[ ✽ ] ˖ ˚ ◞ ┊ʺ CAMPUS CRUSHING WITH HEARTSLABYUL

OMG the new Vargas Camp cards... they all look so good... much better than the first part honestly (I'm sorry they had no drip at all). OBSESSED with Vil's look I'm gonna stare at him for a good while he's soooo pretty. Vil one chance please please please

HI. I JUST WANNA SAY. EVERYTIME U REBLOG I READ IT ALL. NO MATTER HOW LONG IT IS. AND I APPRECIATE IT SM. IDK HOW TO USE TUMBLR TOO WELL YET BUT IM SO THANKFUL!!!!😭😭😭🫶

OH HI MAL!!! I'M GLAD YOU LIKE THEM!! (I actually have been meaning to send you an ask but I got shy because I feel I already annoy u enough in the tags of my reblogs kskdkksdk)

and you're doing great using tumblr, don't worry!!! I love your smau posts (I've read the idol!kalim one and I am invested)!! AND THE ROOMMATES ONE?? YOU'VE LITERALLY READ MY MIND I WAS THINKING ABOUT IT SOME DAYS AGO!! ooh and the formating is really pleasing as well!!

thank you sending an ask that's so sweet!! here, take this, for you 🌹

Short little thing of when Malleus first met Silver

I've been thinking a lot recently (which is never a good thing!) about who would be the MC's "besties" or first friends if they didn't meet Ace and Deuce first at Night Raven College. And since you are one of my favorite people for TWST stuff and I enjoy hearing your thoughts, I wanted to share it with you like I normally do. 😁

I'll go in order of dorms and start with Heartsabyul because it may actually keep me on track. I can't imagine anyone else from Heartsabyul aside from Ace and Deuce, but if I *had* to pick someone I could see being MC's first friend at NRC, I think I would be Riddle, honestly. He'd see this pitiful, lost, magic-less student and view it as a challenge to prove how capable he is. He'd not only educate you about NRC, but about Twisted Wonderland itself too. He'd tutor you in classes (for extra credit or maybe just for his own pride) and make sure you abide by all rules. You're basically an honorary Heartsabyul student by the end of the first semester and Grim has been collared four times a week since ya'll first started. You never have a problem with bullies because if someone so much as looks at you wrong, it's off with their head. You are invited to every Unbirthday party and expected at all croquet matches. Ace and Deuce still wind up taking a liking to you and you're able to convince Riddle not to punish them. Trey is used to your presence by now and whenever he sees you in the halls and you appear lonely, he'll come over and tell you Riddle could use some company and you're sent on your way to him.

For Savanaclaw I was a little torn on who to pick. I like the idea of you started to hang out with Ruggie because you run into him all the time when he's handling errands for Leona. But Jack just barely beats Ruggie out for title of "first friend". I think with you both being first years and you being totally lost, this lone wolf would feel bad and you'd essentially become part of his pack. Of course, Grim stresses him out severely... but you accompany him on an occasional run and he sees you in the bleachers at every game. He's over at Ramshackle more than he's at his own dorm.

Next up, my favorite Octatrio. You can't tell me that Floyd wouldn't start picking on you for his own amusement. A magicless human from another world- definitely a novelty. You'd get so used to Floyd's antics and how he'd track you down wherever you were, that eventually you just started looking for him in between classes and would call out to him. And that is how you meet Jade; after confusing the two (since you didn't even know there were two), Jade asks how you know Floyd and you're just like "he's me friend :)" which shocks the usully unshocked eel because from what Floyd has told his brother about you, you basically never have a moment of rest. Jade then takes an interest and from that point on, anyone who has a bone to pick you has to answer to the Leech twins. Azul however, misses his hench-fish. Please hang out at the lounge so Floyd will at least pretend to work.

For Scarabia, it's 100% Kalim who befriends you first, but Jamil comes later (and reluctantly). I think Kalim would find you shortly after the opening/orientation ceremony (whatever it's called- Swimmy is drawing blanks) and introduce himself and immediately declare yourselves best buddies- and Grim. He adores Grim. You're basically at Scarabia every day after classes (sometimes against your will because you can't so no to Kalim's puppy dog eyes), and this is how Jamil grows to tolerate you. You pay attention to him separately from Kalim and he's not used to it. Ramshackle also gets updated with some nicer furniture and decorations because Kalim wants to make sure your dorm is comfortable too. It is not uncommon for Kalim to come bursting through the door of Ramshackle with Jamil in tow and drag you and Grim to another celebration at Scarabia. Jamil- not that he'd ever admit it -finds himself looking for you whenever you're not with him and Kalim. He feels at peace when things grow quiet and he notices that you and Kalim have both fallen asleep on the cushions in the dorm.

Pomefiore was also difficult. I believe Epel would be the first one you bonded with. He feels like he can be himself with you. Surprisingly, you're allowed to sleep over at the dorms pretty often, although Vil often threatens to separate you two because you're up all night and YOU NEED BEAUTY SLEEP YOU POTATOES- anyways... somehow or another, Rook winds up hanging out with you two a lot. Nobody knows why. But it isn't uncommon for Vil to walk into a room while the three of you are getting into to something and getting instantly suspicious. Vil basically adopts you and treats you and Epel like his babies... which basically means Vil is a pageant mom.

For Ignihyde, you're only getting Ortho. He'll force Idia to meet you later on, but you and Ortho meet while he's handling something for Ignihyde and you just think he's so cute and adorable. You'd steal him as your own brother if you could. It's a strange sight to see the three of you; the robot, the magicless human, and a cat monster. But you three get along well- mainly because Ortho always bring treats for Grim. Idia watches through a Webcam sometimes and finds himself considering you a "friend" even though ya'll probably don't even meet until almost a year into you being in Twisted Wonderland.

And lastly, Diasomnia. It's Malleus- I bet nobody saw that one coming *sarcasm*. 😂 You meet him the same way you do in thr storyline, just much earlier. You two remain secret friends and meet nightly until he finally invites you to Diasomnia for dinner or something. From that night on, you're an honary Diasomnia member. Sebek starts hanging around you to "make sure you're not a threat to the young master!!!" but finds himself enjoying your conversations- and no he isn't blushing!!! Silver seeks you out and naps while you're doing homework or reading. You always wake him when it's time to go and he appreciates it a lot. Lilia adores you and is so excited his boys have made a friend. And I know I said that basically nobody would mess with you if Riddle or the twins were you friends... but having these 4 as your first friends... yeah, you probably won't even make other friends. 😂 You're well protected. Not even Grim can piss anyone off anymore, he's protected too.

Now I wanna ask! Who do you think would be the MC's first friends if not Ace and Deuce? And/or who would you want to meet first in Twisted Wonderland??? Personally, I'd enjoy meeting Malleus first or the twins.

- Swimmy (I need to get a life) 🏊‍♀️

SWIMMY YOUR MIND IS A CAVE OF WONDERS DON'T BE AFRAID OF THINKING TOO MUCH AND SHARING IT WITH ME <333

well, that's being said... I loved all your takes <3 as always, really lovely, funny and wholesome! Idk what would be the best friends options for MC if wasn't Ace and Deuce so, I'll talk about me personally. Maybe some of our points get in agreements lol

I - Heartslabyul

starting in a interesting point of view, I would probably stumble into Cater and/or Trey first. I'm a huge introvert and I have this power of attracting extroverts so, I feel like Cater would be super interested about my situation + my introversion. Kinda like Idia lol he would try and make plans for me to socialize and befriend Heartslabyul before anyone

weird statement ahead: Trey have so much "my dad" vibes to him, sometimes too literally. I can imagine me being lost at some place in the castle, running into him and having the biggest "pls, help me" eyes someone ever gave him. Trey would inform me the right way to go and in these small meet ups, he invites me to Heartslabyul to eat something. I'm the absolute stan of his bakery skills~

Riddle, Deuce and Ace would come with time and the follow ups of the main story, I think

II - Savanaclaw

as much I love Jack, we are two introvert idiots and wouldn't talk to each other until someone present us or some mild accident happen and we sort of interact. We have different "lone wolf" vibes. So I feel like, I would befriend Ruggie first

probably I saw him during a errand and offered some help, which he appreciate tons. Ruggie seems easy to talk to, he would laugh at how surprised I look at anything and how I'm so quiet in the beginning. Best case scenario, Jack saw Ruggie struggling with a basket of Leona's dirty clothes and we both run into him at the same time. Ruggie make the presentations and drops the basket so we both carry it while he can relax his arms for a while. Awkwardness arises but we start talking about Ruggie and... oh look at that, a friend?!

Leona took sometime to get used to me coming and going to Savanaclaw. He was the one who looked at me (and based about what Ruggie told him) and pointed, kinda mindlessly "so this is the little kitty-cat you two, bug brains, adopted?"

III - Octavinelle

Floyd as a best friend was a good take! So him! I fully agree. But... what if was Azul instead? He would be very curious about my situation, a poor unfortunate girl living in a abandoned dorm. Maybe she needs a good hand? that can trick her into a contract

but I'm like Jamil 2.0 with him. I love Azul tons but I don't like people going straight to me, especially appearing out of nowhere and scaring me (which is very easy to do and do horrible things with my overall humor). So, he would try to find things to make a organic interaction happen. Do you need new glasses? Medicine for your rhinitis? Mind to try fancy food? Maybe work at Mostro Lounge for money?

I think with the right words and acts, he would win me over. Not for a contract tho, I'll terrible afraid to sign any compromisse idk much of. The tweels are like a McDonald's double gift. The perks of having me as a friend is that, I would protect Azul's integrity from Jade and Floyd... just to mess with him myself sometimes. We are both members of "adjusting your glasses omniously anime-style" (Idia's words)

IV - Scarabia

Kalim. There's no other way. And yes, it's opening ceremony! He would see me walking around the halls, all alone and lost, and invite me for four different banquets in a row just in case. He's very friendly and his smile is something difficult to deny. I'm doomed in this sunshine boy's hands <3

befriending Jamil is only a matter of time. I feel like we relate a lot so, as much fun I would have with Kalim, I would almost pass out next to Jamil and mumble, more to myself than him, "oh God, I hate parties so much" and this picks his interest, just a bit

we all definitely talk a lot in all own ways, having each one of them by my side is a different experience but I manage to stay true to myself all the time and in which Kalim thinks I'm very unique to hang out with, Jamil reassures himself that maybe we're more similar than he first thought

Jamil would have one of those "wait, are we friends???" when I give him a gift and I'm like "yea? uh, if you're too uncomfortable with that, I'll understand..." "NO! I- I mean, sure. friends..." Kalim just jumping in the background "YAY~!"

V - Pomefiore

Epel too in my notes. It's a specially horrible day for him, he is at the apple trees area almost next to Ramshackle, almost crying, I awkwardly goes to him and offer some support. We try not to worry one another in this and Epel is like "no... its okay" when I offer him a cup of coffee (hospitality 100 points!). Meanwhile, I'm thinking how I want to find whoever made this poor boy cry and kick this person into a hill

I would go into a big experience of wanting to adopt Epel as my son and as I get to know him better, looking at him as a equal. We absolutely bond over shit-talking Vil and some of Pomefiore's extreme ideals (once in a while, talking about some good things too some times). The best part? We both are the most feral creatures deep down so when one has a anger attack, the other has one too and there's this... connection between us. Epel offers to always cut apples to me bc my knife abilities are for stabbing people, not fruits (he gets overly concerned about I cut apples and honestly? i don't blame him)

Rook will introduce himself uninvited and gets along with me before I even understands. One of my weak points is that I like weirdly funny people... he uses this weakness against me.

Vil and me have a mutual bond of disliking each other, but if he's in a good humor, he may not look too much at my dry skin and refrain himself of trying to bring me to the "skincare side of the Force". Maybe I'm too much like Leona and that another annoying thing about me lol

VI - Ignihyde

if isn't Ortho going out of his way to befriend me, I don't think anyone from Ignihyde would dare go near me (is the disadvantage of all us being introverts, we don't talk to each other). Maybe was accidentally, maybe is bc I was in front of Ignihyde's mirror thinking if I should take a look at them or not... I don't want to bother anyone... then Ortho comes up like "oh, you want to see my dorm? Come, I'll show you!" and drags me in

TOTALLY shows me to Idia and is the voice of the talk for good long weeks until Idia mumbles his first complete sentence to me and I reply a complete sentence as well, getting more used to this new ambience. I hunt down for Grim the moment Ortho talks about how Idia likes cats (girl needs to have a subject to talk about)

we all grow into one big alliance with game nights, anime marathons and manga reading time. Grim only likes the first one (bc its more interesting)

VII - Diasomnia

the biggest chance is that I befriend both Malleus and Lilia first in my humble opinion. Malleus are this creepy guy with horns that appears sometimes at night and I try at least to offer him coffee but we talk more each time; Lilia scared me off by accident one day. He wanted to prank Sebek but I came in instead. Since my reaction was very amusing, he started to talk more with me... then I discovered that Malleus and Lilia not only know each other but for the longest time, and I'm like "I should had seeing that coming"

Lilia is that kind of dad who would try to set me up either with Malleus or Silver. Sebek maybe for the comedy potential lol I feel like my personality fits more the Diasomnia crew so I'll would feel at home

imagine, spending nights talking about gargoyles with Malleus, Silver's sleeping at my shoulder, Lilia made dangerous inedible cookies and Sebek is at my other side, grumpy as he can be (and Silver and me occasionally tease him a little, the first not knowing it and me most of the time on purpose)

[special addition of mine~]

VIII - RSA

in terms of story and possibilities, Chenya would be the first one to befriend me. Maybe I was walking around Heartslabyul and saw his head floating around, our eyes meet and I'm split between "oh God, a cat boy" and "OMG A HEAD"

either way, he smiles and starts talking more with me. Definitely shows more at NRC for me and to see Riddle and Trey. If we are all together, even better! I love cats oh so much <333

Neige would also be instant friendship, most like Kalim. He's like a angel I just ran into and we share apples, smiles and the world feels like a cottagecore, I'm spinning around the school with him by my side. I don't even look like my gloomy self anymore, he fills me with so much joy and wholesome feelings~ Gran is my favorite dwarf, he get each other like anyone would

[...]

Thank you again for these interesting headcanons, Swimmy! I had a lot of fun imagining all of them <3 pls if you have something more to share, you're always welcomed in my inbox! we talked so much that I practically feel like we're friends too~

me everytime someone talks to me more than three times and we have fun:

if you are reading this and you have your own First Best Friend type of headcanons, pls feel free to share with us too <3

Oho im a curious anon now I gotta know if you have any more thoughts on jade and azul (or just one of them) I like hearing peoples take on characters!

ooh I like curious people, of course I have thoughts on Jade and Azul!! I'll gladly share them with you my dear anon <33 and if you'd like to say your thoughts on them as well, feel free to!

as I mentioned in my Floyd brainrot, I'm not immune to Octavinelle propaganda, they are actually my favorite dorm! they are all sooo interesting, both on their own and as part of a dynamic, be it between themselves or other characters!

time to dive deep into the waters of my Octavinelle thoughts. prepare yourself, it's a deep dive in.

the same warning as in Floyd's post: this is my own view of the characters that may not be 100% accurate and anyone can disagree!

I'll talk about them separatedly and then as a trio later on, so let's get started with the dorm leader, shall we?

AZUL

if you've seen my writing before anon, you might have noticed that I particularly like to make Azul suffer a bit, but I swear I love him!! it's just that I also love to break his carefully constructed façade and look at what's inside, what are Azul Ashengrotto's inner feelings, what are the things that stay in his mind only for him to ever see or hear, what is he hiding deep down?

oh Azul, where to start with him?

Azul is one of the most popular characters in the fandom, he's got a perfect combo going on for him: he's one of the housewardens, part of Octavinelle and he's got a tragic backstory. triple strike!

not only that but his businessman like persona and cunning schemes get a lot of attention, not to mention that he's twisted from such an iconic villain! Ursula from the Little Mermaid is certainly someone that stays in your mind even years later!

I'll begin at the beginning, and go on till I come to the end, then!

Azul's backstory is one many people can relate to, myself included, which gathers a lot of sympathy from the fandom for his woes. it's awful to be excluded as a child simply because you look different and is a bit more introverted, and I get the overachieving academically to compensate for it and feel like you can prove them wrong and that you're just as capable, just as good.

seeing him having a similar story to myself actually created a deep connection with his character, because I feel like I get it. it was awful and cruel and he didn't deserve any of it, the loneliness and the yearning to have what other's have, to be like them, to be acknowledged. (I was also a huge crybaby lol so I was picked on for that as well. Azul struggles.)

that's what makes people be so forgiving towards his wrongdoings, because they get it. they can put themselves in his shoes and feel his anguish and despair and desparation. "should I have been in his place, would I have done the same?"

but here's the thing, I think Azul needed a wake up call. maybe not done so crudely like it was in the story, but I understand the prefect's situation, what could they do? plus, it's much more interesting, narratively speaking, to have some huge drama instead of a much needed therapy session.

having everything he's been working for, during YEARS, be destroyed in front of him like that, literally turning into sand, was a breaking point to his already severely bottled up emotions. so he had a reaction that was understandable, but it doesn't make it right.

he had to get stripped away of all the things he'd stolen to be forced to face that he was more than that. he didn't need to prove his old bullys wrong and get his revenge, what he needed was to realize his own potencial. yes, he's different, but that's not a bad thing. it's wonderful, even, and it should be something to be proud of! he should be proud of who he is by his own efforts, not by stealing and tricking people into unfair contracts then hoarding their powers into his vault. Ursula herself was always very confident and proud of herself, something Azul was lacking in order to follow the Sea Witch's steps.

like the prefect has the option to tell Azul at the museum in the end of chapter 3, he's got something that's better than any magic, and he should be proud of that! he's got drive and wits and he doesn't need to live through others, he can live for himself, too.

after all, Azul's big strong point is how intelligent he is. he doesn't need powerful magic (which he does have, not only his unique magic but also his amazing potions) nor powerful muscles (which he also has. Floyd mentions that Azul as an octopus is stronger and bigger than the twins), because he has a powerful brain that's enough to make him be feared, a silver tongue that can rope anyone into one of his schemes.

my Azul appreciation was a gradual thing, since at first I didn't like him that much. I didn't dislike him either, I just didn't give him much thought at all lol like "oh he's an asshole but Ace, Deuce and Grim should have seen that one coming, come on!" and when he sent the twins to bother the prefect I also expected that, so like that's fair ig?

but then after his backstory?? I got my 'oh. oh!' moment, like yes now I get it!! I really like how they all go and put back the photo on it's original place and how Azul changes his dealings afterwards. yes he's still a little shit who will trick people into them, but it's not as exploitive as before? in chapter 4 he's also a great help, even though he really didn't have to get involved (the twins must have been driving him crazy because they were bored lmao)

actually in chapter 4 I was mad at him for filming it live because YOUR RISKING JAMIL'S LIFE? HE COULD GET INTO SERIOUS TROUBLE FOR THAT YOU KNOW?? and then he reveals it was a lie and I think that was the first time I didn't expect one of his schemes, which was very nice because wow he does have basic empathy!!

I also see some people thinking that his whole personality is a fake and he's still the same as he was years ago, which I don't agree with. Azul has learnt how to keep his façade, how to interact with people to get what he wants, how to keep other's at arms lenght and not let them see him vulnerable, but he's no longer the crybaby octopus that would hide in his pot at his troubles. Azul has learnt to face them head on, at least after his overblot, and he knows how to keep himself composed until the very last straw breaks. he's not clingy or whiny, he does his best to keep his image as he wants people to see him, but it isn't all a mask. sometimes the lines blurry, in which point does the businessman Octavinelle's housewarden ends and in which point does Azul Ashengrotto begins? are they not one and the same?

SO. I think he's neat. and he's my little lab rat that I like to project onto <33

also his family life is so interesting? I've read his mother divorced his father and married her divorce attorney and that's so girlboss of her. I just KNOW miss Ashengrotto is the best and super pretty too. (I imagine her to be a bit like Ursula, so very elegant and confident!) also I think she might own a restaurant too? Azul looking up to his mom and trying to be like her that's so cute

JADE

HIIIMMMM JADE LEECH WHEN HEEEEE <333 I LOVE IT WHEN. WHEN. JADE LEECH WHEN.

fun fact: Jade was the one I took the hand of at the start of the game, so he's also my first SR card! we have a special connection I love him I hope he lives his best life. he's also on my top three favorite characters, so you might get a slight whiplash from the change of tone lol

to get started with, I love how his personality is different from Floyd's, but not in a total opposite way, but in a complimentary one. while Floyd is like a passionate crime, done in the heat of the moment, Jade is a premeditated one, carefully planned down to it's details. neither is more or less dangerous, they simply are what they are.

Jade's superficial image of just a butler type character is very insteresting, but I feel people mistake it as him trying to hide his true self? I don't think that's the case, at least not in my point of view. Jade oftentimes lets his more. uh. let's say sadistic side slip through his polite mask, and it's completely on purpose. the students might be more afraid of Floyd, who's openly threatning, but they're also scared of Jade, who lets his mask slip just enough for them to peer a fraction behind it and think "oh. he's also a little fucked up, so I better behave."

he pretends he just wants to help and seems like a polite pushover who has to deal with Floyd and Azul tormenting him, oh poor thing (like Trey mistakingly thinks on Jade's cerimonial robes vignette), but the truth is that he likes it. he likes Floyd's chaos and does nothing to stop it, at most he only pretends he does. he likes Azul's deals and business, as it keeps him entertained. he likes to be more discreet and stay in the shadows, only observing and appearing inconspicuous, it makes people lower their guards more easily, makes them easy prey to lure in and close his jaws onto. he's sharp and knows how to hit all the right weak points to make people cave in.

Jade could use brute force like Floyd does to get his way, but I think the predictability of the outcome would quickly bore him. a mind game is much more fun, twisting his words and using his charm to make people walk into his carefully laid trap, only to realize it when it's too late to do anything about it. that takes creativity and skill, it's very impressive even! that's why he's sooooooooooooooo * sighs dreamingly * he knows how to use his words to the max, how to weaponize them so! it's common to see him as a big tease in fanfics and I think it's because of this, he likes the word game and he likes the thrill a smart conversation can offer.

there's this mystery aura around him because you never guess what he's thinking, with his carefully constructed expressions. it's pretty unsettling, someone that's an enigma and could be either thinking about the weather or planning on your downfall without you suspecting a thing, all with a polite little smile on his face.

there's also one thing. HE'S VERY CAPABLE. HE CAN ADAPT TO ANY SITUATION! I LOVE CAPABLE CHARACTERS. Jade can do anything he puts his mind to, doesn't matter how hard it seems. if he really wants something, he will get it with his own hands. AND AND AND HE KNOWS HOW TO COOK. I know I'd offer my SOUL to take a single bite of a mushroom casserole that he made. I just KNOW it would be heavenly, the taste of the divine melting in my tongue and making me ascend to the lands above

he knows how to take care of himself, like doing stuff like laundry? easy. washing the dishes? he's on it. moping the floor? it's shining already. something about the maturity and domesticity of Jade doing simple house chores with dedication is so charming, I love capable people !!! like yes king your bedroom is wonderfully organized !!

AND HIS TERRARIUM HOBBY? IT'S SO CUTE. the way he looks at his little plants with so much love makes me wish someone looked at me like that too. imagine his concentrated face as he waters his plants and talks with them about his day??? SO ENDEARING. it's the usual stoic character showing his softer and loving side for me. (yes I am well aware he likes his terrariums so much because he likes the feeling of being the God of a little world of his own creation, living by his mercy. I still think it's very cute.)

another thing I love so much is his Mountain Lovers club. like I can genuinely see he cares about it, not to create a false sense of security because "oh look at silly Jade with his silly mountain excursions" but because he truly likes to explore the land's nature. Jade is very curious (as seen in the vignette where he asks Ruggie to teach him new recipes using herbs from the mountains and in several other instances) and there's a whole new world for him to explore, with so much flora and fauna he's never seen before. who wouldn't want to explore it and see all it has to offer?

also the way he's always promoting his club and everyone just thinks it's weird. JADE I'LL JOIN THE MOUNTAIN LOVERS CLUB SIGN ME UP! RIGHT NOW! yes he'd make me climb mountains and laugh as he sees me struggling after I'm five steps in but it will be all worth it.

THERE'S THIS ONE SCENE IN CHAPTER 4 WHICH HE SAYS WHAT HE'D DO SHOULD SOMEONE BETRAY HIM AND HE'S JUST SAYING SOME HORRIFIC NIGHTMARE INDUCING STUFF WITH A CUTE LITTLE SMILE? LIKE? I LOVE HIM SO MUCH KKSKDJSFKKSKSK (I'm pretty sure he was only joking. or maybe that's what he wants me to think. either way it was so funny)

HIS UNIQUE MAGIC IS SO COOL TOO. like. the first time it appeared I just thought "wait this is so shitty you can't do much with it all" BUT. THAT'S THE APPEAL. IT FITS HIM SO WELL!! Jade wouldn't like a UM that gives him easy answers whenever he pleases. no, having to carefully plan when or if he'll ever use it on someone, how to approach them and make them look into his eye without being suspicious, trying to fill the gaps of the info he does get, it's much more exhilarating than having the answers handed on a silver plater!!

ALSO HIS SMILE!!!!!!!!! IT MAKES ME GO FERAL!!!!!! not the fake ass one he's always got, the REAL ones, the ones when you can see his pointy teeth he usually keeps hidden and his eyes crinkled and there's pure joy on his face (like his union birthday groovy card!). they clean my very soul and give me the strenght to live another day

so. as you can see. I'm very normal about him. I like him a normal sane amount.

DYNAMICS

as they are already so captivating on their own, as a part of a dynamic they always have something to offer and can work well with any setting: comic, serious, dramatic, soft, anything really. it's also why it's so fascinanting to write them!

some particularly interesting dynamics I think they have with other characters are:

Azul and JamilI - IT'S SO FUNNY. AZUL ACTS LIKE A MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRL WITH A CRUSH AND JAMIL REJECTS HIM EVERYTIME HELPPP. also I think Azul genuinely wants to befriend Jamil as he feels they are similar and could get along well? but Jamil knows all about Azul's schemes and is way too smart to get caught in one of them, no matter how much Azul nags at him

Azul and Idia - THE BOARD GAMES CLUB MY BELOVEDS! on Azul's school uniform vignette their relationship is explored more in depth and it's. so very funny. Idia, despite not having an ounce of the social skills' Azul has trained himself to have, manages to get under his skin so easily. he says a taunt that gets in Azul's mind for DAYS

Azul and Riddle - they are besties. I make the rules and I'm saying they are. as the top of their grade and second year (responsible) housewardens, the two of them have a lot in common and are often paired together, such as in the very beggining of the game, in the prologue as they chase after Grim in the first twistune, and many cards have buddy level and duo magic between them! (like their dorm uniform ones!) a study session with these two would be SO productive

Jade and Ruggie - it might sound a bit unusual but hear me out! they are both my favorites. wait I have more reasons! Jade and Ruggie are very similar, both are vice housewardens (or a pseudo vice housewarden in Ruggie's case, since he might as well be one with how he does stuff in Leona's place), both are very capable and responsible, both are mischievous, both can cook and like to discover new recipes, both are cunning and can be deceitful and there's one scene in the game's 2 year anniversary animated short in which they are shopping at Sam's together, so they are also besties.

Jade and Cater - HEAR ME OUT! first things first, Cater is also so interesting and I feel he has so much potential. in Jade's birthday interview, he answers he would like to have Cater as a brother, which might sound a bit unexpected at first but soon becomes clear as to why! they are similar in the way they both hide their feelings and put a mask on for the public to see, even if their motives are different. Cater also has a cunning side that he shows on the beans day event, in which they form a partnership that was so interesting! I wish they had more interactions, as they both can see straight through each other's masks and play a complicated mind game with each other while also having some fun!

Jade and Vil - I haven't seen the vignette they share but the card is very pretty so I do think their dynamic has a lot of potencial! I think Vil, like me, would appreciate someone who's responsible and can take care of themselves, so someone as capable and (seemibly) reasonable like Jade would be a good break from Rook's and Epel's harsher personalities. I think Jade admires Vil as well, especially due to his poison making skills, and would like to learn from him.

Floyd and Riddle - yes Floyd likes to torment Riddle and oftentimes picks on him to the point he's very stressed, they both get under each other's skin (like when Riddle says Floyd is like his brother because he knew it would irritate him enough to make him leave him alone, in the anthology I think?) and it's such an interesting antagonistic relationship. they are not enemies that hate each other or anything, so it's very amusing to see them quarrel.

Floyd and Ace - the basketball buddies! it's shown that they actually get along pretty well when Floyd is not on one of his bad moods, as they bond over their love of fashion (especifically shoes) and of the sport. they also like to goof around in club pratice and cause Jamil headaches, and Floyd has said in his birthday interview he thinks Ace is entertaining enough to chose him as a brother.

Floyd and Kalim - both are very honest, energetic and excitable, easily surrendering to their whims to do as they please. I feel like Kalim doesn't see any malice in Floyd's words, and while that can be dangerous if he doesn't notice the signs of a bad mood, it could also be very entertaining to Floyd and make him want to spend time getting into shenanigans with him. (and, again, causing Jamil a headache.)

between the three of them, as a trio, they work very well too! Jade enables Floyd chaotic behaviour for his amusement and because, according to him, if Floyd is happy then so is he. Jade helps Azul as his right hand man, covering any blind spots in his steel armor and leading him into battle flawlessly, doing as is asked of him with enough leeway for some of his own entertainment. Floyd gets on Azul's nerves with his carelessness and mood swings, but remains loyal at his side. Floyd likes to go along with some of Jade's plots, staying close to him to the point that where one is, the other is expected to be as well. Azul cares immensely for the twins, his first ever friends, the ones that extended their hands to him and didn't doubt he could do it. they all work together well as an unit, years of familiarity driving them to almost read each other's minds, know how they work from inside out. that's the thing with childhood friends, they know your most embarrassing stories and your deepest fears, your most shameful moments and your best hidden desires, and they care about each other as if they were family. (though they refuse to admit it even under gunpoint).

I hope you know I'm not trying to say any of the octatrio are evil masterminds hiding and waiting to enact a fish world domination or any of that. at the end of the day, they are all highschool students with veeeeery dubious morals that just want to have their fun (even if most times it's not harmless at all). Floyd might squeeze someone until you hear something crack and procced to have touble to do his homework. Jade might manipule Azul's clients to perfection and make them sign shady contracts and then calls his mom to tell her about his day and yes, he's been eating his vegetables and making sure Floyd eats his as well. Azul might run a successful business at the school and earn a lot of money, only to geek out about strategy games at his club with one of the most introverted people of the whole school.

none of them are "soft and misunderstood bois who never did anything wrong uwu" but they also aren't "all of that's evil in the world incarnate into three devious merman who will strip you of all your dignity and leave you crying on the floor"

they are very complex and well written characters filled with more layers than an onion, and I could stay here all day peeling them off one by one. that's the allure of Octavinelle, their siren's song is strongly due to how they look at first glance showing to be wrong once you look deeper, this break of expectations fishing your attention and keeping it on them, wanting to watch just how will they surprise you next.

ALSO there's something I haven't discussed at all in this: their designs. I feel like there's a lot I could talk about that but it doesn't enter exactly in this personality focused analysis so I left it out. do let me know if you'd like me to tell my opinions on their designs or maybe on specific cards as well!

TL;DR: there's no way to sum up everything other than I'm insane about Octavinelle and have many thoughts about them

Extra: Jade's fact sheet, that I've rebloged once before as I think it's very interesting, Azul's fact sheet, Raven's Jade brainrot that I also agree on most parts, Jade laugh compilation that is one of my favorite videos in youtube and will add 10 years to your lifespan

tierlist on who would actually like being called babygirl

HELPP ANON YOU MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WITH THIS

I love making tier lists so thank you for the opportunity!! just a disclaimer: this is a joke please don't take it seriously! (also, babygirl is being used exclusively as a term of affection, not sexually, don't make it weird)

shoutout to Azul for winning the first place on the babygirl twitter poll, he's the babygirlest of all babygirls

100% high quality twst mc content /j- all of these were made awhile ago during an art block so oops-

But yeah- if you like sketches enjoy some of my mc Merlin✨

idia ! :D

Golden Like Daylight | Diasomnia

Synopsis: Malleus couldn’t make it to the party in Scarabia that Kalim invited him and, as usual, Diasomnia falls into quiet sadness and frustrated thunderstorms. He thinks about all his parents taught him and how the world can really be cruel sometimes. But after the most violent storms in the nightfall, there are little glimpses of daylight as well.

platonic diasomnia family / angst with a comfort ending / based on ch10, vol 2 comic anthology ft. my own lore hcs / 1945 words

Notes: Since half of this fic deals with my hcs about the Valley of Thorns in general, I made a separate post that will summarize it so we don’t have long ass author notes~~ Also, it’s based on that chapter from the comic anthology but apart from context, it’s not a need to read it to understand this story Hope you enjoy it!

Golden Like Daylight

Malleus has been alone for much longer than anyone could have imagined. Born into a family of noble blood, all he could remember from early childhood was a lot of people around him, caring and watching over his well-being. His parents always had a glimpse of his special power and told him stories of the glory days of the Valley of Thorns.

But the more time passed, this special and happy atmosphere ended up like wood consumed in the fireplace. Lilia’s presence was one of the few things that truly remained unchanged.

The Lady of Thorns’ gaze grew colder every day. The countenance of the Lord of Thorns, direct son of the Queen, harder than stone. Malleus wanted to believe that they didn’t ever realize how much they left their son aside to deal with the affairs of the kingdom — without rest, just gathering together at dinner. Still, he was almost always aside.

Not that he didn’t understand why. His father worked as second-in-command for the Queen and his wife dealt with diplomatic issues. It was amazing how a place so isolated from the world could have so many problems. 

It was only a hundred years after the Last Great Fairy War and they were just organizing the policies of coexistence with neighboring human villages and trying to maintain the peace between the two fairy valleys in which a lot of blood was shed to achieve.

As a prince, Malleus had everything at his disposal. Toys, books, comfortable clothes, access to quality lessons. But he had only one wish. A simple, even silly wish.

“Go outside?,” his mother repeated his words in a confused tone.

The Lord of Thorns took his eyes up from the treaty papers of the new diplomat of the Valley of Flowers, Florian Braginsky — which he was being forced to read — in order to face his son.

“Malleus, why are you talking about this?,” he asked.

“I wanted to see what the eastern mountain village looks like, it is near here. Lilia could take me there.”

The sound of his former tutor’s name made the Lord’s blood boil. How revolting it was to see the man who taught him everything he knew lower himself and abandon all his ideals, those he used to deeply believe. He was right when he said, that night a hundred years ago, that Lilia had lost more than one wing in the Battle of Dornröschen. 

“I do not see why you should go. There is a cruel and terrible world beyond the mountains that surround our kingdom. Not even among our own can there be anything greater than mere alliance. These fairies should be grateful every day for the good fortune of being in our presence and keep living,” the Lord of Thorns put down the papers on the table.

The hard thud made Malleus cringe a little. His mother took the papers and arranged them better in a perfect pile. 

“Malleus, you know that our species is very rare and therefore, it is not surprising that the other fairies fear us. We don’t want these people to say bad things about or to you. Therefore, above all, you must stay in this castle,” she said to her son, perhaps not as docile as she thought her tone would come out.

The marriage between Mephisto and Tauribeth was, as with Malleus’ grandparents, a way to keep the dragon-fairy species alive. There were really few such families around the valley, the most powerful House managed to rise to the throne — and these were the Draconia, the center of everything being the Queen of Thorns.

Still, Malleus wondered how the most powerful and feared fairies should need to hide from others. Malleus knew about the scars that the human kingdom nearby, now not so numerous, had made in the fairy valleys. His species was one of many clans that still held grudges against them.

However, he wasn’t going to a human village. It was a place inhabited by faeries. Lilia would be next to him, he would be well protected. 

“No more talking about it,” his father cut off before Malleus could try to argue once more.

“Yes, sir my father.”

There was a brief sound of doors opening and, for a moment, Malleus had a glimmer of hope as he saw his grandmother enter the dining room. The air around her was heavy but elegant, full of ceremony and honor. As a queen should be — what the young prince should have become from there many hundreds of years ago.

In general, the Queen of Thorns was a little more compassionate to the wishes of her grandson than his parents might like. However, this didn’t mean that she didn’t share the opinion and hesitation of keeping him inside the castle rather than showing the kingdom beyond the heavy wooden doors.

‘Well, well, well,” she said as she sat down on the other side of the table, in a large, thorn-adorned chair just like the one her son was sitting in.

The Queen looked tired and perhaps a little frustrated that Lilia was planning yet another future trip abroad — a distant and sandy land, something alike — in yet another of his usual “whims”.

“What were we talking about?,” the Queen of Thorns asked.

“Nothing, madam my mother,” the Lord said, giving his son a sideways glance to remain silent.

  But Malleus had already given up hope of mentioning the village he wanted to visit again. 

Over the centuries, he began to wonder at certain times if his parents were not right. Well, they were no longer there with him to face him and silently state how obvious it was. That realization was a sad thought two hundred years ago, not so much nowadays. It was neither time nor age that mattered in the present to Malleus.

The day before, he had been invited by Kalim to a party. 

And it folded as it would usually happen: Malleus missed the event due to a mysterious circumstance. Sometimes he didn’t really notice the time, other times others forgot about him. 

At the time, Cater forgot to tell him that Kalim’s banquet night had been rescheduled at last minute to that same night. Since Lilia had orchestrated for Malleus to participate in his place, he also couldn’t have known about this sudden change. 

In order to help Malleus make friends on his own, things got complicated. As per usual.

Because of this, strong thunder crackled through the skies in Diasomnia and a torrential rain fell on the outskirts of the castle, becoming a misfortune for any student who was outside the dormitory at that moment.

Lilia would like to say that the situation wasn’t so bad because Malleus distributed all the treats and souvenirs he bought in Sam’s store to the students, but his aura didn’t change at any time. Each gift was delivered as if they were objects rescued from a disaster or belongings of deceased soldiers being returned to their families.

It was undeniable that Malleus had a special sense for gifts of the highest quality — of this no one dared to complain. Sebek’s voice competed with the storm outside in all his praise of his generous veteran and sovereign prince.

But Malleus was still in his worst “Nihilleus” form. 

Nothing made sense, everything was worthless. That was what his eyes of emerald flames said, burning low. How many times had he been through these situations? How many more would you have to overcome before fate is satisfied with his humiliations?

The world always abandoned Malleus, and he no longer strove to try to hold its sands in his hands. In his thin, light marble fingers there was only loneliness. The nothing. His grandmother sometimes held those same hands and repeated the words of their family.

A Draconia can only trust a Draconia. A fae can only owe to a fae. 

He was alone in that vast world that pushed him away with fear and distrust. Just like his father said they would. Malleus sighed, asleep in his own thoughts as he sat on the sofa in the Diasomnia lounge. The place made him feel at home — but sometimes, that was exactly the problem.

His parents were right. He would never leave the confines of the royal castle. He should not, that was his world. The only place where he would be safe and well received. Still, none of this comforted him. Not only would he be completely ignorant of the human world and the other fairies around him, he would be alone.

Always alone, as if trapped in a long night of eternal sleep. For eternity, eyes closed. The rest of his semi-immortal days would be a mere drop in the greatest of oceans. Would he ever die? Impossible. Few things can hurt faes, especially dragon-fairies. 

Sitting on his throne of thorns, nothing could reach him. Not even death. Much less life.

“Malleus-sama? Could you teach me more about this gargoyle?” 

Malleus awoke from his deep thoughts as if awakened by a kiss of the dawn. Soft morning rays passed gently across his face to bring him out of that dreaded darkness. Thus, Malleus faced Silver who was holding a miniature gargoyle in his hands. 

Ever since Lilia had brought that little human into their life, Malleus had wondered what his parents — mainly his father — would think of Silver if they could have had the chance to meet him. 

Silver with his crystalline eyes, lilac as the most delicate wildflower. Dedication to the prince of his people — because he was raised among thorns — in every action. A human he could trust.

Malleus knew Silver had pity for him, but there was something in his mercy that didn't make him feel completely ashamed. He then noticed how Sebek continued to praise him, his words worthy of the best books in the Royal Thorns Library. Nearby, Lilia gorged himself on sweets.

A small smile appeared on Malleus’ face almost at the same moment when the rain outside slowed down.

“Well, Silver, this one is a pretty simple model, but…”

Malleus always felt good about talking about gargoyles, maybe that was the benefit Silver had in mind. He remained silent and paid attention to Malleus’ words as much as he could — at least, to understand part of the matter. Soon after, Sebek joined Silver’s side as an avid spectator.

“Um, it reminds me that I had saved some cookies that I made last night,” Lilia suddenly commented. “Let's rock this party, boys!”

The young fellows suddenly jumped off the couch to go after the old fae, trying to convince him that he didn’t need to do this — and “the wise words of the Young Master about gargoyles will feed our hearts enough!!”, as Sebek said.

Watching them closely, Malleus let out a soft laugh. He was incredibly grateful for the company and patience of those three.

They were golden like daylight. 

The thin rays of sunshine that appeared after the gray clouds of rain stopped its dreadful crying, slowly making it into a new time to step outside. Of course it wouldn’t be enough forever. Malleus needed to learn more about the world around him, make new friendships and understand the purpose of his own existence.

But sometimes all he needed was his family. Maybe not exactly his grandmother or his parents. Just Lilia and his awful cooking skills and jokes. Just Sebek being this tall, endearing and energetic child. And just Silver being like the morning dawn, sleepy but gently welcoming to view. 

Not his servants or soldiers but his friends. Malleus’ friends. Precious lives he loved with all his heart.

Special notes: yes, this is a tiny little reference to “Daylight” by Taylor Swift. It was meant to be a Silver fic, then turned out to be more suited for Malleus, then it just got too deep… And I’m planning on doing a little omake about Lilia’s cookies. I just thought that randomly inserting some comedy would break the flow here (and it would be too long lol), so I’ll let it for another time. But thanks for reading &lt;3

[ ✽ ] ˖ ˚ ◞ ┊ʺ HOME IN THE HOLIDAYS ,

[ ✽ ] ┊⠀❛ in which you find home in the holidays with octavinelle

[ ✽ ] ┊⠀❛ jade , azul , floyd x gender neutral reader

[ ✽ ] ┊⠀❛ warnings ,, none. all fluff here <3

[  ✽ ] ┊⠀❛ heyyy besties. so this was an anon request but i had to research some stuff about the holidays ?? i dont celebrate christmas and even though i’ve been around it for so long , im not too familiar with the customs </3 but it overall seems so fun and lovely !! also college started around the time i got this request too </3 im so sorry anon. anyways , as i said in the other post , i am gonna be adding a taglist now since a lovely person requested i did so <3 just tell me if you want to be on it :D

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