I FREAKING LOVE THIS MAN SKDNSJNAK

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so I got into grad school today with my shitty 2.8 gpa and the moral of the story is reblog those good luck posts for the love of god

Idia: what’s the wifi password?

Riddle: this is a funeral!

Idia, typing: this... is... a... funeral

Sjsjsj I let out the loudest HEEHEE ever thank you for this

Pizza party at Mostro Lounge but Azul feeds the twins like this

He’s going to fight it to show his worth to the groom

Vil: Okay, I’m going to get the wedding cake.

Rook: Perfect, while you do that I’ll check on the ring bear.

Vil: ...

Vil: You mean ring bearER, right?

Rook:

Vil: Look me in the eyes and tell me you are not going to bring a dangerous wild animal to our wedding.

OMG OMG OMG IM IM LOSING IT I LJVE THIS SO FREAKING MUCH!!!! THE SWEET FLUFF THE AWKWARD BUT SOOOOOOO CUTE AN ENDEARING AZUL IS EVERYTHING DNDKDK HOW HE OVER THINKS EVERYTHING FOR YHE PEROSN HE LIKES THE DATE GDJSM THE LOVEEEE OMG I CANT THIS OS AMAZING THANK YOU <33

dismal dating azul ashengrotto x reader

summary: in which Azul overthinks when it comes to planning a date

author's note: fic is influenced by some materials i read for an economics course, namely "dismal dating", and mankiw's "principles of economics". while reading i went "azul would overthink like this, i think"

tags: gender neutral reader, second person pov, sfw, fluff, first dates, 5.9k+ words, JP translation terms used (e.g., dorm leader), JP honorifics used

you can also read this on AO3

What could be the root of each and every social situation if not our individual choices, choices which themselves serve as a reaction stemming from predicted costs and benefits to themselves? When Azul puts on his glasses he dons this worldview— that beyond looking at the world as is intended, he must look at the unintended consequences of each action.

Azul firmly believes that the cost of something is what you give up to get it. Each decision must be made with proper insight, because each choice would affect not merely the everyday present, but the future. It was a principle Azul applied not just in business but in life itself, though he supposes anything in life can be turned into a business one way or another.

For instance, he applied these business principles in relationships, or as he would rather call it— connections. It would be preposterous to assume someone would be willing to befriend him, and that he’d be able to procure a favor or two out of them, without him giving something up in exchange… except perhaps Scarabia’s Dorm Leader, though he supposed there were bound to be outliers.

He doubted he could ask too much of Kalim, though, knowing Jamil was there to be wary enough for the both of them.

Nevertheless, it was easy to know what to expect, what to offer when you knew who you were talking to. It was easiest when his clientele would quite literally spill their woes and grievances to him, but research done either through the Leech Brothers or he himself was just as effective.

However, when it came to approaching you… he was drawing a blank.

“Azul,” speak of one of the devils, Jade appeared and peered from behind his shoulder, grabbing the paper before he could so much as protest, “did you really make a mind map?”

There was no point in hiding it from his vice, who would've figured out everything on his own anyway had he not already been reading his plan.

“Ah, and there seems to be an implementation timetable filled out on your desk as well. Fufu, you’ve really prepared for this date, haven’t you?”

“Proper preparation prevents poor performance,” Azul said, shaking off any shame as he grabbed another sheet of paper to write some more, “for everything to go perfectly, I must look over each possible alternative and the associated trade-offs. How else would I know how to best market myself as a partner?”

“...Is that so? I wish you good luck, then.” Although Jade’s expression had not changed, Azul was sure there was a jab at him in there somewhere in his mind. At times like this, he wished Jade would just outright say whatever he was thinking, though he supposed it wouldn't be very fun for him.

“According to your projected timeline, step one of your plan will begin… oh my, two days from now? It appears as if things here will become interesting,” the teal-haired man placed his mind map back on the table, gracing him with his usual smile as he turned to leave the room, “should you need help, I’ll be ready to assist you.”

So Jade said, but as capable of an assistant he was, this was something Azul wanted to accomplish by himself. Romance was similar to a transaction, was it not? A mutually beneficial fair trade, and who was he if not an expert in making deals?

Sure, he’s known to be quite unfair, but he had no intentions of scamming a person he was interested in whatsoever! Your heart must cost quite a sum, he deduced, for it was a scarce resource few, if not only one, could possess, but what could he possibly offer to have you willingly give it to him? Was his own heart really a fair enough trade?

He had written down several options, sorted in a table of advantages and disadvantages with his justifications in bullet points.

So you had agreed to go on a date with him— not dating, but a date, and a date was a good way to convince someone to start dating. But for that to happen that date would have to be a more than simply passable date, but what would count as such?

That was where the mind map came in— your name right smack in the center with multiple arrows pointing outward to details about you, things you might like, the board games you were most drawn to during club time, days and times he presumed you would be free, even the food and drinks you’ve ordered from the lounge in the past. If there was something he knew about you he had written it down, all in the hopes that it would help him figure something out.

First and foremost, Azul would have to gauge your interest level. When it came to the Mostro Lounge, he would typically conduct a survey to find out everyone’s likes and dislikes, but it would hardly be a good idea to be too direct with you— at least from the get-go. No, he had to at least word it eloquently.

Of course, he knew you were at least interested in him as well, that was a start, but to what extent?

Depending on the date there was a chance he would be shelling out some money, he was quite prepared for that, but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t cost you anything— there was no such thing as a free lunch, after all. A price? No, Azul might not appear to be as much of a gentleman as someone like Jade, but certainly more than Floyd. But the cost? To give up your time was certainly a cost.

It seemed like it was a given you were willing to give up some time for him, else you wouldn’t have agreed on that date, but sevens the details; and not just the details, but the implications of the details! Was there not a difference between a Saturday night date under the stars, or a Sunday brunch at a nice restaurant as opposed to… tea together on a hectic Tuesday afternoon, or a library study session together after class?

To Azul, there was most definitely a difference. All time was precious, but some more precious than others, and were weekends not more valuable than a weekday? You could fit any friend to simply hangout with on a weekday, but students tended to cherish their weekends, and they would not give up a day of rest just for anyone.

The best option would’ve been a weekend— weekends were flexible, with more options and longer times together possible.

But was Azul worth a weekend? It was the first date, so perhaps not yet, but he would like it if he was. You were worth giving up a weekend for.

He looked back down at the papers, suddenly feeling pathetic. He was a mess and he knew it. This was the first time he had ever felt romantic feelings for anyone, and as much as he hated to rely on luck, he was somehow lucky enough to have you be receptive to his advances— even though you were well aware of his contract creation behaviors. If he were to make so much as a single mistake with you, Azul was sure he would be devastated. He was already half-way devastated just at the thought.

It was okay though, he reasoned with himself, okay with the panic and the fear within. That was just temporary. After all, was it not better to feel the stress now, and enjoy the fruits of his labors later with you?

Octavinelle’s Dorm Leader pushed his plans aside for a second, resting his head on the desk. He just… needed to reset his brain for a minute or two. Then, he would go back to planning. Everything would be perfect.

Everything was not perfect.

But that was okay, Azul told himself. He just needed to turn the situation around in his favor. After all, success comes from finding opportunities in obstacles, and possibilities in problems. It’s a proven tactic— his younger self would attest to that.

“I’m really sorry Azul,” and you did seem sorry, if not for the fact that he could read you then because he trusted you, “I already have plans this weekend. Could we reschedule?”

“Of course,” he agreed easily, masking the disappointment he felt. You weren’t cancelling, or taking back your offer, just asking for another date. This was fine. He supposed next weekend wasn’t too long a wait… theoretically. He knew postponing would make him even antsier, but-

“Though… since we’re spending time together right now, this sort of counts as a date too, right?” you grinned, taking a box out of the shelf beside you, “I’m sure Idia won’t mind if I borrow you for a while, hmm? He can’t be your partner all the time.”

Several things happened at once.

One, Idia was coughing in the background, pretending he wasn’t listening or watching them out of the corner of his eyes like they were some kind of anime, but he was very sure that was what was happening. Two, you were already opening up the board game you wanted to play. It was one he already knew, but you taking a few minutes to read the instructions gave him the time for three, panicking about how you seemed to, or wanted to, or asked if this could, count this as a date.

A date?! Sure, he’s not entirely against the simplicity of one, preferably not the first date, but wasn’t this too simple? There was hardly any privacy considering the presence of other club members, he had no gifts to give, there wasn’t any food to share, and worst of all he had not given himself time to prepare— to put himself in that mindset.

Still, he lets it happen, because he likes you and if you wanted to spend time together during Board Game Club, date or otherwise, he would happily fulfill your wishes.

Besides, with an activity in front of the both of you at least he wouldn’t have to scramble his brain last minute for some date-appropriate conversation starters. He had yet to prepare any charming lines or stories to impress you yet, he had been planning on figuring those out a little later in the week.

“The cauldron of tokens goes here… then the legend and fate decks…” your muttering had taken his attention out of his head and back to the you who was focused on setting up the playing field. “It actually has more rules than I thought, huh.”

You had chosen a board game based on the Great Seven, with each of the Seven being a playable mover with their respective abilities, objectives, and strategies— with some luck, or “fate”, thrown in. Both him and Idia had played it a few times, usually as the Sea Witch and the God of the Underworld respectively, so he had some advantage depending on who you chose to play.

After all, you were staring quite hard at the Sea Witch’s figurine.

“I could teach you how to play as her,” he offered, slowly moving from sitting across you to slinking beside you. Close proximity you didn’t shy away from was a good sign the pseudo-date was going well, wasn’t it? Maybe teaching you would—

“But you like the Sea Witch the most, right?” That was true, yes, as expected considering he came from the Coral Sea and was a proud member of Octavinelle, but- “and I don’t want you going easy on me or anything like that. I’ll play as the Witch of Thorns instead!”

He would have easily given it up for you, but you had turned the tides on him instead and… well, that opportunity had drifted away quite quickly.

Still, even at the loss of a chance he was a little flattered at how you considered him when it came to choosing who to play as.

Okay, perhaps he was more than just a little flattered. Maybe it was the fact that you were in the date mindset that you could throw such a simple but lovely line so easily? It was difficult to be frustrated at himself after that.

Alright then. Sure, none of his internal plans were coming to fruition, but this was fine, it was just a board game. What was the worst that could happen… is what he should never have said.

Normally, if not 99.99% of the time, Azul felt a thrill in winning board games— especially when he somehow managed to beat Idia in a game of luck of all things. That same thrill didn’t translate now— not completely, at least. He still liked winning, he was proud of the moves he had made, and he found your frustration at how you were ‘one objective away from victory’ adorable, but was that the way to your heart?

If you counted this as a date, would losing leave you with good feelings? Should he have gone easy on you? There was a chance you would have been able to tell, but then…

“Azul…” for a merfolk such as him he had once wondered what a fire starter was, and whatever answer he had received back then had been retconned by the sight of the blaze in your eyes.

“I want a rematch. Chess, checkers, whatever— you can decide this time.”

Azul felt… thoroughly conflicted.

When club time eventually ended, you having lost all three of the games you ended up playing with him, you eventually bid him goodbye without raging at him like he knew some others would. You even ended up giving him a quick hug that left him flustered for a few minutes, and a promise to properly plan that date promised between the two of you. That… was good, wasn’t it?

Then, as soon as he and Ignihyde’s Dorm Leader were the last two left in the room, he began getting laughed at. To think a day would come where he would get laughed at by Idia. In the matters of romance? Azul wanted nothing more than to curl up in his octopus pot at the thought of it.

“It really wasn’t that bad.”

He really didn’t think so! Maybe not everything went right, but on the second date, or would it still be the first if that one didn’t count, he was sure-

“It was like seeing a freaking normie play a dating sim and picking all the safe options. Good route, but not the True Love route; like a noob who can’t do well without looking up a walkthrough online.”

Idia-san, he wanted to exclaim, what did that even mean?!

Whatever it was, he recognized when he was getting mocked; two could play that game.

“You’re provoking me? How funny, coming from you who can’t even get a certain someone to go out with you in the first place.”

“Azul-shi…”

Was Idia fuming? Upset? Good, then they could both wallow in their love woes together. Normally he’d prefer to internally cry in anguish on his own, and in the confines of his room, but he liked knowing he, at least, was doing better than someone else closeby.

Good, but not good enough— that was what his clubmate was implying.

He already knew that he had room for improvement, but he did not like being told it. It was something better hidden than known.

He began cleaning up the area you two had stayed in, picking up the Sea Witch token and idly turning it around on his hand. The Sea Witch would have known exactly what to do, executed it perfectly, had you willingly hand over your affections in no time flat.

The ever compassionate Sea Witch… what advice would she have given him?

You were talking to Jade when he spotted you— he had very nearly forgotten you two were in the same class. He wasn’t one to be jealous… no, he supposed he was, to a certain degree, envious that his vice got to spend more time around you, but he at least knew Jade had no plans of romancing you or anything.

Him being around while he talked to you still put him on guard, though.

“Azul! You said you wanted to give me something?”

If he hadn’t been before, though he doubted it, Jade was definitely paying attention now, smiling at the both of you the same way he always did— but Azul just knew there was something swirling within his mind. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to know.

“Mostro Lounge has a new drink,” either his voice was a little loud or the room was awfully quiet, because as soon as he said that he could see a few people turn his way, clearly as curious as you, “and it’d be good if you could be the first one to taste it.”

“Really? Just… for free?”

“Nothing is free,” he answered as he handed you the drink, “you’ll be paying in feedback, of course.”

And that he was doing this to woo you, but that didn’t have to be said.

“You’re one of Azul’s favorite customers,” Jade added, ignoring Azul’s pointed stare, “so he values your opinion.”

Really, he wanted to assign Jade to some particularly tedious tasks for meddling, but your demeanor seemed to brighten at the thought, sipping on the drink eagerly without a second more of hesitation. He forgave the eel quickly.

“Oh! This is so good!” The delight was evident on your face, and he doubted you would’ve gone so far as to say it was good instead of okay if you were just being polite. “It’s sort of like what I usually order, but better?”

That… was by design, of course. He paid attention to what you usually ordered, so it was easy to assess which ingredients you liked best. His original plan was to just get you something you already liked, but he was glad the risk had paid off.

Gifts. Of course that would be effective. Gifts with thought behind them were always nice to receive, and it just so happened that Azul managed the Mostro Lounge, which was a very good way to get you gifts for a limited cost— cost-effective, and provided him with convenient excuses to get you something! As a land-dweller would say, that was hitting two birds with one stone!

“Excellent. We’ll make it a permanent fixture on our menu,” Azul smiled, more than satisfied with the outcome. Perhaps this would mean you would visit the Mostro Lounge more often as well. He himself would be the one attending to you if such were the case.

“By the way,” he lowered his voice slightly, revealing the true purpose for coming to meet you a few minutes before class would begin, “are you available on Saturday night?”

He doesn’t dare say the word aloud— date. A part of him wants to brag, but there’s also the fear that once the word tumbled out of his lips he’d do nothing but combust— then just who would be the real fire starter between the two of you?

“I’m free! Just text me the details.”

“That’s wonderful to hear,” understatement— as they would say back home, he was as happy as a clam that finally, finally, something he had planned had worked out for him! Without any need of a restructure or reschedule or whatnot! He kept his cool though, wanting you to see him that way, and him wanting to keep up a certain image in public, thus shortly bidding you a good day as he walked back to where his class would be.

Things were looking up. Sure, he ran into a few obstacles, but that was normal, wasn’t it? Most businessmen don’t strike gold their first go, and even if they did, they had a tendency to be one-hit wonders, replaceable fads. He did not want this to be a one-time success, and he certainly did not want to be replaceable.

Maybe he’d give you a gift every now and then? But how often would be too often? And should it stay as food and drinks or should he diversify into something less safe? The line between generous and overcompensating was a little thin— he just wanted to be your, hopefully soon, boyfriend who treated you to nice things because you deserved it, and not someone trying to buy your love.

Similarly, because you had agreed to the night out, he had to finalize his plans; make all the necessary arrangements. He was quite confident in his idea, but there were certain finer details he had to smooth over, like… what would you two eat for dinner? What would he wear—

Oh sweet Sea Witch, what clothes would one wear on a date? This was never a problem under the sea!

Azul sighed to himself. He supposed it was back to the drawing room for him— him and his mind map, and perhaps a quick look online as well.

Maybe in the privacy of his room instead of his office, though. He’d like it if Jade didn’t find out this time.

If Azul was allowed to make the claim, he would, in fact, say he was in top form today— thanks no doubt to the days spent stressing about this night.

He had made all the preparations, talked to the people he had to, scouted the area and even checked the weather app multiple times just to make sure nothing would be ruined. He also made sure to dress for the occasion, or what his sources said was right for the occasion. The lack of layering, for this form at least, was quite new to him— white, long-sleeved, collared shirt, and dark trousers. It was similar enough to NRC’s uniform, just with less buttons and cooler fabrics— a casual combination that might have made him uncomfortable had you not praised him for it.

“Azul! You look so good!” That was more than enough to get him blushing, but you just had to continue. “Not that you don’t look handsome everyday, of course, but this relaxed vibe is super refreshing, too!”

Relaxed? Azul was pleased to know he appeared that way, because a part of him certainly wasn’t very relaxed, the part that was still fixated on making sure everything went well. Despite this, your compliments do well to get rid of his bashfulness over his appearance.

You thought he looked good? That was… good. That was really, really good, in fact. He’d go as far as to say he was relieved, even, that you didn’t see him as some kind of… disgusting octopus loser. Later before going to bed, he might think about how lame it was that he got so excited over it, but that didn’t matter right now.

“And you- you look, ahem, you look beautiful,” he had actually said it, and if you cared about his slight stumble in the beginning you didn’t show it, merely smiling and thanking him. It was nice, not to just be able to compliment you like he wanted to, but to have you take it without questioning his genuineness or intent.

“Should we go on the boat now? The night isn’t getting any younger,” you seemed caught off-guard, clearly surprised that he had somehow procured a boat for a date. A first date. A small rowboat, rowed not by him but automated by magic, fit for the two of you.

“Ah, in case you’re worried, the water’s on the shallower side. I’ve made sure it’s safe, too.”

No signs of a storm, no dangerous fish, nothing that could possibly harm you— though he still had his magic pen prepared just in case.

“I was wondering where you were leading me at this time of night, with nobody around but us. I was getting a little worried,” you joked, but your laughter soon settled into something softer, “but thank you, Azul. I really appreciate it. You didn’t have to do this much for me— I don’t know how many people would even do something like this for me.”

The date had barely started, and Azul felt like crying already.

“But I wanted to,” he replied, taking your hand as he guided you in the boat. He was doing this much because it was you. He didn’t think he could do this much for anyone else either.

Azul screams a little on the inside when you don’t let go of his— gloveless! — hand even when you’ve already settled down the boat, even when he follows suit. His cheeks feel a little heated despite the cool breeze, but he sincerely hopes the moon failed to bring it to light. He’s also a little upset you let go when he’s forced to move away from you, but he’d definitely make less of a mess retrieving dinner with two hands instead of one.

Later in the night the two of you had finished your meals, nothing remaining save for some drinks. You took a sip of the one you liked so much, one customized for you specifically— he had given you two other drinks to try over the week, but nothing quite compared to your reaction from the first one, thus his decision to bring it once more tonight.

“Drink of Me, that’s what this is called, right?” you asked inquisitively, “a play on words of Think of Me? Was it you who thought of that?”

“Ah, yes it was. Giving special names to drinks seems to make them more appealing to customers,” he admitted, despite some embarrassment in doing so. Jade and Floyd had certainly made fun of him for his name choices, them knowing the inspiration behind them. “Drink of my Dreams and Love Potion were also considered, as well as… ahem…”

“Yes?”

“Someone,” certainly not him, “had suggested Made with Love too, but-”

“It’d be a little too on the nose with that one, wouldn’t it?” you teased, but oddly enough he didn’t feel belittled by it at all, merely a little more embarrassment atop what was already pre-existing. Of course you would realize it was titled after you. “I think I’d still buy it though, whatever the name would be. It’s a very special drink to me, after all.”

“Is that so? Well, next time you stop by the lounge I’ll go as far as to even give you a discount— for as long as you keep it a secret between us.”

“As long as you’ll be there to serve me yourself.”

“If that’s what you wish, I’ll be sure to grant it.”

He was doing his best to keep his demeanor charming and confident, pretending as if he didn’t rehearse and imagine multiple scenarios in his head the nights leading up to this, but deep down he was simply euphoric.

Flirting! That was just flirting, wasn’t it? Sure, maybe he was no expert, maybe there was room for improvement, but he didn’t stutter or hesitate at all! He wanted to laugh in his mini victory.

Azul honestly couldn’t believe how well the night was going, because everything in his plans had gone through. You thought he dressed well, you liked the effort he put in, you enjoyed the meal you shared together, and you were just… you were smiling at him like everything was beautiful, like he was beautiful, and you looked beautiful and he just… wanted to cry out of joy. In fact, he thought he had started crying, that the sudden wetness on his cheek had meant a tear had escaped him.

“Azul, it’s drizzling,” at your words, he looked up at the sky to note that, indeed, the rain had been light, but still present.

Ah, Azul thought to himself, at least this way it wouldn’t be too obvious if he did end up crying.

He knew it wasn’t the biggest of deals— drizzles were barely noticeable, usually ended quickly, but an accumulation of multiple things had him frustrated. It wasn’t even that he hadn’t prepared appropriately at this point, he wasn’t someone who could control the weather.

You didn’t seem that bothered though, you never really seemed to be, merely stretching your hand out, facing your palm to the sky.

“...the boat won’t tip, right? Even if the sides had weight imbalance?”

“It won’t,” he answered, the tone in his voice shifting with the weather, “it has a spell on it to keep the passengers safe.”

“Alright,” the boy had snapped out of his stupor as you stood up from the seat in front of him, suddenly concerned you were going to get out of the boat or have your head hit by a low-hanging branch, but you gestured for him to make some room beside him for you. Once seated, you unclasped your bag, bringing out a compact umbrella.

“Apparently there’s a 10% chance of rain tonight,” you explained, clicking the button and opening it up right above the two of you, “as you would say, it pays to be prepared… even though I think getting drenched in the rain could be quite romantic.”

“You prepared even though the precipitation was just 10%?”

You looked at him with incredulity, “just 10%? Who are you and what have you done with my Azul?”

Your Azul? He could jump out this boat right now and stay afloat with how those two words had uplifted him.

Truly, you were something else, and he couldn’t help but look at you in awe. He was so desperate to keep the date a surprise that he had only told you it would be ‘outdoors’ and to ‘dress casually’, but you had prepared for something he had overlooked. A week ago he had wondered what solution the Sea Witch would provide to help him with his troubles, but it seemed as if you were the solution yourself.

“It’s a small chance, but I didn’t want something like the weather to ruin something you planned so carefully,” you said, almost thoughtful as you began to admit something, “listen… Jade told me-”

“He told you?”

“Not the plan! Or anything specific!” you clarified quickly, actually looking panicked for once, as if concerned over how he’d react… or maybe suddenly worried about what he’d do to the eel. He would still contemplate it, depending on what you said. “I asked about you first, actually, because I was getting worried about you.”

“Why would you be?” he thought he had tucked away every insecurity and worry he had in front of you, but by the look on your face it appeared as if he hadn’t had you fooled completely.

“You didn’t act like yourself sometimes,” you said quietly, “and you just looked like you were constantly thinking about something really difficult when you thought no one was looking. I asked Jade about it, I thought it had something to do with Mostro maybe, and he sort of… hinted it might have something to do with me. I guessed the rest.”

“He was likely irritated that my work ethic and attitude had worsened while planning this date,” he grumbled, rendering a small laugh out of you.

“If you say so,” he wasn’t sure what you were trying to imply, but you had quickly switched the direction of the conversation back to the two of you, “but Azul… don’t get me wrong, I loved tonight, loved all of what you’ve done, but I told you already, didn’t I? That you don’t have to stress yourself out overdoing it with the planning.”

And he had told you, didn’t he? That he wanted to put this much effort for you.

“Is it that you prefer simpler dates? Because-”

“No, that’s not it either,” you interrupted, “I just mean that regardless of whether it’s extravagant or simple, I’m enjoying myself because I’m with you. You could have told me we would spend our date in the library, and I’d like it because I like you.”

At your words, Azul found himself taking a deep breath, just for a few seconds to clear his head.

Maybe, just maybe, that was all he needed to hear all along.

“All this time… I was worried because I thought you wouldn’t like me as much as I like you,” he admitted, near silent in his words despite the fact that no one would hear but the lake, the rain, and you. “If I did all this for you, maybe you’d like me just as much.”

“Azul… my silly, sweet Azul,” as quick as a rapid river your lips had pressed against his still damp cheek, and by the time he had realized you had kissed him there you had already inched away, looking at him with fondness, “of course I do, maybe I just haven’t gotten the chance to really show it but I really do. Would you really be my boyfriend if I didn’t feel the same way?”

You hadn’t even given him enough time to process what had just happened, and now you were going to throw out that word?

“I’m your boyfriend?!”

“Yes?!” you suddenly sounded troubled, looking as confused as he did, “I… you asked me out, so I just assumed we were already dating? Are we not?”

“I, well… I didn’t want to assume, so…” Azul replied, feeling as if he got lost in translation with you somewhere during his confession. What exact words did he use? How exactly did you respond again? Maybe you actually did say dating and his mind equated it to a date? Was it the other way around?

“Seriously,” you groaned, and suddenly he had seen you mirroring his actions, the emotions he felt while he was busy thinking about you. He sort of feels bad, for the both of you, but there’s a certain solace in the fact that you weren’t as cool about this as he perceived you to be.

“I’ve been calling you my boyfriend to Jade’s face this whole time. For two weeks! No wonder he’s been so amused with me!”

He’s inclined to agree with you, that somehow an outsider in the relationship was somehow more knowledgeable than the two people in it themselves, but honestly once the shock had worn off he was too busy being elated over the fact that yes, the two of you were official, official all this time, and that he’d been worried over nothing!

It’s how you manage to get him to cling to your side, still extremely flustered, but unabashedly wrapping his arms around you as you fumbled to keep the umbrella upright.

“I think you already know I want you to be my boyfriend,” you began, “but what about you? Are you okay with me being your-”

“Yes!” The sudden outburst surprised the two of you, and Azul had regained enough sense to clear his throat and repeat it, more seriously this time, “yes, absolutely, I would like nothing more.”

How would a businessman such as Azul define love? Perhaps he would call it an insurance, not an investment on materiality but the bonds of reciprocity that guaranteed a consistent, regular amount of care and support and affection in the best of times and the worst of times. To a degree he still thinks that way, and would say so if anyone asked.

However, just between the two of you, his true perception of the concept was not one shaped by any economic principle or term, for it was an amalgamation of not just one but multiple feelings, ideas in his head that he could not even begin to map out, and nothing could embody it quite as well as a singular name— yours.

I CANT WHEN I READ THE FIRST LINE I HAD A HARD TOME BREATHING I LOVE THIS HOUR SHDJSJ

The server is a werewolf pack, who's the alpha that's gonna make mc their mate and how do they do it?

PAIN 

SUFFERING

DEATH,EVEN 

Quest snarls and grabs Nightowl by his neck, throwing him to the floor. Nightowl's eyes light up and he moves as if to lunge back at the alpha.

Toaster places a calm hand on Nightowl's shoulder and the young pup turns with a growl.

"You know how this is going to play out."

Nightowl turns back to Quest, a low rumble in his chest. Quest evenly meets his gaze, unwavering, until Nightowl looks at the floor with a whimper.

Across the room, Xyx glances over at the commotion and picks at his teeth. "Your call, boss."

"That's right. My call."

It's then that they all finally turn to you, and you can't help but shrink back at the intensity of their stares. Quest slowly moves towards where you're seated and crouches at your feet.

"It's alright, angel." He holds his hand out with a warm smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "I've got you."

You can't help but look at Nightowl in that moment. His pained expression is like a knife through your heart. But you've talked about this. He knew. He always knew.

Swallowing, you take Quest's hand and stand with him. He places his large hand on the small of your back and guides you out of the room. When the door shuts behind you, you hear Toaster immediately start to lecture Nightowl.

Quest gently drags his fingers across your back as he pulls you from the door. The hallway is long, winding -- built into the side of the mountain, this hideaway has been perfect for the pack for decades. If only you didn't get lost in it at every turn.

"Where are we going?"

His hand gently slides up past your shoulder blades until it settles on your nape.

"To my room."

He presses gently on your neck and a sigh escapes your lips. Quest can't help the possessive growl that rumbles from his chest as he drops his hand to take yours and pull you towards your future.

------

author's note: i had to stop every other sentence to stare at my ceiling and ponder my life choices

Isjsjsjsj OH MY GOD I LOVE THEM ALL SO MUCHJZJSJSJ

Just finished playing and oh boy-oh boiiiii😭💕

Fjsnwidjsje literally me omfg

MC: You don't understand, it's my destiny to sacrifice myself, I deserve to die if it means even the slimmest chance of stopping Overblot! Grim from hurting anyone else.

Malleus: If you live I'll let you kiss me on the mouth.

MC: ...on the mouth?