role he played many years ago in the Briar Valley. You had no clue that behind his gentle caresses were brutal strikes and behind his lively words, frightening commands.

But this could very well serve as a good opportunity for you to learn.

Lilia's initial plan was to target Malleus during Beanfest (all, of course, in good fun), but considering your recent show of ungratefulness, he decided to focus on you for a little while. He only wanted to scare you a little, just to shake you up and make you realize that Lilia could be frightening if he wanted to, and that you were extremely fortunate to be on the receiving side of his tender touch and not the cold point of his blade instead.

Honestly, he wanted to scare you just a little.

But seeing you sprawled below him, eyes wide and breathing shallow, heart pounding against your chest, your limbs unmoving and fear etched into every crevice of your figure, Lilia couldn't help but mess with you a little more. He leans in closer, letting you see the unfeeling hardness in his eyes and the menacing grin on his face, holding you still with an iron grip and digging his nails just enough to prick the skin of your cheek. The silence is deafening. He had planned well enough to lure you away from any crowds, leaving you even more terrified at the realization that there was nobody to help. Not that anyone in NRC was selfless enough to get in his way and sacrifice their lives for you.

"Caught you," his usual airy tone is completely gone, leaving behind something sinister and unsettling. He hears you exhale sharply, and watches as you begin to tremble as his hand squeezes you once more.

Then he pulled back with a light giggle, all previous signs of malice gone immediately and replaced by a mischievous grin.

"Oh? I didn't scare you too much, did I?"

Your lips part in an awkward, still-shaken laugh. Delight thrums in him as he observes how you still reach out to take his outstretched hand, despite how you're still reeling from the shock. There's still apprehension in the way you hesitate, and the heavy silence that follows, but Lilia wasn't bothered. He glances at your intertwined hands with a concealed smirk.

It was a lesson well learned.

At his age, he's simply running out of new experiences; school, politics, even the wonderful world of the internet have started becoming monotonous and boring, leaving him in a slump.

Perhaps, then, that's why he's taken such an interest in you.

Such an intriguing little creature, he thinks, watching you from the shadows of the Diasomnia lounge.

You'd come by to drop something off for Malleus, the sweet thing that you are, and, once again, Lilia finds himself shamelessly staring.

He knows he shouldn't, but, oh, he truly can't help himself!

He inches closer. Lilia can't help but wonder what sort of noise you'll make when he startles you this time. A gasp? A shout, perhaps? Maybe even a cute little squeak... the thought of that is strangely exciting to him.

Only one way to find out.

He drops out of the shadows, blocking you from the exit just as you turn towards it. "Hello!"

And... Nothing.

You smile. "Ah... hello again, Lilia. Did Malleus tell you I was coming?"

His arms fall to his sides with a pout. Nothing? Nothing at all? You look at him like he has something stuck in his teeth.

"He may have mentioned," Lilia sighs. "You're impossible to tease these days. It's quite disappointing, really."

You smile slightly, much to his bemusement. He hates letting you have the upper hand... "Maybe I've started anticipating your pranks. You'll just need to find some new material,"

New material...? He scoffs. You're not even the least bit concerned about him!

"It used to be so easy to get a rise out of you. Humans change far too fast," he laments.

"Now I'll never get to see that flustered look on your face ever again! Or I'll have to come up with something new to tease you with..."

"Orrrr... you could just not tease me at all?"

He chuckles, shaking his head as if you had just said something ridiculous. "With your precious reactions? Impossible!"

You sigh.

Lilia tuts, tapping his chin as if lost in deep thought. He circles you once, twice, then stops in front of you.

"I can't think of anything," he sighs dramatically. "It'll come to me later... Is that uniform new?"

"Oh, uh..." you mutter, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. You turn around yourself in a circle. How cute.

"Well, it's the same uniform, but I got my measurements taken at Pomefiore, and they they got me a better fitting one."

"I can tell,"

He hums pleasantly, dragging his eyes over your body. "They did a wonderful job accentuating your features,"

You huff and look away, much to his delight, clearly taken by surprise by his change in tone.

"...Thank you,"

"Fufufu. Don't mention it," Lilia says, eyes narrowing. "You don't get complimented very much, do you?"

"Not regularly,"

"I could surmise as much. Why, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you're almost flustered by little old me. Is that right?"

Hook, line, and sinker. Your eyes widen as you realize that you've walked right into his trap. "Oh, no, no. I'm not. I'm fine!"

"Really? Don't get shy on me, now. I'm beginning to like this even more than scaring you,"

He takes a step forward, drinking in the sight of you, your body's nervous reactions to his teasing. "How cute,"

"Tease," you say, biting the corner of your lip.

You back yourself against the wall of the lounge, to his absolute delight, and he takes that as an invitation to get closer.

"That I am," Lilia admits without a hint of shame. "But don't bite your lip... I want to do that."

That long sought-after squeak finally escapes you, music to his ears, and he leans closer. For a moment, it seems like he's about to close the distance between you... then, at the last second, he pulls back.

He chuckles. "Oh, what fun! I haven't felt so young in ages. But I do have other business to attend to,"

And so, Lilia leaves you stunned, trembling against the wall as he merrily walks off before you seem to come to your senses.

"Vanrouge, you little shit! Get back here!"

A slight giggle escapes him as he starts off running, with you not far behind. He was right; this is much, much more rewarding than scaring you.