"Harness

"Harness

with Wanderer"

The world was cruel to him, proving there was no point in being kind, much less trying to build bonds with others. Relationships only showed the aged puppet that there was no use in trusting a human who sought to destroy and discard you.

The life set out for him did not involve or include any space for another being. The only one in this wretched world he can rely on is himself. And even with that ally, he almost failed to make it to where he stood currently.

Yet, there was an unaccounted variable. In all the mess of his new persona at the akedemiya, he failed to take into perspective how persistent you were. Desperate to befriend this unknown hat-bearer.

It bothered him to no end, seeing you out of his peripheral vision. He wanted to yell at you to scram. But he couldn't. You were his partner for this new project assigned.

"Let's get one thing clear here." Anger brimming in his low voice, he didn't care to address you in the eyes. He knew you were listening by the way your stupid pencil fell from your fingers. "I don't need any companion, so stop loitering in my presence after this assignment. Understood?"

Your heart raced, stinging from the rejection of the guy you only wanted to seek as a friend. But you knew better than to persist any further. Not all stories work out. Especially for students like you.

"Got it, hat guy."

"You look so pretty

with Sebek Zigvolt"

His eyes were partially closed with his mouth agape. It was a quiet moment after you kissed him. You were prepared for the explosion of confusion at your actions, but all he did was lean into the hand holding the left side of his face.

"Again."

With a smile, you indulged his request for a repeat of your previous show of affection. His hands hesitantly reached up to grab you with a slight shake to them. Perhaps he was shy, or afraid of harming you. Either way, you found it endearing. Seeing the typically loud and confident guard of Malleus seem to grow unsure of his touch.

When you pulled away again to breathe, he made sure to keep you close. An unsure grasp around your back as his gaze was fixed on your eyes. To see him in such a vulnerable state of uncertainty was amusing. It appeared Lilia was right. When a fae, half or not, loves someone...it is as if that person is all that matters in sincere moments.

"You know, in moments like these, it's like I'm all that matters."

His eyes widened for a second, and you expected him to object, but all he did was pull you closer. His previously unsure hands went to your waist and head. In a tight embrace he mumbled something you couldn't make out.

"Maybe barely...[name]."

"The way she is with me

with Cyno"

No one would believe you. No one would believe that the general mahamatra was sitting in front of you allowing you to place little flowers in his previously braided hair. Absolutely no one would think you were telling the truth if you announced how serene his expression was while asking how it looked.

And that was fine.

You didn't need others to believe you and your boyfriend's silly little moments like this. Maybe that's what made them so special. The fact that no one could replicate the behavior on either of your ends just made it that much more amusing.

"My art is completed," you triumphantly declared. He chuckled softly, content in this very state. Just with you in your guys' special date spot. Like a crevice in the universe just for the two of you, molded by his hands.

With his flower-strewn braids, he turned to face you slowly. He wasn't willing to destroy your handiwork. You noticed the smirk on his lips, "You really “rose” to the occasion, didn't you?"

You couldn't help but laugh at his typical antics.

And that laugh just made him fall a little further into your heart.

"Dream about me

with Azul Ashengrotto"

"it's your fault, Azul."

That's all that came to his mind as he came out of his crazed overblotted frenzy. As his inky vision cleared to reveal Ace and Deuce begging you to open your eyes. A hue of red in the water caught his attention as even the twins stood a few strides away from the scene in disbelief.

You were hurt. And with your limp body in Deuce's arms, it was clear to be grave. Floyd made an effort to get closer, but Ace screamed at him. Something incoherent in the cephalopod's panicked state. What has he done?

You were snarky at times, but you still managed to weave your way into his heart. You were never mean to him unprovoked like others appeared to be. Admittedly, he'd grown a tad bit fond of you.

The rest was a blur. You were stuck in the infirmary as your friends fought to keep you close to them. You hadn't been placed into any state too severe for hospitalization, but it was bad enough that he was asked to keep a distance from you. Crowley cared more for his reputation then the information getting out.

It haunted him to wake up in a cold sweat, recalling your scream as you were slammed into a coral bed. The magicless prefect, defenseless against the raging sea monster.

He agreed with that voice that scolded him. It was his fault. And now he'd have to live with the fact that even if you wanted to see him, the trauma he caused would be too much for your fragile condition.

"Lulled into rest

with Lilia Vanrouge"

He swore he'd never fall for any human. It would only bring sorrow and misfortune, should he lose you. Besides, you simply couldn't grasp the gravity of a situation with a fae lover.

Yet, he still stared, mesmerized.

Silver was fast asleep in the commons of the Diasomnia dorm with his lap. He was completely relaxed as you lulled a soft melody. If he had human ears, there's no way he'd be able to hear such a quiet and serene song.

He'd only ever witnessed such a peaceful rest from his son while in his own arms. So why? Why did you have this effect?

He heard a soft chuckle behind him and recognized immediately that Malleus was behind him. "Have you noticed? They are trying to earn their place in our family. They have everyone under their spell, despite having no magic."

The shorter of the two went rigid.

Everyone? Under a mere human's spell?

"Even Sebek is at ease in their presence, so why is it that you're so guarded, Lilia? Are you perhaps.." he bit his tongue, "scared?"

Yes, he was. Very

I heard this song come on my recommended and I just couldn't help but think of Lilia Vanrouge

"Flufftober 2024 (Night Walk)

with Lilia Vanrouge"

Malleus wasn't there to accompany you on your typical nightly walk, which didn't bother you all that much. It certainly didn't prevent you from enjoying the crisp autumn wind on your skin. Even the little goosebumps that littered your arms brought a sense of comfort.

"It's quite chilly for you, don't you think?" A smile graced your lips at his attempt to scare you. Lilia, of course.

You'd taken a liking to the fae, even despite his insistence that he's only by your side to keep you out of trouble. It's endearing, how he seems to be by your side any moment you figure you're by yourself.

Turning to face him, you held out your hand. "Would you like to join me?" He chuckled at the sight. You weren't afraid of him. You never appeared to be. "Perhaps you can keep me warm."

You'd be a fool to overlook the smirk that spread over his features. The look you've grown to adore from him. One full of mischief.

"How intriguing you are, [name]. Not afraid of an old bat like me in the slightest. I'd fall for your advances if I wasn't so familiar with your tactics." He didn't take your outstretched hand, instead walking around you, following the trail you seemed set on following. "But, I suppose I can indulge this once."