Emery

Also I can’t help but giggle at the thought that when the day is done and everyone is okay he realizes he was just jealous of himself lol

i feel like he WOULD try to pursue them once hearing they're technically single (he definitely wouldn't go for them if they told him they were taken imo) but would take his time, like he wouldn't be too quick and careless about it, assuming you probably couldn’t move on so quick after recently losing the love of your life

despite general lilia's hostility and dislike towards humans, he still understands the feeling of losing someone you love regardless of who you were, and can’t help but pity you, and feels it’s better if he kept his feelings to himself instead of doing nor saying anything yet

or maybe just at all at that, because that feeling of shame for falling for a human during such a time still twisted deep in his chest

also, he’d likely fall silent after you told him your husband passed, that cold barrier of his falling slightly as his stoic expression falters before murmuring a small sorry for your loss. of course, due to not being given much context, he would probably assume you must’ve lost your lover during the war, especially if you told him your husband was a fae

an addition to learning your lover was a fae, he would be initially surprised and a little confused that a human and fae ACTUALLY managed to get together, but something in him just can’t find it weird with you—as if he perfectly understands why your husband fell for you

he was a little suspicious with how awkward you were telling him about it, narrowing his eyes a little, especially with how you refused to look him in the eye lmao

like this

but then he slowly began to get used to you and actually developing feelings later on (as ashamed as he felt for falling for a human during such a time), yet he couldn't help but wonder if you were already married with the way you treat silver and sebek like your sons and how they treat you as if you were their parent, so obviously one would come down to the conclusion that you were already taken with a family.

the general couldn't stop his thoughts from drifting farther to who exactly won your heart first and if you were widowed, divorced, split apart, or just a single parent entirely—did your lover even deserve you? did they treat you right? would HE treat you better? did they actually even love you? how could they not? why were you all alone in a war if they did? the more he thought about your possible lover, the larger that twisted, bothersome feeling grew in lilia's chest as his jaw clenched in jealousy, clearly envious of whoever gets to see your beautiful face everyday.

little does he know it's himself he's jealous of.

i could’ve easily made that work too by just adding how they have a shorter lifespan for being trapped in their egg longer than malleus, and as a price from that (like how malleus’ powers became abnormally unstable for being trapped for so long); their lifespan shortened, and they ended up dying early before they can get married like they dreamed 😞

❥ — silver vanrouge x g/n malleus’ younger sibling! reader (twisted wonderland)

Being Malleus Draconia’s younger sibling, many had initially assumed that when you both had hatched from your eggs, it was but a bit after the others, Malleus being the first one to hatch of course.

However due to the lack of proper care and love from your actual mother, you took a bit longer than your brother…Sure your grandmother had helped you both hatch by the time Lilia had reached her, but you were more delayed than Malleus who had hatched way earlier.

Minutes had passed, then hours, then days…It took you nearly a whole week to properly hatch, Maleficia herself even beginning to grow anxious as your struggles and panic became more and more clear, especially since dragons age fast. Within your shell, your grandmother heard all of your frantic wails and thrashing, though your shell just wouldn’t crack one bit.

Compared to Malleus’ struggle in hatching from his egg, you were obviously much worse.

Fortunately on the seventh day, you finally hatched before your demise reached its arrival, though you were much younger than your brother who had aged faster than you. Unlike Malleus, you had not watched Lilia raise Silver and Sebek, instead you grew up with them, being around their ages, and always following after them with softer steps.

Sebek was always loud and boisterous, even as a child, going on about—not just Malleus’—but also your glory and his devotion for the both of you, loud enough for the windows to literally rattle. Silver on the other hand was much more gentle and quiet; always apologizing when he unintentionally dozed off, pretty lashes fluttering to stay awake, always making sure you were safe even at such a young age…

Just as you liked, adoring him in response to it. He was simply beautiful, so sweet and caring, always making sure you were safe, even till this day in NRC…! You just had to make him yours, it was true love like the ones in the fairytales after all! Although most of the fairytales you heard of included your specie being the raging monster ready to devour anyone who comes in its line of sight while Silver is typically the prince who has to take you down.

Not this story though.

Even as children, you always found a way to cling to him, your small hand tucked into his sleeve with Sebek loudly ranting on ahead, Silver struggling to even keep his eyes open as he walked with your pleased figure. Most times where you do indeed run into his dozing self either behind a tree or a stone wall shadowed by the sun, you would quickly toddle over and try to awaken him.

“Silver~!” Your little voice called out, nudging him gently with your little hands placed on his shoulders, dropping to your knees beside him as you ignored the wilderness creatures who were initially cuddling with Silver before scattering upon sensing your draconic presence, paying no mind to your dirtied clothes that your grandmother would likely scold you over later on.

When your gentle tugs didn’t work, you pouted and began to literally shake him back and forth, once more forgetting your inhuman strength, “Silver, wake up! C’mon, play with me…! You promised to after I’m done with my magic training that dumb Mally forced me to do again!” You squealed, throwing in a little shade to your elder brother who was also quite fed up with your antics.

You seemed clueless to the fact Silver likely only promised to play with you after you finished training so you can…Actually do your training, Malleus seeming to have used him against you. It’s better you stay unaware of that, lest you bring down the whole Briar Valley, trying to attack Malleus (and failing, need i predict).

Silver let out soft snore, jolting awake yet barely, his beautiful purple eyes drowsily finding their way onto your pouting expression, “Ah…My apologies, your highness…Just…Give me a mo…” His voice trailed off before he ultimately dozed off again, this time right on your shoulder.

You stared at him for a good few minutes, the only thing filling the air other than his gentle snores being the tweaking birds.

You then puffed your cheeks out, tilting your head to face his own tilted face as you whispered to him this time, “Silly Silver…You can’t just sleep anywhere! What if someone tries to steal you from me?” You mumbled to no one in particular. You then suddenly decided to curl against his side, your frown forming into a satisfied little smile when his body instinctively adjusted to make room for you, the two children practically cuddling.

“Don’t worry, Silver…Even though I’m still angry with you, I won’t leave my sleepy knight here all defenseless and alone to danger! I’ll stay awake through dawn and protect you with my magic until you wake up!” You proudly declared to him in that soft tone, shuffling closer to lay your head on his shoulder, being mindful of your two tall horns as you wrapped your draconic tail around him, hugging his sides.

Despite your declaration, you had both ended up fallen asleep together, yet were safe from any danger fortunately, only founded by Lilia who had gone searching for you two.

And there was always one thing you were set on making it happen with Silver; marriage. Although marriage upon a royal and their servant (especially their own knight) was heavily frowned upon in the royal community, you didn’t care in the slightest. Silver is your one true love, and no one can stop that.

“One day, Silver…We’re going to get married!”

Silver had never snapped his eyes open so fast in his entire life.

Slowly, he turned to face you, sitting on a bench with you as you gleefully swung your legs back and forth, “Marry…?” He repeated as if you just said the most ridiculous thing ever.

You nodded determinedly, clearly serious, “Mhm! When we grow older, you’ll propose to me in-front of all of the Briar Valley and we’ll have a beautiful wedding!” You declared, grinning ear-to-ear.

Silver stared at you for a while before shaking his head and turning away, “But…We can’t. Knights can’t marry royalty.” Your smile faltered, “It’s improper, I’ve been told. I serve both you and your brother, everyone will look at you in shame…!” He continued, still unable to face you.

You frown deepened, “Hmph! Who cares what others think?” You suddenly said, scooting closer to him, puffing out your little body with as much determination as it can hold.

“Huh?”

Your grin returned, hand reaching to clasp around his, “Love is love! I won’t let anyone get in the way of it, not even some stupid rules!” You declared, throwing your arms around him in a tight hug.

“I’ll even burn down kingdoms if that’s what it takes!”

Even as Silver stared at you in bewilderment, he couldn’t stop himself from hugging you back, not a single protest escaping his mouth. That was all it took for him to silently agree.

Unfortunately however, not everyone shared this same enthusiasm. Your brother was a good example of this.

When you and Silver were merely 10 years old and Malleus was around his teenage years, you had proudly declared at tea time, “When I grow up, I’m gonna marry Silver and Silver only! No other lousy royals shoved in my face will make me change my mind!” with a big grin.

Malleus nearly choked on his drink in response while Silver remained fast asleep despite promising Lilia he won’t fall asleep this time.

Lilia merely chuckled, having no issues with your words on the other hand, “Oho? Good choice, little bat! I can assure you Silver will treat you like a gem. I bet you’re already planning the wedding in your mind, aren’t you?” He teased, watching your grin widen as you turned to face him.

You nodded eagerly and fast, “That’s right! It’ll be the grandest and largest wedding all of Briar Valley has heard of with Silver and I wearing the most beautiful shade of white and green! I can imagine that the birds and butterflies he attracts will guide him and I down the aisle! Everyone in the land will be invited and you’ll be walking me down, Lilia!” You cheerfully went on, grinning ear to ear, proudly showing your draconic fangs in the process.

“Really? Me? My, consider me flattered, little bat! I’m sure you’ll look beautiful!”

Malleus can only huff in response, clearly exasperated with both your blabberings, “Don’t encourage them, Lilia…[reader], you can’t marry your knight. That’s not how it works.” He blankly reminds, eyes narrowed.

You only narrowed your eyes back at him, taking his words as a challenge.

“Hmph! Yes I can—you don’t make the rules, Malleus!”

“I didn’t make this rule indeed, but the royal society did. Once again, you cannot marry Silver.” Malleus retorted, not missing a beat with his words.

“Yes I can, and I will!” You snapped, hitting the table with your fist lightly, causing the silverware to jolt. Yet Malleus remained unfazed, “And what do you know about society?! You don’t even have any friends, and no one wants to be your friend anyway! You know what?! You’re not going to be invited to our wedding! The whole land will be invited, but not you!” You declared fiercely, the tension only growing thicker and thicker.

Malleus glared at that, mostly irritated by the whole friend part. You really went for the throat with that one… “Cease your tongue, you brat! And there won’t be a wedding you can’t invite me to anyway, because you won’t be marrying Silver—you’re royalty!” He repeated firmly, balling his fists.

“Yes I will! He’s Silver!”

Lilia can only sigh to himself as you both bickered back and forth, his neck hurting from the amount of times he looked from Malleus to you.

You were all clueless to the thunder brewing outside in response to your growing anger.

“What exactly does that change…? You’re still not marrying Silver.”

“YES I AM!”

Your voice finally cracked at that, lower lip trembling as the skies began to darken further. Lightning cracked harshly outside while you shrieked, rain pouring outside the courtyard and slamming against the windows.

You yanked over a dozing Silver—who’s somehow still sleeping through all of this—and pulled him in tightly and almost protectively, your eyes practically pouring out tears as your cheek squished against his.

“I’ll marry him! I’ll marry him! I’ll marry him! I’LL MARRY HIM!”

Malleus could only wince as your shrieks nearly busted his eardrums, hissing in frustration while you continued to shriek, kicking your feet on the floor, throwing a tantrum.

“It’s not fair! Who cares about some stupid tradition? Marriage is meant to make one happy, right? So why are you trying to prevent that for me?! Do you just hate me, brother?!“

You looked 5 seconds away from tearing one horn out to match with your brother later on in the future.

“Wha—why would I hate you?! How could you even suggest such a thing—?!”

Lilia finally cut in, lest the storm grows 10x worse with both your anger and Malleus’ forming one combined, “Oh, hush now, you two, and let the child dream, Malleus…! They’re very determined clearly.” Lilia hummed, approaching your wailing form and scooping you up in his arms perfectly, Malleus watching with an irritated look, “You on the other hand must cease this storm, little bat! If it carries on for much longer, there won’t be much of the Briar Valley left for you to get married at, hm?“

Lilia most likely strongly understood a young royal desiring to marry their knight. He was like that himself after all, having desired to marry Princess Maleanor and her own betrothed despite being their knight as children! Of course, we all know how their story ended…

Under Lilia’s gentle reassurance, you can only hiccup and nod softly, hugging his neck tightly. There was only one thing in your mind right now as Lilia comforted you and you weakly glared at an unfazed Malleus past his shoulder; you will marry Silver (who was still dozed off). It’s set.

And as you all grew and attended the same school together, your affection only deepened instead of vanishing like most people assumed. You’d even take the time to catch flowers that you researched the meanings of and bring them to Silver almost shyly, write lovely poems for him, gently help him awaken as he requested for you to, and even make sure he doesn’t overwork himself during his training.

Silver blinked when a large bouquet of red myrtle’s were suddenly shoved in his face after he had finished training with Sebek on the Diasomnia grounds, having been wiping the sweat off his forehead. He glanced up to the source, only to see you standing before him, shyly holding the flowers out.

“These are for you, Silver…They’re, eh…Myrtle’s. I-I took awhile finding the prettiest ones and organizing them! I hope you like them…” You murmured, averting your gaze with your face all warmed up and cheeks dusted red.

“I did ask some students for help! But they all ran…I even tried smiling like you told me to…”

Another bothersome thing you and Malleus shared and equally disliked.

Silver stared at the flowers for a long minute before a smile formed on his lips and he slowly took them, holding them close as you perked up at that, “They’re beautiful, thank you, and don’t worry about your smile. I think it’s pretty as well—most people just don’t seem to understand that.”

Your smile grew, and so did that blush on your cheeks, shuffling back and forth on your heels. Silver never seemed to notice the meaning of the flowers; marriage and devotion, nor did he know you spent hours researching just what flowers would fit him best.

Silver honestly never understood how people can be frightened of you…As much as he could never find Malleus scary himself, he at least understood how most people thought your brother was scary with that resting face he holds, stoic personality, and towering figure along with his overwhelming power you don’t quite rival yet. But you? Sure you were sorta like a mini spoiled little tyrant growing up (god forbid if anyone said no to you), but now you just reminded Silver of a dream!

He still remembered the time Sebek ate the last pastry you were saving for yourself in the Diasomnia lounge and—instead of striking him until he coughed out said pastry like the evil tyrant many viewed you to be—had sulked and guilt-tripped him.

“So greedy, Sebek…It was mine, and I had told you from the start to not let anyone eat it while I went out with Malleus! But who would’ve known my own trusted knight would’ve eaten it instead?” You mumbled, a frown curved onto your lips as you leaned your head against the armrest of Diasomnia lounges couch dramatically, eyes shut “solemnly” .

Sebek shrieked, holding his hands up in guilt, “I-IT WAS NOT MY INTENTION, YOUR HIGHNESS! I HAD FORGOTTEN, TRULY! DO NOT BE UPSET WITH ME, I APOLOGIZE FOR MY GLUTTONY!” You almost let out a snort at that. Gluttony? My, he could be so dramatic…!

Silver was of course nearby, finding himself surprisingly unable to fall asleep and watch the exchange, naturally lidded eyes blinking slowly.

You then mustered up the saddest look you could create and finally turned to face a very guilty-looking Sebek. It took everything in you to not burst out laughing—he just looked like a scolded puppy!

“Hmph. Well, if you’d like to make it up to me, then go to that bakery by Mr. S’s shop, and get me 5 dozens of those specific pastries you had eaten! I’ll be sure to send in a good word about your training to Malleus if you do.” You promised, a grin forming back into your lips.

“Oh, and get Malleus a little something too, okay?”

Sebek immediately stood up and bowed repeatedly, “OF COURSE! ANYTHING TO MAKE YOU HAPPY AGAIN, YOUR HIGHNESS!” Was what he declared before immediately running out of the room and to the bakery, nearly slamming into a passerby student who jumped at his sudden arrival and speed.

A delighted hum merely left you, happily watching him leave, palms innocently clasped in your lap.

A sigh broke the silence as Silver turned to face you with an exasperated look, “You’re truly wrong for that, your highness…You already have a box of those pastries from the exact same bakery in your dorm room, so I doubt one pastry being eaten truly bothered you that much.” He reminded flatly, watching your expression suddenly soften at the sight of him, “And Lord Malleus doesn’t even like sweets that much and you know it, meaning that one was just an extra for you, wasn’t it?”

I guess it really isn’t just a stereotype for dragons to be called greedy…

Yet your teasing never lessened, “Hmm…Perhaps I did, perhaps I didn’t…You can’t deny that his reactions were funny though! He’s so silly…!” You giggled, grinning ear-to-ear. You’re not a fae if you don’t have a mischievous streak in you after all, especially when it comes to misleading and messing with humans/half-humans.

Silver can only sigh at that, a familiar warm feeling forming in his chest at the sound of your giggles and laughter.

No. He truly can’t understand what was so frightening about you and why students scattered from the halls upon seeing you. You were still the same child that once tried to teach a butterfly how to sit on your finger, created a little nest between your horns for birds to nap on, and even tried to get a squirrel (who was terrified of you by the way) to sit in your teacup!

You still walked with your arm looped around his, still followed him around with that dreamy expression, still napped with him as he dozed off, and still admired him as if he were an angel sent down from the heavens.

An example for a moment like that would be where you’d stare at him for too long while he was either speaking to you, asleep (which he’s somehow okay with), or doing something, face filled with love that spoke louder than a mere “I love you.”

Sometimes he’d even glance over and catch you.

“Is something the matter, your high—er…[reader]?” He would ask, making sure to refer to you as your name. Just as you liked.

Your smile merely widened, head still tilted in your hand, “No. You’re just beautiful, Silver…Like a sleeping beauty. My sleeping beauty.” You’d hum, eyes lidded.

Silver would immediately stiffen upon hearing that, cheeks tinting pink and his eyes widening before quickly turning way to hide his flushed face, though his reddened ears already gave it away, “Don’t say such things so loudly, [reader]…People might hear.” He warned, unable to meet your gaze, even as you nuzzled his cheek lovingly.

“But I can’t help it~! You’re just so pretty…If I were ever asked what I think is the beauty in humanity, I’d say “my dear Silver Vanrouge!” ”

The redness that swallowed Silver’s skin from your words rivaled a tomatoes. It only got worse when you decided to peck his rosy cheek, causing his eyes to shut in embarrassment, frowning in an attempt to maintain his composure.

“Ah! Even your skin tastes good! Like strawberries…Hehe~! Maybe I do understand why we dragons used to gobble up humans centuries ago!”

Malleus has told you to stop saying those kinds of things countless times.

Speaking of who, another thing that stayed was how fed up your brother still was with you. Not because he still believed a royal shouldn’t be with their servant, he’s grown past that belief now, but because your admiration for Silver is distracting for both him and yourself.

“Dear sibling, I thought I had told you day after day to refrain from watching Silver train with Sebek…You distract him.”

Malleus’ deep voice rumbled from behind you as he approached you one day on the Diasomnia grounds where you were sitting on a bench, admiring Silver train swordplay with Sebek, chin perched in your palms and your eyes lidded in a love-daze.

The way he adjusted his stance fluidly, sleepy lavender eyes narrowed in concentration, silver hair glinting under the sun, his grip on his sword tight yet perfect in its expertise…

You were truly lucky to have him as your own knight and future husband! (as you profusely claimed)

Though you were clueless to the way his gaze would persistently drift towards you, unconsciously giving Sebek the advantage of knocking him off his feet. You never really noticed nor acknowledged Silver’s imperfections anyway.

“SILVER, FOCUS! YOUR OPPONENT CAN CATCH YOU EASILY IF YOU KEEP YOUR GUARD DOWN LIKE THAT!”

“Erk…I am. But I can’t if you keep screaming into my ear like that, Sebek…”

Even those sentences hadn’t rung in your ears, still focusing on Silver’s movements. You perked up at Malleus’ words, turning around to face him whose brow was currently twitching in exasperation, a firm frown on his lips, “Hm? I’m not doing anything wrong! I can’t admire how well my knight’s expertise in sword-fighting is anymore? How else am I possibly going to check if he’s able to protect me properly?” You feigned innocence, folding your arms stubbornly and turning your face away.

Malleus sighed meanwhile, “I’ve known you long enough and watched the way you make Silver stumble over his feet with the way you’d cling to him as you two walked to know that’s a lie, [reader]…” He reminds, folding his own arms now.

“I would never lie to my own brother, Malleus…How cruel of you to even think I’d do such a thing! We faes cannot even lie!”

“With how much of a horrible liar you currently are now; of course we faes cannot lie. He had dropped his sword just before I arrived right after you waved at him—I believe that’s proof enough that you’re distracting him…” Malleus retorted, his scolding look hardening.

Even then, his words did nothing to snap you out of it, “Hehe…Yes, I noticed that…! It was adorable, wasn’t it?” You hummed dreamily, eyes lidding in bliss.

“There’s only one answer to a question like that or else you’ll rain hail on everyone, and you know it…Why must you ask questions you know the answer to?”

As you two bickered lightly, Sebek meanwhile squared his stance and swung his sword at Silver precisely, clearly intending to catch him off-guard, only for Silver’s eyes to snap towards the incoming attack and knock it back swiftly with his sword without a struggle.

You clasped your hands together at that, practical hearts forming in your eyes if they even could, “Ah…That was perfect! Such a disciplined dodge! Don’t you agree, Malleus?” You giggled, closing your eyes in happiness as you rocked your body back and forth in joy. Like a certain lovestruck princess from a sleepy fairytale, ranting about the prince she ran into to her three fairy guardians.

Your blissful and love-struck expression was a contrast to Malleus’ own skeptical one. He truly doesn’t understand the behavior of love and frankly finds it nauseating all thanks to you, “I’m a fool for even thinking I can convince you...” He mumbles, shaking his head as he turned to save himself from the nausea and leave.

When the evening arrived, the moon shining above the Diasomnia dormitory where Silver was polishing his sword, you had suddenly crept up behind him—a poor habit you had and shared with Malleus—and wrapped your arms around him, hugging from behind as he jolted slightly.

Though he instantly relaxed his body upon seeing you and that dreamy look you always wore around him, plus the feeling of your horns bumping against his head.

“Silver…” You murmured in his ear softly as he faced you from the corner of his eye, continuing to clean his sword, “Is something wrong, your highness?” He responded gently, his voice softer than usual when speaking to you.

You pouted slightly at his title for you, “Hm…I thought I told you not to call me that…” You then scooted closer and laid your head on his shoulder once more, mindful of your horns, causing Silver to finally pause in his movements.

“You’re still the only one I desire to marry, Silver…”

Silver faltered at that and can only let out a sigh in response, “You still think that? I had assumed you…Grew out of it.” He said, making no move to nudge you off.

Your face merely brightened, unfazed by his words, “How can I “grow out of it” ? I’m very serious about that matter, don’t you know?” You pinched his cheek teasingly, watching him shut his eyes and turn his face away, “I can’t stop myself from falling for you anyway! No matter what may try to attack me, you’re always there to my rescue…! Faster than Sebek, need I add!” No shade on Sebek, you still loved him. Maybe not as much as you loved Silver, but Sebek was like an overprotective little brother to you that admired his big sibling (you).

Silver’s cheeks flushed lightly at your tease, “That’s only because it’s my duty…Nothing else.” He states firmly, still unable to look you in the eye as he said that.

You innocently tilted your head at that, a teasing glint in your eyes, “Only your duty? Silver…You know you can’t lie to a fae, right? I can tell that just the thought of me injured haunts you…! Especially since you and I both know I could’ve easily stopped those attacks that you were so determined to save me from!” You reminded, leaning your face over to face him with that grin of yours.

Silver stiffened at your retort and can only let out a sigh, knowing there was no point in making anymore excuses, “Even so…It’s still strongly frowned upon for royals to be wed to their servants…You’ll be humiliated if you do so! I can’t just let that happen to you.” Silver reminds, his gaze drifting down to your hand that was beginning to hold his fingers.

A frown replaced your smile as you tilted your head, reaching a finger up to curiously place upon your chin, “You and Malleus would always say that to me…It makes me wonder just who came up with that foolish rule. I should find them and burn them to a crisp already.” You murmured casually, ignoring the look Silver gave you for the last part.

“No one in particular decided on it. It is simply the way things are.”

“Well, it’s wrong!”

Silver blinked in surprise at your sudden exclamation, only to see your determined face centimeters away from his, leaning close to him as he sat, gloved palms planted on his chest for balance.

“Who cares what others think? Love is love, and I won’t let anyone get in the way of it! Not even some stupid tradition.” You declared once more, your hands moving up to cup Silver’s cheeks as a smile graced your lips, tilting your head.

“I’ll even burn down kingdoms if that’s what it takes.”

Silver can only stare back into your eyes silently before huffing, “You’re very determined…I can see why Lord Malleus gave up long ago…” He notes, smiling back at you.

“So you will marry me?” You asked hopefully, a pleading look shining in your eyes.

Silver hesitated but as he stared deep into you, he finally managed to let out a reply, reaching his hands up to hold your wrists gently.

“…Very well. I can’t find it in myself to truly deny you after all…We’ll see what fate has in store for us.”

i was gonna add a bonus scene where the reader thinks silver is under a sleeping curse bc he slept for too long and decides to try and wake him up with “true loves kiss” and malleus literally has to fight them off him, only for it to turn out silver was genuinely just sleeping for that long—but then i changed my mind bc my fingers hurt 🥹 also it’s my bday yayyy

also malleus when the reader does some lovey-dovey shit with silver in-front of him (he dreads the mention of valentine’s day now)

❥ — malleus draconia with a g/n, human, and adopted younger sibling! reader (twisted wonderland) - PLATONIC

note: majority of the story takes place where malleus is a child, so he’ll act very different than he is right now

When Malleus was born, it was during pure chaos. The war, his mother’s death in exchange for his safety, his fathers unsolved disappearance, his confinement in his own egg, his lack of love and care from his deceased mother…It truly couldn’t have been more worse. Lilia’s love had tried endlessly, but to no avail until he finally reached Malleus’ grandmother when his egg began to symbolize his near death.

And then there was you. His younger, human, and adopted sibling.

Your birth was immaculate. No blood spilled, no confinement, no war, and most of all; proper love and care. Of course, his grandmother and Lilia took good care of him during his childhood, but at least you were born with care. Nothing like what he had went through.

Not to mention, everyone instantly adored you. Both Maleficia and Lilia of course held no favorites between you and Malleus, but the contrast of the loving attention you received from others compared to the way people walk on eggshells around him was undeniable.

He just couldn’t help but envy you.

“Aren’t they just adorable, Malleus?”

Lilia had asked cheerfully, clueless to whatever was wrong when you were first introduced to Malleus.

Said person merely narrowed his emerald eyes at your sleeping form in response, the slits in them a little weaker than his present self’s own split pupils. His curved horns were smaller, sharp fangs weaker, and his black hair longer and down.

You were so small. Hands so grubby and tiny, cheeks chubby and soft, nose tiny and button-like, even your feet. If someone were to drop you, you’d just break, wouldn’t you?

What a hassle…Malleus never felt this way when he saw Silver, maybe a little skeptical, but never envious. Perhaps it was because Malleus would be living with you and forced to view you as his sibling, despite you clearly being nothing like him and having a somewhat better life than his.

“They’re so tiny…They don’t fit here, Lilia. You should bring them back to their parents…” Malleus’ much smaller voice mumbled, his lips curving into an irritated frown as he reached a clawed finger to pinch your cheek skeptically.

Until Lilia swiftly grabbed his wrist and prevented him from doing so, causing Malleus’ head to tilt up at him with a blank look. Did Lilia of all people truly think he was going to hurt you…? Is that just how much more special you were?

Then again, a child’s mind like Malleus’ typically isn’t a good narrator, so who knows…

His grandmother, usually cold and stoic, suddenly chuckled softly to which his head whipped to her, “I fear it’s not that simple, Malleus…They don’t fit here, right you are—but they also have nowhere to go. Just like most children when abandoned.” She softly explained, adjusting her hold on you. Despite how slender her arms were, you were still the size of an ant compared to even Maleficia.

“They’ll be your sibling now, do you understand that, Malleus?

Sibling…?

Malleus wasn’t sure why, but he felt his eye and hands twitch at that. From that day on, Malleus kept his distance from you.

He coldly watched as servants fussed over and cooed at you, as Lilia took way too many photos with you, as his grandmother allowed you into spaces once restricted, as you watched magic that you couldn’t carry yet form, clearly awe-struck. When you cried, people didn’t hesitate to drop everything to go to you, lest your tears hurt their hearts.

When Malleus on the other hand would once cry, the only reason why most people would drop everything to soothe him was so they can prevent him from causing a thunderstorm much too big for his size and age.

Pity was served to you while fear was served to him.

Thus, Malleus did none of the servants antics towards you. He never truly harmed you—he wasn’t that cruel—he’d simply just turn away when you were temporarily placed by him, form a face when you kept staring at him, likely to try and scare you away but it was always to no avail…He left rooms when you’d waddle in, and if forced to remain there; his gaze would always purposely turn away.

Though Lilia would try to have Malleus get along with you here and there, being the first out of most in the castle to notice Malleus’ dislike towards you, and certainly not being satisfied with that. Each time he saw the look of disgust that’d form on the boy’s face at the sight of you caused a frown to replace Lilia’s usual smile.

“How about you just try holding them, Malleus? They don’t bite! And even if they do, I doubt it’d hurt that hard skin of yours…!” Lilia’s voice had rung out one of those days as he held you out to said person from under your arms with a smile far too big to replicate Malleus’ current emotions right now.

An incoherent babble left you as Lilia held you out, your feet uncontrollably moving around in response to being suspended into the air, your doe eyes focused on a deadpanning Malleus.

“See? Even they want you to carry them!”

Malleus’ response was flat and irritated, “No. No matter how much the child begs and wails for me to hold them, I will not…! They are loud, needy, desire too many attentions all at once, and much too fragile! I’m certain if I even carry them the wrong way, they’ll break…! I never even desired a little sibling, yet fate decided to pass me one either way!” He rants before sharply turning on his heel and storming off.

Lilia blinked, unfazed as he watched Malleus storm off, still carrying your clueless form—which was now cradled up to his chest—before sighing in exasperation, “Oh, my dear Malleus…One day, you’ll look back to how cold you once behaved towards your baby sibling and will recoil at even the mention of it…!” His exasperated gaze then diverted to you where you were staring up at him curiously with your chubby little face resting on his chest, his gaze softening.

“Don’t worry, little bat…Your big brother will surely see the appeal in you soon enough~!”

Malleus felt shame for his foolish jealousy towards you, a creature that could barely form proper words yet. He tried to lie to himself that it was merely because you were human and he was a fae, that attachment would only bring loss giving your strongly different lifespans, with you being temporary and him eternal.

But he knew for a fact that wasn’t the truth, nor did that explain the dirty looks he can’t help but send you sometimes.

And of course, curiosity had decided to kill the dragon one day.

The castle was, as usual, eerie and silent; Lilia having left long ago to take care of his actual child, Maleficia busy in the matters of the Briar Valley’s royal council, and you…Peacefully asleep in your crib.

Malleus wandered the halls alone as he always did, his footsteps soundless against the porcelain tiles of the dark castle. In the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the door to that nursery he always refrained from getting too close to.

Likely because you “hailed” it as Malleus would describe.

But the door was open, revealing small details of the somewhat colorful room mixed with dark themes, mostly due to the castle’s design itself.

“You should go. Lest you get too attached.”

One side told him.

“You should still check on them…Even if it’s not out of pure kindness, just to see what all the fuss is about.”

The other quipped.

Malleus’ small hands curled up into fists before he ultimately shifted one foot in-front of the other, turned his body to the nursery room, and began making his way in.

The room was dim, only lit by lovely enchanted lights to avoid disturbing your beauty sleep, the curtains, though they had a dark green theme, had sweet trinkets added onto them as suggested by Lilia, and over the crib was a protective barrier to prevent any attempts at harm towards the resting child.

It wasn’t visible to most, but Malleus easily spotted it as the barrier was made with unmistakable fae magic, hence the strength of it.

Malleus slowly leaned over once finally reaching your crib, and his shadow, intimidating horns and glowing green eyes and all, towered over your small figure, looking like a certain furious dragon ready to curse you to eternal sleep by pricking your finger once you turn 16, all for being forgotten.

But that wasn’t it at all. Once the shadow leaned closer, it revealed a confused and quite gloomy little boy. Malleus’ expression was blank, though his eyes were narrowed slightly as if he was trying to solve a riddle.

You lied in the crib, small hands curled up into little fists against your chest as a dark green blanket with draconic symbols embroidered into it was wrapped around you snugly. Your mouth was open like a soft sigh and your eyes were closed peacefully, chest rising up and down as you slept.

This was it? This was what had everyone cooing and fawning over…? That small flicker of annoyance couldn’t help but shine in Malleus’ narrow eyes.

He finally spoke, “I…Still fail to see the appeal. You look like a hairless monkey, just like Silver…” He grumbled, leaning a finger over and gently poking your chubby cheek with his claw, “Hmph…Or maybe worse…Silver was at least cuter.”

“You’re so ugly, one could almost feel sorry for you…”

As if you had heard what he bluntly said with the straightest face ever, and then grew offended, your eyes slowly opened and landed on him instantly. Malleus stiffened, immediately retracing his hand as he slightly stepped back, eyes widening.

He didn’t hurt you with that single touch, did he? Were you truly that frail? Were you going to get afraid of him and his scary appearance, and begin to wail endlessly to grab every servant and his grandmother’s attentions, thus making him forbidden from ever going near this nursery?

You blinked groggily and unfocused, and then—instead of a soft frightened cry leaving you—you began to babble softly, one more of curiosity than fear. Then, your arms suddenly lifted up unsteadily, stubby fingers opening and closing at the boy in-front of you.

At Malleus.

Malleus blinked rapidly in confusion as a response. There was no fear in your antics, just pure, immediate trust; that was how naive you were.

“What are you doing, child…?” He mumbled in absolute confusion, furrowing his brows.

Your own response was a delighted babble, kicking your feet impatiently for him to lift you already.

Malleus narrowed his eyes stubbornly, “No. You can put your arms away and rid of the idea of me holding you...” He snapped softly and childishly, nose scrunched up in distaste.

You answered with another loving babble.

“Stop that…!”

As if your brain finally registered his angry dismissal, your bottom lip began to tremble and your feet began to kick more as you let out a frustrated squeal, seeming to actually be offended by his refusal.

Malleus huffed in annoyance, close to setting something aflame with his lack of emotional-control when it comes down to his powers, “If I carry you, will you finally cease?” He asked exasperatedly as if you could respond.

A sniffle only left you paired with another babble as your fingers opened and closed at him once more, growing more and more impatient.

Malleus grumbled, looked at the door to check if anyone was nearby, and when he was sure no one was there, he leaned down to slide his hands beneath your arms and prop you onto his hip, against his chest, mimicking how he’d see Lilia and the servants carry you.

“So spoiled you are…I was never so…Needy at your age!” Oh yes he was.

Instantly, you let out a childish sound of delight and your grubby hands quickly found their grasp on the closest thing. His horns.

Malleus grunted in surprise in response, nearly stumbling back as you gripped and tugged, “Wha—you brat, let go! These are not—erk…!” He grunted, his lips curved into an angry little frown that lacked the intimidation his anger now holds centuries later.

You paid his words no mind, continuing to giggle endlessly as your tiny hands clutched harder onto his horns as if you had found the rarest gem ever that you were not going to let go of anytime soon.

Malleus finally managed to latch you off, holding you a good few feet away from him in the air, his glare meeting your own expression of pure delight.

“For such a small thing, you truly hold no boundaries…Did you not just awaken…?! How do you immediately gain such energy?!” He inquired in disbelief, shaking you gently, fortunately having the heart to be gentle, knowing how fragile you currently were.

You merely babbled in response, clearly having much more fun than he is. Your hand then reached out clumsily, desperately trying to reach for his face to which Malleus slowly pulled you closer to grant your wish.

Once your tiny palm finally landed on his pale cheek, your mouth slowly opened, “Ma…Mal…” You began, certainly focused.

Malleus felt his breath hitch.

“Mallwus!” You determinedly squealed out, clearly under the impression that was most definitely how his name is pronounced. You seemed to have heard his name being called out more than enough times to somewhat remember how it goes.

Malleus blinked rapidly at that. He recalled countless moments where he spotted Lilia desperately trying to get you to say his name or Maleficia’s, or just any word at that…But you never managed to, simply staring up at him blankly.

Stubborn was what Malleus described you as during those moments. But now, he sees the importance of the first word of a child, especially if it’s his own name.

“Ah…”

You merely cooed in response, clueless to the effect of saying his name.

“Perhaps, I do see the appeal in you…”

How peculiar.

He hadn’t put you down in that moment. As a matter of fact, he didn’t put you down the entire day, walking around with you seated in his arms like you were apart of him, ignoring the startled stares of servants who were more accustomed to the dark prince avoiding you by any means necessary.

When you babbled nonsense, Malleus responded as if you were speaking facts a grown adult would.

“Mmm…Ba, da!”

“Yes, yes…”

“Aaaaa…Bwah!”

“Truly a well-sensed explanation…There really is no one as smart as you out there, is there?”

“Eeeeee-yah!”

…Maybe you did actually understand him though.

Other times where he’d speak to you like that also included when you’d grip his horns with a “tight” grip.

When your tiny hands wrapped around the base of his curvy horns once more, instead of the annoyance he carried last time, Malleus can only hum in amusement, a grin forming onto the young boy’s lips.

“Hehe…Yes, yes…You’re very strong and powerful—the mightiest even…! Some might as well call you “The Sixth Most Powerful Being” in all of Twisted Wonderland…”

The only answer he got was a squeal and his head being yanked forward when you pulled his horns harder.

Even after that, Malleus would still play with you, sing you old fae lullabies, allow you to climb onto his tail and hold his horns whenever you please, let you drool all over him with no complaint…The sudden change even startled his grandmother, Maleficia having initially believed a curse was placed on him and was ready to begin a whole ancient fae ritual to dispel it if Lilia didn’t quickly prevent her.

Gradually, Malleus just began to forget about the jealousy he once held.

And if anyone dared to pull you away from him? It was like actually trying to take away the child of a dragon that literally hatched it. A battle.

“No. They’re very busy, you see? They will remain with me.” Malleus firmly declared when Lilia had tried to take you away from him to feed you, turning his head away stubbornly as he held your dozing figure closer, head tucked under his chin.

Lilia sighed at that, his hands on his hips in exasperation, “My dear boy…As grateful as I am that you aren’t death-staring the poor thing anymore, they still have their infantile needs, especially since they haven’t eaten ye—“ His attempt at persuasion was abruptly met with Malleus’ dismissal.

“Rest assured. See to it that I will be the one to feed and change them.”

Malleus quipped, still not facing Lilia, and instead looking at you with a fond smile as if you were truly his blood sibling.

Lilia blinked rapidly at that, in disbelief at the sudden change in behavior Malleus formed around you. From jealous and cold to loving and caring? Lilia can’t deny that he was relieved, though slightly exasperated. He was already quite worried Malleus’ distance with you would stay even when you both reach your adult years, this was a favor if anything.

And even in your school years, you two remained as bonded as ever.

“You’ll catch a cold like that, little one…”

Malleus’ voice would murmur with worry laced in his tone as his body automatically began to move towards you, stoic face etched with concern.

You can only sigh in response, “It’s just a few loose buttons, Malleus! And it’s not even that cold right now anyway…” Yet your protests fell on deaf ears as Malleus’ hands reached up to button up your Diasomnia uniform’s jacket, his attention solely on you.

“Need I remind you the durability of humans are much, much weaker than the durability of faes? It’ll be the end of me before you catch a cold and end up bundled up in your room again, sniffling over how you should’ve listened to me last time, just for you to keep doing so after you feel better…” Malleus continued, an exasperated sigh leaving him at the end.

“Wha—that’s not true!”

“Do you take me for a fool?”

Once he finished, you wasted no time in jumping back from him, sending him a big smile, “Hmph. Now that you’re done being such a worrywart, I’m gonna be off now, ‘kay?” Your arms swung around his waist as you hugged him tightly, cheek squished against his torso before you then turned and began to eagerly rush off to your destination, waving at him cheerfully, “Bye, bye now, Mally! I’ll be back before midnight, so don’t worry too much!” They reassured before turning their head and continuing to run off.

As Malleus hummed while he fondly watched your figure depart, Lilia slowly crept up beside him, seeming to have been watching from nearby with a grin that only a fool would believe is innocent.

“My, my, Malleus…You’ve certainly changed a lot around your little sibling, haven’t you? From glaring at them over their crib and making scary expressions to shoo them away to fussing over them and making sure they come back to the dormitory on time! Truly a doting big brother you’ve become, no?” Lilia spoke up teasingly, hands clasped behind his back as he leaned his body over to face his head that was still facing forward.

Malleus suddenly stiffened at Lilia’s words and quickly turned to him with a warning look, “Not so loud, Lilia…They haven’t even left earshot yet…” He whispered with an eye twitch.

Lilia tilted his head mischievously, “Oh? Afraid that your dear sibling finds out you were once sulking and fuming just by the mere sight of them? Would you believe me if I said I was worried you’d might curse the poor thing one day?” At Malleus’ silence and grumble at the embarrassing flashback, Lilia could only laugh, patting his arm—one of the only parts of him he can reach—reassuringly, “What a silly concern, Malleus…!”

“With how much care you’ve shown for them, I doubt they’d even believe that and will just view it as another sprout of nonsense coming from me…”

Lilia couldn’t have been more right in that moment.

malleus when he saw baby reader;

❥ — malleus draconia x g/n! reader (twisted wonderland)

warning: the fic is kinda suggestive, since it’s literally about a tongue kiss (hence the title which is from the song “tongue kiss”) plus malleus’ tongue is described to look the same as it is in the top photo i used—but there’s no actual smut, just tongue-kissing. also creds for the fanart i used; @/sukizsweetsm on twt/x, there was another one i wanted to use more but no one said who the artist was nor could i even find them 🫩

Being the lover of Malleus Draconia himself included—other than everyone around you making sure not to mess with you—getting…Love-bombed a day, especially with the kisses he’d shower and spoil you with. The following would be brief ones that only made him desire more, lingering ones that left him reluctant to pull away, full-blown makeouts that’d leave you both dazed and breathless, etc…

Though of course, you two mostly do that one during your alone times…

But all of which Malleus deeply enjoyed due to his enamored love for you, practically cherishing you day and night, always seeking you out first thing in the morning, and reluctant to leave you once said day has ended, making it obvious enough for Lilia to tease him endlessly about his sullen expression that his love had to leave.

It even became obvious to his own grandmother, Malleus always rambling about you to her during the holidays with admiration and yearning laced in his tone, the loving look in his eyes saying words louder than the ones spilling from his mouth at the moment. You already have her blessing to marry him at that point.

But his whole perspective on the act of kissing had all changed one day when he made the mistake of deciding to eavesdrop…There was nothing wrong with your kisses of course! He was very satisfied with them, and even thought you were perfect at it…! If he had to kiss you a thousand times a day as a schedule, he’d gladly do so—it wouldn’t even be about the schedule!

Ahem. His thoughts not mine.

Anywho, usually Malleus never paid much attention to the chatter of humans, and he wasn’t one to eavesdrop in general, simply going on with his day. But this one had oddly caught his attention.

He was merely walking down the halls near the Mirror Chamber, intending to go through Diasomnia dorm’s portal after completing a task, until he had overheard a couple of 3rd year Pomefiore students giggling and chatting with each other, seemingly having recently exited Pomefiore dorm’s portal.

They were snickering and chatting at first which Malleus initially viewed as meaningless chatter and went to continue his way into the chamber, already mentally preparing himself for the fear that’d quickly replace their current amusement the minute they see him, and scurrying off with shrieks.

“Did you hear about that kissing method? The…The one called “French Kissing” !”

Malleus halted, his interest suddenly piqued.

“Ohhh! You mean the one where you kiss with the tongue? It sounds so romantic, right?” The other giggled.

His face then contorted into slight disgust, his interest fading away. Tongue? Romantic…? That just sounded vulgar and…Unsanitary. Did Vil Schoenheit of all people really encourage these types of conversations? Kissing alone was already quite an intimate act, why make it even more intimate? Why create something as inappropriate and awkward as—

But.

That same interest couldn’t help but slowly come back…The thought of doing it with you was now a strong urge despite his earlier disapproval of it.

After all, it wasn’t vulgar if it was done with you, right?

Before he could hear anything else however, he subconsciously shifted his foot and his heel clicked, causing the students to stiffen, immediately mistaking the Diasomnia heel click as the Pomefiore heels, and taking Malleus’ tall silhouette for their housewarden’s.

“Eep…! I think that was Housewarden’s heels…Is he coming this way? Do you think he heard us?!”

“What do you think?! Now quit asking questions, you fool, and run before he gets here, and lectures our heads off!”

They then quickly scattered off into the hallway outside of the Mirror Chamber, nearly tripping over their own shoes, and even missing Malleus’ presence right beside them due to their panic.

And just like that, the corridor was empty and silent with Malleus Draconia all by himself once more and sooner or later in the future. An exasperated exhale then left said person as he turned and went to find his “beloved” .

At least that debunked the idea of Vil encouraging those types of conversations.

Malleus was not discreet about it either. For the remainder of the day, he had just been thinking about it over and over, wondering how said kiss would feel like with you, and how it’d feel to have your tongue kiss his, his gaze always finding it’s way onto your lips, watching it move when you speak, and curve up or down, depending on your expression.

It all made him unable to wait any longer to initiate the kiss…!

“Malleus? Is something wrong with my face?”

Your words suddenly snapped him out of his daze, having been talking about him about something that happened earlier today, until Malleus’ mind wandered once again to the kiss he had been yearning to have all day, his emerald eyes right back onto your lips.

Malleus blinked in surprise, realizing he’s been staring at your lips for a minute too long.

He then cleared his throat and fixed his posture, now looking into your whole face where your cheeks seemed to be lightly warm under his gaze, “Ah…My apologies, quite the opposite. I was merely lost in thought—nothing to worry about, beloved…” He assured, sending you a soft smile filled with nothing but adoration.

He very much made sure not to tell you he wanted to have a literal tongue-kiss with you.

You met that smile with another just as adored, “Really? I suppose it was very much about me then?” You tried to tease, yet the hopefulness in your tone was very much visible.

Malleus hummed in amusement, his gloved hand finding its way onto your cheek to caress it, “You can be so silly sometimes, can’t you? Just who else do you think I’d be thinking of so longingly?” His smile was so serene and so was his touch as if he wasn’t thinking of doing something with you he had originally viewed as improper.

It was only when the sun finally set was Malleus unable to restrain his desire, alone in his dorm room with you as usual.

“My dear,” He suddenly spoke, halting you in your chatter as he suddenly wrapped his hand around yours to pull your attention towards him, “There is something I’ve been meaning to ask of you lately…It’s been nagging me even…” He trailed off, though his expression looking as aloof as ever, his heart pounding.

You blinked in surprise and tilted your head curiously, “Ah…Sure, what is it?” You asked, sounding a little nervous to hear the next part that leaves his mouth.

“I had overheard another unfamiliar term from a few Pomefiore students earlier today…They had called it a “French Kiss” .” Malleus states, not missing the way your face paled at that.

Your soul nearly left your body.

“Did you…?”

Was all that you were able to utter.

Malleus nodded, clueless to your fluster, “Indeed. They described it as any other ordinary kiss, the only change being where you include the tongue…” He paused, then turned his head back to you where you were practically vibrating with nervousness, “Would you be willing to try it with me? Only once, if you’re not willing, then I will immediately discard of the idea. I first viewed it as something…Crude and vulgar, but is it truly so if it’s done with you?”

You can only close your eyes in both embarrassment and exasperation. Of course, he had to say that last part…Malleus knew exactly what to say to get you swooning and wrapped around his finger, and that was a fact both of you knew.

You then sighed, facing his waiting expression with an awkward smile, “Okay…Anything for you, Malleus…!” You whispered pitifully. You always wanted to have a kiss like that with him, just…Not like this nor this early.

Preferably in 5 more years.

Malleus smiled softly and stepped closer, his boots making a thud against the floor (due to his sheer size and strength), the mere sound of him getting closer causing you to nearly let out a squeak, knowing it was about to happen.

His gloved, and very much large, hands reached up and cupped your cheeks, gently tilting your face up to face him the same way he’d always do during other times he’d kiss you.

His lips gently met yours as a way to prepare you, a soft chaste kiss initiated, one that was warm and very familiar, and caused your body to heat up. When it ended, Malleus hesitated before continuing, “I take it this is now the next part?” He murmured against your lips, his hands still cupping your cheeks ever-so gently.

You nodded, yet barely, face flushed.

Malleus hummed in delight, clearly eager to continue this as he leaned back and parted his mouth enough to reveal his tongue. Yet before you could really close your eyes, heart thumping and palm’s sweaty, you had managed to catch a glimpse of said tongue that he had peaked out.

The sight of it alone nearly made you pass out. If you foolishly didn’t know he wasn’t a human then, you certainly do now…

It was long—longer than the average human’s. It had a medium-lengthen split that nearly reached the top of it, and it was also quite forky. Like that of a serpents almost…

You couldn’t even form out coherent words, too stunned by the sight in-front of you, so it was only logical Malleus didn’t suspect anything was wrong. Yet out of everything you knew about his draconic genetics, it was most certainly not this…

With his eyes shut, Malleus didn’t notice your expression, and only leaned back in closer, until you suddenly let out a shriek, freezing him in his steps.

“I—! M-Malleus, wait—!”

Said person blinked and frowned as if having been impaled with a sword straight through his chest, leaning away, “Hm? What is the matter? Have you suddenly changed your mind?” He asked quite disappointedly, his brow twitching.

You frantically shook your head rapidly, waving your hands in dismissal, “No, no! I-It’s not that! Not really…It’s just—your tongue, it’s…Ehm…Unique! Quite different from other people’s tongues!” You desperately tried to explain without offending his entire ancestry, “It just caught me off-guard is all…!”

Malleus’ frown did not soften, “My tongue is perfectly normal, dear…I don’t see any “abnormality” with it…” He huffs, seemingly offended.

You then let out a soft sound of defeat, clearly ashamed for ruining the mood, “Ah, maybe it is…But, what I meant to say is that I just wasn’t expecting it to be so long, so…Forky, and even have a split in it! It really caught me off-guard…” You added, “It’s not really…Like the average human tongue that I’m used to…”

What he did next could’ve struck your heart if that was possible.

He huffed, pulled his hands away swiftly, folded his arms over his chest, turned his head away sharply, and frowned deep enough for it to be a scowl, brows twitching once more, “Hmph…Not like the ones that you’re used to…? I see even you are repulsed by my natural form.” Now wait just a second. “Forgive me for believing my own lover wouldn’t be frightened by me like the rest.”

“If you didn’t wish to kiss me this way, you could’ve simply just said so…”

Oh no. He was genuinely upset. Arms folded, lips curved down, brow twitching, face turned away…Your heart can only clench at the sight of your lover upset with you specifically.

Quickly, you grabbed his sleeve, trying to direct his attention back to you, “N-No, no! I didn’t mean it that way, I swear! I-I didn’t mean to upset or offend you, Malleus—I’m so sorry, I was just startled…! That’s all!” You reassured, quickly reaching up to embrace him, burying your face into his neck, “I could never be afraid or disgusted of you…Never.”

“Hmph.”

Was all Malleus sent back to you in return, causing a dramatic pained sound to leave you as if he just struck your heart with a thousand thunder bolts.

“Ah! No, Malleus, please don’t be mad at me…! I said I’m sorry! Your tongue looks really cool, I swear!” You cried out, rubbing your cheek against his comfortingly.

Silence filled the air as Malleus’ face remained turned away stubbornly before he finally cracked one eye open and faced you from the corner of it where you were pitifully clinging to him for forgiveness, “Hm…” His posture then softened and his arms unfolded, wrapping them around you, “How lucky you are for me to be so enamored with you…I truly can’t find it in myself to continue being angry with you when you speak so sweetly…” His lips found themselves right on your forehead, watching you jolt in surprise.

“Then, would you mind if we try again? Better this time?”

His question wasn’t one of innocent inquiry. He seemed like he was genuinely hoping you’d say yes, eager to try it with his beloved, eager to see them overjoyed by the feeling of his mouth against yours once more.

Your startled expression gradually shifted into one of bashfulness, “If it makes you happy…!” You hummed, leaning in encouragingly.

This time, Malleus moved with perfect care, making sure you were at least ready. Just like before, he kissed only your lips, as sweet and familiar as before. Only when he felt you relaxing did he deepen the kiss, allowing his draconic tongue brush against your lips for entry.

You hesitated—jolting at the feeling of his tongue—yet gently let him in nonetheless, not leaning away from his arms like before. Instead, you leaned in, melting against him. Delighted, Malleus continued, sliding his tongue in precisely, and allowing it to move and explore, pushing you to lie down onto his bed—which not many get the honor of receiving from him of all people—deepening the kiss more and more as he hovered over you, his tongue roaming in your mouth and dancing with your tongue as he restrained your wrists by your head.

And with how inhumanly strong he was, it was a bit complicated for you to slide your hands out of his grip, easily losing the mini dance your tongue was having with his, due to how long his was, muffled moans leaving you as you shifted around beneath him.

It overwhelmed you, yet also made you greatly thrilled to the point you can only let out soft muffled sounds, your hands beginning to try and remove themselves out of his restraint.

“Mmph! Malleus—! I-I can’t breathe!” You managed to say through the kiss, finally breaking it for air as you moved your head to the other side, panting heavily with your eyes shut.

Malleus almost let out a dissatisfied sound at the feeling of the kiss breaking so early, his expression sullen once more just like how it’d usually be when you had to leave his warmth.

“Ah…My apologies, I couldn’t help it…I understand the thrill of this kiss now.” He hummed, pressing gentle kisses onto your cheeks to release his desire for more kisses as he released your hands, “It feels as if I’m showing you my love much more like this…”

His blissed, pleased reaction was a contrast to your own dazed and overstimulated one.

Malleus then broke the silence with another delighted hum, “I believe I would like to do that again…” That jolted you awake, “Come over here, would you?”

Before you could even process anything, Malleus already started moving, pulling you into his arms once more, much to your panic, “A-Again?! Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! I’m not ready yet, j-just give me one minute, Malleus! Hold on—!” Your frantic protests fell on deaf ears as Malleus, the person who once viewed this kissing method as something vulgar, leaned in to initiate several more of them, forcing you to fall back onto his bed.

Just like a greedy dragon. One who you truly can’t deny.

i was supposed to post this way sooner, but i kept procrastinating—i hate procrastination sm, but i can’t stop it 🫩 also this is how i imagined malleus looking away with a frown and his arms folded;

❥ — malleus draconia and g/n younger sibling! reader — PLATONIC (twisted wonderland)

If there was anything that irritated Malleus more than his mischievous little sibling, it had to be two versions of his mischievous little sibling who perfectly fit the mischievous and playful dragon stereotype…

Just like any other siblings, you and Malleus always fought, being at each other’s necks, much to your grandmother’s exasperation. Since you were children even…! You’d always be the one starting it however where you’re either pulling at his horns, biting him with your sharp, not-so-grown, fangs, messing up his piano/cello rehearsals, etc, and then acting all innocent when you’re snitched on, playing the victim.

They usually ended with Malleus either calling for his grandmother and Lilia (the safe option) or the bad option where he loses control and ends up chasing you around the whole castle to set you aflame, causing you to flee with a squeal, wailing for either one of your caretaker.

“Stop running, you brat! I’m going to set you aflame, then maybe that’ll teach you something!”

“Eeeeek! Grandma! Lilia! Malleus is trying to kill me, he’s like a mini tyrant! Don’t tell me you’re actually going to give him the throne…?!”

A yelp left you as you said that last part, narrowly managing to counter back the emerald flame Malleus perfectly shot too high over your head with your own fae magic seemingly on purpose. The difference between your magic expertise was very evident with how Malleus shot his flame perfectly and you struggled to even counter it back.

Servants jumped, nearly dropping the silverware they were holding as you both would bolt past them, guards pretended not to see anything (lest they get caught in the crossfire), and even most of the enchanted portraits didn’t pay you any mind.

Usually, it ended with you either managing to run into Maleficia or Lilia and hiding behind them while mockingly making faces at a fuming Malleus who Maleficia was currently trying to console. Other times, he does indeed catch you, grabbing you by your own horn and yanking you towards him, causing you to kick your feet in protests, grabbing at his horns in return as it became a game of “tug-a-horn” .

But does he truly set you aflame or hurt you? No. All he does is maybe continuously pull at your horns, knowing it’d aggravate you, hence why he shot his flame up so high. He never truly planned to harm you of course.

You were still his baby sibling at the end of the day after all.

Though you still drove Malleus insane even till this day in NRC. You could already imagine his deadpan when he heard the Magic Mirror declare you to be in Diasomnia dorm, probably already wishing he “forgot to” arrive this time.

“Big Brother~! We’re in the same dorm together now! Isn’t that fun?”

You had exclaimed, eagerly jumping out of your seat and bouncing over to him, hugging him tightly in joy while ignoring the wary glances you were sent by other students. Two Draconia’s in the same school was quite the talk now after all…

A contrast to his exasperated face.

“If that is how you’d like to view it…”

He had huffed in return, though he made no move to push you off him (although he didn’t hug you back either), beginning to lead both you and the other first year Diasomnia students to said dorm, Lilia trailing close behind with a hint of amusement at your interactions.

“Mmm, I simply cannot wait to see the chaos you two will bring together now that you’re attending the same school in the same dorm…!” Lilia had snickered in amusement, paying no mind to Malleus’ light grumble paired with your giggles. One of trickery no doubt.

After all, despite how annoying you can be, Malleus still deep down truly adored you. Though he would never admit that of course.

In between the light torment and exhaustion you’d put him through, you were still always there for him and so was he for you. You too loved him of course, but the way he was so soft towards you in his own way instead gave you a bit of…Encouragement to keep messing with him.

Even when Malleus wasn’t even bating an eye at you and had the audacity to mind his own business, he will always end up falling as a victim under your taunts.

He had been talking his usual walks down Diasomnia’s thorny rose-filled garden that was by said dorm, the footsteps of his heels clicking against the stone tiles as he admired the scenery. He had no worry for any possible ambush by any unfortunate and foolish students as the enhanced hearing faes are born with truly does do its wonders.

But even through that, he was unable to catch the experienced stealthy footsteps of his little sibling who had been following him around silently, covering their giggles with their fist.

He was peaceful. Too peaceful. Which of course meant that you had to ruin it.

An emerald lightning-like spark flashed in your eyes as you grinned, the instinctive draconia playfulness in you kicking in once more at the sight of him looking so at peace and all. Just a little fun won’t hurt? Surely, big bro will understand!

You jumped from statue to statue to get closer and closer to him, and once you finally did, your plan finally struck like the lightning Malleus will strike on you by the time this is over; your hand slowly reached out and…

“Urk…!”

Malleus grunted as the cape attached to the shoulder of his Diasomnia uniform was suddenly yanked, nearly causing him to stumble back from the sheer strength of this person, and turned to face whoever the bold suspect might be. They were certainly not human that’s for sure…

Malleus frowned in irritation when he saw nothing, brow twitching as his arms remained folded firmly. All he saw was the empty air and rows of blank gargoyle statues attached to Diasomnia dorm’s eerie castle staring right back at him.

“Hmm…Perhaps it’s the wind…” He mumbled, trying to convince himself then reassure himself before continuing with his walk.

It certainly did not end there.

The minute he looked away, there was another tug at his cape, this one more firmer and paired with a childish yet familiar giggle, proving the theory that someone was indeed behind it. Quickly, Malleus spun around, determined to catch this trickster, his eye twitching in frustration. But you had already slipped away, hiding behind a bush, desperately trying to stifle the fit of giggles threatening to spill from your lips.

Malleus exhaled through his nose. A dangerous sign that you of all people knew very well about.

“Whoever is there, reveal yourself. I will not show gentleness nor pity towards you if you continue this foolish game you insist on playing…” He threatened, his tone scarily calm with a hint of growing anger formed from annoyance.

But you? Unfazed. Your brother never scared you much, and that was a bad trait you had.

Swiftly, you slipped out again and went to tug at him again, only for Malleus to snap his gaze towards you just as stealthily and latch his palm around your wrist, freezing you in place.

A startled squeak left you while he tightened his grip, eye twitching down at you as you thrashed pathetically. In terms of trickery between you and Malleus, you always won—but in the matter of strength, you might as well yield already.

“Of course it was you…Must you test my patience even this early in the day, dear sibling?” The sarcasm was dripping from his voice as he narrowed his emerald eyes the two of you shared, unrelenting in his grasp on you, “There is truly never a moment of peace around you…”

You huffed, closing your eyes in so-called offense as you turned your head away, hanging in the air slightly due to him holding you up by your wrist, your feet dangling off the ground, “Hmph! You’d insult your own baby sibling like that? After everything I’ve done for you?” You snapped, turning your gaze back towards him with a glare that was still unmatched to his.

Malleus could almost laugh at the irony of your words, “All that you’ve done for me is give me a headache the minute I awaken from my slumber. Like right now. How do you think Lilia would feel about this if I told him you were nagging me like a neglected child? You may be considered a hatchling in fae years, but you’re not truly one…” He reminds, a taunting smile forming in his lips. His taunts were no match to yours and your threats were no matched to his.

A sly grin suddenly appeared as you halted in your attempts to jump out of his grasp, “Is that so? It’s your word against mine, Mal-Mal…I’m very experienced in the terms of deceit. So what are you gonna do about it, Hm?” You taunted, tilting your head.

Malleus hummed back, his expression aloof, sounding way too calm for someone’s who blood is boiling like a volcano right now. Although you always stayed true to the verbal threats you’d send to him, Malleus knew one thing about you.

You were all bark and no bite. A coward.

Malleus’ aura darkened so fast and so did his free hand as it shot up and reached towards you, green fire and electricity crackling from it all at once, ready to clasp right on your face.

Your breath hitched as your bravado instantly faded, eyes widening, sharp fae ears suddenly twitching.

Even though Malleus never actually used his powers to harm you, merely to frighten you a little; you were still 5 seconds away from wetting yourself.

Anyway.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Your scream rang through Diasomnia as startled ravens flew away from the intimidating trees, cawing as they do so with leaves from the trees falling down from their immediate depart paired with your scream that shrilled through the air.

Instantly—almost as if it were practiced—you jumped up higher by using your fae abilities, kicked out of his arms by pressing your heel against his chest, swiftly landed on the ground unharmed, and rushed—not to a random direction, but to the right direction specifically.

“LILIAAAAAA!! SAVE ME!”

You shrieked, running to the vice-housewarden you and Malleus both grew up raised by who had the misfortune in running into this, and clinging to him like a child to their father.

As if accustomed by the chaos you both would always bring, Lilia could only sigh in feign-exasperation, the smile playing on his lips giving away just how hilarious he found this all to be, “My, my…1 week into school, and you and your brother are already causing trouble?” He teased, pinching your cheek fondly.

You squeezed your eyes shut, bottom lip trembling as you hugged him, ignoring your pulled cheek, “It wasn’t me, Lilia! It was Malleus! He tried to fry me when I just wanted to play with him until he suddenly turned and unreasonably wanted to blast me out of nowhere! I only wished to bring back the fun and nostalgic memories he and I once shared…Is that so bad?” You sniffled through your shameless lies, though trembling enough to perfectly sell the act.

Malleus stared at you with an expression that could actually freeze fire.

“Unreasonably…? Out of nowhere…? The audacity you hold is truly remarkable, you bra—!” Before Malleus could actually fry you this time, Lilia fortunately quickly swooped in.

“Now, now, children! Let’s not set the entirety of Night Raven College to flames…! Whatever happened just now can easily be resolved, no? I know deep down you both truly care about and love each other just like the adorable siblings you are!” Adorable is one way of sugar-coating it. Lilia then placed his arm around your shoulders, leading you away from a fuming Malleus, “Come along now, you little troublemaker before you provoke your brother further…!”

Oh how history repeats.

You continued your “pitiful” sniffles and followed him, leaving a boiling Malleus to calm himself alone. Not because Lilia had favorites—God forbid…! Lilia loved all his children equally and in no way believed anything you said! He just knew that it was best to leave an angry Malleus alone to calm down.

However, while Malleus fumed silently, he suddenly paused as he realized something. You jumped out of his grasp so fast…So swiftly…So easily…

As if you knew exactly how to escape out of them in the first place. And Malleus knew full-well you were very strong and powerful, almost as strong as him, but not just quite. Yet you were still strong enough to find being restrained by him as nothing but child’s-play and to be feared by majority of Twisted Wonderland just like him.

You pretended to struggle and thrash in his grasp, only until Lilia arrived, jumping in the specific direction he just-so happened to be arriving in on purpose. But how did you know Lilia was near? Well, the enhanced hearing faes are born with truly does do its wonders! Malleus was too focused on teaching you a lesson to pick up on Lilia’s footsteps, but you weren’t, so of course you sensed his arrival quicker…!

No wonder your sharp ears had twitched.

You pushed his buttons until he snapped, knew Lilia was coming, sensed which direction he was coming from, escaped Malleus’ grasp instantly and precisely, and then successfully pinned the blame on him. Just as you planned.

Malleus hummed as his gaze never left your departing figure.

“Truly a well-executed plan. You did always beat me when it came to trickery and mischief, dear sibling…”

And right in that moment, your head slowly turned as you walked with Lilia, and your emerald eyes met Malleus’ .

Mischief shone in them. You grinned, showing off your draconia fangs that were much sharper now.

Then finally, you stuck your tongue out at him the same way you once did behind your grandmother after successfully managing to infuriate him while he was being calmed.

Malleus’ eye twitched and suddenly uncurled his palm where lightning snapped and crackled. Right when he did so, a green flash of lightning actually managed to nearly strike you from behind.

“Eep—!”

You yelped, jolting in response, and quickly turned around to hurriedly catch up with Lilia who was gleefully humming to himself, your fear not being very exaggerated anymore.

“Liliaaaaa, run faster! He’s going to fry me!!”

Lilia merely laughed in response, “Oh please, if he hasn’t already done so the first 6 times you’ve provoked him in 1 century, I doubt he will right now!” He reassured as you clung to his arm, trembling.

As Malleus watched you continue scamper dramatically behind Lilia, he could only let out an exasperated sigh, the crackles from his palms slowly dying down.

Exhausting as you were, you were still his little sibling. The same sibling that’d timidly hold his hand when it came to public events that the entire Draconia family had to attend, the same sibling that’d beg him to fly them up all the way to the top of the castle due to not knowing how to fly yet, the same sibling that once wailed for him—and only him—to carry them when they were but a toddler (which you now repeatedly deny in fluster when reminded), and the same sibling that’d weakly try to cheer him up when he was feeling down over his lack of companionship.

Malleus still loved you as if you were more like his child rather than his sibling.

Even if he sometimes wanted to blast you into the next 5 centuries.

❥ — malleus draconia x g/n! reader (twisted wonderland)

Almost everyone in Night Raven College knew of the rivalry you and Malleus had. Well, the rivalry you had with him…He was frankly clueless to this so-called rivalry (which was clearly very one-sided), and admired you if anything! Much to your annoyance. For nearly a year, you had been stuck in this one-sided bickering with the infamous dragon fae, completely fed up with him.

You insulted, he complimented. You pushed, he politely dodged. You jabbed at his literal ancestors, he smiles as though you said something warm and precious. It honestly began to get a little concerning. Was he into it or something…? Or was he just that desperate for friends…

He did seem kinda lonely.

“Move, Dinosaur…”

You once grumbled at him, glaring up at him as he unconsciously stood in your way while you were getting to class, seemingly distracted. Your little nickname caused like twelve students nearby to nearly choke.

Malleus blinked, turning to face you with an unreadable expression. A slow smile curved on your lips at that, believing you finally got him—after all, you heard he nearly fried the first person who thought it was funny enough to call him that. It was either that or lizard, but you noticed he didn’t react as bad when Rook first called him that.

He shifted his body to fully face you. Your smile widened. Here he comes, you thought…Here comes his snap, his outburst, the provoked dragon’s rage, the rage he couldn’t hold back anymore, the rag—

“Hm…Haha…”

You froze. The hell.

Your smile instantly dropped at the sound when Malleus suddenly hummed in content, “Quite the amusing nickname, Human…” He chuckled, a smile forming onto his lips.

What. Did he just say amusing…? It was literally said that he STRUCK the first guy who said that so hard, Lilia said he saw his mother in him or whatever the dude pushing 40 said...But when you say that, suddenly it’s amusing?! He’s got to be pushing your buttons, there’s no way…!

Though maybe you shouldn’t believe that many rumors about Malleus as they’re usually exaggerated. He probably just subtly threatened the guy.

“Amusing…?! What on Earth are you talki—?!” Before you could raise your voice any higher, Malleus suddenly reached his hand forward and patted your head fondly, causing you to freeze.

His smile widened, “Few are brave enough to call me that…I admire your bravery…! Now, off you go to your class. Lest you be late and I miss the chance of seeing your face.” And at that, he brushed past you with a content look, sliding his hand off your head gently while you stood there, stunned.

You then pulled your bag closer and stormed off after fixing your tousled hair, grumbling to yourself, “Weirdo…Miss the chance of seeing my face, he said—doesn’t he know we’re rivals?!” Clearly not.

It was always like this. You try to bark, all he hears are lovely songbirds, sending you a look of…What did Ace call it…? Admiration? Eugh, God forbid…

You just loathed him. That feeling of unadulterated loathing was unmistakable…

Soon enough, you found yourself bickering with Malleus on a daily basis, about to tear your hair out whenever he sends you a warm compliment or stares at you like you just said the sweetest sentence known to man which was actually just you saying he looks like a beanstalk, the only angry reaction you got being Sebek’s.

“You know, if you keep staring at that gargoyle any longer, it might be the first thing to ever blush at a creep like you…”

Your voice rung out from behind Malleus, grabbing his attention as he turned around to face you, only to see you standing behind him with your arms crossed and your expression exasperated.

Malleus blinked at you in surprise before smiling warmly, “My, you really think so? I hadn’t known you believed I have such an effect on stone…How flattering.” He cooed, curling a finger around his lips.

Oh he was dead serious.

Your eyes widened, brow twitching as you grit your teeth, “Wha—that wasn’t a compliment! My point was that everyone hates and fears you so much, the only thing willing to even blush at you are gargoyles because of your weird obsession over them! Is your brain as fried as anyone who comes near you?!” You spluttered, glaring up at him.

Malleus’ pleased expression never hardened, “Really? Then I must apologize…Though you can’t blame me, for every word that leaves your lips is just praise to me…” He continues, watching your glare harden.

Other times, he tended to stare at you for a long time while you were berating him, admiring you almost, your insults flying right over his head instead of his ears.

“Stop following me. I’d rather not have people talk and start rumors that we’re “friends” , so beat it and go brood by a couple of gargoyles somewhere else!” You’d grumble, stomping down the path of Night Raven College’s campus. Though no matter how far you went, Malleus still managed to keep up with you. Perks of being a fae; abnormal speed.

Malleus tilted his head innocently in response, “Hm? I’m not following you. We just happen to be going to the same destination…Besides, people already talk about us. They seem fascinated by the idea of a mere human speaking so bravely to me…” He teases, a small amused smile slowly forming on his black-painted lips.

“Because they’re all too much of cowards to do it themselves. You’re all bark and no bite. Everyone speaks about you as if you’re a walking thunder bolt, when you don’t even know the time properly!”

A hum merely left Malleus in response, seemingly listening.

You continued, a snort leaving you this time, “Heh, you even one time set the botanical gardens ablaze with your fury of not being invited to one of Diamond’s parties. That was unbelievable of you…Do you know how long it took for me to clean up the dirt and fire soot off the ground, you spoiled prince—?!” At that, you finally spun around to face him, nearly colliding with his chest in the process, the memory of that scene filling you with rage.

Only for you to freeze as you craned your neck up at him. The height difference between you two was evident and absolutely humiliating for you—you only reached his torso! Fortunately, he never really taunted you over that, but the look in his eyes when he has to crane his neck down at you was enough to take as a taunt…

He wasn’t even listening to a word you said, his eyes shamelessly raking down your figure, admiring you even. Your breath hitched at the sight, the scoldings you were about to hurl his way dying down in your throat like ice being melted down by fire. Green fire to be strangely precise.

His eyes dragged down from the determined set of your shoulders that was slowly faltering, the curve of your waist that your uniform managed to hug well, your lips, neck, and then finally, back down to your chest as vulgar as that sounded.

Is he…Checking you out?! The audacity this greedy dragon has!

You stammered, face growing warm as you stumbled a couple steps, “W-Wha…What are you looking at…?!” You snapped, trying your hardest to keep the sharpness in your tone but miserably failing.

Malleus didn’t answer immediately, gaze still fixated on your figure as if he were admiring a piece of art placed in a museum created by Leonardo Di Vinci or something.

“I see you’ve chosen an outfit that differs from your usual attire…” He muses, chin perched in his palm. He then smiled, lidded green eyes dragging up to face your flushed face, “It suits you.”

Now as much as you hated this man (or so you claim), you couldn’t help but feel flattered he even noticed that…Not many of your close friends acknowledged it nor complimented it, so someone finally talking about it made you feel a bit better!

Your face softened without you realizing and so did your voice, a rare shy smile forming, “Ah…Well, thank you, I guess…I took awhile finding the right outfit, and—” You then paused, realizing who exactly you’re about to bond with, face falling.

You looked up, saw that stupid smug look on his ugly, ugly face (your words, not mine), and stiffened, “Wait a minute. Don’t compliment me! You’re the last person I want compliments from! We’re ENEMIES! Get that through your head, you spoiled dragon!” You reminded in a panic, jumping three hurried steps back.

Malleus rose his brows in feign surprise meanwhile, “We are? My, I don’t believe I’ve ever noticed…I’ve always assumed your “insults” were your way of expressing affection.” He states, unfazed by your words, “I just assumed you didn’t know how to show it properly.”

Was that an in-direct insult…?

That only set you off even worse, “Why would it—?! I’m not being affectionate, I’m being—! I-I’m being…You’re being…! Y-You—!” You slipped and stammered, face only growing redder and redder, and your body only feeling fuzzier and fuzzier.

Malleus lifted a brow meanwhile, tilting his head expectantly for you to continue.

Finally, a shriek left you, “I HATE YOU! I HOPE YOU DIE ALONE!” You screamed, rushing past him in fury, ignoring the perplexed looks you’d get from nearby students, muttering furious words under your breath.

It wasn’t fair.

He wasn’t doing it right! Just what was his problem?! What was so appealing about you to him for him to stare at you like that? Like he just wants to get married to you right now with each insult that spews from your mouth.

Well, he can keep dreaming, because that’ll never happen…! You’ll just keep trying and trying until he finally gives in and snaps at you, sends you a resentful look, ball up his fists with green-colored fire and lightning forming from them altogether rather than uncurling them to stroke you kindly.

Stroke you? Eugh..Just the thought of him touching you made you form a disgusted face.

God, you hated him.

You hated him so much, that the mere thought of his touch made you recoil…

It was supposed to be just as you said. Until that day came where you previous words died down.

You were just on your way to Professor Crewel’s class to give him the potion books he ordered you to fetch for him (pun-intended).

You wobbled on your feet, struggling to stand still under the heavy weight of the 3 books you were carrying, “Erk…Why can’t that dog-obsessed teacher get his own things? I’m not an actual dog he can just order around…” You grumbled, stumbling around.

Before you can mutter some sacred curse over Crewel, you suddenly heard a laugh. A very familiar one, but it sounded oddly different this time…You paused and slowly looked over your shoulder to see Malleus Draconia, the ever-so regal and aloof crown Briar Valley prince, letting out a fond laugh that he failed to stifle at one of Lilia’s very questionable jokes.

Your face softened before you can stop it. Since when was his laugh this nice? The sight of him nearly doubling back, hand over his mouth to cover it as Lilia grinned at him in amusement was a sweet sight, one that oddly enough sent butterflies down your stomach—

Wait.

Butterflies…?!

You quickly stiffened, eyes widening as you instantly turned away, cheeks red. Did you really just think that? Did you really just compliment Malleus Draconia’s laugh?! The same laugh you told him straight to his face sounded like a witches, reassuring him that it at least fit how he looked like a green-colored one?!

Before you can hide, Malleus’ gaze suddenly flickered towards you after his laughter died down, though his smile remained. You can only flinch at the way his lidded eyes stared at you, black-painted lips curved into a soft smile.

By the Seven’s names, he was just beautiful…He didn’t look like a witch, he looked more like Sleeping Beauty. So ethereal, so handsome, so princely…The thoughts flooded your head before you can even process them, your widened eyes forming hearts in them if they even could as your heart began to beat faster, your breathing growing heavy and your face warming up.

Just what was this feeling? So sudden and new…

Malleus tilted his head, “Ah, Child of Man…You seem to be struggling with those books. Would you like my assistance?” A grunt left you when he suddenly stood up and began to approach you, stepping back.

You stammered, “N-No! I don’t need help from a walking fire-hazard like you! Just—just go away! Leave me alone! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!” You shrieked, suddenly finding the ability to run off with the heavy books in hand, dashing past a confused Malleus and amused Lilia.

Coach Vargas would be proud.

Malleus watched you depart as if you just saw the ghosts of his ancestors ready to take their revenge for the previous insults you hurled about them, yelling as you do so, clearly perplexed, “How odd…Though they tend to dislike when I offer help, they never tell me to “get out of their head” while running off as if they’ve seen a frightening ghost…” Malleus murmured, brows furrowed in concern.

Lilia only snickered softly from beside him, “Oh, I think I know why they reacted like that, my boy…!” He hummed, a large grin playing on his lips.

Malleus merely hummed back in confusion, looking down at his caretaker.

Ever since that day, you’ve began noticing and admiring things about him you once told him were unsightly. That emerald glow of his eyes that was once something you viewed as unsettling, was now something you viewed as a beautiful emerald gem, the elegant curl of his tall black horns that you said resembled the horns of a smelly goats was now something you wanted to gently hold in awe, that deep voice of his was something you wanted to hear over and over as if you didn’t hate the mere sound of it…

You found yourself staring. Often. Too often. And each time, it made you want to cup his face and just kis—

You pinched yourself before your thoughts could escalate, “Get it together…! Don’t think about that overgrown lizard like that…” You hissed to yourself through gritted teeth, quickly shaking your head to dismiss those thoughts.

When he walks past you now, you struggle to even try and come up with a snide remark that you can grumble his way, instead finding your head turning around like an owl to stare at him, your gaze dipping lower and lower.

His elegant, long, gloved hands, his sharp jawline, his—oh Seven forbid—shoulders, his lidded green eyes that you wanted to just gaze into for eternity, the elegant way he’d cross one leg over his knee, the heel of his Diasomnia boots swaying lightly.

“Y/N…?”

The way his long black hair would cascade down his back like the moonlight.

…/N…!”

The way his sharp nails would lightly poke from his gloved fingers that you just wanted touching you so bad.

“Prefect!”

The way his—

“PREFECT!”

You were jolted out of your daydream when Ace snapped your name, nearly falling into a suit of armor behind you. Oh right, you were in the cafeteria, admiring Malleus Draconia (YOUR—and emphasis on the YOUR—sworn enemy) who was sitting in the most secluded part of the cafeteria with Sebek, Silver, and Lilia.

When Ace and Deuce finally got your attention back, Deuce spoke first as Ace glared in annoyance, “Why were you staring at Malleus Draconia like that…?” He skeptically asked, brows furrowed.

You stiffened, “L-Like what?! I wasn’t staring at him! Why would I be staring at him? You’re seeing things, Deuce—go to an Eye Doctor, because I would NEVER stare at Malleus Draconia!” You rambled, turning your head away with a frown on your lips and your eyes shut. Though the subtle twitch of your eyebrow gave your nervousness away as Deuce and Ace stared at you like you were insane.

Ace was the first to continue, “Uh, anyway, you were staring at him like he was the most juiciest dessert in the whole school. Like you just wanted to do this with him,” To show what he meant, Ace turned around on the bench so his back can face you, much to your confusion before your face fell into a deadpan when he suddenly wrapped his arms around himself, and began moving his body like he was making out with someone.

Much to your chagrin.

“THAT IS NOT HOW I WAS STARING AT HIM!”

“Yes it was. Not to brag, but I’m perfect at reading facial expressions. Deuce, back me up.”

Deuce sighed under Ace’s smirk and your death stare, slumping his shoulders, “Well, I can’t say you wanted to do that, but it did look like you were…Ehm…Admiring him…It was suspicious.” He mumbled.

Your face turned as red as Riddle’s hair, if not redder, “Admir—I wasn’t admiring him! What is wrong with you two?! I was just…Plotting his death!” You defended, your excuse just as bad as Crowley’s when you ask when you’re going home.

Ace and Deuce shared a look before facing you, Ace speaking first, “Sure, and I got an A on my history exam. Look, we’re both saying stuff that’s not true!” He retorts, nearly causing your face to set into flames.

“I wasn’t admiring him! Get off my back!”

“Sure, sure…! As long as you try and stop yourself from nearly pouncing on him.”

Before you could finally rip out Ace’s hair, out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Malleus glancing at you, making eye-contact. He then sent you a pleased smile, tilting his head, causing you to gasp and quickly turn your reddened face away, covering it with your hands as you hid your face into the table.

Deuce sighed at that, “If that doesn’t mean what we think it means, then I don’t know what it was supposed to be…” He leaned his head against his palm, expression one of exasperation.

It got worse when you began to…Mindlessly doodle him on your notebook when you were distracted.

You had been sitting in History Class, dozing off as you scribbled notes from Trein’s lecture for the upcoming test, your cheek resting against your palm. Sooner or later, your mind began to wander; Malleus’ ever-so lovely voice drifting into your memory along with the noticeable way his eyes softened at the sight of you, and you can’t forget how ridiculously beautiful and ethereal he looked when he’d sit or stand under the moon, clueless to the moonlight perfectly shining down on him.

It was only then did you realize you were doodling all of that in your notebook, causing you to freeze, eyes widened as your pencil came to a halt. The details you added on him were unmistakably perfect, from the perfect curve of his horns to the slit pupils in his eyes as if you spent hours admiring him. Which you have as he was only a seat in-front of you.

Your breath hitched in horror when you noticed that one haunting doodle of you sitting by his side, his cloak over you, your expressions one of pleasantry and happiness.

“No, no, no…!”

You quickly tore out the page and stuffed it into your bag so fast, not even Lucius batted an eye at you. Yet Trein unfortunately did.

“Is everything alright over there?” He inquired sharply yet suspiciously.

“YES. FINE. GREAT.”

Trein stared at you for a solid few seconds before signing and continuing to the subject at hand, turning away while mumbling something about these children.

You then buried your face in your hands, eyes still wide in horror, staring at your desk through the gaps of your fingers, unable to muster up the courage and even look at Malleus’ back that was facing you.

Why was he suddenly so pretty?

Why did you suddenly yearn to hear his voice instead of hating the mere sound of it like usual?

Why were you so in love with him? You were supposed to hate him, not the other way around! Keep his admiration for you one-sided, but clearly fate had other plans…!

It didn’t help that you even began to get dreams of him at night where he’d lean over you, whispering sweet words as you stare back at him as if he were an angel set down from Heaven. It’s only when his hands would reach out to cup your face or hold your hand did you shoot up from your bed, panting heavily, and sweat-stricken.

Oh, and you can’t forget the way your hand would be outstretched as if you were chasing after him. That man was haunting you at this point…

Not even your hurried and suspicious attempts at avoiding him worked as he just ended up catching you anyway like a game of cat and mouse. Your sudden avoidance wasn’t something Malleus can pretend he hasn’t noticed. How you’d instantly change hallways when you spotted him, how you stumbled over your own words and feet when having no choice but to speak to him, clearly desperate on getting away already (and definitely not in the annoyed way), and how the fire that once burned in your eyes when around him shifted into something smaller and softer.

God, you wanted him.

You wanted him so much, it hurt…

“You’ve been rather elusive lately, no?” His voice, his stupid voice you’d be lying if you said you weren’t yearning to hear again, suddenly rang between your ears, his footsteps unmistakable as he came up behind you, only a few meters away.

You stiffened at the sound, shutting your eyes in exasperation as he approached with unhurried grace. You were at NRC’s garden, a spot you usually went to when sulking or frustrated. Sulking because of Ace teasing you again and frustrated because of your “improper” thoughts about your arch-nemesis and that dream you had where you pretty much made out with him.

You then cleared your throat, fixing your posture, “T-That’s only because I wanted to spare myself the pain of staring at your hideous, lonely face! Lest you curse me too…!” You responded, your eyes remaining shut.

“Mm. By all means, face me as you say that.”

A grunt left you, yet you didn’t turn.

A sigh—one that had a feign-tired sound to it—left him, his footsteps getting closer and closer until he stood right behind you, his chest pressing against your back, causing you to stiffen.

He was close. Way too close for your brain to handle.

“The way you hide from me…It isn’t one of irritation nor one of fear, but more one of shyness…Your face reddens, your eyes widen, and you run as if you’re hiding an unspeakable secret…” He murmurs, his expression unreadable as he looks down at you.

You couldn’t even get a coherent response out, embarrassingly so as you remained facing away from him, fists balled by your sides.

Malleus continued, a frown curving on his lips now, “And as amusing as it is, I can’t help but miss your remarks and frustration…Especially your attempts at offending me, they were quite charming.” He states in an almost sullen way, tilting his head.

You nearly choked at that, “Charming…? You miss it?” You repeated as if it was a brand new word you just heard all at once, “You…Why do you talk like that?!”

Malleus blinked in genuine confusion, “Hm? Like what?” He inquired, utterly clueless.

You finally turned to face him, trying your hardest to glare yet failing, “Like—like I’m the most perfect thing to ever grace your sight! Any insults I hurl your way, you take it with humbleness and gratitude like I just called you beautiful! You—you reply so calmly, so kindly, so—so…Lovingly! And now I’m starting to enjoy it, I hate you for it! I hate it! I hate it! It’s all your fault! Stop being you!” You snapped, gripping your hair in frustration, and squeezing your eyes shut as you finally let it all out.

Silence filled the air other than your heavy breathing.

And then a soft laugh cut it, causing you to pause. So warm. So genuine that it caused your heart to skip a beat, knowing it was coming out of his mouth.

“Is that so? Flattered is an understatement over how I feel right now…This means you desire me too though, no?” You wanted to deny his words, but couldn’t find yourself able to, your face only growing warmer. A gasp then left you when he suddenly took a step closer, causing you to instinctively step back, only for your back to press against the stone wall behind you.

You were cornered. By Malleus Draconia, once your arch-nemesis, now the man you want to be wed to soon even if you don’t admit it.

“Ah, w-wait—”

An indescribable sound left you when he leaned close enough for his forehead to knock against yours, practically towering over you as your face nearly explodes, “I’m so glad you’re now looking at me with something other than rage…If you yearn, then allow me to answer the same way.” His voice sounded like the one of a man hopelessly in love, staring down at you with such adoration in his eyes.

“Please just forget everything I said, Malleus—!”

But Malleus merely cupped your cheeks, forcing you to face him, causing you to dart your eyes around everywhere but his face. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t dream of him holding you like this, “I simply can’t…! Your honesty is so very precious to me, especially when it’s this.” He continued, unable to stop himself.

You stammered once, twice before finally managing to hesitantly look into his emerald, lidded eyes. And when you did, your legs immediately weakening, breath hitching as your heart began pounding almost instantly.

The truth tumbled out of your mouth before you can stop it, “I-It hurts…Every time I see you, I-I can’t get that angry or-or disgusted feeling anymore—I just want you so bad that it hurts…I want to hate you like I used to, but I just can’t! You’re so close, but so far…It’s torture!” You ranted on and on, pupils shaking as your shaky hands reached up to hold his wrists, “Help me, please…”

Instead of the humiliating rejection you feared would come, a gentle smile crossed Malleus’ oh-so kissable lips as he leaned closer, nose brushing against yours, “You poor thing…Of course I’ll help you, just what kind of monster would I be to not? To think you’ve gone through so much suffering for so long…You should’ve said something much earlier, you silly thing.” He teased, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of your lips.

A sharp gasp left you as he did so, immediately folding and succumbing to his touch. It’s amazing how one man (especially if said man was your rival) can make you melt like this so easily…

“M-Malleus—”

Quickly, Malleus shushed you with a soft kiss against your lips, pressing you further against the wall, “Hush. I’ve been yearning for this longer than you can imagine…I won’t let it be taken from me, not now, not ever…” He murmurs against your lips, having to slightly lift you up to kiss you better, your feet dangling off the floor. Once again, the height difference between you two was humiliating.

What was even more humiliating was how easily you folded.

“Ah…Of course…” God, you were so pathetic for him right now.

At that, Malleus hummed in delight and locked his lips with you once more, your hands finding their way onto his shoulders for balance.

Ahem, Ace will be getting his 20 Madols from Deuce for the bet he now won.

❥ — alhaitham x g/n spouse! reader (genshin impact)

warning: there’s a part that implies you and alhaitham going at it (aka having sex), but it’s not written as a smut scene, just implied bc i’m too much of a pussy to actually write smut (also bc i worry it’ll be too cringy).

There were multiple ways you can describe your relationship dynamic with Alhaitham. Golden retriever and black cat, Yin and Yang, the sun and moon, anything that screamed “opposites attract” because that’s how you and Alhaitham were like after all! You were more bubbly and outgoing while Alhaitham was simply more stoic and brooding.

Perfect match! Especially since your smile was able to melt even the coldest of expressions he wears. It’s no wonder he married you! I suppose that explains why Alhaitham decided for you to live with him and share the exact same room and bed as him.

Oh, and of course you also lived with his roommate; Kaveh who was very much sick and tired of you both, complaining about you two everyday. Like the time Alhaitham had to leave to the Akademiya for a bit and decided to peck your lips softly, much to your delight as you embraced him tightly.

All while Kaveh watched with an absolutely disgusted look.

“Couldn’t even wait till I left the room—can you two go make out somewhere else?! Other people live here, you know?!”

“It was a peck. Would you like one too? You are pretty lonely after all, maybe you get a bit jealous by seeing a happily married couple around you everyday.”

Yes, that first bit came out of Alhaitham’s mouth.

“Oh, shut up!”

He also learned the hard way that living with a married couple included needing to spend 10 Mora to get earplugs as you and Alhaitham had a very touchy and expressive way of showing how much you love each other. He just hopes a baby doesn’t end up being the result of it. The thought of a mini Alhaitham running around sent him shivers…

Every morning after those nights usually included Kaveh sending you and Alhaitham a death glare, and trying to get you two to quiet down was useless.

Kaveh would groan to himself, running a hand down his face one morning as he stood in-front of the kitchen counter, “Unbelievable…Every morning. Every, single, morning—do they have no shame…?!” Kaveh quietly ranted to himself, circles under his eyes from being deprived of sleep due to you both.

The door to Alhaitham’s room then emerged, revealing the ray of sunshine that blinded the entire house, and Kaveh at that as he winced slightly. You had a big stupid grin on your face, hair tousled, and your energy was just too big for this hour. A contrast to Kaveh’s deadpan.

“Good morning, Kaveh! Did you sleep good?” You cheerfully asked, literally skipping past him and to the fridge to probably see what can be cooked.

Kaveh narrowed his eyes. If he didn’t know you were just obliviously kind like this, he would’ve assumed you were mocking him.

“Don’t “morning” me. I didn’t even get a good nights rest because of you two! AGAIN.” He snapped, glaring at you.

You blinked in surprise before a sheepish look formed on your face, “Oh…I assume we were too loud?” You asked guiltily, tilting your head.

“YES. Has it ever occurred to either of you to soundproof your room at least? Find some way? I could barely focus on my projects because of it!” He ranted, close to grabbing your shoulders and shaking them out of exasperation. Though he couldn’t find it in himself to actually be furious with you when you sent him that sweet look in return.

Before you could respond in a very thoughtful and pitiful matter, Alhaitham’s voice broke in, announcing his arrival as he came out of his room, “If you’re so bothered by a married couple doing married couple stuff in their house, then move out. No one’s holding you back.” He suggested, moving past a glaring Kaveh to brew some coffee as if he didn’t just send an eviction threat to him.

You frowned, “Haitham! That was rude!” You then diverted your attention back to Kaveh and sent him the warmest smile that seemed to make even him dissolve every bit of anger he once carried, “I’m so sorry, Kaveh…! We’ll be more considerate of what we do together from now on, I never meant to make you feel uncomfortable!” And just when he thought it couldn’t get worse, you suddenly wrapped your arms around him and pulled him into a tight embrace, earning a grunt, “Our home is your home, okay?”

You then peeked your head up and looked over to Alhaitham with that never-fading smile, “Right, Haitham?!” You asked eagerly yet expectedly, tilting your head.

Alhaitham’s reply was blunt as he took a sip of his coffee.

“Maybe when you stop clinging to him.”

“Don’t be jealous! I’m just being nice!“

Kaveh just can’t fathom what you see in Alhaitham and how exactly he even fell for you—no offense…You were sweet, too sweet, but also too fond of…That man.

“I—!” Kaveh began, but when you stared up at him with that genuine, soft, and caring look in your eyes, he can only bring himself to sigh, slowly melting in your arms. He just can’t find himself to be mad at you after all.

Even when he’d be locked out of the house for not paying his rent on time, you were always there, somehow managing to convince Alhaitham to let him back in and give him more time or buying/making him food to give it to him in the mean time with a pitying look.

If anyone in Sumeru were told to guess who Alhaitham would be married to, they’d sooner guess a bookshelf than you of all people…At least you two seemed perfectly in love though! No toxicity or daily arguments there, especially with the way Alhaitham would stare at you when you were distracted.

You would have to be a fool to not know that was the look of love.

Although, Kaveh also knew you two were not gonna get any quieter, but it’s the thought—your thought to be precise—that counts.

Later that day, you decided to go out to a nearby café with Kaveh, Tighnari, and Cyno that opened in Sumeru’s streets, managing to persuade Alhaitham to come with so he can “socialize more” as you said to which Alhaitham blankly retorted back that he socializes just fine. Though of course, he ended up tagging along. Much to Kaveh’s annoyance.

Though what you certainly weren’t expecting was for two of your friends to not even know you and Alhaitham were married, both you and Kaveh having assumed they knew, giving the fact you wore a big fat diamond ring on your finger that could only be viewed as an engagement ring which also matched with Alhaitham’s. It really wasn’t hard to miss.

It was a simple outing. Though the café was a bit packed due to it just opening, you and Alhaitham having waited in a very long line while Kaveh, Cyno, and Tighnari sat, and were currently waiting for the beeper they were given to ring, signaling your drinks were ready.

You and Cyno were mostly the chatter of the group where you were rambling about a silly street dancer you had recently spotted with Alhaitham a few days ago while Cyno was just cracking the most unfunniest jokes known to man, Tighnari sending him the flattest expression the entire time. At least you laughed. Somehow.

“You really think that’s funny…?” Tighnari inquired in almost disbelief mixed with exasperation, raising a brow at you where you were having a fit of giggles over a joke Cyno made that was about the ocean “waving” to the beach that said hi.

You could only snicker, “Hehe! Yeah! It makes so much sense too, right? The ocean can’t talk, so it’s only sensible that it waves!” You explained cheerfully, a small rare smile forming on Cyno’s lips at the sound of someone genuinely enjoying his stupid jokes.

“If we’re going by that logic, then it still doesn’t make sense, because the beach can’t talk either, so how was it able to say hi?” Alhaitham quipped, dragging his gaze from his book to you.

“Don’t ruin it, Haitham! I know you too found it funny deep down!”

Alhaitham hummed, “Since you found it funny…” He mumbled, his arm finding its way around your shoulders on your chair as his gaze focused on his book again.

Kaveh can only mumble something incoherent, drinking the water he had brought while he waits for his drink, seemingly parched.

Tighnari furrowed his brows at the way Alhaitham got so close to you, his eyes—as quick as ever—not missing the way his thumb even stroked your knuckles as he held your hand, “I’ve noticed you two are…Rather close, huh? No offense, but you both don’t really seem like the type to get along so well.” He states, ears flicking in curiosity.

Kaveh snorted, “Close is an understatement…” He mumbled, earning a look from you as you knew full well what he was referring to while Tighnari merely sent a confused one.

You then laughed, diverting your attention back to Tighnari and Cyno as you leaned against Alhaitham’s fairly strong bicep, “None taken! We get told that a lot actually, but I kinda like it! It’s like opposites attract, right, Alhaitham?” You’d exclaim, your eyes sparkling with delight.

Alhaitham merely hummed, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, though it was obvious he was paying attention to everything you were saying nonetheless.

Tighnari can only squint his eyes at that. Opposites attract is quite the intimate phrase two friends would use to describe each other’s dynamic, “That’s certainly one way to describe it…You’re all full of life and Alhaitham’s just…” He trailed off, slowly turning to face said person.

“Wonderful, right?”

That dreamy sigh that left you after saying that caused both Cyno and Tighnari’s heads to practically snap back towards you so fast, it was a miracle their necks didn’t break.

Kaveh merely stared at you as if you just publicly announced your love for a hilichurl, “Sometimes I wonder if he hypnotized you…” He mumbled, earning a jab to the knee from Alhaitham’s foot, causing him to yelp.

Cyno then chimed in after a long minute of looking between you two skeptically, “Huh…It’s just that people with opposite personalities like you two would usually be bickering nonstop.” He added, brows also furrowed.

“Oh, well…Alhaitham and I do argue sometimes, but not “nonstop” ! I think you might be mixing our relationship up with Alhaitham and Kaveh’s!” You suggested, your expression momentarily forming into a surprised one before it gradually shifted to a sheepish one.

“Huh…”

But even after that, Cyno and Tighnari still couldn’t wrap their heads around this. The chatter continued on for a few more long minutes where you’d laugh at something that Alhaitham said (which he didn’t originally mean to sound funny), placing your palm over his hand, intertwining your fingers together in the process which Tighnari’s eyes instantly snapped to while Kaveh grumbled about the pastry menu’s prices.

While you, Alhaitham, and Kaveh were distracted, the forest ranger then turned to the general, “Psst…! Cyno, come here!” He whisper-yelled, ushering him over.

Cyno blinked and suddenly, obediently, scooted his chair an entire meter over, the loud screech it made causing Kaveh to wince and send him a bewildered look, “Closer?” He had the audacity to ask.

Tighnari grumbled, “You could’ve leaned.” He pulled Cyno around so their backs are only facing the other three as they huddled close in a totally not suspicious way in the middle of the café, “Their relationship is hard to cipher, right…?” Tighnari whispered to the other, voice low so neither you, Alhaitham, or Kaveh hear him.

Cyno nodded, “Agreed…The way they act…It’s both like they’re friends—like friends with benefits. Whatever they are, they must be very close and comfortable friends…” He murmured quietly, narrowing his eyes.

“Close and comfortable friends…?” Tighnari repeated in confusion, his brow arching.

Cyno stood his ground, “Yes. Close and comfortable friends. Do you see the way he lets them touch his shoulder without moving his entire body just to avoid their finger? The way he listens to their loudness without putting on his noise-cancellation like usual? He even held their hand. All of those are the complete opposite of what Alhaitham would do with anyone else.” Cyno explained, hand curling over his chin in thought, “Not to mention, I’ve noticed his hand has been on their knee for the past five minutes.”

Tighnari narrowed his eyes, glancing over his shoulder, and sure enough, Alhaitham’s hand was indeed on your knee, and you didn’t seem to have a care in the world, either not noticing or genuinely enjoying it.

He then hummed, turning back to Cyno, “I guess you’re right…I noticed he looks at them differently than how he looks at the rest too. His gaze, it…Visibly softens. Especially when he thinks no one’s looking. That’s nothing like Alhaitham either, he doesn’t easily let his guard down in public like that!” He commented, nodding in concur.

Cyno huffed, “That’s not true. He only does that when you and Kaveh are not looking. He doesn’t care when I stare, and neither do they.” He corrects. Very wrong by the way.

Tighnari deadpanned, ears flattening, “That’s entirely wrong. It’s either because they both just don’t care or because your way of paying attention to people is just staring dead at them, unblinking like a statue until you’re acknowledged like a cat yearning for attention.” The fox retorted.

“I like that comparison, and that’s only because it’s the most efficient method.”

“No. It’s not. It’s actually why people are scared of you until you crack your lazy jokes…”

Before they could bicker more, your giggle suddenly rang in the air, causing their heads to whip around their shoulders, only to see you leaning into Alhaitham, whispering something in his ear with a giggle, and if their eyes deceived them, Tighnari and Cyno could’ve sworn they saw Alhaitham—the ever-so cold and unreadable Acting Grand Sage himself—actually crack a smile.

Cyno whipped his head back to Tighnari when the two turned back around, “See? That’s enough to confirm the theory of them being friends with benefits. I was right.” He proudly declared quietly, though his expression showed no emotion other than his words. As usual.

Tighnari then huffed, “That doesn’t really mean anything, for all we know, they might be dating…We only have three possibilities right now. Friends with benefits, dating, or…” He suddenly trailed off, eyes slowly widening, and his ears perking up.

That grabbed Cyno’s attention as he leaned forward expectedly, “Or what?” He tilted his head, the two getting very close now.

Tighnari finally faced him, “Or maybe they’re something bigger. Something permanent.” He finally concluded, eyes wide.

That’s when they fell silent, minds racing and all.

“What if it’s an arranged partnership to fool the public?”

Quipped Cyno.

“Something planned out by the Akademiya?”

Tighnari added.

“Well since they, Alhaitham, and Kaveh all live in the same house, I also think it may be a love triangle too.” Tighnari blinked rapidly at that, “Either Alhaitham and Kaveh fighting over them,” Tighnari ran both hands down his face, “—or Kaveh and [your name] fighting over Al—”

Tighnari whacked him at that, sending him a glare, “Don’t finish that sentence! Right when I thought it couldn’t get worse…I thought it was obvious that the only thing that connects Alhaitham and Kaveh together is mutual suffering, and don’t even think about uttering that in-front of anyone!” He scolded, holding up a finger towards him even.

“They live in the same house. They’ve had to have done something altogether before, no? And it would be a good plot twist, [your name] has chemistry with both of them after all…”

“This isn’t a story, stop talking about them like they’re characters from a book!” Well.

Meanwhile, you and Kaveh were staring at them in concern, watching them go back and forth about God knows what, huddled together and everything.

“I wonder what they’re doing.” You hummed, tilting your head curiously with a more calmer look, compared to Kaveh’s very much concerned one.

He squinted, “They look like they’re plotting something…” He mumbles, holding the menu in his hands, “Also can someone check on the drinks?”

A question everyone was meaning to ask.

“That looks fun! Maybe we can do that together next time, Kaveh!”

“Uh…Maybe later…”

Alhaitham then finally spoke up without diverting his gaze from his book, “Ignore them. Whatever conclusion they reach probably won’t be true.” He states bluntly.

Meanwhile…

…did you even notice those matching rings on their fingers?” Tighnari reminded Cyno in annoyance, clueless to Kaveh’s approaching figure.

“It could be a friendship ring.” Cyno shot back, also clueless.

Tighnari’s ears went back in frustration, “Wha—that doesn’t exist! Next you’re gonna say they kissed each other’s cheeks because that’s how strong their friendship is!” He argued.

“Friends kiss each other’s cheeks. I rest my case.”

“You didn’t rest ANYTHI—!”

Before Tighnari can explode, a shadow suddenly loomed over them.

“What in the Seven are you two doing…?” Kaveh’s voice broke in, eyes squinted in confusion, absolutely incredulous.

Cyno and Tighnari stiffened at that, Tighnari’s ears and Cyno’s imaginary ones—that he likely wished weren’t imaginary—perking as if they were caught stealing something.

Cyno then finally answered, facing him, “Debating on something.” Tighnari whipped his head towards him with a deadly glare, “You weren’t supposed to tell him!” He scolded.

Kaveh only grew more confused, “Debating what? What could you two possibly be debating?!” He asked once more, desperate for answers now.

“What their relationship is.”

Silence.

Kaveh felt like he was about to flip something.

He then inhaled, “Archons save me…You’re telling me you two actually don’t know what they are?!” He ran his hands down his face in exasperation once more.

Tighnari tilted his head, “You know?” He inquired in surprise, his interest now piqued.

“Well, of course I know! I unfortunately live with them. How could I not know?!”

Cyno then chimed in, “Really? Then can you tell us whether or not our three hypotheses are corre—?” He was once again cut off.

“Your what?! Stop, stop, stop! I cannot believe this right now…How in the Dendro Archon’s name did you two miss it?! Like they’re not even subtle about it—they’re all over each other!” Kaveh ranted, moving his hands around in emphasis.

Cyno blinked, “All over each other? So they are friends with benefits…!” At that, Tighnari and Kaveh both spun their heads towards him with an irritated look.

“NO!”

“They’re nothing what you guys think! In fact, they’re actually a marr—” Before Kaveh can finally reveal the answer, a chair screeching back was suddenly heard, grabbing both their attentions.

Alhaitham had suddenly stood up, staring at the beeper which was flashing red and beeping nonstop, signaling their drinks are ready. Finally.

“Our drinks are ready. I’ll go get them.” As he said, Alhaitham placed his book in your lap for you to take care of which both Tighnari and Cyno’s eyes darted down to.

Alhaitham never, and I mean NEVER, leaves his book with just anyone…Just what were you two…?

You then suddenly perked up, sitting up in your seat, “Ooh, wait, Haitham! Don’t forget to add sugar in my drink, I forgot to tell them again!” You called out to him, waving for his attention.

Alhaitham sighed, “Of course you did…” He then leaned down to your height where your faces were close together, Cyno and Tighnari watching intently while Kaveh can only deadpan at the scene, and finally; your lips interlocked, a choked gasp leaving Tighnari at the sight, his ears shooting up.

At that, Alhaitham left, leaving you a giggling flushed mess, holding your cheeks in glee as you slumped back down in your seat, “Hehe! He’s such a great husband!” It was as if the world started spin when you uttered that one word.

“Husband! Husband…! Husband…”

The word echoed in Cyno and Tighnari’s minds just like that as they can only stare wide-eyed, Kaveh grumbling “Even in public, he has no shame.” as he turned to watch Alhaitham get their drinks.

“I-I’m sorry—what? What did you say…?” Tighnari asked for confirmation in bewilderment, leaning in.

You merely blinked innocently, “Hm? Husband? Wait, you two didn’t know we were married? I thought it was obvious!” You then showed them the wedding ring on your finger, the same one Tighnari was going on about was indeed a wedding ring.

Tighnari and Cyno can only stare at it in bafflement.

“Married.” Cyno repeated as if it were a new word.

“Yep!”

“To Alhaitham…?” Tighnari added, tilting his head skeptically.

“Yes, yes!”

Another beat of silence.

“…Willingly?” from Cyno, earning him a humorous snort from Kaveh.

You tilted your head, “Of course! I don’t get what’s so confusing. Alhaitham loves me, and I love him, even when he’s a little grumpy!” You exclaimed, your smile plastering right back on.

“Grumpy’s one way to put it.” Kaveh rose his brows, earning a little frown from you.

Before you could reply, Alhaitham was suddenly back with drinks, causing you to instantly crane your head back to face him with a happy grin, watching him place your drink first in-front of you, and place your straw with a precise amount of adjustment that he knew would please you and made Cyno and Tighnari watch in disbelief, “Here. Extra sugar just liked you asked.” He murmured, passing the rest their drinks. Kaveh was given his last though, much to his annoyance.

It doesn’t help that Alhaitham just tossed their straws towards them too.

“Thank you~!” You chirped.

Kaveh scoffed meanwhile, “Yeah, same. I’m soooooo grateful I was given my drink last and got my straw thrown in my face while they got their drink first and straw adjusted precisely.” He snapped, glaring at him.

Alhaitham didn’t even dare to apologize however and instead arched a brow at him, “You sound jealous, Kaveh. I wasn’t aware you wanted to join our marriage that badly, since the only way I’d ever do those things for you is if you were also my spouse.” He remarked tauntingly. Though Alhaitham’s expression was as blank and unreadable as ever, there was still a small hint of amusement playing on his face.

Kaveh recoiled however, “Eugh…I’d rather die! Stop saying stuff like that…The only thing I’d enjoy in a marriage with you two is [reader]! I’d rather fall in a ditch than ever get married to you though…” He shot back, trying to ignore that flattered look you sent him.

Like that wasn’t oddly intimate to say.

Alhaitham then looked up and finally noticed Cyno and Tighnari’s stares, “And what’s wrong with you two?” He inquired, finally sitting down next to you calmly as he took a sip from his coffee.

“You didn’t think to mention the fact you were married?” Tighnari asked somewhat sarcastically, sending Alhaitham an annoyed look.

Alhaitham didn’t blink, “I thought you both knew. It was pretty obvious.” He stated, moving to grab his book from your lap, “Not to mention, it was none of your business. Especially that whole debate you both had.”

“You heard that…?”

“You weren’t discreet.”

As the conversation went on, Alhaitham’s hand found its way around yours once more, stroking your ring again while you cheerfully remained oblivious, too focused on your drink.

After all, being with Alhaitham made you forget all about your surroundings and feel at ease, protected, and delighted all at once. How you loved him so…!

Only you were able to get a genuine smile out of him.

Cyno then mumbled to himself, “Hm…In another universe maybe, they were friends with benefits and had a love triangle.” He quietly murmured to himself, nodding in thought while being clueless to the look Kaveh gave him.

i feel like this is kinda corny, but whatever cause alhaitham shares a bday with me

okay bye

❥ — malleus draconia x g/n jealous diablo-based! reader (twisted wonderland)

things about you that you should know: you’re based off diablo as it says so in the title, you’re a 3rd year like malleus, diablo is your great-grandfather (paralleling how maleficent is apparently malleus’ great-grandmother, i think), you have visible wings but only by your ears and the visual of it is like the wings by sunday and robin’s ears from hsr, and lastly, the reader is also heavily inspired off my diablo oc who i shipped with malleus like back in 2022.

Not many were brave enough to get so close to Malleus Draconia. Even when he was a child, other children would often flee, leaving the poor boy by himself to play or just spend his time cooped up in his kingdom.

He did have one friend though. A raven fae whose family had served the Draconia’s for eons, your great-grandfather having been close with Malleus’ great-grandmother herself. It seemed history just has a way with repeating based on how close the two of you had quickly gotten.

Unlike most, you were brave enough to tease and mess with him the way you’d do with others despite your specie being quite weaker than most faes. Though the raven faes were also known for their intelligence which they can use to their advantage to escape death fortunately.

Not to mention, you and Malleus were very close enough to the point Malleus would never even think of harming you other than pinching you when your teasing irked him a little. It came to the point you could be considered his right-hand just like your great-grandfather once was to his great-grandmother.

It became a regular occurence for the students in NRC to see Malleus with his raven’s arm either looped around his or worse; lounging right in his lap without a care in the world.

“You’re heavy…”

Malleus stated calmly in that deep, monotone voice that sent shivers down most people’s spines, his words rolling off as if it were a fact as he gazed down at the brave raven lying in his lap right in the middle of Diasomnia’s lounge.

“Hmph. You speak lies, Malleus, and that’s saying a lot, since we faes can’t lie! We both know I’m the size of an ant compared to you…You could even pick me up and manhandle me if you so please!” You retorted cleverly, cracking one eye open to peer up at him, the dark wings resting by your ears rustling ever-so slightly.

Malleus hummed, “You are correct, I’ll admit…A fae cannot lie, and if they try to, they’d fail horribly. Perhaps I simply wished to mock you the way you do me…” He defended softly, emerald eyes glinting with amusement.

“Really? That sure was an attempt then, I’ll give you that…Try harder next time. Maybe you could also try doing something else with me during that spare time, Mal-Mal…Mmm…Like feeding me fruits! I saw a Pomefiore student feed a bird a strawberry this morning.”

At your suggestion, Malleus’ expression didn’t waver, “Hm, if I had known you enjoyed being hand-fed, I would’ve been stuffing seeds in your mouth to cease your foolish chatter long ago, you nosy raven.” Malleus retorted, not missing a beat with his words as he reached a slender hand out to flick the wings by your ears with two nails, “And berries? Here I thought you ravens enjoyed shiny objects more…”

A pout formed on your lips in response, your feathers merely ruffling in response at the flick, “How rude! Why, I thought my chatter brought life to the gloominess you always carry! I think I’m starting to see why people dislike being around you…And objects, berries…I don’t mind either! So make sure to get me both by tomorrow, okay?” Your voice held a teasing warmth to it as you drawled out the “okay” , flashing him a cheeky smile before shutting your eyes once more and shifting on his lap to get more comfortable.

Malleus could only chuckle, “How I’ve spoiled you so…” He mused as he grabbed a piece of your hair and stroked it between his fingers. What a close friendship you two had…

Moments like these were the same ways that described your friendship perfectly. Like you had said before, you were always the one to shine the light in his darkness, and tease him bravely unlike most people. Any other raven fae like you that provoked a dragon would’ve instantly gotten their wings set aflame and no amount of their cleverness could get them out of their unfortunate situation, but you had a way with pleasing Malleus despite your provocation.

After all, Malleus knew that you never held any true contempt in your teasing. It was just light fun. Not to mention, whenever you just-so happened to actually upset him with your words, you’d always manage to find a gift for him as an apology, and no matter what it is, Malleus found himself instantly forgiving you. Whether the gift was a gemstone you had somehow found or a lost item you took, a smile would always form onto his lips.

Though Malleus did notice the gifts oddly seemed like the ones ravens would give to those they liked. Yet you had instantly denied that (pathetically so) the minute Malleus inquired about it to you. As if he bought that.

But despite how well you’d mask it with jests and nonchalance, you did have the trait of being…Possessive over your dear dragon. And you couldn’t have shown it to him better when he was rambling about the human that became the talk of the school during the last Entrance Ceremony, the same human that held no fear to Malleus.

And boy, were you not pleased when his attention was diverted to them.

…and they called me Hornton rather than my true name everyone would strictly use for me…Such a brave yet fragile human they are. They truly hold no fear for me, do they?”

If you had the ability to lose your hearing right now, you’d totally use it with the amount of times Malleus had brought up this stupid weak human and their ugly, arrogant, fur-ball of a monster-cat (your words not mine) that no one even wanted in the damn school originally, including the Magic Mirror itself, and also didn’t even know who the Thorn Fairy herself was.

Now sure you loved when Malleus was happy about something or was smiling ear-to-ear, but not like this! Not where his tone was softening for someone else or sending a sweet smile for someone that wasn’t you.

You weren’t even lying in his lap like you’d usually do. How could you? His hands wouldn’t even be running through your hair like they usually would, instead too busy empathizing how happy he was speaking to a human who was finally not afraid of him like everyone else!

. . . . . . . . . . .

Everyone else…?

Everyone else?!

Did you suddenly not exist anymore?! What happened to you; the fledgling that would finish a whole cake with him on his birthday just to make him happy, the fledging that would actually be there to play with him when every other child in the village would flee, the fledgling that shoved a cake in his face on his Sweet 16 (that nearly drove your parents insane, need i add), the fledgling that spent 4 whole hours searching for gems to surprise him with and then endured Trein’s 20 minute lecture for skipping history in the process, the fledging that—

A dark-colored feather shedding and falling right on your lap snapped you out of your sulking, ranting thoughts as you shot your head down to it, quickly shooing it away. Now you were shedding out of irritation. The things only Malleus is able to make you do is remarkable…

You then finally spoke, trying to hide the bitterness in your tone as you spoke, “This human…You know you’ve mentioned them in a conversation that doesn’t even involve the word “human” in it at least five times, Your Highness?” You pointed out flatly as you flicked away another falling feather.

Malleus tilted his head at the title you suddenly used, a frown curving on his lips. Your Highness? The formality caught him off-guard. It was nothing like you after all…It didn’t even hold that same teasing tone you’d lace with it, instead one of mockery.

Though he just shrugged it off, believing he might just be looking at it wrong and continued, “Have I? I hadn’t noticed, I was too immersed…They’re quite fascinating after all.” Malleus replies, a fond smile suddenly making its way on his face, clueless to the death stare you were sending him.

“Fascinating isn’t the word I’d choose….” You grumbled, flicking away another feather. This time a bit more harsher to the point Malleus finally turned to acknowledge it. Probably because it somehow landed right on his nose.

As he picked up the feather and inspected it, Malleus could only show a look of confusion. You were shedding? But why? It was much too early after all, it wasn’t shedding season for ravens or even dragons at that.

The only possible conclusion Malleus could come to as to why you were shedding was that you were deeply bothered by something, and you did seem to be holding an attitude at the moment…

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but could it be you’re shedding from irritation?”

Although your wings rustled in response, you didn’t even try denying his words, your annoyance never wavering as you turned your head away stubbornly, “Hmph. Maybe I am…! What’s it to you though? I thought you were too busy boasting over that human to notice that even the weakest of us raven faes could notice and even feel left out when their closest friend’s attention diverts away from them!” The truthful words came tumbling out your mouth before you could stop them, and the more you spoke, the more your feathers came shedding down.

“And here I thought you knew how it felt to be left out…”

Malleus blinked in slight surprise at your outburst before a ghost of a smile suddenly crept up onto his lips, now having a hunch as to why exactly you were behaving like this, “Right you are…Here I am, complaining and fussing to you over feeling left out, yet I made you feel the exact same way without realizing…! Although if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re jealous of the human, my sweet pitiful raven…” He teased, and if you didn’t know how much he cares about you, you would’ve assumed he was making fun of you.

You could only stiffen at his words, eyes widening, and wings puffing out in surprise as you spun your head back to him, practically squawking at him, “J-Jealous?! Have you finally lost your head, Malleus? Just why in all of Twisted Wonderland would I be jealous of a defenseless human?!” A scoff then left you as you quickly turned your head away, cheeks flashing a scarlet red as you tried your hardest to deny his words, “And please, don’t flatter yourself…I’m merely worried about your public image as your right-hand raven! People might start thinking the heir to the Briar Valley himself is growing a soft spot for a human that doesn’t know where one has placed them after all…!”

But unlike the rest, Malleus was one of the many people (lilia being a close second) who you just couldn’t fool as his smile only widened. The thought of his own dear raven getting jealous over him…He almost wanted to keep poking at you to see when you’ll crack. Who knew you can be so cute when jealous?

And not to mention, the faes were terrible liars. It’s almost impossible for one to properly lie despite their mischievous and clever nature, hence why most spoke in riddles when it comes to playfully misleading a foolish human. They’re not truly lying at the end of the day…

“Is that so? Then I suppose I can tell you just how brave, kind, curious, and rather sweet they are—”

You cut him off with narrowed eyes, “Oh sweet, are they…? Well why don’t you just say they’re as “sweet as sugar” next then? Do they also stare at you with wide, innocent, doe eyes?” As you said that, you mockingly fluttered your eyelashes at him before your expression quickly fell into a flat one and you turned away.

Malleus could only stifle a laugh, “Ah, for such a smart raven you are, you can be so silly, dear…You could’ve just told me that you missed my attention and I would’ve given it to you without a second thought.” He said, his smile widening, “My, if I had known you grow this endearing when jealous, I would’ve chatted about this human for days just to see your adorable pouts and fluffy wings…!”

That flustered, baffled expression on your face in response to his last words that’ll likely earn him a horn pull in a few hours was worth it.

“Wha—I don’t miss your attention! Stop saying foolish things, and-and stop smiling like that too!”

“Then why are your wings puffing? And I will smile however I please.”

Your hands quickly found their way onto said wings, hastily fixing them back to their original state, “They’re not! My wings don’t puff, my feathers don’t shed, I don’t pout, I don’t get jealous, and especially not over some—!” Your angry rant was cut short with a startled, choked sound when Malleus suddenly reached a hand over and pulled you into his chest by placing his palm on the back of your head, dragging you right into his lap with a hum.

Your expression remained one of both anger, fluster, and surprise, eyes still widened, and your wings puffing right back, your hands struggling to find a place to lay.

“Oh, hush already…There is no need for such anger. You know very well that no one can replace the role you hold in my life. To think you’d compete with another for my heart…” And right when you thought his words couldn’t get worse, he decided to add, “I am your Malleus, just like you’re my raven.”

You could only stammer and grunt, eyes wide, and your cheek smushed against his chest, “C-Compete…? I am…Not competing, you fool—merely…Reminding you and everyone else who your true companion is…” You muttered, too mortified to even look up and face him.

“Yes, yes, whatever you say, and that I’m grateful for.” The way his voice finally softened for you and only you caused your heart to skip like five whole beats if it even could, your teeth gritting together as he began to run his fingers through your hair like he always did.

“I despise you…”

“Do you?”

“Absolutely. You horrible, spoiled, bratty, insufferable, smug-faced, arrogant prince.” You could wound a kitten with those insults, but not a dragon, “Always teasing me, always mocking me—”

—it’s not as fun when you’re the one on the end of it, is it?” Malleus suddenly cut you off with a retort, his hands movements never stilling as he tilted his head with an innocent yet shit-eating smile, eyes lidding mischievously.

You fell silent at that, for a beat too long even.

A huff then left you as you continued to not bother to respond, though your irritated expression softened ever so slightly, “Fine. You win this round…Though if you rant like a lovesick fool about that human again, I’ll be shedding feathers all over you.” You threatened, grumbling softly.

“Of course. Anything to make you happy…Would you like a peck with that too?”

“Sevens save me—work on your jokes better, Malleus. That was horrid…” Though it wasn’t like you’d complain if he did kiss you. Just a speculation though!

Yet despite the two’s bickering, the unspoken yet unmistaken chemistry still lingered in the air as the loyal raven remained perched in the Thorn Fairy’s arms like usual, even after a jealous fit. That was only silenced by the Thorn Fairy himself, as usual.

❥ — malleus draconia and hatchling dragon fae g/n! reader — PLATONIC (twisted wonderland)

When Malleus had originally heard from Lilia (as he once again missed the ceremony) that there was to be another dragon fae of his kin coming to NRC as a Diasomnia student, he was initially surprised, but also pleased. It’s been quite awhile since he’s seen another one of his kind other than his grandmother, so you can already guess he was eager to see this fae everyone’s speaking about.

He was not expecting them to be quite…Small and young however. They were a teenager—14 years old—in human standards, but in fae standards? You were but a baby. Well, in fae language you were referred to as a hatchling. You were young enough to be viewed by older faes that you had just hatched from your egg and still needed to be taken care of under your mother’s wing.

Despite 1st years usually being 16 years old, NRC made an exception for you as your parents were insistent on you becoming a student early due to you being just two years younger, and what type of “generous Headmage” would Crowley be to deny a loving family?

He was bribed and threatened. Your father can truly be terrifying if he wanted to.

Anyway, Lilia was ecstatic when he saw you, a contrast to Malleus’ skeptical expression (as he knew full well how much of a handful hatchlings can be), “A hatchling in our dear dorm! My, I’m getting nostalgia just by looking at you…! You look just like how our Housewarden once looked at your age. You’ll bring quite the youth to this wary school’s halls, hm?” Lilia had cooed at you, watching you meekly peer at him, gripping your bag.

You were nervous, Malleus could tell. Just from that, he was able to assume you didn’t have much friends in your hometown, just like him. Malleus did hear about you once or twice though, your family being a neighboring kingdom to the Draconia’s in the Briar Valley, he just never thought he’d actually see you face-to-face.

You were yet to understand the true potential of your draconic abilities as well, Malleus’ gaze flickering down to your hands and fingernails where your sharp draconic claws were poking out, creating nail marks into your bag. Not to mention, the small puff of smoke that’d unconsciously curl out from your nostrils out of worry. Something most dragon faes knew how to control even if they were anxious.

“T-The Housewarden? Who might that be, may I ask?” You were well-mannered too fortunately. You were royalty after all, no matter how a snobby a royal might be, they are still strictly taught manners.

“That would be me.”

Malleus’ deep voice caused you to jolt and quickly look up to see his towering figure, sending a polite smile down to you as to not frighten you. He was just like you without a doubt. From his tall horns that stood a sharp contrast to your smaller ones, his glowing emerald eyes with that genetic draconic split in them, and to that visible fang poking from his teeth that was sharp enough to tear through flesh like that of a furious dragon. Another contrast to your lighter ones that could only nibble.

He then tilted his head, his smile softening, “My name is Malleus Draconia, little one…Welcome to Diasomnia dorm. The mirror has chosen well to place you in this dorm, it’s best for a dragon so young to be around their kind after all. Although, I’ve never once heard of a 1st year coming to this school at such a young age…” He had spoken gently to you, his tone soft and gentle, almost as if he were speaking to a child. Which he was in his perspective.

You could only stare at him with a hint of awe in your big shining eyes, mouth agape as you stammered, “Ooh…I-I heard about you before, Lord Draconia—my parents told me to stay close to you, because they think you’d be a good influence on me. M-My family also thought it wouldn’t hurt for me to come to Night Raven College early, they said I was smart enough…I’ll do my best to be a good student here though, Housewarden!” You had exclaimed, smiling up at him kindly yet nervously. The smile Malleus had sent back caused yours to widen than it had ever did.

And thus came the life in NRC.

You were unable to maintain your draconic instincts. At the sight of something shiny which dragons are known to grow attracted to easily yet were usually able to restrain themselves, you couldn’t resist the urge to try and grab it. To just at least hold it!

It came to the point Sebek found you stuck halfway into a trophy case in NRC’s hall of heirlooms, trying to grab at the shining emerald in the case as Sebek frantically tried to yank you out with a struggle due to your tight grip.

“THIS IS A DISGRACE TO THE DRAGON HERITAGE! RELEASE THE CASE THIS ONCE, CHILD!”

Sebek had boomed, desperately trying to yank you back to the point his boots began to screech on the floor.

You could only cry out in response, “But—but it’s so shiny! Please, please let me just hold it for a bit! I can’t help it—!” You had cut yourself off with a gnawing sound as you suddenly began to gnaw at the gem to try and pull it towards you with your fangs instead.

Sebek shrieked.

“LET GO.”

It didn’t help that when the first time you spotted that shiny earring Jade wore which matches with Floyd’s, you were nearly tempted to sneak it off him when he was distracted just to admire it if Silver—who just-so happened to not be knocked out in that moment—didn’t quickly lead you away to divert your attention. He doesn’t even want to imagine the Tweel’s reactions to their belongings stolen…

Another one would be where if someone were to praise you, you’d grow overjoyed. A little too overjoyed though...For example, when Professor Crewel had patted your head for succeeding in making a healing potion, you suddenly found yourself growing so happy that a draconic purr left you, and it certainly did not sound as soft and cute as a cats, startling almost everyone around you with how loud and scarily deep it was, much to your embarrassment.

It did make some wonder though, if you could purr, didn’t that mean Malleus could purr too? Not like they were ever going to put that theory to the test anyway…

And don’t even get me started when you accidentally set the curtains aflame with but a simple sneeze, causing a panic to rise as everyone scrambled and shrieked. You still remembered the look on Vil’s face when his hair caught on fire. It’s safe to say you did not leave your room for hours after that…

But as you’d coop yourself up in embarrassment like a weeping dragon, Malleus was there. As understanding and gentle as ever.

He would place his palms on your cheeks, cupping them so you could face him, your teary eyes finally facing his reassuring expression, “There’s no need to weep, little one…You’re still but a hatchling. You’ve barely learned how to sheath your claws in yet! It’s only natural for you to make mistakes and learn from them. Nothing is your fault.” His words instantly made you feel better as you allowed him to hold you, clearly in need of comfort from someone. Just someone who can easily replicate your father who you just missed so much.

And Malleus perfectly did with how parental he had sounded in that moment. Ever since that day, you found yourself following him around like a lost duckling, drawn to him.

It started light. You’d simply stick close to him and sometimes Lilia, always following him down the halls, your shoes tapping against the tiled floors of NRC, ignoring all the gazes fixated on you two or at least you tried, meekly moving closer to Malleus as to avoid their gazes.

After all, this was quite the sight! NRC’s only two dragons walking side-by-side together, the little one practically clinging to the big one? It was something that could be said as a joke.

Speaking of which, that Huntsman from Pomefiore dorm gave you quite the fright with his incoherent poetic rambling about the adoration of the two of you so close together, Malleus usually leading you away in exasperation. Many had also initially assumed you two were actually related with your similarities, only for that to instantly be debunked once seeing the different colors in your flames.

Which they had only noticed when you set the curtains on fire, your flames showing a different color from Malleus’ in the midst of chaos.

As said in the history books, dragon fae bloodlines all have a specific shade of color to their flames. The Draconia’s flames just-so happened to be green and it carried on with their bloodline, yours however was a different color, completely different from Malleus’ which confirmed you two were in fact not related.

Even when Malleus would visit the courtyard late at night, you weren’t far, always sitting beside him without a word, staring up at with wide, curious eyes. He never asked for your presence, yet never seemed to mind it either. If anything, Malleus frankly found your clinginess amusing and quite adorable.

Especially when you’d lightly bump into his back when he takes an abrupt stop while walking and how you’d visibly quicken your pace, clearly trying to match his when he’d unconsciously speed up.

When he had finally confronted you about it, you practically shot your head up with a startled, nervous look.

“Just what are you up to, little hatchling?” The nickname had stuck to you for a while, always making you smile and want to cling to him even more to hear the fatherly nickname leave that soft tone he’d conjure up just for you again, “Your insistent clinging has became quite the chatter…Anywhere I go, you just-so happen to be right there by my side. I wonder, just what are you drawn to?” He’d tease, smiling in amusement as his eyes lidded.

Like a father cooing at his little one that just won’t stop playing around him.

You merely shuffled shyly, “Nothing…What if I just wanna follow my Housewarden and elderly kin? I have to be “drawn” to something to do so?” Despite your usual child-like meekness, Malleus could hear the hint of teasing in your tone and see the amusement glinting behind that innocent look you’d send him.

Malleus could only raise a brow at the fact you just in-directly called him old and the sudden tease you sent him, showing just how comfortable you were beginning to get, “Elderly, you say? You’d call the prince of the Briar Valley himself old…? My, just where is this bravery coming from, hatchling?” He teased, reaching a gloved hand over and pinching your cheek feign-scoldingly, much to your surprise as you yelped, “Well if that’s the case, I suppose I have no problems with your insistent trailing. After all, if I am your elderly, then you are the youngling I’ll have to take extra care of…”

From that moment, you continued to trail among his side. You found yourself also inspecting the gargoyle statues despite mixing them up with grotesques multiple times and nearly driving Malleus insane from that, you’d even have the tendency to try and ambush him playfully, only to fail miserably due to the evident strength difference between you both.

It was a plan you sought out perfectly. When he went outside as usual after classes to admire the gargoyle statues behind the school—mostly where Diasomnia was located—that’s when your plan strikes. Taking advantage of his distracted figure, you took two steps close, falling into an abrupt stop to make sure he doesn’t suspect anything before continuing with your strides, your eyes glinting eagerly.

Finally, you leapt from the shadows and went to pounce right on him with a determined look as you cried out. However, your plan had instantly backfired when Malleus’ gaze suddenly darted towards you past his shoulder with a glint in his emerald eyes and before you could even blink, his hand reached out with inhuman speed, and quickly caught you by the collar of your Diasomnia uniform like that of a naughty kitten being scolded by it’s mother.

He had effortlessly caught you mid-air and before you could even touch him with just a claw.

A yelp left you in response as you thrashed, Malleus merely blinking down at you, clearly amused, “You are not very stealthy, Hatchling…I could hear you reciting your plan from behind those bushes, don’t you know? A bit of advice, perhaps next time you should keep your plan to yourself.” He teased, tilting his head fondly.

You could only stammer, “W-What?! But I was sure I was only saying that in my head!” You defended, smoke puffing from your nostrils out of frustration.

Although maybe that would explain why a few passing-by students would glance at you skeptically.

“Well, it is quite clear that you younglings have no experience in stealth or silence. No offense of course…”

Offense taken.

You can only grumble, glaring up at him, “Mmh…It’s not fair you’re so much stronger than me…” You mumbled in a fit of frustration.

Malleus chuckled, “Do not sulk, Little One. Next time, perhaps I’ll let you latch onto my horns and I’ll sneak in a slight stumble.” He reassured, setting you back down on your feet.

“That’s still not fair!”

“Nor is pouncing on someone without warning.”

It was honestly amusing to Malleus how fast you can go from upset and frustrated with him to literally sleeping right beside him just a few hours later.

As you had found yourself knocked out against his shoulder a bit later in Diasomnia’s lounge despite saying you were “upset with him” for defeating you in each ambush attempt. As if that was his fault. Malleus just viewed that as a child throwing a tantrum however.

Malleus hummed, “And here I thought you were simply here to study…Not rest against me as if I were your caretaker.” He teased to no one in particular. Though despite his words, Malleus found himself draping his cloak around you as a blanket.

Suddenly, Malleus paused. The sound of a deep, rumbling, and vibrating sound like that of a purr continuously left your chest and up your throat, resembling a purr that was deep enough to belong to a dragons.

At that, Malleus couldn’t hold back the smile quirking up his lips, “My…It’s been some time since I’ve last heard my kin make that sound…It’s only natural, giving your age however. How endearing. I cannot help the urge but to treat you as if you were one of my own…” He’d mumble, his face softening as he gazed down at you with a pleased expression, especially when he saw the subtle faint sparks of fire that’d uncontrollably puff from your mouth as you dreamt.

Is this how it felt to raise a child? Well he certainly didn’t need any as he already had you by him. As if he’d ever say that aloud, especially to Lilia.

creds to @radioexe for gif

❥ — riddle rosehearts and g/n white queen-based sibling! reader — PLATONIC (twisted wonderland)

A/N: As stated in the title, you’re twisted off the White Queen from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. Riddle is your older brother the same way the Queen of Hearts was older than the White Queen and somewhere in the story, there will be a reference about the White Queen and the Queen of Hearts that I feel like people will only get if they watched the movie before. This story is also very much, strictly platonic, need I add.

The roses were always painted red. Just as Riddle liked. If there was a single rose miss-painted, it’d automatically be “Off with your head!” as it was a clear violation. A violation of the Queen of Heart’s abnormal rules.

Which Riddle followed strongly and strictly as he was raised by his mother to who was just as strict.

But his younger sibling…Oh, his younger sibling was nothing like him. So graceful, so sweet…They say even butterflies follow them when they walk, and they smell of the sweetest vanilla with that loving smile they always wore on their lips. Nothing like the scowl Riddle wore and the air of law and order that followed his booming footsteps.

And everyone made that obvious.

The students of Heartslaybul absolutely adored you, following you with not fear but adoration. But with Riddle? Only silence fills the air, cold, agonizing silence as they await the punishment of what student exactly had broken the rules, until you come in that is.

“Come now, Brother…Surely you can let this one rule pass? It was but a simple mistake, it wasn’t his intention to do it…!” You’d calmly say in that ethereal voice of yours, sending Riddle that same soft, soothing smile as you held the suspect close with your arm around their shoulders.

Riddle’s cold glare and aura was a sharp contrast to your sweet smile and warming air around you.

It had all started through one of the Unbirthday Parties. A student had broken rule 89: “Do not eat a tart without the Queen’s permission.” , and nothing went past Riddle’s eyes, ready to collar the student at first glance.

Until you came in.

He didn’t miss a beat with his words. As if it were rehearsed, “I had let countless students pass many unspeakable rules under your command. You cannot possibly expect me to ignore every single misstep out of pity like you do…!” He snapped, practically spitting out his words as he tried to hold back his rage.

You merely tilted your head, your lips curving into a confused frown, brows raised.

“It was just a tart, brother…They were merely hungry and had forgotten. It’s not like they did it with pure malice to mock you…”

Riddle nearly exploded at that as his eyes widened in fury, every student around stiffening at the sudden change in the air at your sentence “It was just a tart.”

His face turned into its signature shade of bright red as if he were close to having a meltdown, “Just a tart, you say?! Do you even hear yourself?! It being a tart does not matter, what matters is the rule breaking of the Queen! Do you want to shame our dorms name and everything we’ve been taught our whole lives?!” He spluttered, his grip on his staff tightening so hard, it was a wonder how it didn’t snap in half.

And yet, under his screaming and glare, you didn’t fumble. Not one bit. Instead, you spoke to him as calmly as you would a child, “And I believe the other queen said punishing an innocent citizen for such a small mistake is unbecoming of a true queen. It’s tyranny, she says, and I frankly agree with her! It’s so cruel to behead an innocent person with a loving family waiting for them all because of a simple mistake…Don’t you think?” You inquired, a frown playing on your lips.

There was no mockery hiding in your tone. It was genuine. You actually felt bad for this student, despite the “sacred rule” they broke…It confused Riddle. Just how do you manage not to get so easily angered like he does?

At Riddle’s silence and the look of disbelief on his face, a smile replaced your frown as if you read his thoughts before turning to the shaking student who was unfortunate enough to be caught in the middle of this, “Go now. You’re not in trouble, but as an apology for my dear brother, perhaps you can help me fix the table after the party, hm?” You gently asked, tilting your head as you cupped the students cheeks with your soft hands for them to face you soothingly.

In response, the student nodded fast, bowing in gratitude to you repeatedly before darting off to clean off the leftover tart crumbs. And at that, the party slowly continued on, yet some students proceeded to stare and whisper. More about your gratitude and how easily you managed to calm Riddle down.

Yet throughout all that, you could feel it. Riddle’s cold, death stare from behind you as you watched the student run off with a fond look. Slowly, your eyes darted to the side calmly, enough to face the fuming Riddle.

Before you could speak, Riddle had spoken coldly, i his glare never wavering, “Do not interfere with what I call a violation or not. You are not Housewarden nor the Queen, I am.” And at that, he swiftly turned away and stormed off, uniform swishing with him. Leaving you in the middle of the garden with your back facing him, his own back now facing you. As coldly as ever.

That day never left your mind. It honestly made you wish you never turned to face him and that cold look on his face that he sent to his own sibling. It made you feel as if he hated you. But how could you ever hate him back? He was still your dear brother in the end, and you will always love your brother. No matter how bad his tyranny gets.

But it wasn’t hatred Riddle felt for you, it was just jealousy.

Jealousy towards how much more adored and respected you were by everyone. Even by your mother whose appeal he tried so hard to get as easily as you do…

All the memories of his mother's stern, endless lessons posture, manners, and proper tea etiquette along with what to eat and what not to eat…And yet, when it came down to you, the bare minimum that you do was always returned with a soft tone and praises.

“What a well-mannered child I have."

“How graceful you are."

“My, how obedient!”

"You should be more like them, Riddle." Oh, how he hated those words that’d echo in his mind day and night every time he sees you once again doing the bare minimum.

Then again, your “bare minimum” was everything he wished he could’ve been able to do.

He tried. He truly tried his hardest to be the perfect, well-mannered, rule-following little boy his mother wanted. But you always came first place, it made Riddle wonder how exactly he became Housewarden and yet you didn’t.

But that was something that made him fume too.

When he was declared Housewarden, you showed him no jealousy the way he would’ve shown to you if it were the other way around; you instead clapped for him. The loudest out of everyone you had clapped with a big smile on your lips.

And you even hugged him tightly, your vanilla scent everyone adored filling his nostrils.

“I’m so happy for you, Brother! I know you’ll make a great Queen of Hearts…” was what you had said that day.

But somehow, you still would’ve turned out a better queen than him, and everyone knew it. The whispers of students saying you should’ve been housewarden instead didn’t go unnoticed to Riddle after all, it was actually all he can think of.

And frankly, he agreed with them.

It wasn’t fair.

It wasn’t fair.

It wasn’t fair.

It wasn’t fair.

It wasn’t FAIR.

And yet, he had hugged you back without hesitation. At the end of the day, you were still his little sibling; the same sibling he couldn’t help his protective older brother tendencies from kicking in despite his jealousy. He still remembers the day you two had met Trey and Chenya as children, he had immediately went by your side out of sheer worry for what would happen against these two strangers, his little hand finding yours in a tight grip.

It wasn’t because he’d get scolded by his mother for not keeping a close eye on you like most would assume, instead because he cared about you. That day, you had both been equally scolded by your mother for eating so many sweets.

And you had blamed yourself for that day. After all, you were the one that convinced him to lighten up and take a bite of the strawberry tart.

“But, mother won’t be happy with us…We can’t, [reader]! It’s not right…!”

Riddle’s little voice had tried to warn as you two sat in the delicious bakery of Trey’s family while the weapon used at the future crime scene lied on the plate in-front of you two, awaiting to be used.

You merely blinked at him in surprise before smiling—that insufferably calm, sweet, graceful, and gentle smile of yours everyone would compliment—with a tilt of your head, eyes lidding,

“Mother won’t be happy with us, only if she found out…Just don’t tell her and we’ll be fine! C’mon, Riddle, lighten up a little…Rules are so boring! Don’t you feel trapped?” You really were always right, because Riddle truly did feel trapped. He had just never thought those words would come out of your mouth…

“Oh…I-I guess I do feel trapped a little…But, are you sure? What if we get caught?!”

The next words that left your mouth shocked Riddle to the core.

“We won’t. I’ll make sure no one finds out…I know how to get my way, it’s simple really. Just take one bite, please? For me?” Staring cautiously at the piece of strawberry tart you had on your fork that you offered to him, Riddle hesitated before slowly leaning in and taking a bite out of it.

“Hehe, it’s good, isn’t it? Mother will never catch us!”

Perhaps, you can be wrong…After all, nothing was the same after that, and it was all from your hand.

Clearly, even the most perfect ones can make mistakes. But yet, when your mother did catch you two, Riddle was the one who was blamed more than you were. According to your mother, as he was older, he should’ve watched over you better.

Riddle didn’t hate you for that or at all as much as he wanted to. He just couldn’t…That would make him cruel and you despised cruelty. That mattered to him, oddly enough.

So he can only watch silently as you gently guide a pair of first year Heartslaybul students on how to trim the red-painted roses properly. Your guidance was so patient and calming, correcting them with no exasperation nor harshness, the first year’s shoulders visibly relaxing under your care. A contrast to how much they’d tremble when Riddle was the one guiding them.

It made his jaw tighten.

You were the embodiment of everything Heartslaybul wasn’t and the complete opposite of it; calm, serene, loving, peaceful where he was strict, unmerciful, sharp, and frightening. You fit the “heart” in Heartslaybul better than he ever did.

He flinched when he suddenly saw you turn your head to him after successfully helping the students who had just left, the garden now vacant, quickly turning his head away as you smiled, approaching him, “Good morning, brother…You’ve been watching everyone for awhile. You should rest, you know?” You hummed, stopping a close distance from him.

Riddle didn’t face you as he spoke, glaring off into the distance, “A queen cannot rest if there’s still much to correct…I was going to correct those students myself if it weren’t for you stepping in. Forgetting your place once more...” He mumbled the last part under his breath, clearly referencing multiple other times you had done that.

Your smile didn’t falter, yet there was a hint of sadness in your eyes at how distant he was being, “Well, it’s better they receive gentleness rather than impatience, no?” You retorted, tilting your head.

Riddle’s eyes narrowed as they darted back to you, “They will not learn discipline if coddled. You speak as if this is…As if this is all so easy!” He finally cracked, unable to hold it back any longer as he turned his head around to face you.

“You were always the one who did everything perfectly…” He murmured, glaring at you beneath his lashes, the bitterness in his words obvious before his gaze darted back down, downcast, “You were always praised by mother for doing the smallest of things; for your mannerisms, for your obedience, for your so-called grace. Even here, everyone just simply adores you while they writhe and flinch when I approach, it isn’t—”

—fair?”

Your voice cut his rants off before he could go any farther, causing him to pause, eyes darting back up to you, wide like a frustrated child. That’s all you saw. The same red-haired little boy that would grow frustrated over the slightest mistake he’d do when arranging the dining table.

You smiled once more at him, “Nothings fair, Riddle…You’re not cruel, you’re just a queen who was given the crown too early for his age. You only buried that warm part of yourself so deep inside to make room for the rules that you can’t find it anymore. But I know it’s there somewhere…” You reassured, reaching your soft hand out to gently hold his gloved one comfortingly, feeling him stiffen under your touch.

Everything in him screamed for me to yank his hand back, to snap at you, to scream, to tear his hair out, but he could only stare at you silently. Eyes still wide.

And yet, that cold look returned once more, “I don’t need pity.” He snatched his hand back, though not as rough as he originally deemed for it to be, “Nor your so-called kindness. Beneath that facade of yours, I know you look down on me…You always have, haven’t you? The perfect Rosehearts, Heartslaybul’s deserved White Queen…” He spat out each word, glaring at you, “As if they know what had happened that day and everything you said…”

Your smile finally faltered at that, frowning in genuine hurt, “How can you say something like that, Riddle? I could never look down on you…” You whispered, stepping closer once more, “I only wish you don’t look at me with so much hostility and anger, and rather with the same affection I hold for my dear sibling…All I desire is to be there for you, Brother. To fix my mistake.”

Riddle fell silent once more, yet his glare never wavered, the hand that you held now curled by his chest, balled up like the other.

“Brother—” You began, taking another step closer.

Riddle instantly moved away, “It’s Housewarden! Stop calling me that here!” He snapped, glaring at you harder now, yet your approaching didn’t halt.

Your hands darted to his shaking hands, ignoring the pang you felt at his words, “You’re shaking…I can’t simply leave you like this and I won’t, you’ll likely shrivel up.” You firmly told him, your arms slowly moving up.

Riddle grit his teeth, stepping back, “I said enough! Stop talking to me like I’m a weak, frightened chil—!”

A choked gasp suddenly left him when he felt your arms wrap around him, pulling him into an embrace that you’ve been longing to do as the last hug you two had was during his declaration of becoming Housewarden. A year ago.

He didn’t say a word. He couldn’t, even if he tried, nothing would come out of his mouth as he stood there stiffly, hands by his sides.

After a long minute of silence, you spoke, “You’re my big brother, Riddle…And the idea of you despising me or envying me is a hurtful one. You don’t have to try and be perfect, you’re already fine the way you are…” You mumbled against his shoulder, eyes shut with a content smile, “C’mon, Riddle, lighten up a little…”

His breath hitched at that. At the validation he yearned to receive without even knowing he did. Slowly, every part of his anger drifted away as his hands slowly moved up.

Instead of pushing you away like he normally would’ve, he instead rose his hands behind your back and—with hesitation—wrapped them around you, pulling you into the same embrace, and burying his own face into your shoulder.

You felt his breath tremble and his chest stutter as if he were crying, though he wasn’t. He was trying his hardest not to if anything. You merely remained silent in response, hugging him tighter as only the sounds of the bushes moving and the wind were heard.

And within those bushes shining in the sunlight, there were two roses caught in it.

One red slightly distanced from the white one—having likely been forgotten to be painted—which was subtly being pushed closer to it from the wind as if it were trying to get closer.

And at the end, the wind pushed the red rose close to the white one.