Desipere in loco

Pierrot would honestly do anything for you. He would go to hell and back to make you proud of him, and would gladly go to any means necessary to get you what you wanted. In most cases he doesn’t even hesitate to do something. If you say jump he’ll ask how high, type of situation. 

I view Pierrot as a full fledged hand holder. There is something so intimate to him about holding your hand. They’re so much smaller compared to his and he can completely wrap one of his hands around both of yours. Sometimes when you are cold, he’ll use his hands to warm yours keeping them cocooned in his. If you ever need to get through a large crowd around the circus, Pierrot will hold your hand really tightly and help guide you through (well more like push people of of your way but yk, same thing)

Is a bear hugger. Every damn time he sees you, the first thing he does is tackle you and just swing you around with the tightest damn grip you swear he’s gonna break your back. Poor guy is just so happy to see his darling.

Speaking of hugs, if you allow him to stay the night with you he will flop on you with almost all his weight just like in the game. Why need a blanket when you have him to keep you warm. Surprisingly enough though, unlike his hugs, you can actually move around when he’s cuddling you in bed like this, if you need to get up, it's easy enough to just move his arm and ur free. Though he may follow you. And by may I mean will, he will follow you.

Pierrot sometimes doesn’t realise his own strength. He is VERY aware of how easily he could harm you, but sometimes his excitement and passion gets the best of him and he unintentionally can be a bit too rough when grabbing you. It's very rare, but it happens. And every time it happens even if you are in no pain or don’t even make notice - he will and just becomes a melting puddle of guilt.

This man is FASCINATED by cartoons. If you ask him why, he won;t know. But anytime you put on an animated show, he is sitting in front of the TV staring, unblinking at the screen. If there's music he’ll start popping or swaying along with it. If it's a rerun of a show you’ve shown him before, he’ll start quoting the show.

He once started quoting Bluey to you. Pierrot watched Bluey, the entirety of Bluey. According to him, an episode came on randomly when you were sleeping and he was fiddling with the TV and it hooked him. (this isn’t because i like Bluey. Shut up! it's a good show! Made me cry man that damn space episode… THEIR DOG CUBES WHY IS IT SO EMOTIONAL)

Pierrot can cook we all know this, if you ever wanted him to make you something he is ON IT! If he doesn't know how to make it, teach him! He would love nothing more than to learn from you, his beloved.

Breakfast in bed has become a tradition for him. If you allow him to stay with you or you join him in the circus, he will make you breakfast in bed as a surprise thank you gift for making him so happy. It was just supposed to be a one time thing, but the look on your face - the sparkle in your eye and the pure delight as you dig into the beautiful breakfast he made you, it became a very common thing. Sometimes he would ask you the night prior if you wanted anything in particular for breakfast in the morning. 

Never request cereal from him though - he will take offence. I don’t make the rules.

It is no secret that Pierrot is possessive. He follows us around from the shadows and is practically steaming from the ears if someone even looks at us with minor attraction. The few scenes in the official game shows us enough of just how bad he can actually be. Sure the Harlequin one was fair - but what the hell did this guy do to make DOCTOR scared of him?

As a result this makes him incredibly protective - Somehow Pierrot is always right there the moment you need him every single time. Someone being rude to you? BOOM he’s there; Did you trip up the curb? Oh look he’s caught you; Walking alone at night and feeling scared? Wow look now you can hold his hand! It's not because he stalks your every movement nooooooo.

Pierrot has really bad anger issues. Whilst he never shouts or has outbursts of anger: when alone he will break EVERYTHING in sight, whether by his own hands or throwing knives, something is getting broken. If it's feeding time, he will become almost feral when consuming his food. He will NEVER allow you to see this side of him - ever it would break him. As such he can never allow himself to be mad around you. Granted he won;t ever get mad AT you, he doesn’t have the heart for it to last more than a second. But other things irritate him to no end - a certain green goblin especially.

He loves taking pictures with you. Digital or polaroids, he constantly wants to make memories with you to just cement your face and being into his mind like a stone carving. So a photo is a great way to start! On your first official date, you asked to take a photo with him to remember the moment. He asked if you could make him a copy to keep, which you did. He now keeps that specific photo on his person at all times. He has so many more, but this one in particular he cherishes.

If it wasn't for his horns, Pierrot loves to be pet, it makes him feel like he did a good job. But unfortunately his horns prevent him from allowing you to pet him. Poor  thing is too scared you’ll run if you find out the truth. So he instead will let you rub his back whilst he nuzzles your neck, it's the closest thing he can get.

In order of most trusted to least trusted, if Pierrot had to leave for any reason, this is the order of how much he trusts someone to watch over you: Just take you with him (if safe); Ticket Taker, Jester/Doctor (depends on his mood); By Yourself; Your friends;  Strangers;  Satan; The depth of the abyss; Harlequin.

You could trust Harlequin, hell you may even view him as a friend - But to Pierrot, the world would burn first before he willingly trusted Harlequin alone with you.

• ° . ☆ — Ronin :

• At First he wanst *very* Interested In being a father, but since you wanted one so bad.. You adopted one together.

• And the contrary of the popular belief.. He Is actually a incredible dad.

• Is GREAT With children, They absolutely love him for some reason.

• Is Very patient and understanding, would never push His child boundaries nor bully them.

• Doesnt involve His kid With His murders and stuff, believe that kids should Only see Nice Things and grow healthily, so no, His child Is NOT getting exposed to gore, Atleast at a young age.

• Is Very Very Very suportive of them, bonus point If its regarding their sexuality or gender identity. Homophobia, racism and Transphobia are NOT tolerated on his household tho.

• Your kid has the coolest name in school, not something edgy or devil related, but poethic and with a meaning.

• NEVER hits or yells at his child, Is heavily against violent/""traditional"" education.

• He tries not to curse nearby your kid.

• He goes to school meetings and has a "little talk" With mean teachers on your behalf.

• You putted His Devil beanie on them once for a Photo, he didnt admit It at First but he thought It was adorable, so now its on his phone keyboard background.

• Sometimes he lets them Take Care of Blackjack and pepperoni, But Only With supervision, he doesnt want risk Any of His Babies (Aka kid, snake daughter and rat son) getting hurt.

• ° . ☆ — Angel :

• Oh boy, I feel like she'd LOVE Having a big family, so like you are having 2 or 3 kids atleast. Either you adopt them together or wait Till she retires From moddeling.

• I feel like you would have 2 girls and a boy or a boy and a girl.

• They have cute and yet angel like names like Miguel, Seraphina, Cecilia, Madalena perhaps? Something like that.

• She Is happy But Very anxious About Messing up at the Same time, you have to reassure her Very frequently everything Will be fine.

• Overral, she Is a Very good mom and loves dressing your kids With cute clothes, you All absolutely have matching hoodies or sweaters With little angel wings on the back.

• If They were adopted and their biological parents were abusive.. Well.. One Might say they became girl dinner.

• Puts Lana del Ray whenever They start crying, surprisingly Works everytime.

• Ronin babysits the kids whenever you and Angel go on a date together, they love their "uncle" Ronin.

• ° . ☆ — V :

• He might enjoy the Idea of adopting a child, Helping them heal From their traumas and giving a lovely home and All the love in the World.. But If you were and wanted to carry, then It would be a bit harder to convince him because of the risks of a pregnancy, putting a baby in This awful word, etc.. But If you insisted a bit, he would probably give in and allow It.

• If you decide to carry, he Will Take VERY good Care of you during the entire process. Any cravings? He got you covered, probably would scold you If aren't eating healthy enough tho

"For both your sake and the baby's, its of the utmost importance that you eat well and take care of your health.. That being said, please put that bag of Doritos down, my love."

Will Also scold you If you dont rest enough in the postpartum, Will INSIST on Taking Full Care of her until you are fully recovered, then you Take care of her together.

• You forgot the amount of times you found Fleur curled on her crib, Its an adorable sight, really.

• When She was a few months old She Also used to sleep on K9's back.

• He Is a girl dad, ABSOLUTELY girl dad coded.

• If he were to choose her name he would be honored, otherwise he's happily go along With Any Name of your choice as long is nothing absurd.. "My love, now I have to disagree With you. I dont BARTHOLOMEW Is a.. Suitable name for a child."

• If she Is your biological child.. Congratulations now you have a mini V, She Is a perfect carbon copy of him.

• Your kid tries to imitate her dad speak fancy, but Always mix up the words.. "Insu..fur..able..?" "Its "inssuferable", my dear" "Insufurable!"

• Positive education!

• He would give your daughter a pet, not a dog or cat, that would be irresponsible. But a garder snake or a jumping spider, They are begginer friendly and would be a great way to teach empathy, responsability and loving Animals.

• Your daughter Is The top of the class, V doesnt pressure her to have good grades or anything of the sort, She Just.. Does It, your child Is a Very smart girl.• He Is her #1 suporter, has a whole agenda With her School events, presentations, games, etc.. Noted, he NEVER misses one of those.

• Your daughter doesnt know About His vigilante activities, and probably never will until she is old enough to understand.

• She absolutely adores animals and Helping her dad tend to them.

• V Always disliked Ronin, a LOT.. But for His disgrace, His daughter LOVES him.

"Papa! Papa! Baba said I can play With uncle Ronin today!! Can you Take me? Please, please, pleaseeee!!!"

He wonders what did he to deserve This torture. But as much as he hates him, he cant Deny that Ronin Is a very good babysitter.. So as long as His daughter Is happy and he inst being a bad influence to her, he Is fine with It.

• Teaches respect and empathy since Young.

• Is VERY protective of her (and You), even overproctetive one might say. Does a whole research on her teachers, parents of the kids she hangs out With, etc.. Like, what If They are a kidnapper? Or a criminal?? Or WORSE?????

• ° . ☆ — Misaki:

• They Never actually wanted a kid, and Is VERY against carrying one themselve. What happened Is that she was hired to kill an rich asshole and Felt awful for His Young kid who was left alone in the world, so you both take them under your wing. Buddy Daddies vibe.

• Misaki Is Very clumsy, the kid doesnt get Lost From them, no.. THEY get Lost from the kid.

• Forgets Things a lot, so sundely in a random saturday She starts freaking out

"OH MY GOD, I THINK FORGOT [kid] AT SCHOOL"

"Misaki.. Is Literally saturday.. THEY ARE LITERALLY SLEEPING IN THEIR ROOM RIGHT NOW"

• Misaki Is Silly, your kid Is even sillier and you are nearly as silly as them. That being said, you Wake up almost everyday With stickers all over your face and hearing them giggling while grabbing Another sticker From the book.. You surprise both of them With a tickle attack, Misaki nearly dies out of laughing.

• You three watch cartoons together.. And cry about Simba's dad dying while your kid stares at you two like you are insane.

• You Also have a pet cat! A tuxedo cat specifically you picked up From the streets and brought home as a surprise to Misaki.. Needless to say she LOVED It and gave you a kiss attack. Now you have two babies.

• Incredibly, the kid gets very well along With your cat, sometimes you find sleeping in their bed while cuddling With them.

• Your cat has the silliest Name known to mankind.

Autor's note: We are SO back, I Will be updating my introduction and writing boundaries so keep and eye on It:3

Sorry for How long I've been missing~~

• ° . ☆ — Ronin

• Oh boy, he fucking Loves It. He Is All yours, no need to feel that way but you Just look so damn cute when you are acting All possessive.

• Absolutely teases you About It, stops If he Is making you uncomfortable tho.

• Lets you know before he goes somewhere so you dont get paranoid thinking he Is cheating on you.

• Takes you almost everywhere he goes Whenever he cans to make you feel less Insecure.. And its funny when you fight With anyone who tries to flirt With him.

• ° . ☆ — Angel

• You are quite literally her guard dog you scare All the creepy fans away and Even the paparazzi somehow??

• So She Always make sure to take her -dog- lover With her Whenever She goes to public spaces, sure she has bodyguards, but She loves It when you stand up for her.

• Reassures you About How much She loves you and that She would Never cheat on you.

• You bited her manager once for being too close to her. Almost got arrest but It was worth seeing how much She laughed afterwards.

• You share a tracking app so you Always know where eachother Is.

• Would Never flirt With Other people to tease or Make you feel insecure in anyway.

• ° . ☆ — Misaki

• They act exactly the same way.

• Someone flirts With you? You are clinging to eachother while starring at the person with a grossed out face.

• You walk everywhere holding hands so people know you are together.

• If They get jealous of Any of your Friends? They are hugging you and telling How much They are tired and want to Go home.. But when you are not looking they grimace at your friend.

• They'd take you With them to their assassinations If They could, They hate leaving you alone But would hate even more If got hurt Because of their job. They text you all the time during It thought.

• You got jealousy of their friendship with V once, you Never Saw that Man Looking so traumatized in your whole life when you questioned him About it. You two tease him forever About It.

• ° . ☆ — V

• Is a bit jealousy himself.. But YOU? No.. You are a completely different Level, the kind to HISS to anyone who Even dares to look at him for more than a few seconds.

• Reassures you All the time About How much he loves you, that he'd Never Leave you for Someone else, But Never invalidates your feelings. He understand that there must be a reason why you feel that way, and he Will do anything on His Power to figure out what Is It.

• The good part Is that you keep him out of Any undesired conversations and social interactions, even more If he Is feeling overwhelmed or Is overstimulated (Autistic V Canon!!!) at the moment.

• If anyone tries to flirt With him when you are not around he politely declines them, If They insist he simply removes himself From the situation and spend the rest of the day complaining With you about the situation and How some people Just cant Respect boundaries..

• Would marry asap If that would make you feel Even If slightly more secure About It.

• You two wear matching jewelry so people know you are a couple. I doesnt usually Work thought..

Author's note: Sorry If This one inst very good, It was kinda rushed(⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠)

• You are not cooking on His watch, boy Is GREAT at It and inst letting His talent go to way (nor lose to opportunity to brag About It). So he is Always cooking your favorites dishes whenever you have a bad day to cheer you up and Is Always making you try new stuff.

"Hey darling, mind doing the devil a favour?" he says while nearly stuffing a piece of a new recipe he Is trying inside your mouth.. And hell, It tastes GOOD.

• He cuddles With you in the sofa, a shared blanket around your shoulders, he pats your Head while you watch the whole SAW franchise.. Again. Its a Very commun occurence.

• Oh boy, that Man LOVES PDA, he Is holding hands With you, putting His arm around your waits, hugging you and might even give you little kisses there and there.

• His phone wallpaper Is a Photo he took of you sleeping with Blackjack on your hands, he Never telling you that thought.

• You mention wanting something? He teases you About It, But the next day he's dragging you All the way to buy It.

• Unexpectedly he programs you one of those cute websites every year for your birthday.. But Also expect him showing up at your door with chocolates he handmade himself and a Human heart nicely wrapped With a bow, still dripping fresh blood.

Autor's note: HIIII!! Thank you so much for your requests sweetheart, its a bit short But I Hope It Is of your liking! You are Very much welcome to request Any Other ideas you have, and I Hope you have a Very good day/night too! You are so nice:3

.

Amidst the panic that the firelotuses were causing, both your colleagues and Professor Trein end up paying more attention to the flowers than to you.

As you move away from the flowers, you end up approaching one of the pillars. That's when you feel a hand covering your mouth and another holding your arm behind your back.

You are carried away through the shadows as you try to free yourself, but these attempts only make the hands hold you even tighter and run the risk of injuring your arm.

The person who is taking you leans over and whispers in your ear. “I beg you not do make this more complicated that it needs to be.” It's Rollo!

He takes you to a room adjacent to the hall and pushes you inside, making you fall into an armchair. Just before he closes the door to lock you inside you hear Grim's voice.

“[Y/N]? [Y/N]?! MY HENCH-HUMAN DISAPPEARED!”

No matter how loud you scream, or how much you bang on the door, the chaos outside is too loud for anyone to hear you. Eventually you realize something is going on, so you stop to listen to the conversation. Rollo had revealed himself and was talking to your NRC colleagues.

“My, my.” You hear Azul say. “That was quite a predictable villain line, you know.”

“Silence!” Rollo's voice echoed. “YOU'RE the villains here! And what's more, you flaunted your magic and mesmerized our good citizens with it... Just like you did with your prefect. You imprisoned them with you and poisoned their mind. The poor thing became numb to the absurdity after spending every day swimming in it. Mages use their magic to lead people astray and cloud the eyes of the virtuous public. It's sad state of affairs, but it's devastating when the victim is someone like [Y/N].”

“What have you done with [Y/N]?!” Malleus's powerful voice demands to know.

“For now, I am keeping them safe. But once I engulf the world in the fiery crimson of these flowers and strip every mage in Twisted Wonderland of their magic, then I will have saved them, and all those like them who suffer at your hands!”

“You have no idea of the atrocity you are insinuating, Flamme!” Not only does Malleus’s voice thunder, but the sky outside does too.

“And there he is, folks! The secret mastermind who was controlling the ‘final boss’ all along!” Idia says. “But what kind of mastermind jumps the gun and shows up this early? Dude has like, zero patience.”

“Could you not right now? You're ruining the moment.” Azul complains.

The discussion continues with Rollo revealing that his plan is already well underway. When the Bell of Solace rang for an unprecedented fourth time that night, it suffused the city with magic. The firelotuses aren't only in the school. They've spread throughout the city, and are sapping the energy from every mage living there. And after that, he opens the floor for everyone to fall into a pit.

“And those accursed mages, with Malleus Draconia foremost among them... They'll all be finished! Enjoy your time down below. Though I think you'll find it quite...draining. At long last... I shall finally mete out my justice.”

Some time later, the door opens and Rollo enters, extending his hand to you.

“Come. We must go to the Bell Tower. It is safer-”

What he didn't expect was for you to attack him with a tall candlestick. And you discover that in addition to being a promising mage, he also has excellent reflexes. He manages to dodge your attack and grab your wrists so you let go of the candlestick.

“I do not aim to harm you!” He says very seriously. “Please don't turn it into something I have to do.”

“Then what are you doing locking me here?”

“Preventing you from falling for the tricks of those magic-addled fools once again.” He comes closer, still grabbing you by the wrists. “You poor thing. Blinded by villains who wear an elusive mask of companions. But worry not, that tragic state of affairs shan't last much longer.” He brings his face even closer to yours. “Now, I will provide you with a choice. You will accompany me peacefully to the Bell Tower, where you will be safe by my side. Or you will make me forcefully assure your safety. Which one will be?”

If you choose to resist, Rollo will pin your arm behind your back again and place a handkerchief over your mouth and nose. Whatever is in that handkerchief, will render you unconscious. And you will wake up on the top floor of the Bell Tower, lying on a blanket.

You see Rollo with his back to you, looking down at the bright scarlet below. You stand up. “For the Righteous Judge's sake, don't try to go against me again.” Rollo says, without turning to you. “Even without the use of my magic you will not be able to overpower me.” Still without taking his eyes off the outside he calms down to invite you. “Would you be so kind as to join me in gazing out over the city?”

If you choose to accompany him peacefully to the Bell Tower, Rollo will release your wrists with a smile and give you his arm for you to intertwine with yours.

“I'm glad my judgment of you is aligning with the truth.” He says calmly as he guides. “To remain so virtuous amidst the chaos of magic, you must surely be one of heaven's lights.” You see now a new smile, a peaceful one. The climb up the tower was silent, as you needed to breathe to climb all those stairs. When you finally reach the top, Rollo extends his hand to you. If you give him yours, he will guide you like a gentleman to a point where you can both see the ominously lit city below.

“Ahh, the city's turned a marvelous shade of crimson... How cleansing it is. I've never felt so at peace before.”

“Why are you doing this, Rollo?”

“Once magic vanish from the world forever, no one will have to suffer with its consequences. Magic is not something to be lionized. It is an evil temptation that, behind its illusory wonders, only causes pain and suffering. If it wasn't dangerous, it wouldn't be like a toxin in your body... However... I wonder how much you actually know about it.”

You look at him as if to ask what he means by that.

“Are you even from this world [Y/N]?” He finally looks at you. “I don't know what it is, but there's something about you that's different from every non-magic user I've ever met. And the circumstances surrounding you are quite... abnormal.”

You choose not to respond.

“I see you have your secrets. I have mine owns as well." He takes his handkerchief to his face. "If you don't feel comfortable talking about your past, then allow me the right not to talk about mine either.”

He puts the handkerchief back in his pocket, and you observe the city in silence for a moment, until he speaks again.

“They will come here. I don't know which students will be strong enough to reach the tower, but Malleus Draconia will certainly be one of those who will be able to reach me. And when that happens, I will guarantee that he will be the first to fall.”

“Why all this obsession with Tsunotarou?”

“Obsession is a very strong word, I simply...” He stops to process what you just said. “I beg your pardon, but am I correct in assuming you were referring to Malleus Draconia just now?”

“Of course, he was who you were talking about just... Oh, I called him Tsunotarou didn't I? Sorry. But yes, I was talking about Malleus.”

“T-Tsunotarou?” He takes the handkerchief back to his face. “Is it some kind of mocking nickname?”

“No! I mean yes, it's a nickname, but no, it's not to mock him. It's a long story but that's what Grim and I call him.”

“Does he know about this... name?”

“Oh, yes. He even likes me calling him by that, he thinks it's funny. Or at least that's what it seams. He smiles every time he hears me say that name.” Just like you were smiling talking about him. “He calls me Child of Man.”

“You have a playful nickname for each other.” Rollo whispers with the handkerchief covering his angry (jealous) expression. “Soon enough you'll feel disgusted by it.”

“Sorry, I didn't understand.”

“No, nothing. Pay me no mind.” He takes the handkerchief away from his mouth. “Ah... I hear the firelotuses rustling... Those wretched Night Raven College mages are making their way up the tower, aren't they? Villains are always so stubborn.” Before you could complain about his words, he puts his hand on your arm and continues. “I must get you in a safer place. Those monsters won't give up without a fight.”

“Who do you think we’re calling-”

He ignores your reprimand and takes you by the arm to a small room that they will not have access to without first going through Rollo.

“I am deeply sorry for what I'm about to do, but I need to make sure you do not alert them to your location.” With his magic, he makes ropes appear to tie you up and a piece of cloth to silence you. “See how despicable magic is? An atrocity like trapping you is completed in seconds. But I will release you as soon as the danger has passed.” And he closes the door.

“Here we are.” You hear Malleus’s voice. “The very top floor of the bell tower.”

“The Bell of Solace stands out even at night.” Azul comments. “Look how it glints in the moonlight.”

“Now to ring it, wipe out the flowers, rescue [Y/N] and finish this stupid pop-up quest for good.” Idia points out.

“But to do that...” Malleus returns. “We must first pay our respects to the host of the party.”

This was Rollo's cue to reveal himself. Which he does.

“At long last, you've arrived. The greater the villains, the more they insist on stopping around. Deplorable.”

“Where are they Flamme?” Malleus demands to know.

“Safe, of course, away from you and your wicked lies.”

“Okay, I really need to ask.” Idia says. “What does our magic-less Prefect have to do with this flower plan and ending magic thing? Why kidnap them? They have no power to stop you. Unless you kidnapped them to keep them for yourself. Good taste tho. But you only met them literally today! That’s like the ultimate desperate creep move.”

“My actions involving your Prefect have nothing to do with personal motives. Innocent victims must be rescued from your evil hands! And that is exactly what I did.”

“I don't know if you would use the word ‘Innocent’ like that if you actually knew them.” Azul comments with a smirk.

“If this is true, it will be proof of your corruption!”

The flowers reach the bell and the exchange of words follows a course that ends with the three fighting Rollo after Malleus said:

“Regardless of your reasons, you will not have your way. I shall stop you for all the fallen in this city... For the wonderful person you kidnapped... For the people awaiting us at school... For Briar Valley... And for myself. You see, I harbor a particularly potent animus toward you. A feeling aggravated by the disrespectful actions you had towards  who is dearest to me. I shall eradicate the firelotuses and put all to rights. With the Bell of Solace itself!”

They lose the first fight against Rollo. And it's after that that Idia reveals what they read in Rollo's diary that they found in the fireplace. About his brother. About him not being able to do anything to save him... And you hear Idia going down a not so empathetic path, to which you would react with a facepalm if your hands weren't tied.

You hear Rollo getting angry and starting to lose his composure, Azul attacking him with Deuce's signature spell, with whom he had made a deal, the astonished reaction when seeing that Rollo is still standing, and finally, you hear Rollo use his signature spell and the sound of flames bursting forth.

A new fight, even more violent, until the sound of the flames died away and...

“Rollo collapsed, and his flames went out...” Azul says. “That means Malleus won, right?”

“Dude, Malleus is out of breath.” Idia says “I can see why he wanted us clear. We could've easily been collateral damage.”

Rollo says he accepted his defeat, but only to try to attack Malleus one last time when he turned his back on him. He failed, and Malleus rang the Bell of Solace, making all the flowers wither.

“The firelotuses...” Rollo was sobbing. “My flowers, my salvation, they're all withering away... You VILLAINS. What have you done?!”

“More important than that.” Malleus approached, his figure towering over Rollo's on the ground. “What have YOU done to [Y/N]?”

“Why do you show yourself so worried? A being like you would never truly care for someone like them. Admit your true intentions! You want to see them suffer on the long term.”

You finally manage to get your feet close to the door. You hear the worried voices of Azul and Idia telling Malleus not to succumb to Rollo's provocations. And you knock on the door with your feet so they can hear you.

You hear hurried footsteps coming your way, see Malleus opening the door, and look down in horror.

“[Y/N]!” He quickly reaches down to free you, breaking the ropes with his own hands and untying the piece of cloth around your mouth. He would have preferred to use magic to ensure he didn't hurt you, but he was relatively weak in that regard. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

You say you're fine, but that doesn't stop Malleus from picking you up in his arms.

“Is [Y/N] hurt?!” Azul asked, worried.

“They say they're fine. But just in case.”

“Something tells me that Malleus just really wanted to live the scene of the hero who picks up the princess in their arms after saving her from the clutches of the villain who kidnapped her.” Idia comments, just between him and Azul. “Hey, no judgments. This is what I call sense of opportunity.”

Rollo was furious, but he would never admit how jealous he was. Not even to himself.

You watched the shows that your NRC colleagues prepared. The music was beautiful and they sang so well! Especially Malleus. After that, you all talked for a bit in a group before Malleus disappeared. Only for you to see him dance with Rollo. Seriously? All that and he's still going to dance with Rollo before he dances with you?!

You dance with the others, until Malleus appears to bow to you and invite you to dance with him. However, to his surprise, you look sullen.

“Is there something wrong?” He asks you. “Did I do something that displeased you?”

You answer yes, that after everything, the first person he danced with was Rollo. He chuckles, and you get even more sulky.

“Forgive me, but I could not resist provoking Flamme one last time. That, and warn him never to even come near you again.” He says with a smile, which makes it a little scary. “I jest. Well, partially. I did threaten him if he did anything to you again.” He pauses to see if you would cheer up a bit, but you still didn't seem completely satisfied. He smirks. “I must admit, a little jealousy can actually be charming and cute.”

Other people wanted to dance with Malleus, but he asked them all to, please, wait a little longer.

“You are creating a quite long waiting line you know? I will not dance with anyone else until I have my desired dance with my beloved.” He smiles smugly when he sees your reaction.

You give him your hand, he kisses the back of it and brings your body closer to his, placing his other hand on your waist. And you dance together.

“Please be careful.” He says as you dance. You look down at your feet, confused. “Fufu. No my dear, I wasn't referring to your dancing.” The sweet smile becomes more serious. “I was referring to Rollo Flamme. I have reason to believe that, after just one day, he has already recognized your charm. He does not convince me that he did that to you just because he believed he was saving you. But worse than that...”

His expression turns sad and you feel his hand pull you closer.

“He still have hatred towards me and wants to get read of all the mages. Under different circumstances, I would not fear his attacks. I would even invite him to try. But with you... If he realizes how much you mean to me... Despite what happened, I don't believe he has that kind of character, but if he reaches a state of despair where his hatred for me is stronger than the attachment he might feel for you...”

There’s a pause. His expression becomes more peaceful.

“I learned an expression that the citizens here have. Heaven's Light. We don't know what this place called heaven is for sure, but according to some records from the past, it would have been such a wonderful place that it was not even located on land. It was somewhere above the clouds. I believe even the stories of the Lord of the Underworld spoke of a similar place. They say that the name ‘Heaven's Light’ was given by the Kindly Bell Ringer to the woman he fell in love with, for being such a caring and kind person to him.”

He caresses your cheek with one of his hands.

“I understand him perfectly. From the story I was told, I can only believe that I too was blessed with my own Heaven's Light. And just like the Kindly Bell Ringer, I will do whatever it takes to protect it.”

You didn't even realize that Malleus has led you to a more secluded place. Only when you saw that the two were hidden by the shadows and a pillar and he began to bring his face closer to yours. “My Heaven's Light.” He whispers before kissing you.

After your dance with Malleus, he went to dance with the other people who also wanted such an honor and you went to dance with some of your other colleagues.

You were finishing dancing with Sebek when Rollo approached you. Both you and he startled when Sebek quickly placed himself between the two of you.

“What are your intentions?” Sebek inquired with hostility.

“My intentions are not vile.” Rollo replies, hiding his displeasure at the way Sebek is talking to him with his composure. “I would only like to be able to invite [Y/N] to dance.”

“I cannot allow it! My orders are to keep this human safe and away from you.”

Rollo takes his handkerchief to his face, holding back the urge to respond to his audacity and insulting words. However, you tell Sebek that it's okay and that you would like to accept Rollo's invitation. Both he and Sebek are surprised.

“B-but...” He had those sad puppy eyes, eager to fulfil his duty. “My liege told me... he entrusted me to protect you.”

And you say he can still do it. He can watch you while you dance with Rollo. And if something really happens, he can intervene.

“But what if it's too late?”

You say that Rollo wouldn't do anything like that in front of all those people. And that Sebek could tell Malleus that it was your fault for telling him not to stop you.

“But... *sigh* Why are you humans so stubborn? Fine. But I won't take my eyes off you. Even if I have to stop myself from blinking!... Be careful.”

Rollo extends his hand to you and you place yours in his to accept his invitation to dance. He guides you very gently.

“I wanted to apologize for the way I treated you.” He tells you while dancing with you. “I never meant to be rude to you. And regardless of what the students of Night Raven College tell you, at no point did I intend to harm you.” Your expression shows your suspicion. “I don't intend to apologize for doing what I concluded was the best way to save you at the time. I only apologize for the... atrocious way in which I did it. I shouldn't have forced you to come with me. But I feared what those spiteful mages might do to you in a moment of desperation.”

“They wouldn't hurt me!” You say, with certainty in your voice.

“How could you be so sure of that?”

“Because, unlike you, I know them.”

He looks you intently in the eyes, and sighs. The music comes to an end, as does your dance. You bow to each other.

“I find it pitiful seeing someone magic-devoid like you stuck in that villains' lair.” He tells you when you both straighten up. “I am inclined to make my utmost efforts to have you reside in Nobel Bell College instead, however I've already come to the sorrowful realization that it is your heart that keeps you hostage in that island. But before we part, I insist that you know that if you ever find yourself overwhelmed by those circumstances that involve magic, do let me know.” He gives you that subtle smile of his. “I will be glad to provide you with my support and assistance at any moment.”

You give him a smile back, accepting his offer.

“But, just to guarantee that you don't forget my heartfelt offering...” He reaches into his pocket, takes out his handkerchief and extends it to you. “Here it is said that handkerchiefs are powerful guardians of the memories of a loved one. It is common to offer them when we don't want to be forgotten by someone. Despite my mistakes, I would still like you to have the most pleasant memory of me possible." You accept his gift. "I confess that my biggest wish at the moment was to have one of yours too.” Without his handkerchief, he covers his mouth with his hand. “But that is just a mere whim of mine.” He takes his hand away from his face and smiles again “Not even in my wildest dreams did I think I would have so much pleasure in meeting someone from Night Raven College.” He gives you one last bow. “May the Bell of Solace allow our paths to cross again.”

He turned to walk away, but you wanted to do one last thing. You had also bought a handkerchief just like his when you were doing your tour of the city, and you wouldn't need two. You ask him to wait and he turns back to you.

“It doesn't have to be a mere whim.” You say, handing him the handkerchief you had kept with you. Perhaps the sign of a second chance.

He receives your handkerchief and looked at it with his natural smile, but his eyes were different, they had a small, almost imperceptible sparkle.

“I will keep it as one of my most cherished possessions. Thank you, [Y/N].”

“Should I assume this was some sort of revenge?” You hear Malleus's voice say suddenly as you step away from the dancing crowd.

You didn't know he was there, and so close. You look at him and he's smiling wryly.

“I didn't give him any gifts, though. Should I have bought a souvenir too? Perhaps make a bouquet of those crimson flowers he is so fond of.”

“It seems you were right, Tsunotarou.” You say with a sly smile. “A little jealousy can actually be charming and cute.”

Malleus makes that cute pout.

“I told you to be careful.” He says, not as a scolding, but as a concerned request.

You tell him that nothing bad happened, that Rollo wanted to apologize for what he did to you and for him not to blame Sebek because you were the one who accepted Rollo's invitation.

“Don't worry, I know Sebek is a loyal guard. And that you are the one with a kind heart. I told Sebek that I believed him when he told me that it was of your own free will that you were dancing with Flamme. It is in your character to give others the opportunity to explain and apologize. I know this well because it's one of the things I love most about you.” His pout comes back. “However...” He smiles smugly. “I would be more reassured if you spend the rest of the ball close to me. Just in case.”

“Just in case of what, exactly?” You ask.

“Just in case someone else becomes so captivated by you that they want to lock you up in a tower. Which reminds me that in some tales the kidnapper arrange a dragoon to guard the kidnapped.” His smile becomes even more smug and slightly threatening. “Fu fu fu. I would like to see them trying.”

.

With your Tsum in your arms, you find Ace and Deuce, leaning over with their hands on their knees as if they were catching their breath after a run. They look at you first, but quickly the cute little creature you hold in your arms catches their attention. They both have that look on their faces like they think it's the cutest and most beautiful little thing in the world but don't want to admit it.

They say that Riddle also has one of those and he was the one they were chasing and trying to catch, but they lost it. The moment they said Riddle’s name, you felt your Tsum move enthusiastically for a moment.

They hear something, when they look they see Riddletsum in the distance and run towards it, starting the chase again. Your Tsum jumps out of your arms and runs with them, which makes you run after them too.

Your Tsum passes Ace and Deuce, which surprises them because they were so fast, and throws itself at Riddletsum, rolling together for a few seconds until they both stop. When this happened, Riddletsum didn't run away again, and the two were rubbing each other's cheeks happily.

Ace grabbed Riddletsum while it was distracted. It seemed upset about being caught. But the moment Deuce grabbed your Tsum, Riddletsum jumped out of Ace's arms, hits him in the face and threw itself right in Deuce's face to make him release your Tsum. Once back on the ground, Riddletsum positioned itself between your Tsum and those two. Glaring threateningly at Ace and Deuce.

You were the only one who could carry your Tsum without Riddletsum getting jealous. And after that, they would keep your two Tsums together to prevent Riddletsum from running away again or causing trouble. Or hurt someone else.

Whenever Riddle sees the Tsums being all lovey-dovey with each other, he will blush, and try to hide it. He won't comment on it unless you comment first. If you tell him they're cute, he'll shyly agree.

“You know, they remind me of the hedgehogs in a way.” Riddle says “I can't deny that I think it's cute whenever I see them rubbing their noses against each other.”

And as soon as the Tsums hear him say that, they rub their little round noses against each other. Which makes Riddle blush even more.

If at any point you pick up Riddletsum, it will look at you with a huge sparkle in its eyes as if you were the most wonderful person he has ever seen in its life. And freeze looking at you.

You went to Mostro Lounge with your Tsum because you heard that Azul also had one, and you thought maybe you could help each other take care of them. Which in itself is already a deal. You help me, I help you.

Little did you know that the place was full of customers, and much more than usual. When you arrive at the entrance, there is a line of customers still waiting to enter. You comment to your Tsum that perhaps it would be better for you two to give up on the idea of meeting Azul, at least at that moment, he must be too busy.

Your Tsum starts struggling in your arms until it manages to escape them and run into the Mostro Lounge, passing by the feet of all those customers. You try to run after it, but a hand grabs you on your arm shortly after you pass the entrance.

“HEY! What do you think you're doing jumping the queue?” A Savanaclaw student asked you aggressively.

“Probably exercising their right as VIP customers.” Azul says, in that politely threatening way. “And I suggest you let them go if you don't want to be permanently kicked out of the Mostro Lounge.” The student let go of you. And Azul sees you rubbing the area where he had grabbed you, as if you had been hurt. “An apology would also be polite.” The Savanaclaw student is reluctant out of pride. “You know, I'm not a big fan of doing business with rude customers. And this clause is usually part of my contracts. It's a shame that a lot of people don't read them in full, you know.” Azul smirks.

The student suddenly looks worried, and apologizes to you and promises that it won't happen again.

Once this problem is resolved, Azul greets you with that charming smile of his and asks what he owes for your pleasant visit? Were you there to see Azul Tsum too? You answer yes and tell him about your Tsum and what happened.

And then you start to hear a different kind of commuting in one part of the café. In the middle of the "Aw"s, you also hear phrases like “Double the cuteness.” and “They look even cuter together.”

Azul and you try to get closer to the place that is receiving all the attention, but it appears to be moving. And towards the VIP room. You arrive at the VIP Room door and only see the door closing, as if someone had just entered. Azul opens the door and you go in with him.

You see your two Tsums on one of the sofas. When Azul Tsum realizes that it was you two who entered, it relaxes and starts to cuddle and snuggle with your Tsum as if spoiling it with love and care. Azul automatically blushes.

From then on, Azultsum won't let go of your Tsum! It practically forgot the customers and only had eyes and gifts for your Tsum. As if it were Azultsum's most valuable treasure.

If at any point you pick up Azultsum, it will first look at you with a big shine in its eyes and then it will come close to your face to caress you.

You went to Scarabia with your Tsum because you heard that Jamil also had one, and you thought maybe you could help each other take care of them. But you didn't know where exactly they were. At least not until you hear Kalim apologizing to someone and saying he wasn't going to do something.

You arrive at the lounge with your Tsum in your arms, and you see Kalim apologizing to Jamiltsum while Jamil enjoys the scene.

“Not even if it has half the animals?” Kalim asks. Jamiltsum jumps up and hits him on the arm. “AH! Fine, fine! No parades this week...” He looked a little disappointed but Jamil was smiling.

Some students who enjoyed Kalim's parades began to comment about being disappointed too. Jamiltsum turned towards them with a threatening aura, which scared them. However, it seemed more stressed than upset.

You feel your Tsum jump out of your arms and see it running towards them. It stops near them and makes a cute little noise as if it is greeting them and to get their attention. Jamil looks at your Tsum with a twinkle in his eyes, like someone who thinks it's cute in a way he doesn't want to admit. Now Kalim...

“OH Great Seven! It's a (Y/N)tsum!” He crouches down to get closer to your Tsum “You're so cuteee! This definitely deserves a party!” POW! Jamiltsum throws itself at Kalim again, this time making him lose his balance and fall.

When it lands in front of your Tsum, it looks upset, but as soon as it looks at your Tsum, it freezes with amazement in its eyes. Your Tsum starts snuggling against it, and Jamiltsum reciprocated by cuddling it back.

A student comments that they look cute together, that they even seem in love with each other. Because of this, both Jamil and Jamiltsum blush. Jamil pulls his hood to hide his face, while Jamiltsum curls up, and your Tsum gets even closer to it, both because it thinks it's cute and to try to help it hide.

When your Tsum is around, Jamiltsum is more easily flattered. Jamiltsum won't let go of your Tsum either. Like Jamil it acts like a bodyguard, and that's exactly what it does with your Tsum. To the point where you start to doubt whether it's really Jamiltsum being overprotective or just jealous whenever someone approaches and starts saying how cute your Tsum is.

If at any point you pick up Jamiltsum, it will first look at you with a big shine in its eyes, but then it’s little face will get all red, and it’ll curl up trying to hide it.

You were passing through the Courtyard with your Tsum in your arms, when you see a larger than normal amount of birds and squirrels in a particular tree. You get closer and see Silver sleeping against the tree with a Silvertsum in his arms, also sleeping.

You feel your Tsum moving and jumping out of your arms. It approaches them and climbs into Silver's lap to get closer to Silvertsum, which wakes Silver up. He looks at his lap and sees your Tsum looking at him and smiling with its eyes. He smiled, that rare sweet prince charming smile of his.

“Hello little one. It's good to meet you.” He caressed your Tsum's cheek with his finger. “You are as beautiful as (Y/N).”

You make noise through the grass and bushes as you approach them. Silver looks at you in surprise, and blushes slightly at the thought that you could have heard what he had just said. And meanwhile, your Tsum catches up with Silvertsum who jumps off Silver's lap because it woke up with a start.

Silvertsum landed in a defensive position and with a threatening expression, as if its first instinct was to assume its position as a guard during an attack. But soon after it sees your Tsum and has a serene expression again.

Your Tsum is the one who approaches first and starts cuddling with the other. Silvertsum quickly reciprocates with its eyes closed as if they were both smiling. The birdsong becomes louder around you, but it is still a beautiful song.

“They seem to like each other a lot.” He comments, now with his usual neutral face. “Do you think it means something?”

You probably felt like doing a face palm, and the same seemed to have happened with your Tsum. It suddenly took a big jump into Silver's arms and climbed up to his face to caress his cheek. While Silvertsum remained serenely on the ground.

Silver chuckles and smile. “So you like me too?” he asks your Tsum, who nods with it's little body.

And to your surprise, Silvertsum also jumps into your arms. It will try to get closer to your face but it won't move very far, as if it wanted your permission to move forward. If you push it close to your face it will rub its little nose against yours.

Be careful, because Silvertsum easily falls asleep in your arms as it is so comfortable in them.

CONTEXT: This was written with a cisgender female reader in mind. Reader is Yuu. But if you want (and can) read it in any other way, feel free to.

By the way, this is one of those moments when I wish English had a second person plural, instead of the singular and plural being the same. Whenever I write “your child” I mean it in the plural (you, the reader, and his)

Riddle’s child(ren) call him: Father

Riddle has the same demands and standards for his child that he has for himself. But he doesn't want to make the same mistakes as his mother, so in comparison he can be more permissive. Because of this he will ALWAYS listen to you if you tell him he is being too harsh.

In terms of studies, etiquette and behaviour he is quite strict as you would expect. But when it comes to play he lets his child do almost anything they want.

He doesn't know how to play with his child, but he will always make an effort to learn how to and do it with them. He almost seems to regress to the childhood he never had and wants to give to his child. Whenever the child learns a new game, they will show it and teach it to Riddle and he will be delighted with it.

Although he is strict, he is also relatively protective, especially if your child is a girl. He tries not to be overly protective, but he can't help but worry about your child. If there was a right way to raise a child, is he doing his job well enough? You will have several conversations at first to reassure him that he is doing a good job.

He will study any and all parenting books that experts in child behaviour and education recommend. This kind of knowledge is never too much. Which often leads you to try to convince him to relax and just trust his instincts and what he feels is right. The child is his, not all those authors and experts. Sometimes there are things that a parent simply knows.

Lawful and calm Uncle Trey. They love uncle Trey's sweets! Sometimes Riddle asks him if he's not giving them too much sweets and Trey always assures him that it's okay because he knows how to make healthier sweets and the limit for a child to eat. If they weren't already Riddle's child, the whole thing about always brushing their teeth could be scary.

Chaotic Uncle Che'nya. The crazy and fun Uncle! Your child and Che'nya join forces (maybe even with you) to play pranks on Riddle. Never anything that could get the child into trouble with their father, just enough for everyone, Riddle included, to have fun.

Uncle Ace and Uncle Deuce are more from your side than Riddle's honestly. Ace is a bit like Che'nya in the case of being one of the chaotic pranksters uncles. But he is also the uncle of magic tricks who is always deceiving, but also entertaining your child with them.

Deuce is the rad uncle with a cool moto and/or even cooler blastcycle, who offers to take your child for a ride in it with him. Your child also finds it funny to see the two of them arguing amicably. But it’s even funnier to see them imitating their father trying to order them to stop arguing.

Uncle Cater doesn't show up very often, but they like him. He's not chaotic like Ace and Che'nya, but he's also fun. Your child enjoys receiving compliments from him and taking pictures with him.

Your child imitates their father scolding Grim too. Just like Riddle (and probably because they're still little) they have a very bad temper. Riddle gets embarrassed whenever you say that someone takes after their father.

Leona’s child(ren) call him: Dad

Leona still doesn't like kids... your child(ren) is/are just an exception.

Yes, Leona would treat a daughter slightly differently than he would treat a son. In the same way that he treats men and women a little differently. But the only difference is that he would be tougher on a son than a daughter, but will still be affectionate regardless.

No matter what gender his child is, he wants the same for them: be strong both physically and mentally. To outsiders like some servants or citizens who don't know him, they may get to the point of thinking Leona is a harsh father who doesn't deserve all that love from his child, and he will tell both you and your child not to mind that. But the truth is that he is just like he was with you at school: a tough guy who hides a caring heart.

Leona continues to show himself to be a person who doesn't want anyone to upset him and who would growl at anyone who bothers him. The only people who can get close to him even when he's angry and remain safe and sound are you and your child. He'll still growl at you and your child quietly, but there will be a volume that is the line, like if his growl is louder than that limit it's because he's getting really angry, until then it's just him being him.

Your child will already have the best private teachers and tutors (one of them being Kifaji/Neji if he’s still alive), but even so, Leona will want to make them study and learn more. But in that discreet way that he knows. He will not force them to study more, he will find a way to convince them to want to learn more on their own.

You end up being the most affectionate parent and the one they trust for emotional comfort. Leona is the tough love, you are the soft love (at least in comparison). Leona will always tease you, insinuating that you are too soft and only spoil your child. Although he enjoys when you spoil him too.

He is 100% the ‘Go ask your mom’ kind of dad.

He lets his child take naps with him. And you too.

If he has more than one child, he will police himself not to favor any of them. He may have a tendency to favor the younger ones because of what he went through as the youngest himself, but none of his children will be treated in any special/different way based on their birth order. Neither the youngest nor the oldest.

He will try to convince his child not to be too close (emotionally) to their uncle or cousin, but won't stop them from playing with Cheka. When your child is old enough not to tell others what is said in your home, Leona and them will talk badly about Falena and Cheka behind their backs.

Leona will prefer your child to play with Ruggie and/or his children. On the one hand, he wants to keep them away from his family, but on the other hand, he also wants his child to know what the real world is like, to see both wealth and poverty, to know royalty as they knows their people and only then create their own judgement.

They don't call anyone uncle or aunt other than Falena and his wife. In the same way, Leona also doesn't give cute titles to anyone without being sarcastically. Even when he calls you “love”, “darling”, “honey” or something like that, it's to tease you.

Whenever you go to Shaftlands, whether for democratic reasons or on holiday, you always try to find a way to meet with Jack. Leona pretends that he only helps you with this because you want to see your friend and he wants to get rid of his family. Both you and Jack know that he just doesn't want to admit that he wants to see him too. Jack is the cool parent's friend who taught your child how to snowboard. While they are little they like to hug his tail because it’s fluffy.

Despite everything, he doesn't want his child to have the same lack of hope that he has, and despite trying to hide it, he always feels extremely guilty and bad whenever your child says something like that. At these times he relies on you to be the ray hope in that house, they will both need you for that.

Both Leona and your child are afraid of you when you get really serious or angry.

Do you know that scene from The Lion King where Mufasa uses Zazu to give Simba an pouncing lesson? Leona often does something similar, but instead of the target being a blue bird, it's a magical creature called Grim.

Azul’s child(ren) call him: Daddy (when little) Dad (when older)

Azul is an extremely emotional father, despite trying to hide it. There's going to be a lot of moments like: “HE/SHE IS THE CUTEST LITTLE THING IN THE WHOLE- *clears throat* I mean, he/she is such a charming little child.” He will most likely cry at your baby's first words, steps, anything.

Azul is overprotective! If any living creature even thinks about harming your child, he will tortu- that is, find a completely legal way to ensure that it never happens again. Now, if you'll excuse him, he suddenly felt like talking to Jade and Floyd. (The same protectiveness applies to you.)

Although he is very (secretly) emotional and loves to spoil his child, he is also relatively strict about their studies. He likes to spoil them (and you) when it's deserved, but he will not raise a spoiled child! This ends up balancing things out a bit.

He will hide the whole mafia-like part of his life from his child. Dad is just doing business, boring adult stuff. Maybe when your child is older he will start to reveal a little of that side of his life, if they later want to join their father it will be their choice. But until then, let them be innocent children, they are cuter and happier that way, there is time for everything.

He will always hold back his emotional side so as not to be overly affectionate. Unless his child starts crying. At that point his mask falls completely and he becomes the most affectionate and comforting father there can be, that is his weakness.

And if one day the child realizes this and starts using crying to get what they want from him, he won't know whether to be angry that he is being emotionally manipulated by his own child, or proud that they learned so quickly.

You will be the only one immune to the fake crying.

From the beginning, Azul has been wary and suspicious of letting Jade and Floyd be like uncles to your child. However, you two ended up letting this happen, but Azul will always keep an eye open.

Both Jade and Floyd will definitely use the child to play pranks on Azul. Mostly Floyd, Jade prefers to watch and assist. Azul will always be upset with the twins, never with his child. And depending on the severity of the prank, he will turn on his overprotective side and threaten Jade and Floyd that if that happens again they will never see your child again. They never go beyond that limit.

Every now and then when Floyd plays with your child, he will do that joke where he playfully tells them he's going to catch them and bite them. Actually in his playful voice, he doesn't want to scare them. And they will run to Azul and hide behind his legs asking for help while laughing. Or tentacles if they are in their merfolk form.

If you ask them Jade is the scary uncle (only sometimes) but they themselves don't even know why. It's just his vibe or something. However, they are not afraid to ask any of them for something, it being to play or for help.

You know those little plastic cashiers where kids pretend to have a little shop and try to sell things to people at home? Usually parents or sibling. Azul loves to play this with his child because it is a great and fun way to pass on his knowledge. Both about sales and about taking care of your money. Usually using the Grim as a guinea pig. Grim also likes to play because he always ends up with food in exchange for toy money.

Jamil’s child(ren) call him: Dad (in informal moments) and Father (at formal events)

Jamil needed to learn to express himself more and better emotionally so as not to end up being a cold father without meaning to. He needs your help to teach your child when to hold back and when to know when they are in a safe space to let go.

The only thing that will follow Jamil forever is an inevitable feeling of guilt for your child having the same fate as him, simply for being his child: serving the Al-Asim family with no other choice. But you can be assured that if there is a way to stop this and give his child freedom of choice, whatever that method may be, he will not give up until he finds it and do it! Normally parents want to give their children what they always wanted and could never have, in Jamil's case it’s freedom.

There was something Jamil wanted to do, but he didn't have the courage to ask the Al-Asim for some kind of vacation. But you had! Using your great friendship with Kalim, you managed to get him to allow you to take a vacation long enough for you to travel as a family, as Jamil wanted. Jamil has always wanted to travel alone, but now with you and your child he would like to travel as a family and give his child the experiences he would have liked to have had himself.

He is quite demanding with his child's education and training. However, his attitude towards this is always calm and collected, and he is attentive to his child's limitations and needs. He is a great and responsible tutor, who knows how to distinguish between being a teacher and being a father.

He is usually quite serious, so you and your child are the ones who start messing with him to have fun and make him laugh. It's always nice when he reminds you two that he can also be a tease. Normal or biggest target of your joint teasing ends up being Grim at some point.

During his work as Kalim's servant, Jamil always had to cook a lot and he's not that big a fan of cooking, so so he can rest at home you're the one who cooks most of the time. He will teach you everything you want to learn and at first you will cook together a lot until you feel comfortable cooking alone. But even then he will continue to offer to help you. Your child will continue to say that Jamil's food is tastier, but yours is prettier. And the food you make together is the best because it’s tasty and pretty. Jamil will also encourage his child to cook with you two so that they can learn from a young age.

His child knows that there is only one thing in this world that can make their father scream in fear: Bugs! If your child is also afraid of insects, you're screwed, because you will be the insect killer in that house. However, if it is just the two of them, Jamil's protective instinct will be stronger and despite his fear he will protect his child. If your child is not afraid of insects, then Jamil will have two protectors. “Can you do dad a favor?”; “Where is it?”; “Living room, south wall last time I saw.”; “Does it fly?”; “...Yes.”

Kalim will treat your child almost like one of his own children, for loving you both so much. He got emotional when he found out you were pregnant, he wanted to help pay for your doctor's appointments if necessary (never was), and he got emotional again when your child was born. He loves buying toys for your child too and give them gifts. He would love for Jamil to let them call him Uncle Kalim. And he loves it when your kids play together.

Vil’s child(ren) call him: Father 

Vil wants to have a family that is at its best as he likes to be at his best himself. He wants you and your child to be as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside, just as he strives to be as well. However, he would treat a daughter slightly differently than a son because of the different pressures of societal beauty standards.

With a son he would be as strict with him as he is with himself. But with a daughter, he knows she's more likely to suffer from these kinds of things. So although he continues to be relatively strict and wants her to be the best she can be, he ends up being softer with criticism and stronger with praise and soft love than he would be with a son.

He would hire a specialist, like as a child psychologist or something like that, to always know the best ways to rise and protect your child. Children of famous people like him, especially in the digital and social media age, may need more protection from their parents in this regard, in addition to the toxic pressure of comparison that exists. However, because Vil cares so much about your child's personal development as their happiness, he may end up putting enormous pressure on himself to be a perfect parent too.

Both Vil and your child will need you to be the person who brings them both back to the real world and the life of a loving family with flaws like any human being. Vil will always listen to you if you feel he may be being too harsh and demanding with your child, or with himself in terms of parenting.

If you are the type of person who likes to tease Vil by letting yourself be sloppy from time to time, (always at home) then your child will also like to tease their father like that. “You have your mother’s cheekiness, I see.” Vil sighs but laughs. The teasing includes eating sweets and food that Vil would not approve of. You are the parent they ask for things from and who best comforts and pampers them. You two probably team up to make Vil relax and have fun with you.

His child will have the best teachers and tutors, go to the best schools and best establishments for any extracurricular activity they want to have. Vil will probably force them to have an extracurricular activity but they will be free to choose which one.

Rook is OBSESSED with your child! In a respectful way of course, he is just already a huge fan. The result of combining your DNA with Vil's? MERVEILLEUX! He won't hold back the tears when he sees the baby for the first time. He will LOVE playing with your child. He will babysit for free and will be happy to do so if you ever need. It will be a long time before he stops getting so emotional whenever your child calls him "Uncle Rook."

Uncle Epel is the rad uncle, when Vil is not around. He is that person who will help your child do cool activities that Vil may not allow. Like taking a blastcycle ride with him, eat grilled meats, playing with things that make the child very dirty or other things that Vil didn't like Epel to do when they were at NRC. But if at least one parent allows it (you), then there is no problem. Right? All this, of course, when Vil is not around.

When he is there, both Epel and your child behave like little angels. You and Epel have to be very careful that the child doesn't get careless and say something in Epel's dialect in front of Vil. They love Uncle Epel because it is fun to do cool things without their father knowing and with your help.

Your child likes to use Grim as a doll to dress up in cute clothes. The funny thing is that Grim likes it too because your child eventually realizes that if they tell him he looks cool instead of cute, he'll let them keep dressing him up.

Idia’s child(ren) call him: Daddy (when little) Dad (when older)

Idia doesn't believe he can be a good father. A shut-it and antisocial otaku like him? Are you crazy? That's a disaster! He can't take care of himself, how is he going to help you raise a child? However, and especially with you, he also has that overly cocky side that believes that even being an antisocial nerd he would be 1000 times better than a lot of parents out there. So basically he has a tendency to oscillate between these two moods.

In comparison, you are the strict parent, he is the parent who spoils the child. They are both afraid of you when you get upset. He's a ‘Don't tell your mother’ type of dad. He can't say no to his child, but, oddly enough, he can't be emotionally manipulated either. He may even let his child do a lot of things, but even he has limits to what he knows is good or bad for them.

Because he's the permissive father, he's also the scariest when he gets serious. He can never get really mad at his child, but he can say a firm and assertive “No” if necessary. However, if they are still very young and start crying, he will panic and call you immediately. You will then have to comfort Idia and tell him that no, he did not make a decision that put him on the path to the traumatic and apocalyptic ending. What he probably did was the opposite.

If it depends on him, his child will be a nerd/otaku just like his father. However, he doesn't want them to be socially anxious like him and will always encourage them to go for walks with you outside even if it's without him. That doesn't mean there aren't times you drag him outside with you.

Besides occasionally questioning whether he is being a good father, there is something else that haunts him... He still carries and will probably always carry the feeling of guilt for what happened to Ortho, so he is absolutely TERRIFIED that something like that may happen again.

Idia has always tried to keep your child as far away as possible from all areas that are dangerous or even remotely similar to the hallway where that happened. But if your child ever happens to even enter an area that their father did not allow, they will get to know a side of Idia that sometimes you yourself don’t even remember exists: The overprotective, traumatized side that isn't afraid to scare his child if it means keeping them away from the danger. And probably the only way they'll see his red hair. But it will probably be after that, that the two of you will have an open heart conversation and Idia will apologize.

Now, about Uncle Ortho, they LOVE uncle Ortho! He's the one who goes for a walk with you and your child when you and he can't convince Idia to go too. He is a cheerful uncle who loves to play with your child. You three made up stories to explain why uncle Ortho was a humanoid. You always make up different and crazy stories to jest with them and make them change the subject. The day will come when they will be old enough to know the truth.

Idia may even talk badly about himself a lot of the times, but no matter what his child do, they are talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular and everything good. “Of course that's because they inherited it from you, not me.” He will say with a smile.

Both Idia and your child treat Grim like a pet cat and find it funny to see him getting grumpy.

Idia spoke to his child in that baby voice when they themselves were also babies. And maybe also when they are children to the point where they tell him to stop treating them like babies.

Malleus’s child(ren) call him: Daddy (when little) Dad (when older) Father (at formal events)

The day Malleus found out you were pregnant was already a happy day, but the day your child was born was the happiest day of his life! And every moment with them is the happiest moment of his day. And of course with you too. He totally and completely loves his family!

Anyone who dares to speak ill of the child of Malleus Draconia, especially about the fact that they are half-human, will suffer the consequences! Anyone who spoke openly about the child being something of a disgrace, shame or an abomination was either killed or imprisoned. (Depending on how opposed you really are to Malleus killing or ordering someone to be killed.) and of course, the same applies to talking bad about you.

The problem is that this is doing the same thing to your child that was done to him. He's scaring everyone and making them afraid to come near your child for fear of saying or doing something that might upset them or Malleus. He listens to you and agrees with you, showing concern and thoughtfulness about what should be done. He hates people being disrespectful to the ones he loves, but he also doesn't want his child to go through what he went through.

What ends up happening is that, on Malleus's part, he realizes that he has to start learning ways for people to respect his child without using fear, but to do that he also has to start letting certain insults slide. He doesn't like it, but if it's what's best for his child, he'll do the best he can. Although the same applies if they disrespect you. He hates it so much!

In the case of your child, you are helped by Lilia (if he’s still alive), Silver, Sebek and their families. Perhaps trying to spend more time among their people and with other fae, humans, and half-fae might be beneficial to a child's social development.

Lilia would treat the child as if they were his own grandchild. Even if Silver also has children, they are ALL Lilia's grandchildren! “There's no denying it any longer... I am... officially... an old man... For the best possible reasons!” Everyone will rescue your child from Lilia's food. “Never eat anything that Grandpa Lilia cooks, you hear?”

Silver is the calm uncle who, despite not being the most fun to play with, is the one they turn to when they want to rest and simply have a good chill time. Or take a nap. Probably who they turn to to run away and hide from Sebek when he's being annoying. He ends up being the adult (than is not their parents) that they trust most and feel most comfortable with. Silver is very happy when they ask him for help to get closer to an animal to see it better, and even more so if they and the animals end up interacting and playing with each other.

Now about Uncle Sebek... If there is anyone more protective and flattering of that child than Malleus, it is Sebek. He cried when the child was born, for sure. And cried even more when the child said his name, or whenever they at least tried to. The day they called him "Uncle Sebek" he was about to have a heart attack. The problem is that he ends up being one of those type of person who adores children (although in his case the only ones he likes would be Malleus's and his own children) to the point that the child finds them annoying and clingy. “But don't tell Uncle Sebek that, he'll be sad.”

Whenever the child throws a tantrum that ends up causing their powers to manifest in storms or uncontrolled magic, Malleus will take care of it while you stay away and safe. To him, any attack would be mere tickling, but he always made sure that your child knows that the same does not apply to you. They may end up thinking that you are very fragile while they are little, but it is better this way to ensure that they do not hurt you unintentionally.

This also means that whenever you need to say ‘No’ to your child, Malleus will do it if there is a possibility that they would start throwing tantrums. At least while they are young and cannot control their powers well.

Malleus also runs the risk of being a father who spoils his children.

Your child and Grim probably burn a lot of things around the castle because they play together and they both have fire powers.

“There you are, Lilia.” Malleus reappears when you were all trying to escape Lilia's dream. “Whatever shall I do with you, hmm? Hahaha... Ahahahaha!”

The two fight each other with amused smiles on their faces.

“Now!” Lilia tells you as soon as he sees an opportunity for you to escape. “Get going, quick!” Still with a reassuring smile on his face.

“...I swear I'll wake you and everyone else from this slumber.” Silver says. “I have so much to tell you!”

“I'll hold you to that promise, Silver. See you when I wake! Night's blessings.”

"...Night's blessings!" He reciprocates, tears threatening to escape his eyes. “Those I've met and will someday... Meet in a Dream!”

While Silver's signature spell was still in effect, you heard a soft voice in your ear.

“Not this time... Not you...”

You felt like you were being transported through the air, like in the Dreamway, where Silver's signature spell always took you. But you weren't there. There was no blue sky and pink clouds, just darkness. Until you fall, luckily, onto something fluffy.

You open your eyes and realize that your fall was cushioned by a mattress. You look around, at first you thought you were in Diasomnia. Even the bed with the dark wood canopy and curtains where you were looked like theirs. But with a closer look, you realize that's not the case.

That room had the same gothic style and dark walls, but the decor and the bed itself looked like they came straight out of a royal chamber. The dark green damask comforter had a softness you had never felt before, the curtains made of a delicate, translucent silk, the faint moonlight streamed through the large windows. You were also able to notice that on the walls there were some paintings with ornate wooden frames plated in gold.

You sit on the bed with your legs hanging off the edge, and that's when you realize your clothes have changed too. Depending on your preference:

You were wearing a beautiful black dress with silver accessories. It looked almost like a copy of Meleanor's dress, Malleus's mother in Lilia's dream. But it seemed more modest, as if hers demonstrated her royalty, while yours seemed more like that of a princess, still lacking the power of a queen.

You were wearing a black suit with silver accessories that somehow reminded you of Meleanor's dress, Malleus's mother in Lilia's dream. But more modest, as if hers demonstrated her royalty, while yours seemed more like that of a prince, still lacking the power of a king.

You get up and look around at the paintings on the walls. Many were just landscapes or still life paintings, but there was one that was different. It was a portrait with five people, all with smiles on their faces: At each end were Silver and Sebek in black armor, next to Silver was Lilia in a beautiful dark suit, and in the middle were Malleus in clothes that, like Meleanor's dress, matched yours... And next to him there was you, in the same clothes you were wearing now, with one hand clasped in Malleus's while his other hand held you by the waist like... a royal couple.

Even though you were alone in that room, not knowing what had happened to the others or exactly where you were, the calm night somehow conveyed a sense of comfort. Another frame on the wall catches your eye, as it's just a frame for the The Vocal and Dance Championship ticket you gave to Malleus, as if it were some kind of important document to be displayed. It was cute enough to make you smile a little.

You go to the bedroom door to open it and step out into the hallway. It was somewhat dark, calm, and empty. It would be eerie if the green light from the candles didn't convey the familiar feeling of Diasomnia. Once again there were some pictures on the walls, but they weren't of anyone you knew. However, they all had familiar horns on their heads.

You walk down the hallway until you come across a painting of someone you practically met just a short time ago: Meleanor Draconia. She seemed so calm, so happy, looking at you the way Malleus sometimes did, with a friendly and affectionate smile. As if she were welcoming you, unlike in Lilia's dream.

You continue down the hallway until you turn a corner and come face to face with a painting so large it almost covers the entire wall. The image depicted two people dancing at a ballroom: Malleus and you, both in magnificent black clothes, smiling at each other. But these clothes had something special about them. (If you prefer dresses, you were wearing a beautiful black and silver dress with a veil attached to a tiara.) They seemed to be wedding clothes.

“Your Highness.” A soft voice calls. You look to the side and see a woman with pointed ears and vertical pupils in her eyes of an abnormally vivid color. A fae, wearing a long black dress with long sleeves and a white apron. “Your Excellency is already awake? You could have called me.”

You look to the other side, but you don't see anyone else. She was talking to you.

“Something wrong, Your Highness?”

You no longer had any doubts; that was a dream where you and Malleus were married and you were now part of the royal family of Briar Valley. Now the only question was: Whose dream was it exactly? Malleus's, or yours?

“No. Everything's fine.” You play along for safety. “Maybe I just haven't fully woken up yet.”

“MY LIEGE!” You suddenly hear Sebek's thunderous voice. You look in its direction, expecting to see Malleus, or just Sebek searching for him. But what you didn't expect was to see Sebek in a gleaming black suit of armor, like the one in the painting you saw in your bedroom, walking decisively towards you. “I ALREADY TOLD YOU... ahem... I mean... I asked Your Highness to let me know when you left your chambers so that I could escort you back into the presence of our King.”

You couldn't tell what was stranger: Sebek addressing you the same way he addresses Malleus, or how much he resembled the real Sebek, especially his reluctance to treat you, a human, in that way. Could it even be the real Sebek?

“Sir Zigvolt.” The chambermaid said. “I see that the King/Queen will be in good hands. Would you allow me to retire to tend to Their Highness's room?”

“Yes, you may go. Thank you.” As she leaves, Sebek notices you looking at him strangely. “What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

If he is the real Sebek, then he may somehow have forgotten everything and entered the reality of that dream. But if he is not him and it is darkness impersonating him, revealing that you know it's a dream could be dangerous. The best decision is to be cautious and play along for now.

“It's nothing. Sorry. I guess I'm not fully awake yet.” You laugh it off.

He sighs. "Dealing with Silver's sleepiness is enough, I don't need another sleepy human to take care of." “Funny, all that talk about escorting me made it seem like you were already taking care of me.” “I didn't' mean it in that sense. I... Grh... J-just allow me to accompany you... m-my Liege.” He wasn't annoyed at having to treat you like royalty, just frustrated at always slipping up and talking to you like a friend instead of the proper way.

“You look good in that armor.” You comment.

“Wha-?!” He feels genuinely flattered, but tries to hide it. “You... um... I'm flattered by the compliment, my Liege, but there's no need. It's not the first time you've seen me wearing it. “But it's always nice to see you wearing it. You really like it, don't you?” “OF COURSE! This armor serves as a testament to my station as Lord Malleus’s personal guard! To wear it is the highest of honors!” He declares with that cute, proud smile. “Now, would you allow me to escort you? I'm sure King Malleus is eagerly waiting for you.”

Sebek opens the door for you and you enter the throne room. A huge room with a black marble floor, green damask curtains, a ceiling painted with themes of dragons, fae and humans, and chandeliers lit with green flames.

At the back of the room, beyond the two tall thrones of carved wood bathed in silver, you could see three figures whose silhouettes were clear enough for you to recognize them: Silver, Lilia and Malleus. Silver and Lilia were dressed as if they were going on vacation: straw hats, floral shirts, shorts, and sandals.

Malleus on the other hand, was wearing a black robe with a subtle silver pattern, like his shoulder pads. His long tail matched his clothes so well that if you didn't know it was real, you'd think it was part of the outfit. He turns around when Sebek announces your entrance, and you see a corset, also silver like the crown on his head, which adorns his horns. His hair was combed, making the black draconic scales on his forehead visible.

All three smile when they see you.

“(Y/N)!” Lilia greets you cheerfully. “I was getting worried that I wouldn't be able to say goodbye to you before the trip. That would make me so sad.” He pouts.

“Where are you going?” You ask.

“Sunshine Lands.” Silver answers. “More specifically, to Ultramarine City.”

Lilia picks up a pamphlet that he had folded in his shorts pocket and reads it aloud.

“An endless expanse of blue ocean, striking cliffs stretching as far as the eye can see and a brightly shining sun overhead. The view is positively riveting!”

“It does sound like it convey a certain dignity and vigor.” Malleus says. “A scenery sculpted by the overwhelming power of nature.”

“The region is said to have the world's most beautiful coastline.” Silver adds.

“Is that so? That's quite the claim.”

“That's true, but I don't believe it's false advertising.” Lilia says optimistically. “We'll find out about that soon anyway. It's almost time to leave. See you again in a month, (Y/N). Make room for more souvenirs!”

Lilia and Silver say goodbye to you, and Malleus asks Sebek to accompany them to the castle exit where a carriage awaits them.

“A whole month?” You say, as you watch them leave through the throne room door.

“They deserve it.” Malleus says, standing beside you. “And a month isn't as long for a fae as it is for a human. It's a good middle ground for both to enjoy time together.” He takes a step forward, turns to you, and extends his hand with a loving smile. “(Y/N), would you do me the pleasure of accompanying me on a stroll through the garden?”

You liked the idea, so you accepted, giving him your hand, which he took with great care and affection.

As expected, the garden was as sullenly charming as the castle. Thorny bushes, perfectly trimmed, with beautiful flowers in various colors, like a rainbow. The moonlight, along with the light from the cast iron street lamps and the few fireflies that passed by, made everything much more romantic and magical. He leads you to a large fountain where the water flows peacefully.

You could see part of the castle reflected in the water. You two get closer until you see your reflection and Malleus's, side by side, wearing clothes that seem to have been made to complement each other.

“You are beautiful.” Malleus says while you both look at each other's reflection.

“Thank you. You're very handsome too.” You take the opportunity to admit it. “These clothes are beautiful.”

“I wasn't referring solely to the clothing, my dear.”

You get flattered and he smiles amused. He turns, and you do the same, both of you now facing each other.

“And to think that both of our hearts share this same dream.” He caresses your cheek, his green eyes glowing as he looks into yours. “You are still awake, correct?” He says with a calm smirk that sends a shiver down your spine. “Do not worry, I kept you awake intentionally.”

You instinctively take a step back, moving your face away from his hand. He gasps softly. You've never moved away from him like this, nor have you ever looked at him the way you were looking at him now.

“What do you mean?” You ask. “What do you mean we share a dream? And why didn't you put me into a deeper sleep like you try to do with the others?

“I saw your dream, Child of Man.” He tells you with a sweet but smug smile. “I saw it in person because I was there. And I was there because you dreamed about me. About us. Unfortunately, it was a short and unstable dream, since somehow your dream and Grim's merged soon after. But I brought you here now, where no one can disturb your fairy tale. Our fairy tale.” Malleus approaches you slowly and gently holds your hands while his loving gaze is fixed on your eyes. “We share a dream because both of our happily ever afters are with each other.”

And so all the darkness in his gaze disappears. You can only feel his affection and love when he speaks.

“I was... scared. I shall not deny that to you. Never before have I experienced such a profound stir within my soul. It took me a great deal of time to comprehend the nature of this feeling. And when I finally did..." His smile slowly fades and his eyes seem to water slightly. "I was... terrified. I did not merely fall in love with a human, a being with whom I could never share the true span of my existence, since the entirety of your life is but a fleeting fraction of my own... I fell in love with someone incapable of wielding magic, someone remarkably fragile in this world. Beyond being an affront to my lineage, your presence in Briar Valley would render you even more vulnerable than you are within the walls of Night Raven College. And worse still... I fell in love with one whose home is not of this world. Someone who might, at any given moment, return to the place where they truly belong.” A couple of tears stream down his face, but he tries to smile a little and brings one of his hands to your face. "Such cruelty..." His voice almost cracks. "...to find that you love me in return."

You raise your eyebrows in surprise.

“Had you not harbored the same sentiments for me... I would have been utterly devastated. Yet, at the very least, I would have known that nothing could be done, that our fates were simply not entwined. But to know that our love is reciprocated... under such harrowing circumstances... it is nothing short of pure torture.”

“Forbidden love.” He continues. “I learned this definition one day when I was talking to Lilia about the romantic stories that humans write. There are countless such tales, it seems to be a popular theme or... hum... I believe Lilia used the term ‘trope’. I decided to read some of these works... however... I despised them all!” He says with his teeth slightly bared in an expression of fury.

“Why? Didn't any of them have a happy ending?”

“Many did not. One lover, or perhaps both, would eventually sacrifice themselves, succumbing to death in some way. Yet, some did have happy endings... however...” He gets angry again and a clap of thunder is heard. “They were all unrealistic! Did these authors intend to mock such a dire predicament? The sheer audacity to suggest that a joyous conclusion can only manifest within the confines of a fairy tale. Within a dream."

The storm calms down, but Malleus's new laugh manages to be even more terrifying.

"Hahaha... AHAHAHAHA! Very well. If our 'happy ending' is a prize only to be claimed within a dream, then so be it!" His hand quickly moves to your waist, and he pulls you closer to him. "I shall bestow upon you the happiest ever after. A millennium of blissful slumber. A thousand years of good dreams. With all your loved ones. I can also bring your friends from your world here, if you miss them. Perhaps even your family.”

“Tsunotarou!” You try to reason with him. “This is not what I want. I mean, I... I like you and... I'd love to be with you... but not in a dream. In reality.”

“I yearn for that as well, (Y/N), but such a reality is impossible. Even at this very moment, my age has already surpassed the greatest lifespan your kind is capable of achieving. But we need not concern ourselves with such trifles here. Within this realm, time does not flow as it does in the waking world. Here, we may exist as equals, and we shall never endure the agony of losing one another, or our friends and family.”

Suddenly you hear a familiar voice calling your name. You look to the side and see Grim running towards you, to finally jumping into your arms.

“I finally found you!” He says, on the verge of tears.

You hug him and notice he has a new bow, black and silver like your clothes, so you ask where he got it.

“One of the maids gave it to me and told me to use it. It's not bad. Pretty cool, actually. The pattern looks like dragon scales an’ all.”

“It does suit you indeed.” Malleus agrees.

“YOU!” Grim complains while using your arms to hide. “Who do you think you are, kidnapping my hench-human?!”

You instinctively turn your back slightly to Malleus, protecting Grim even more. He arrives in that dream after all that and still has the audacity, or madness, to speak to Malleus like that?

“Ahahaha. Well, I am currently their husband.” Malleus answers, amused.

“And ya think that's a good excuse?! The feast is about to begin and you two are out here. Everyone is waiting for you already! Go inside and let the party started. I'M HUNGRY!”

Feast? Everyone? What was he talking about?

“GRIM!” Two familiar voices shout in unison.

You see Ace and Deuce running towards you and stopping in front of you, needing to catch their breath. They were wearing their Heartslabyul dorm uniforms.

“I sincerely apologize, Malleus-senpai, I mean, Your Highness.” Deuce makes a very deep bow. “We couldn't catch Grim in time.”

“Yeah. You spoiled the surprise you moron!” Ace complains.

“Surprise?” You ask. “What surprise?”

“A feast with all your friends from Night Raven College.” Malleus says. “Though, I suspect Grim would not appreciate to wait that long before indulging his appetite, would he? Ahaha.”

Those Ace and Deuce could only be fake, and now you realize that this Grim in your arms, looking at you with those mischievous little blue eyes of his, was also fake.

“What's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost.” Ace jokes.

“Speaking of which, the ghosts of Ramshackle Dorm came with us too.” Deuce says. “They really want to see you and congratulate you on your wedding.”

“In the real world...” Malles leans in to explain in a low tone. “They wouldn't be able to leave Ramshackle Dorm. But here, there are no such restrictions. Isn't that wonderful, my love?”

But it was all a lie. That Ace, that Deuce, that Grim wagging his tail in your arms... that garden, the castle, the wedding, even your clothes... The only real things there were you and Malleus. And surely all those supposed guests were also fake. They were darkness feeding on your memories of them. The real ones were sleeping on the floor of Diasomnia, just like you, in their own dream worlds, unaware of what was happening outside.

"Would you be so kind as to grant us but a few moments more?” Malleus asks them.

“MORE TIME?!” Fake Grim complains.

“Very well.” Malleus addresses the false Ace and Deuce. “If anyone questions you, inform them that I have personally granted Grim my authorization to commence his meal at his own leisure. Even in our absence.”

“Myah hah hah hah!” Grim celebrates, jumps from your arms to the ground, and starts running back to the palace.

"What is it that troubles you, my dear?” Malleus asks you, while Ace and Deuce run after Grim with the same urgency as when they arrived. "I was under the impression that you would be overjoyed to be reunited with your dearest friends."

“And I would love to see them again...” You say. “But the real ones.”

“Do not worry. You shall see them all once more when you awaken a thousand years from now." He says with a reassuring smile, that doesn't work on you.

“A... T-THOUSAND YEARS?! Was that literal?!”

“There's no need to be afraid.” He gently takes both of your hands. “Give in to slumber, and a thousand years will pass in the blink of an eye.” One of his hands goes to your back to pull you closer to him. “Until that distant dawn, I shall remain by your side. I shall dedicate my every effort to weaving for you the most wondrous of dreams... my beloved.” His other hand goes to your chin, he tilts your head upwards and brings his lips close to yours.

“No!” You pull away before he can kiss you. “Not like this!”

He didn't try to grab you back, and you could see the shock and sadness on his face.

“Tsunotarou, you put everyone to sleep. You trapped them in their own dreams. I don't want you to be the villain.”

"Do you not comprehend?" He raises the tone in a frightening way. "If embracing the role of the villain is the sole path to ensuring I never lose any of you again... then so be it! I can bestow upon you every desire your heart has ever harbored! Everything you could ever possibly crave! I can make you the protagonist of your own fairy tales.”

“What kind of fairy tale?! A princess trapped in a castle by the dragon? Waiting for a prince to slay the dragon and save her? It's not that I don't want you to be the villain just for the sake of it. I don't want you to be the villain because the villain always dies in the end. Villains never have a happy ending. I want you to have a happy ending too. I don't care if you're the bad dragon in the story as long as no prince shows up to stab you in the heart with a sword.”

Malleus remains silent for a second.

"Your concerns are utterly senseless, Child of Man." He says with a smug smile. “Touching, and deeply appreciated, yet senseless nonetheless. I am the most powerful being in this school, perhaps even on this isle, and among the most powerful in all of Twisted Wonderland. There exists barely no one capable of defying me. That prince whom you speak of, able to stab me in the heart, does not exist. You fear imaginary dangers, but I possess the power to liberate you from the turmoil of your weary mind. Yield to my blessing, and all your trepidation shall dissolve into an eternity of warmth and devotion.”

A puddle of black goop forms beneath your feet, and you feel them sink as if in quicksand before hands emerge from the puddle to grab your legs and slowly pull you down.

“My dear Child of Man... My beloved (Y/N)... I shall ensure your happiness... by making you mine... forevermore."

“(Y/N)!!!” You hear Silver and Sebek's voices calling for you, drawing closer.

They were wearing their dorm uniforms and running towards you, casting spells against Malleus, in vain, as he managed to dodge them all and even prevent them from hitting you as well.

“Despite your boorish interruption, I find myself almost... proud."  Malleus says with a smirk. "Like the gallant knights of old, you have arrived precisely in time to rescue (Y/N). A valiant effort, truly. Unfortunately, it is I whom you must face in this tale.”

While he was distracted with Silver and Sebek, a colony of bats flew past you and you felt someone grabbing you and pulling you out of the puddle of black goop on the ground, severing the black hands that were holding you.

Lilia had his long hair with red streaks and was still wearing his general's armor. He ran, pulling you by the hand as far away from the fight as possible, while Malleus roared furiously, and the weather turned into a violent storm. You couldn't say anything without risking losing your breath.

“OVER HERE!” You hear Grim's voice yelling, somewhere to your right.

Lilia uses his magic to change your royal clothes into the same clothes you saw the castle chambermaids wearing.

“Follow Grim.” Lilia tells you. “He'll take you to Silver and Sebek, and then you'll leave right away.”

You look to the side and see Grim with the fire in his ears glowing in the dark.

“Go! And hide your face!”

Lilia didn't let you waste time talking to him and quickly left in the opposite direction while you went to meet with Grim.

It was relatively easy to escape in the middle of that storm, everyone you passed was trying to save themselves, so nobody questioned another chambermaid running too.

As you ran, with Grim in your arms, wrapped in your apron to hide him, he gave you directions to the place where they had agreed to meet to escape that dream. He guided you through the interior of the castle until you entered a door and realized you were back in your bedroom.

“Smart, isn' it?” Grim said as he jumped from your arms to the floor. “Lilia said the best place for us to hide would be in the most obvious one.” He jumps onto the bed. “Ooooh. Sooo comfy...” He snuggles into the sheets. “Hey, why don'tcha ask Tsunotarou to get us these beds for Ramshackle Dorm? That would be the least for an apology, don'tcha think?”

Some time later, someone knocks on the door and you hear Silver's voice urgently calling your name. But before you open it, you approach Grim to ask him how you could be sure if those were the real Silver and Sebek.

“MRAH! Good question... I know, hide... aaaaaah... under the bed! I'll try to figure out if it's really them.”

You crouch down and hide under the bed while Sebek shouts your name. Grim opens the door.

“How do I know that you are the real Silver and Sebek?!” Grim interrogates them. Maybe it was expecting too much that he actually had a better plan than this.

“YOU FOOL! Do you really think the darkness would simply tell you that they were fake?!”

“We know you're the real Grim because we crossed paths with the fake one along the way.” Silver says. “But we don't have time to waste. Father is tying Malleus. We need to go! Where is (Y/N)?”

If they were the darkness, they would most likely have already gotten rid of Grim, so you decide to get out from under the bed and approach Silver while thunder rumbles outside, growing ever more violent. You all cling to him.

“Those I've met and will someday… Meet in a Dream!”

After all the terrible situation that Malleus caused is resolved, he has sent an invitation to all of you to attend a party at Castle Wildrose that he has prepared to apologize and thank you all for what you have done.

After the dance with the memories of Maleanor Draconia, Dawn Knight, and Queen Leah, Silver invited you to dance, and Malleus was watching you from afar.

“You know, that cowardly gaze actually looks cute on you.” Lilia tells Malleus, suddenly appears beside him.

“Cowardly gaze?” Malleus smiles slightly. “Only you would have the daring to speak such words to me with good intentions.”

“Actually, I think (Y/N) wouldn't have any problem doing the same either. Khee hee. Speaking of which, when are you planning on asking them to dance?”

Malleus looks at you again.

“I... Lilia... Do you believe they can forgive me? At least... enough to salvage what remains of our friendship?"

“You have that look of an abandoned puppy, as they say. No one can say no to that. Hah hah hah.”

“Abandoned puppy? What exactly does that mean? Do I appear like one devastated by desertion? Or is it that my face has somehow taken on the physical likeness of a canine’s offspring?"

“Haa haa haa! From what I understand, it is more related to a demonstration of deep remorse and a desire for forgiveness. A way of speaking, not a literal phrase. And anyone with genuine remorse fears not being forgiven. That is normal. But we are talking about (Y/N), they witnessed six other overblots and remained close to each one of them. Actually, it seems they are friends with many of them, if not all.”

However, despite Lilia's words, Malleus's gaze remained very sad and apprehensive as he looked at you.

“But... what if it's different for me?”

Lilia thinks silently for a moment.

“Malleus... that dream where you pulled (Y/N) in. That was your dream, wasn't it?” Malleus doesn't answer but Lilia continues. “We quickly discovered that you were dreaming about being married to them. I was already practically certain you fancied them, and that's why I feared it would be quite difficult, or even impossible, to rescue (Y/N) from that dream. However, and quite honestly, it was easier than I expected. Why was it?”

“I... I don't know.” Malleus lowers his gaze to the ground and thinks about what happened in that dream, before Lilia and the others arrived to rescue you. “(Y/N)...” He remembers your frightened and worried face. “They were not happy. They...” He remembers the way you looked at him. “...were afraid of me...”

“If you truly love someone, you let them go.” Lilia says. “That was the part of you that made our mission easier. The part of you that truly loves (Y/N) and wanted to see them happy, even if it meant being far away from you. Perhaps...” He thinks more deeply. “Your spell creates a dream based on what it understands the dreamer wants to be happy, correct? If the same applies to you... maybe what would truly make you happy at that moment was seeing (Y/N) happy. And the dream, or perhaps even yourself, understood that for that to happen they needed to escape.”

Malleus remains silent, lost in thought.

“The Malleus that imprisoned (Y/N) wasn't really you, it was your worst self. The real you wants to see (Y/N) happy, but that Malleus was being suppressed by the blot. I believe (Y/N) understands that. They are an understanding person, willing to listen to you and get to know you for who you really are, not for what others say about you. Isn't that why you started falling for them?”

Malleus’ expression relaxed slightly as he remembered the non-judgmental and curious way you had always looked at him.

“Furthermore, (Y/N) is human, Malleus. Even if they are only present in a fraction of your life, you are already present in a large part of theirs. I can see how important they are to you. We fae cannot afford not to cherish every moment we have with the humans we love.” He gives Malleus a reassuring and encouraging smile.

“Thank you, Lilia.” He says with a new smile and an emotional look.

You finish dancing with Silver and you both bow to each other.

“(Y/N)?” You hear Malleus's soft voice behind you.

You turn around and see the beautiful clothes he's wearing in more detail. The long black tunic with silver ornamental clasps and the low neckline that complements the thick, ornate black necklace. The details of the shoulder pads and silver corset further enhanced his figure. His hair was combed back, revealing the black draconic scales on his forehead, adorned with a silver crown that encircled his horns. One intact, the other broken.

"Would you grant me the honor of the next dance?" Malleus invites you with a bow and by extending his hand.

You accept with a smile, and his heart begins to feel lighter.

The center of the throne room, turning into a ballroom, is yours. A beautiful waltz began to play, Malleus gently held one of your hands and brought the other to your back, while your free hand rested on his shoulder pad or on the arm that was holding your back, if you’re too short (which you probably are).

“I must confess, in this moment, I would love to gift you a new outfit, much as I did for Silver and Sebek," Malleus tells you, while spinning you around and looking at your school uniform.

“I don't know if I'd be able to move very well in armor.” You say.

“Oh, no. I was envisioning something more akin to... my own attire.”

“Your attire?” What he was wearing was truly gorgeous. “Like, in matching outfits?”

"If it is your liking. I could manifest it with the same ease as I summoned those two suits of armor," He smiles sweetly. "Should it pique your interest, you need only speak the word. I have no doubt that you would look breathtaking in such raiment."

Your eyes sparkle as you imagine how you would look. You accept his gift, and as he spins you around once more, he casts a spell that transforms your school uniform into a beautiful black dress/suit with silver ornaments. You also felt your hair change to a different hairstyle and something more on your head. You bring your hands to your head and feel what seems to be a tiara, probably similar to the Malleus crown but without space for horns.

You hear the reaction of surprise and some amazement from the others around you. Including an emotional "Beauté!" almost as loud as the music. Malleus extends his hand again for you to continue the dance, and so you do.

"You may not know the joy it brings me to see such a smile upon your face." He tells you before his adoring smile turned a little insecure.  "However, there is a matter I wish... no, I must discuss with you. Would you grant me the favor of your company in the castle gardens once this dance has concluded?"

You accept the new invitation, guessing what the conversation will be about. You two finish the dance with a bow, and Lilia starts the wave of applause around you. Malleus bends his arm so you can intertwine yours and accompanies you away from the center of the room.

He pretends to be just taking you to a corner of the room, but while the others have gone back to focusing on their own dancing and food, he discreetly leads you to the outside, illuminated only by moonlight.

That garden was once certainly as beautiful as the castle, but just like the castle without the effects of Malleus and Lilia's spell, it was desolately abandoned, with thorny vines and unevenly growing grass.

“My apologies. Our incantation is limited to the confines of the castle.” Malleus looks at his free hand, while his other arm is still intertwined with yours. “And my powers do not align with those required to recreating a colorful, flowery garden.”

“There's no need for that.” You say. “Look! Nature has already taken care of that on its own.”

You point to the fountain, which is tied in thorny vines but also by its flowers. It's spring, so many flowers have already bloomed or were about to bloom. There were other spots in the garden with colorful flowers amidst some weeds.

“You like abandoned places.” You continue to say. “Isn't this part of their beauty? To see how nature reclaims them?”

Your observation makes him smile fondly, and you feel his shoulders relax. With his magic, he diverts the thorny vines and clears the edge of the fountain so that you and he can sit side by side.

“(Y/N)...” He says in an apologetic tone. So much so that he can't look you in the eyes for very long and keeps looking away at your hands. “I... I had considered appending a formal apology specifically for you within your invitation. However, I realized that you deserved to hear my penance in person.”

He slowly brings his hand closer to yours, to see if you accept the closeness or not. His fingers touch yours and you allow your hands to join. This makes him smile slightly for a moment of relief.

"What I did was a cruelty I forced upon everyone. I never intended to inflict harm to anyone, but above all, I didn't want to hurt those I hold most dear. I saw your dream, and you saw mine.” He gently strokes the back of your hand with his thumb, which is encased in long black gloves. “To discover that our affections were mutual brought me a joy I cannot describe... but it also brought a frantic, selfish fear. I didn't... I didn't want to lose you too... So I... traped you. I kidnapped you for my dream. When you spoke of returning to your world, I felt a grief so profound it eclipsed my reason. I should have found happiness in yours, yet my heart only ached with the desperate urge to seize your hand and... beg you to stay."

You feel his hand trembling in yours and the indecision between squeezing or loosening.

“And worse still... you're human. Even were you to remain by my side, I would eventually be forced to endure the end of your days, while you could never do the same for me. The thought of being by your side fills me with great joy, but the thought of that ending terrifies me more than your rejection. I sought to... to preserve you, like a flower frozen in glass. But I see now that is not love."

He lets go of your hand as if his own had lost its strength.

"I am so deeply sorry for what I did to you. I am haunted by the specter of how I must appear in your eyes now. I understand if you no longer wish to remain friends with me. I understand even the reasons you may have to hating me if you do, but...” He collapses, kneeling on the dirty ground at your feet. He takes your hand again and finally looks into your eyes, tears beginning to stream down his face. "Can you find enough mercy within your heart to forgive me?"

Your heart drops. You've seen enough overblots to know that his regret and pain are genuine. And you've seen enough of his story to understand his fear. You throw yourself into his arms to hug him. You say that you forgive him and that your feelings for him haven't changed. What he went through was and is difficult, and that's why you wanted to be by his side to support and comfort him more than ever. You reassure him by saying that it's obvious you're still his friend and that you still adore him.

He starts to return the hug, but stops.

“I...” He says between sobs. “My powers... they have weakened. I no longer summon tempests with such effortless. And I...” He wraps his arms around you, the grip tightening gradually but without hurting you. "I find that I can... I can finally express the depths of my heart without bringing you harm." He buries his face in your shoulder and cries profusely. His dragon tail coils around and encircles the two of you.

You stay like that for a long moment, and when his crying begins to subside, you hear him say muffledly: "I love you."

You're astonished, but you manage to tell him you love him back.

After he starts to feel better, he loosens the embrace, straightens up, still holding you in his arms, and wipes his face.

“Whatever you choose.” He tells you, looking at you with the most loving green eyes. “Stay here in Twisted Wonderland or return to the world from whence you came... Choose only that which brings you the greatest joy. I shall find my own happiness in yours. Just as you have brought such light into my life this past year."

“What if I choose to stay?” You ask. “With you? What would happen then?”

“I would do anything to ensure your felicity. I would defy the ancient traditions of my lineage. I would dismantle the Senate itself if they dared to interfere. There is nothing I would not sacrifice to be by your side. And perhaps...” His voice loses some of its seriousness. “I should seek counsel from Sebek’s parents. If there are any who truly comprehend the intricacies of a union between a human and fae, it is surely them."

He rests his forehead against yours and laughs with you.

“You still approached me, despite the Overblot... I question how many people would truly feel no fear after seeing me that way.” He caresses your cheek, adjusts the angle of your head, brings his lips close to yours. “I love you, (Y/N).” And kisses you cautiously, but with the utmost affection.

Full list of characters: Dating in a Dream - Index

During one of those crossings between dreams, amidst so many people, the worst happened and you ended up slipping and falling.

Everyone was startled with worry. Some, like Sebek and Silver, wanted to go after you, but Ortho warned them that doing so could cause more people to fall and get lost. They needed to land in the next dream first and then try to figure out where you ended up. Silver knew you were going to end up in a dream, he just didn't know which one yet, and they were going to try to find out as quickly as possible to save you.

If you had fallen on the ground you could have hurt yourself, but you fell into the water. However, you fell into a river and the current was too strong for you to swim even if you know how.

Seconds feel like minutes when you're fighting for your life, but suddenly, in a moment so quick you barely noticed, some force or thing pulled you out of the water and took you to the riverbank. You cough up the water that was trying to go down into your lungs and look around.

It was night and you were in a very familiar forest, when you realized it was exactly like the Briarland forest, just like in...

*screech*

A sharp, loud sound scares you! You look at the shadows between the trees and a figure reveals itself. You recognize that greenish armor and the frightening bat mask.

“You...” He removes his mask, revealing the serious face of General Lilia Vanrouge. “You were one of those three humans. (Y/N), wasn't it?” He's speaking in that graver voice he didn't use anymore. “What are you doing here? Wait... It's been over a decade. Should you not look way older by now? Humans age much faster than fae.” You see the dreamer's silver bird around his head.

“Lilia!” You get up with some difficulty because of your wet clothes. “Wha- Where... Is this the Briarland forest?”

“Yes. You didn't know where you were? Where are the other two? Ah!” He took a step back, assumed a defensive position and pulled out a green cleaver, his magearm. “What were the names of the other two humans?” He interrogates you.

You reflexively raise your hands and respond with the names Silver and Sebek.

“And what's the blonde girl's name?”

“WHAT? What blonde girl?!”

“The girl in the pink dress. Answer me!”

“What are you talking about? I've never even seen a blonde girl here!”

“Heh.” He smirks. “So you really are (Y/N).”

“Was that a bluff?”

“Perhaps. But you still haven't told me what you're doing here.”

“I... don't know.”

“How can you not know?” He seems annoyed by your answers. “Are you a sleepwalker per any chance? Did you come here in the middle of a dream?” He smirks again.

You didn't know the situation. He really looks like the young Lilia from 400 years ago, not the Lilia you knew. The Lilia you know wouldn't have dragged out that act seeing you in the confused and lost state you're in now. Malleus must have managed to get him back to a deeper sleep. But what did he remember, after all? He remembered you, Silver, and Sebek. In the midst of your spiral of thoughts, a breeze passed by you, and your wet clothes only worsened the feeling, making you shiver with cold.

“And now you're cold? You humans really are weak. Or at least you are, compared to your peers.”

Lilia remains silent for a second, as if an argument were going on in his head, until he sighs and removes the dark cloak he was wearing. He places it on your shoulders and pulls the hood up to cover most of your head and part of your face, especially your ears and eyes.

“Briarland is ruled by nocturnal fae. I suggest you keep your head down if you don't want to get hurt, human.”

He turns around and starts walking away from you. You ask him to wait but he doesn't stop, so you go after him through the trees.

“I am no one's guardian.” He tells you, without taking his eyes off the road. “Find your way back on your own.”

“Wait! What do you remember about me?” You ask. “About us? You remember Silver and Sebek too. Do you remember Grim?”

“The direbeast who pick a fight with Baur over that ‘risotto’ dish? Heh heh.”

“Yes... um... when was the last time we were with you?”

Lilia turns sharply around, causing you to almost bump into him, your faces very close. It would be romantic if it weren't for the enormous cleaver right below your face, very close to your neck.

“When do you think was the last time you were with me?” He questions you again, his threatening, vivid red eyes fixed on yours.

You say the last thing you remember is leaving the egg at the castle. And discovering what happened to Princess Maleanor.

“That is the last time you remember being with me?” He asks, and you confirm. "Are you sure?"

“Is this another bluff?” You ask, confused.

“So you really do not remember anything after that?” He slowly lowers the weapon, and his expression seems to soften slightly as he becomes lost in thought.

“What do you mean? What happened after that?”

“If you don't remember, then it wasn't anything important.” He says with an impassive expression, turns around, and continues walking.

You try asking again what happened, but he ignores that specific question.

“What do you think you'll achieve by following me around like a lost cub?”

“I'm not sure.” You admit “But it's the best chance I have of... um...” Getting the others to find you and protecting yourself in this dream?

“Surviving?” Lilia says.

“Yes, you could say that.”

“And you think being a pretty face is enough to make me willing to protect you?”

That was so unexpected, and said in a less friendly tone than the one you were accustomed from Lilia, that you didn't know if you could respond in kind or if it was better not to.

“Listen, I'm busy.” He spoke again in an impatient tone. “I'm currently on my way to another kingdom, so you cannot—” He stops abruptly after crossing through the trees to a small clearing.

This time, you couldn't stop yourself from bumping into him, but he didn't even react. You look at the clearing and in the darkness of the night you can see a cozy little house. Upon closer inspection, you recognize it: it's Lilia and Silver's house that you saw in Lilia's memories when you were in his first dream with Silver and Sebek.

“How...? What is this?” Lilia wonders, confused. “There were no houses here before. Wait! More importantly... I was heading the opposite direction! How did I get back here?!”

A breeze passes by you again and you shiver once more.

“I'll check if anyone lives here.” Lilia says, and resumes his walk towards the house. You start following him, but he stops you. “I said I would check the house. Besides being human, you're also too weak. Hide here. And keep your ears and eyes covered. Understood?”

You accept it and crouch down to hide in the bushes while he goes to check the house.

Upon arriving at the entrance, he knocks on the door. But there is no answer. All the lights are off, and he himself senses no presence inside. He checks the door and finds it unlocked, reaches the doorknob and carefully opens it.

‘What the heck is going on?’ He thinks. ‘There are no houses here. I myself have patrolled this part of the forest thousands of times, I know this area like the blade of my magearm. And yet... I feel an absurd familiarity. As if I had lived here...’

He enters cautiously, as if expecting some kind of ambush. But nothing happens. Slowly, the feeling of familiarity and security intensifies until he concludes that this place is safe. As abnormally safe as it is familiar.

Even with that feeling of security, he didn't want to take any risks and went back to the bushes where you were.

“It's clear!” He tells you. “Come!”

You stand up and walk with him to the house. Once inside, Lilia uses his magic to light the candles and the rustic medieval hearth.

“Be careful not to burn yourself.” He says in a slightly playful tone. “I'll try to find something for dinner. You must be hungr—”

“WAIT!” You were going to sit down in front of the hearth, but quickly stood up again. “D-don't worry about that! I can cook. After all you've done for me, it's the least I can do, right? I can even make the same risotto as last time. If you'd like.”

“Really~?” He says this with a big smile, and for a second you see the face of the cute Lilia you’ve met at Night Raven College, until he clears his throat and returns to General Lilia mode. “Y-yes, I would actually like that. If you can do it as well as last time.” He smirks. “I'll get the ingredients then. You warm up. I'd prefer you didn't get a cold... or that you passed the cold on to me.”

When Lilia returned with the ingredients, you were already dry. You tried to give the cloak back to him, but he told you to keep it for now. Fae don't like humans, so you needed it more than him to disguise yourself.

While you were cooking, you noticed Lilia looking at you from a seat at the table, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Enjoying the view?” You risk asking. Playing with Lilia has always been fun.

“Quite~” He responds with a smirk and, shockingly, with the cute tone of voice you know Lilia for. He then seemed to jerk in his chair, as if he himself didn't know where that voice had come from. “I... Sorry, I didn't mean to...” He sees you smiling, which makes him even more embarrassed and blush a little. He gets up, slightly annoyed. “I'll check if the beds are in suitable condition for you to sleep in.”

He only came back when you called him to say that dinner was ready. You sat facing each other at the table by the light of candles and the hearth. As soon as the food reached his mouth, he smiles, extremely pleased.

“Just like ten years ago. It seems your culinary skills haven't worn off.”

“I'm glad they're up to par with your delicate palate.” You laugh. “So, how are you? You said you were going to another kingdom. Why? Vacation?”

“Partially, one can view it from that perspective.” He takes another bite of food and continues talking after swallowing. “You helped us back then... You probably deserve to know the truth. The egg hasn't hatched yet. Dragon eggs need both magic and love to grow. For the first five years, the egg accepted the magic that Lady Maleficia supplied. While it was slow, there was growth. But eventually it rejected her magic infusions. The queen does what she can, but between the egg and her duties as ruler of Briarland... Briar Valley, as it's called now, what she can doesn't seem to be enough. So now I've been given the mission of going out into the outside world to search for a way to hatch a dragon egg. I had just returned from a trip... Didn't turn up a scrap of useful info. I'll be traveling south next. I hope I can turn up something useful on this one.”

So that's where you were. Back when Lilia made all those journeys for Malleus. Journeys that would last 200 years. While Malleus risked dying before he was even truly born.

“Don't make that face.” He tells you, going for seconds on the food. “I can see that you're sad about this, but there's nothing you can do. Worrying about it is pointless for you.”

“Can I go with you on your travels?” You ask instead.

He chokes while eating and starts coughing a lot.

“WHA— *cough* *cough* *cough* You have a lot of nerve to ask me *cough* for such a thing. *cough* *cough* *cough* And for making me choke on my food. *cough* *cough*”

You give him time to drink water and calm his cough.

“And why do you think I would take you with me?”

“You said that fae don't like humans. Am I correct in assuming that it’s the same the other way around? That the humans don't like fae very much either?”

“Fae from Briar Valley don't exactly have the papers to enter human lands. Not formally, at least.”

“So, wouldn't it help to have a human with you on those trips? Perhaps to help with the locals?”

“... Perhaps... He leans forward with a smug grin, places his elbows on the table and his chin on one of his fists. “But why do you want to come with me?”

The last time you took the risk with him, it had a fun outcome. The Lilia you knew was there somewhere, so you decide to try to bring him back to the surface again.

“Because I like you.” You admit it bluntly. “And I want to spend some time with you.”

“What...” He widens his eyes and blushes slightly. “Are you courting me by any chance? Where did you get so much audacity from?”

“Let's just say that I feel comfortable talking to you like this.” You smile.

“Well stop it. I didn't give you permission for that.”

“And yet you don't seem bothered by it in a bad way.”

He slowly stands up and leans across the table in such a way that his nose almost touches yours.

“Are you sure you don't remember anything after handing over the egg?” He asks with a smirk very similar to the Lilia you know.

You take another risk and ask him what happened. In response, he puts his hand on the back of your neck and pulls you closer, making your lips meet his. And it was such a provocative kiss!

As soon as he breaks off the kiss, he picks up his dishes and takes them to the sink. He doesn't wash them, just leaves them there.

“There are two bedrooms in this house.” He tells you as he walks towards the stairs. “You can choose your own or come meet me at mine. The choice is yours.”

You go up the stairs and see two doors. One of them is open, the room is empty but the bed is made. The other door was closed and you could hear the sound of metal, presumably armor.

If you choose to knock on the closed door, Lilia will open it calmly and with a smirk on his face. The vast majority of his armor already removed.

“Afraid of the dark?” He asks, crossing his arms and leaning against the door frame. “Or of the mean fae?”

“Who knows.” You say. “Maybe I just feel lonely at night.”

He raises his eyebrows slightly, a little surprised that you're being so direct, but right after he smiles with that half-closed look.

“Oh... poor thing... And wicked. You're putting me in such dire position. How could I possibly turn down someone as cute as you?” Once again, you can't tell which Lilia is talking. He leans away from the door frame and walks back into the room, leaving the door open for you. “By all means, make yourself at home.”

Later in bed, if you want to get closer and hug him, he'll welcome you with open arms, and let you lay your head on his chest. But before he lets you fall asleep, he wants to talk to you for a little while.

“How come you don't remember anything after that day?” He whispers in his deep voice. “And how come you haven't changed in ten years? I'm not human, but I know that's not how humans age.”

You don't know what to answer. What kind of explanation could you possibly come up with? It's Lilia, you can't come up with anything that has to do with magic without him realizing it's a lie.

“What do you remember before falling into the river?” He asks you, clearly suspicious.

It wasn't a good idea to tell him this was a dream. It was just you and Lilia, if he started to wake up, darkness would surely appear, and you couldn't fight it alone. Your only chance was to hope that the others would find you in that dream and save you. So you end up admitting that you don't remember anything before that. The only thing you knew was that you had a feeling you were waiting for Silver and Seek to appear, and that for them to find you, you had to be near Lilia.

He remains silent for a moment. Before suddenly grabbing your wrists to pin you against the mattress and positioning himself on top of you. His red eyes gleamed in the dark with an intimidating gaze as he seemed to analyze you. After a few seconds he sighs and lies down next to you again.

“I sense no strange magic in you. I know you're not telling me the whole story. I can hear your heart and I just checked your pulse. But at the same time, I don't believe you have bad intentions. Even though...” He smirks. “The change in your heart rate might have been my fault. Fu fu. I'll let you rest now. You need sleep more than I do.”

You look at him suspiciously.

“I won't startle you again. I promise.” He brings his lips close to your ear. "Unless you want me to."

He'll laugh when he sees you flustered and wish you goodnight.

“Night's blessing~” He whispers after you've already fallen asleep.

When you wake up, you realize you're alone in bed. You look around, but you see neither Lilia nor his armor. However, beside you are his cloak and bat mask. Could it be that... he left that there for your protection and then went away? You stand up quickly, startled. The farther away the dreamer is, the more likely it is that the geographical point where you are will disappear, and who knows what might happen to you if that happens. You rush down the stairs, calling for him.

You arrive downstairs, the dishes, to your surprise, are washed, the hearth is unlit from the previous night, and once again there's no sign of Lilia. You check all the few rooms in the house, even the bathroom, but nothing.

You go to the front door and the moment you open it, Lilia appears as if he himself had also run to the door. He hurries inside and closes the door behind him.

“What are you doing?! I told you to use my cloak to disguise yourself. I left it on the bed right next to—”

You hug him. The feeling of realizing that he hadn't gone away and was just out side was an overwhelming relief.

“You thought I had abandoned you, didn't you?” He says in a calmer, more understanding voice. He sighs and returns the hug affectionately. “I never abandoned my troops, or the royal family. Not even when Maleanor hit me with her lightning bolts. You even saw that.” He chuckles, but then speaks in his most seriously truthful tone. “You genuinely thought I would do that to you?” As soon as he senses you're ready to loosen the hug, he looks you in the eyes. “A creature as fragile as you?” He smiles smugly. “You would die out there without me. I can't let that happen. I need my cute human guide with me on my next trip after all.” He kisses your forehead before kissing your lips. “As long as you live, I will be by your side whenever you need me.” He whispers to you with his forehead pressed against yours. “You hear me?”

If any tears run down your face, he will wipe them away with his thumb.

“Now go get the cloak and my mask. We'll leave as soon as you're ready.”

“Where are we going?”

“Scalding Sands.”

The way time works in dreams can be strange. You could swear that the trip to Scalding Sands was ridiculously shorter than it should have been in real life. Could the dream also have been slightly altering your perception of time?

You needed to change your clothes and put on something more appropriate for that heat, so you managed to get some local and fresher pieces. And unlike in Briar Valley, it was Lilia who needed to hide his ears and eyes.

One of the locals warned you about thieves, so Lilia thought it would be safer for you to walk arm in arm. This is also because there were many people around, so it was safer for you not to be separated.

“Greetings, travelers!” One of the Merchant at the stalls calls out to you. “Could I interest you in a magic lamp?”

“A magic lamp…?” Lilia wonders.

“That's right.” The Merchant picks up a pretty golden oil lamp. “Just give the lamp a little rub, and a genie will come out. The genie grants you three wishes. Doesn't that sound grand?”

“Indeed...” Lilia agrees, but not without a hint of skepticism. “Could it hatch a dragon egg if I wished for that?”

“A dragon? Like out of a fairy tale? Absolutely! I'm sure the genie of the lamp could do it. Though I should mention this one's just a replica. No actual genie inside, I'm afraid. It'd still make for a swell gift! Whaddya say?”

“It's very pretty. And there's even a story behind it. It could be a nice gift for someone who's waiting to hear more stories from you.” You comment, remembering how much Lilia likes souvenirs.

“...No, thanks.” He decides “I'd rather not add unnecessary bulk to my baggage.”

“I think souvenirs are half the fun of a trip, but suit yourself.” The Merchant says and then changes his tone with you. “If you're not buying, then scram and make way for real customers!”

You move away from that stall.

“Don't waste your energy sulking at that merchant.” Lilia tells you. He puts a finger in your chin to make you look at him and he smirks. “Even though that grumpy face of yours is pretty cute to look at.” And he gently kisses your cheek.

“A fairy tale, hm?” Lilia thinks aloud. “Yet dragons are still very much alive and well… Perhaps that means the legendary genie is still alive somewhere too. It might be worth gathering more info about. But the sun's rays are so strong here. I can barely stand it... *sigh*”

“What if we take a break in a shady spot?” You suggest. “We might even find someone selling refreshing drinks.”

“Perhaps you're right. I won't be able to retain any information if I get sunstroke.”

You continue on your way, always trying to stay in the shade, until you spot a stall selling coconuts. The merchant had a machete and was cutting open the coconuts so that customers could drink the water from them. Lilia was confused when he saw the coconut, wondering what kind of fruit it was. You buy two, and the merchant cuts them just enough for you to drink, without letting any of the liquid from inside escape. Lilia is pleasantly surprised, and when he finally takes his first sip, in the shade of one of the buildings, you can see his expression of tremendous relief.

“You humans are incredible creatures.” Lilia comments while the two of you enjoy your drinks. “Ten years was all it took for one tiny village to flourish into a bustling metropolis. Humans have progressed far beyond what we fae could have ever imagined.” He looks at you and your relaxed smile. “You seem more comfortable now.”

“Yeah, I really needed this drink.” You say.

“I meant that you've already adapted to this dream.”

“That too. I— ... Wait, what?!”

Lilia's expression changes drastically to his relaxed face, and he laughs heartily.

“D-did you know?” All the romantic moments you spent with him in that dream flashed before your eyes. “Y-you were awake this whole time?!”

“Unfortunately not.” He sighs. The sweet, friendly-voiced Lilia you knew had returned for good. “After you all escaped my first dream, Malleus managed to get me back to sleep. But I also managed to find a way to wake myself up again, however I needed a trigger for that. And it turned out you were that trigger. Khee hee hee.”

“What do you mean? What did you do?”

“It's a quite complex and specific form of magic, but basically I made it so that anyone who entered my dream would start a chain reaction that would help me remember things little by little. My house in the forest, for example, was one of the consequences of this effect. It was only built a few centuries later.”

“So... how long has it been since you...”

“It was gradual. I think I only became fully aware that this was a dream shortly after we arrived here in Scalding Sands. *sigh* I can't believe you saw what I looked like back then.” He says, embarrassed. “I was such a boring guy. So serious and sullen.”

“But you were talking like him until now.  You even declined the souvenirs.”

“I kept acting so as not to scare you. That's why I only told you when I realized you were already comfortable here.” He smiles with half-closed eyes and speaks in a low, quite seductive tone. “And something tells me that my... affection helped the process. Fu fu.”

You get flustered and he laughs sweetly, as if trying to reassure you.

“Aww, don't worry. You just went with the flow. My earliest memories are a little foggy, *sigh* but I'm almost certain that I was the one who started it. You didn't feel obligated to take on this role, did you? I know I would never force you to do that. I would help you regardless. You are aware of that fact, correct?”

You confirm that you didn't feel forced into anything, even when he was being his most grumpy self. And you even end up admitting that you actually kind of took advantage of the situation.

“Oh, how evil.” Lilia says dramatically hurt. “Taking advantage of poor ol' me for love and affection. *sniff* How could you?”

You playfully hit him and he laughs.

“Wait... and how do you know I'm not one of those darkness creatures?” You ask.

“Fu fu. Perhaps my younger self had his methods.” He smiles smugly. “All I know is that for as long as my foggy memory allows, I was completely convinced it was the real you.”

“I WILL NOT TOLERATE SUCH DISRESPECT!”

You and Lilia are startled by a familiar thundering voice.

“Well... It seems your saviors have arrived. What a shame, our trip would have been so much more fun now that I didn't have to pretend to be my younger self.” His disappointed expression then changed to a mischievous smile after he seemed to have had an idea. “But they don't know that yet. Ku fu fu fu...” However, he soon backtracks on his idea, and sighed in disappointment again. “But unfortunately, it's not a good time. You need to get back to your mission, and time is of the essence. I can't even have proper fun with you. What a nightmare. Khee hee.” He stands up and feels his ponytail swaying. “Oh, but before that... I'm fed up with this long hair. And I miss my pink streaks, they are so cute~”

You follow the sound of the commotion.

“COME BACK HERE AND FACE ME, THIEF!” You hear Sebek yelling and when you look you see him, Silver and Grim running after a man with a bag in his hands.

“Oh, I see.” Lilia says, now with his short hair and pink streaks, but still wearing Scalding Sands clothing. “Why don't we go to a higher point to see how this ends?”

“We're not going to help them?” You ask.

“Help them?” He smiles confidently. “I trained them to be royal guards of Briar Valley. Catching a mere thief barely counts as homework. Come, let's go up to that building!”

He picks you up and takes flight, carrying you in his arms to the top of one of the houses they were about to pass by. If you are afraid of heights or feel any kind of vertigo, Lilia will be happy to hold you by your waist to make you feel safer. You look down and enjoy the show.

You see the thief running down the street, bumping into people and pushing barrels and wooden crates in his path to try and throw Silver and Sebek off his trail. But in addition to being able to easily avoid any obstacle, they also help as many people as they can along the way: catching them before they fall, picking up merchandise and returning it to the merchants, all in quick movements so as not to lose the chase.

Until they realize they're reaching a dead end where the only way to escape is to jump over a wall. Silver and Sebek exchange glances, and Sebek leaps over one of the walls onto the awnings of some stalls and runs along them while Silver continues down the street.

The thief begins to climb the wall without noticing that Sebek is almost reaching him. As soon as the thief jumps to the other side of the wall, Sebek jumps from the last awning over the wall and lands in front of the thief, trapping him between himself and the wall. The thief gets scared and stupidly turns around as if to try to climb back over the wall, but Silver jumps off it and lands in front of the thief. Sebek quickly grabs the thief by the arms and throws him to the ground, pinning his wrists behind his back. He then takes the bag and hands it to Silver.

“Very good.” Lilia comments with satisfaction as you watch from above Sebek handing the thief to one of the guards and Silver the bag to the other. “I don't think it was their best time, but it was great! Let's meet up with them now. I saw Grim staying behind and stopping at a fruit stand. We'd better go see if he caused any trouble there. Khee hee.”

Sebek and Silver caught up with Grim first, and to everyone's surprise, the merchant was giving Grim the fruit for free because he was eating it with such relish that he was attracting more customers.

“Regardless, you shall not abuse other people's generosity like that.” Sebek reprimands Grim.

“Oh, that melon looks delicious.” Lilia says, with his face and yours hidden by the scarves on your heads. “Could you pass me one of those, young man?”

“Hm? Sure. Let me just— Wait! THAT VOICE!”

Lilia pulls the fabric away from his face, revealing it and his short hair with pink streaks, while laughing. You imitate him and reveal your face as well.

“You took some time to track down (Y/N).” Lilia says. “I not only had time to realize that I was in a dream again, but also to travel from Briar Valley to Scalding Sands.”

Meanwhile, Grim had jumped into your arms and started whimpering, for finally being reunited with you.

“Father!” Silver sees the dreamer's bird around his head. “We return to your dream? And you're awake?!”

“Not completely. Just enough to know what is happening. You could say I'm having a lucid dream. I would ask how the mission is going, but there's no time. Grab (Y/N) and get back to work!” He says with a determined and confident smile.

“But...” Silver says with some emotion in his voice upon seeing Lilia well again. “You should come with us! You—”

“Silver!” Lilia interrupts him, assertive and calm. “I am his main target. If I'm with you, it will only complicate your mission further. There's no time to lose, go quickly!”

“….Yes, sir!” Silver and Sebek respond.

You all cling to Silver to leave.

“Oh, Silver, Sebek, one last thing.”

“Yes, father?”

“Do not lose (Y/N) again!” He says, with a serious expression, that you've only seen in General Lilia until now. “I trained you two to be guards, and the person who needs your protection the most right now is (Y/N), as they're the only one without magic. Do not forget that!”

“Y-YES, SIR!” They both respond with the same urgency. “PLEASE FORGIVE US, SIR.”

“I do. Now get going, quick!”

After everything that happened, the only time you were able to be with Lilia in peace was at Castle Wildrose, at the gathering that he and Malleus prepared for all of you. You saw Lilia, Malleus, and Silver dancing with the memories of Maleanor Draconia, Dawn Knight, and Queen Leah. And after dancing with some of your friends, you retreat to look for Lilia.

You don't see him anywhere, but knowing him, he must be watching you somewhere. So you decide to go outside to the balcony, darkened by the night.

“Looking for someone?” Lilia suddenly appears upside down behind you.

As soon as he puts his feet on the ground, you can't resist hugging him.

“Awww~” He returns your hug. “I scared you, didn't I?” He says in a soft, low voice. “Back in Diasomnia... I’m sorry.”

He'll hold the hug for as long as you want, and you’ll feel his embrace tighten with affection. When you loosen the hug, he will give you a reassuring smile.

“I'm really lucky to having a friend as caring as you. Me and everyone else inside this castle. So why don't we go back and enjoy the party with all of them? After all, we only have until dawn. ...Hm? You seem to have something to say.”

You bring up the topic of his last dream where you were present and ask him if that meant he had a crush on/fancy you.

“I knew that's what was on your mind.” He says with a sigh, an awkward smile and in a tone that suggests he's trying to downplay the situation. “How embarrassing. Not only did you see my younger and... what's the word these days? Edgy self? But you also realize that I had a little crush on you? Heh heh, It's silly, isn't it? Someone my age and with my history falling in love all of a sudden. Don't worry about it. Your friendship is the most important thing to me. That little detail can remain in my dreams.” He says it while smiling the whole time.

“But what if the feeling is mutual?” You ask. “What if that's what I'd like to talk to you about?”

“Then I would have to warn you that you would be committing a mistake.” Lilia says, still calmly, but without the smile. “Although the excuse that the life expectancies of a human and a fae are extremely different no longer applies, since the time I have left may be the same as yours right now, you should still look for someone better. Someone like you doesn't deserve a war general known for the lives he took, to the point where the blood on his blade and hands became part of his name. And you yourself don't deserve that name, as I told Silver, but the boy insisted. I'm sure you'd be happier with someone else. A prince, for instance, would suit you better. Someone who could give you the world if you asked for it.”

“Your name? Like in marriage?” You say. “Well, maybe this is one of those moments when you decide to be old-fashioned, like Silver said when he asked for your last name.”

“And what do you mean by that?” Lilia inquires with a sulky face.

“I know marriage is important and should be considered carefully, but you're skipping the entire dating phase. What's wrong with two people having fun together just to see how it goes? And then find out if the relationship really has a future or not? Nowadays there are many ways to be with someone. You can even just... enjoy the time together.”

He is initially surprised by your words, but then he smirks, his red eyes half-closed.

“Ooooh... I see~ Ku fu fu. You insist in reminding me why I fancy you, don't you? Very well, if that's what you want, how could I refuse such an inviting suggestion?~”

He glances inside the castle, then at you, picks you up in his arms, and suddenly takes flight with you, taking you all the way to the castle roof. He laughs at your reaction, whether it's one of shock or amusement.

“If you want that much to make the most of our time together...” He sets your feet down on the roof, but continues to hold you by the waist and pulls you closer. “Then let me be a little selfish and have you all to myself first~” He says before kissing your lips.

Full list of characters: Dating in a Dream - Index

‘Dear students of Night Raven College, Given the understanding you have shown me in light of more recents indiscretions, I would like to show you an evening of gratitude. Date: May 15 Time: Midnight Address: Castle Wildrose, former Briarland International Magic Council Restricted Area 7 An International Magic Council observer will be present. Kindly respond to inform me of your attendance or absence. Malleus Draconia’

This is what was written on the invitation inside the black envelope that appeared in his hands the day you found out Malleus was coming back to school.

It was past midnight at the celebration venue, and it was Silver's birthday. Or rather, Silver Vanrouge's birthday. It was a beautiful celebration, where he could even see and dance with the figures that were memories of his parents, but after all that, he needed to rest a bit and get some fresh air on a balcony while you and everyone else continued celebrating, dancing, and eating. And to think about something.

“Don't tell me you're tired already?” Lilia appeared behind him.

“Oh, no, I'm not. I mean, at least not physically.”

“Too much emotion? Not that I'm in a position to criticize. Khee hee.”

“Yes.” Silver smiles slightly, his usual smile. “It's being a quite emotional birthday. To be knighted, receive your name, see my biological parents. I think you're right, it's too much emotion for one night.”

“And you haven't even danced with (Y/N) yet!”

“I... Yes, I haven't danced with any of the other guests yet.”

“Ku fu fu. That's not what I said.” Lilia smiles mischievously.

Silver doesn't answer because he doesn't know what to say. He simply crosses his arms and closes his eyes, lost in thought.

“Do you want to talk about it? It's perfectly fine if you don't, as long as you promise me you'll dance with them before the party ends.”

“I don't need to promise. I want to dance with (Y/N)...” There is a moment of silence that Lilia respects and awaits. “Father, do you believe in premonitory dreams?” Silver asks, introducing the topic that was on his mind.

“Premonitory dreams?” Lilia raises his eyebrows, surprised and curious about the question. “You mean intense experiences in a dream that seem to accurately predict future events?”

“Perhaps not so accurately...” Silver says, while thinking about the best way to describe it. “It was more like revealing feelings that hadn't yet surfaced... What happened was... I dreamt about (Y/N). In my dream, the one that was supposed to keep me in a deep sleep, I dreamt that we were dating. And I remember feeling very happy with them. I... knew I liked them, I always considered them a good friend. I don't think I was... in love with them... but then...”

Lilia approaches the balcony railing, next to Silver, rests his elbows there and his chin in his hands, encouraging him to continue with a curious smile. This makes Silver chuckle, and he needs to look away for a moment to regain his train of thought.

“Then... I met them in their dream, and went through all the others with them by my side. Including in yours. And I think that's what made me start to feel what I felt in my dream.”

“I don't think it was a premonitory dream.” Lilia says. “I think it was what you said earlier, that the feeling was there, it just hadn't come to the surface yet. The truth is, you two never had many opportunities to spend so much time together. And for a good portion of the time you could have spent together, you would probably be sleeping somewhere.” He sighs, and Silver sighs along with him. “But as they say, better late than never. What exactly is your dilemma?”

“My dilemma...” Silver stops to think. “I... I'm not sure if it's true. I mean, can someone fall in love in a dream?”

“Fall in love... in a dream... Khee... hee hee... Hahahahaha!”

“W-what? What is it? Did I say something funny?”

“Not exactly, what you said just reminded me of something, and I found that funny.” Lilia says, wiping a tear from his eye. “That reminded me of a tale. People say that many centuries ago there was a girl who met a prince in a dream and fell in love with him. After several dreams about this prince, she met him in real life and he, too, fell in love with her. And, you know, they got married and lived happily ever after. So perhaps you should ask that to that princess. And about premonitory dreams as well. Hahaha!”

Silver smiles, more confident about his feelings.

“Why don't you invite them out here to dance and talk to them about it? That way you'd even have more privacy.”

“Wait! What?!” Silver widens his eyes in shock. “It's one thing to invite (Y/N) to dance, it's quite another to talk about this.”

“Hmm, you're right.” Lilia ponders. “Human life is short, but not that short. You have time to declare your feelings to each other.” He smiles, amused.

“Father... We don't even know if they feel the same way about me.”

“You don't know.” Lilia corrects. “I've seen how you two look at each other. And I'm not just talking about you getting distracted more easily when you look at (Y/N). The way they look at you and smile when you approach speaks for itself. But I will not rush you on that. Dawn isn't far off; you should at least spend some more time with them.”

“Who?”

Silver is startled by that suden sound and looks to the side to find an owl in the balcony railing staring at him. And behind that were some birds and squirrels.

“Hahaha. You see? Even your animal friends want to meet them.”

Lilia and Silver laugh together before he looks back inside, sees you dancing with Malleus, and takes a deep breath to gather his courage.

“Thank you, Father.”

“Thank me with a child-in-law. Khee hee hee.”

“Father...” He puts a hand to his head, slightly embarrassed.

As soon as you finish dancing with Malleus and bow, he looks behind you with a smile. You look back and see Silver approaching in his new white outfit, the cape that covered only one shoulder billowing as he walks. He bows to you as soon as he comes face to face with you.

“You seem to be having fun.” Silver says with a sweet smile. “I'm glad to see you smiling like that. I... May I invite you to take a walk with me outside? You seem to enjoy whenever I introduce you to the animals. There's an owl and some squirrels and birds outside. Would you like to meet them?”

You gladly accept his invitation, he extends his arm for you to intertwine with yours, and calmly escorts you outside the castle.

Silver takes you to a small part of the forest near the castle. In the darkness of the night, the trees and strange noises were a little frightening, but Silver's presence and tranquility made your fear disappear completely.

“My apologies for bringing you to such a dark place at night. But I would like to show you something.”

You stop when you hear the sound of an owl. Silver uses magic to illuminate the area slightly, and you see a large brown owl land on a low branch near you.

“Oh, You’re here.” Silver says. “Thank you so much for staying.”

The owl makes a soft sound, and like any other animal close to Silver, it seems to be quite docile. He slowly brings his hand closer to the owl's beak, and it gives him affectionate little nibbles on his fingers before he brings his fingers to its head to pet it.

“Do you want to try? Just start by extending your hand slowly and don't make any sudden movements.”

You imitate what he did and extend your hand to the owl's beak. It seems a little wary at first but soon begins to gently peck your finger affectionately. And then it let you pet its head.

While you're petting the owl, you notice that Silver is distracted, looking the other way, so you ask if he's looking for something.

“Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to seem rude. I'm just waiting for something. The thing I wanted to show you. It must be about to rise. Look.”

You look towards the horizon and the sun rises. Rays of light filtering through the leaves of the trees, the golden hues of the sun blending with the dark blue of the night sky, the colors of the trees and flowers revealing themselves, and the birds beginning to sing to welcome a new day.

“It was Lilia who told me about this spot.” He tells you. “I don't think I'd ever been to this area before. Well, at least not after my father found me and took me to his home.”

At that moment you hear new music playing from the castle. A beautiful, calm classical piece. Silver makes a slight bow and extends his hand to you.

“Will you grant me the honor of this dance?” He asks you with his sweet smile.

You accept and give him your hand. He holds it firmly but gently and brings his other hand to your waist, letting you place your other hand on his shoulder. And you two start dancing like a real royal couple. Or at least like the ones you see in the movies.

“I've been wanting to ask you how things are between you and your friends.” Silver says. “Dreams are very personal things. I hope they don't feel too uncomfortable that we've seen theirs.”

You say that, thankfully, everything is fine. It's as if that only strengthened your bond instead of breaking it.

“I'm glad. You have very good friends. And... what about you? I learned many hard truths in the dream world. But it's still a wonderful thing being able to better understand my father. I assume you've also discovered new things about your friends.”

You agree that it is a wonderful thing being able to better understand your friends now too. And you admit that it was great to see that you were part of Deuce and Ace's dreams. You are part of their happy dreams, which proved how much they really like you. Silver smiles seeing how happy you are about it.

“If it's not too intrusive... do you remember if you dreamed about anyone else? When I arrived in your dream... or Grim's... I still don't know how you two were in the same dream, but from what I saw, it was just the two of you.”

You say you don't remember anything else, just waking up in that room with Grim.

“Was it a happy dream for you?”

You say that at first it didn't seem bad at all and that it was even fun to see the furniture come to life. But when you started to realize you were in a dream, things changed, and it was as if you were trapped in that room with no way out.

“I see. I hope your nights have been happier and more peaceful now. I... also don't remember my dream in vivid detail but... for some reason, I dreamt about you.”

“And... was it a happy dream for you?” You ask.

“It was. I mean... It was even a happier dream than I thought it would be.” He looks at you and sees your smile and a twinkle in your eyes, which encourages him to continue. “Our interactions may have been minimal before this, but… I feel a lot closer to you after traveling through so many dreams together.” He spins you around and takes another step towards you to hold you again. “You've been there for me every time my hands shook and my legs wobbled. I'm so grateful I had you with me during this journey. I... would like to ask you if you feel the same way.”

You say yes, that you also feel that the whole adventure brought you two closer, but you also take the opportunity to admit that you would have liked to have had more opportunities to spend time with him, to get to know him better and, perhaps, to have become closer sooner.

“Oh! Truly? I had no idea. My apologies. If I had known, perhaps I would have spared time for it. But I can't imagine I'm the most entertaining companion.”

You say you don't want to spend time with him because of whether he entertains you or not; you just like him, at least from what you already know of him, and you'd like to know more.

“You're a strange one.” He says with a sweet smile. “Perhaps we should do that, spend more time together to get to know each other better. I would also like to know more about you. You've made so many friends in just this year, and everything you've been through at school... I can only conclude that you're a more extraordinary person than I could have imagined. It would be an honor to become closer to you and be another one of your trusted friends.”

The music slowly begins to fade, much to the disappointment of both of you, and he steps aside to bow to you.

“But before that...” He continues after a moment of reflection. “I feel I should inform you of something. I don't want you to misjudge my intentions.” He glances slightly to the side. “When I dreamed about you... I dreamt that we were... dating. I hadn't thought much about it until now, but... after I got to know you better, I feel like maybe that dream was trying to tell me something. I... think I fancy you. Or that I'm starting to fancy you.” He looks at you again with that impassive expression. “I'm still not sure what I feel, but I'm telling you because I don't want there to be any misunderstandings in the future. Or right now. If you don't feel the same way, I completely understand and respect that. I know it's difficult for others to fully interpret me because I have difficulty expressing myself, mainly through my facial expressions... or perhaps the lack thereof. So it's best if I just be honest and direct with my words. I hope I haven't made this moment uncomfortable. But regardless of whether romantic feelings are reciprocated, I would still very much like to be your friend.”

This is your cue to reveal to him that you also fancy him. This makes him raise his eyebrows in surprise, but his smile only appears after you tell him everything that's in your heart. Then, suddenly, he starts laughing softly.

“I'm really happy to know that. I'm laughing because of a tale Li...” He remembers that he no longer needs to hide this. “...my father told me earlier. I spoke to him about this and asked if it was possible to fall in love with someone in a dream. He first laughed at me. And then he told me that many centuries ago there was a girl who met a prince in a dream and fell in love with him. After several dreams about this prince, she met him in real life and he, too, fell in love with her. And now I feel that I am going through a similar fate.”

Silver takes your hands and kisses your knuckles. At that moment, the birdsong became more audible and melodious, but you can't stop yourself from yawning.

“Are you tired? I can't blame you, after...” Silver also gives a big yawn. “...staying up... all night.”

The birds approach you and peck at your clothes, trying to pull you both.

“Do you want to take us somewhere? But...” The birds insist before Silver can finish his sentence. He sighs. “Very well, but please don't take too long. We should go and rest.”

The birds guide you a short distance to the shade of a tree where there is a pile of leaves and flowers, like a makeshift bed provided by nature.

"Did you do this?" Silver asks the birds. “For us?”

The birds sing happily, as if answering the question with a yes. But several squirrels also appear, complaining because they too wanted recognition for the help they gave.

“You are all very kind. Thank you so much. Perhaps... *yawn* ...we could just take a short nap before heading back to the palace. What do you think, (Y/N)?”

If you're worried about animals or insects, Silver will tell you he's never had any problems before. Probably one of his "secret powers" is that even insects respect his rest time, and consequently yours.

He lies down first to spread out his cape so that you can lie down on it next to him. He encourages you to lay your head on his chest and kisses you on the forehead.

“Sleep well. *yawn* I'll meet you in your dream.”

Unfortunately for you, Silver isn't the type to kiss on the "first date"—it'll take a few more dates to get to that point. And yes, Lilia is somewhere hidden in a tree, watching over you while you sleep.

“(Y/N) Vanrouge.” Lilia thinks to himself. “It's far too bloody of a name to fit any of them, but only if they're happy with it. I'm also happy to have (Y/N) in the family.”

Full list of characters: Dating in a Dream - Index

“Aether signal tracking successful.” Ortho announces. “We have arrived at the designated coordinates.”

You, Grim, Silver, Sebek, Ortho, Leona, Deuce, Cater, Ace, Trey and Idia’s tablet reach the next dream.

“Oh, but this was Trey's first dream-crossing. Is he okay?” Silver asks.

“Ahahahahahahahaha! I've never heard such pathetic squealing from you before, Trey!” Cater says amidst laughter. “That even beats the time you ran into a caterpillar bigger than us in the Heartslabyul maze when we were freshmen!”

“It's not that funny! I've never been a big thrill ride kinda guy, okay?”

Trey also ended up losing his glasses along the way, but luckily, Ace managed to catch them thanks to his dexterous hands.

“Anyway, with that handled, shall we play our queen a visit?” Cater asks.

“Yessir!” Deuce agrees. “So... Does anyone know where we are?”

You look around. It wasn't anywhere you knew, but it looked like a suburban street to you.

“Hm? Now that I've got my glasses on, I recognize where we are.” Trey says. “I'd know those yards and chimneys anywhere. This is Crimson City, the capital of the Queendom of Roses!”

“This area is a 99.7 percent match with Olympos Inc.'s map of the region.” Ortho confirms. “According to my map data, if we go 300 meters up this road and take a left... we'll reach a store called Patisserie Clover. Given that it shares your family name, does this store have some connection to you, Trey?”

“Yeah. It's the patisserie my parents run. And if you head this street in the opposite direction... you'll find Riddle's house on a small hill.”

“So Riddle's at home in his dream? Hoo boy...” Cater says, but he's not the only one worried about that after Trey told the others what happened when he, Riddle and Chenya were kids.

Despite the fear of coming face-to-face with Riddle's ultra-overbearing mother, you decide to go to his house since that would be the most likely place he would be. You all change into your school uniforms, but just as you're about to start walking, you hear a police car approaching.

“Ack, a police car! Are the cops coming after us?!” Deuce wonders, worried.

“Why would you jump to that conclusion? We haven't done anything wrong!” Ace argues.

“Did something happen up ahead?” Ortho questions.

The police car stops practically in front of you, on the other side of the street and tells two boys to get out of the car.

“Hey! Quit yanking me out by the arm, buddy!” That voice was familiar, but the words didn't seem to match the voice you thought it was.

“I'm not your buddy! Call me 'officer'! Yeesh... How many times have we been through this song and dance? This wouldn't happen if you'd just follow the same rules as everyone else!”

“Rules, schmules!” You finally see Riddle and he looks completely different; some of the hair is dyed black, the makeup is heavy and the clothes are extravagant. However, you couldn't stop thinking that he looked... amazing! “How is it a crime to sing on the streets? The onlookers were totally into it.” The dreamer's silver bird flies around his head.

“Wow, that's a certifiable QT!” Cater ends up agreeing with your thoughts. “Is he a singer or a Magicammer? ...Hey, wait a minute. Now that I'm getting a better look... I'm p. sure that's Riddle!” Both he and the others are shocked by this realization. “He's dyed a streak of his hair and has a whole mishmash of accessories, but that's definitely his face and voice, right?!”

“That has to be someone else!” Ace says. “Our housewarden would never dress so... punk.”

“And our housewarden would DEFINITELY never get in trouble with the cops!” Deuce claims.

“What you do goes way beyond pedestrians humming to themselves.” You hear the police officer say. “You're putting on street shows at full volume! Listen, if you want to hold a street performance, you need a street usage permit from the police. As we've told you time and time again!”

“Our queen's performances happen whenever he feels so inclined.” You see the other boy who got out of the car with Riddle, it was Chenya. “Right, Riddle?”

“Hmph, you're entirely correct. I sing when the mood strikes me.”

“You can't do that!” The police officer reiterates louder. “Sheesh, my car isn't a taxi cab. This is the last time I give you boys a ride home. Don't go breaking the rules again! You got that?!” He starts the car and drives away.”

“NYAH NYAH! Bamfruk! Graker!” Riddle complains. According to Trey these are dirty slang words in the Queendom of Roses.

“Riddle's 17. I guess it makes sense to want to be a rebel at that age.” Trey says.

“Hold up, Trey! Could you please stop talking like a dad?!” Cater says.

“Hm? Did someone say Trey?” Chenya heard him.

Chenya and Riddle look in your direction, at Trey and the two of them run to him.

“It's so good to see you, Trey!” Riddle hugs Trey and smiles without trying to hide his genuine excitement, very different from usual. “You should've messaged me on Magicam if you were in town!”

“Uh, yeah. I figured I could drop by home over a school holiday.”

As Trey was saying this, someone caught Riddle's eye: You. And it was as if the attention he was giving Trey completely shifted towards you

“(Y/N)!” Riddle exclaims with an even bigger smile than the one he gave Trey, and walks towards you ignoring everyone else. “I'm so glad the cops didn't catch you.” He hugs you and kisses your cheek with such uncharacteristic affection that you can't help but feel flustered. You felt like you were being hugged by a super fluffy blanket because of his fur coat. He noticed how flustered you were and laughed without breaking the hug. “Awww, Is my rose embarrassed because we are in public? Heh heh. How cute~”

“Hmm, sorry but...” Ace asks with wide eyes. “...are we missing something here?”

“Hm? Isn’t it obvious?” Riddle smirks, full of himself. “This stunning rose that accompanies you is my partner.”

“WHAAA?!” Everyone was shocked, which made Riddle laugh.

“Speaking of which... why are you with this group?” Riddle asks you, less satisfied, so much so that the smile disappeared. “And...” He breaks the hug and looks at your clothes, at your Night Raven College uniform. “What are those clothes?!” He questions you disapprovingly. But for the first time in that dream, he seemed like the Riddle you knew, at least the authoritarian side of him. “Why are you wearing the same clothes as them?!”

“Why wouldn't they?” Ace asks. “They are students of Night Raven Collage, just like us.”

“Not anymore!” Riddle retorted. “They are living here with me now!”

“Yeah, didn't Trey tell you the story?” Chenya asks and seeing the others confused, he ended up explaining. “Trey brought (Y/N) with him here on his last visit. When Riddle and (Y/N) met, they practically fell in love right away. They wanted to be together, so Riddle simply told (Y/N) to leave Night Raven College and stay here with him.”

“And it's not like (Y/N) is missing anything.” Riddle adds. “They can't even use magic, why would they need to be in a school like yours anyways?”

“W-well, maybe (Y/N)-chan just wanted to welcome us in uniform as a nice gesture.” Cater suggests. “You know, to show that they still remember their old friends.”

“What... was that with (Y/N)'s name?” Riddle questions, crossing his arms and looking displeased.

“Oh... d-do you mean the ‘-chan’ part?” Trey quickly realizes and smiles awkwardly. “Don't worry, Cater treats all younger students this way.”

“Y-yeah!” Cater quickly confirms. “I treat our freshmen the same way. Right, Ace-chan, Deuce-chan?”

The two hurriedly confirmed.

“So just a warning. Don't treat my (Y/N) like that! UNDERSTOOD?!”

“Yes house-! YES SIR!” Not only Cater but also Ace and Deuce responded, mainly due to force of habit, or even trauma.

“Hm, hey, Riddle. I heard something about street usage permits and full-volume street performances?” Trey says to change the subject.

Riddle tells that he and Chenya were singing in front of the station. A surprise concert. They say the crowd they drew was super into it, but their performance was rudely cut short by complaints of "breaking the rules". Apparently, Riddle and Chenya are a two-man band at the moment, Chenya on the bass and Riddle on vocals. Riddle also comments that everytime they bring on someone new, they whine about "creative differences" or something asinine like that and leave. And Chenya says he's always changing the songs and the style of music, of course not everyone could keep up.

After this, it was time for everyone else to introduce themselves to Riddle and Chenya. Riddle gives everyone a careful look.

“Hm? Is there something on our faces?” Silver asks seeing Riddle's smile.

“What would all of you say to joining our band?” Riddle asks, taking everyone by surprise. “We could use a guitarist, a drummer, and a keyboardist. We could also use dancers and composers. We'll take complete amateurs!”

Cater is the first to accept this offer, saying he can stay on guitar and even changes into his Pop Music Club stage outfit. Despite the earlier disagreement, Riddle loves the idea. Cater also manages to convince the others to join him in that idea. He even suggests that Leona could stay on the drums and that he change into his dorm uniform because the Savanaclaw uniform might please Riddle in this context. And he was right.

“You've been such a stick in the mud over the years, Trey, always refusing to join our band...” Chenya laments, seeing everyone else joining them. “If only you were as mewsically inclined as your friends here!”

“I was miserable even just putting on a holiday play in preschool.” Trey says. “But... why isn't (Y/N) in your band?”

“Because Riddle immediately vetoed that idea. Myahaha.” Chenya laughs.

“Hm? Why?”

Riddle crosses his arms, but doesn't respond, despite looking a little embarrassed.

“Because he knew he would be supurr jealous seeing so many people fawning over (Y/N). Myahaha.”

Riddle neither confirms nor denies, but he begin to blush.

“Anyway...” Riddle says, diverting back to the main subject. “Now that we have new members in the band, I say it's time for kickoff party.” He smiles “To my house!”

“Your house?!” Everyone was startled.

“Yes, it's the perfect place with how close it is.” Riddle says, casually. “And tea should be about ready, too.”

“Uh, hold on, Riddle.” Trey says worried. “Wouldn't it be bad to barge in with this many people without advance notice?”

“Yeah, huh? Couldn't we just hit up a local café?” Cater suggests.

“But  that would mean letting perfectly good tea go to waste.” Riddle counterargues. “The size of our group isn't a concern. I bring friends over for tea parties all the time anyway. That's why we have a grand coffee table in our living room.”

“That's not the issue.” Trey insists, visibly concerned. “Aren't Chenya and I banned from your house?”

There's a moment of silence before Chenya and Riddle burst out laughing.

“Where'd you get THAT idea? That's just silly!”

“But your mother...”

“What about her? It's been so long since we've seen you, I'm sure she'd love to have you over.”

“Definitely.” Chenya agrees. “I guarantee she'll dote all over you.”

“You have nothing to worry about.” Riddle guarantees. “Now come on!”

You all follow Riddle with your nerves on edge just thinking that you're going to be face to face with his mother and in her (lair) house. And in the meantime, Riddle approached you to intertwine his fingers with yours so you could walk hand in hand.

“All right, we're here.” Riddle announces. “Come on inside.”

“The great Riddle has returned!” He says as he enters.

“You sound like Grim.” You comment with a chuckle and Riddle chuckles back at you.

“Welcome home, Riddle dear!” You hear a sweet woman's voice respond from another room, something that gives you an uncanny feeling.

“I trust the tea is ready, Mom?” Riddle says with a cheerful smile. “I've brought a large group of friends today!”

“Oh, have you? How delightful it is to see you bringing friends by!” Riddle's mother says, sounding genuinely happy.

“Oh, and (Y/N) came too. Do you still have their favorite?”

“Of course I do! I would never dream of not having enough of our dear (Y/N)'s favorite tea and sweets at home. They are part of the family after all.” Even though she said it in a really sweet way, it only made the shiver down your spine even more intense. “Dear me, though... I've only made enough tea for the two of you. I'll have to put more on for your friends. I'll be busy for a bit. Would you mind showing them to the living room?”

“All right. I'll come in to help in a bit. This way, everyone!”

The living room has a classic decor. The carpets and curtains are red, with the walls and ceiling light brown, as is the wood on the floor and the various tables and chairs. But what draws most attention is the exuberant number of family portraits covering the walls almost in their entirety.

The only one who seems afraid to go in is Trey.

“Trey, what'cha doing stopping in the doorway?” Chenya asks.

“Oh, just...” You've never seen Trey try so hard to hide his nervousness, or could be it actual fear? “I guess this is the first time I've been in your living room, huh, Riddle?”

“The first time? That's not right... Oh, you must mean since we re-did the interior. We just didn't have enough room to fit everything on the walls, so we stowed some of the bigger pictures in trunks.”

“You do have a lot of pictures on your walls.” Ortho says.

“They're all family memories. Heh heh heh, aren't they nice?” Riddle says smugly.

At that moment, Chenya smells a sweet scent coming from the box Trey had with him, and he says it was the strawberry tart he brought.

“A strawberry tart?!” Riddle repeats, surprised.

“Okay, yeah, I knew it was a bad idea!” Trey panics. “I'll get ride of it right now!”

“You mean I will!” Grim offers to make it disappear with pleasure. “Gimme that tart!”

“DON'T YOU DAAARE!” Riddle shouts furiously and grab the tart before Grim. “That tart is intended for me, yes? That means it's mine now! Don't you DARE eat it without my permission!”

“Man, I was so ready to have one of Trey's tarts all to myself.” Grim just comments, after all, that was starting to look more like the Riddle you knew.

“MOOOM! Trey brought a strawberry tart!” Riddle tells her happily.

“Whoa, hey! Is it safe to tell her that?!”

“Oh, really? How lovely!” Riddle's mother responds with the same sympathy and calmness as before. “I know how much you love Patisserie Clover's strawberry tarts, Riddle dear.”

“Wait... You're all right letting Riddle eat tarts from my family's patisserie?”

“Certainly. I reserve one in the biggest size they offer every year for his birthday, and he eats practically the whole thing himself...” And later she even adds that even when it's not his birthday, Riddle still snacks on a slice of tart twice a week.

“I'll get Mom to cut it up for us. Be right back, just make yourselves at home.” Riddle says and leaves the room towards the kitchen.

After that, Trey sighs so heavily it's like he just came to the surface after holding his breath underwater for a long time.

“My heart was about to leap out of my chest! I was ready for his mom to start shrieking in outrage...”

You take a closer look at the framed photos on the wall and Ace realizes that Riddle is the only one in focus in all these pictures. His parents are both blurry. Chenya says that's how family pics are, the children are the center of attention and the parents come second. And then you see other pictures that look like they're from elementary school.

“Aww, look at how teeny and cute Riddle looks.” Cater says, and you can't help but agree.

While the others are looking at Riddle photos with Trey and Chenya when they were in school together, there's a picture frame across the room that catches your eye. A heart-shaped frame with two people in it.

You walk over and pick up the frame. It's you and Riddle, hugging each other and smiling at the camera. Your outfit matching Riddle's new and bold one.

Next to this was another, this one in a rectangular frame, taken at a slightly lower angle. The two of you posing looking at the camera like a power couple and giving a sense of superiority, especially with your smug smiles. Even though you liked Riddle's new outfit, you couldn't help but imagine what a photo of you and Riddle would look like, but in his housewarden uniform, as if you were a royal couple.

On the same table, behind one of the frames, well hidden was a white strip of paper. You pick it up and turn it over; it was one of those photo booth photos with three consecutive images. Once again, it was you and Riddle. In the first picture, you were hugging and smiling, in the second, you were kissing Riddle's cheek, and in the third, you were both kissing each other's lips. Quite passionately. So much so that you quickly put it back in place face down, and were more than willing to act as if you hadn't seen anything. You weren't going to let the others see that. You would just hope that no one would suspect from your face.

You return to the others and realize they were talking about their own family photos and what they looked like. However, both you and Cater notice Trey's discomfort.

“Uh, Trey? You're sweating an awful lot there.” Cater says. “Is the room to hot?”

“...It makes no sense.” Trey said perplexedly. “I don't remember a single one of the scenes in these photos. Riddle and I met right around my ninth birthday... But we only played together for one or two months, tops. Riddle always went to a private school... And Chenya and I went to public school. We've never all gone to the same school before. So we've never competed in the same field day. And we've never vacationed together.”

“So... All of these pictures...” Cater realizes. “These are nonexistent memories that Riddle conjured up from whole cloth?”

Just like the photos you saw before of the two of you.

“Tea's ready, everyone!” Riddle returns. “What's wrong? Why isn't anyone sitting down?”

“A lot of us are from the Queendom of Roses, so we were all admiring the pictures and chatting about old times.” Ace says.

“Heheheh! Aren't they all just perfect?” Riddle smiles. “But enough about that. It's teatime! We've got plenty of seating for everyone. Go on, make yourselves comfortable and drink up! Let's enjoy ourselves! Your cups of tea all have five sugar cubes and lots of milk and honey!”

Cater gets a little uncomfortable because he doesn't like sweets. And Leona comments among yourselves that throwing all that in without even asking if it's what the guests want isn't proper hosting behaviour. Riddle ads that you also have Trey's tart and some chiffon cake and butter cookies his mom backed.

While the others sit, Riddle looks at you and pulls out the chair next to his, waiting for you to sit in it. You sit down and he puts his elbows on the table, looking at you with his chin resting on his hands and a smirk. In front of you were two plates, each with a slice of Trey's tart. You looked at him and saw him opening his mouth. Then you realized he wanted you to feed him.

Flustered, you pick up a fork, take a piece of the tart slice, and bring it to his mouth. His cute smile makes your heart skip a beat. Ace, Deuce, and Grim look at the two of you sulking.

They taste the chiffon cake and realise it's kinda on the hard side and oddly dry. And the cookies weren't sweet at all, either. Sebek says, in a low voice as well, that it is rather mealy, with each bite sucking all the moisture right out of his mouth. Silver agrees, saying that It takes a lot of chewing and It seems like it would be very filling. Trey realizes that it is made with soy flour and okara powder, whatever sweetener it is isn't white sugar, either, and it's way below what a recipe would call for.

“How do you like my mom's cake?” Riddle asks with a friendly, genuine smile. “It's delicious and goes perfectly with the tea, wouldn't you agree? There's plenty more if you want.”

They smile awkwardly. Riddle had given you a slice of Trey's tart, so you didn't know how bad his mother's supposed sweets were. Curiosity gets the better of you and you pick up one of the cookies. You couldn't hide your facial expression well enough.

“What's wrong, babe? You love mom's cookies.”

Putting aside how weird and uncharacteristic it is for Riddle to call you 'babe', you try to come up with an excuse other than saying those cookies were awful.

“Oh... um... M-maybe it's because I was eating Trey's tart. Sometimes eating one thing right after another mixes the flavors in your mouth and can be a strange combination. R-right, Trey?”

“Yes, of course!” Trey helps you. “That's why there are palate cleansers.”

“I see, it makes sense.” Riddle says. “Oh, yes! You weren't kidding. This strawberry tart looked like a splattered tomato when I opened the box. What's you do, fall down a rabbit hole on your way here? Ahaha!”

“That bad, huh? Sorry... Haha.”

Riddle then asks Cater if they are all mages, since they all attend the same school. He also says he knows that mages use magic to play instruments and would like to see what it's like. And that's how you discover that Riddle is dreaming that he is as magicless as you. Trey immediately finds it strange because both of Riddle's parents are prominent medical mages, and that's why he has always been so dedicated to his studies.

“Me, the son of two medical mages? Dedicated to my studies? Ahahahahaha! That's as wild as claiming a raven is like a writing desk! My mom's a stay-at-home mom, and my dad's a novelist. Neither of them are mages, either.”

This makes them start talking among themselves, now not knowing how they could wake Riddle. They didn't even know how to approach the subject, it had never happened that anyone dreamed of a life so completely different from reality at that level. What could you do?

“CEASE YOUR WHISPERING!” Riddle orders, irritated. “No private side conversations at my tea parties! If you want to talk, speak loudly and clearly!”

“Ah, all right.” Silver replies respectfully. “Aham... You said you couldn't use magic, Riddle. Does that mean you go to a regular local school?”

“Huh? I don't go to school at all.”

Everyone is surprised, even you.

“I HAAATE school and studying!” Riddle continues. “School is so boring and stifling. Going there is such a waste of time!”

“THAT'S NOT TRUE!” Deuce retaliated instinctively.

He then apologizes for shouting, but shares his experience that he also hated school, but that was because of the difficulties he had in understanding the material. But that changed when he entered Night Raven College, not only because of the teachers, but also because of the tutoring of his Housewarden. Thanks to this, he started slowly getting a handle on the material and now he enjoys school.

However, Riddle argues that even so, if he spends all his time behind a desk, all the fun things to do in the world will pass him by. And that's the last thing he wants!

Eventually, the conversation reaches the point where the other Heartslabyul students share their views of their dorm and Housewarden. Cater talks about how good their Housewarden is at croquet, the best in the whole dorm. Cater also says that he's super stringent about rules, practically personifying the ideas of strictness and discipline. He doesn't seem to mean this in a bad way, but that's how Riddle interprets it. He is now sure that their housewarden is joyless and unpleasant as those rules.

“Ugh, I feel bad for you people having to live with someone like that.” Riddle says with pity.

“You know, speaking of our housewarden, there's one person I've always wanted to know what they thought of him.” Cater continues, and looks at you with that mischievous smile that you knew would get you into trouble. “(Y/N)... From what I gather, you've spent enough time at Night Raven College to know our housewarden. What do you think of him?”

“There’s no need!” Riddle cuts off. “I'm sure they find him as annoying as I do. I don't want to hear about someone so boring anymore. Let's change the subject.”

“No! That's not true.” You tell him.

“What?!” Riddle is surprised. You were being so complicit until now.

You say what you really think of the Housewarden of Heartslabyul. The qualities you admire in him despite his flaws. Knowing that you would anger Riddle because he didn't know you were actually talking about him.

“ABSURD! How can you like someone like that so much?! Someone so studious and obsessed with rules and order. None of that is fun at all! Didn't you like me? I am fun! This is much better than being stuck in a school! I am better than that stupid housewarden! That's why you're with me!”

“Did you think I didn't like you before?”

“What? What do you mean ‘before’?”

“I was talking about you, Riddle. That housewarden is you, and you know it, deep down. Despite everything, even your tantrums, I have always admired you in so many other ways.”

“My... MY TANTRUMS?!” He starts to turn red with anger.

“Yes, just like the one you are having right now.” You insist. “Despite all this, I liked you, I like you, but the real you, the disciplined and reliable student that both I and the others admire.”

“What are you saying?!”

“They're saying you're not good enough and that tyrant housewarden is better than you in every way.” Chenya twists your words with a carefree smile.

You are shocked and try to explain that it is nothing like that, but it is too late.

“YEEEAAARGH! HOW DARE YOU! I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS! ALL OF YOUR HEADS!”

“Oh, dear me oh my!” You hear Riddle's mother's voice coming from somewhere. “How evil of you to break my darling Riddle's heart like that!”

The floor of the room is covered in black sludge and dark smoke forms around you.

“All right, everyone. We're leaving.” Leona commands.

“You can't leave a tea party without finishing your tea!” Riddle's mother's voice says. “You won't escape!” Her voice and Riddle's own voice mix together.

“I'll have the head of anyone who tries to leave my house!”

Right after Riddle says this the colors of the room change. Only two colors remained: black and bright red, a truly disturbing sight. And you were all trapped in that. You were surrounded by darkness above, below, and on all sides. But you couldn't see it, because the darkness was the house itself.

Idia can't unlock the doors or windows and you notice that both Chenya and Riddle have disappeared. Silver suggests to check the kitchen, since that's where Riddle's mother was. But as soon as he opens the door, a stream of red tea begins to flood the room. It takes Silver, Sebek, Ace and Deuce to close the door with difficulty.

You all change into your dorm uniforms.

“Then this is both a trap designed to keep Riddle locked up and immersed in his dream...” Ortho summarizes after you realize that there never was a human NPC of Riddle's mother, that it was the house itself talking. “...and a vicious monster engineered to eliminate us since we're trying to wake him up?”

Suddenly, in the middle of the tea pool where you were already, something grabbed your legs.

“You won't escape...” Riddle's mother's creepy voice says. “My sweet Riddle's friends...!” and then, the voice spoke to Riddle, wherever he was. “It's okay, Riddle dear. You don't have to worry about a thing. Mommy will pick out the best friends for you! And the best partner!”

The arms that grabbed your legs were strong and pulled you all down with increasing force.

“There's plenty more tea to go around.” The woman's voice continues. “You can stay here for hours, or even days...”

The situation was critical and so the only solution you saw was to fight the darkness.

After you've braved the darkness and shaken off whatever was pulling you down as if it wanted to drown you in the tea, you hear humming.

“That sounds like...” Trey realizes. “Chenya! Where are you?”

“Heheheh... Where indeed?” Chenya's voice responds.

“It doesn't matter where, just get us outta here!” Ace says.

“The doors and windows are all locked!” Deuce adds. “We're trapped inside!”

“Of course you are.” Chenya’s head appears. “There's no way out for you.” And then the rest of his body. “This whole house belongs to the queen.”

“Are you talkin' about Riddle?” Leona says. “Where is he now?”

“Who knows? Maybe he's here, or maybe he's there.”

“Okay, you mouthy tabby cat... If that's how you're gonna play this, I'll just turn you and this whole house to sand!” And then a familiar black and red collar appeared around Leona's neck. “Hrgh?! I know this collar...!”

It was Riddle's signature spell, but where did that come from? Chenya reminds you that Riddle said he would have the head of anyone who tried to leave his house. This also meant that Riddle was still in that house somewhere, but while you were exchanging ideas about where he could be, the tea level began to rise.

You look around for a table or something to climb on, and you realize the table has become gigantic. Or rather... you've started to shrink. Probably because you drank the tea.

And then it also starts raining in the living room. There were bottles and cups floating in the tea, and you all choose one to get in. After you get into a bottle or teacup, you hear sobbing and crying.

“I want out of here... I want out...!”

You knew that voice, it was Riddle. But where was he?

“Where are you?!” Leona shouts. “Tell us and we'll get you out!”

“But there's no key...” Riddle keeps crying.

“Is this rain actually Riddle's tears?” Cater realizes. “C'mon, Riddle, don't cry! You're gonna drown us!”

“But I can't stop myself...” His sobs and crying intensify and more water was pouring in through the closed door.

“Chenya! Please, you have to let us see Riddle!” Trey tries to convince him to talk. “You know where he is, right?!”

“Hmmm. I don't NOT know... But I don't not Not know, either.”

After much debate among everyone, Chenya finally says:

“If you're a hundred purrcent determined to see our queen, you'll have to go waaay deeper into the dream. Want me to take you there? Meehehe...”

He does something and it was like he pulled a lid on the floor that created a tea whirlpool, and you were sucked down a drain.

You all land in the Rose Maze of the Heartslabyul Dorm. But it wasn't like what you remembered, it looked destroyed like when... Riddle overblotted. And there was another problem: Idia's tablet was turned off. For the first time, you lost all contact with him.

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!” You all hear Riddle shouting from afar. “According to rule 372... If a red-capped mushroom sprouts on a Monday morning, the roses in the garden must be white!” When you see him, he is wearing his housewarden uniform as expected. “How could you turn them red?! You've completely ruined the garden!”

As the students apologize to Riddle, you see black smoke forming around them. Darkness. Riddle tried to find out who was responsible for that, but with the students blaming each other he ran out of patience and simply “cut off” everyone's heads. After giving them a punishment of writing rules 300 to 400 he ordered the fake Ace and Deuce to take them away. The fake Trey and Cater were also with him, being his right and left arms. He gives a few more orders to the remaining card soldiers to organize themselves and continue their work.

“Heh heh... Yes, I wasn't wrong.” He smirks. “Ruling through discipline and fear is how order is upheld. Mother was right... I was right! Heh heh heh... AAAH HAH HAH HAH!”

Between you, Trey concluded that this seemed to be a world where he failed to overwrite Riddle's magic and he landed a clean hit on Ace and the others with it. However, they also conclude that Riddle didn't actually overblot in that world, but he's got a whole reign of terror thing going on. Pure tyranny.

“There you go.” A certain floating head appears in the middle of your group. “Just like how some youth was the one to slay the fearsome jabberwock. Well? What happens next?” The rest of Chenya's body is revealed.

“Good question.” Ace says. “Housewarden Riddle's full-on teapot tyrant mode, terrorizing the dorm into obeying him. Pretty sure this is as bad as it gets.” He sighs.

“Oho? You think so?” Chenya smiles slyly. “I could always make it worse.”

“Huh?! What are you doing?! Stay out of this! Deuce, grab him!”

But they couldn't do it and had to watch helplessly as he used Riddle's cape to flip him over in front of everyone. With his head on the ground, he could now see your feet hiding behind the hedges, and he blamed these people for making him fall.

“YOUR HEADS SHALL ALL ROLL!” He shouts, after getting up again with his face red with anger.

“Gah! Riddle blew away all the rose hedges simply by yelling!” Sebek says in astonishment.

“Wh... What's going on here?!” It's Riddle's turn to widen his eyes, he was seeing two Aces, Deuces, Treys and Caters. “Who are you people?! I also see Silver, Sebek, (Y/N) and Grim. As well as... Leona Kingscholar! What business does Savanaclaw's housewarden have with Heartslabyul?!”

Leona hated sorting through cryptic clues, and he was fed up with all the puzzles and riddles and nonsense logic games that played out in every Heartslabyul students dreams. So he got straight to the point.

“Everything here is a dream created by that crazy fae, Malleus Draconia.”

As expected, Riddle retorts that this is ridiculous and the fake Cater and Trey agree with him and tell him not to listen to Leona. The real Trey tries to convince Riddle too, confirming what Leona is saying. This causes the dream to begin to distort, but the darkness students manage to stabilize it again with their words. The real Ace and Leona were already getting back to the topic of proving to Riddle that it was all a dream when...

“It... makes me happy.” Riddle says, in a calm and complacent tone. “Even if this is all a dream... I'm happy. After all..." He smirks. "I've proven myself right. Everybody respects me. They genuinely fear me, and love me! It's fine if it's absurd. This is my ideal kingdom made manifest!”

“How can you say that?!” Sebek inquires. “You're always so strict with yourself!”

“Please, believe us!” Silver reiterates. “Your mind is under the darkness's influence...”

“SILEEENCE!” Riddle turned red with rage again. “OFF WITH THE IMPOSTORS' HEAAADS!”

A dark fog formed around you, you could feel the shadowy figures getting stronger. All students rush at you. The real Ace tries to help you escape, but without him or any of the others realizing in time, the fake Ace and Deuce catch you while everyone else runs away.

The ink-black-faced Ace and Deuce grab you by the arms and drag you to Riddle, forcing you to kneel in front of him.

“I will assume that feeling entitled to interfere in other people's affairs is a consequence of your pitiful education.” Riddle says, looking down at you. “This is not your dorm. The fact that you have friends here doesn't change the futility of your words and actions in trying to protect them. All who break the rules will be punished without exception!” He smirks. “And since you want to join us so much... maybe I should make an example of you! ...Put them on their feet!” He orders.

“Yes, Housewarden!” The fake Ace and Deuce lift you by the arms and make you stand, face to face with Riddle.

Riddle looks you in the eyes for a silent moment, as if he's pondering something. You decide to take the opportunity to speak.

“Riddle, please stop this. You don't have to do this. We just want to help you.”

“Silence!” He orders you, but in a softer voice than the one he uses with the students of Heartslabyul. “I am the one who decides what needs or needn't to be done!”

After that, you stayed silent because you realized he was looking at you as if he wanted to say something while analyzing your face.

“You are a strange one.” He says, his voice surprisingly soft and thoughtful. “The others fear me, but you aren't fazed in the least.” His own features changed, he seemed less tense, but a little confused about something. “Not even when I raise my voice... But your look isn't one of hatred either... What is it...?” He whispers to himself, before raising his voice again to his card soldiers. “Let them go!”

The fake Ace and Deuce release you, but your hope is cut short when Riddle makes a move to make the rose trees attack and tied you. However, he seems to refrain from doing so with the thorns.

“I assume there is no need to behead you.” Riddle continues. “After all, you are incapable of using magic. The only thing you need to do is behave yourself.” He smirks. “A simple enough rule to follow, correct?”

He then notices that the fake Ace and Deuce are still there, looking at that scene.

“What are you still doing here? GO FIND THE OTHER TRAITORS!”

“Y-yes, Housewarden!” The two say before running off back into the maze.

“Riddle, you already know this is a dream.” You say. “Why don't you want to wake up?”

“Why? I told you why. Because I'm happy here. As long as I stay here, I will always be right and everyone will be on my side. Including you!”

“I-Including me?”

“Yes. Here you love me, respect me, and do everything as I say.” He smiled, as if the fact that you were the real you didn't embarrass him. “Here I can have you right by my side... anytime I want...” He looks at his gloved palm, lost in thought. “And no matter what happens... you'll be smiling at me... as happy by my side as I am by yours... And even if I cry...” He says in a lower tone. “...you will still be there...”

"I would do that in real life too." You admit. Riddle falls into shocked silence. “But...” You continue. “Is that really what you want?”

“What?” He looks at you, upset that you were questioning him.

“Is that really what you want? Someone who doesn't question you? Someone who simply accepts everything you say?” You smirk. “Are you going to say you don't like it when I mess with you? When I try to make you bend some little rules just to see you happy and having fun? If you really fell in love with me, it certainly wasn't because I'm the type to blindly follow you.”

“Y-you...” He blushes a lot. “Those... those are just your flaws that should be corrected. What I like about you is the rest. If I could correct you then you will be...”

“Not myself anymore.” You finish his sentence, correcting him at the same time. “We are both our qualities and our flaws. Or what others consider to be flaws. Your temperament, for example.” You smile at him.

“ My temperament?!” He asks, starting to get irritated.

“Yes, even you know that that is a flaw, right? Maybe the biggest one you have. And the main reason for so many of your problems.” You felt he was getting angrier and angrier. “However... This is also one of your greatest characteristics. If it disappeared completely... you would no longer be the Riddle that I love so much.”

His expression changed drastically, his eyes widened, the red on his face became a softer shade, and his shoulders slumped.

“That you...” He began saying and it seemed like the world was going to start distorting when the fake Cater's voice is heard getting Riddle's attention.

You see some Caters and other students dragging other Carter and Silver. They try to say something that might bring Riddle to his senses, but the fake Cater manages to convince Riddle to ignore them and quickly shut them up. Riddle ties them to rose trees like he did to you. A dark fog forms, and this helps Riddle knock the real Cater and Silver unconscious.

“I'm surprised you didn't do the same with (Y/N), Riddle.” Fake Cater says.

“I simply see no need for it.” Riddle explains.

“Not to question your decisions, but are you sure (Y/N) is that harmless?”

“And what do you mean by that?”

“They want to wake you up, don't they? Just before I arrived, I could feel you starting to... sag a little.”

“Are you implying that my will will be shaken by mere words?” He looks at the fake Cater with his usual haughtiness.

“N-no, nothing like that. But you should be careful. The more you like someone, the more you are inclined to believe them. What if...” He whispers close to Riddle's ear. “They're lying just to wake you up?”

“RIDICULOUS!” Riddle retorts, outraged. “(Y/N) would never-”

“Do you really want to wake up to find out?” Fake Cater continues. “Remember what will happen when you go back to reality... you'll be all alone and hated again. You wouldn't want that, right?”

“What?!” You react and start saying that it's a lie, that nobody hates him, that you don't hate him.

But the darkness is stronger than you and the fake Cater keeps trying to convince Riddle that you are only going against his rules and his world for your own benefit.

“ENOUGH!” Riddle shouts, red with rage. "You..." He points at fake Cater. “Go back to the maze and find the others! NOW! I don't want to hear anything else from you!" He looks at you. "From none of you!”

He uses the dark fog around you to cast a spell that knocks you unconscious just like he did with Cater and Silver.

When you wake up, you see Carter, Silver, Leona, Sebek and Trey next to you, as if they had woken up from the same state of unconsciousness as you. Further away, you see Riddle, tired and dejected. In front of him were Ace, Deuce, and Ortho. Grim had already started running towards you to hug you and cry at seeing you okay. You knew Riddle had woken up. The feeling in the world around you changes when that happens. Trey and Cater run to hug Riddle (or at least Cater) happy and relieved that he woke up and is okay.

“Hey. Did a punch from a card soldier wake the queen up?” Leona says with a smug smile, approaching Riddle, and accompanied by Silver. “I'm hurting all over, and I'm running on fumes magic-wise. You really made me work for this.”

“Leona, Silver...” Riddle says with regret in his voice. “I fear you've seen me at my absolute worst.”

“Don't worry about it.” Silver says. “I know the real you well enough. I'm glad you're awake now, Riddle.”

While Grim and Sebek went to see if Ortho was okay and talk about what Ace and Deuce did to wake Riddle, you decide to approach him and show how happy you were that he had woken up.

“Ah.. uhh... (Y/N)...” Riddle tries to smile at you, but his conflicting feelings at the moment make it a hard task. “I...”

The ground begins to tremble, and the black goop returns to cover the ground and create a dark fog around all of you.

“What's this shaking? Aah!” Riddle begins to be pulled down by the darkness at his feet.

You instinctively grab his arm, and Ace and Deuce quickly come to his rescue as well.

“The freshmen defeated Riddle. His crown has been usurped, which can only mean one thing.” Leona says. “No more happy ending here.”

“The darkness is draggin' them farther down!” Grim says.

“(Y/N)! Ace! Deuce! Hurry and get over here!” Sebek shouts.

“Forget about me.” Riddle commands. “Get to Silver, now!”

But none of you do it. Instead, Ace asks Trey and Cater to help you, but Silver says there's no time.

“Trey, Cater, this is an order from your housewarden!” Riddle reiterates. “TAKE THEM AND GO!”

“...Yes, Housewarden!”

Trey grabs Ace and Cater grabs Deuce, but there's still you. Riddle places his hand on yours and looks into your eyes.

“Forgive my rudeness, but...” He grips your hand tightly, and you can see the pain in his eyes too. “DO AS I SAY!” He rips your hand off his arm and throws you back until you fall into Sebek's arms.

Before sinking into the darkness.

Unfortunately, you never had another opportunity to stop and talk until everything was over. When you discovered that Riddle was alright, he was on another map preparing for the battle against Malleus while you were in the Central Control room with Idia, Grim, Silver, and Sebek.

Did Riddle realize what you went through in his dream? Did he realize that you now knew that one of the things in his dream was his relationship with you? You didn't have to wait long to find out, as he knocked on Ramshackle Dorm's door the very next day after Malleus's situation was resolved.

When you open the door, Riddle seems to jump in surprise, as if until that moment he had been lost in thought. He was dressed in his Housewarden uniform.

“(Y/N)... I...” He was quite flushed. “How are you today? Did you get a good rest?”

You say yes, but notice that Riddle still has some scratches and bruises on his face, even a bandage on his cheek, and you ask if he shouldn't be resting.

“I... perhaps. But I asked the doctors for permission to come see you. I will return as soon as I resolve this matter.”

“What matter?” You ask.

“I... wanted to apologize for... what I did to you in my dream. I've already had the opportunity to apologize to my card soldiers and the others, but not to you. I feel so ashamed for what I did, I wasn't in my right mind.”

You tell him that you understand and that you forgive him. You also say that his dream wasn't the only complicated one you've faced. You understand and believe in his remorse, so you try to reassure him.

“I'm truly glad that you understand and forgive me, but...” His gaze begins to lose the courage to meet your face, and his cheeks gradually grow redder. “Unfortunately... with you... there's more to apologize for. The... dream before that...”

At first his embarrassment was cute, but now you realize he seems to be genuinely suffering because of it. So you decide to speak first, gently. You assure him that, just as his card soldiers haven't changed the way they see him, neither have you. No matter what you saw or didn't see in his dream, he's still the same Riddle you know.

“But can I sat one thing?” You ask. “That outfit was sooo cool!”

Your words seem to have had an effect, and he no longer appears to be so uncomfortable.

“D-do you really think so? Aham. Thank you, but I'm afraid that you'll never see them again.” He pauses to take a deep breath. “I know you're trying to lighten the mood in this conversation, but I really need to apologize for...” He pauses to think about the right words to say.

“For what? You treated me so well during that part of the dream.” You say with a playful smile, but that doesn't seem to work so well anymore.

“For forcing you to act like my partner!” He says, annoyed with himself and unwilling to continue changing the subject. “For acting as if I had your consent. For putting you in a position where if you didn't do what I wanted, I could hurt you. For putting you in danger. For being the danger.” His eyes begin to water, but he holds back. “I would never treat you like that. That's not what you mean to me.” His eyes stared at the ground, and the tears became even harder to hold back. “I never had the courage to talk to you because I didn't know what I was feeling. But I also didn't want you to find out this way. I... I don't care if you don't feel the same way, I just... don't want you to hate me...” Slowly, a couple of tears began to stream down his face.

You say that's nonsense, that of course you don't hate him. Quite the contrary, you admit that you like him too. You hold his hand and reveal what you truly feel for him. But you also need to reassure him that you're not saying that just to make him feel better. With him a little calmer, you might even admit how much you enjoy having him so close and affectionate with you.

When he finally looks at you, calmer, he wipes away one of his tears, but in a way that hurts him quite a bit because of his injuries. So you carefully and gently wipe away the other one.

You can finally do what you've always wanted to do the few times you've seen Riddle cry: hug him. You two stay like that for a long moment until he reluctantly breaks the hug.

“I'm sorry. I would love to stay with you like this longer, but I need to go back.” He brings his hands to your face and caresses your cheeks, gazing for a moment at your lips, before looking you in the eyes again. “The next Unbirthday party will be for you, with all your favorite desserts. You won't be absent, correct?”

He smirks, and his eyes wander over your lips once more. When you realize he's not going to take a bigger step than that, you decide to take it yourself. He's surprised when you kiss him, but he doesn't pull away. Quite the opposite, that was the permission he needed to pull you closer and return the kiss with an intensity that had been building up for a long time.

Full list of characters: Dating in a Dream - Index

“Aether signal tracking successful.” Ortho announces. “We have arrived at the designated coordinates.”

You, Grim, Silver, Sebek, Ortho, Leona, Deuce, Cater, Ace and Idia’s tablet reach the next dream and landed in front of the entrance to the Heartslabyul dorm building. Everyone was fine after the crossing. Ace compared this to a ride on a roller coaster and you even had a little chit-chat about your previous journeys between dreams.

“Hey, froshes.” Leona says impatiently. “If you're done shootin' the breeze, let's find the dreamer already.”

“Yessir... But wait, don't we already know this is Trey's dream?” Ace says. “I've been smelling something sweet and buttery since we got here. I think we can guess where Trey's gonna be.”

“Yup. Let's pay the dorm kitchen a visit.” Cater agrees.

You all come in and walk down the hallway. You could smell the good things he was cooking from afar. Cherry pie, raspberry tart, scones with apricot jam and a vegetable quiche. Grim was salivating and ready to go straight to the kitchen when Cater stopped everyone for a moment.

“If you want the Cay-kun take, I'd suggest not taking the whole group into the kitchen.” He says there's a chance Trey isn't alone in the kitchen, and that could be a risk for Ace and Deuce to go in. In Cater's case, he can use his signature spell as an excuse.

“It'd raise suspicion if we all marched into the kitchen as a huge group anyway.” Leona adds.

“So, do we make a scouting team?” Silver asks.

“I'm down for that.” Cater agrees. “I'll be the team's Heartslabyul guy. Then we'll need peeps who it wouldn't be weird for me to be with. How about my fellow juniors, Leona and Idia?”

Cater's idea was that the safest thing would be for him to go in with the people who were as unlikely to be in Heartslabyul as possible.

“I'm not taking no from either of you! Now c'mon! You're way more dependable than me in a fight, Leona. Cay-kun's just a little weakling, y'know?”

“Tch, you liar. What a hassle...” Leona complains.

Cater grabs Leona and Idia's tablet and takes them both with him to the kitchen while Idia protests, shouting that he doesn't want to go. You wanted to go too, but you didn't even have time to try to convince Cater to take you too.

“We'll listen in over your tablet mic, Idia!” Ortho says.

That wasn't Heartslabyul's kitchen, or at least not the real one. It was abnormally larger than any normal kitchen, and there were tons and tons of sweets everywhere.

“Hm? I hear people talking behind that stack of pies.” Leona says.

“Awmph... Boy, your meat pie is pawsitively purrfect as always!” A voice that doesn't belong to any of the Night Raven College students, but is still familiar, says.

“I know the first slice of a whole cake belongs to the housewarden...” Trey says. “...but you should still probably avoid snacking on things that haven't even cooled yet, Chenya.” He was wearing a fancy black and red chef's uniform with gold trim and a tall hat. The dreamer's silver bird was flying around his head too.

“But your meat pies tastes best when they're piping hot and fresh out of the oven!” Chenya was wearing the same clothes as the other times you saw him, the only difference being that he had a familiar crown on his head. “Having first dibs privileges is one of the best parts of being housewarden.”

“Keep talking like that and you'll burn the inside of your mouth again. I wish you'd be more careful around hot food.” Trey smiles, amused.

Cater, Ace, and Deuce also knew Chenya, so they explained to their respective groups that he was a longtime friend of Trey and Riddle and that he is a junior student at Royal Sword Academy. And from what they were saying, and from the crown on his head, in Trey's dream, he was the Housewarden of Heartslabyul and not Riddle, somehow.

“Heya, Trey!” Cater greets, approaching Trey and Chenya. “Working hard in the kitchen as per ushe, I see.”

“Cater? ...Wait, you're not the original.” Trey notices.

“Whoa! How'd you guess?”

“It's not hard after knowing you for three years.” Trey says with a calm smile.

“Oh, uh... Huh. Is that a fact? Have you been able to tell us apart immediately this whole time?”

“Depends on the occasion, really. You seem very different from normal today, so it was an easy guess to make.”

Trey asks about Leona and Idia who are with him and Cater says that a recent exam had gone badly and he needed tutoring from 'the big brains'. Chenya says that he could have asked Riddle for help and this is when they discover that Riddle is one of Heartslabyul's card soldiers. He also talks about how Riddle is an excellent student and Leona takes the opportunity to ask why he isn't the housewarden then.

Trey and Chenya say he challenged Chenya for the position, but lost the fight because Chenya is practically immune to the Riddle's signature spell. Chenya's signature spell not only makes him invisible, but also makes his body simply disappear and spells pass through him.

“I'm well a-head of all these other mages.” Chenya says. “Speaking of which, I'll leave you to your tea.”

“Chenya, don't forget-” Trey says before Chenya disappears completely. “-today's unbirthday party starts at 4 o'clock. We'll be waiting for you in the garden.”

“Maybe I'll be there... and maybe I won't. But a very special guest will, I hope...” And his head, which was all that was left of Chenya, began to disappear as he humed.

“Good grief... Our housewarden and his whims.” Trey comments, smiling in amusement.

“He mentioned a special guest.” Cater says. “Are you expecting anyone outside of Heartslabyul?”

“Oh, yeah. (Y/N) and Grim haven't arrived yet. You didn't happen to see them on the way, did you?”

“(Y/N) and Grim? Oh, yeah, we did pass them before we went through the mirror. They were heading to the botanical garden. Maybe they went to do some homework. They should be on their way.” The way Cater spoke seemed to be giving you a hint to come into the kitchen.

“I'm more relieved then. They're already quite late for what I agreed with (Y/N). Oh, whoops. The cake should be just about done. Hold on while I fetch it from the oven, okay?”

And so, Trey walks away from them in that gigantic kitchen. While they recap what they realized was happening in that dream, you enter the kitchen with Grim and join them. Grim wants to start eating everything, but Cater says it's better to wait for Trey to get back, so Grim doesn't eat anything he shouldn't.

“You know, I'm not surprised Trey is dreaming about you coming to one of our unbirthday parties.” Cater tells you. “He really likes cooking for you. Maybe it's because you love everything he makes, or maybe it's because the students of Heartslabyul are already used to his sweets, so it's kinda not as fun anymore in a way. I even think it's cute how excited you get to try his sweets. Anyway, the more the merrier.”

“So, how do we wake him up?” Leona asks.

“It's not like we're in a dream that's far-removed from reality, like Leona's was.” Idia says. “Sometimes the minor differences with reality are the hardest ones to highlight, huh? Any ideas for waking Trey up, Cater?”

“That's the question, isn't it... Hmm.”

“Hey, are you guys hungry?” Trey comes back. “Oh, (Y/N), Grim, you arrived. You are quite late, you know?” He says with a smile.

“Oh, sorry. We...” You remember what Cater said before and think of a plausible scenario as an excuse. “Grim left a potionology assignment for the last minute and we had to go to the botanical garden to check some things.”

“WHA-?! You are blamin' the great Grim?”

“Hahaha. I believe it.” Cater says, approving of your excuse. “It wouldn't be the first time, would it, Grim-chan?”

Grim tried to deny it but he couldn't, in fact he had already left a lot of homework for the last minute before.

“But what were you talking about, Trey?” Cater returns to the subject. “You asked if we were hungry.”

“Oh, yes. I tried making a new dessert from this cookbook I picked up not too long ago: yogurt topped with lemon jelly. Would you be willing to sample it and give me some feedback? The only sweetener it uses is honey. I know you don't like sweets, Cater. But I figured this one's got a tartness that might not be a dealbreaker for you.”

“Whoa, are you sure?” Cater asks. “Don't the rules say the housewarden gets first dibs on food items?”

“The rules specify ‘the first slice of a whole cake’, meaning desserts served in glassware are actually exempt. Besides, even if it WAS a slice of cake, our housewarden wouldn't get bent out of shape over that. Here, I made some tea to go with it too. There's a dining table over there. Have a seat and relax.”

Grim doesn't waste any time and runs to the table and starts eating one of the yogurts.

“Oh, if you guys don't mind,” Trey continues. “I just need to take (Y/N) with me for a moment to help me with something.”

“Ah, that's why you were talking about them being late.” Cater realizes. “What is it? Maybe I could help too.”

“Oh, no, there's no need. It's actually something they asked me for. But you should hurry up or Grim will eat your parts too. Ha ha. We won't be long.”

Seeing that Grim was already eating his fifth yogurt, Cater hurries to the table. Leona and Idia follow without much fuss. The kitchen had a strange layout, and Trey takes you to a part with more counters but hidden by huge cabinets. You ask Trey what he needed your help with and he laughs.

“Well, like I said, it's something you asked me for.”

“Did I ask you to make a specific dessert?” You ask, looking around in confusion.

“Ha ha ha! You've already made some requests like that before, but this isn't the case.” He laughs, he seemed to be having fun playing riddles with you. “Okay, okay, I'll tell you. You've said many times that I'm always so busy with my vice housewarden duties that we never have time for each other. *sigh* And this is my last year here. I should take the opportunity while I still have the ease of meeting with you. After all, what kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't.”

You try not to show too much choke when you hear him call himself your boyfriend. Luckily for you, he takes this shock as surprise that he did all that for you. Especially since you were smiling, after all you also had a crush on him.

He hugs you gently and starts to kiss your cheek lightly but affectionately. He sees that you were enjoying it, so he turns you with your back to the counter and slowly pushes you until you touch it. This is where he surprises you, grabbing you by the waist and making you sit on the counter, with your legs dangling.

“However...” He whispers with his lips very close to yours and a seductive look. “We have a problem. You arrived late, remember? As a student of Heartslabyul... or worse, as the vice housewarden of Heartslabyul, I can't let such an infraction slide so lightly... can I?”

“But I am not a Heartslabyul student.” You appeal.

“But you are here.” He smirks. “A person should follow the rules of the house where you are, not the house you come from. That would be unmannered, wouldn't it?”

He moves away from you.

“Well, as your punishment, you will have to wait until the end of the unbirthday party to enjoy some alone time with me. It's not even that harsh, is it? Heh heh. Now, help me bring a few more things to the table, please.”

As expected, everyone loved Trey's cooking. He even made Leona a meat pie. He made so much food that even Grim couldn't finish it all.

Trey was pacing back and forth, always wanting you and the others to try more things. When he moved far enough away to be out of earshot, you resumed discussing the situation amongst yourselves. You reveal to them that he seems to be dreaming that the two of you are dating. This surprises Grim, Idia, and even Leona.

“I knew it!” Cater says triumphantly, but quietly. He sighs “Now I feel even worse about having to wake him up. You and the others are amazing, (Y/N). If I were in your shoes, I'd totally start wondering if maybe it was better we just... didn't wake people up. If we couldn't just let it be. In fact, that's kinda where I am right now.”

“Hah. So much for that motivational speech you gave Spikey about not settling for being weak.” Leona comments. “You walkin' all that bravado back?”

“Nah. I was just thinking, if that whole spat with Riddle's family had never happened... Trey might've turned out to be a peppy patissier just like this.”

“Wait, a spat with Riddle's family?” Idia questions.

“Hey, guys. The sticky toffee pudding's all done!” Trey comes back again. “It's especially good fresh out of the oven when the toffee is all gooey and hot. Go on, eat up.”

“You've served up enough snacks.” Leona says. “Now help us eat some of 'em.”

“Okay, okay, sorry. I just get lost in cooking whenever I come to the kitchen.”

Amidst small talk, Trey says that his liking for baking came from his family, who runs a patisserie in the Queendom of Roses, and talks a little about how much he enjoys baking and seeing people enjoy his sweets. He even talks about how much he enjoys having a kitchen as big as the one in Heartslabyul, or rather, the Heartslabyul kitchen he's dreaming of.

“Here, I can make as many sweets as I want, and even if I go overboard, people will always eat every bit. Chenya and the other students happily devour anything I set out, and appreciate the lack of food waste. And Riddle's so different from how he used to be. He eats whatever he likes and has as much of it as he wants. It makes me truly happy.”

“The way you're talkin' makes it sound like there's more story there.” Leona realizes. “What happened?”

Trey tells what happened to him, Chenya and Riddle when they were little and how Riddle's mother gave him and the whole Clover family a five-hour lecture, over a single slice os tart. But even so, he confesses that he and Chenya think of Riddle as a little brother.

“Ah, that's the cookies.” Trey says when he hears the oven signal. “It's almost time for 4 o'clock tea. I'd better get all these snacks plated and take them out to the garden. (Y/N), could you help me?”

Unfortunately for you, this time he really needed your help, it wasn't just an excuse. However, in the midst of all that party preparation, with Trey telling you what dishes to bring and asking your opinion on some of the decorations, there’s this moment when he chuckles. You asked him what was that funny.

“Nothing special, it's just... This reminded me of my parents preparing family dinners and things like that. And so I started to imagine what it would be like... you and I... doing this in a house of our own, and that made me happy. Heh heh.” He kisses your cheek. “Sorry, we should go back to－”

You hear a commotion in the hallway and Carter yelling. You two drop what you're doing and go see what's going on.

“What's wrong? I heard Cater yelling...” Trey asks when the two of you reach the hallway where everyone is. “Ah! I guess you're all here for teatime snacks.”

He was acting too casual for what was happening in front of you. In addition to the people of your dream team, there were four other... people? They were Ace, Deuce, Cater, and Riddle from Trey's dream, but they didn't have human bodies; they looked more like giant balls with faces and Heartslabyul clothes. It was something beyond absurd.

“Well, this batch all came out great.” Trey continues. “I'll get them to the garden tables and... Hm?! What's going on?! I see two Aces and Deuces!”

“Whoa, you're right!” Giant ball Ace says.

“They were so small I didn't even notice them, but you're right! It's me and Ace.” Giant ball Deuce says.

“And they're a lot smaller.” Trey points “What happened here?!”

“That's what I wanna know, Trey!” The real Ace says. “Why are we so ridiculously huge, we're like boulders blocking the hallways?! Plus, we're not that round! Come on, get a grip!”

“Huh...? You're... not round?”

The dream begins to distort.

“Ah! Trey's shaken!” Silver says.

“What's weird is that he didn't even question the sight of those giant guys to start with!” Grim comments.

That madness continues to the point where Cater now realizes why Trey knew right away that he wasn't the original Cater from his dream. Everyone comments on how messed up that dream is, but Trey seems to have taken it differently.

“Messed up...? I'm messed up?”

They keep talking about how Trey always told them about moderation and how he always seems to want a normal, peaceful place. But that dream was all just freaking weird.

“Normal? Peaceful? Hrk! What's going on? My head－!” His dream distorts again. “The peace I want... Agh!”

The dream darkens and the giant, round students of the dream are covered in the black goo you've seen so many times. And as expected, they try to convince Trey to listen to them and immerse himself in the dream again. But more than that, the fake Ace and Deuce start rolling towards the real ones and the other members of your team like giant boulders ready to crush them. They end up making Grim run away with the others too, but not you because you never left Trey's side.

If you're with Trey, they can't hurt you; they'd risk hurting Trey too, and that would be against their nature. So you hug Trey's arm. But before you try to wake him up, there's something that's bothering you more than that.

“Trey... Am I like that here too?” This idea bothered you a lot. “Is that how you see me too?”

“What? What do you mean if you're like that too?” The fact that he's talking with a headache ends up making him more sincere than you expected. “I mean, I'm glad you eat whatever you want too, and I'm even happier when it's something I bake. Your smile... is the most wonderful of all... But... for some reason you always look so... beautiful. I would never see you the same way I see them... Arg!”

“Trey, think, when did we meet?” Satisfied with that answer, at least for now, you return to the main mission. “Who was the housewarden?”

“When... did we meet...?”

He remembers you helping Ace get rid of the collar Riddle had put on him, but failing and instead getting into an argument with Riddle.

“I am the one who decides what is wrong and right!” Housewarden Riddle told you. “What sort of pitiful education have you received, that you cannot follow such simple rules? Clearly, you were born to parents with no great magical capability. And as a result... You lack even the basic education necessary to attend a school such as this. It's quite sad.”

“You’re right... This is wrong... Chenya isn't the housewarden of Heartslabyul... This is wrong! And Riddle strictly adheres to recommended daily nutritional allowances. He would never eat everything and anything I made to this point.”

“Trey? How can you say that?” Fake Riddle says. “Anyone would lose their self-control when faced with one of your works of culinary perfection. Mother can't watch over me here. Why should I care one whit about recommended allowances? I can eat food all day when you're the one cooking it!”

And speaking of which, the fake Riddle and Cater smelled Trey's freshly baked treats and took off rolling into the kitchen to attack the food. You follow them to the kitchen and see them eating like animals and even talk while eating.

“Stop it...” Trey demands. “This is wrong! You guys would never act like this.”

“What's the problem?” Fake Cater asks. “Didn't you say you're happiest when you see us eating our fill?” He smirks. “Especially (Y/N)... But when you see them eating your sweets, you feel... happier than usual... don't you, Trey?”

“Heh... Haha... Even if I did...” Trey says with a smirk, and without denying the fake Cater's insinuation. “You guys wouldn't eat to the point that you turn into THAT. Cater hates sweets. And Riddle strictly follows nutritional guidelines... Ugh... The way you're eating is horrible. Watching you is making me sick to my stomach!”

“What? How could you say something so cold, Trey?” Fake Riddle questions, offended.

All of this makes Trey remember the truth and finally break the dream.

“Aha... Ahaha... What was going through my head? I completely lost sight of Myself, and you guys. I'm a failure as Heartslabyul's vice housewarden, and as a chef.”

At that moment, part of the ceiling collapses, you are temporarily blinded by a mist of dark sand and when you look again you see Ace, Deuce, Grim and all the other boys from your dream team.

“Having Leona use his signature spell to open holes all over the floor to stop the darkness was a good plan...” Ace comments. “It really was, but...”

“All this sand everywhere is makin' my nose itch!” Grim says before sneezing.

After making sure you and Trey are okay and he's awake, you fight off the remaining dark figures.

“Geez, they were huge.” Trey says, panting after the fight.

“It's impressive they managed to grow that much...” Cater comments. “And not in a good way.”

“Every time I buy a new cookbook, I get the itch to make everything in it...” Trey admits. “But I'll be careful not to go overboard.”

“Don't worry, Trey! If you make too much, you can bring ALL the extra food over to Ramshackle.” Grim says excitedly. “We'll give it a good home, and we won't tell if you won't!”

“Please don't spoil Grim.” You say. “But our doors are always open to you!”

“Ahaha, thanks for the support. Don't worry, i'll stay on top of things. Now then... I vaguely remember bringing a cake to Lilia's farewell party. But everything after that is fuzzy. Could someone explain what's going on here?”

“Heh heh, I've got this!” Ortho says. “Trey Clover, could you start by watching this video?”

“Wow... I'm not sure what to say. Things are wildly out of hand.” Trey then gets in a thoughtful silence for a moment. “Hm... before we proceed with Malleus topic...” He looks at you and then back to the others. “Could you give me a moment to talk to (Y/N)?”

“Yeah, I thought this was coming.” Cater says with a conniving smile. “Hey, freshies, you guys wanted to try Trey's sweets too, didn't you? Why don't you take the opportunity to do it now?”

They all stay at the table eating some of the many sweets that were still to be eaten, while Trey and you go back to that corner hidden by the cabinets.

“(Y/N)... I... *sigh* I'm so embarrassed about all of this. I'm so sorry for... well, especially for what happened here.” He looks away from you and seems to want to pull his chef's hat over his face. “And on top of that, I'm your senpai. This was indeed something... shameful.”

You stop him there and admit that you like him too.

“What?! Heh heh...” He smiles awkwardly. “You don't need to say that to make me happy, you know? Don't worry, that's not what's going to make the darkness come back. You can tell me the truth. After all, this is all my fault and responsibility.”

You reiterate what you said and assure him it's true. You even go so far as to list everything you like about him and how he's basically the definition of ‘husband material’. It's so funny to see how flustered he gets.

“Oh, come on, t-there's no need to exaggerate like that.” He says, blushing. “Even so... I feel ashamed of how I treated you without your consent. I know that... I ended up not kissing you but...”

“And that is what is a pity.” You say with a smirk.

He raises his eyebrows in surprise at first, but then he smirks seductively back at you.

“You really mean it when you say you enjoyed that moment, huh. Hmm... In that case... I remember I only didn't kiss you because I wanted to punish you for being late. But now... I should reward you for waking me up instead, shouldn't I?”

You don't hide your expectant smile, and in response, he surprises you again by grabbing you by the waist and sitting you on the counter like the first time. He brings his face closer to yours, resting his hands on the counter on either side of you, and stops just inches away from your lips.

“Thank you~” He whispers before kissing your lips.

Full list of characters: Dating in a Dream - Index

“Aether signal tracking successful.” Ortho announces. “We have arrived at the designated coordinates.”

You, Grim, Silver, Sebek, Ortho, Leona, Deuce, Cater and Idia’s tablet reach the next dream. Everyone was fine after the crossing. Cater even says he managed to make a video of the trip with his phone.

“Hey... Wait a minute.” Cater finally looks around to realize where you guys were. “Now that I'm looking around, this place is super gorgeous too! Look at that clear blue water and white sandy beach! Talk about 'cammable!” And he starts taking a bunch of pictures.

Sebek comments that the heat of that place is similar to that of Sunset Savanna in Leona and Ruggie's dreams. But Ace is not from Sunset Savanna, he is from the Queendom of Roses, like Deuce. And Ace is from the capital, which doesn't border the ocean. However this was definitely a beach and the ocean, which meant his dream wasn't set in his hometown. Everything indicated that it was some kind of Tropical Resort.

“Look, there are footprints over there in the sand.” Silver notices. “Judging by their size, they were left by someone with a physique similar to mine.”

“That could be Ace.” Deuce says. “Let's follow them.”

Following the footprints, you arrive at a beautiful beachfront bungalow.

“Hm? I see a house up ahead.” Sebek says. “Someone's standing out on the terrace. It's...”

“Ah, it's about time!” The person on the terrace shouts. “Hey! (Y/N), Grim! Deuce! Cater!” It's Ace, wearing a brightly colored shirt, a light-colored hat with a flower, and blue-tinted sunglasses. You also see the dreamer's silver bird around his head. “Took you all long enough to get here. Way to keep a guy waiting.”

“What's with that getup?!” Grim and Deuce say in unison. “You've got fruit draped over your shoulder!” Grim adds.

“How about YOU guys, huh?” Ace asks back. “Why're you all still in school clothes? And why are there so many of you?!” He looks at the other 4 people (and Idia's tablet) of your dream team. “I know I said you could invite other friends if you wanted, but geez... Ortho, and Leona, and people from Diasomnia? What kind of ensemble is this?”

“Well, you see...” Deuce starts trying to come up with an explain.

“What's all the commotion, Ace?” Riddle appears wearing a cropped shirt with a knot that shows his belly button, colored sunglasses and a straw hat with flowers. “I can understand some excitement, but you shouldn't get too carried away.”

“You're already beyond carried away!” Idia and Cater comment in unison, astonished at Riddle's outfit.

Ace said that was proper attire in the tropics and one must always respect local customs, this was Riddle's explanation for wearing those clothes. But he still asks Cater if it really looks strange. Cater replies that no, that it is totes adorbs!

“Oh hey, looks like you're all here.” Trey appears in a different outfit than Ace and Riddle. “This is a larger turnout that I expected, but the more the merrier when it comes to barbecues. I'll get the grill going.”

Ortho identifies Trey’s clothes as traditional Scalding Sands attire worn at their fireworks fest. Trey says that Cater convinced Kalim to load them that private beach and bungalow, and that he even threw in those nice clothes. It would be rude not to take him up on his hospitality. And speaking of those clothes, Trey asked why Cater wasn't wearing them too, since he had just changed his clothes before. Cater said he had changed his clothes so as not to dirty the ones Kalim gave them since they were made of such expensive material.

“There were plenty more outfits in the bungalow, in a lot of different sizes.” Ace says. “I'm feeling overheated just looking at you guys wearing school clothes. how about you all get changed too?”

“Don't mind if I do!” You say.

“Hey, don't get swept up in this.” Leona scolds you. “You herbivores have something else to do, remember?

“Something else to do, huh?” Trey says. “You're right about that, Leona. Changing shouldn't take priority over the feast! Good thing I decided to play it safe and bring lots of extra ingredients.”

“Hey, I never said－” Leona starts to complain.

“After all, it'd be a shame if there wasn't enough food to go around for a celebration.”

“...A celebration?”

“Really, Deuce? You brought them all here without filling them in?”

Deuce apologizes and says he forgot, so Riddle told Ace to explain.

“Man, if I gotta. We're on a vacation to celebrate all of us moving up a grade...” Ace says. “And to celebrate (Y/N) being able to travel freely between home and Twisted Wonderland!”

Everyone was surprised. Trey even asks why Cater was surprised, because that trip was his idea. Riddle tells you that the study group you held at Ramshackle Dorm seems to have paid off, and thanks to that everyone managed move up a grade with you. This and from what the headmage told them you can now travel between the two worlds at will, rather than having it be a one-way trip.

“It's truly a wonderful thing.” Riddle ends by saying.

“Yeah. I'm glad everything worked out nicely.” Trey agrees. “I remember how sad you guys would get every time the topic of (Y/N) going home come up. Especially you, Ace. But now we know why. Hah hah.”

“Yeah, yeah, you guys made enough fun of me already.” Ace sighs.

“True, but nothing compared to how much Cater messed with you.” Trey laughs.

“Huh? Me?” Cater didn't know what they were talking about, but he had to play along. “O-oh yeah! The way he tried to hide how much he really liked (Y/N) was so cute. How could I resist? Ha ha ha.”

“True. It was pretty obvious, wasn't it?” Trey adds.

“Was it?” Riddle wonders. “Am I truly that bad at perceiving these sorts of things? I genuinely thought they were just good, close friends.”

“I mean, they were.” Trey says. “That is usually how many romances begin, with a good friendship.”

“Yeah, exactly! There's nothing cuter than friends-to-lovers... wait.. what?” Cater asked, trying not to sound as surprised as he had the other times.

“Oh, c’mon!” Ace says. “It's no longer funny to make fun of someone with a crush when the two people are already dating. You said it yourself. Aww, well, it was fun while it lasted. You two make a totes adorbs couple, tho!” He says imitating Cater's way of speaking and voice.

“Wait." Ortho says. "If I'm understanding correctly, are you saying that Ace Trappola and (Y/N) are dating?”

“Yes, we are!” Ace himself was happy to answer. “Another reason to celebrate, right?”

There was silence.

“Okay, whoever wants to laugh goes to the other side of the island.” Ace says, sulking and with his arms crossed. “Go on, shu!”

Ortho, Idia and even Cater burst out laughing. Leona just chuckled, not really caring. Silver and Sebek had nothing to say. Deuce and Grim were shocked.

“Back to the main subject!” Riddle said in a loud and authoritative voice that made those who were laughing shut up and everyone pay attention to him. “Leona said we should prioritize our meal. But I still think a celebration like this calls for fitting attire. Deuce, you and the others should all head inside and get changed into proper tropical wear.”

“Good idea!” Trey says. “Riddle and I will head to the beach while you do that and get the food prep started.”

At that moment Cater offered himself, Silver, Leona and Idia to help Trey and Riddle. He tells the others in confidence that this way they can keep those two, who are most likely darkness, occupied and away from Ace while the people closest to him try to wake him up. They then leave with the fake Trey and Riddle while you and the other freshmen stay behind with Ace. You needed to find more inconsistencies between his dream and reality to wake him up.

Sebek and Ortho stayed behind while you, Deuce and Grim followed Ace into the bungolow, since you were the closest to him.

“The tropical shirts in the closet are all generally one-size-fits-all and a little oversizes, so just try on whatever you like.” Ace says. “Buuut for you~...” He holds your hand. “I have a special outfit all ready! Come with me~”

Ace takes you with him to a bedroom, leaving Deuce and Grim behind to, presumably, choose their clothes.

“Okay, for starters, we are NOT doing the matching clothes couple thing. So don't expect clothes like mine.”

“Thank goodness.” You say jokingly.

“Oi, c'mon! It's not that bad. But if you dislike my taste so much, then maybe I shouldn't give you the clothes I got for you. Go look for clothes with Deuce and Grim then.”

“Fine, fine, I'm sorry.” You say. “Now I'm curious. What did you get me?”

“Hmm... Nope. Now I don't wanna give it to you.” He smirks. “But if you really want those clothes, then try to find out where they are.”

You look under the bed, but there's nothing there.

“Ha ha ha ha! Nope. But warm.”

You get up and go to the closet. You open it, there are several clothes there, but...

“Nope. Too easy. Cold.”

You go back to the bed and open the drawers of one of the bedside tables.

“No~ But warmer.”

You take the sheets off the bed, but there's nothing underneath them.

“Hotter~”

You lift the cushions and underneath one of them are some folded clothes.

“Aaand now you've unmade our bed. If it's not comfortable later tonight, it's your fault.”

You unfold those clothes. It either is a beautiful and fresh dress, or shorts and a nice shirt, whatever you prefer. But one thing is certain, it was your style and you loved it.

“Yeah, what a shame I have bad taste, right? So maybe it's best to return this.”

He stretches out his arms to grab the clothes, but you stop him, hugging the clothes and turning your back to him. You play this for a while until he hugs you and pulls you to lie down on the bed with him. He even uses the low blow of tickling you.

“I'm so glad you can stay here.” He says as the laughter slowly dies down, but the smile remains. “I was so worried that if you went back home...” He caresses your face, so close to his. “I would never see you again... But hey, we've banged out a solution to all our problems, and everything's hunky-dory.”

His smile was so cute that you even felt hurt knowing the truth.

“Hey, what's wrong?” Ace asks you, still with a reassuring smile. “We're on vacation. Everything's fine.” And he gives you several little kisses on the cheek while hugging you. “Everything's fine...” He whispers again.

You can't resist hugging him back.

“Aww, don't tell me you got emotional because of the party? Heheh, it was a nice surprise, wasn't it? A shame it was Cater's idea. I can't take the credit now.”

You get up and sit on the bed. You needed to wake him up, no matter how much it might hurt you and him.

“Ace... I need you to remember... We haven't finished our finals yet. And we haven't wrapped up the whole Mickey investigation, either.”

“Huh?” He gets up and sits beside you. “Are you kidding? If we went on vacation when our exams weren't even over, my housewarden would have our heads. And what's this 'Mickey investigation'? I've never heard of it.”

“You know, Mickey. That... guy... I think he was some kind of mouse actually... who appeared in the Ramshackle mirror. You don't remember?”

“Why would I remember something I've literally never heard of before now?”

“But you were there when I told the others. You, Deuce, even Jack Ortho and Epel were there too. I showed you the photo in the the cafeteria.”

“The cafeteria...? Hrk!” The dream begins to distort as he remembers. “What was that? A dizzy spell hit me outta nowhere... am I getting heatstroke?”

Deuce, Grim and even Ortho and Sebek enter the room to see if you were okay.

“Hey, Ace is off-kilter already!” Grim says.

“Nice going.” Ortho says. “Now seal the deal!”

You cup Ace's face to make him look at you.

“Listen to me, Ace. This is a dream created by Malleus. With a spell that makes everything go well here.”

He pushes your hand away from his face and stands up quickly, with a forced smile.

“A dream created by Malleus? Ahaha Oh, come on, why’re you trying to prank me with that? Have you lost any bet to Deuce? Nobody's gonna buy a tale that tall.”

“(Y/N) is not lying.” Ortho says. “All of us here... Correction, everyone on Sage's Island. We were all caught in a magical disaster that Malleus triggered. Things here are as realistic as the real world, but we're inside an arcane realm created by Malleus Draconia. And because of that, you're currently having a lovely dream scrubbed of any unpleasantness.”

“Now YOU'RE getting in on the lie, Ortho? This isn't funny, you know.” He looks at you again. “Come on (Y/N), you're joking, right?”

“Our problems haven't been solved at all in reality.” You say. “Everyone's being kept asleep in the real world.”

“Dude, what is WRONG with all of you today? I can't believe my own partner is involved in this stupid thing.”

“What? You haven't told him yet?” Deuce asks.

“Told me WHAT NOW?” Ace was getting really annoyed.

“Ace...” You say with pity. “We are not dating. I didn't even know you liked me like that.”

“WHAT?! What are you talking about? I told you when... when... I... Ugh... Aaaugh!”

The dream twists violently as he remembers, or rather, doesn't remember what he wants to. It seems like he's close to waking up, but...

“Oh, for... Seriously, cut it out!” Ace shouts and the dream stabilizes again.

“Aww, so close!” Ortho says. “He was right on the verge of waking up...”

“Okay, there's such a thing as dragging a joke out for too long. Can't you respect it when I tell you to lay off?” Ace says, annoyed and without any more patience to listen to any of you. “The punchline's way too morbid to land.” He looks at you disappointed. “I can't believe even you got in it, (Y/N)... Did you really think it would be funny to pretend we're not together? Who pulls something like that during vacation? Read the room, jeez.”

“Hmph. 'Read the room'? I could say the very same of you, Ace Trappola.” Sebek speaks out. “Look at their expressions. Do they appear in any way like they're having fun at your expense?”

Sebek basically scolds Ace for not wanting to believe his friends. They argue until...

“If you guys are right and this is a dream, what's the problem?” Ace questions, unconcerned. “Think about it. We're all going up a grade, and (Y/N) can travel freely between home and our world. What's the downside?”

“Isn't it obvious?!” Sebek retorts. “Illusory success in a dream means nothing whatsoever!”

“How would it mean nothing? If someone lives their whole life in a dream, it's not illusory at that point, is it?”

Sebek continues to say that if they don't wake up and stop Malleus, his realm will continue to expand and potentially envelop the whole world. But Ace responds that he still doesn't see the problem, and he asks if that really happened and everyone lived in a dream, how would it be so different from reality?

“There's gotta be tons of people who would choose a dream if it meant an easy life where they never go through anything unhappy.”

Sebek goes on to talk about Malleus living alone and isolated in the real world if the rest of the world falls into that slumber and Ace says that's what Malleus chose. And how could you even win against The Malleus Draconia? Sebek was basically asking him to throw his life away and that wasn't funny.

“Ace, are you sure you haven't woken up...?” Deuce asks.

“It doesn't really matter whether this is a dream or reality. I don't see why I should take someone so condescending seriously, much less help him out. And more to the point... YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!”

And with this, Ace storms off the bungalow.

The others tell Sebek how it was technically his fault that things went downhill because of the way he spoke to Ace. But you're no longer paying attention to the conversation.

You're looking at the tropical outfit Ace wanted you to wear. Something that showed how much he knew and liked you, because you really loved it. You said you weren't dating, but you never said your feelings weren't mutual. What if you wore that? What if you told him that part of the dream could be real? But would that be the best way to convince him to wake up and join you? By promising that you could be together? What if he suggested that you could stay in that dream with him instead? He should wake up because he wants to, because of something that motivates him to keep fighting for himself, not because you promised him something.

Cater, Leona, Idia and Silver return, you tell them what happened and to everyone's surprise, Silver scolds Sebek for what he did and even says that he has been spoiled by patient people who overlook his arrogant attitude.

“Have some self-awareness!” Silver ends by saying.

You had never heard Sebek speak so softly and be so quiet before.

The juniors agree that you shouldn't force anyone to join you in the fight against Malleus, and so maybe it would be better to skip Ace and continue recruiting the remaining students. Cater volunteers to go to Ace and make him fall into a deeper sleep. Despite your hesitation, you, Grim, and Deuce let Cater go, but soon after, you decide to go after him to convince him not to do it and let you try to talk to Ace one last time.

You intercept Cater in the forest.

“Cater! Wait up!” Deuce shouts.

“Oh, hey Deuce-chan. What's up, everyone?”

“Could you let us talk to Ace one more time before you send him to sleep?”

“I want to have a serious talk with him before we actually commit to leaving him behind.” You say.

“Heh heh. I can tell you're sincerely worried about Ace-chan, (Y/N)-chan. But, hey, can I ask you something?” He sees you nodding. “You really didn't know Ace-chan was starting to have a crush on you?”

You don't know what to say, but your slightly embarrassed expression and little smile are enough for Cater to decipher everything.

“Awwww! I knew it! I always thought you’d make such a cuuute couple!”

“Hey, (Y/N) never said they liked him back like that!” Grim protests.

“Heh heh. You're right, sorry.” But Cater knew what that little smile you made earlier really meant. “Yup, our freshies have some good friends. I'm proud to be your senpai. But relax, no need to worry. I was never gonna ditch Ace-chan.”

Cater then explains that he has a plan, but Idia couldn't know because he probably wouldn't let him carry it out. His plan is to attract the darkness and make Ace see it like Cater saw the darkness students in his dream, and let the darkness act out of character and in a creepy way as they usually do when they try to convince the dreamer to sink deeper into the dream. Instead of you trying to convince Ace, why not let the darkness UN-convince him?

It's a dangerous plan for both Ace and Cater, who could be dragged into the darkness as well. But he seems confident in his plan and won't let Deuce help him, at least not in the first phase of the plan.

Ace was further ahead, at the foot of a small waterfall. His hat and sunglasses were on the ground beside him.

“AYGH, what's wrong with them?! Who in their right mind would just immediately accept it when someone tells you that everything's a dream? I definitely remember doing a study group with Deuce and Grim. And the look of joy (Y/N) got when the headmage said (Y/N) could go home again... Of course I don't want to force them to stay... but...” He remembers you telling him that you weren't dating. “I just... want to be with them...”

“Hey, Ace-chan.” Carter appears and greets him with an innocent smile. “There you are.”

“Cater? Ack, is Housewarden Riddle mad at me for blowing off the barbecue without telling anyone?”

“Nah. He might be worried, though.”

Cater asks him if anything happened with Deuce and the others and Ace says it was more between him and Sebek and tell him what happened.

“(Y/N) even said we weren't dating. Well, either this is a really bad joke, or... some way for (Y/N) to say they want to... b-break up or somethin’... Heh heh...” He was trying to laugh, but for once he wasn't being very convincing.

“Ow, don't be sad, I’m sure it's nothing like that. But yeah, it'd freak anyone out if someone came out of nowhere with an infodump like THAT. It's like something you'd read in an occult mag.”

“Right?! My reaction's totally reasonable here!”

“Oh yeah, for sure.” Cater agrees. “But... Even though I hate being the bearer of bad news, and even more so when it involves breaking someone's heart, they weren't lying, y’know?”

“What...?”

“I can prove we're in a dream.” Cater says with a quite creepy smile. He uses his signature spell to create several copies of him and begins to attack Ace. “This might sting a bit, but bear with me, Ace-chan.”

As much as it hurts you to see Ace get beaten by Cater, you trust him and remind yourself that, despite everything, it's just a dream. After a few hits with magic, Riddle and Trey appear to protect Ace.

“Aww, so close.” Cater says, referring to Ace being close to waking up. “Though I guess you showed up right on schedule.”

“We came looking for you when we didn't see you at the beach.” Fake Riddle says. “What is going on here?!”

“You're all banged up Ace!” Fake Trey exclaims. “What happened?”

“Housewarden Riddle... Trey-senpai... I...”

“We can talk later.” Trey says. “Let's get you back to the bungalow and get you some first aid. Cater, you're coming with us. You'd better have a good explanation for this.”

Meanwhile, the Cater and Deuce from the dream appear and the Fake Cater unmasks the real one by assuring the others that he did not use his signature spell. Trey tells the fake Cater and Deuce to take Ace to safety while he and Riddle attack the real Cater.

Cater was being surrounded by darkness when the rest of your dream team appeared. They wanted to go help Cater, but Leona stopped them, and you all waited a little longer.

The fakes Riddle and Trey protected Ace, just like the real Cater said the real ones would do too, so that part wasn't out of character. The fakes Riddle, Trey, Cater and Deuce told Ace what he wanted to hear, that if he stayed there with them he would be happy.

“As long as you're here with us, you'll never go through anything rough or scary.” Fake Cater says.

“You'll never have to suffer." Fake Deuce added. "There won't be any unsolvable problems.”

“And better yet...” Fake Cater smiled. “You and your beloved can be together... happily ever after...”

“Yeah... Happy... ever... after...” Ace repeats sleepily.

The ground flooded with black ink that began to pull Ace in, and the skin of his fake dormmates turned equally dark.

“Wow, literally everything from their appearance to their words is giving me the ick!” The real Cater says. “Come one, Ace-chan. Would anyone from Heartslabyul REALLY talk like that?”

Ace acknowledges that no, they wouldn't talk like that, but still, if he accepts that it's a dream, it means fighting Malleus Draconia. He's just a normal student, he doesn't have enough power to defeat someone like him. He doesn't even have his signature spell yet. He doesn't want to risk his own life.

The darkness agrees with him and argues in his favor, which causes him to begin to sink even further.

“Hmm. I get it. This is what you want, huh, Ace-chan?” The real Cater says. “You're a smart guy, so you're anticipating what comes next and blanching at the thought, right?”

He says he understands Ace and that he felt the same way when facing Riddle when he overblotted. But at that time Ace told him something, a phrase that he thanks Ace for telling him and that Cater would now use as his own.

“So what, you're not even gonna fight unless you KNOW you can win?”

After Cater's speech, Ace finally decides to fight the darkness and wake up. Cater tries to pull him out of the black goo, but the other four shadowy figures are still there to stop him. Although this time, Ace tries his hardest to remember everything and wake up. The dream finally breaks and Cater manages to pull Ace out of the clutches of the darkness.

“Don't let Ace escape! Him and the impostor... Off with BOTH of their heads!”

“Yes, housewarden!” The other three fakes reply.

“Ack, they're rushing us! What's the plan, Cater?!” Ace asks.

“Don't worry, Cay-kun got this. Leona! Everyone! A little help here?!”

And then you and the others come out of hiding and fight with Cater and Ace against the darkness.

“Hold it... Ace...” Were the last words of the fake Riddle.

“You're endangering yourself... Come back...” Were the last words of the fake Trey.

All four darkness figures dissolved into black goo and disappeared.

“Did we win?” Ace asks, panting.

“No darkness aether readings in the area.” Ortho says. “I think we've fended them off.”

“HEY! ACE!” Grim starts.

“Way to be a pain in our butt, you jerk!” Deuce finishes and they both hit Ace.

“Ow! What?! Don't blame me. This is your fault for doing such a lousy job of explaining things! And Cater, that was pretty messed up. I can't believe you used your signature spell to beat me up like that!”

“Ahaha, sorry about that! But hey, it worked, didn't it? All's well that ends well.” Cater apologizes with his signature smile

“You're finally awake!” You say, happy and relieved.

“Yeah, yeah. Good morning, (Y/N). Sheesh, talk about a rude awakening... Wait!” He suddenly seems worried about something. “So, after everything that's happened, I get that this is a dream that Malleus created. But... you guys aren't part of my dream, are you? You... are real, I mean the real versions... r-right?”

“Yup! We are the genuine articles!” Cater confirms, but then smiles slyly. “But it's not us you're worried about, is it, Ace-chan?”

“Please tell me you guys just arrived now...” Ace begs without much hope.

“Sorry... but we arrived in your dream when you found us on the beach.”

“... Cater... forget my complaint about you beat me up, please hit me hard enough that I get amenesia or something.”

“Aww, come on, Ace-chan. I'm sure you two can resolve this matter without any problems. Do you want a moment alone? I can arrange that.”

“Let it be clear that I don't want to know the answer, but now I wonder what happened in that bungalow, Heheheh.” Idia comments, mockingly, through the tablet.

“WHAT?! Nothing happened! Nothing at all!” Ace practically panics. “There's nothing to talk about. We can just sweep the matter under the rug and never speak of it ever again.”

“Pst, hey, (Y/N)?” Cater whispers to you. “Would you like to talk to Ace-chan, or would you rather let it go for now?”

You say you'd like to talk to him. Carter smiles and tells you to leave the rest to him.

“Hey peeps, why don't we go check out that barbecue? It would be a good reward after this fight, don’t you think?” Cater tells the others with a smile.

“WHAT?! You're thinkin’ about food now?!” Grim protests, obliviously. “Isn't this the part where you show him the video and explain the plan?”

“I think that can be postponed a little longer, Grim.” Ortho says.

To your surprise, none of them refuse the offer. On the contrary, they all prefer not to watch whatever happens next between you and Ace. Grim says something about you preparing the meat the way he likes, still oblivious to what was really going on, but Cater picks him up and takes him away with them, saying that you'll join them soon.

You and Ace are alone by the waterfall, and he had so much courage to face you that he turned his back to you.

“We... can pretend none of that happened, you know?” He says, practically pleading. “Like, we should focus on the dream thing. And maybe leave this for after everything is resolved?”

You could see how tense he was just by his posture and his fidgeting hands.

“I’m sor－ !!!” He starts saying quietly, but stops as soon as he feels you hugging him from behind.

“I'm tired of seeing you like this.” You say. “I like you too, dumass.”

You break the hug so he can turn around to face you.

“You don't have to do this just to make me feel better, you know?” He says, skeptical and a little upset. “Just tell the truth.”

“I know, and that's what I'm doing.” You assure him with a smile and tell him how much you actually enjoyed that moment with him in the bungalow. “I was even thinking about trying that outfit before we left your dream. You probably want to know what I would look like in it as much as I do. Or maybe even more.”

You smile flirtatiously and he does the same.

“Oh, someone is getting a little too cocky.” He says, smugly. “Are you sure you wanna play that game with me?”

“Why? Are you still that embarrassed?” You provoke him. “How cute.”

He suddenly holds you by the waist and pulls you closer, your noses touching.

“Who’s embarrassed now, huh?”

And you finally decide to end the game by kissing him. A kiss that he not only returns but deepens, as he pulls you closer to embrace you completely.

Full list of characters: Dating in a Dream - Index

“Aether signal tracking successful.” Ortho announces. “We have arrived at the designated coordinates.”

You, Grim, Silver, Sebek, Ortho, Leona, Deuce and Idia’s tablet reach the next dream and land at the entrance to the Heartslabyul Dorm. Checking in on Deuce, not only was he not sick from the journey from dream to dream, but he simply LOVED the experience. You were about to start looking for the dreamer when someone appears.

“Oh, hey Deuce. And Grim and (Y/N).” Ace greets you. “What brings you to our dorm? Wait, you've also got Leona with you. And Ortho, and some Diasomnia guys... Okay, what gives?”

“Well, uh...” Deuce tries to come up with an explanation. “We happened to run into each other, and we decided to get together for tea...”

“TEA? You? With Leona and these guys?”

“L-Leona can have tea sometimes, when he feels like it!”

“Me? Having tea at Heartslabyul?” Leona mutters to himself, but without denying what Deuce was saying. “Couldn't that idiot have come up with literally any other cover story?”

“The idea of Leona joining Deuce for tea in Heartslabyul is so inconceivable, I actually wanna see it now.” Idia comments to himself too.

“Uh, but enough about us. What are you up to?” Deuce returns to the subject.

Ace says he was going to the courtroom because he received a Magicam message summoning everyone to an emergency trial. Deuce finds it very strange that such an important message was sent by Magicam. He also asks Ace why he's wearing his school uniform instead of his dorm uniform, but Ace just shrugs it off nonchalantly and says he can change at any time if the housewarden gets on his case.

Ortho asks if you could all go with them and sit in these Heartslabyul trial. Deuce starts to say that students from other dorms can't sit in when Ace cuts him off, saying that it shouldn't be a problem and the housewarden himself would probably welcome them. Deuce is shocked, but doesn't question Ace much. After that, Ace continues on his way to the courtroom and Deuce tooks off after him.

However, another Deuce approaches you, this time a Deuce in his school uniform. You realize that this is the Deuce from the dream so you decide to knock him out and tie him up so he doesn't interfere with your mission.

Arriving at the Heartslabyul courtroom, there were a lot of students there,and a lot of them were in regular school uniforms, like Ace. You hear the judge's wooden gavel bang and you look at the person who did it.

“I just got a Magicam message from the housewarden.” It was Trey. “He says he's on his way in, so let's get the proceedings underway.”

“Order in the court!” Another voice you recognize says, more authoritative. “Card soldiers, line up by suit!”

It was Riddle, but when you look at him, not only was he not wearing the housewarden's uniform, but the normal school uniform, he also had a red heart mark on his cheek, just like Trey has a black clover on his. You hear trumpets playing like announces the arrival of someone important.

“Our leader!” Riddle proceeds. “The red sovereign!”

The doors open and someone comes in, passing you on a skateboard so fast that you only see a red and black blur.

“All rise for Housewarden Cater!”

When Cater stops, you see him wearing a kind of military uniform, but more stylized, red and black, full of medals and other golden accessories on it. You see the dreamer's silver bird flying around his head too.

“Yooo! Hello, my peeps!” He greets everyone with a smile and his usual enthusiasm.

All the students react with the same enthusiasm, clearly adoring him. Cater keeps showing off for a little, sliding along the courtroom stairs and pulling a kickflip. When he stops in front of Trey, they high five each other.

“Okay, let's get this trial started... Hm?” Cater looks at your group. “Wow, there's an extra-unusual sight. What're you peeps doing here in Heartslabyul?”

“Greetings, Cater Diamond. We've been curious about the unique events that Heartslabyul holds.” Ortho explains. “So we asked Deuce to let us sit in.”

“Ooh, I see... Whoa, Leona's here too! What possessed YOU to come here?”

“...That freshman invited me over for tea.” Leona just rolled with it.

“Huh? Deuce-chan invited you over for tea, and you actually showed?! Now I'm even more curious what possessed HIM to do that. Welp, gotta post this on Magicam and get it booming, stat.” Cater takes a picture with Leona and posts it with a few hashtags as usual.

“Housewarden Cater, it's 15 minutes past time to begin the trial.” Riddle warns him.

“How about we have some tea and take our time chatting with Leona and the others after the trial's done?” Trey suggests.

“Whoop, my bad! Anyway, welcome to Heartslabyul and all that. With that out of the way... Let's get trial on the road!”

The other students celebrate as if he had just announced the start of a party.

“Let's go, (Y/N)-chan~” He tells you and takes your hand to take you with him.

“Wait, what? Go where?” You ask confused.

“Go sit with me in the judge's seat, silly. Every time you sit in these trials, your sit is always beside me... or my lap if we're in that mood~” He winks at you. “After all, the place of the housewarden's sweetheart is beside him... remember~?” He smirks seductively.

“S-sweetheart?” Grim questions. “What are you talkin’ about?”

“Aww, Grim-chan is still jealous that I started dating his bestie. How cute. Don't worry, I won't steal (Y/N)-chan from you. You can sit up front with us if you want. I'll get you a really comfy pillow.” Cater winks at him with a smile.

“D-DATING?!” Deuce is the most shocked by that information after Grim.

“Oww, not you too Deuce-chan. We've already talked about this.” He plays with his lock of hair. “Come on, let's get this started. The sooner we start, the sooner we'll finish, and the sooner we'll have that tea together.”

Still holding hands, Cater takes you with him to the judge's high seat. But before the two of you go up the stairs to the seat, he takes you behind the stairs for a moment, hidden from everyone. He holds you by the waist, pulls you towards him and brings his face so close to yours that it looks like he's going to kiss you, but he doesn't.

“You know, I'm not the original Cay-kun.” He whispers to you, your noses and foreheads touching. “The real me is in the Lounge. And if I keep you here to myself, he’ll will be mad.” He pouts. “So, you should go meet with him. I'll come up with an excuse if the others ask for you.” He kisses your cheek and breaks the hug with a wink.

He shows you the back door and you go out through it.

When you enter the Heartslabyul lounge, you see Cater lying on the shezlong, scrolling through his phone, with the dreamer's silver bird around his head. He hears someone enter the lounge and looks with his head upside down. When he sees it's you, a huge smile automatically forms and he quickly gets up to get closer to you. He was wearing the same military-style clothes as the Cater from the courtroom.

“(Y/N)-chan~!” He hugs you affectionately. “Did you come to see your Cay-kun as soon as you were free?” He kisses your cheek. “You didn't tell me you were coming. Or at least not so early.”

“I... Deuce invited me for tea.”

“Really?! Deuce-chan was never much of a tea person. Hahaha. Aww, he wanted to spend more time with his bestie. You guys are so cute~.”

“Oh, and not just me. Ortho, Silver, Sebek, and even Leona came with me.”

“Oh, really? Heh, I shouldn't be surprised that you have so many... wait, did you say LEONA?! Like in Leona Kingscholar?! No way!”

“Yeah, your... um... other you that showed up at courtrom even took a picture with him and posted it on Magicam. Didn't you see?”

“Oh, I saw I posted something, but I was watching other videos and forgot to check.” He picks up his phone to see the photo. “OMG! It's true! I HAVE to go see this live!”

“Yes! You should definitely go to the courtroom!” After all, HE was the Cater you need to wake up. And if the others in the courtroom were all darkness, your team could be in danger.

“Hmmm~ Well, if he's going to stay after the trial... we still have a little time...” He smirks at you. “That and I can always get my other me to...” He brings his face closer to yours. “Tie him up a little longer...”

If you let him, he kisses your lips with a skill that makes you melt into it, as he gently pulls you with him back to the shezlong. He lays you down on it and positions himself on top of you.

“Hm? Aww, you still get shy about this? Heheh.” He brings his lips closer to yours again. “How cute~” And continues kissing you. “Your Cay-kun was already missing you sooo much~.” He kisses you more. “I wanted so much to snuggle with you...” More kisses. “You have such good timing...” More kisses. “I should reward you later for being so thoughtful and attentive.” More kisses. “My (Y/N)-chan is such a good partner~” And the kisses keep coming.

After a make-out session, Cater sits in the shezlong and sighs, saying he should go see how things are in the courtroom, especially since they were probably already in the middle of a post-trial party or something. But before that, he takes his hat off his head and puts it on yours after you also sit up next to him.

“Heh Heh, I knew it. You look totes adorbs with it! Come here, my cutie~”

He holds you by the waist to bring you closer to him, takes out his phone and takes a couple selfie of the two of you. And then kisses your cheek to take a second one. And maybe your lips for a third one.

On the way back to the courtroom Cater had one of his arms around your shoulders the whole time.

“Hey peeps!” Cater greets everyone as soon as you two walk through the door. “I heard that Leona came over for tea. I got so curious I HAD to drop by in person to－ WHOA!”

It didn't even look like the courtroom anymore. The walls were covered in neon signs, reminiscent of a casino, but even these lights couldn't shine brightly because of the dark smoke coming from the black goop covering the floor. And looking at the other Heartslabyul students, including Trey, Riddle, and even the other Cater, their faces had disappeared and their skins were as black as the darkness.

“What in the goop?! Okay hold up, what's the deal?” Cater takes his arm off your shoulder and puts it in front of you to push you behind him. “There's gooey black gunk splattered everywhere. It's grossing me out!”

“(Y/N)!” Deuce says relieved. “You're okay! Does this mean that the person with you is the real Cater?”

“Hi, Deuce-chan! Yup, I'm the genuine article. So, uh, can you catch me up, or...?”

“YOU!” Darkness Riddle shouts with that scary rage of his. “Stay away from Housewarden Cater! YEEAAARGH!”

“Yikes... Riddle's covered in black gunk and flying off the handle!” Cater realises. “You're at an eleven and I need you at like, an eight, okay? You're spoiling your cute features... Hrk?!” The dream begins to distort. “I'm getting the weirdest sense of déjà vu here... Agh, my head!”

“Cater, don't worry about a thing. I've got this under control, okay?” Darkness Trey reassures him.

“Trey? I... Augh!”

He remembers one of the moments with Trey, working together behind the scenes to balance things between Riddle and the other students. Supporting each other.

“I don't recognize it, but I DO recognize it... What's... Rgh!”

“Cater's starting to wake up!” Silver says.

“I think not.” Darkness Riddle retorts. “Your heads shall all roll! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!”

“I've... seen this before... Aaagh... AAAAAAGH!” Cater remembers what happened when Riddle overbloted and the dreams brakes.

After that, you hear him use his signature spell and then immediately turn around to hug you protectively. He made three copies of himself. One to stand in front of Deuce, another in front of Grim, and another in front of you two. All three were collared instead of the original targets of the fake Riddle's spell.

“Phew. Just in the nick of time! You okay?” Cater asks you before asking the same to Deuce and Grim.

“You're awake!” You say.

“Morning, (Y/N)-chan~. Boy, it looks like I've been embarrassing myself in front of my underclassmen. Well, now you're gonna see the regular cool, upbeat Cay-kun in action... So, don't miss a second, 'kay? If these mean fakes have been scaring you guys, they need a little punishment.” He smiles mischievously and use his signature spell again to create a bunch of Caters to fight the darkness figures with the others. “Okay, mes... Give 'em the business.”

“Housewarden... Cater...” Fake Riddle says weakly.

“Don't leave us, Cater...” Fake Trey says.

“Oh, ick. As if!” Cater says disgusted. “File those lines under, 'Things Trey and Riddle would never say to me, EVER'. So hey, mind disappearing already? Cya!” And with one last blow he makes those two figures disintegrate into black goo.

“Tch, about time you woke up. Way to be a pain in our necks.” Leona complains.

“G'morning, Leona! I got woken up by a prince, huh? Is that a stirring development or what?”

You can't help but glance sideways at Cater.

“So, how's it feel gettin' a rude awakening, courtesy of a prince's magic and fists?”

“Ahaha! Terrible. Literally the worst. I would rather have been woken up with a sweet kiss from my (Y/N)-chan.” He winks at you, before turning back to the others. “I guess this means you guys didn't actually swing by Heartslabyul for tea. I said good morning since you guys were talking about being awake, but what's the sitch here?”

“I can cover that.” Ortho volunteers. “Could you watch this video?”

“Wooow. Malleus sure knows how to go big.” Cater says. “Hmm... so... this was all a dream and you all...” He looks at you. “So... you...” He’s trying to appear as calm as possible. “You were the one who met me in the lounge, w-weren't you?”

You confirm.

“I... Can I speak to you... in private? For a moment?... Please?” He asks relatively seriously, but still calm and collected.

You agree and then he turns to the others, his gaze and smile slightly menacing.

“I don't need to create more mes so you guys don't snoop around, right?”

“Not everyone is the gossipy type y’know?” Leona retorts with a smug smile.

“Deuce-chan.” Cater’s smile turns friendly in the blink of an eye. “I can count on you to stand guard, right?”

“Yes, sir!” Deuce accepted his new mission like a proud card soldier.

Cater asks you to accompany him to a room adjacent to the courtroom. It appeared to be the archive room where the trial documents were kept. He closes the door and you can feel the sadness and embarrassment in the room.

“(Y/N)...” You knew Cater had this sad, or even depressive side, but letting you see him like this and unable to look you in the eye is still shocking. “I... am so sorry... if I... somehow abused my status as housewarden or your senpai. I don't remember the details well, but I remember what... happened in the lounge. You... didn't feel...”

“NO, no!” You deny it immediately. “You were... being flirty as always. And you were acting under the certainty that we were... dating, but...” You admit that what you did was because you allowed it and wanted it, and confess that you like him too.

“Are you sure? You’re a very nice person, but if you feel something different and are afraid of hurting the other person if you tell the truth, you... you shouldn't... No, you CANNOT put other people's feelings above your own.” He spoke with a conviction you had never seen before, and as if he were giving you advice he himself couldn't follow. “And even if it makes the other person sad or upset with you, you shouldn't care about it. You shouldn't...” He sighs and smiles with a sad look at you. “Don't stop being who you are... but don't let anyone abuse that cute side of you either, ‘kay?”

You insist that what you said was true, that you know about the sides of him he tries to hide and that you like it too. You even wish he felt more comfortable revealing more of those sides to you.

“Ha ha ha. What are you talking about? I...” He, as always, tries to deny it, until he realizes who he was talking to and gives up on it with a sigh. “You don't want to see that... it's not... that fun...”

“I know. No one has only their fun and smiling side. That would be creepy.”

“You think I'm nicer than I really am...” He smirks darkly.

You confidently get closer to him and smirk back.

“And you think I'm more naive than I really am... senpai~”

You decide to become the flirty one to convince him and you start talking and acting more seductively towards him. He doesn't move away and smiles seductively back.

“Aww, Cay-kun is being such a bad example for you, isn't he?” He cups your face. “He’s such a meanie...” He brings his face close to yours and whispers. “...corrupting your cute innocence like this.”

“Who said I was ever innocent?” You finish and kiss his lips that were already so provocatively close to yours.

Full list of characters: Dating in a Dream - Index