#mid leif

Without doing too much research, I'm going strictly on how Daemos could differ from humans (besides the stated ones) and how that could help answer the question.

Demons (broadly) are usually described as having heightened ESP and supernatural-adjacent abilities like sensing spirits and stuff like that.

That, paired with my own HC’s that Daemos (as a whole) are more animalistic than humans, kind of plays into the idea that their sensory experiences as a whole are more sensitive.

Taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing are significantly heightened compared to a human counterpart. After all, in their dog-eat-dog world, how can you survive if you can't point out the difference between a tree branch snapping because of someone hunting you and a clumsy animal?

That being said, it isn't as innate as most others would imagine. I believe it's a skill of sorts that you have to train and maintain. Like any other survival skill or muscle.

But also like any other skill, some people are more naturally inclined to it.

In short, it's a biological function in Daemos that can be enhanced with training/discipline. How potent it is initially can be affected by other factors, such as magical prowess or simply one's disposition to senses.

…

All of that to say…I have a ranking on how "in tune" each of the main guys is with that kind of stuff.

Pierce and Leif are two sides of the same coin. While Pierce's abilities were honed in knights' training, Leif is far more self-taught and/or instinctual.

In Pierce case, it's much more of a general alert system that senses when things are "out of the ordinary." Think of a guard dog as opposed to a medical alert dog. They don't know what exactly is off, but they know that something is. (I'm sure in the royal forces there are designated people for that, but since Pierce was just a "knight," it isn't specified—Also, that's a whole different topic of conversation—)

I'd like to imagine, though, that without the training, he's essentially "blind in that aspect." For fun, for the sillies. Because I need to nerf that gentle giant. But mostly to explain the raw instinct vs. the built-up skill of it all.

Anyway, in terms of the hormones and ovulation stuff, it's the same. He can absolutely notice it and is pretty observant to the smallest changes, but because of his generalized training and lack of personal experience, he wouldn't be able to identify the exact cause of your "ailment."

And he wouldn't be subtle either. He'd point-blank say, "You smell weird. Are you dying?" And leave you utterly confused.

Okay, well, yes, he’d be blunt…but also really genuine with it. In his own little way.

For Leif, it's raw talent morphed into a predatory skill. As he was left to fend for himself in his younger years, I'd imagine there had to be some baseline of skill to keep him alive while he trained it up.

In contrast to Pierce, Leif is more thorough with his process, especially if he has to identify something during a mission. He can't really afford the "act now, think later" mentality when it comes to hits for money, so instead of jumping into action, he has to specifically identify what he's sensing and then work off of that.

And I know, he's generally very trigger-happy and "kill-happy"…but I'd like to believe that being as you are and being as you work are two separate things.

But back to the important part, coupled with his myriad of "implied" experience, I would imagine that not only could he sense the changes, but he would also know exactly what they are (or a daemos equivalent)

And that would make him insufferable.

Like that one guy from JJBA.

"If my nose is correct, one of you beauties is on your period." headass.

That’s to say, he’d be so overtly obvious with something that hasn’t even come yet, you’re questioning his sanity. He probably thinks he’s being smooth and flattering…but it’s creepy as fuck.

What kind of pussy does that kind of game get you on Daemos? Cause I want NO part in it.

Now, where my rankings take a turn is this next pick—

Noi. It's Noi.

Why? Because I think it's funny.

Well, there's actual thinking behind that decision. Since he's seen to be pretty skiddish and easily scared, I imagine his senses are pretty heightened. Though it's more raw instinct than trained and honed like the other two. Considering that (with what we've seen), he wouldn't know what to do with those abilities. Well, other than freak out…

But that's kind of disingenuous. I'm imagining him like a medical alert dog…without the proper training. He can do the job, do it well, but if you ask him what he did or how he did it, he wouldn't be able to tell you…and probably freak out when he tried to recreate it.

Because I think a big part of his relationship with the senses is that he purposefully ignores them because they're so "strong" (or considerably strong for the average Daemos), I can imagine for a guy like Noi, it's a bit overstimulating to be constantly bombarded with strong noises and smells and sounds and whatever. So instead of training it, he just suffers through it? And only reaps the benefits when it comes to his (alleged) healing magic.

He HAS to be good at something, guys. Why would they keep him otherwise? Pity? Daemos don't do pity.

As for how this applies to the ovulation conversation…well…muahahaha… He probably is acutely aware of any changes, even before you do, and he has to sit with it because it's probably unlike anything he's ever experienced. He'd either avoid you like the plague or think you're dying, no in between.

Imagine having a sobbing Noi at your feet, pre-mourning you because he can’t heal you (because nothing is wrong with you).

#needdat

WHO SAID THAT—

Rhys is the second to last on my list. For many reasons, but the lamest and main one being his canonical bad eyesight.

Hear me out, okay!

I get the trope of "one sense being dulled makes the rest heighten," but I don't buy it. Mostly because before he figured it out, Rhys was working with the idea that he wasn't basically legally blind. He just assumed that the world was blurry and that that was "normal." So it wouldn't make sense for him to immediately be like "oh! Well, now everything else has to be better to compensate!"

Essentially, because one of his senses is muffled, the rest kind of lowers to match it? That's probably not how it works, but who cares?

Along with it, his whole scholar thing doesn't do him any favors. Like I've mentioned, the whole sense system is essentially a muscle of sorts. And when you don't use a muscle, it weakens, if not atrophies. In his field of studies and magic, there's no real use for more survival-based instincts, so that also makes it "dull".

Now, you might be saying "Hunnithan! He's still Asch's guard! He has to be keen!" Sure, he's keen in the strategic sense, but I know good and well that man is a follower and not a vanguard (leave that to the two crazies at the top of this list).

So what? I've basically nerfed him, and he sucks?

…No, actually.

I think…it'd be more realistic to say that his specific instincts are designated to things he cares about. Especially the subjects that he's infatuated with at the moment. So, for instance, for magic capabilities, he'd be able to sense someone's possession of magic, their ability to conjure it, etc.

…Which unsuccessfully then links us back to the question. If then, his current obsession is humans and the human body…would he have a high chance of sensing when things change? Yes absolutely. That's not even a question.

What he does with that, however, is probably more lame. He’d study it, of course! Like a real scholar.

Curiosity has rung him, and he won’t stop bothering you for answers until you tell him to stop.

And last but very least (I hate you, Asch) is…well, Asch.

At first, I was just gonna say this because I thought it was funny and I like to make him suffer…but there are real reasons, trust me.

As a royal, I'm going with the idea that he's not used to having to "fend" for himself. Considering his status, he is most likely always surrounded by some kind of guard. Which would make his own need for the survival skills kind of unnecessary.

It really is another use it or lose it case like Rhys…

But unlike Rhys, Asch was already "blessed" with a lack of inherent instinct.

If I had to place him, he'd be below the average Daemos.

And Asch being Asch…that fact would probably drive him insane. Considering he's literal royalty, he thinks that that kind of thing is something he's entitled to…and not something he should have to work towards.

Unlike, let's say, fighting, building up your senses is not a fun and stimulating activity. It requires hours and hours of boring, repetitive exercises that don't have any visual progress. For someone like Asch, that would be actual hell.

So instead of actually trying and improving like he's supposed to…he just doesn't.

Which feels wrong because he seems like the type to never want to be bad at anything ever…but because he probably sees it as useless…he doesn't feel as bad about it.

That leaves him settling for less than average abilities. Granted, that's less than average for Daemos, not less than average for humans—so that's still pretty good all things considered.

Rounding that back to the question at hand, the way he senses things of that manor would be there…but they would be so mellow and faint that it would drive him up the wall.

He wouldn't want to figure it out, and he'd rather ignore it than admit that something like that is stumping him.

…Until he can’t, and he breaks, and he starts threatening you because you seem to be the cause of this “disturbance.” Which you start fighting back against, and now you’re both butting heads and not backing down.

ANYWAYS—I know that this has been in my inbox for a while, and I feel bad because I haven't done anything (because I'm a CHUD and finishing finals or whatever), but I hope my too-in-depth analysis of this thing is silly and fun! Not so spicy but :P

ALSO!! speaking of inbox---I DO SEE ALL OF YOUR COMPLEMENTS AND I APPRECIATE THEM!!! I wanted to take a pause between replying to them and posting content content bc I feel like I'm just glazing myself with all of your amazing comments!

I do wanna reply to each one eventually (even if it isn't really good Tumblr etiquette -I'm just assuming; I'm not sure-) BECAUSE I so appreciate it. Plus...for the ones requesting a certain guy, I was gonna do like I did last time and link it...which is...uh...embarrassingly not done. I"M SORRYYYYY.

also also idk if the gradients look silly >~< I just wanted to try something new!

...

...I just realized this completely slipped over the implied sexy context of it all.

When people talked badly about her behind her back, you were the first to step in. When someone tried manipulating her, you noticed immediately. Ava had always believed in the good in people. You believed people were only good until proven otherwise.

Which was exactly why your current situation felt so unbelievably ridiculous. You sat beside Ava with your arms crossed tightly over your chest, staring at the group of strange men arguing amongst themselves in what genuinely looked like expensive fantasy cosplay.

Only… the fear in their eyes looked real too real. You listened carefully as they explained their situation monsters, another realm, magic, some place called Daemos and somehow, they expected you to believe this without question “So…” you spoke slowly, eyeing them with visible skepticism, “a monster is destroying your world called Daemos…” Your gaze narrowed “And your species is also called Daemos?” A brief silence followed.

Ava looked between you and the boys, clearly still trying to process everything herself while slowly nodding along to their explanation. You, however, weren’t buying it for a second. Even after the whole disaster involving trying to hand them over to the government failed spectacularly, your suspicions never eased. If anything, they only grew worse.

Because unlike Ava, you noticed things the hesitation before answers the glances they exchanged. The way some details in their stories didn’t fully line up.

Every tiny slip-up was immediately caught by you, your eyes narrowing each time another inconsistency appeared, and the Daemos noticed that too, especially when you leaned toward Ava one night and muttered quietly enough that you thought they wouldn’t hear, “I don’t trust them.” The room went still. You glanced toward the boys, expression flat. “They have bad energy.” That sentence alone visibly tensed them.

Somehow, despite being human… You were reading them far too well, and honestly? They were quickly realising you were going to be an absolute pain to deal with.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧Asch/Ash ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Asch realised almost immediately that you were going to become a problem, not Ava. You. Ava questioned things because she was confused. You questioned things because you genuinely believed they were hiding something and unfortunately for him… you were right

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ The prince could still remember the first time you openly challenged him, staring him down without even the slightest hint of fear while Ava awkwardly stood between the two of you “You expect us to trust you because you wear a cape and bark orders?” you questioned flatly. “That’s not exactly convincing.” The way Asch’s eye twitched nearly made Leif choke, trying not to laugh. A human. A human was questioning his authority, absolutely ridiculous!

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ When Rhys suggested earning your trust slowly instead of trying to intimidate you into obedience, Asch genuinely believed it would be easy. Humans were emotional creatures, weren’t they? Weak. Easy to persuade yet every attempt he made somehow backfired horribly

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ If he tried being commanding, you distrusted him more. If he tried helping you, you immediately narrowed your eyes suspiciously. If he spoke too vaguely, you caught onto it instantly and somehow the more guarded you became, the more irritated he grew

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Especially because you refused to react to him the way most people did. You didn’t flinch when he raised his voice nor did you cower when his flames sparked around him. You just crossed your arms and stared at him like he was an inconvenience it drove him insane

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ “There’s something wrong with him,” you muttered quietly to Ava one evening while Asch stood nearby pretending not to listen. “He acts like he’s trying to control every conversation.” Asch nearly crushed the cup in his hand

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Yet despite how much you irritated him… he began noticing things about you too. The way you subtly positioned yourself closer to Ava whenever you sensed something wrong. How your eyes constantly scanned rooms before relaxing. The habit you had of tapping your fingers against your arm whenever you were anxious.

You always sat closest to the exits, always watched everyone carefully. Always be prepared for the worst possible outcome

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ At first, Asch assumed you were simply paranoid, but slowly… he realised something else. You weren’t cynical because you enjoyed distrusting people. You distrusted people because somewhere along the way, trust had failed you first, and strangely enough… that realisation softened something inside him.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Asch catching feelings was honestly a disaster because suddenly your criticism affected him far more than it should’ve

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ If you looked disappointed in him, it ruined his mood for hours if you actually praised him? He’d think about it for days and when you finally trusted him enough to stand beside him willingly instead of keeping your distance… He realized he was completely doomed

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧👑🔥୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Especially after hearing you mutter under your breath one night while half-asleep beside him, watching socky “…you’re less scary than I thought.” Asch went entirely silent after that Leif later swore he saw smoke come out of the prince’s ears.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧Rhys ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Rhys found you fascinating. You were very difficult but undeniably fascinating. Most humans reacted emotionally first and rationally second you were the opposite

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ The moment you met them, Rhys could practically see your mind working overtime, analysing movements, tone shifts, inconsistencies, expressions and the fact you repeatedly warned Ava about their “bad energy” genuinely unsettled him

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Because you weren’t entirely wrong. It made him wonder if humans on eii-urth possessed some kind of instinctive magical sensitivity. A hidden perception? Perhaps even mage abilities fascinated him to no end

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Unlike Asch, Rhys never became openly irritated with your distrust. Instead, he observed you. The way you immediately categorise people upon meeting them. How quickly you notice manipulation tactics, the fact that your suspicions were usually correct, it was impressive, and he couldn't help but find it... you interesting

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ He began trying to understand you after that, at first through logic, then through curiosity and eventually through genuine care. Rhys would intentionally ask your opinions during discussions just to hear your perspective, not because he necessarily agreed with you, but because you noticed things nobody else did. You read people with frightening accuracy, and the more he spoke with you, the more he realised your cynicism hid an incredibly intelligent mind, yet every time he attempted getting closer personally, you shut him down immediately

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ “Are you always this guarded?” he asked once “Yes.” “Why?” “Experience.” Somehow, that answer bothered him more than he expected

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Rhys started earning your trust through consistency. Unlike the others, he never pushed too hard never demanded vulnerability he simply… remained reliable

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ If he promised something, he followed through. If you pointed out a flaw in a plan, he listened instead of dismissing you and slowly, almost reluctantly, you began responding to him more

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ The first time you voluntarily sat beside him during one of his late-night planning sessions to collect data on eii-urth, Rhys nearly lost his train of thought entirely before relaxing trying not to shake you off

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Rhys, realising he liked you, happened slowly, painfully slowly for him. One moment, you were simply an intelligent human he needed to understand

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🕶️🍦 ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Rhys found himself searching for you instinctively when going out with Ava or even staying inside the apartment listening for your voice. Watching for your reactions first, and perhaps the moment it truly hit him was when someone insulted your cynicism openly a friend...? of sort that you bumped into at the mall, “You’re too distrustful,” they scoffed. Before you could even respond, Rhys spoke calmly from beside you. “No,” he corrected smoothly. “They’re observant.” The way your expression softened afterwards stayed in his mind for weeks because, for once, someone understood the difference.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧Pierce ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Pierce found you… questionable. From the very beginning, you carried yourself like someone permanently prepared for betrayal, shoulders tense, gaze sharp, always standing slightly in front of Ava whenever the Daemos approached too suddenly

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Protective, Defensive yet strangely caring beneath all the hostility. Pierce noticed that you were harsh with strangers but soft with Ava. Quick to judge others but endlessly patient with her and somehow, despite your constant suspicion, Ava trusted your instincts almost completely that alone made Pierce pay attention to you more carefully

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ At first, Pierce assumed you were some sort of mage; there was no other explanation. The way your eyes narrowed whenever one of them lied. How you react to tension before arguments even start the quiet muttering under your breath about “bad feelings” or “off energy.” It reminded him strangely of battlefield instincts the ability to sense danger before it arrived and honestly? You were usually right.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ One afternoon while walking through town with Ava, you suddenly grabbed her wrist and steered her across the street without explanation. Seconds later, shouting erupted behind you as two men began arguing near where you’d originally been standing

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Unlike Asch or Rhys, Pierce never pushed you for answers. If you distrusted him, then you distrusted him; it was that simple. Still… he found himself watching you often, the way you scanned rooms carefully before entering. How your body relaxed slightly whenever Ava laughed. The fact that you never fully slept unless Ava was nearby. It reminded him of soldiers he once knew in Daemos, people who survived by staying alert, and strangely enough, he respected that.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Pierce began earning your trust through actions rather than words because Pierce wasn’t good with words but he was observant. If crowds overwhelmed you, he’d quietly position himself nearby to create space if someone suspicious approached Ava, he was already watching them before you even reacted and when you noticed those things… You slowly stopped glaring at him quite as often

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ The first time you willingly stood beside him instead of putting Ava between you both, Pierce nearly short-circuited internally but kept quiet

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Pierce catching feelings happened so subtly, he didn’t realise it himself at first. Until one night during an argument, Leif scoffed at you and Ava harshly for being “too paranoid,” and before Pierce could think, he stepped forward immediately “They are careful,” he corrected firmly.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ The room went quiet, including you. Pierce rarely interrupted people; he never spoke unless necessary. Yet there he stood beside you with his arms crossed, gaze cold and unwavering. Protective and the way your guarded expression softened afterwards made something unfamiliar tighten painfully in his chest

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Honestly, Pierce trusted your judgment before you trusted his. If you disliked someone, Pierce immediately became wary too and perhaps the clearest sign he’d fallen for you was how quickly he reacted whenever you looked uneasy

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🗡️🛡️ ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ The moment your expression changed, Pierce noticed. The moment you stepped in front of Ava, protectively, he stepped in front of you as if protecting you had become instinct

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧Leif ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Leif honestly didn’t care about your distrust at first if anything he found it hilarious. Most humans either feared the Daemos immediately or trusted them far too quickly but you did neither. You looked at him like a cornered animal studying a predator. Sharp-eyed, Tense, and ready to bite if necessary while Leif grinned right back like he was enjoying the game

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ The two of you circled each other constantly, tension thickening every single time you interacted. You especially distrusted him. Not Asch, it was Leif and honestly… he couldn’t blame you for it. There was something wrong with him even he knew that

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Whenever Leif appeared too suddenly near Ava, you reacted instantly. Stepping in front of her eyes narrowed her body, tense like your instincts screamed at you that he was dangerous which only made him more entertained

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ “You know,” Leif mused one day while leaning lazily against a wall, “you seem to glare at me more than most daemos that have wanted to kill me.” “I’m warning you.” “Ooh, scary.” You glared harder, receiving a laugh and somehow, instead of getting annoyed by your hostility… He started looking forward to it.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ When Rhys suggested trying to earn your trust properly, Leif nearly burst out laughing, “You seriously think they’re gonna relax around me?" Well, he was right if anything, you became more suspicious whenever he acted nice

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ One thing Leif respected deeply was your protectiveness. No matter how frightened or overwhelmed you felt, you always moved toward danger if Ava was involved, even when common sense told you not to, even when he was the danger, and perhaps that was why he grew attached to you faster than expected because beneath all your suspicion and cynicism… You cared fiercely, violently, the same way he did

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ The first time Leif realised he genuinely liked you was honestly over something small. The group had been walking through a busy part of town when a stranger got too close to Ava too suddenly, causing you to immediately move in front of her with a sharp glare “Back up,” you snapped instantly when the guy didn't understand the concept of being pushy and boundaries

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ When Leif looked at you afterwards, he noticed how tense your shoulders were despite acting confident. How your eyes kept scanning the area afterwards, just in case. You were scared, yet you still moved first to protect someone else, and weirdly enough… that was the moment something in Leif softened toward you

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ After that, Leif became weirdly attentive toward you, still being smug and teasing, yet he became slightly protective too. If you startled awake from nightmares, he noticed. If crowds made you anxious, he’d suddenly appear nearby without explanation and perhaps the strangest part was how gentle he became whenever you were genuinely afraid like he understood fear better than anyone else

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧🌿🩸୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Honestly, your distrust made him fall harder because unlike everyone else, you saw the dangerous parts of him immediately, you noticed the bloodlust, the instability, the violence beneath the charm and instead of romanticising it… You stayed cautious, careful. Real. Which meant when you slowly began trusting him anyway, Leif valued it more than anything

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ Noi ୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ Noi was honestly amazed by you from the moment you met the Daemos, you picked apart almost every inconsistency in their stories with terrifying speed. Every little mistake, every awkward pause, every suspicious explanation you caught it immediately and unfortunately for Noi he made a lot of mistakes.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Yet unlike the others, you were strangely softer with him. You looked at Asch with suspicion. Rhys with curiosity, At Leif with visible wariness. At Pierce with uncertainty, but Noi? You looked at him like you were trying to figure him out because, despite your instincts warning you about the Daemos as a whole… Noi didn’t feel wrong in the same way he was a bit loud, loyal and curious but malicious? No. Your instincts could tell.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ “You’re staring again,” you muttered one evening. Noi flinched from where he was sitting. “I-I’m not staring!” “You are.” “…a little.” You squinted suspiciously, “…why?” and immediately his face went red because he couldn’t exactly say "Because you’re scary but also really cool and smart and I want you to like me." So instead, he panicked, “You make weird faces when you think.” "Pardon?” “And you squint at people when you think they’re suspicious.” “That’s because people are suspicious.” "fair.” Somehow, that conversation ended with you snorting quietly under your breath. The first genuine amused reaction he’d gotten from you, Noi, practically rode that high for days

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Still, even as you slowly relaxed around him, Noi noticed how quickly your walls returned whenever you realised you were getting comfortable. The moment conversations became too personal, you pulled away the moment he got too close emotionally, you became guarded every single time again, Noi noticed.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Mostly because you’d suddenly start staring at him like you were trying to remind yourself not to trust him too much. Honestly? It made him nervous because he never wanted you to think he was manipulating you especially once he started genuinely caring about your opinion of him

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ The moment Noi realized he liked you was honestly embarrassingly obvious to everyone except himself. You had gotten into an argument with someone who accused you of being “too cynical,” and while you looked annoyed, you mostly ignored it Noi didn’t. “They’re not mean!” he blurted suddenly.

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Everyone looked at him including you. Noi immediately panicked but kept going anyway “They just notice stuff other people don’t! And they protect Princess Ava all the time, and they’re usually right!” Noi looked ready to combust on the spot. Meanwhile, you just stared at him quietly, visibly caught off guard “…thanks,” you muttered eventually. Noi nearly died on the spot

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ Honestly, what made Noi fall hardest was the fact you treated him gently despite your distrustful nature. You warned Ava about the others constantly yet with Noi, your warnings sounded different, and to someone who spent most of his life being treated like weak dead weight for caring too much hearing you acknowledge the softness in him without mocking it meant everything

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ ˗ Over time, Noi became one of the only people capable of making your walls lower naturally. Not because he forced them down but because around him you slowly stopped feeling like you needed them quite as much

────⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🍕🩹୭˚.꒱ˎˊ˗ ˗ The first time you instinctively reached for him during a stressful situation instead of Ava Noi thought his heart was going to explode