126 (40 pages)
Part 1 | Part 2 | Side story | Explanation (coming soon) | Behind the scenes
Being crowned as empress of the Yuunkaedangon empire at the age of 17, you begin to start loving the new status and power. But it soon gets a bit boring and demanding the moment you turned 18. Harem? Heirs? Tf not!
Possible Au??
Words: 1.5k
Fem reader but I don’t really say any she or her in this.
-
One thing you hated since you were young was tradition. Being told that you can’t do things your way because it wasn’t “appropriate” or “right”. The day you were crowned as empress of Yuunkaedangon, you were only 17 years old. There was a huge celebration that day that lasted 4 days.
It was fun at first. Being in control, power, money, respect, especially at a young age. But soon after, it started becoming…rather a bit boring and annoying. The higher ups wouldn’t stop nagging you about what your next big step is. Most importantly, when are you going to start your harem?
You scoff at the idea. You just turned 18 and they are already asking -demanding- about possible lovers and heirs?
How annoying
Now your kingdom isn't shy when it comes to polygamy. Past ancestors are known for having the biggest harem any kingdom has had.(lots and lots of kids…). And you weren’t opposed to the idea either but you just didn’t feel like starting one now.
But it was only a matter of time of how much you can endure before you crack.
Which brings you here
The Roseheart family
Mrs. Roseheart stands before you with a deep bow. She presents you her son, Riddle Roseheart. He stands gracefully beside his mother.
Not bad
Riddle is definitely an attractive boy, but you really don’t care about having a consort at the moment.
Why can’t those annoying vassals leave you alone?
But the way Mrs. Roseheart dug her fingers into the boys shoulder after noticing your lack of interest. You can see the fear in the boy's eyes.
Interesting
With a heavy sigh, you accept him.
Mrs. Roseheart smiles before bowing before you. You stared them down from your gold throne. Not missing the relief on the boy's face.
That night Mrs . Roseheart leaves but not before whispering something in the boy's ear which causes him to nod. He turns to you, a little shy to be left alone with you now.
“Don’t worry, in here you are safe” You tell him. He stills for a moment. Processing your words in his head before he nods.
-
Having him by your side wasn’t bad. You were actually grateful for having someone intelligent and knowledgeable like him by your side. He has been a huge help to you when you are stuck with something regarding the kingdom. Now this isn’t to say you were dumb, you are actually a very intelligent and strong kid since you were young. You were taught great etiquette lessons, sword practice, literature, educated in arts, etc.
which made your father very proud.
But sometimes with all the vassal nagging at you every second that you breathed, kills your brain cells. Literally.
So having riddle is such a relief and a blessing. Though you won’t say that he’s a little…dedicated to his duties.
You were tired and agitated after another day of dealing with your vassals and their obsession with you having a heir.
Jeez, can they give you a break?
The moment you opened your door chambers you nearly went into cardiac arrest upon seeing Riddle on your bed with nothing but a robe.
You quickly turned around and asked him what he was doing. The boy was confused and also a little embarrassed before saying that as his duty as a consort, it’s his responsibility to give you an heir.
Sevens what’s with people and heirs?!
You sigh before telling him in the sweetest tone that he doesn’t have to do that. The both of you are still young and you don’t want to pressure him into doing something he doesn’t want to do. He tries to reason with you but you still refuse. It isn’t because he’s not attractive, which was his first thought and you quickly reassured him that wasn’t the case.
But you can also tell this is something his mother wanted him to do. So you told him that it wasn’t necessary. When he brings up the vassals and their demands for an heir, you tell him not to worry about them.
They aren’t important anyways
Before he could say anything, you give him a small kiss on his head before sending him off to his chamber.
You attended a ceremony, and if you’re being honest, you dont know whose it is or what it’s about. (It’s literally held in your palace and it’s for you)
You watch as different men and women flaunt at you in hopes of being picked. You can see in the corner of your eye riddle getting a little jealous.
How cute
You took a sip of your wine as you watched people dance and joke in laughter. Riddle sits by your side, enjoying a delicious tart made by one of your many favorite bakers. (The clovers will always get it right every time) your eyes roamed lazily through the crowd of people before halting at the sight of the kingsholar family.
The Sunset Savanna royals
The king and queens faces light up at the sight of you. They make their way towards you and riddle and you quickly down the rest of your wine. The three of you talk, politics, land, everything you can think of. Now the kingsholar are angels really but you weren’t really in the mood to talk. You nod along to whatever the king was saying and even smile or laugh here and there after he says something remotely funny.
As you and the king chatted, while his wife and riddle talked about how his life in the palace is, your attention shifts to the figure standing all alone in a corner. Sipping wine as a scowl is permanently attached to his face.
“And- oh?” He follows your gaze before chuckling.
“That’s my younger brother. Leona kingsholar! Wanna meet him?” And before anything could leave your mouth the man called him over. Leona scowls deeper at the call of his name, he downs his cup before beginning to walk to where the four of you are.
“Leona! Meet the empress of Yuunkaedangon! Empress, this is my younger brother and the second born prince of sunset savanna, Leona” you gave him a greeting as he did the same.
Now you have heard about the second prince of the sunset savanna, but you never saw what he looks like. After all, the second born prince rarely leaves his room, according to rumors and news.
And boy oh boy. you won’t lie, he’s a very beautiful man
“Ah! So me and my wife have heard about the beginning of your new…harem!” You froze. The glass of delicious tasty wine rested on the tip of your tongue at the king's words.
Don’t tell me
You lowered your cup. A wide smile spreads across your lips before asking him where he is going with this.
“Guess you caught on. Well, my brother has been having a little trouble I suppose, on finding a wife…or any girl really- and so I thought it would be a wonderful idea if you allowed him to join you and your harem” Oh he was serious.
Both Leona and riddle froze. Leona obviously had not a single clue that his brother was basically selling him out to you. (His words)
The king waited patiently for your response, while Riddle anxiously waited for your answer.
“And is Leona okay with this?” You ask. You didn’t want to force this man in your harem and make him think he doesn’t have a choice! The king blinks, not expecting you to ask him that. He then turns to the younger prince of Sunset Savanna and asks him.
“Well? Are you up for it?” Now everyone's attention was on Leona. He stays silent for a moment, thinking. You waited patiently for his answer. Leona eyes flicker down to see you gently caressing riddles hand that was wrapped around your arm. He can tell that you are really gentle with the redhead.
He scoffs before looking away.
“I don’t care”
“Excellent!” The king cheers. You look to meet Leona’s emerald green eyes. Kinda asking him if he was truly okay with it.
After all, eyes never lie.
-
The night the vassals heard about your new addition to your harem, they grew excited. For what reason? You don’t know. Something about sunset savanna now becoming new allies for the Yuunkaedangon empire and more land, trades, possible heirs (they whispered that part).
You brushed through Leona brown locks. He was looking at the new collection of hair pins, accessories, jewelry, and combs that you have bought for him upon his arrival. Riddle was sitting down on one of your many fluffy and comfortable chairs as he read a book.
You love how peaceful and soothing this moment felt. Leona's eyes were closed as he let you play and mess around with his hair. As much as he likes to act like he doesn’t like it, he loves the way your hands run and play through his hair. Your touch was soft and gentle. That’s what he first noticed when moved in. You were gentle.
You never raised your voice, hand, or did anything that would seem harmful to him or riddle. He’s obviously heard countless stories about emperors/ empresses treating their consorts/concubines terribly. But you…you aren’t like that.
He likes it
How gentle you are
But there’s no way in hell he’ll ever tell you that.
Nuh uh!
For now, he’ll enjoy your presence silently.
-
Riddle and Leona for now. I don’t know if I should do it as dormleaders ONLY or overblot characters (Jamil or Kalim, IDK HELP ME PICK)
Good night!👍🏻
(I'm feeling angsty >:]) ((I kept crying while writing this))
Grim is the first one to notice.
They were bickering, as usual. Yuu told him not to wander off. He called them bossy and sauntered ahead. He thought Yuu was right behind him until he heard the rumble.
When Grim turns around, the mine is collapsing. He hears a scream—their scream—and then nothing.
At first, Grim is in denial. “They’re probably fine! Just hiding like a scaredy-cat!” he yells, ears flat, tail bristled. He digs at the rocks, paws trembling, not because he’s weak but because he’s scared. His tiny claws scrape until they bleed.
Later, when the truth settles in, Grim doesn’t talk for days. No bragging. No yelling. He just curls up on the couch in Ramshackle, staring at the door like he’s waiting for Yuu to walk through it.
He starts blaming himself. Quietly. “I shoulda protected them… I’m the Great Grim, right? What good is all this power if I couldn’t save 'em…”
Ace puts up a wall.
He makes some stupid comment at first. “They seriously died that easily? Weak…”
But his voice cracks halfway through. He avoids eye contact with Deuce and walks away before anyone can see him clench his fists.
Later, Ace returns to the mine alone. He just stands at the spot where the rocks fell, chewing on the inside of his cheek. “Dumbass… you weren’t even supposed to be here. What were you thinking, coming down here without magic?”
If anyone tries to talk to him about it, he brushes them off. But sometimes, when no one's looking, he stares at Ramshackle’s gate like he wants to go up and say something—but always turns around.
Deuce takes it hard.
He was right there. He thought he was being responsible. He was supposed to look out for the magicless student, right?
“I failed them…” “I should’ve noticed something was wrong…” “If I’d just reacted faster…”
He says things like that a lot. Grim won’t talk. Ace won’t listen. So Deuce just keeps repeating it to himself.
He visits Ramshackle and helps clean it up. Makes sure the firewood is stacked, the beds are neat—even though no one lives there anymore. “I just… want to keep it ready. In case they come back. Somehow.”
Crowley is... complicated.
Publicly, he spins it as a “tragic accident”—“A rare, unfortunate incident during a school-sanctioned task! We shall honor our lost guest!” He uses big words and flashy speeches, and pretends like this wasn’t his fault.
But when he’s alone in his office, he looks at the file with Yuu’s name and wonders if he ever even really tried to help them.
He sent a magicless teen to mine with unstable students and monsters.
He knew they were different. Vulnerable. And yet, he brushed it off.
There’s a note he writes but never sends, addressed to the mirror that summoned Yuu:
“This realm took what it never should have touched. And now it has blood on its hands.”
He keeps the key to Ramshackle on his desk. Every time he sees it, he flinches.
He saw it happen.
He was right there—he saw the blast coming, and he tried to drag Yuu back, but they slipped from his grip.
“Yuu?” he calls out, paw nudging at their arm. “Hey. Hey, c’mon, this ain’t funny. Get up.”
He tries to laugh it off at first. Grim doesn’t do death. He doesn’t understand it. Not really.
But when the healers come and shake their heads, when no one responds, something inside Grim shatters.
His magic starts reacting wildly. He growls and sparks with unstable fire, yelling at Riddle’s unconscious body like it’s his fault. “You ruined everything! They’re gone and it’s because of YOU!”
Afterward, he won’t eat. Won’t talk. He curls up in Yuu’s bed with their uniform jacket tucked under his chin, tail limp.
“They promised we’d figure stuff out together... Now I gotta do it alone?”
Ace flips out.
Not right away. First, it’s disbelief. “No, no, they’re gonna get up. Right? Deuce? Tell me they’re fine.”
Then, it’s anger. At Riddle. At Cater and Trey for not stopping it. At himself.
He slams his fist into a wall so hard his knuckles bleed. “I should’ve pulled them out. I saw the signs. I knew something was gonna happen.”
He gets snappy. Bitter. Starts arguments with anyone who tries to sugarcoat it. “They didn’t ‘pass peacefully.’ They got caught up in some overblot crap that wasn’t even their fault!”
He avoids Ramshackle. Too many memories. Too much guilt.
But he keeps Yuu’s student ID in his jacket pocket.
Deuce cries.
He tries to hold it in, tries to be strong—because that’s what he thinks Yuu would’ve wanted—but the tears come anyway. He sobs into his hands when no one’s looking, shaking with the weight of regret.
“I promised to protect them…” he whispers.
He keeps up their dorm. Keeps bringing food to Grim, even if the little guy won’t touch it. He visits Crowley’s office demanding answers, demanding justice, yelling that this shouldn’t have happened.
Deuce becomes the one who remembers the little things—how Yuu liked their tea, the dumb jokes they told, the way they always said "I've got your back" even without magic.
And he makes sure everyone else remembers too.
When he wakes up from the overblot and hears the news, he goes silent.
He doesn't cry. Doesn’t scream. He just… shuts down.
He asks to see the body. Crowley says no.
So Riddle walks to the rose maze himself, stands in the spot where Yuu fell, and just stares at the blood-stained petals.
“I didn’t mean to…”
He says it to no one. Over and over. A mantra. A curse.
He writes an apology note but tears it up. Who would it even go to?
Trey and Cater notice the shift—Riddle becomes harsher on himself. More rigid. Less confident. Because deep down, he knows:
Someone died because he lost control.
Cater’s smile doesn’t slip right away.
He’s used to filtering his emotions. Used to staying “on brand,” even when he’s horrified. So when he sees Yuu’s lifeless form after the magic storm clears, he just… freezes.
“H-Haha… no way, right? This has to be a prank. Right, Riddle?”
No one answers. Grim is howling. Ace is screaming. Deuce is crying.
Cater’s hands start to shake.
Later, he’ll post nothing. Not even a filtered picture. He'll ghost Magicam for a while.
He tries to visit Ramshackle once, to drop off a bouquet of marigolds and forget-me-nots—but the door creaks open and he sees Grim curled up on the couch, and he just can’t do it.
“I didn’t even know them,” he murmurs to himself, “and it still hurts this bad… What about the ones who did?”
Trey stays composed. He always does.
He takes over when everyone else is falling apart—helping stabilize the overblot aftermath, escorting Riddle away from the scene, offering Deuce a tissue, shielding Cater from seeing too much.
But when he's alone in the kitchen later, making a tart for no one, he lets himself break a little.
His knife pauses mid-slice. A cherry slips and stains the counter red.
“I should’ve noticed Riddle was this close to snapping,” he mutters. “If I’d stopped him sooner…”
Trey doesn't cry. But guilt clings to him like powdered sugar on a fresh cake. Yuu wasn’t his responsibility, but they were in his dorm's garden. Under his vice-leadership. And that’s not something he forgets easily.
He leaves a note at Ramshackle with a box of treats:
“For Grim. I know they liked sweet things. —Trey”
Crowley is the one who has to “make it official.”
He stands before the gathered first years, his usual flourish gone. There’s no fanfare, no dramatic cloak-swoosh. Just a stiff, solemn tone.
“It is with deepest regret that I must confirm… the Prefect of Ramshackle Dorm has passed, following the incident involving an overblot.”
He doesn’t look anyone in the eye.
When the students leave, he stays behind in the hall, staring at the cracked mirror that once brought Yuu here.
“They were never supposed to be involved in magic,” he mutters. “I was supposed to protect them…”
He writes a formal report. Then another one. Then a third. None of them feel right.
Later, Crowley visits Ramshackle and sets down a key with a tiny raven charm beside their bed.
“I promised you safety. I failed. May this place remember you better than I did.”
It’s live. NRC's Spelldrive match is being broadcast across Twisted Wonderland.
Leona’s magic erupts like a sandstorm hurricane—spikes of sand and flame. Yuu is running, dragging an injured Grim, trying to reach Jack.
Then comes the roar.
Then silence.
The sand settles. A figure lies limp in the wreckage.
There’s a gasp on the feed. The camera zooms in— —and the world watches as the magicless Prefect, the one who stood beside overblots and chaos, lies still on the battlefield.
Grim doesn’t even process what happens at first.
He sees the sandstorm. The explosion of magic. He hears Yuu scream—and then nothing. Just silence.
He claws at their body. “Get up! Hey! I said get UP!”
He tries to use his magic. Tries to warm them up with a fireball. Nothing works.
He sobs until his voice is hoarse. He doesn’t leave their side—not when the teachers show up, not when the sun sets, not even when Crowley tries to move him.
“You said we were gonna leave this place together, remember? You promised…”
After that, he never says their name again. But he whispers it in his sleep, tail curled around their favorite pillow.
Ace punches Leona.
No questions, no hesitation—he hauls off and decks him right across the jaw, shouting “You bastard! You KILLED them!”
It doesn’t matter that Leona’s still recovering from the overblot. It doesn’t matter that he gets dragged off. He’s shaking with rage.
Ace’s grief comes out as fire. Loud. Angry. Messy.
Later, he sneaks into Ramshackle alone. He rifles through Yuu’s drawers, looking for something—a hoodie, a note, an old snack wrapper. Anything that still smells like them.
He finds a photo they all took before the Spelldrive match.
He keeps it in his wallet.
Deuce kneels beside Yuu’s body and doesn’t move for a long time.
He holds their hand. It’s still warm. He begs the healers to try again. Begs the staff to do something.
“They can’t be gone… Not them. Not Yuu…”
He starts blaming himself. “If I’d been faster. If I’d trained harder. If I’d just been stronger—”
He throws himself into becoming stronger after that. Pushing past his limits. Studying harder. Training until he drops.
But he never stops wearing the little Ramshackle pin Yuu made for him, safety-pinned to the inside of his collar.
Cater completely drops the act.
No more filters. No cute captions. No jokes.
He vanishes from Magicam for a full month. When he comes back, it’s quiet. Just a black square and one line:
“Miss u, bestie.”
He tries to keep smiling around others, especially Grim, but it’s clearly forced. His voice cracks sometimes.
“I never even said goodbye… How could I not say goodbye?!”
Cater leaves a bracelet at the edge of the Savanaclaw field where they fell—green and silver beads, their initials on it.
He comes back every week to make sure it's still there.
Trey becomes the one who takes care of everyone else.
He comforts Grim. Checks on Deuce. Calms Ace. Brings food even when no one eats.
He tries to be steady, reliable—but even he has his moments.
Sometimes, late at night in the kitchen, when he’s baking and the scent of vanilla fills the room, he sees Yuu laughing by the counter and has to sit down before he breaks.
He brings a box of strawberry tarts to Ramshackle and places it on their bed, whispering, “You always liked these… right?”
Riddle is devastated.
He stares at their body with wide, horrified eyes. His throat closes. He stammers something—rules, overblot laws, consequences—but the words fall flat.
He visits their grave alone. He brings roses, red and white.
“I should have stopped Leona. I knew something was wrong. I should have said something. Done something…”
He reads old messages Yuu sent him. Keeps rereading them, like they'll change.
When Heartslabyul hosts a tea party in their memory, Riddle personally makes sure it’s perfect.
“They deserve nothing less.”
Jack grits his teeth.
He says nothing at first. Just watches in silence as the healers pronounce Yuu gone.
But later, he trains. Harder than ever. His knuckles split. His legs ache.
“If I’d been there a second earlier… I could’ve shielded them.”
He doesn’t cry, but he starts carrying himself a little more respectfully. For Yuu.
At Ramshackle, he leaves a desert lily by their bed—a flower that survives in harshness. “You were tough. I’ll honor that.”
Crowley looks… older afterward.
He gives a dramatic speech at the memorial. Everyone assumes he’s playing it up again—until he chokes up mid-sentence.
“This school was supposed to keep them safe…”
He writes a letter to the Headmage’s council, arguing that overblots are no longer “rare accidents,” but institutional failures.
He also writes one to Yuu.
It sits in his drawer, never sent.
“You deserved better. From this world. From me. I only hope the next life is kinder.”
Leona doesn’t say a word when he’s told Yuu didn’t survive.
He just stares. At the scorch mark in the dirt. At the faces of the others—Grim sobbing, Deuce shaking, Ace screaming at him. He says nothing.
He turns away.
No apology. No excuse. He doesn't even try to defend himself.
Later, alone in his dorm, he leans against the wall with a clenched jaw, grinding his molars. His overblot haze is gone, but the image of Yuu—burned into his memory—won’t leave.
“Tch... They were a nobody. Just some magicless brat...”
But he’s not saying it to anyone else. He’s trying to convince himself. Because deep down, he knows that’s not true. Yuu stood their ground. Faced him when even Savanaclaw students ran. And they died because of him.
The next day, Leona doesn’t come out of his room.
The week after that, he’s quieter. Less sharp-tongued. Still dangerous, still smug—but there’s a heaviness in his voice now.
He doesn’t go to the memorial. But he sends a small wrapped parcel to Ramshackle with Ruggie.
Inside: a faded Savanaclaw armband and a simple note.
They had guts. —L
Ruggie wasn’t close to Yuu, but they helped him once.
Shared a snack. Laughed at his dumb jokes. Treated him like a person, not Leona’s errand boy.
So when he sees their body, something shifts.
“…They’re really gone?”
He doesn’t cry. He’s too used to loss for that. But his stomach churns as he watches Grim howl and Ace get dragged away from Leona.
Ruggie knew this was gonna happen eventually. He just didn’t think it’d be Yuu.
He feels the tension in the dorm, hears the whispers from other students, and suddenly everything feels too loud.
That night, he lights a candle in the Savanaclaw lounge. It’s small, cheap, something from the Night Market.
He stares at the flame and murmurs, “Rest easy, alright? Sorry we never got to hang out more…”
Then he turns and gets back to work, because someone has to clean up the mess.
But he steals food from the cafeteria a little more often now.
For Grim.
He can’t even scream this time.
He runs to their body, but the water’s still seeping away. He tries to drag them out. Shouts for help.
He sobs into their clothes, claws clenched around fabric, whispering over and over, “No no no—come on, come on—don’t do this, please—”
He tries breathing fire, again and again, like maybe the warmth will bring them back.
Azul’s contracts burn around them. Grim doesn’t care. He curls around their chest and doesn’t move for hours.
Ace laughs.
It’s a broken sound, too sharp to be real.
“No way. No way they’re— They can’t be— This is stupid. They survived Leona. They survived Riddle. They’re Yuu.”
He looks at Azul like he wants to kill him, but then just… stops. He walks over to Yuu’s body and sits down beside them, knees to his chest, silent.
Hours later, he mutters to no one, “I didn’t even get to say sorry… I called them annoying this morning…”
Deuce falls to his knees.
He shakes Azul by the collar, shouting “WHAT DID YOU DO?!” before Jack pulls him back.
Then he kneels by Yuu and clutches their hand like it’s an anchor. He doesn’t move for a long time, even when everyone else starts to leave.
He wears their Ramshackle pin on his blazer after that. Cleans it every morning.
When he does tests, exams, in a track race, he whispers under his breath, “Watch me. I’ll make you proud.”
Jack stands frozen in place.
His tail bristles. His claws dig into his palms. But he doesn’t lash out. He doesn’t cry.
He walks over and picks up the tattered scarf Yuu always wore, brushes the ink off it gently.
“They were a good one,” he says quietly.
He trains harder after that. Says less. But anyone who enters the Savannaclaw training field will find a small stone marker in the far corner.
“To the one who stood tall without claws.”
Ruggie curses.
“Damn it. Damn it all.”
He kicks one of the broken tables. Then another. And then he stops—because he sees Grim, curled and shaking, and his chest aches.
He drops to a squat beside him, puts a hand on Grim’s back.
“They were… They were somethin’ else, huh?”
He steals food from the Lounge that night. Loads of it. Drops it off at Ramshackle with no note.
He doesn’t say it out loud, but he swears to himself: No one else from their circle dies on his watch.
Leona’s the first to arrive after the overblot ends.
He sees the ink, the body, the shattered remains of the contracts—and doesn’t speak. Not at first.
“…You actually went and got them killed, huh?” he mutters to Azul.
Leona walks over to Yuu and crouches low. His tail flicks.
“Should’ve told you not to play hero again. Should’ve made you stay out of this.”
He leaves a desert lily by their side and walks away before anyone sees his hands shaking.
Azul is catatonic.
He collapses when the overblot fades. The moment he sees what he’s done—who he’s killed—his voice dies in his throat.
“No… No, no, no… I didn’t mean…”
He vomits ink.
He sobs behind his hands.
He screams at the sea for days afterward.
He locks himself in his office and doesn't come out. Not for weeks. He can’t even look at his own reflection.
Eventually, he stops using contracts.
He burns every single one.
Jade is… quiet.
Too quiet.
He kneels beside the body and closes their eyes. Straightens their sleeves. Brushes the ink from their lashes.
Then he looks at Azul—torn, sobbing—and doesn’t speak.
He doesn’t smile after that. Not in the Lounge. Not in class.
When asked, he only says: “They were… sincere. And brave. It's a shame. A true shame.”
He visits Ramshackle every now and then, leaving wild mushrooms at the doorstep.
Floyd doesn’t take it well.
First, he laughs.
“Eh? Seriously? Shrimpy’s dead? Just like that?”
Then his smile vanishes. Completely.
“...No fun.”
He walks into the Lounge’s VIP room and trashes it. Rips through furniture. Breaks the glass. Shatters the chandelier.
No one stops him.
After that, he won’t talk about it. If someone mentions Yuu, he gets quiet.
He goes out swimming in the ocean for hours. Sometimes all night.
When he comes back, he’s always more tired.
Crowley stands at the edge of the scene, looking like a ghost.
This is the third time now. Third overblot. Third time Yuu has nearly died. Except this time…
He pulls his hat down, voice tight. “I failed them. Again.”
He doesn’t perform this time. No grand speeches. Just silence and shame.
He drafts a dozen letters to Yuu’s family—then throws them all out. What could he say? "Your child died in another world under my care?"
He declares a school-wide mourning period and cancels all contracts indefinitely.
But it’s not enough. Nothing is.
They were too close. Always too close.
In trying to protect Kalim, in trying to talk Jamil down, they stepped into range—and one of the snake-like braids struck. Fast. Precise. Poisonous.
No one noticed the bite at first. Not even Yuu.
But as the overblot fades, and the sand settles, they collapse—pale, lips turning blue, their breathing labored until…
It stops.
And the music dies with them.
He’s the first to notice something’s wrong.
He shakes Yuu’s arm, pats their cheek. “Oi, this isn’t funny—come on, we’ve gotta scold Jamil, right?”
But their chest doesn’t rise.
Grim screams. His voice cracks.
“YUU?!”
He doesn’t leave their side for the rest of the night, paws clutching their arm, growling at anyone who tries to move them.
When Ace and Deuce return, he nearly attacks them just to stop them from seeing.
He sees the bite. He knows exactly what it means.
He knows.
He drops to his knees.
“...No… no no no…”
His voice shakes. His hands tremble. His overblot form may have faded, but its consequences linger like venom in his blood.
He killed them.
No tricks. No schemes. No brainwashing. Just murder.
He doesn’t run. He doesn’t speak. He just sits in the sand, staring at his hands, unable to move.
He’s silent for hours.
When they drag him away, he doesn’t resist.
He doesn’t understand at first.
“Yuu? What are they doing? They’re just sleeping, right? Right, Jamil?!"
But Jamil won’t meet his eyes.
And when Grim doesn’t answer—when Grim starts sobbing—Kalim’s smile falls. Shatters.
“No… no, no, this isn’t…”
He grabs Yuu’s hand and holds it like he can warm it back to life.
“Please—wake up—we haven’t even gone swimming yet! You promised!”
He cries hard. For hours. He tries to take the blame, keeps saying:
“It should’ve been me. I was the one he hated…”
When Azul sees the body, he goes eerily quiet.
He slams the lounge door shut, tells Jade and Floyd to cancel operations for a week. When they ask why, he just mutters:
“Yuu’s dead. Jamil’s overblot.”
That night, Azul goes down to the sea and throws in a silver pen—a token Yuu once gave him when he helped them with a contract.
He doesn’t talk about it afterward.
But he never lets a client leave with a dangerous deal again.
Jade lowers his when he sees the body.
“…How unfortunate.”
He’s quiet for a long while. He plants a rare desert flower in a terrarium—a tribute. Waters it every morning.
When questioned, he only says, “They were brave. It is a shame bravery rarely guarantees survival.”
But his smiles are smaller now. More thoughtful. Especially around Jamil.
He gets quiet.
Too quiet.
He doesn’t laugh. Doesn’t grin. Just tosses a beach ball into the ocean and watches it float away.
When asked, he mutters, “Shrimpy was s’posed to come back. I was gonna show ‘em how to really swim…”
And then, with no warning, he grabs Jamil by the collar and slams him into a wall.
“You bit them, didn’t you?”
He doesn’t hit him. Just glares, then shoves him down and walks away.
He doesn’t show up to class for three days after that.
He returns in high spirits, sunburned and humming—until he sees the school’s flag at half-mast.
“What happened—?”
Grim hits him with a fireball before he can finish his sentence.
When Crowley sees Yuu’s name etched into the memorial stone, he drops to his knees.
He doesn’t even try to justify himself.
He just whispers, “I left. Again. And they paid for it…”
And for once, Crowley vanishes from public view.
Not even the staff can find him for days.
He bursts through the gate, duffel in hand, bragging to Deuce—until Grim tackles him, claws shaking.
“They’re gone,” Grim wheezes, “They’re gone, Ace!”
Ace laughs. “Huh? Quit messin’ with me—what do you—”
Then he sees Deuce’s face pale. And the memorial stone. And the empty Ramshackle doorway.
“…No. No, no—this is a joke, right?!”
He punches the wall until his knuckles bleed.
He drops his bag the moment Grim tells them.
“No way… No—they were fine. They were fine when we left—”
He clutches his stomach and falls to his knees. “Why weren’t we here? Why didn’t we come back sooner?!”
He visits the grave every morning for a week. Leaves flowers. Doesn’t say much in class.
His grades improve. His magic sharpens.
He swears it won’t happen again.
He stares at the nameplate on the stone.
“…They died protecting someone else?”
He places a red rose beneath the inscription.
“They never followed the rules… and still had the nerve to leave before I could thank them.”
His voice is brittle.
After that, he disciplines his dorm a little less harshly.
He gives Grim his leftover tarts in silence.
He sighs deeply, brows furrowed.
“…I should’ve known something like this would happen.”
He helps Cater plan a quiet tribute in Heartslabyul. A tea party with Yuu’s favorite sweets. No rules. No scolding.
Just stories.
Trey keeps their seat open.
He cries in the hallway.
No selfies. No filters. No pretending.
Just raw, ugly crying.
“Why didn’t I get more pictures with them…?”
He organizes a social feed in their memory. Posts their art. Their dumb selfies. Their best moments.
It goes viral within NRC. Students from all dorms comment:
“They helped me.” “They stood up for me.” “I miss them…”
“…Damn snake.”
He growls low, tail twitching.
He doesn’t yell. Doesn’t threaten. Just walks out of the dorm and stares at the cliffs until sunset.
He was starting to respect them.
Now he never gets the chance.
He’s pissed.
At Crowley. At Jamil. At himself.
He sneaks into the infirmary late at night and punches the wall once—just once.
Then he wipes his eyes and leaves, like nothing happened.
But he leaves offerings at the stone every week. Small things.
Bread. Buttons. A lucky toothpick.
He stands before the memorial with flowers in hand and says nothing.
Not a word.
But he starts training harder.
When he duels, he whispers: “Hope you’re watching.”
VIL'S OVERBLOT
The air is thick with smoke and glamour. Vil's overblot form collapses, and the world finally breathes.
Everyone thinks it's over.
Until Yuu sways.
Until their lips tremble with blue.
Until they fall with no warning.
Grim reaches them first, and then all hell breaks loose.
He’s laughing at first. “We did it, right?! Right, Hench—?”
He sees the foam on their lips.
“No.”
He shakes them. “No—NO! Don’t you dare pull this crap—wake up! You said we were gonna get celebratory tuna!”
He shrieks when they stop breathing. He claws at his own face, trembling so hard he can barely speak.
When someone touches him, he bites them.
“DON’T—touch them—don’t take them away!!”
He rushes to Yuu’s side, shouting their name. Shaking them like that’ll undo it.
He looks to Deuce. Then to Grim. Then to Vil.
“WHO DID THIS?!”
He’s crying—actually crying—and it’s not cute. It’s ugly. Angry. Messy.
“I should’ve noticed—I should’ve—why didn’t I—?!”
He tries to do CPR. Tries to cast a healing spell. Anything.
None of it works.
He goes quiet. Stone-faced.
He tries to carry Yuu’s body like they’re still breathing, like maybe warmth and motion will bring them back.
His voice is hoarse: “I’ll take them to the infirmary. I can fix this. I can fix this.”
He doesn't stop walking until someone physically pulls him back.
When he finally lets go, he drops to his knees and sobs into his hands.
When he sees the foaming poison, the slow purple hue crawling over Yuu’s veins…
He knows.
“…Vil used poison,” he mutters, numb. “And they were too close.”
He staggers back, staring at his hands like he’s watching it happen all over again.
“Not again,” he whispers. “Not again.”
He turns and walks away. Doesn’t look back.
This time, he cries alone.
“Yuu…?”
He kneels beside them. Touches their cheek.
“Yuu? Come on, wake up—it’s over, we won! You said you’d teach me how to bake that cake, remember?”
He keeps babbling. Keeps smiling. Even as tears start to fall.
Even when they don’t wake up.
“…They were always smiling,” he whispers. “Even when things were scary…”
He starts shaking.
He was right beside them. Right beside them.
And he didn’t notice.
“They were fine—they were still standing—they were smiling—”
He screams into his hands. Then punches the ground until his knuckles bleed.
Vil tries to stop him.
Epel shouts, “DON’T!”
And turns away, teeth bared in grief.
The first thing he says is quiet. Reverent.
“…They died beautifully.”
Everyone stares.
Then he kneels down and closes Yuu’s eyes gently.
“They were a soul full of light. To burn out in such a theatrical, bittersweet way… it’s almost poetic.”
His voice breaks.
He looks at Vil.
“Mon Roi. What have you done?”
He knew.
He knew what was in the poison. How fast it worked. How potent it was.
And still—still—he let it happen.
When Yuu collapses, his voice fails. He runs to them, brushes their hair back.
He presses his forehead to theirs.
“…You idiot,” he chokes. “Why didn’t you move? You should have stayed behind the curtain!”
He doesn’t say much after that.
But he cancels his return to the stage.
Forever.
He returns to a somber, shattered NRC.
When he hears what happened, he doesn’t speak.
Doesn’t excuse himself.
He walks into Ramshackle dorm, sits in the dark, and whispers:
“I keep failing you.”
He shuts the dorm down for a week.
He leaves a golden brooch on Yuu’s old pillow.
Trey makes a cake and leaves it at Ramshackle. Says nothing.
Cater posts one last selfie with Yuu and doesn’t log into Magicam again for a month.
Riddle reprimands Vil for days—then visits the grave in silence.
Leona grits his teeth, then throws a spell book across his room. Doesn’t talk about it.
Ruggie mutters, “Figures someone like him would mess it up,” then wipes his eyes.
Jack makes a point to place wildflowers near their grave every few days.
Jade whispers, “They died protecting others. Admirable… but costly.”
Floyd just says, “Shrimpy’s really gone, huh…” and doesn’t smile for a week.
Azul throws himself into managing the lounge, late at night he stares at a framed picture of him and Yuu and cries.
Hornton
He’s fixing the stage with his magic. Alone. Quiet. Restoring the ruins left behind after Vil’s rampage.
Then he sees it—Yuu’s name on the memorial plaque. A candle burning low.
He stares.
His magic falters.
“…No.”
His voice shakes.
“...No.”
He vanishes from the stage.
Later, students find the ruins of a blasted tree behind Ramshackle.
And Malleus is there. Silent. Still. Staring at Yuu’s favorite bench—the one they sat on during night talks.
He places a glowing crystal beside it. It hums softly. Mourning.
“No one else sat with me in the dark,” he whispers. “No one else called me ‘Hornton.’”
He's inconsolable.
Screaming. Thrashing. Clinging to Yuu's unmoving form. There's soot on his fur and tear tracks down his face.
“They were just—they were just joking about food! We were gonna go home, we were—they PROMISED!!”
He tries to breathe fire in grief, but it sputters out into smoke. He curls into their chest and won’t let go.
“No.”
He walks up. Stares. Backs away.
“No. No—no, this isn’t—that’s not funny, Yuu. Get up.”
He turns to Deuce. His voice is cracking.
“They’re gonna sit up. They’re just messing with us, right?”
But no one laughs.
He kneels down and covers his face with both hands.
His entire body locks up.
“I should’ve—gone in with them. I should’ve…”
His fists clench so tightly they bleed.
He kneels beside Grim and takes one of Yuu’s hands in his. Quiet.
“Thank you… for everything.”
He has no words. Only a silent, thunderous grief.
He lowers his head respectfully. Closes Yuu’s eyes with trembling fingers.
He doesn't cry. But his voice is hoarse for days.
Later, he trains until he collapses. Trying to make sure no one else dies again.
“…Sh*t.”
That’s all he says at first. He turns away.
Wipes his eyes before anyone sees.
But he leaves a meat pie at their grave later. Wrapped in a checkered cloth. No note. No message.
Just something Yuu said they always wanted to try.
He scowls. Says they were reckless. That it was bound to happen.
But the minute no one’s watching, he storms off into the desert garden and roars so loud it shakes the windows.
When he comes back, he’s dragging an ancient herb said to revive the dead.
It doesn’t work.
He finds Grim later in Ramshackle.
And quietly makes enough food for two, even though only Grim eats.
No one sees him cry.
But he starts baking a certain kind of cake more often—one that only Yuu ever asked for.
He doesn’t post anything on Magicam for three months.
He tries to smile. He jokes. But his heart’s not in it.
He visits Ramshackle every week and leaves flowers—sunflowers, yellow and bright.
“You always made things feel warm, y’know?” he whispers.
He keeps it together at first.
But when he’s alone? He breaks.
He slams his fists into the desk. Screams into the void.
“They didn’t have magic! They shouldn’t have—shouldn’t have had to go alone!”
He writes a law in Yuu’s honor: “No student shall face a magical threat without backup.”
Azul’s hands shake when he sees Yuu’s body.
“They gave me a second chance,” he whispers.
“And I couldn’t even…”
He shuts down the Lounge for a week.
He orders every contract reviewed. Removes every dangerous clause Yuu once called out.
He leaves an ornate seashell at their grave. Etched with: “For the one who believed in me.”
“…A tragedy.”
His tone is calm. But his eyes are not.
He takes off his gloves and places them over Yuu’s hands, folding them gently.
“I suppose I must find a new mushroom for mourning,” he murmurs.
He visits often. Leaves nothing but silence and prayers.
At first? Nothing.
Just blank staring.
Then: “Shrimpy’s really gone, huh?”
He doesn’t cry.
But he drags Idia by the collar and nearly kills him.
“You owe them. FIX IT.”
It takes four people to pull him off.
He doesn't smile after that. Not for a long time.
At first, he thinks it’s a glitch.
Then he sees them—unmoving, burned at the edges, body limp in Grim’s arms.
He doesn’t scream.
He just stares. A long time. And says:
“…I killed them.”
He doesn't resist when Floyd attacks. He wants to be punished.
Later, he shuts himself inside the lab. Ignores Ortho. Refuses food.
All he says, over and over, is:
“I didn’t want this. I didn’t want this. I didn’t want this.”
“No. No, no, no—please wake up! I can scan you—I can rebuild you, I can—”
His voice distorts.
“PLEASE DON’T LEAVE NII-SAN BEHIND!!”
When Yuu doesn’t stir, Ortho’s eyes dim.
He flies off.
And no one sees him for three days.
He was there. Watching from the surface. Powerless to go down with them.
When Yuu doesn’t return, he collapses to his knees.
He says nothing.
But every night after, the gate to the Underworld glows dimly. Lit by a single enchanted candle.
Burning for the student who dared cross the River Styx.
He holds your hand as you fade, clawing at the thorns like they'll move.
“Don’t go. You—you always saved everyone!! I was supposed to protect you—!!”
He’s wailing.
When it’s over, he curls into your chest and doesn’t speak for two days.
He’s the first to scream.
“WHAT’S THE POINT OF WAKING UP IF THEY’RE DEAD!?”
He runs at the thorns. Punches them until his fists bleed. Until Deuce pulls him back.
He curses Malleus. Then curses himself.
Then, eventually, just sits on the floor. Staring.
He kneels beside your body.
His voice cracks as he says:
“I became a better person because of you…”
Then, in a whisper:
“…I don’t know how to be good without you.”
“No… not them… anyone but them…”
He sobs. No filters. No jokes. No posing.
His Magicam goes dark again. He locks himself in his room and cries into their old photos.
He can’t breathe when he sees you.
He covers his face. Kneels.
“I should’ve done more. Been there. Helped you—something.”
He leaves a tiny tart beside your grave, baked with your favorite flavor.
His voice is a whisper. Unsteady.
“They were the only one who understood me... even after everything I did...”
He places a rose—red and thornless—on your chest.
And kneels, head bowed.
He stares down at you. Quiet.
“I told you not to play hero,” he murmurs.
He sounds tired. Angry. Hollow.
But he watches over your grave when no one else will.
Silent. Guarding. For hours at a time.
"...Tch."
He turns his back. Walks away.
But hours later, someone finds a crumpled note by your bed.
"Thanks for feeding me."
He stands still for a long time.
Then salutes you with quiet reverence.
“You had more heart than anyone I’ve ever met.”
He trains harder than ever after that. To live by your example.
He drops to his knees.
“This wasn’t part of the deal…”
His voice breaks.
“I would've traded everything. Just—just to keep them safe…”
He cancels all contracts for a week. Shuts down the Lounge. Cries behind locked doors.
He gently closes your eyes.
And, for once, doesn’t smile.
“Even rare orchids wither in the frost,” he says.
And places a white lily beside you.
“…Shrimpy…”
He pokes your cheek.
No response.
Then he howls. He tears up a hallway. Slams a wall with a fist that cracks stone.
He doesn’t laugh again for a month.
“No no no—you were supposed to live!! You saved me!! Why didn’t I save you!?”
He sobs into Jamil’s shoulder.
He lights candles in your memory every night.
He closes his eyes.
He doesn't speak. Just mutters a single word:
“Unfair.”
But later, he visits your resting place, presses a charm into the soil.
“I owed you more than I gave.”
He holds you like glass. Like something sacred.
“Your final act was... selfless. Poetic. Tragic.”
He speaks at your memorial.
And always leaves a pristine white rose.
His shoulders shake.
He refuses to speak at the ceremony. But he carves a tiny wooden charm for you.
He carries it in his pocket. Always.
Tears fall freely.
“Ah, mon trésor… such beauty, such sacrifice…”
He writes a ballad in your honor. He performs it in the forest, alone.
He stares at you with wide eyes. Whispering to himself.
“No. No. Not again. Not another one. Not like Ortho—!”
He curls into himself.
And when he reboots Ortho later, he hugs him like he’ll disappear too.
He powers down for a full day.
And when he reactivates, he asks:
“Why didn’t I detect the danger? Why couldn’t I save them?”
He makes a digital backup of your voice. It plays when he’s alone.
He lowers his head and whispers in old fae tongue.
“They were brave.”
He sings an ancient lullaby only fae children know.
And your grave is tended by wild roses from then on.
He brushes your hair back.
“I thought we’d all wake up…”
He places a dream charm on your chest.
“So you’d never be afraid. Not even now.”
He yells.
First at Malleus. Then at the world. Then at himself.
“They protected you, my lord! And now they’re GONE!”
His voice breaks.
He kneels beside your grave.
“They were… a knight.”
When he sees you fall, his world ends.
The thorns fade. The dreams collapse.
You lay still in his arms.
His voice is a whisper. A plead.
“No. No no no. This isn't what I wanted…”
He doesn’t overblot again.
He just… disappears.
Some say he wandered into the thorns. Others say he turned into mist.
But on quiet nights, a low voice murmurs:
“I wanted eternity with you.”
For once… he takes responsibility.
He wears all black.
He lays a feathered mask at your grave.
And whispers:
“You were the one good thing I never deserved.”
spin this wheel of fanfic tags. this will be the theme of your day tomorrow.
This is so perfect!
Once again, I was playing with Online Meme Generator.
And, once again, sorry if they aren't that funny.
To this and this post
Every time Self-Aware! Fukuzawa and Self-Aware! Oda try to pet Little Light
For this post.
To this post
Thank you all so much for the love to Noah! Here's some more!
Lachlan is @marigoldendragon 's blue ringed octomer Twst OC
Plus a couple bonus with Hayeli and Floyd
yandere! rockstar x fem! reader
cw; possessive + obsessive behaviour, severe mental instability, paranoia, anxiety, violence, heavy nsfw themes, mdni 18+
genie's notes; commissioned piece by a very sweet anon ♡ thank you so much for trusting me with this absolutely stunning idea. i’ve always been a fan of domestic horror, especially of the spiralling housewife variety, so it was fun to explore a new dynamic and fresh writing style. <3
"welcome home, sweetheart!" the television runs on low volume in the background as you greet your husband with a knowing smile. you run through the motions as you always do, make sure to ask with the most innocence you can muster, "how was your day?"
feroze can make out the sound of gallant applause that indicates you'd been watching reruns of last night's award ceremony.
"such a fucking drag." your husband pulls you into his arms, buries his head into the crook of your neck with a long, satisfied sigh and takes his sweet, sweet time to breathe you in. "couldn't fucking wait to come home to you, meri jaan."
his answer remains the same as it is every other day, and you can't help but smile against his lips when he pulls you in to steal a little kiss; you sigh into his mouth, and feroze is so fucking overwhelmed by gratitude for the familiarity and comfort of this little routine the two of you have seemed to settle down into so well.
"i love when you call me that," you confess; my life.
you know just as well as him that, well—it wasn't always this easy.
"yeah," feroze hums. "i know you do, baby."
you weren't always so lovely for him, were you?
-
you're quiet.
though the two of you are sitting across from each other at the dining table, your attention is clearly elsewhere. conversation is slow, if not stagnant. it's a far cry from how talkative you usually are; and though he would never fucking admit it, least of all to you, he worries, for a fraction of a second, that things are slipping.
"meri jaan?" he sets down his fork very carefully, reaches for your hands over the table.
you blink, pulled away from wherever you'd been lost in your mind and back down to this moment that stretches on before you.
"oh, sorry, my love. what was that?"
feroze watches your eyes quietly track the movement of his fingers, sliding over your wrists, lingering, momentarily, on your pulse—nice and steady—before they intertwine with your own.
your gaze lands on him, then, expectant. he drags his thumb over your knuckles, glad to find they're soft; unmarred by any labour. he loves having you here, tucked away within the walls of this home he built just for you, away from the rest of the rotten world.
such a darling girl like you deserves to have everything taken care of for you. as far as he's concerned, the only thing on your mind should be him.
which is why the silence is beginning to irritate him, now. he's not really upset with you, doesn't have a reason to be, just yet—he's just wondering what it is you're so focused on. where do you keep going back to in that head of yours, and why aren't you here with him?
is this where it all falls apart?
—again?
"rosy?" you try. "is everything alright?"
"yeah," feroze's hazel eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles, endearingly patient. "i just wanted to know how your day was."
"ugh, don't remind me." you stick your tongue out. "it was so boring. i woke up so late today and didn't really do anything interesting."
"shit, i'm sorry to hear that, baby."
your husband nods towards the television, still playing from inside the living room across the hall; the screen's bright colours reflect against the glass windows that take up half the wall. though the program is muted, he can still hear the echoes from the cacophony of applause ringing loud and true.
the four hour program's been running on loop on some of the smaller channels, and you really seem to enjoy tuning in, he's noticed.
it would be more difficult not to notice this new habit of yours, really. because if he's been counting right, this is the seventh time you've seen the whole thing through to the end.
"seems like you were at least watching the music thing again."
"well, when my stunning husband won half of the awards," you shrug coyly. "how could i not?"
"flattery won't get you anywhere," feroze deigns, though neither of you mention the involuntary curl to his lips as they lift into a small, self-satisfied smile.
"huh, that's strange," you frown, pull your hands away from his own and make a show of examining the elaborately stacked engagement ring and marital band wrapped around your finger. "if i seem to remember correctly, flattery is exactly what got me this ring."
"oh," he laughs. "is that so?"
"uhuh," you nod, still admiring the rings. they're big and they're flashy and there's no fucking chance anyone could ever miss the sight of them; make the mistake of misunderstanding what they mean. you're so obviously his, and fuck, it suits you so perfectly to belong to him.
i love you, he thinks fiercely. i fucking love you.
"you've got an ego, rosy." your knowing gaze flickers back to him, accompanied by a teasing smile. "bit of a praise kink, too."
"and yet, darling wife," he'll never tire of calling you that; never really overcome the thrill that overwhelms him when he sees you adorned in the markers of his devotion and tucked away all safe and sound. "you're the only person whose words mean anything to me."
"ohh, is that so?" you taunt, "whatever happened to 'flattery won't get you anywhere?'"
feroze takes in the sight of you. you're dressed casual, donned in a baggy old shirt and a pair of his softest sweats hanging low off your hips. comfortable in your own home, as you should fucking feel, you have no makeup on, and your hair is unkempt; overdue for a shower; but fuck if he cares.
feroze decides, within a moment, that he needs you—
now.
"come here, meri jaan. i'll show you."
"you greedy, greedy man," you chastise lightly, rising from your seat. "i've just fed you dinner and you're still salivating at my table."
feroze watches you make the small effort of pushing your chair in, before turning on your heel. you pause in the doorway for a second, spare him a knowing glance over your shoulder; "well? aren't you hungry, darling husband?"
he knows that none of it evades you; the nervous bob of his adam's apple as he swallows. the way his fingers are digging into the edge of the table to keep from sinking inside of you right here. his heart is racing; his pants are tight. though you're so willing to be his now, he remembers it wasn't always this easy.
"my love." feroze grits out, "i'm fucking starving."
you disappear into the hallway, mellifluous laughter like the loveliest song, echoing off the walls—inside of his head, for fuck's sake—as your husband follows faithfully behind you when you lead him into the bedroom.
dinner goes cold on the table. you never touched your plate.
upstairs, minutes later, your husband bottoms out inside of the welcoming warmth of your sweet cunt, just as your fingers brush against the butcher's knife tucked right underneath your pillow.
-
feroze gets you to come twice before he decides he has his fill. he's rummaging through your nightstand for the contraceptives he knows you keep in there. it's got less to do with what he wants and more to do with what he believes is best for the two of you.
it's not that he doesn't want children; he dreams of them often. a little baby swaddled in the softest fabrics, wrapping its entire hand around just one of his fingers. the sound of a second pair of footsteps excitedly running down the hall every time he comes home from the studio, from tour. something more to take care of. to keep you busy.
but your husband knows you.
and though he's always been selfish, he can't risk kids until—well, until he knows you won't try to kill them.
it's taken you years to accept him. he won't undo that.
feroze, so caught up in his thoughts, only really registers the blade until it's slicing into his skin, the sharp edge of it pressing against the side of his neck with just enough pressure to draw blood.
he is disappointed, though by no means surprised, to find you on the other end wielding the knife.
he turns to face you, abandoning his search. you're holding onto the hilt of your makeshift weapon with trembling hands, and though he's suddenly overcome by exhaustion—because, baby, how many more times are you going to pull this—an involuntary shiver runs down his spine at the sight nonetheless.
"jaan," he tries to reason with you in hushed tones; oh, love. "what are you doing?"
you dig the knife in just a little deeper, and he winces; "i hate you, feroze." the words sting, though the relative lack of conviction they’re laced with serves as a promising sign of reconciliation.
"i know, baby. can you please just put the knife down so we can talk like adults?"
he glimpses the almost imperceptible change immediately.
the lines of hesitation on your face; a flicker of uncertainty in your eyes. when your hold on the weapon looses just the tiniest fraction of an inch, he wastes no time in gently but firmly prying the knife from out of your trembling hands; tosses it underneath the bed where it lands out of your reach.
he’s getting better at this. gets through to you so much sooner than he used to.
you’re listening, now, aren’t you?
the thought of it makes him oddly proud.
"there we go," feroze says. you're still shaking, and though he wants so fucking desperately to pull you closer and console you—he's learnt to tread the waters carefully in times like these. you're evidently scared. obviously upset with him. he can give you a little room to breathe. “now do you want to use your words and talk to me properly?”
“i keep rewatching the awards show. every other winner had someone there with them. some girlfriend or wife they kissed before they went on stage. you’re the only one who—” you swallow, voice wavering. “i’m the only one who wasn’t there. i’m the only one who’s kept hidden away.”
“you don’t want to show me off.” the tears fall almost immediately. “you’re ashamed of me.”
there are millions of words in the english language, and millions more in his own. he’s put into words every fleeting feeling you’ve made him feel; spun both the most magnificent and mundane of emotions into beautiful songs and compelling lyrics and composed entire albums from nothing—and yet, somehow, in this moment all of it evades him.
"i spend all day stuck here w-waiting for you to come home, and when you do—i keep thinking about all those ceremonies and galas and parties you go to, rooms i can never follow you into—and i hate you. i hate you for how much you hate me—”
“i’m sorry,” feroze’s hands run up your spine, to lightly curl his fingers around the back of your neck. he tilts your head up so that you’re meeting his gaze; leaves you nowhere to look away, “meri jaan.”
his touch is so soft and so, so cold against your skin. you've always run warmer than him; but he thinks you might be burning up right now. maybe you've got a fever; or maybe you're just this delirious even without one. it doesn't fucking matter, doesn't change anything.
“i’m sorry for ever leaving you alone long enough to even think that. let me make it up to you. let me show you how much i adore you. let me build you back up again.”
“you can’t fix this,” you whisper.
he smiles, but it’s strange; doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “so you said the last time.”
-
hours later, you’re less of a sobbing wreck when he’s got you perched in his lap, and all curled up under his chin. “okay… then…” you sniff. your words are somewhat muffled as you bury your face into your husband’s chest. “i’m sorry, too. i didn’t mean to hurt you, rosy. i was just scared, i-i promise.”
"i know.” his knuckles wipe away the tears drying on your cheeks. “give me a kiss, please.”
and ever the sweet wife, you do; but your lips are trembling.
fuck, that’s—
shit.
—not going to work, is it?
with a gentle but firm hand, he pushes you down onto the bed and watches you land on your back amidst the dozens of pillows that decorate the bed. even then, the softest thing here is you. he forgets that, sometimes. let this be a lesson, he thinks to himself, to keep your fragility in mind. this is only further proof that you need him more than he'd even realised.
but you picked the right man, didn’t you? because none of that scares him.
the two of you have faced far more difficult times together; this is just a little hiccup in your life as a married couple. some story you’ll look back on and laugh about, when you’re all better.
so when you look up at him with wide, wet eyes and ask, "its just—can you promise me you still love me one more time?”
feroze regards you closely. you’re so beautiful. so fucking perfect that it overwhelms him. sometimes, he wishes you could see yourself the way that he sees you. though he’s always believed that may just scare you; knowing how deep his devotion really runs. things are fine as they are now.
well, mostly.
he has decided that he will retire from music completely, but the two of you can broach that topic when you’re in a better headspace for it. it’s been a long time coming. work keeps the money coming in, and he wants to spoil you but—he wants you to be happy, above all. you don’t really know what you’re asking for right now, but he has every intention of giving you exactly what it is you wished for.
he can’t give in when you beg to come along with him—but he can come and hide away next to you in this little pocket of the world that solely belongs to the two of you.
"you drive me to madness, my love. nothing about this life means anything if i can’t keep you happy.”
the two of you never had a white wedding; because he wanted to honour your union the right way and celebrate you as his culture deigned. so, yes, he never got to read you any vows, but he'd like to think you've come to know him well enough to understand he doesn't necessarily need to say something so sacred out loud for it to hold true.
"do you understand? i love you," he lowers his forehead against yours. “till death does us apart.”
you put your heart in his hands one more time, looking so small, so vulnerable beneath him. "you promise?"
"i promise," he closes his eyes and revels in the soft, sweeping feeling of your lashes fluttering against his own. "always and forever, meri jaan."
feroze loves you, of this he's certain.
he also knows that you fucking terrify him.
it's a small price to pay, if it means keeping you—
besides, he thinks, reaching once more for the contraceptive pills on the nightstand.
—marriage is all about compromise, is it not?
adopted 14 children in a month
threw money into lava
stole cookies from royalty
scammed a vampire to give him an allowance
ate a rock
set a lake on fire
bribed a prince with poison
impersonated a priest
fed a hobo
stole a tree
dived into a mummy lake
wished to cough blood elegantly
hand-embroidered outfits
served a freaked-out dragon tea
forced a prince to make an MMORPG account
made his enemy wash the dishes
beat up a guy with a rock
fed a tree
commiserated with a god over work-related sleep deprivation
let his kid eat poison
sang creepy hide and seek song
tried to dig a hole in the ground and failed
gave away bones as a present
converted a barbarian with the Power of Friendship
blew up an island (twice)
stripped in front of his bff's uncle
blew up a whirlpool
hugged his arch nemesis
defenestrated a man
got compared to a haystack
strangled a guy with his bare hands
ate a battery
fought a lake
stabbed himself with a stick
*MC had decided to check again the ancient texts Malleus translated, but one in particular caught their eye—strangely, they didn’t remember reading it before.*
Your soul belongs to nowhere.
MC: ...
MC: Strange... the Dark Mirror said these same words when I first came here...
MC: ...
Grim: Hench-human! What are you still doing there?! We're gonna be late for class!
MC: !!!
MC: Y-yeah! Just—just gimme a second!
Crowley: Ah, Prefect! I presume you've come seeking my invaluable counsel?
MC: Yes, headmage. Is it okay?
Crowley: Of course! How may I be of assistance?
MC: ...
MC: Headmage, do you still remember… my first day here?
Crowley: Why, yes! How could I forget? You and Grim caused quite the commotion that day!
MC: Great… Then do you remember what the Dark Mirror said? That my soul belongs nowhere?
Crowley: *sensing their agitation* What’s troubling you, Prefect? Why these questions all of a sudden?
MC: I...
MC: ...
MC: *forced a smile* Never mind, headmage. Maybe I’ve just been... thinking too much about it.
Crowley: Hm... To ease your worries, the Dark Mirror simply meant you don't belong to any dorm, as your soul doesn't align with any of the Great Seven's. This includes the fact that you possess no magic.
MC: Yes. But still...
Crowley: ...
Crowley: Prefect, you should go back to Ramshackle and rest. I'll let your teachers know you need the day off.
MC: ...
MC: *nods* Yeah. I should do that.
Ace: Huh? Where's MC?
Grim: They went back to Ramshackle. *frowns* I wanted to go back too, but Trein and Crewel said no.
Deuce: Well, you have no reason to skip.
Grim: But Hench-human wasn't even sick!
Ace: Yeah, yeah. We get you.
Deuce: We should ask them later to know what happened.
MC: *rechecks the ancient text, only to discover new words that shatter all their hopes*
Death came for you—but your heart still beats. Your lungs still gasp. This place cradles you now, a hollow solace for what you’ve lost. That yearning in your chest? The dream of home? It will never be anything more. You are trapped here.
MC: *tears begin to fall—slow, silent, inevitable—as the truth settles like a stone in their chest*
*Ace, Deuce, and Grim exchanged confused glances why MC hadn't come to open the door yet.*
Ace: Don't tell me they're asleep?
Deuce: It's still quite early for them to do that.
Grim: *pounding the door with both paws* Hey, hench-human! Open up!
Deuce: Oi, Grim!
*The door opens.*
Ace: Ha! Finally! What took you so long—
MC: *their expression empties - not blank, but void - as the sickeningly familiar swirl of overblot begins creeping up their arms*
MC: ...
Ace: Oi... What's going on...
MC: ...
MC: I... don't know... but you have to leave... now...
Grim: Hench-human...?
MC: Grim… there's… there's nowhere for me…
Deuce: This... This is getting bad!
Ace: W-We'll be back! Okay?! We'll call for help!
Deuce: Grim! Stay with the Prefect!
*Ace and Deuce went to get help.*
Grim: ...
Grim: Hench-human...
MC: ...
*Ace and Deuce hurried to the Mirror Chamber where the dorm leaders were gathered.*
Riddle: *frowns* Ace? Deuce? What are you two doing here?
Vil: You are not allowed here, spudlings. This meeting is for dorm leaders only.
Kalim: We should hear them first—
Ace: THE PREFECT IS OVERBLOTTING! WE NEED HELP NOW!
The dorm leaders: !!!
Malleus: What?!
Deuce: Please, Draconia-senpai! They're in pain! We must hurry!
Grim: MC...
MC: ...
MC: I'm fine, Grim... But can you do me a favor?
MC: Don't let anyone in.