Tessera

🎀@scarabiagyaru.bsky.social · 2mo ago

"It was nothing. I was merely thinking." He knows that Yuuna will unlikely understand. "I won't, I promise."

❝Why did ya pause, then? Ya answered the last question, but not the first.❞ Well, Malleus isn't exactly wrong. The prefect probably wouldn't understand. ❝Don't put pressure on yourself, though.❞

🎀@scarabiagyaru.bsky.social · 2mo ago

Being a prince, he doubts that would ever be the case. "Will do. I'm serious. We can do that."

Yuuna appreciates his trust! If Malleus ever gets a side hustle, it should definitely be modelling. ❝Uh-huh! Completely up to ya! Take your time and think of a reward. Are ya bein' totes serious right now? You've been missin' out! Let's do that.❞

That's not new. He knows how Yurika just says what she thinks. "Follow me." Malleus will lead the way.

❝Uh-huh. Your reasons are slightly questionable!❞ Knowing Yurika, she's definitely not going to be careful with what she says. ❝Lead the way, Tsunotarou. You're the gargoyle expert. I'm but a mere novice!❞

Oh, anyone knows that. How Yurika is dense without realising about it. Malleus will await for her in Diasomnia.

More than likely. Yurika doesn't mean to be so dense, though! It's just an unfortunate character trait. They'll have to spend more time with each other, then. For her to get used to it! And just like that, the next day appeared in the blink of an eye. It's finally time for her little plushie >

Yes. She's very easy to read. "I believe gargoyles are way cuter. And I haven't seen many cats. I'd think that you're cute. Then again, it you always look cute. With fangs or not."

Eh? What? Is she that easy to read?! ❝No way! You don't think cats are adorable, Tsunotarou? Okay, let's try something else! Imagine if I had fangs. What would you think?❞

"As long as you do." Malleus watched how she brushed her hair.

❝A tiny bit. I know what you meant, though!❞ Yurika doesn't doubt that for a second! She just wanted to spend more time with him. The prefect lifted her arm, guiding the brush through her tangled hair.

𝐔𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐢@ambitiousbunny.bsky.social · 2mo ago

It's something one gets used to. And fear isn't something that one can control. Despite one's spirit. "There isn't really anything you can or need to do."

She can't imagine what it must be like to be feared. Though Usagi is a bit of an anxious bunny herself, she refuses to let it dictate her choices. ❝Thank goodness... I am very glad.❞ Upon hearing his answer, Usagi breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted to do was upset him. >

He's too powerful, that's why not many dare approach. Even if it's lonely. "Fret not, I wasn't offended." Having someone not knowing who he is.. it's refreshing. "You can call me however you wish."

❝R-Right.❞ Though it was clear that conversation doesn't come naturally to the fae, she still found herself wanting to talk to him. No one deserves to be lonely. ❝Oh, I hope I didn't offend you. I'm afraid I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to royal titles. May I call you >

"Of that, I am already aware." She doesn't have to do that for him. He's not great at doing conversation. "If you have not recognised me when you saw me, I doubt you will. I am the prince of Briar Valley. And Diasomnia's dorm leader in Night Raven College."

❝I see... Your scent isn't bad in the slightest, I promise.❞ That must be incredibly lonely... In that case, the bunny will talk to him. ❝Is that so? I'll do my best to remember where I heard your name. A friend of a friend, perhaps?❞ Hopefully he doesn't take offence to Usagi not instantly >

"Not at all. I would not take it as offense unless you told me my smell was bad." He's not used to compliments. Nor people dare to speak to him. "We do not know each other. Although you might have heard my name." It's surprising to have someone not instantly recognise his name.

❝It sounded like there was a hint of doubt whether it was a compliment...❞ Not exactly. People usually show their gratitude upon receiving the compliment. From Usagi's perspective, it sounds like Malleus purposely chose to interpret her words as a compliment rather than an insult. ❝Malleus... >

"That is what I said." Isn't it what someone says when receiving a compliment? That they'll take it as such. "Malleus. Malleus Draconia." It's quite surprising that she isn't cowering in fear and even dared to approach him. Will knowing his name change that?

❝Oh, but it is a compliment...❞ Did it accidentally come across as something negative? That truly wasn't her intention. ❝I'm Usagi. And you are?❞

"Hoh? I will take that as a compliment." Malleus crossed his arms over his bust, eyeing her curiously. "What is your name?"

❝Y-Yes... You smell like the forest. It's a very comforting scent.❞ Placing her hand over her chest, the bunny smiled. ❝But still, I shouldn't have sniffed you. Please accept my sincerest apologies.❞

It's not too hard to understand her, if he's honest. "I never saw cats as adorable with the fangs. So I don't quite see it."

Considering how long they've known each other, Malleus understands her surprisingly well! He can read Yurika like an open book. ❝Think of it this way, Tsunotarou! Cats look adorable with their fangs, don't you think? You give off the same cute feeling!❞ Did she explain herself well?

"Does it now?" Malleus tilted his head, yet joined her in the couch. She could brush her hair somewhere else, he won't go anywhere.

❝Your choice of words sounds so ominous, Tsunotarou! But yes, you did warn me.❞ A laugh escaped her lips, showing her little fang for a brief moment. After grabbing her brush, Yurika quickly made her way back down to Malleus. She'll just fix her hair on the couch. That way, she'll be able to >

Malleus had an inquisitive look as she sniffed him. This never happened before. "Do I smell well?"

Before the bunny could stop herself, she sniffed @ofdiasomnia.bsky.social, captivated by his forest-like scent. ❝M-My apologies.❞ Embarrassed by her actions, her ears drooped. It would seem she hasn't recognised the fae.

"When I have reason to be." Yes, they are definitely dangerous. She should be careful with what she says. "Then, we will seek out gargoyles."

❝You're so stubborn sometimes, Tsunotarou.❞ Eh? Are those words dangerous? It's the truth, though! As long as he isn't hurting anyone, he should do as he pleases. ❝Of course I'm sure! Otherwise I wouldn't suggest it. I want to hear all about your interests. Show me your favourite gargoyles!❞

( Malleus always knows what to say to catch her attention. ) Not necessarily strange. But I never found anyone finding fangs in that way. ( Rather than strange, perhaps it's more peculiar. )

(What can she say? Yurika is naturally curious! And Tsunotarou knows the right words.) Eh? Really? I guess I'm a little strange! Haha. I really do think they're adorable, though. (Hooking her index fingers by her lips, she cutely tried to replicate a pair of fangs.)

It's because Yurika doesn't understand many things, as dense as she is. So she wouldn't get why he wants to be the only one seeing her flustered. Maybe she'll have to get used to it.

Is it better? Sometimes his words made absolutely no sense to the dense Yurika. She just couldn't understand why he'd want to see her flustered expression, much less be the only one to see it. The prefect will have to hug him more often, then! Blink, blink. She still isn't quite used to >

"I warned you that I would, didn't I?" Of course he did. "And that you shall do." Malleus couldn't help the chuckle that left him at the gesture.

❝Boo! I'll impatiently wait, then! You really went all out for my birthday, huh? I feel so loved!❞ So, did he enjoy the nuzzling? ❝You'd better! I don't want you disappearing on me, Tsunotarou. I want to spend my birthday with you!❞ Playfully, she raised her index and middle finger to her >

"Not telling. You will have to see it." He never said he didn't enjoy it. "Alright, go ahead and brush your hair. I will wait for you here."

❝A present? Now you've made me super-duper curious! Tell me, tell me.❞ It's not that? So, does that mean Malleus didn't enjoy the nuzzling? ❝Gah! I can't say anything to that. At least let me brush my hair, then I'll feel better!❞

"All the better if I'm the only one able to appreciate it." Malleus doesn't get hugs usually, so this felt nice. After waving at her, Malleus vanished.

❝I'm not so sure about that! You're the only one who feels that way.❞ Even if brief? It almost sounds like Tsunotarou wished the hug went on a little longer. After the embrace, she walked backwards to look at him. She raised both hands to give him a cute, enthusiastic wave.

( Oh, he knew she'd get more curious. ) Cute? I've never had someone saying my fangs are cute.

(Maybe her curiosity has been piqued a little bit. Okay, okay! More than a little bit.) Aww, that's so sweet! I've never thought about it before, but I do quite like your fangs. They're cute!

"That's much better." Those words are dangerous, did she know that? "Are you sure? I'm aware not all are fond of gargoyles."

❝Fineeee. Anything you do for my birthday, I'll absolutely love and appreciate.❞ He doesn't have to worry about that. She would never stop Tsunotarou from doing what he wants! ❝Eat cake. Hang out together. It depends on the person, really! You usually do what they enjoy. What if we go looking >

🎀@scarabiagyaru.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Malleus trusts her opinion, although he never did any modelling. "A reward? I've painted my nails, but never put on a face mask."

From her perspective, yes. He could be a model if he really wanted to. Tsunotarou should trust her opinion. ❝I'll have to give ya something when ya graduate from the course. Like a reward or somethin'. How about a relaxing pamper day, Tsunotarou? I can paint your nails and put a facemask on ya.❞

🎀@scarabiagyaru.bsky.social · 5mo ago

"No, you said nothing wrong." It's better to not explain. She wouldn't understand. And Malleus doesn't expect her to have a crush on someone. "I'll do my best."

❝Why did ya pause? Did I say something wrong?❞ She tilted her head to the side, placing her index finger to her chin in confusion. Maybe it's better if he doesn't explain. The question is, will she ever have a crush on someone? ❝Well... Do ya best, Tsunotarou! I'm sure you'll make my heart >

"Perhaps. I at least also got you a present." No, it's not that. He was only surprised. "That's not true. I truly mean it."

❝Only you would think that, Tsunotarou! Does that mean there's more to come? You've already done more than enough.❞ Oh? Is he disappointed that she stopped? She just had a sudden realisation, that's all. ❝You're just saying that to make me feel better!❞

"This is clearly not enough, I'd believe." Blink, blink. Why did she stop? "Hm?" No way he's averting his eyes. "You still look cute, child of man."

❝Already! Not only did you come early to decorate Ramshackle, but you even brought cake. What more could a birthday girl ask for?❞ Ah. Realising she was still in her nightwear, Yurika suddenly stopped nuzzling him. ❝Don't look at my messy appearance, Tsunotarou! Avert your eyes!❞

Pfff. How cute. "Already? I haven't done much. But I'll eat cake with you, I can't let you do that alone." He can hug Yurika for a bit longer. Especially if she's nuzzling him. That's a bonus.

No way! Absolutely not. The prefect couldn't possibly make her Tsunotarou wait! ❝You've already made my day! You have to eat the cake with me, Tsunotarou. No ifs or buts.❞ Hugging Yurika is definitely more important. At least that's what she'd say. She couldn't help but nuzzle him.

Yurika should have rested for longer. Malleus didn't mind waiting. "You're welcome. And happy birthday. I even brought some cake." But first, he's hugging Yurika.

It's for the best that Yurika noticed, otherwise Malleus might have had to wait even longer for her to wake up! ❝Of course! The decorations are so cute! I really, really like it. Thanks, Tsunotarou!❞ Closing the distance between them, the prefect threw her arms around Malleus. That's right... >

Did she notice? Even when Malleus tried to be as silent as possible.... but at least he had plenty of time to finish decorating. "You're not dreaming. Do you like it?"