Yūsako walked with a grocery bag on one hand from Sam’s and a lolipop on the other. She had just came back from an errand Yūrei sent her on while he bathed the reluctant Grim.

It wasn't much, just the bare necessities they needed for the month. With the combined effort of both prefects, they could go on regularly scheduled monthly grocery runs. Although that meant more work for them both, Yūsako didn't exactly mind.

She humms a tune she heard from a classmate sitting behind her on their cellular device during History of Magic before Professor Trein arrived (said classmate was then scolded and had their phone confiscated for the rest of the school day, she recalled). It was a peppy and probably positive melody if she went on vibes alone, which, in hindsight, was pretty out of character for student of NRC to listen to, now that she thought about it.

She didn't mind though—she actually liked the beat—and considered asking Ortho the next time they meet if he could recognise the song based on the tune she could vaguely piece together, along with some parts of the main chorus, sliding the lolipop into her mouth as she readjusted the bag in her hand.

As she walked leisurely, she spotted a figure in the distance. She squinted her eyes as she tried to make out said figure, and saw that is was resident magical-disaster level mage, Malleus Draconia. She doesn't exactly interact with him all that much, but whenever she does, they usually hit it off (at least she hopes they did); Yūrei was the one to talk to him more, honestly, so she doesn't know much about the horned man. Still, it wouldn't mind to say hi and have some small talk, wouldn't it?

She took the lollipop out of her mouth and walked with a faster pace as she wore a silly smile, calling out: “Tsunotarou!”

Malleus, who was previously looking at one of the gargoyles as part of his club activities, turned around and saw her (relatively short) form walk on over to him, waving at him like how he sees other mortals greet each other. Malleus gave her a curt nod as he spoke: “Ah, Myouga. What brings you here?”

“I was doing an errand for Yūrei at Sam's and picked up some stuff I wanted too. What are you doing here, Malleus? Surely you aren't shirking your Housewarden duties and whatnot?” She gave an easy yet teasing smile, lifting an eyebrow as she “accuses” him—as if he'd stoop that low.

“I would not do that, and I trust you know that very well, Myouga.” He gives an amused smile to the mortal woman before him, to which she gives a short laugh and a playful wink in return. “Yeah, I knew you're not that kind of person; kinda inferred it from how much Yūrei talks about you back at Ramshackle, haha.”

“But still, I didn't expect you to be here. I figured you might've been in Crowley's office or something.” Yūsako mused with a tilt of her head, but not before rummaging through the grocery bag she had on hand and taking one of the lollipops she bought, offering it to him wordlessly.

He curiously accepts, twirling the treat in his fingers before pocketing it, “Why have you thought so?”

“Well, there is a meeting today, right? It should still be ongoing by now, unless it was cut short?” Yūsako asked with a confused expression. Earlier, she remembered seeing Ruggie practically drag Leona out of the shade of a tree towards the main building. When she asked, she was told that there was a Housewarden meeting today, and that he had to drag Leona to said meeting since he wouldn't go by himself. She chuckled at the memory, before going back to the situation at hand.

She was a bit surprised at his upset expression—did she says something wrong? Or is it-

She suddenly remembered something Yūrei had mentioned a few weeks ago—something about Malleus missing meetings due to his detachment to modern electronics. She found herself sympathising with her friend, frowning softly as she points him out with an apologetic look. “Ah..- you missed the invite, didn't you? Sorry you had to find out by me..”

“It is unavoidable, but you sympathy is appreciated.” His dark brown furrowed as his green eyes narrowed whilst he crossed his arms. She knows he can't exactly control the weather anymore due to his broken horn, but she can still feel the temperature drop at his obvious disappointment and distaste for not being able to attend something once again.

It was all so sad in Yūsako's eyes; she two knew how it felt to be uninvited or not being able to attend something important. She furrowed her brows and held her chin between her fingers, closing her eyes as she tried to think of something that could make her friend feel better, mentally counting how long it was since she saw Ruggie and her interaction with Malleus.

She opened her eyes with renewed hope and a positive expression soon made home in her face as she looked up at the tall man. “There's still time, I think! It should only be at least twenty (20) minutes since it started! You can still make it if you go, Tsunotarou!” She practically beamed at the man, who, with newfound determination (if she read him properly, that is), nodded in agreement. “I see. I will take your advice, Myouga. Thank you for informing me of this information.”

“No problem Malleu- eh?!” Yūsako yelped as she felt the area around them warp as green, gentle fireflies enveloped them both. She stumbled as she closed her eyes, before opening them once more as she felt the grown beneath her feet stabilise. She found herself and Malleus outside of the Headmage's office instead of the stone walkways that connect area-to-area on campus. “Huh?- wait- Why'd you take me?!” She asked incredulously, her eyes wide as her brows furrowed.

“You seemed quite passionate about the meeting yourself, so I put in upon myself to include you.” Malleus asked with a subtly raised eyebrow, confused by her reaction. Yūsako sputtered before remaining her bearings, taking a deep breath in before exhaling to try and calm herself, lest she slaps her friend’s shoulder from frustration. “Malleus, I'm not a Housewarden, remember? Plus, I was “passionate” about this meeting because you were upset, and I'd rather not leave a friend feeling such a thing, especially if I knew something and was able to help!” She semi-scolded the confused dragon, some of her barely contained annoyance seeping through her words, gesturing air quotes as she said the word “passionate.”

“Plus, I don't remember consenting to being teleported. That's not exactly nice, Tsunotarou. Please don't ever do something without asking someone—or at least try, okay?” Yūsako pointed at his face with a semi-frustrated expression, in which Malleus simply stared at the finger in thought. “It seems like you forgot about your place, Myouga.” Malleus replied with a slightly more commanding tone, hid brows furrowing slightly.

In response, her expression wavered as she lowered her hand to her temple, rubbing softly as her expression softened. “Friendship doesn't work like that, Malleus. Also, that's irrelevant here,” she paused to look at him properly “.. listen, I couldn't really care about places right now, but just make sure to at least think of the people involved whenever you make a big decision like this.”

Malleus mused in his head how for humans, specifically Yūsako, considered this a “big decision.” It was all quite novel to him, but he remained quiet still. He watched her clear her throat before turning around, raising a closed hand towards the door. “For now, let's get you into the meeting, okay?”

From the inside of the room, Crowley was already quite deep in the agenda being discussed for that meeting, when he hears knocks on his doors—fast and impatient ones, to be precise. “Whoever that is, cease the rude knocking at once!” He called over, observing the door as it opened and revealing a slightly annoyed prefect of the Ramshackle dorm.

“Ah, Prefect! What brings you here in this hour? Although your way of making your presence known in quite rude, I'll let you off with a warning this time so long as you make haste with your intentions of being here, being the generous Headmage I am!” Crowley preened as he spoke in response to the magicless student walking in the room.

“I promise, it'll be quick, Headmage.” Yūsako simply replied, glancing over to the audience she accidentally acquired, giving a brief yet polite nod to them in respect. “I just wanted to bring you here someone you might've missed.” She pointed behind her as Malleus walked in with a barely contained upset expression—if he still had his horns, it would be storming by now.

“Ah! Housewarden Draconia! We were all so worried on where you might have been. We thought you might have missed another meeting again!” Crowley nervously greeted Malleus as he walked in, who was clearly offended at not being notified at the meeting and the Implication of being accused of choosing to skip them.

“I assure you, I do not choose to skip such an important occasion. I simply did not receive an invite.” Malleus replied with a frown, sitting at his assigned seat.

Before anyone could speak, Yūsako cut in. “That's all I wanted to bring, Headmage. I'm sure you understand now why I was so “impatient”?” Yūsako asked with a tilt of her head and a frown. “Yes, yes, thank you Prefect for bringing Housewarden Draconia here! You are excused.”

Yūsako nearly rolled her eyes at Crowley's incompetence, before giving a curt nod, turning towards the door and readjusting the grocery bag she still had on hand (thank the sevens it didn't get separated when Malleus teleported her with him) and waving with her free hand. “Mmn, have fun with the meeting or something.. Have a good day.” She says before closing the door.

As she walked farther from the room, she could hear distant arguing, probably between Malleus and Leona again, she thought with a snort. Oh well, not her circus, not her monkeys. Right now, her main motivation was to get back to Ramshackle as quick as possible so she doesn't get scolded by Yūrei, who prioritised timeliness like none other.

Your relationship with Azul was one made out of the fact you two could simply be there for each other. Ace and Deuce often give you the side eye whenever you gush about Azul or share your latest ideas to your dates, mostly because your friends have bad history with the Octavinelle Housewarden—that never stopped you, though. You followed your heart and, with a bit of help from the Leech twins, you finally managed to capture the heart of the cephalopod at last!

However, not everything is easy with Azul. For instance, he, while clearly playing favourites with you, still offers shady deals with unassuming students even after he's been told by Crowley not to do so after his overblot. He also overworks himelf often, despite your insistent requests for him to have rest. Despite knowing and reciprocating your trust and care for him, he can get insecure from time to time.

You're aware of where he's coming from, though. Who could blame him for feeling that way? With the degree of bullying he suffered since childhood and his sheer determination to “not return to his old self,” who wouldn't feel that way? Who wouldn't feel the need to prove yourself to your partner so they wouldn't leave you? Who wouldn't feel scared, terrified even, at the very notion of recieving the same treatment as before? Or, even worse, recieving that same disgusted gaze by the person you admire?

He's aware of his flaws, of his methods, and he's aware that it's not always sunshine and rainbows in a relationship built upon being vulnerable with one another. He's terrified on what you might think once he reveals a part of him he considers ugly and unworthy in comparison with you.

You don't try to push him too far in outing himself, why should you? It would’ve been really insensitive if you did. Still, you try subtly. You give him space when he needs it, give him a safe environment where he can tell you what's on his mind. You're aware that it will take a while for him to fully spill, but you think it's fine. When he does, you'll be there for him.

It's been a couple of months now since you've started dating properly. You've seen his growth, and you've never been prouder for him. Still, you see the faintest twitch of his eyebrows during tense moments, the way his smile might not reach his eyes when things at the lounge are rough, the way he sighs heavily when Floyd's mood swings affects his plans prior. It's relatively easy to read him now. You've gotten to know him deeply, and have fallen even more for the man. You've helped him in his darkest times, and you always would — that, you're sure of.

Nowadays, you find that whenever you sleep over at his room in Octavinelle, he's on top of you, in your arms, holding you like he's afraid to let you go. Usually, whenever you sleep together, the position is the other way around, so it surprises you. Still, you hold him equally as tight as you run your other hand through his hair.

It was a relatively busy day in the lounge, so you could say his clinginess was due to that reason. Jade and Floyd were apparently even more of a nuisance than usual, so that may be a part of it. Still, you worry.

You gather up the courage and ask softly, shifting your head to look at the man who, surprisingly, was already looking at you, but with an expression you couldn't quite put a finger upon. You choose your words carefully as you whisper; “Azul, are you alright? You're not usually this… tense when we're snuggling, so I can't help but ask.”

He lifts his eyes in surprise, his eyes widening ever so slightly as his lips part, but do not speak. He simply stares at you for a moment, before seemingly regaining his bearings. His lips curve in an easy smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes; “It's nothing, my pearl. Though, if it bothers you i can let go..?” He tilts his head as he asks, though the look in his eyes betray an almost desperate gaze that seemingly beg for you to say no, noting how his shoulders seem to tense as well — though maybe that's your imagination, you're not sure.

You shake your head, chuckling slightly as you lift the hand that was previously in his hair to caress his cheek, you give him a reassuring smile. “No, no, it's not like that at all, Azul! I'm just.. worried, that's all. It's not a bad thing, trust me; rather, I like the closeness I feel right now.”

“Though, are you sure you're alright? I understand that it's been a relatively day for you, so I'd be more than willing to lend you an ear?” You offer with a soft smile.

He hesitates; he can feel that your words are genuine and true, but still leave room for his refusal. He can see the look in your eyes, eyes that look at him with the softest sort of love someone could ever give a person like him. He knows it should be easy by know for him to say these sort of things to you, but it's frustratingly not — at least for him. Still, after a couple minutes of pondering, he sighs and seemingly melts into your arms. His head is tilted to the side, his ear laying stop your steady heartbeat as he can feel his cheeks flush from embarrassment.

He lets in a deep breath before exhaling. “It's just.. My pearl, you're all too good for me.”

“..what?” You could only ask dumbly with a slight furrow of your brows. Too good? Now that can't be good! “What do you mean by that, Azul..? Is- is it something I did?”

“No, never that. You've done nothing wrong, my pearl.” His head whips from where it was, his expression one of surprise and anxiety. There's nothing wrong with you, rather it's with him, he thinks. He's difficult. He's hurt others in his overblot, including you. You're easy. Constant and always lending a hand. Truly embodying the spirit of the great sea witch herself. You deserve someone that's unlike him. Easy to love. You shouldn't have to deal with a childish man like him, really.

“..what?”

Oh. Oh.

Somehow, he, Azul Ashengrotto, made the accident of blurting out his true thoughts. Meaning you heard all of that. Shit. You must think he's pathetic. You've given him nothing but your love and comfort and he still has the audacity to feel that way. He wouldn't blame you if you were to break up with him there and now.

He pulls away from your arms, failing to notice your hands that try to hold him but retract out of something— fear? Or is it the hatred he's been dreading all this time. Fate truly is an awful thing. He sits on the edge of his bed, back turned and gaze averted. “Ah- I.. that was not meant to come out- I'm- I..?-”

Before he can come up with an excuse for his earlier statements, he feels your arms wrapped around his shoulders from behind, your chin on his as you whisper softly. “Oh, Azul.. I.. there's nothing wrong with you, I promise.. I'd want no-one but you to love.. I don't want anyone ‘easier,” I want you. There's nothing easier for me than loving you, Azul .”

His breath hitches as his hands rest on yours, he can feel his eyes well up as he blinks. You continue with a soft kiss to his head as you move your arms and shift to be beside him. You carefully hug him from the side, you kneel from your position as you rest your lips on his temple.

“What you did doing your overblot wasn't in your control, really.. I feel like I would overblot too if I were in your position.. seeing your life's work disappear within a blink of an eye, suffering from the scorn of the people around you as a child, it's a lot.. your reaction was valid, and it's all in the past now, really,” you pause to look at he who was crying silently. You gently pull away before taking his hands in one of yours, the other moving up to caress his cheek and wiping away his tears with a thumb. You smile gently as you pull him close, forehead against his as you continue “I am happy with you. I love you, Azul. No one would compare, and I'd rather not be with anyone at all if it weren't you. You are everything to me, Azul.. and I need you to know that I don't mind you, all of you, even the ‘ugly parts’ of you that you seem to hate so much.”

“I love you, Azul. It's always been you.”

He can only sob harder as he melts into your touch. You open your arms and he hugs you tight. He cries into your nightshirt, his hands clenching the ends of it as he buries his head into your shoulder. He lets out small sighs as you caress his back, comforting him as you simply let yourself be with him. As the minutes pass by, his cries quiet down and his breathing calms, letting out a few small hiccups here and there as he gives in to the warmth of your body against his and the slumber that tempts him. You too are getting sleepy, so you decide to shift back against the headboard, complete with Azul in your arms, reaching for the lamp on the nightstand beside his table and pulling gently to dim your surroundings. Eventually, you two give into slumber, occasionally shifting in your sleep to move yourselves in a more comfortable position.

“Goodnight, Azul. Sweet dreams.”