let's go steady

You knew for a fact that you loved the eel, and that behind his scheming pursuits and chilling smiles, he does hold some affection for you. But you weren’t sure if he liked you the same way you did. When your fingers brushed over his, did he feel the same rush you did? Whenever you spot him in a sea of students after class, does his heart run to the moon and back, the same as you still do despite all the time you’ve spent together? 

Amidst your racing thoughts, Jade calculates his own response. 

But first, a realization. 

“It seems that I have missed something…” His voice comes out as a soft mumble, as if he were talking to himself. 

“Sorry?”

He looks at you with his eyebrows furrowed, concern painting the eel’s face. This kind of expression was common, but it was usually accompanied by a scheme of some sort. The only scheme here would be playing your heart, however. But you see the slight downward twitch of his lips, and for a moment, you believe that his worry is genuine. Then, his mouth moves to turn into a little pout. Adorable, you think. 

“I cannot believe that I have overlooked such a vital part of our relationship.” Jade makes a move to hold you closer, his long limbs slithering along the dip of your waist. Your heart does a flip, maybe 10000 flips in a second. Lethal power: 67%.

“Prefect…” His fingers drag along your hair, tucking it behind your ear. The closer proximity gives you a chance to study his annoyingly handsome features. His mismatched eyes meet your own, and his lips contort into the smile you’ve grown fond of. You feel your knees weaken, and mentally thank Jade for holding you–otherwise you might’ve fallen. Fallen for him, though, you already have. Lethal power: 82%. 

Suddenly, he draws back. Your eel retracts his arms from your shoulder and waist, takes a step to create some space before you, and holds his hands together in the usual, polite manner he does. 

“Will you let me have the honor of marrying you?” 

…

…?

…????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lethal power: MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE

You find yourself unable to move in shock. Was there something you missed? What part of your conversation could have ever led him to Him??? Marrying??? You???

Before he could reach for the box in his pocket and get down on his knees (why does he just have that prepared?); your arms frantically reach the sides of his shoulder and bring him up to your eye level, looking at him as if he had gone insane. Well, you’re not that far off…

“Wait, Jade! I’m sorry, I don’t understand! I thought you didn’t like me back, why are you–”

“You thought that I didn’t return your affections? My dear, are you dense?”

Dense. You don’t know if that was a more fitting description for yourself or the eel standing before you, “On the contrary, I believe my feelings are affirmed to you each and every day we spend together.” For the second time, you’re taken aback. Unlike the first, your mouth is left gaping so much that a fly could take space and start paying rent. However, Jade graciously brings his hand to your chin to close it, and looks into your eyes once more. 

“I believe I haven’t missed a day. I was under the impression that our relationship was going smoothly, and that you were unsatisfied that I haven’t proposed to you yet. Was that not your point, my dear?”

No, far from it! You wanted to shout, but to your favor, you let him continue, “I remember the day you first confessed your feelings for me. I assumed that you were accepting my attempts to court you. I always made sure to intertwine your arm with mine, after all.” 

That day, after his polite response, he reached out to offer his arm for you to hold, and walked you back to Ramshackle. It was no surprise to you, however, because it was common for him to do so. You safely assumed that he was trying to play the part of a gentlemanly, polite eel. But apparently, that meant something entirely different to Jade. He was courting you all this time? And you never noticed??

“Jade, are you serious?” You give him an incredulous look, your brain trying to catch up with this new information. The eel smiles at your current expression, now clearly finding amusement at the situation.

 “Yes, quite serious, my dear. But to calm your worries, I assure you that I sincerely return your affections. I find that our time together has made my days much more pleasant, and that your presence is one that I can never bring myself to tire of. Though you can be a handful at times, it seems that it only causes me to fall more in love with you, fufu.” The lilt in his tone soothes your thoughts, and you begin to fully look at the eel standing before you. Standing up with perfect posture, his hands are brought together across his stomach, and he still has his signature smile spread across his face. If you squinted a bit, you’d find that his cheeks are even tinted a very faint shade of pink, and that his breathing is a bit uneven. For Jade, such a small reaction is a big sign that he’s worked up. You find that hard to believe, but just hearing you doubt his love for you is enough to throw him off track.

Despite that, his eyes seem filled with amusement crinkling their corners, clearly focusing all his attention on you. At the realization, you feel your face heat up, and your heart runs a mile once more. But you’re happy. Relieved, even. Though your hypothesis was completely off, it’d be the only thing you’d never want to be true. The fact is: your eel is undeniably and utterly in love with you. 

There is one question left unanswered, however. 

“Prefect, I’m glad that I was able to erase your doubts, but I believe you have yet to respond to my previous inquiry.” 

“Huh? What did I miss…I love you too?”

He smiles at your reply, and gently runs his gloved fingers through your hair once more, “I appreciate your words, but I was referring to my marriage proposal.” 

“Wait, you’re really asking me that? Right now?” You were only in your second and third years, after all. You didn’t think your relationship would last either, and that you’d be left to deal with your “unrequited” feelings forever…

The amused look in Jade’s eyes turned into something that resembled mischief instead,  “Hm? I take it that you are rejecting my request? Or is it that…there is a third party?” This time, he puts on his worried face–cute pout intact–hand holding his chin, clearly putting on an act to look pitiful. “I was hoping to wait for the perfect time to ask for your hand, but I thought that waiting had become a hindrance in our relationship, in regard to your previous worries. Though, I am curious as to what your answer will be, my dear~.”

You let out a dry sniffle, but then your eyes warm up, and suddenly tears are streaming down your face. You find that your overwhelming happiness is difficult to hold back, and you see Jade genuinely startled once more. He immediately moves to retrieve the handkerchief from his breast pocket, “Oh dear, Prefect, I apolog–”

“Yes! Jade, please marry me!”

extra:

After your confession, Jade walks back to Octavinelle in high spirits. Even Floyd is weirded out by how happy his brother seems, but immediately assumes that Shrimpy had done something nice to him that day. More than nice, actually.

He gathers his materials and the plants he’s foraged to create a terrarium dedicated to you. One out of many, in fact, but this one is special because it marks your first day as a couple. He sets two budding plants together, hoping to see them bloom with you.

Then comes your new routine–preparing you lunches with mushrooms he’s foraged and recipes he threatened asked for from Ruggie, taking initiative and inviting you on hiking dates or go stargazing with him, and clearly giving you special treatment by handing out discounts whenever you visit him at Mostro Lounge Azul is on his last straw.

The only thing running through his head while doing these things is of course, three simple words: I love you. 

Seeing you waiting by the counter at Mostro Lounge? I love you. When he gifted your couple-terrarium and saw how overjoyed you were, he thought, So this is love. Even though hiking wasn’t your strongest suit, you insisted on going with him because you wanted to be part of his hobbies, too. I love the Prefect. 

However, it seems he got a bit carried away, because he never actually uttered these words to you–they remained as constant thoughts in his mind, leading him to believe he always relayed these feelings to you.  Hm, and he has the nerve to wonder why you ask him one day, “Jade, will you ever break up with me?”

After sifting a comb through his hair to clear out any knots, you set it down and stroke his hair one last time before getting up. Thinking you were both about to head to sleep, Jamil looks up at you, confused. “Where are you going, baby? Washroom?” 

You fight back the smile threatening to appear on your face and maintain a neutral look, eyes meeting Jamil’s inquisitive ones, “Hm, no. I think I’m gonna head back to my dorm tonight.” Jamil cocks one eyebrow, but sighs, “It’s late. I’ll walk you to your dorm." Huh, that was easier than you thought. Still, you’re mildly disappointed that he accepted your excuse so quickly…

Nonetheless, you move on to the second phase of your plan! “No, it’s alright, I’ll call you if I need anything.” You move to gather your things, and slowly move to the door, waiting for his response. Looking from where he’s lying on his bed, “If you wish. I’ll see you tomorrow then.” 

You set your hand on the doorknob, and bid him goodbye one last time, “Okay, I’m off Jamil!” 

“Mm, take care. Quiet on your way out, you might wake Kalim.” He stands up from the floor to move to his bed, getting himself ready to sleep. However, you aren’t satisfied with his response, because you couldn’t even execute the last part of your prank! “Jamil, I’m going now.” 

“Are you forgetting something?” Oh, is he falling for your bait? You turn around and meet his eyes once again, “No, I think I have everything I need.” Despite your words, Jamil switches his gaze to his table, where your phone is lying. “You have no more need for your phone then?” He smirks, amused by your forgetfulness. You, on the other hand, are utterly…flabbergasted. No way I actually forgot something?? So he didn’t fall for anything then???

You still make an effort to look composed, but Jamil notices how red the tips of your ears are getting, “Ah, that, I didn’t need it, but thanks for reminding me.” He chuckles at your indifference, “So, how were you planning to ‘call me if you needed anything?’ Did you plan to send me a message by pigeon?” Jamil smirks at you teasingly, his handsome features making your heart skip a beat…but no! You mustn't lose sight of your goal! 

“Aha! I was just testing you, you know…” you walk over to grab your phone from his desk, “Okay, I’m going for real this time. See you tomorrow Jamil!” You send him a little wave bye, before facing the door yet again. “Be safe, see you.” This is the third time he’s telling you goodbye, and his usual “I love you” is missing. Pranks aside, you feel like you’re the one getting tricked because he genuinely just forgot to say it three times…or so you think. 

Deciding to give up on teasing your boyfriend, you fold, saying, “‘Kay see you, I love you Jamil!”

“Yes, sleep well. Don’t run into trouble on your way out.” 

“Mhm, love you~.“

This time, he doesn’t say anything, and only hums in response. Now you just feel like you played yourself. You’ve already said it, so why isn’t he saying it back! 

“Jamil, why aren’t you saying it back?” You walk to stand in front of where he’s lying on his bed. Your boyfriend sits up, his face holding a neutral expression. However…you notice a mischievous glint in his eyes when he speaks, “Hm? Say what back, baby?” 

Ugh, he knows! 

“How did you find out?! I literally just thought of pranking you minutes ago, right before I faked my exit!!” Exasperated, you violently sit yourself at the edge of his bend, arms crossed. Jamil is tempted to push your buttons a bit more, but decides to end this. “Prefect, I knew the moment you stood up that you were up no good. Might I remind you that you have no choice but to sleep here, since Grim blew up Ramshackle the other day?” Thanks to your blue-flamed cat, Ramshackle had to be closed down for repairs for a few days, and Jamil offered his room for you to stay in for the time being…so…how’d you overlook that vital fact again?

“Blah, blah, just say you don’t love me anymore!” You huff, move your head away from him in an over-the-top manner, playing up the theatrics to cover up your embarrassment. When you peak an eye out to look at him, he’s already sitting next to you. “Don’t act angry with me now, you started this. Now that you’ve had your fun, let’s go to bed, hmm?” 

You look away, continuing to ignore him, but the hand on your chin forces you to meet his gaze again. He sighs, clearly tired from the day's events, but still chooses to indulge you, “Won’t you come to bed now, baby? I love you~” he teases, crooning into your ear. 

Hm. You can always try pranking him next time if it ends like this. 

You: Jade, are u there?  I wanna make truffle pasta, do u have extra?

Jade: Hello, Prefect.  It appears I do have some at hand. If you’re free, I can drop by your dorm and give it to you tonight. 

You: YAY  You’re a lifesaver Jade!!

Jade: Fufu, it is no problem, my dear.  I’ll see you later, I love you ~

Seeing his last reply, an idea pops into your head. It’s rare for him to tell you he loves you in words, but the opportunity to prank him has already presented itself…is it so wrong to plot against the master schemer? 

You close your phone and begin prepping the ingredients to cook the dish. Unbeknownst to you, your phone buzzes. 

Jade: Prefect? 

It’s unusual for you to leave him hanging, seeing as you usually return his affections without another thought. It‘s no matter, Jade thinks, if you’ve forgotten, he’ll just have to get a response from you in person. 

He smiles to himself, thinking of the adorable expression you make whenever you tell him you love him. He finds that he looks forward to hearing it from you again. 

At the appointed time, Jade prepares the mushrooms and makes his way to Ramshackle dorm, unaware of the little scheme you’ve made against him…

Your plan was simple, pretend to forget to tell Jade “I love you,” and act clueless towards his affections. It shouldn’t be too difficult if you set your mind to it, you’ll just have to somehow muster the resolve to defend yourself from his attacks…(read: one pout from your eel and you fold).

Hearing him knock on your door, you welcome him in as usual, “Jade! Thank you again for the mushrooms–I can try a new recipe now, hehe.” Seeing as he makes no move to come in or be on his way, you tell him, “Well, I’m sure you’re busy, so I’ll see you later.” You stand on your tiptoes to plant a kiss to his cheek, leaving him stunned. 

Eyes wide open, Jade composes himself and sets a hand to his chin. “My, Prefect, you’re acting rather bold this evening. However, there is one thing you’re forgetting,” he muses, taking a step towards Ramshackle’s lounge. “It seems you’ve left our last exchange…unfinished.”

Smiling to yourself, you look at him with innocent eyes, “Hm? Is there something I missed? I’m sorry, I got caught up with cooking the pasta…” 

“It is quite alright, it only presents me an opportunity to hear it from you now, fufu.” Jade hides behind his hand as he chuckles, looking at you expectantly. You didn’t expect him to be so direct, but that’s Azul’s right hand for you, you guess. “Hear what exactly? Do you want me to sing you something? Lalalalala–” you begin, but your boyfriend quickly presses a finger to your mouth. 

“Oh, how you wound me, my dear. It seems that you haven’t picked up your phone, I presume?” He takes a step closer toward you, “I love you, dear Prefect~.” 

“Aw Jade, that’s so sweet of you!” you smile, moving away and entering the kitchen, “I’m not sure what you want, but would you like to cook with me tonight?” you offer, placing the mushrooms on the counter. 

Somehow, Jade winds up at your side, acting as your sous chef for the evening. Using his skills from managing Mostro Lounge, you find that the truffle pasta is done without a hitch. Setting the food on the table, the both of you sit down to enjoy your masterpiece. However, by the way he’s looking at you, it seems like this eel still wants something…

“Prefect, wouldn’t you say that we’ve done quite a wonderful job this time? I myself am looking forward to tasting the fruits of our efforts. Don’t you think so?” 

“I know, this looks so good!” you twirl your pasta around your fork and feed it to Jade, “Here, try some!” Used to your antics, your eel opens his mouth to try the dish.

“Mm, I might have to tell Azul to add this to Mostro Lounge’s menu, fufu. As always, I do love your cooking, Prefect.”

“Hehe, I’m just glad you like it!”

“I must say, I also love the way you look tonight. I find you in your loungewear utterly adorable.” You don’t know how he’s saying this was a straight face, but it makes your heart race a little…

“And Prefect,” he adds, “I do have an appreciation for your skill. It seems I find myself falling in love with you more after this evening.”

You respond with a very elegant, 

“AHAK–” choking on your pasta, you look up to see Jade smiling down at you, leaning on his palm. Why is he being so honest this evening, did Azul make him drink a truth potion?!

He gently pats down on your back, handing you a glass of water, “My dear, are you quite alright? I apologize if I have burdened you with my confessions…I just simply love you, is all.” He makes an apparent effort to look pitiful, his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes downcast, but you know better than to believe his act. 

Gulping down the glass of water he offered you, you breathe out, “Jade? Is there something you want to tell me?” you meet him in the eyes, and he smiles at you politely, “Why are you being so sappy all of a sudden?” 

His eyes crinkle up in amusement, “Oh, it’s nothing, my dear. It just seems that you’ve been forgetting something this whole time…” 

The jig is up, you think. Admitting defeat (or victory, seeing as how far you pushed him?), you sigh out, “Okay, okay. I love you too, Jade.” Hearing your words, his face visibly lights up, his smile widening by 0.676767 millimeters.

“Well I’m glad to hear that you still return my affections, Prefect,” he takes an obvious glance at the lounge’s grandfather clock and sees that it’s already half past ten, “It seems that I may have overstayed my welcome, I believe I should be on my way.” Standing from his seat, he smoothens out his uniform and gives you a little bow, “I shall see you tomorrow, my dear.” 

So, this whole time…Jade was stalling long enough to hear you say “I love you” back? And successfully baited you into it as well?! 

No fair…well, at least you know how desperate he is to hear those words from you, despite how collected he seems on the outside. 

Before he takes a step out of the lounge, you wrap your arms around his middle, “Jade, you always tell me this, but between the two of us, you’re the one who’s cuter here~” 

“I have no idea what you’re referring to, my dear,” Jade turns to you and tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear, “Goodnight, I look forward to seeing you in the morning,” he smiles. He opens your door and makes his way back to Octavinelle. 

As soon as he steps out of your gate, however, his phone lights up. He looks at it to see a message from you:

I was just kidding the whole time, I love you too Jade!