when will my brain cell return from war

A few days and a few draining shifts at Hell’s Kitchen later to save up enough to pay back his younger brother at the command of the new pain in his ass, it finally occurs to Mammon that he could now feel new sensations, specifically feelings that weren’t his own, and he comes to the conclusion that he has you to thank for this unwanted connection. His heart pulls at your loneliness when you lock yourself away in the guest room, scared of your new home and dejected by those around you. He feels himself become homesick for the human realm, a place he’d never regard as ‘home’ considering the amount of money grubbing witches after his wallet residing there. He feels his heartbeat speed up in tandem with yours every time you’re together. He’s not sure what to make of that one.

It doesn’t take long- a week at most, until he’s knocking on your door with enough force you’d think he’d bowl it down. You open the door with wild eyes, not sure who’d be bothering to visit you at this hour. The familiar race in your chest begins when you lock eyes with him. He can’t keep his own on you for long, finding the silence and the tension unbearable.

“Yo!”

“H-hey Mammon.”

“…”

“…”

“I think I left my charger in here earlier, better check for it.”

“Oh. I can grab it for yo-”

“NO! N-nah, I mean I can come in n get it myself, ‘m not stupid.”

“I..never said you were?”

“J-just lemme in!”

Mammon pushes past you and walks into your room, trying to seem nonchalant as he pick up blankets and shoves them aside, kicking up clothes in pursuit of his charger. He’s not surprised to find it where he strategically left it after your TSL marathon last night. He grabs it with the fingers of one hand, looping his thumbs into his pockets before turning back around to face you.

“Listen…if ya scared of Levi-”

“I’m not..”

“Or any of my brother for that matter…I could…ya know, look out for ya…”

“Aren’t you already supposed to be doing that?”

You cock your eyebrow at him, whether in suspicion or bemusement he’s not too sure. Why was this so hard to get out?

“Very funny. What I’m tryin’ to say is I could stay with ya! To.. ya know… make you less…scared…”

“You want to stay in my room? Like, a sleepover?”

Okay. Now it’s definitely bemusement. He can feel the heat rising up to his cheeks, his shoulders tensing up and back as he prepares for dejection, to be laughed at. What was he doing in the first place? He was just trying to find a way to get these feelings to stop, to stop feeling this weird psychic like connection he now had to your human mood swings. And he figured the best way to do that was to ask to stay with you? Overnight? IN YOUR ROOM? ALONE?!?

With the implications now hitting the second born straight in the face, a flurry of words begin to fly out of his mouth at a rapid pace. He’s clamoring to bring the conversation back to normalcy, throwing in a few insults just to be sure, and doing what he does best: backpedaling! But that stupid face on your face makes it hard to form a coherent reasoning as to why he wouldn’t want to be caught dead hanging out with the human, and that rapid thump, thump, thumping in his chest that he’s sure is somehow your fault is too distraction to overlook, and oh fuck you’re opening your mouth to speak-

“Sure.”

“I mean it’s not like I’d WANT to stay in here with ya! In fact, think of it like a favor- or better yet, a service! I don’t work for fr- wait. Did you say sure?”

“Sure. I could use some company. Honestly I’ve been pretty lonely since I got here.”

The demon finds himself too stunned to speak. It takes a giggle from you to break him out of his trance.

“Yeah. Yeah! I mean, I’m The Great Mammon, who wouldn’t wanna chill with me! Just don’t tell my brothers I was hangin’ around ya!”

“Yeah, I got it. The whole never wanna be caught with the weak, “fragile human” thing.”

You pause and he notices how your face briefly falls before you catch yourself. He not sure what to make of that one. But he knows you feel a little hurt. Because he can feel it too.

“So.. wanna watch a movie?”

One and a half stale comedy movies later and the second born is finding it increasingly hard to keep his eyes open. He knows you feel it too as he glances over at your slumped form. Your eyes may be staring dead ahead at the tv set, but he knows you aren’t absorbing a single word being said. It takes him a few tries to grab your attention.

“Oi…Oi!”

You jump, startled at the voice coming next to you. You slowly rotate towards them, blinking a few times and stifling a yawn.

“You oughta lay down. Ya look like you’re about to pass out.”

“I suppose you’re right. I’m going to change into pajamas. Did you bring any?”

Mammon shakes his head, “Nah, I gotta run back to my room ‘n change. I’ll be right back.”

You give a nod before disappearing into the bathroom. Mammon stretches before standing and making his way out the door. He figures his usual bedtime attire would get him a swift slap to the face, so he opts to go to sleep clothed tonight, it being your room and all.

His usual swagger has become lose and hazy as he walks back into your room, adorned in sweatpants and a hoodie he’d managed to swipe off his floor. He doesn’t bother knocking as he grips the handle, throwing your door open and shutting it behind him and while staring down at his D.D.D.

“So, ya want me to take the couch or w-WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?”

His phone clatters to the ground as his eyes grow in shock.

“What! What do you mean?!”, you ask, glancing down at yourself to frantically locate what could possibly pull that kind of reaction out of the second born. The straps of your tank top allowed for much more skin to show than what Mammon was used to seeing from you, but surely that couldn’t be the cause of his concern.

“T-That! Ya didn’t tell me you had a huge tattoo on yer chest!”

Your eyes travel down to the scooped neck line and thin strap that adorned your body. That’s when it dawns on you - he’s never actually seen this before. The mark that you’ve seen everyday since that day in the kitchen. Since you traded Mammon his credit line for his free will.

“Oh that. I..I think that’s yours?”

“MINE!? WHADDYA MEAN MINE?!”

“It kinda showed up after that day in the kitchen. Where we did the kneeling thing in the circle?”

“My pact mark?! O-over top your heart!? Nuh-uh, no way. This can’t be happening.”

It was clear to see Mammon was in full blown panic mode, but as to why would be anyone’s guess.

“Well uh, I don’t remember sitting down to get a big ass tattoo of some kind of…crest? I don’t know, look at it, see for yourself.”

“Q-QUIT PULLIN’ YA SHIRT DOWN!”

Mammon practically runs across the room, shielding his eyes with one hand while grappling with you to leave your shirt alone with the other.

“Hey! I didn’t choose to put it there! Did you?”

“OI! OF COURSE NOT!”

“Stop screaming and tell me if it’s yours!”

Though his mind doesn’t want to, his eyes automatically look downwards towards the exposed area of your chest. There’s no mistaking it. He’d know his mark anywhere, he knows it like the back of his hand. The mark of his greed. The same mark that lay right over your heart. His mark. He takes a sharp breath in. It glows a bright, blinding golden shine. He feels his heart beginning to speed up once more.

Shit.

Mammon bolts out of your room.

——————————————————————————

Ever since that occurrence, the second born has made himself as scarce as he possibly could be from your life. It’s not like Mammon could just neglect his duties as your watch dog, Lucifer would have his head if he did, and he fails to see how there’s any coming back from a punishment fit for “failing Lord Diavolo”. A shiver runs down his spine at the thought.

It was simple really, if he didn’t overthink it. Walk the human to and from R.A.D, make sure they’re not gettin’ picked on, NEVER talk about what happened last week and ALWAYS deflect if they brought it up. And Of COURSE you’d bring it up. Stupid humans and their inability to know when to just leave it alone.

It happens the first time he walks you to class after the fact. You didn’t run after him when he ran. Not surprising, he thought. “Musta thought they did somethin’ wrong”, he reflected alone, but then again, you did, didn’t you? You must have done something to make his mark, his crest, his claim fall perfectly atop the left side of your chest.

“Sooooo… are you gonna tell me why you ran away off the other night? If my shoulders were that spooky, I could have put on a t-shirt, you know.”

“I dunno what yer talkin’ about.”

The second born’s steely concentration remains aimed down at his D.D.D, where he currently typed furiously arguing with his brothers in the house’s group chat.

“Okay, so it’s not my shoulders. Was it these bad boys? You know, us humans can be pretty scary”, you grunt, drawing out the last words while flexing what little muscle you had in a teasing manner in an attempt to lighten the mood. Unfortunately for your dignity, Mammon doesn’t even throw a glance your way. “Uh huh, yea”, he mumbles, fingers continuing to fly across his keyboard.

Wanting to know what conversation he found so enthralling, you decide to slip your own D.D.D out of your pocket, clicking on the group chat notifications you’ve been receiving.

Leviathan: Ugh, I can’t believe I have to attend class today in person. I feel like such a normie.

Satan: Good. Maybe you’ll start to leave your room more often and stop being such a shut in.

Leviathan: Hey! If anyones a shut in lately, it’s Mammon! I’ve barely seen him at all this week! Every time I try to talk to him he says “he’s busy” and to “leave him alone”.

Lucifer: Interesting. Mammon, care to explain why you’re so busy?

Mammon: I’m not up to nothin’, I swear! I’m just studyin’ is all.

Asmodeus: Aww, are you too busy playing with your new human that you don’t have time for your own brothers?

Mammon: Shuddup! I’m watchin’ over them and that’s that.

Asmodeus: Don’t play dumb with us, Mammon <3 Levi told us all about what went down in the kitchen.

Mammon: LEVI! I SWEAR TA FATH- I DONT KNOW WHAT I SWEAR TO BUT IM GONNA KILL YA’

Beelzebub: Kitchen….

Mammon: BEEL YER NOT HELPING!

Satan: Did you really expect you could hide a newly form pact from us? The exchange student is absolutely radiating with your power now.

Asmodeus: Aw, I wanna make the human radiate too!

Mammon: I had no choice okay! They practically blackmailed me into it!

Leviathan: You could have said no, if you weren’t such a money grubbing scumbag.

Mammon: Hey! Goldie belongs to ME! I had to get her back no matter the cost.

Lucifer: That also sounds rather interesting. Mammon, care to explain?

Mammon: EEP!

Asmodeus: What I find rather interesting is that pact! I want all the details! Like, what did their face look like when you formed it? Was their mouth open? What sounds did they make? Did they sound like moans? Were they more beautiful than mine?

Mammon: Like I’m tellin’ ya any of that!

Asmodeus: Ooo I know! Where did the pact sigil form? <3

Finding the conversation now centering all around you, you decide to speak for yourself.

MC: On my chest. It sits a bit over my heart.

Mammon’s head shoots up to look at you, expression a mix of terror and shock. It was almost as if he forgot you were also apart of this conversation.

“Wha-WHY’D YA GO AND TELL EM’ THAT!”

“C-cause it’s the truth? Is it supposed to be a secret? They said they already knew?”

“Not about the pact! About the chest thing! About the h-heart thing!”

Suddenly your D.D.Ds notifications both start blaring at the same time, notifications buzzing much faster than they had before.

Asmodeus: Ooo Mammon ~ very bold of you <3

Leviathan: Eww gross… Are you kidding me? You guys met like what, not even three weeks ago?

Satan: I do have to say given the implications, that does seem very sudden.

You decide being the center talk of the HOL’s tabloid was not for you. If Mammon wasn’t going to give you answers, you were going to get them one way or another out of one of these boys.

MC: What ‘implications’?

“That’s it!”

You jump as you hear Mammon speak up next to you, reaching over to yank your D.D.D put of your hands and holding it over your head. You jump up and try to grab it from his grasp, but it’s not use.

“Hey! Give that back!”

“Nun-uh. Ya too distracted and at this rate we’re gonna be late.”

“Since when have you ever cared about being late?”

“Since Lucifer threatened to skin me alive if I don’t deliver ya to school on time. Now c’mon, let’s get goin’.”

Mammon slips his arm out of one strap of his bag and maneuvers it around to his front, unzipping a pocket and dropping your D.D.D inside.

“But, what if I need it for something? Like, an emergency!”

“Ya don’t need it. Ya got me remember. Don’t know how ya could forget with that big ass blemish on yer chest.” Though he mumbles the last part under his breath, it was just enough for you to hear.

“You…you think it’s a blemish?”, you ask, not feigning to hide the disappointment in your voice.

Oh no. Oh fuck. He can feel it again. That rapid beat beat beating of your heart, and the rising sadness beginning to bubble in your stomach.

“That’s not what I meant,” Mammon starts, but before he can finish the words are already leaving your mouth.

“You know, thanks for walking me, but I think I forgot something at HOL. I can find my own way back.”

“MC, wait!”

Now it was your turn to bolt away from him.

꒰ ♡ ꒱ ─── LUCIFER

Lucifer sighs. He would usually get very, very upset if someone were to fall asleep a few minutes into one of his lectures and proceed to punish them in a harsher way, but he can hardly stay too mad at you. He walks over to where you head lays on his desk, your eyes shut. You looked peaceful.

Lucifer is aware of how hard you've been studying, thus he doesn't bother to wake you— he'll just continue his lecture once you awake. For now? For now he'll admire your serene beauty.

"Mmhm," He hums aloud, brushing some hair out of your face. Your skin feels electric as his finger gently glides across your cheekbone. Would it be a bad time to wake up from your 'nap'? You keep your eyes closed as Lucifer continues on. "You make it hard to stay mad, what another glorious feat you've managed, my dear."

My dear? My dear!? Your heartbeat spikes, and you hope Lucifer doesn't notice. Instead you hear him clear his throat, before you feel a hand on your back.

"I can't have my favorite exchange student sleeping like this, so allow me to carry you to bed." Lucifer picks you up, and proceeds to do just as he said. He's carrying you to his bed. It's hard not to panic, and so your eyes open alert and awake. He doesn't notice until he feels your grip tighten on his shoulder, looking down to meet your horrified gaze.

"Uh- Uhm, I can- I can explain-" Lucifer cuts you off as he finished setting you on his bed, his body quickly turning to face away from you. Had you been observant enough, you'd notice the pink tinging his ears and the slight crack in his voice as he spoke.

"How much... How much did you hear exactly?"

"All of it..." You admit in a shamed tone, head hanging. Lucifer, after collecting himself, turns around and looks at your pitiful posture— he hopes you're not expecting him to pity you. Not after such an embarrassing moment.

"Don't think just because I'm not upset about you falling asleep doesn't mean I'm not upset about the other thing." Lucifer clarifies, "and since you're awake, I'll continue with my lecture." And with that, he does.

꒰ ♡ ꒱ ─── MAMMON

"'m hooome~" Mammon exclaimed in a sing-song voice as he threw open the door to your room. "Let me tell ya somethin', if I wasn't in dire need for money, I'd quit this damn job-... Hey, you awake?" Mammon had swung his jacket off somewhere in your room as he made his way to your bed, only stopping when you didn't move or respond.

In truth, you were awake, but you were exhausted. You just wanted to close your eyes and fall into an peaceful slumber, but this loud mouth seemed to interrupt just that. And so, you didn't open your eyes, even as he poke your cheek, because as much as you adore him, you'd hope he'd get the hint and leave.

But he didn't. Mammon let out an annoyed huff, continuing to poke at your cheeks for a little longer before laying down beside you, staring up at your ceiling. "If your not awake, who 'm I supposed to talk to?" He whines.

Well, you certainly weren't going to get any sleep any time soon, so you planned on opening your eyes and chatting with him until he was satisfied, only for him to start speaking some rather interesting words.

"Ugh, only you could look this good sleeping. Gotta admit, 'm impressed... That sounded kinda creepy, sorry..." He lets out another groan, throwing his head back against your pillow. "Damn it, why do I always say such dumb things 'round you, I swear if I didn't have some massive crush on ya, you'd be fallin' all over me." He curses, "I'm like, a total casanova, y'know? And-" As Mammon rolls over to his side to face you in his one-sided argument, he lets out the most unholy, high-pitched scream, falling off his bed upon seeing your open eyes.

"Wha- When did ya-"

"Could you go back to the part where you have a massive crush on me?" You can't help but tease, leaning over to get closer to him only for him to quickly turn his head to the side, bashful all of a sudden.

"Well... So ya heard all of that, then?" Aw, how cute. Mercy will be given, you suppose.

"Mmhm, and now if you just close your eyes, I'll confess too."

꒰ ♡ ꒱ ─── LEVIATHAN

What time was it even? Your eyes burn from agreeing to do a late night videogame tournament with Leviathan, staying up much later than you two intended. You tilt your head back against your gaming chair, closing your eyes. You were only going to close them for a few seconds, but you ended up dozing off.

Several minutes passed by before you woke up, although you kept your eyes closed, still a little groggy from your ten minute power nap.

"Did you see that-" The creak of Leviathan's old gamer chair squeaked as he turned to look at you, only to see you having passed out— he did think it was weird the game had snoring sounds but maybe that was you!

Levi pouts instantly, his hands lowering to his lap as he stares at your sleeping form. Meanwhile you're debating on scaring him or pretending to sleep to piss him off— neither happen right away though, as Leviathan reaches over and takes your headphone set off.

"You should've told me you were tired. Winning isn't as fun if it's not with you." He mumbled, turning back around to power off his games, but you couldn't hold your urge to tease him any longer and let out an 'awwwww' which causes him to nearly jump out of his skin!

"When did you-!?" Leviathan cuts himself off, his face igniting in a comically bright red blush. "What did you hear?" He hisses out, already beginning to curl in on himself. "Y- You're the worst!" He whines into his knees, holding on to them tightly.

"Wait, no," You panic, leaning forward and unwrapping him from himself. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you or anything. I thought it was sweet, honest." He doesn't meet your eye, staring at his Ruri-Chan pajama pants. The silence grows heavier with each passing second, and you know you need to do something to lighten the mood.

"I, er... Well, I also think winning isn't as fun, if its not with you." You offer sheepishly, "Actually, doing anything isn't as fun if I'm not doing it with you!" Your bold exclamation, one Leviathan basically takes as a straightforward declaration of love, makes him snap his eyes up to meet yours before he feels faint.

"I- I think we should... should head to bed..." He can already feel a nosebleed coming on. "Just please don't say anymore cringy stuff, okay?" You agree, helping him to his bathtub before leaving for the night. No more late night videogame sessions for a while.

꒰ ♡ ꒱ ─── SATAN

Satan doesn't blame you, this cat café was incredibly calming and he'd be lying if he said he never accidentally took a little snooze on the bean bag chairs whilst a cat purred softly on his chest. He snapped a picture of you asleep with several cats on top of and surrounding you, he would definitely cherish it forever (maybe even secretly make it his lockscreen).

"Aw, you two are so cute! Are you two dating?" A random customer asked, having seen the way Satan was admiring you with such a soft expression. Satan chuckles nervously, glancing over at you. He seems to miss the slight twitch of your hand or eyebrow.

"No, not yet. I'd like to though." The customer makes a sad sound— you relate, mentally, also rather sad at this fact before focusing on the fact that he admitted he'd like to date you. The customer asks why you two aren't together yet if it's so obvious he likes you, and although Satan doesn't exactly like strangers prying in to his personal life, he can't help but answer.

"I'm not sure how they feel about me... I'd like to know before I potentially make things awkward." The strangers curiosity seems to be sated, and with that, leaves him be. He glances at you again, and notices the light sheen of sweat on your brow and the twitching of your lids and lips. You weren't as subtle as you thought you were.

"Are you awake?" Satan asks, waiting. When you don't move, well not vigorously, Satan sighs. "I know you're awake."

You now peek open an eye, smiling in a guilty manner. "Ha, you caught me..." You clear your throat, "We should probably head back home soon, don't want it getting to la-"

"Please don't dance around the subject. I understand if you don't feel the same way, you don't need to fear rejecting me. I will try to push aside my feelings and-"

"No!" You cut him off before he can continue, startling several cats. You apologize to them, before returning your attention to a slightly surprised Satan. "I like you, too."

"Oh." Satan's tense features relax into a pleasant smile. "Then shall we discuss this further when we get back home?"

꒰ ♡ ꒱ ─── ASMODEUS

"And then I said- Oh! How rude!" Asmodeus tsks, shaking his head as he lays eyes upon your slumbering body. "Or is it perhaps that my voice is just so soothing you couldn't help but fall asleep? If that's the case, then I don't blame you~"

You did happen to fall asleep— what did he expect? He made you carry his shopping bags around all day! You didn't mean to do it whilst he was in the middle of talking but sleep sort of just took over. It wasn't until he gasped upon noticing you asleep did you wake back up, although still hazy with sleep, your heavy eyelids remaining closed.

You weakly call his name, trying to let him know you were awake, but he mistakes it for sleep talk. He coos, and you're too tired to put up a fight so you just continue to let him think you're asleep. "Aw, do you love me that much? Saying my name in your sleep! You're just too cute!"

Asmodeus is then quiet, quiet for much too long. You stir a bit, but remain otherwise in the same position. He sighs, his knuckles brushing against your cheek, his lips ghosting over your forehead. A sweet, chaste, featherlight kiss against your forehead, and he's pulling back, admiring you.

"Can I be honest with you, for just a moment?" His voice is missing its usual airy, lightheartedness. "I think I'm in love with you. I think I have been for a long time..." He adverts his eyes to his well manicured nails, fighting the urge to pick at them out of anxiety. "I doubt you'd believe me though, everyone would easily mistake it as typical Asmodeus flirty behavior... But I do mean it. I'm... I'm in love with you."

Well... You're wide awake now. Your heart is racing in your chest, a heat rising to your cheeks. Even your hands have begun to grow clammy at his confession.

Asmodeus lets out a light sigh, a hand resting over his chest. "Ah, that felt good to get out." Asmodeus hums, looking up at his ceiling. "Perhaps next time I'll try confessing to you when you're awake."

Unable to truly let him know you're awake (and saving him from any possible embarrassment), you decide to wait for the real confession, which happens only a week later. And the real confession? It was even better.

꒰ ♡ ꒱ ─── BEELZEBUB

"Hm? Oh, an 'after-meal' nap." Beelzebub mumbles to himself as he looks over at your figure splayed on the chair, you two just coming back from a nice meal out. "I get that, I'll join you." Once again he's talking to himself. He finds himself sitting on the couch near you, the fire crackling setting a nice, serene mood and allowing him to feel the haze of sleep blanket over him.

"Mmm, this is nice... We should do this more often..." He shifts, trying to get comfier. "Whenever I'm with you... is nice though... I like being... around you..." His words slur together near the end, a sleepy mess, although you're not. You bolt upwards as soon as you hear the first snore escape him, looking at him frantically.

What does that mean? He likes being around you? It's nice being with you? Was that some kind of confession? You're dying to understand, and curse yourself for not making it known you were awake the entire time earlier. Crawling over to where he lays on the couch, you come face-to-face with him.

"Beel? Psst, Beel..." You poke his cheek repeatedly, his hand lazily swatting at your hand, "Please explain, what did you mean by 'I like being around you.'" Beel stirs only a little, but not much. Still very much asleep. You whine, wondering if you should shake him awake instead, only for his arm to wrap around your back and pull you closer towards him.

"B- Beelzebub!" You squeak out in surprise, especially when he turns around and brings you with him. It was like you were a stuffed animal rather than a whole human! You swallow thickly, trying to fight back the racing of your heart or the urge to caress his face.

"Ah, please wake up Beel..."

Once again, he does not wake up. You sigh, resting your head against his chest and closing your eyes. Well, it was useless to try and wake him, you'll just ask later when he is awake.

Except, unknown to you, Beelzebub is also very much awake and just too embarrassed to face you— he can't believe you heard him say all that! He's never been a guy to overthink things, but right now his mind is racing with a thousand thoughts. Mainly on how to properly confess to you when he 'wakes up.'

꒰ ♡ ꒱ ─── BELPHEGOR

Yeah, sadly this is very unlikely to happen because Belphegor doesn't bother talking to your sleeping body and prefers to just sleep alongside you. However, he most certainly has been in this situation reverse.

You stare down at his sleeping figure, curled up in his blankets, his tail curled around him. He looks impossibly comfortable, and the need to cuddle with him grows with each passing breath. But how much more of this platonic cuddling can you withstand? Your heart is racing, and sleeping is getting harder to do.

"You're such a pain in the ass." Is the first thing Belphegor hears from you. Surprisingly awake, not-so-surprisingly not making it known. Belphegor hadn't even done anything yet, grumbling inside his head about what could've caused your sour attitude. Just shut up and go to sleep, will you?

"Just tell me that you like me already!" You groan, pulling at your hair as you fall back against a pillow. Or don't shut up, actually Belphegor wants to urge you to continue on. "Liking you is a very special kind of torture, you know? You make no signs if you like me one way or another..." You glance over at him, sighing. He's too dang cute for you to stay mad though, so you shimmy down so you're laying beside him.

"If only you'd wake up and just say 'I like you too,' then maybe I could finally get back to sleeping like a normal person and-"

Missing the happy swaying of his tail, Belphegor peaks an eye open and a smug grin appears on his features.

"I like you too." His voice is hoarse with sleep, and he lazily wraps an arm around you before pulling you closer to him. "I like you too, so will you please be quiet now. I'm trying to sleep."

"Y- You heard-"

"Yes, yes, I heard everything." Belphegor so clearly amused by this whole situation that it irks you to some degree. "And I did mean it, I'm not just telling you so you'll be quiet. Do you understand?"

Bashfully, you nod. Yes, you understand. He made it very clear.

"Good. Now let's nap... and try not to stare too hard at my face next time, 'kay?" Belphie just couldn't help but tease.

“I just like the view, and-” You open your mouth, but close it again. For a moment, you’re quiet. “I can focus here. It’s nice and quiet. Well, usually... I don’t mean you! Let’s just say I didn’t know the exact times the bell rang when I first got here.”

Rollo lets out a slight huff of air through his nose. He moves to a corner of the room to grab his stepladder, and the rest of his usual supplies. “I’m familiar with the feeling. That’s a mistake anyone will only make once.” His ears had been ringing for two hours afterwards. You hum in reply, absentmindedly. 

When he places the ladder down near the bell, near where you’re seated cross-legged on the floor, he finally gets a good view off what’s keeping you busy. You’re moving a needle and thread through the sleeves of your school uniform. Your version of the uniform is much less intricate than the others. Both because you have no magic and no money to pay for the full set, you merely received a plain red garb to wear over your usual clothing. It always makes you the odd one out in every crowd. (And, frankly, it disgusts him. You had never asked to be here, manifested underneath the Bell of Salvation one day for him to find, and yet they treat you like second-rate. Of course they would.)

You seem to be stitching tiny bells into the fabric. The hint of a smile spreads on his face. Would this be in accordance with school regulations? You have not paid for your uniform, technically, it’s school property that you’re altering. Well, it’s not like anyone else will ever be wearing a uniform similar to yours, he believes. He’ll keep quiet. Not to mention, you making the clothing your own, in a way, pleases him. 

“That looks very nice,” You jump a little, like you just remembered he was there. “Please feel free to continue, though I will be cleaning here. Do you mind?” 

You shake your head, but glance at the bucket and rags that he’s carrying. “Won’t you be using magic to clean it? Isn’t that easier?” His grip on the bucket handle tightens. Certainly, it would be easier. Certainly, it would cost less time. He tries to swallow the bitterness rising up into his mouth. You know no better, that’s all.

“It would be,” He admits. “But why do you take the time to embroid yourself, when you could ask a friend to magically alter it within seconds?” 

“Um... Because it’s more satisfying if you do it yourself? And I just like to do this, it’s like a hobby.”

Rollo nods. “It’s the same for me.” Not many at Noble Bell College take the time out of their day to upkeep skills such as yours, swayed to sloth by the ease of convenience magic brings. He’s glad to see this. 

You smile, seeming satisfied at his answer, before bowing down again. He allows the room to lapse into silence, you both working on your respective tasks. Cleaning the bell is work Rollo normally loses himself in, even the strong smell of the specially-made oil having become soothing. Today, however, he finds himself taking his time, and his eyes wander to watch you work. From his current position, he can only see the back of your head. As he moves clockwise along the bell however, he eventually ends up in a spot where he can see your face. 

The steady movement of your hands, the focused expression on your face, the little furrow between your brow-- Whenever a particular emotion overwhelms Rollo, his worst habit is to mutter them out loud. 

“Cute...”

You tear yourself away from your work, blinking up at him. “Did you say something?”

“No.” He responds within a heartbeat. “You must’ve misheard.” Without thinking, he brings the cloth in his hand to his mouth for comfort , like he otherwise would. Immediately, oil is smeared all over the lower half of his face, and an absolutely repugnant scent fills his nostrils. Rollo gags loudly, nearly heaving over. It feels disgusting. 

LEONA KINGSCHOLAR - Last to Know

It annoyed Leona with how oblivious you are, were you truly not aware of his obvious hints that he has feelings for you? Or were you doing it on purpose?

He'd basically bend the entire world just to get an ounce of your attention. Everyone knows he's madly in love with you.

And yet how come you're super oblivious to his super obvious heart eyes

As time progress you started thinking Leona has feelings for you. You thought it was just an absurd thinking of yours until you started to connect all the dots. When you confronted him about your hypnosis all he did was gave you a sigh, then flicking your forehead—laughing how you're still oblivious until now.

You admit, it embarrassed you—but at the same time, you fully saw in full view of his love for you, heart eyes and a smile he never showed to others but you.

Everyone knows his undying love for you, and even you.

AZUL ASHENGROTTO - Love at First Sight

Azul doesn't believe at love at first sight, how can you love someone from a single glance when you have no idea what their personality is like, or how they act, or how they treat others. How can you still love a person you barely knew. And what if they weren't a good person? Azul always thinks these type of romance stories are just fake. Not until he met you,

You were so, fascinating, beauiful, and many words he can't describe in just one sentence

He doesn't know why he's feeling such a thing, maybe you casted a spell on him to make him fall for you, yea, that's it. Maybe that's why he's feeling like he wants to take you far away and bring you to a place where only you two exist.

He's certainly indenial of his affection. Maybe the twins would notice it, maybe he would—but he would deny it like a kid lying to their parents when they got scolded

He isn't fully committed to you yet, but maybe if you got to know eachother he could led this title of strangers into something more.

KALIM AL ASIM - Royal and Commoner

You don't know why Kalim had taken a liking to you. You were just a normal commoner to every Noble's eyes, and yet he was enarmoured by you.

He said you were special. You were smart and reliable, super pretty that he can't take his eyes off of you while he continued to list down several words why he loves you.

You don't understand, you clearly don't. He can have any lover he wants but he choose you, someone who can't give him anything because he already has everything.

But he said he doesn't have everything—those useless golds and riches meant nothing to him. But you, you were his everything.

He doesn't care if you cant give him a single item, just being with you was enough and was worth more than any gems that was offered to him. He doesn't care if you have no remarkable title, he doesn't care if you're only a commoner.

He wanted you and you only.

VIL SCHOENHEIT - Unrequited Love

Your love for Vil is impossible—too impossible because he was the embodiment of perfection when you're just... you...

He can make anyone he wants to kneel before him, including you—you wouldn't hesitate to do everything he wishes, you wouldn't hesitate to listen to every commands he gave you. You're too inlove to deny a word he says.

But you know he isn't willing to do the same to you. He doesn't love you the same way as you love him. He doesn't even know who you are.

You're just a fan while he's someone everyone admires, you're just normal while he's perfect. How can you make him love you if you know there's others being worthy of his lover?

Vil deserves someone who's perfect like him, while you just rot somewhere where your love can never reach him.

IDIA SHROUD - Secret Admirer

Idia hates confrontation, he dislikes being around with so many people—which is why he can't express his love for you personally and resulted to him writing you letters,

But he's afraid of what you'll think if you know who the letters were from, that's why he made it anonymous. He can only watch you afar, he can see you but you can't see him. Maybe it's better this way, he was too out of your league.

He can only watch you through his tablet as you smile with each letter he sends, or the little suprise gifts he leaves on your table. He said, it's better this way

He can make you smile, he can make you happy, he doesn't mind if you don't know about his existence, he doesn't mind if you will love someone else— as long as he can continue to make you smile afar then he's content with what little he has now.

MALLEUS DRACONIA - Opposites Attract

Diasomnia is always viewed as a gloomy and dark dorm, the students around always in dark aesthetics and several residents always kept to themselves. But you were quite different from the rest.

Malleus had described you as someone who's similar to Lilia, but you were also different.

Your smile had no sinister intentions, you always had a bright aura around you, extremely kind to your peers even if it's full of chaos. Everyone around you are not afraid to approach you—and because of that, he must protect you from any danger.

He will be your protector, he will protect you from any pain and you shall keep that bright smile of yours. Continue being the sun while he, the moon, will also brighten by your presence.

Without you, he was sure the moon would never be bright nor beautiful and will continue to be lonely.

You have been getting on Lucifer's nerves since the day you arrived at the Devildom. At first the idea of a human living in his space got on his nerves, but as be grew to know you his stubborn mind did everything to persuade himself to always despise you. You were on the list of things that he saw as the bane of his existence. He would try to avoid you, when he interacted with you he treated you like shit. Eventually you had evidently had enough when you started guarding your heart around him much harder than around anyone else and giving much shorter, vague answers to any of his questions over time. If he asked “where are you going?” you would say, “out.” You too did limit your interactions between the two of you by only talking to him when needed and clenching your teeth to keep you from screaming whenever he discarded your presence. To you he was a rude old man with his panties in a twist. You feared him at first which was only natural, slowly that fear morphed into irritation. Still, you were kind. You were always kind. Whenever you noticed him being more exhausted than usual you would do small gestures without letting him know it’s from you. He put it together after the first few times and suddenly you were on his mind more than he’d ever want to admit. You noticed that his eyes looked so desperate for sleep and the build up of sorrow from the centuries hidden beneath his mask. The most recent time you did something for him was when you looked at him and his deep red eyes were begging for help. You placed a cup of tea on his office desk on the way to your awaiting bed while he was in the common room to discuss a matter regarding a planner dinner for the nobles of RAD with Asmo. He had conflicting emotions to see the cup but he knew you did it. He always knew it was you. His first reaction would always be to question if you had an ulterior motive but you did it wordlessly, never acknowledging the gestures. Once he was finished with his work for the night he sighed and went to your room to ask you the meaning of the tea as he’s been wondering for months. You were soundly asleep as it was somewhere around 01:30 am. He peaked his head into your room to discover that you’ve fallen asleep with your head on top of your potions handbook. He doesn’t know why he did it almost naturally but he carefully lifted you from your chair and gently laid you down on your bed. You’ve stirred him in a new way. His feelings of annoyance slowly developing into a foreign emotion he was scared to discover. You weren’t fond of him and he knew that. So why? Why were you so kind a o him? He didn’t deserve it from you and he knew that. He had to make things right with you. Lucifer set the goal for himself to slowly morph your feelings of annoyance into something much sweeter, too.

Mammon [501]

-soulmates.

You and Mammon have been attached at the hip since shortly after you arrived at the Devildom. Wherever you were he would be found and vice versa. Sure, he feigned annoyance to hide his feelings but you knew. He knew. Everyone knew. The two of you are made for each other- two puzzle pieces slotting perfectly into one another. Everything was always so easy with him, it was easy to fall in love with Mammon. Your late night conversations were easy. Confiding in each other was easy. Making the most out of horrendous situations was easy. Heck, even getting in trouble together was easy. The two of you had flaws- as everyone does. Some may say loving someone is being able to look past the flaws, but what made the two of you so strong is that you acknowledged the other’s flaws and loved each other unconditionally. You chose to love his flaws and he chose to love yours. The choice happened subconsciously, it was as easy and as natural as breathing. He would defend you and protect you till he had no breath left in his lungs and you would protect his heart even if yours was ripped out in the process. The protectiveness you had over him had been proven when he needed you most. As a few witches were berating him and trying to catch up to him- wanting to take him away in order to cover his debt. You spoke without even thinking as though it was your heart speaking and your mouth only being an instrument. “You have no right to take him. He belongs to me and I belong to him. He’s my first demon, my first love and my boyfriend and I will not allow you to any harm to him. Do I make myself clear? You better run along before I get Lord Diavolo involved.” The witches scattered leaving you with a speechless Mammon. As was sat on the ground, you crouched down holding his face in his hand. “Are you alright Mams?” His expression was difficult to read, but his eyes told the truth. He loved you more than he ever thought was possible for a demon to. His hands were shaky as they reached to wrap around your waist, “I really thought I did it this time.” You pressed your forehead to his, your thumbs rubbing over his cheekbones. “I’ll always do everything in my power to protect you.” “I’m the one who’s supposed to be protecting ya.” He moved to hide his face in the crook of your neck and you carded your fingers through his hair. “We’ll protect each other, how about that?” He exhales a breathy chuckle against your shoulder, “What did I ever do to deserve you?” “Let’s go home, Mammon.” “I am home. Home is wherever ya are.” You are the cure Mammon’s been waiting for over the centuries, the salve on his wounded heart. He dare say, his saving grace deep he found deep inside hell.

Leviathan [856]

-Fake relationship/friends to lovers

Levi is your best friend. You can rely on him for anything and everything, he would get you the moon if you asked him to. That’s why you immediately turned to him for help. There’s a demon in one of your classes who has been bothering for quite some time now and he won’t listen to you when you say that you just aren’t interested. That’s why when you were walking with Levi you opened up to him and ask for an idea on how to get him to leave you alone. Levi felt anger built towards the asshole who was making you feel uncomfortable and blurted out, “Well if I was your boyfriend he would leave you alone! I would make damn sure of it.” You gasped before he could save himself, “Levi that’s brilliant! You can pretend to be my boyfriend to scare him off.” Red overtook his face, neck and ears while he processed what you just said his brain highlighted the words ‘you’ and ‘my boyfriend’ and he only responded after a minute. “Of course that’s what I meant!” As the weeks went by Levi stayed by your side everywhere you went. Even behind the walls of the HOL Levi would accompany you, he would lean against the door frame with his hands in his pockets while you were making tea in the kitchen, he would go do his homework in your room instead of yours. “Well we have to be convincing, which means we’ve got to do c-couply things. We’ve got to practice otherwise we’ll look like normies.” Was always his excuse, with a red face and shaky hands he would reach out to hold onto yours. Levi was falling even harder for you, the dream he’s created of being with you was just being fuelled even if it wasn’t officially real. When the demon who has been bothering you walked past you Levi’s protectiveness kicked in and he almost naturally pulled you into him and gave you a passionate kiss. The demon eventually got the message as you melted into Levi, your arms wrapping around his neck, deepening the kiss. Nothing about that kiss felt pretend, it felt real, the warmth of his cracked lips, the graze of his nose against yours, the smoothness of his fingers grasping your cheek. The explosion of adoration that bloomed in your stomach that led you to smile felt especially real. You pulled away to breathe and he hid his face inside the crook of your neck, “that normie won’t mess with you anymore.” You worried. Levi worried. You both worried. What would be the point of acting as a couple if the original reason was no more? You walked home in a tension filled silence that day. Little did you know that his heart longed to protect yours, his soul longed to become one with yours. He longed to be yours. The two of you both retreated to your own separate rooms with few words that night. You laid restlessly in your bed, continuously tossing and turning. Levi played with half attention into the wee hours of the night. You just could not take it anymore, you had to talk to him. You sat up in your bed with your legs thrown over the side, your head in your hands as you slipped your slippers on your feet. How you were going to address is you weren’t sure, but knowing your best friend you were certain you were going to have to be the one to speak up. You trudged down the hall and knocked on his door when you saw the colours of his computer shine through beneath the door, with a small voice you spoke up “Levi? It’s MC, I know you’re awake so please open the door.” You heard some shuffling and soon saw a wide eyed Levi. He stepped aside and gestured for you to come in with a closed lip smile, hes still still your best friend. He sat cross legged on the block next to his bathtub bed and he pulled his gaming chair closer to be able to face you. “So about that kiss-” he whined and ran his fingers through his hair, “I’m so sorry MC, that was too intense for a fake relationship- you probably regret choosing a yucky otaku like me to be your fake boyfriend.” You wore a soft expression “Maybe I do regret it.” “I knew it.” He said while looking down,

"Don't be mean, Ace! He's probably hungry. Why else would he be stealing food?" You picked over your own lunch, tearing your own sandwich in half and picking a few strawberries from your fruit cup. You whistled for the dog, waggling the sandwich in a manner you hoped would make it appear more tempting. "Come here, buddy! Who's a good boy? Want something nummy?"

It barely took a moment before the dog was bounding up to you, tail wagging in a blur as it snarfed the sandwich from your grip, big tongue lapping all over your fingers as it chomped down the handful of cut strawberries as well. You couldn't help but let out a delighted laugh at his antics, burying your hands in the thick, wiry fur around his neck and shoulders.

"Aww, that's a hungry boy! I bet you didn't get to have lunch today, did you puppy?" You cooed, babbling high-pitched nothings to the dog soaking up your attention as you ruffled his fur up and down, scratching under the chin and behind the ears, smushing his face between your hands.

"I can't believe you're actually choosing a dog over me right now. That's harsh, Prefect."

"But look how sweet he is, though! Baby boy!~" The dog was melting into your affections, eyes blissfully shut as his tail thumped upon the soft grass.

And really, for a stray dog he was being incredibly sweet. Had he possibly been abandoned? That would explain why he was so good about being pet. It wouldn't explain how he got into a school campus, though.

You pat the grass next to you. "Wanna lay next to me, buddy? Come here! That's a good boy." The dog cozied up next to you, resting his chin and one paw up on your leg with a contended huff. You wasted no time in burying your fingers in the thick fur on his mohawk, which made the pup begin whining in delight. "Oh, you love getting scritchies, don't you? Yes you do! Yes you do!"

So smitten were you with this adorable, seemingly stray dog, that you failed to notice another one of your school friends jogging up to join the two of you. Jack slowed to a stop a good few paces away, offering a hand to haul his fellow first-year to his feet.

"I didn't realize you'd found Senpai. I've been looking all over campus for him." He gave Ace a hearty slap on the back, which only served to send Ace into a second fit of wheezing coughs. "We managed to figure out who tried to cast a spell on Leona, but we haven't figured out how to break it yet."

"Wha... What are you talking about? Cast on... On who? What?" Through his wheezing Ace was barely able to gasp out his confusion. Somehow, you and your new canine friend had remained oblivio0us to the conversation happening nearby as you begin nuzzling your face into the top of his head.

Jack huffed, crossing his arms. "A Savanaclaw second-year attempted to curse the Housewarden with a magical bracelet that would transform him into a beast. Unfortunately, Leona didn't want it, so he handed it off to Ruggie-senpai. So now..." He gestured to the massive dog draped across your lap. "We don't know how to get him back to normal."

"Wait, hold on. So that's... That's Ruggie? The dog?"

"Hyena. But yes."

".....snrk."

"This isn't funny, Ace."

"P-PWAHAHAHAHA! ARE YOU KIDDING? THE PREFECT'S BEEN ALL OVER HIM! THIS IS HILARIOUS!"

As Ace hit the ground again, this time in a flurry of laughter, you finally glanced up and noticed Jack standing there. As you made a move to stand up, however, the dog whined, draping his paw further across your lap.

"Don't worry, buddy! I'm just gonna go talk to my friend, okay?" When the dog only whimpered again, you smiled and leaned forward to press a kiss in between his fuzzy ears. "It'll just be a m-"

POOF!

A cloud of smoke quickly engulfed you and the dog, thick and sandy-yellow and smelling of grasses and fresh laundry. You coughed a bit, waving your arm around to force it to dissipate more quickly, and as it did you saw the friendly pup you'd been cuddling with had been replaced by Ruggie, head laying across your lap and blinking up at you with an owlish expression. You stared down at him, and he stared up at you.

"Uhh... Woof?"

You yelped, jumping to your feet and forcing the second-year to tumble from your lap and into the grass. You covered your face with both hands and could feel it burning beneath your palms. Of all the people to secretly be a big, adorable dog, did it have to be the one you were crushing on? Oh, you wanted to crawl into a hole and just die.

Ace's raucous laughter in the near distance was doing you no favors, you could see him kicking his feet in the air through the gaps in your fingers. Jack, at least, has the decency to look a bit embarrassed in your stead. He moved towards his upperclassman and towed the shorter boy to his feet.

"I hope he didn't give you any trouble, Prefect." Jack bowed to you, Ruggie standing a bit behind him with the faintest hint of color to his cheeks.

"It's fine." You barked out, though it was mostly muffled by your palms. "You should go see the Professor or something. Anything."

"Right. Of course. Senpai?" Jack turned to Ruggie, but Ruggie just motioned for Jack to move past him as he stepped towards you.

"Gimme a sec, alright? I'll catch right up. Scout's honor."

"Please don't disappear again, senpai."

Jack stepped away to give you two a bit of privacy, no matter how desperately you hoped he'd stay and save you from this awkwardness. Ruggie stood there a moment before clearing his throat, scuffing his shoe against the dirt.

"I was just gonna take yer sandwiches. I wasn't expectin' you to get all sweet on me or anythin'. So don't think I was like, tryin' to trick you."

"Mhm." You responded. Still muffled, still hidden.

"And it's not like I didn't like it or anythin', either. So if either of us should be embarrassed it's probably me!"

You peeked through your fingers again, slowly beginning to bring your hands down. Ruggie's cheeks were getting redder by the minute, and he seemed to be making every effort not to look at your face as he continued to ramble.

"So if you wanna like, like uh, pet me, or scratch my ears, or... or k-kiss my head or anythin', that's-that's fine. I won't even make you get me a sandwich for it. I don't mind." He tucked his chin, one hand rubbing at the back of his neck as he stared into the ground. "...I kinda like it, anyway. If it's you."

Your heart did an eager stutter jump in your chest, but before you could respond Ruggie had already pivoted on his heel and begun jogging down the hill towards Jack.

"See ya around, Prefect!" He barked out. "Thanks for the grub!"

☀︎ starry - eyed !

» Ruggie is a bit conflicted at first when he meets you. You spend a lot of time around him, help him out with small, menial tasks— surely you want something from him? You must be doing it to get some sort of favor— that’s how most people in this world are. However, as much as he persists and asks, you always respond the same.

» You merely do it to make his life easier— to help him. He doesn’t believe it at first, but that doesn’t stop you from assisting him where you can. Slowly, Ruggie starts to trust you. With that trust, he slowly opens up.

» Before he’s even aware of it, you’ve become someone Ruggie’s able to be completely honest with. You’ve become someone he can rely on— and that’s a lot for him.

» He’s used to being self sufficient— used to doing things for himself. This is the first time he’s ever found another person to truly rely on. No repayment— no underlying motive— just… pure trust and friendship. Yes— friendship.

» The word is strangely foreign to him. He’s used to his relationships being contractual— mutually beneficial in a way that’s tangible. Money, favors, chores— that’s what serves as the basis for many of his relationships. However, with you, it’s different.

» He doesn’t get anything… yet he still finds himself happier by your side. There is no contact, no money, no exchange… but he gets so much from spending time with you. He just can’t quite explain what it is.

» Heartbeat quickening in your presence, going out of his way to help you— slowly, he begins to understand what you said to him originally. Doing things purely to make someone’s life easier. Ruggie begins to realize that… seeing you smile is enough payment for him. The fact that you’re happy? The fact that you thank him— give him a warm hug and light kiss on the cheek as thank you— it fulfills him in a way that other forms of payment never do.

» At first, he’s insistent that it’s nonsense. He’s reading too much into it because it’s his first friendship—! But that doesn’t hold up. It was a hell of a flimsy excuse to begin with, after all.

» However, he isn’t the one to actually take notice. One day, he’s in the kitchen cooking himself dinner for the day, but there’s two boxes of tupperware on the counter. Behind him, Kalim walks in, presumably searching for Jamil. He spares a glance at the hyena and says something that shows how scarily observant he can be.

» “Oooo— are you cooking for your friend, too?” Kalim questions, gesturing to the two tubs on the counter. Ruggie tenses immediately. Usually people brush it off as him making extra food for himself— how did Kalim…?

» Ruggie lets out a small huff. A little embarrassed at being caught, he sputters out an excuse, “It’s only because I accidentally made extra! I usually don’t do this for free, ya know!”

» Kalim simply smiles. “You smile a lot when you think about them while you’re cooking. Plus you keep looking at your phone! Waiting for a text? I’m sure it’ll come, Ruggie!” Kalim chides and trots off. The hyena beastman is left in complete shock. Kalim read him like a book— or rather, he was being… a lot more obvious about it than he thought.

» Finally, that question breaches his mind. He does prioritize spending time with you. You help him study, treat him to a meal when he does well on tests— you attend his magift practices and games… Hell! You even visit him at work! He spends so much time with you, yet his heart still beats faster at the thought of spending even more time with you. Outside of school functions and work— he wants to spend every minute he has free with you.

» He feels heat rise to his face— immediately, he realizes just how deep he’s in this.

» Ruggie adores you. Not just as a true friend— but something more. He’s grown to love you dearly, but how is he meant to breach that subject with you? Would you consider him… at all? Could you feel the same?

» Well, Ruggie does know one thing. He has to try. Nothing will happen if he sits around. At the very least, he has to put the work in and confess to you properly.

» He can only hope now that you’ll accept his affections. Because he’s never felt this way with anyone before.

☀︎ say the words !

» Given that this is probably Ruggie’s first serious crush, he’s woefully unprepared. How should he confess? Should he set up a date? But wouldn’t asking you on a date be equivalent to confessing— he was absolutely lost.

» For a while, he questions if he should ask for advice. But then follows the question— who? Who should he ask for advice from? His peers? Surely not. Let that information slip and he’s positive people are going to try using it against him! Leona, maybe? Well… something tells Ruggie that advice from the lazy lion probably wouldn’t be the most thoughtful. He’d probably just say something general to get the hyena off his back.

» He ponders on it for a bit, but then he realizes who’d be perfect to ask. His grandma. She’s been around— and he values her opinion more than anything. Maybe then, he’d be able to get her approval and a good way to confess!

» The moment he has the time, he calls her. It’s a bit hard, since he spends most of his time with you, but he manages to find time when you’re off studying with some of the other second years. Ruggie is completely nervous. His grandmother is all he has. And Ruggie’s never felt this strongly for anyone before. It was all new to him.

» Despite his craftiness and his many talents— this was not one he had experience in. Admittedly, it left him a bit… flustered. Regardless, he was ready to learn the ropes for you.

» When she finally picks up, what happens next is a mix of an interrogation and a heartfelt conversation. She asks for just about every detail possible on you, and Ruggie becomes really nervous for a second— what’ll she think? Is he in over his head?

» But then, she laughs; says that Ruggie “picked a keeper,” and that makes his heart swell in pride and joy. Her advice to him is simple:

» “Don’t do something just because you think it’s the right way to confess. It’s dishonest. Do what you will, but you better make damn sure it’s you.” She explains. Ruggie takes the advice in stride, insisting that he’ll make sure he stays true to himself— to who he is. Because putting on a false act to impress you…? His grandma was right— that’s dishonest.

» Of course, he’s used to bending the truth for his benefit, but things are different with you. Lying feels like poison if he ever has to direct it your way. So he won’t do that to you. Because you’re friends with who he truly is— confessing as anyone other than himself would be unheard of.

» As much as Ruggie enjoys small luxuries— the flashy lifestyle just isn’t who he is. At his very core, he’ll always be the boy from the slums— the one who grew up with a tight-knit community— the one who’s a lot softer than he lets on. That’s who he is, and who you know him as. So, with that, he settles on something simple.

» He’ll invite you to cook with him. Then, when you both sit down to eat— both an absolute mess from working in the kitchen— he’ll confess. He doesn’t even bother to script out what he’ll say. He wants every second of it to be genuine.

» As the day approaches, pretty much everyone notices the extra pep in his step. Leona mumbles that he’s “sunnier than usual,” Azul gives him a questioning glance when he’s working the lounge that afternoon, even Kalim (so scarily observant) gives him a knowing smile when he sees Ruggie humming happily to himself.

» Then, the night finally comes. He strikes a deal with Leona to keep people out of the Savanaclaw kitchen for a few hours and invites you over. He meets you at the Mirror Chamber and can’t help the way his heart flutters. You greet him with a warm smile, sticking to his side as he leads you into his dorm. Once you’re in the common kitchen, all hell breaks loose in the best way possible.

» You work wonders alongside him in the kitchen, but ingredients are still playfully flicked at one another. You get flour on your face, and Ruggie laughs as he simply smears it more across your cheek. The kitchen’s atmosphere is nothing short of warm and fuzzy— absolutely loving.

» Once your meal is finished, the kitchen is a mess, but you’re both in high spirits, laughing and snickering alongside one another. You begin to eat, humming at the spiced, flavorful fish before you. Ruggie smirks widely in pride— boasting about how it's a recipe from home. Casual conversation floats between you both, but soon, Ruggie grows quiet as he observes you.

» Before he realizes it, the words just come out.

» “It’d be nice for everyday to be like this, y’know?” He whispers. You pause, scanning his features with wide eyes. Ruggie blushes, averting his gaze— quick to clarify his… rather vague confession.

» “It’s because I like you! Jeez, do I really need to spell it out for ya?” He mutters. Your silence unsettles him, but then you burst into bright laughter, hiding your mouth as your shoulders shake.

» “Sorry— Sorry! I’m just… I was literally just questioning if now would be a good time to confess and then you pull that out. I’m happy, really. I like you too.” You respond. Ruggie can’t help the smile that rises to his face.

» “Really? Finally! I can call you mine!” He chides teasingly. You smile playfully and let out a dramatic hum.

» “Actually wait— what’s in it for me?” You tease in return. Ruggie rolls his eyes and leans against you dramatically.

» “My loyalty, love, and attention! Is that not payment enough?” He sighs in feigned dismay. You nudge him playfully and shake your head.

» “It’s absolutely priceless. Now eat, my loyal hyena.” You insist and he smiles and digs in.

» Idly, he reaches over and intertwines his fingers with yours across the table. As the night slowly comes to a close, the weight of it all finally settles.

» You're his, and Ruggie, yours. The warmth he feels is indescribable, but he knows one thing for certain. He wouldn’t trade it away for the world.

☀︎ at last , with you !

» When you two finally get together, you don’t really have to tell anyone for people to take notice. You’re both two peas in a pod— spending plenty of time with one another. Of course, it isn’t all the time, but certainly enough time in public for your peers to notice.

» Unsurprisingly, Leona is the first to notice. Ruggie’s doing his daily tasks on Leona’s behalf, but when the hyena walks into his room, he notices him snickering, presumably conversing with someone in the hallway. His ears flick, and he barely picks up the sound of your voice. When Ruggie walks in, he raises a curious brow.

» “So that’s why you’ve been so sunny recently. Explains a lot.” Leona casually comments. Ruggie, at first, takes it negatively, but the lion closes his eyes and smirks a bit.

» “Nice to know you’ve got someone taking care of you too, Bucchi.” Leona states. Ruggie is left speechless, clearing his throat and covering his fluster the best he can. He jabs back that he can take care of himself, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that he’s smiling. Leona approves, of course. He knows that the hyena runs himself ragged, and he cares a lot more than he lets on. He’s relieved that it happened. He knew it would eventually, but Leona’s glad it happened sooner rather than later.

» Aside from Leona, the Leech twins and Ashengrotto also take notice. You seem to only come in when Ruggie is working, and although you don’t distract him, Azul can’t help but notice the extra work Ruggie puts in when you’re around. He’ll work faster and harder— almost always managing to get things done an hour earlier. Then, he leaves with you. Unlike Leona, though, Azul doesn’t comment on it. Neither do the twins.

» However, Azul has learned that it’s a good idea to schedule Ruggie on particularly busy days… then sends you a coupon. Almost like magic, those days become a lot more manageable. Despite his work behind the scenes, he knows that both yourself and Ruggie are aware of what he does, but simply don’t mind it. You know that Ruggie appreciates the job, and he appreciates having you there to motivate him to work harder. Though your relationship isn't contractual, it does have mutually beneficial moments, naturally. This just happens to be one of them.

» Beyond work and school, you and Ruggie spend plenty of time together. Playful, fun dates running around— you cheering him on at his magift games— plenty of fun is had. Especially cooking together in the kitchen— Bright and early to make breakfast together, and later at night to make dinner. Typically, you spend lunch with your own friends, however— you do make exceptions from time to time— unspoken, yet much needed exceptions.

» On those days that Ruggie has heavy bags under his eyes, a little hunched over from a late night either spent studying, or failing to sleep— no matter the cause, those are days you spend lunch together. Ruggie never wants to pull you away from your friends (as boastful as he is, he cares for you deeply) so you always have to initiate these moments— and that you do.

» You’ll gently tug his sleeve, lead him out of the cafeteria after he’s finished eating. Then, you both go to a secluded part of campus and rest beneath a tree. Ruggie lays his head on your shoulder and catches up on sleep while you run your fingers through his hair. Sometimes, he’s entirely silent. Other days, he divulges his deepest worries and insecurities.

» He’s worried he won’t make enough money to bring food back home. He’s worried that his community is struggling— that he isn’t enough. Behind his prideful, boastful mask, he worries for the well-being of those he loves most. He’s scared of losing them. Naturally, he grew up with so little in the slums. Community is incredibly important— and he’s always so scared of losing that. Sometimes, he loses sleep over it.

» Ruggie has never had anyone to share his worries with, so he quickly realizes just how grateful he is to have you. Because on the days where he struggles, you whisper sweet reassurances. You tell him that he’s enough— offer to help him in any way possible. You help him make more money just to quell his worries, offer to sleep alongside him at night to fend off late-night anxieties— anything for him. You never expect compensation or apologies— just Ruggie’s love. That’s it. And he’s happy to oblige.

» You support him in ways no one has before. You visit home with him, meet the people who molded his very being, and help care for them in the same way he does. Because if Ruggie cares, then so do you. Of course, his grandma teases him and vocalizes her approval of you— but he can’t find it in him to complain when you just… meld right into his community.

» Ruggie is forever grateful for you. Not only do you love and accept his most well-kept worries, but you do all in your power to help him. Of course, he helps you in return, but even so, you never expect anything in return. For once in his life, he has something defined beyond mutual exchange or money— a relationship filled purely with love.

» With you, he doesn’t need to work hard— or be weary with his trust. He can just… be with you without worry. He can share his passions with you, confident that he’ll have your utmost support no matter what. You take care of him when he tires himself out taking care of others. You’re the one that cooks for him when he’s too tired to do it for himself.

» You do so much for him, and every day, Ruggie realizes more and more that he absolutely adores you. That warmth in his heart— finally, finally, is defined.

» At NRC, you are Ruggie’s home. You’re his warmth, security, and community. Everything he could’ve ever wanted and more.

» And every time he playfully asks you— what do you want in return?— insisting that there must be something— he’s confident that you’ll respond the same way every time.

» “All I want is your love, Ruggie.”

» And that feeling is entirely mutual.

“Well, you’re always running around NRC, Leona this, Leona that and all,” you stated while swaying your head from side-to-side, seemingly emphasizing your words. “And with Crowley putting his weight onto me as well, we never really have time to ourselves these days.”

The hyena-like beastman guided you to an open spot on the hill and sighed as he sat down and recalled the small, odd errands the both of you did each day. “Yeah… they’ve all been a real pain, haven’t they?” The sounds of an awakening night owl sang throughout the open hill as the boy beside you paused, appearing to be basking under the sky’s tranquil shades of pink, orange, and red across the world’s atmosphere. He filled his mind with thoughts of the many responsibilities you both had, slightly envying the people who had a little less on their plate. “But we should at least have a right to spend some mindless time together, right?” Ruggie began to speak once again, capturing your attention, “Leona’s fine taking his little princess nap. You’re nicer to be around, anyway."

“Aw, you love me, Ruggie?” you jokingly asked as you poked the side of his stomach, earning yourself a look of surprise from the young man.

“Well, that’s not exactly what I said but—”

“That’s so adorable of you, hehe~”

The beastman, growing annoyed at your coddling, tried to reason with your playful self. “Now, wait a second, (Y/n)—”

“Ruggie’s so cute~”

“Yeah, and so what if I’m in love with you?” Ruggie retorted as he smoothly took a hold of your startled figure and peered directly into your glowing eyes, determination and vexation striking his tone. “Is that so wrong? And stop tryna tease me, will you? If any other Savanaclaw student sees, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

Stunned for a moment, you looked at the second year in amazement at the swiftness of his confession. Your cheeks grew a pastel tint as a fluttering warmth flooded your senses. With an erratic pounding in your chest, your heart quickened its pace in excitement at the way Ruggie had impulsively admitted his feelings towards you. His directness surprised you. A flustered feeling then began to bubble within your body.

“Wait…” a wary voice uttered from your form. “Did you just say that you love me? Like love love?” you giddily asked.

“Y..es? I think that’s what I said,” Ruggie had replied, almost embarrassed by your conversation, “but still don’t tell anyone just yet. They’ll make a big deal outta it, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for a stampede of their comments yet.” 

“Pfft— Fine.” Scoffing at his words, you attempted to brush away the forming butterflies in your stomach as you created a pact by holding out a childish pinky for Ruggie to lock onto. “It’s our little secret, alright?” 

The young man reached out with his own pinky, grinning and confirming the secret shared between the two of you, “Right. Our secret.”