jelly fish :) (with crunchy peanut butter)

“DUDE WAKE UP!” I jolt up. I’m covered in sweat and I can’t breathe. I look at Idia who had just woke me up. 

My voice is horse and burns, “Sorry.” 

“Hey, these nightmares of yours are really chipping away at your hp. You should really find some new build to help manage those.” 

“I know, I’m sorry,” I stare straight down. Even looking at Idia or his little brother Ortho sends me into a flight response. I grip my Hangyodon plush as if he was going to be ripped from my hands. 

From the shadows casted from Idia’s hair, I think he stands up straighter. “You have no reason to apologize. You didn’t wake anyone up. I’m just worried about you. I have been there. I’m not sure what happened to you back home, but anything can heal,” He seems to slouch back down a bit, “plus I know you, and you are like a total buff to everyone in the dorm.” 

I giggle a little at that. His personality is one of the only reasons I can handle being in the same room as him. “Thank you, Idia. Just, give me a couple minutes and I’ll be out.” 

“Take your time, if Ignihydes main support needs time for their cooldown than by all means,” Idia leaves, gently closing the door to my room.  

I slowly, and wobbly, get up, and begin covering any and all mirrors with something. A shirt, an extra blanket, a towel, anything. I’m not sure I can handle seeing my reflection. Especially not today.  

The morning is gentle and somber. Slightly cloudy. Wednesday. There is barely anyone in the courtyard. A sheer cold breeze settles into my bones. The small budding flowers and leaves shiver and shake, some falling to the ground.  

The first half of my day was full of exam prepping and trying to get a handle on my random bursts of magic. I lay flat on my back in the grass. It’s crushed under my weight and tickle my neck and wrists. The sun beams on me, occasionally hiding behind light grey clouds. My thoughts drift back to Floyd. He is always so cool. He dresses very nicely, it seems messy but it's a calculated mess to look effortless and casual. He also always has the best shoes. Seriously where does he get them and where does he WEAR them all. He has gotta have like upwards of the two hundr- 

A gentle nudge to my side shakes me from my daydreaming, and when I open my eyes I see none other than the Pomefoire trio. Epel speaks first, his accent slips through a bit. “You dead?” 

“No, I’m practicing,” I mock him a little by copying his country accent. 

“Well, your form looks bad, wait hey are you mockin’ me?” 

“Epel, we have talked about this,” Vil scowls a little. He looks to me, “That’s awful for your back. And it’s cold, you might get sick” 

“I appreciate it Vil, I will keep in mind next time.” 

“Oh please, don’t mock me. Get up,” He grabs me by the arm, his voice is a little harsh but his hold on me is gentle, “the last thing I want is a cold spreading around here.” 

I let him pull me up and grab my bag, “Thank you,” I try to walk away but his grip on me stays. 

“Did you sleep at all last night? Your eyes are very puffy, and your eyebags are almost as purple as my eyeshadow,” His voice softens, and he looks at me with worry, or pity, I can’t tell. 

“I mean, I did, I. I just had a pretty bad nightmare I couldn’t wake up from.” 

Vil’s eyebrows almost furrow. Small wrinkles peak out between them. He lets go of my arm and just barely rests his hands on my shoulder. “You need to treat yourself to a spa day, I would really hate it for the day you need to represent NRC and you are in a state like this. As benevolent as I am, I could offer you some products to help you.” 

I sigh, “Thank you, Vil. I will let you know if I need anything.” 

Vil does a soft nod. As he leaves, he grazes his fingers over my shoulder, sending a shiver down my spine. What a fancy way to tell me I’m ugly.  

“[NAME]!!!” I whip around to see Azul and the Tweels running full speed at me. I step back a few steps before falling, and when I open my eyes, the Tweels are looking down at me, and Azul is kneeling next to me. “Are you and Vil friends?” 

“Uh, n-no. I mean, I think he might be friends with Yuu, but he just offered to give me some stuff to uh, help with my complexation.” 

Azul turns his head a little, “Yeah, you could use some work. Your eyes are very puffy.” 

“Jee, thanks.” 

“Portobello, why do you look so drab?” Jade asked, his gloved hand hovered over his heart, and his eyebrows turned down slightly in worry. I can't tell if it's fake or not. Floyd also seems to be confused. 

“Oh, um. I just had a nightmare last night and it ruined my sleep. It’s a good thing I don’t work tonight, huh?” I give my best awkward main character smirk. 

“Yeah, it is. I mean, I do hope you're okay and get some more sleep. But this look is also bad for business.” 

My facial expression flattens, “Well, everyone here is just great at coming up with fancy insults, huh,” I stand back up, dust off my pants, and sling my bag over my shoulder. 

“Oh, you know I didn’t mean it like that-” 

“He does mean it like that.” 

Azul whips around, “Floyd! That is rude, and completely inaccurate!” 

I turn to Jade, “Jade? Your thoughts?” 

Jade smiles wide; it falters, “Azul does think you do not quite fit the look of the Mostro Lounge. But that’s just because you are a land dweller and aren't from the Coral Sea like us.” 

“Oh, well yeah that makes sense. That's less offensive than Azul calling my ugly.” 

“I don’t think you’re ugly, [Name].” 

“It’s okay I get it.” 

“No, really-” 

“I mean you have this crush on Vil, and no one can be nearly as beautiful as him,” Azul becomes bright red and stammers. His hands fly up and wave back and forth to try and reject it, “Oh Azul, it’s okay you don’t have to deny it. Everyone knows already.” 

“...everyone?” 

“Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if Vil knew himself. Honestly, you two would make a cute couple.” 

Azul straightens up, and with the reddest ears known to man he marches away back to the Mostro Lounge.” 

“Fufu, that was funny Jellyfish-sama,” Floyd hides behind his hand as he giggles away. 

“Thank you, I am glad I am able to entertain you.” 

Jade leans down to me and asks, “Why exactly did Vil offer such a thing to you?” 

“Uh, I think partially because me and Yuu are kind of friends? We aren’t super close we are both magicless. Birds of a feather and stuff.” 

Jade and Floyd tilt their heads like curious cats (adorable). “Birds?” They both ask. 

“It’s a saying. Birds of a feather fly together. Just means similar people are friends and hang out together.” 

“Oh, I love learning these fun land dweller sayings. You guys are so creative!” Jade closes his eyes and smiles as he speaks, puffing out his chest in a big sigh. 

“You’re so weird, Jade...” Floyd just glares at Jade with a confused look. As he does I do my usually creepy stare. And as I stare at his pretty face, I see what looked to be like a pair of Badtz-Maru second lobes on his ear. 

“Floyd, is that, is that Badtz-Maru on your ear?” 

Floyd spins around with a big goofy grin, “You know Sanrio?” 

“Yeah! It’s like one of the few pop culture things our two worlds have in common.” 

“Oh yeah? Who’s your favorite?” 

“Hangyodon.” 

“Hangy- HANGYODON?! THE STUPID HALF MAN FISH!” 

“HEY! HE ISN’T STUPID HE IS CHARMING AND UNIQUE AND GORGEUS!” 

“Oh please! His stupid ugly lips and stupid fish feet piss me off! Don’t talk to me anymore, you have bad taste.” 

A devilish thought popped into my head, “Oh? Someone sounds jealous?” 

“...what?” 

“You know? He gets to be a fish and still has legs at the same time. He can wear his sneakers and be able to breathe underwater. Sigh, I should’ve known,” I look down with a sigh and shake my head in pity. 

When I look back up, all I see his Floyd lunging at me. Jade grabs him and holds him back in time, but I still flinch and tears well in my eyes. 

“I’m gonna squeeze you!~” He smiles all creepy and claws at Jade to get him to let go, flailing around in his brother’s hold. 

I stare at Floyd, “You know, the more I look at you. The more I realize, you LOOK like Hangyodon.” 

Floyd’s flailing stops. His smile drops and his eyes sadden. “You think I’m ugly like him?” 

“You’re the only one calling yourself ugly, Hangy~.” 

Floyd sniffles and his eyes well with tears, “Hangy?” His voice cracks, “You, apologize, now.” 

God now I feel bad, but this is also really funny. “I’ll apologize when you apologize for calling him stupid.” 

“You are so immature, Jellyfish-sama.” 

“And you aren’t?” 

Jade throws Floyd over his shoulder, “I will take Floyd back to our dorm, I think he needs a nap.” 

“I’m not a baby, Jade!” 

“Aww, does somebody need to go to S-L-E-E-P?” 

“I KNOW WHAT THAT SPELLS I HAVE BETTER GRADES THAN YOU!” 

They bicker back and forth as they walk away. 

I fucked up my chances, didn’t I? 

The sudden sound makes me jump. I look to my left and see an Octavinelle student. “Oh! Hello, sorry about that. What can I get you today?” 

The student looks at me with a speculation, “You can do a cosmo, yeah?” 

“Of course, just one?” 

“Uh, yeah?” He looks around a bit with a shrug, probably thinking, ‘is there anyone else with me?’ 

“Can I just get your ID, please?” 

“What do you need my ID for? I have been here before I get a cosmo every time.” 

“I know that, but for the Mostro Lounge to keep serving alcohol, we need to abide by the law. And in order to obey said law, Mister Ashengrotto has made it a rule to check everyone’s IDs, even if we may know the person.” 

“What the fuck ever dude,” He pulls out his wallet and tosses his ID and 20 marks on the counter in front of me. I slowly pick up his ID, checking it against the lights above, even rubbing my fingers back and forth on the print “checking” to make sure it’s a valid ID, “fucking sevens.” 

“Everything seems to be in order, thank you for ordering at the Mostro Lounge Bar. In just a minute or so your drink will be out.” 

I can already hear Azul in my ear, ‘Stop doing that! You are going to drive customers away and we will lose revenue! Not to mention we might get reported and Crowley won't give the lounge special privilege anymore!’ I giggle as I mix away, slipping a little extra vodka into his drink. Truth is that I just think it's funny to mess with him. He hates it, but he always tips me well and tips a little extra if I make his drink extra strong. I slid over his drink; I smirk at him. He stares at me as he sips. He slowly slides me an extra ten marks, which I happily pocket. 

“Pleasure doing business with you, Aspen.” 

“Stop calling me that it feels gross.” 

“Yet you keep coming back.” 

“If another place opens on campus that sells alcohol, trust me I will be first in line.” 

I nodded at him. Aspen is a creature of habit; he would never do that. Not on Azul’s watch anyways. I breath out a deep sigh. Slow day, too much homework, not enough sleep. My shoes have already worn down from all the standing and walking I have to do constantly. Oh, how I envy those who know not the physical exhaustion that comes with work and labor. Born with a silver spoon, ‘cough’ floyd and jade ‘cough’. 

I glance at the most expensive clock I have ever seen, just 5 more minutes of standing around pretending to be busy. Cleaning the same cups over and over again. I honestly think some have turned into real crystal with how much I have polished them. That one time I DID turn one into crystal when I was having my abnormal magic surges. I sold it for like a little over 600 marks. I hope Azul never finds out because he WILL add a clause to my contract about me turning the glasses into real crystal, and I’m sure of other things. 

Jade peeks his head through the door to the VIP lounge; he tilts his head. “Ah, little Portobello, you may leave now. I will make sure our VIP guests are handled with care.” 

Jade keeps on calling me Portobello. When I asked why he said ‘because you are common but very useful’ which again, kind of sounded like a threat, or at the very least an insult. I gave up trying to get him to stop. I suppose I should feel special since Jade doesn't really do nicknames. “Thank you, Jade. I will be out in just a second,” Jade nods and walks fully into the VIP lounge. He begins to clean off tables and flip the chairs on top of them, “I hope you have a goodnight, Jade, see you this weekend?” 

“Ah, no, unfortunately not. Azul wishes for me and Floyd to help him acquire some more contracts. The exam season is upon us, Bello.” 

Great, a nickname for the nickname, “Ugh, please don’t remind me. I’m not ready at all.” 

“Well, if you wish for help, I am quite sure Azul-” 

“Nope! Not happening, I saw what happened last time. Everyone grew anemones on their heads; they looked so uncomfortable.” 

Jade blows out a candle, “Ah ha! I remember that! It was quite delightful. What sort of anemone was it again?” 

“I’d say it was like a plumose or something. Similar shape but I have never seen one so blue before, they are usually white or kind of yellow. I’m sure the magic has something to do with that.” 

Jade stares at me with a wide grin, his cheekbones turning his eyes into a sinister squint. “Ah yes, that sounds right. I’d say you know quite a bit about the sea.” 

I shrug as I awkwardly scoot towards the doors, I bump over a broom a dustpan as I do. I pick them up as I say, “It was just a childhood phase nothing crazy. Thanks for finishing my stuff for me, have a good day and goodbye!” 

I rush out the door before he could keep staring at me. He will never not be creepy. I swear I could hear him giggle as I speed walk away with full force. Before I knew it, I was at the doors for Mostro Lounge. One push and step away from momentary freedom. “Yo!” 

Dammiiiiiiiiiit. 

“Where is Jade?” 

“He is in the VIP lounge sweeping up, he should be done soon.” 

“And why couldn't you do it? Why make my poor brother, hm? What if he trips and hits his head and dies? Hm?” 

“Then I will send flowers to your family, but I highly doubt that is going happ-” 

Floyd grabs my wrist as I reach for the handle to leave and pulls me into him, “Only I get to make jokes about my brother dying, mkay?” 

He smiled the same way Jade does, wide and with murderous squinty eyes. 

“Yes, I am sorry. Jade told me to leave, and he would handle the last few VIP customers because they always give me a hard time and say weird things.” 

Floyd lets go of my wrist. Maybe I am a masochist, but I didn’t entirely mind him holding me that tightly. “Yeah, Jade is generous like that.” 

“He is, I really do appreciate him.” 

Floyd gives me a side eye; he looks me up and down a bit and raises his eyebrows ever so slightly. I only noticed because I was staring into his eyes for entirely too long. I quickly look back down to my feet and rush out the door, “Have a goodnight, Floyd. Tell Azul my goodbyes.” 

The comforting feeling of my bed embraces me. The blue Ignihyde sheets give off a soft glow, even in the dark. Maybe Azul and the Tweels would like a set, I am sure it would remind them of their home.  

Scrolling through my phone offered little to no enrichment. The only thing to catch my eye was a jellyfish umbrella. Which I, of course, immediately bought. I lay in my bed. Fluffy jellyfish pajama pants, a cropped oversized t-shirt with a list of various jellyfish on it. Snuggled under my jellyfish blankets, holding my Hangyodon plushie. (Surprised to see that was one of the few pop culture things to have in common here, maybe its multiversal). I close my eyes and think about my fishy crush. Would his lips feel like how Hangyodon’s looks? He is an eel, would he still be able to shock? How hard can he bite in his human form? His mer form? So many questions,