"Be Careful Venturing Too Deep, Darling, Things Aren't Always What They Seem In The Dark..."I Remember

"Be careful venturing too deep, darling, things aren't always what they seem in the dark..." I remember reading a note in one of the art books that the eels' body is luminescent since they live in the deep sea and I just...went a little out of control again and my victim is Jade.

This was so HARD, I don't draw underwater things, but I think this turned out really nice <3 I especially had fun adding the speckles to Jade's body.

reciprocation

characters: malleus x gn reader, brief mentions of heartslabyul dorm members and diasomnia dorm members wc: 2.1k warnings: none i think a/n: this is for @humbuns malleus event 🥹 this is such a cute event thank you for having it; loosely inspired by the song if you let me, by alina baraz

don’t keep your feelings to yourself if you let me i’ll treasure all the things you tell if you let me, if you let me

It wasn’t very often that people outside of Diasomnia wished him a happy birthday; in fact, it wasn’t often that anyone outside of his inner circle spoke to him, if not for common courtesy.

As he grew older, his disdain for his birthday also grew, and while Lilia attempted to celebrate every year, Malleus usually opposed such parties. However, ever since he began attending Night Raven College, his birthday has become…tolerable, at best. And after meeting you, it seems his birthday this year is on it’s way to being the best one he’s had since he was a young fae.

The day started as any other, he attended his classes, had lunch with his fellow dorm members, unsuspecting of any surprise party that may be held in his honor. Of course, you were invited. Actually, you’re the one that had come up with the idea.

You had walked up to Lilia about a week before Malleus’ birthday, telling him that you wanted to do something for Malleus. He apologetically tells you that the dragon fae isn’t exactly fond of these parties, as people only show up due to his royal status and not because they genuinely want to be there-of course, except the Diasomnia students…and now, you.

Lilia gives your arm a squeeze to comfort you, at least for the disappointment in being told to not plan anything for Malleus. If anything, you could always ask Malleus to meet you somewhere one on one. But you’re stubborn if anything else, and are determined to plan somewhat of a decent party for him…at least with his close circle as guests.

And so throughout the week, and with the help of others, you were able to put together a decent party. Cater helped with the set up, Trey came through with a birthday cake, and you were able to force Ace and Deuce to basically help with everything else. If you had asked Azul and the Leech twins for help, god knows what you would’ve owed in return. So Ace and Deuce had to suffice…and Grim.

And now, the day of Malleus’ birthday, you’re trying to decide if giving him two gifts is overdoing it. It’s not like the gifts are a big deal, you can’t exactly give him anything pricey and luxurious, so you hope the tamagotchi style game is enough. Your eyes slide over to the small, potted gardenias on your nightstand. Is it too much?

You huff out an exasperated sigh, cracking your knuckles as you stare back and forth between both gifts. Are the flowers too much? Forget that, is the message too much? You’re almost sure that Malleus has feelings for you, at least, that’s what you think based on his behavior around you . Any guy could walk you back to your dorm, but no guy stalls the way he does, hoping to keep you at his side just a little longer.

His gaze always lingers longer than publicly appropriate, and he finds the oddest excuses to see you, as opposed to asking his dorm members for help. He quite literally goes out of his way to be around you, and yet you wonder that if you show him how you feel, he’ll reject you. That is, he has to know the meaning behind white gardenias first. If he doesn’t, then you can just come up with any excuse as to why you’re giving him flowers.

You put both gifts into a gift bag, adding tissue paper to make the gift presentable and head into the lounge, where Malleus’ close friends are already gathered. Cater walks up to you, and while he’s not Malleus’ close friend, he is yours, which warrants an invite.

“I’ll take that,” Cater says as he reaches out to swipe the gift in your hand.

You take a step back, smile on your face as you shake your head. “No you won’t, because I’m giving Malleus the gift-personally.”

Cater holds his hands up in faux surrender as he steps back, a knowing smile on his face, which does little to ease your nerves.

Sebek begins to yell, startling you. “Everyone! Lilia is on his way with Malleus! Get in positions!!”

Now usually, you’d say something snarky in return because someone needs to get him off his high-horse, but you choose to ignore that urge today; you’re far too nervous to do anything except mull over what you’ll say to Malleus.

Everyone begins to hide as the lights are turned off, your knuckles probably turning white as you hold onto the gift tightly in your crouched position behind the couch. Suddenly, your breathing is too loud and the lounge is too cramped. All too soon you hear muffled voices coming from outside, which become clearer as Lilia lets Malleus in.

“Lilia, why are we entering the dorm without being permitted entrance? You’re not one to let yourself in.”

All Lilia offers in return is a smile as he leads Malleus out of the entry hall and into the lounge. Someone in the room flicks the lights on and everyone takes it as their cue to jump out of their hiding spots. Confetti poppers pop and people cheer, a somewhat cohesive shout of Happy Birthday resounds as Malleus stands there in shock. He’s quick to compose himself as he thanks the guests, saving you for last.

He makes the rounds as swiftly as possible, pulling you aside to a more secluded part of the room so he can speak to you in a semblance of privacy.

“Did you do this for me, child of man?”

You nod, gift still clutched in your grasp. “I did. Well, it wasn’t just me. I had help.”

He quirks an eyebrow, “but you planned this, yes?”

You nod again. “Yeah…and before you get upset or anything because I know how you feel about birthdays, I was hoping this would change your mind.” You rock back and forth on the balls of your feet, nerves creeping in as he intently stares at you.

He peeks around you, eyeing the gift you have behind your back. “Is that for me?”

You hold it out in front of you, a hand underneath the bag to keep it from ripping-although it shouldn’t because you paid good money for a pretty bag that would hold the plant. “I was hoping I could give it to you privately.” You desperately hope you’re not blushing, especially because you haven’t given him the gift yet.

With the commotion of the party, you both are able to slip out of the dorm easily, walking along the path you two usually take during your nightly strolls. Once you spot a bench, you motion in it’s direction, leading the way to it soon after.

It’s a pleasant evening, the weather isn’t too cool nor too warm, and yet you’re sweating. Were you really this nervous? Malleus waits for you to take a seat first before sitting down himself and turns his body so that he’s facing you.

Shakily, you hand him the gift with both hands. Malleus’ left hand brushes against yours as he replaces your careful hold on the bag. As your hands touch, you flit your gaze toward his to catch his reaction and are rewarded with nothing but a slight grin. He usually wears his heart on his sleeve; when he’s mad he resolves to using magic instead of talking out his problems, and when he’s sad, he sulks and claims he’s not upset.

But around you, he’s hard to read. Or maybe you’re just incredibly oblivious. Malleus continues to stare at you intently, waiting patiently for you to say something, only for it to take you a few seconds to realize you hadn’t pulled your hands away. Malleus’ hands gently hover over yours, a warm look in his eyes as he waits. You blink, startled, as you pull your hands away. “Sorry.”

Malleus shakes his head, a fond smile gracing his features. “You need not apologize.”

It’s your turn to sit patiently as you wait for him to open the bag. And so he does. He takes in a deep breath as he pulls out the handheld game, eyes widening, lips parting in surprise.

You lean slightly forward, waiting for him to say something. He smiles, sharp canines on display as his grin grows wider. “My companion will no longer feel lonely, thanks to you.” He sets it down in his lap, carefully, then takes out the potted flowers. Holding it up in the palm of a hand, he tilts his head slightly to the left.

You suck your bottom lip between ur teeth, worried he won’t understand the underlying message you’re trying to get across. “Do they not have gardenias in Briar Valley?” Your voice comes out strained, not realizing you’ve been holding your breath as you wait for his reaction.

“If we do, I have never seen such flowers. They are quite fragrant.” He says softly after smelling the gardenias. “And beautiful. They’re much like yourself.”

You sit up straighter, not expecting such an outright compliment. “Oh…thank you.” You give him a tight lipped smile as you continue to wait on his response. He’s quick to notice your expecting something.

“Am I missing something, child of man?”

You twiddle your thumbs as you debate on whether or not you should tell him about the meaning behind the flowers. “Do you…do you know the meaning behind these flowers, Malleus?”

He smiles upon hearing you speak his name; there’s no other sound he’s most fond of except for your voice. “I’m afraid not.”

“Well,” you start as you fidget in your spot, trying to find a comfortable position, “these flowers are- they mean-“ you breathe out a sigh, not sure how you should say this. “The flowers are meant to show that someone has feelings for you…like a secret crush.”

He ponders this for a moment, gaze shifting from the flowers toward you. “There are many things one could feel for another. Do you mean platonic feelings?”

You want to scream, really. He’s dragging this out and honestly it could be for his own amusement. He could be fighting to suppress a sly grin, feigning naivety. You shake your head, not trusting your voice.

He pushes forward. “Then?” He tilts his head to the left again, studying you. “What kind of feelings, child of man?”

You inhale, and on your exhale you rush out the word romantic. He carefully puts the gifts in the bag and sets it aside, inching closer. The old bench creaks as he shifts his weight. You hadn’t realized it had darkened, but as he moves closer you can see the moon’s light reflecting off Malleus’ horns. He tucks a few strands of your hair behind your ear, his hand then cupping your cheek as a knowing smile finds its way across his lips. Despite his cold demeanor, his hands are warm, and you find yourself moving closer to him.

“Shall I take this as a confession?” His breath fans across your cheeks as he leans closer, his personal space becoming yours.

Your breath hitches as you try to find the words to answer him. “If you want it to be.”

He holds your chin between his thumb and forefinger, tilting your head up so he can meet your gaze. “Is that what you want it to be?” You both are talking barely above a whisper, too afraid to disrupt the peaceful silence that had descended, save for a few crickets.

You barely nod and are sure he doesn’t notice, but he does. Malleus knows a lot about you-more than you probably think. Most believe him to be somewhat aloof, but he’s very observant when he wants to be.

One hand moves to the back of your head, pulling you close. You’re expecting a hug, until you feel his lips press a gentle kiss to your forehead while his other arm wraps around you. “I was hesitant about this birthday, not expecting much.” He admits as he speaks into the air behind you, your upper body still pressed against his. He pulls back so he can look at you, arms dropping to take both your hands in his. “You have proven that I can enjoy birthdays and that certain gifts can make one incredibly happy. You have changed my mind.”

You smile. It’s more relaxed this time, the nerves you felt a few moments ago having dissipated. “So, you liked the gift then?”

He nods approvingly. “It is the best gift I have had the pleasure of receiving.”

“Which of the two?” You ask.

His smile only grows wider, and you’re proud at the fact that he hasn’t stopped smiling this entire time.

“You.”

I GOT HIM IN THREE PULLS?! OH MY GAWD IDIA MY BELOVED IMMA SMOOCH U

Sorry for the lack of art lately 😭 but here’s a quick namor that I did yesterday!

FINALLY GOT HIM DAMN 😭 had to pull 100 times for him smh idia ur a pain to pull for but whatever 🫶🏼

Rafah is currently under bombardment, so I will spreading as much links as I can possibly can. If I miss any, please add on if you can

Help Mayar and her family

Help Nour

Help Marah Owda escape Gaza

Help Sobhe and his family escape Gaza

Help Razan and family escape from Gaza

Help Ahmed’s family escape Gaza

Help the Zamli family evacuate

Help this handicapped child escape Gaza

Help this family get out of Gaza

Help this family evacuate

Help Salah’s family

Help evacuate this family to safety

Help this family survive

Help Zayn’s family

Help Mohammed’s family

Help Abdullah Salem’s family

Help Dalia Masoud and her family

Help Mahmoud’s family

Help Eyad’s family

Help Osama’s family evacuate

Help Dr. Abdelwahab and his family

Help this displaced family

Help Abood and his family leave Gaza

Help Lara Sharif evacuate her family to safety

Help secure this family

Help Muhammed evacuate his family

Help Walid and family escape

Help Sarah Aljamal and her family

Help Walaa and her family evacuate from Gaza

Help Aya evacuate her sick mother from Gaza

Help Mohamed Zaqout’s brother escape Gaza

Help Bayan Meghari and her family

Help evacuate this injured father out of Gaza

Help Hossam and his family

Help evacuate the Abu Halabia family

Help treat Mulataf who has brain disease

Help a family of 7 evacuate Gaza

Help this child with cerebral palsy evacuate

Help Abdalla Mughari and his family

Help the Alashi family

Help Ghadeer Saeed’s family

Help Yousef and Khaled Al-Sultan’s family

Help Firas protect his family

Help Moneer and his family

Help Aya Adham get treatment for her hematoma

Links masterpost 1

Links masterpost 2

Links masterpost 3

Links masterpost 4

Please keep Palestine in your minds tonight and onwards even with distractions like the Oscars, helping the people is more important