Archive of Our Own

“I do not!”

“Yes you do!”

“No I do not!”

Malleus teleported into the cafeteria, sitting at the usual table the four of them took. He stared at Sebek sitting at a separate table with her friends and smiled. He was happy she felt comfortable enough to leave duties behind and sit with her friends.

Silver, whose face was just about to drop into his soup, slowly looked up. “Oh, hello Malleus-sama.” He wiped the drool off of his face and smiled at the horned man.

“Silver.” Malleus nodded back before looking at the second empty seat at the table.

“Ah, Fa- I mean Lilia is having lunch with the pop music club. He said they had a song to work on and that they couldn't waste any time.” Malleus forced down a laugh at the correction, it really wasn’t necessary. Most people at the school knew that Silver was Lilia‘s son since…since his tantrum.

Malleus put that thought back into the bottom trenches of his brain and instead continued talking with Silver. They spoke of their classes and what they did with friends and it felt normal. It was nice. He liked being able to talk with his brother on equal terms at school again. It was nice to be considered family.

That thought prompted him to look at his youngest across the room, Silver followed that gaze. It seemed the Trappola child had aggregated Sebek again, for the half fae was holding him by the collar.

“I wonder what that’s about-“ Silver’s words were cut off by the sound of an explosive voice at the first year's table. One that could be heard all throughout the Cafeteria.

“Trappola, you obdurate fool!”

An incomprehensible murmur.

“I DO NOT LOVE MALLEUS-SAMA!”

“HE’S ONLY MY PRINCE! DON’T GO MAKING UP WEIRD RELATIONSHIPS!”

Malleus, for a moment, was almost impressed with how heavily his retainer's voice spread, the actual words having not yet sunk in. Beside him, Silver looked pale. Almost scared. Malleus had no idea why. Sebek looked just fine as she stormed out of the room, her friends chasing after her.

Ah yes. Friendship, how sweet.

Crack!

Silver looked odd as he stared at his prince. Eyes from across the cafeteria were all pointed towards their table. After the overblot, and Malleus’s broken horn, there hadn't been any cases of sudden bad weather. Everyone thought the horn breaking had taken away enough power that the Draconia couldn’t do such a thing anymore. It seemed that was only true for the lesser emotions? No one could really bring themselves to care or speak up about it. The hall was driven into such silence that it was almost like everyone’s voices disappeared with Sebek.

Sebek. Sebek had said- no, no. 

No, Malleus must’ve misheard. The prince turned towards his seatmate and before he could even ask, the man spoke up. “Malleus-sama.. I’m- I’m sure she didn’t mean it like that. We must’ve misunderstood.” Silver’s previous drowsy state had completely dissipated, in its place came the same boy from the night of his overblot. Serious and loving.

His overblot. The word he had dreaded to use before, yet it was the only thing that came to mind right now. Of course, why hadn't he noticed it sooner. 

He stood up, gently taking Silver with him, he didn’t want his only other retainer to hate him as well. He teleported the both of them. Ignoring or not noticing the rambunctious sounds of the crowds that came once his iconic green smoke appeared. 

They were at Diasomnia, in Sebek's room. He didn’t know why, it was just the first place he had thought of. Silver looked around, his eyes widening as he stared at the portrait on the floor beside the closet.

His portrait. The picture of Malleus Draconia that had been drawn by the finest artist in Briar Valley when he first got his uniform. The portrait that Sebek had fought with her grandfather over for days when she had to leave for school. She insisted on bringing it with her even when the old general said she’d be seeing him everyday. The one Lilia had gifted her. The one she almost cried over. And it was on the ground.

It was official, there was no denying it. All previously odd behaviours added up, everything tied together with a nice devastating bow. 

“Sebek hates me.”

Silver looked shocked at words, yes that made sense, at least something in the world made sense today. He opened and closed his mouth, unable to speak but not willing to let the phrase sit uncontested. “No, that can’t be! She’s the one that admires you the most. You can not allow some out of context conversation-“

Malleus interrupted his brother, feeling the thick fluff of Sebek’s sheets. They were made in the Savana, a gift from her grandfather. “It all makes sense. The portrait and outburst at the cafeteria only confirmed it. Even if she doesn’t hate me, she most certainly doesn’t love me anymore either.”

And Malleus could finally see it, all those times after his overblot Sebek had left him alone. All the times she chose to spend time with her friends instead of him, Silver, and Lilia. Every time she kept her voice unusually level when she noticed him in the room instead of greeting him with gusto. Everything made sense. The overblot made her lose all love for him. 

Before the overblot, Malleus would be lucky if he got a moment to himself during the day. Every meal would be spent by either his or Lilia’s side. Every word would be written or memorized and probably made into a book. Now, she just seemed to be going with the motions. Doing what she had to so he was satisfied.

Now she seemed to fear him.

 Fear. 

Fear was something that had followed Malleus throughout his life. Something he never expected or wanted his admiring and loving retainer to feel. The retainer that loved eating and yet protested and stopped eating for days when she found out Malleus would leave for school. She feared him. Him.

And he had no one to blame but himself. His overblot had scared her off so thoroughly she couldn’t even care for him anymore. 

“Ha!” A sharp laugh unwittingly left his chest. Silver slowly made his way next to him on the warm bed. The room was so cold, as most places in their dorm were, but the bed was warm. So warm. Likely because Sebek slept there, and any place she was would eventually be heated up. Some would say it was because of the heat bodies produced but Malleus was almost certain it was just because his retainer had an infectious warmth. The warmth that used to be given to him freely. The warmth he was now robbed of and could only have through her things.

Silver looked so very sad. It made his heart hurt to even look at the boy, let alone listen to whatever consolations he had to offer.

He was about to get up, but was stopped and pushed back down. Oh? 

“Malleus-sama,” the boy spoke with the same voice Lilia had whenever he wanted them to listen, stern yet understanding. “I know what everything looks like. I see it too. I’m scared too.” Silver bit his lip lightly, Malleus listened on with poorly hidden surprise, it seemed he could never keep up a front around his family. “I don’t want her to mean what you think she did. I honestly don't believe she could ever say such a thing and mean it. It was probably a poor joke or something said in the heat of the moment.”

Malleus looked down. Staring at his hands as his brother spoke. “And if I’m being honest, none of us could handle that. Because if she loses hope for you, what chance is there for her to still love the rest of us? Our family would be fractured.”

The second year took in a breath, “But that’s all the more reason to ask her what’s happening. Why she said that and any other questions you have. We need to talk to her.”

There was his knight, his brother. So smart and wonderfully intelligent. Always there to calm him down when he couldn't do so himself. He smiled slightly, humming in agreement before getting up to stretch. “Right as always, Silver. As expected from one of my retainers.” He took the boy’s scarred hand and pulled him up, they had a younger sister to talk to.

****

Sebek was absolutely affronted! To think Ace- no, Trappola, would ever even imply such a thing was horrendous. (Yes he lost first name privileges! He wouldn’t be getting them back until he personally apologized to Waka-sama and herself for such vile words!)

The idea that people thought she loved him was disgustingly false! Of course she cares for her liege, but not like that! 

“How infuriating!”

She banged open the door to her room, shocked when she was met with the wary gaze of Silver and the unknown look in her lieges eyes. “Ah! Waka-sama. Silver. What’re you both doing in my room?” She asked in confusion and was met with a moment of silence as they both looked at each other. Speaking some unknown eye language in front of her like that, how rude of Silver!

It seemed like her displeasure was obvious on her face because Silver hastily replied, “Sebek, we just had a question about what happened in the cafeteria.”

“The cafeteria..?” Suddenly Sebek flushed red. Had her liege heard the conversation between the first years!? She hadn't even noticed him! It seemed she would have to train more on her awareness.

“Ah, how embarrassing!” 

Silver looked conflicted and looked towards Malleus, who was obviously wilted. Not that Sebek noticed. She was busy worrying he might’ve misunderstood something!

This lunch, they had been bringing up something stupid as crushes, and Trappola had implied he thought Sebek had a crush on her liege during the start of the year! The thought was disgusting! He was clearly her prince! There were no such wicked feelings involved between them, she thought it was clear she saw both him and Silver as her very own brothers. They were her own siblings.

Ah right, not to mention the fact that she liked girls. 

So yes, she freaked out when she heard him say that and quickly denied it. The heartslabyul boy kept teasing, and Sebek eventually burst. That also must’ve been when her Liege and Silver overheard them!

You’ll pay for this Trappola! Mark my words, I WILL make you pay! Keep one eye open tonight.

“Waka-sama, it’s not what you think!” Sebek saw Silver relax and her lieges eyes light up, and suddenly she was sure that’s what they were here for. She continued confidently, “I would never feel such things for you!”

There was quiet, and Sebek made sure to allow her words to absorb. She didn’t want to be misunderstood, there were absolutely no romantic feelings between them. She waited.

Then she kept going. 

“Honestly, I don't know where Trappola got off thinking I ever loved you!”

A crack sounded outside and Silver ashen face returned. What was that about?

Sebek kept going.

“I could never feel such improper things towards you! That would be completely unprofessional as well as gross considering our standings! And I told him as much!”

Malleus was silent, eyes glowing. Silver looked devastated, for some reason.

“I mean, I once wondered if I felt that way. How could I not! You’re so amazing, my lord! The heir apparent to the throne of Briar Valley, the best of the top five mages in the world and the most well rounded fae across the world! You are truly an inspiration for fae and humans alike.”

Oh no! Her words had the opposite effect, Malleus looked absolutely murderous and Silver looked sick. She shouldn’t have brought up that embarrassing childhood phase after all! It was a misunderstanding, really!

“Ah, but don’t worry my liege! I quickly corrected those thoughts. I could never feel such a way towards you.”

Sebek smiled proudly and that was the final straw. Her Liege looked at her strangely before disappearing into smoke. Leaving only Silver and herself in her room. The boy made no move to follow. She put her hands on her hips, ready to scold Silver for allowing their liege to leave unprotected. The look in his eyes stopped her.

There was such deep emotion. The boy made his way towards her closet, picking the portrait near it and asking something.

“This- are you going to use this? Hang it up again, maybe?” Sebek was surprised, Silver was the one that told her such things were creepy, yet now he was asking if he could take it? Ha! He must’ve realized her superior style of decor.

Well, she supposed he could take it. It was sad to think it would just be sitting on the floor for the rest of time. A portrait of Malleus Draconia deserved to be appreciated, so if Silver could do that, he should have it. It might even encourage the second year to better care for their liege!

Besides, she had a better one! She only took this one down so that she could have space for the one coming in. One that regaled Malleus-sama in his full glory. 

One that had all of them in it.

“No, I have no use for it. You can have it. Just hurry out, I have to get my books for my next classes!”

Silver slowly made his way out, face contemplative. Sebek made her way to her next and gathered her books. Silver spoke one last time before closing the door. 

“I hope you know we love you. Even if you don’t feel the same.”

What?

By the time she turned, the door was shut. Silver must be feeling awfully emotional today, she supposed. Maybe he just appreciated the wonderful portrait of their liege and felt sentimental? She could understand that!

But..why would he think she wouldn’t love him back?

__________________________________

Malleus was a monster. He drove off people in herds with his mere appearance. His words struck people to their core in a way that left most unable to refuse his words. Everything about him either drew people close enough to worship him, or incited fear within. There was the occasional case of someone hating him like Leona Kingscholar, but even that was a misplaced hatred born of jealousy. Inferiority. 

He was a monster that pushed away even those closest to him. People like Lilia, Silver, and.. Sebek. She was his loyal retainer. Someone he thought he treated like a younger sister. Someone he thought would love him through thick and thin. Someone who usually wouldn’t relent, even at the threat of death. She could have a sword to her throat and the only demand for freedom being to denounce him and she would refuse. Malleus had tried to correct that kind of behaviour when she was young, but it had never worked.

She cared for him too much, loved him too much. At least- she used to. As she said, she stripped away those ‘improper feelings’ and would only treat him as she would any other prince she protected. Even the thought of it made him want to scream. He wanted to say something, do anything to stop her. Demand her to come back to him in full. To love him again. He could not spend days by her side knowing he was no longer her cherished brother. 

But it was his fault. Everything was wrong and the only person to blame was himself. How stupid he was, how emotional and idiotic. How weak.

He would have never associated himself with those words in the past, but now it was an obvious truth. He was weak because he had let his emotions get the best of him and overblotted. He scared everyone, he hurt them.There was no going back from that. He already knew that there would be consequences. He just-he never expected this. 

To be left by Lilia because he was dying was one thing, his mentor still loved him. There was no lack of love there, only one of time. Silver growing old and dying was also something he dreaded. His brother was human and would die far quicker than any fae. But even then, that would only be a natural distance. It was something neither of them could control and Malleus was sure that if there was a way for Silver to stay with him, he would do it. As a ghost if he had too. Because they loved him, they cared for him so deeply that death was the only thing Malleus could ever imagine would take them apart.

Then there was this, Sebek, who he had also thought would stay, no longer loved him. There was no longer any guarantee of her staying with him. She could now leave. If she was pardoned, it wouldn’t be him she was thinking of. She could move on, find another family and love them just as fiercely as she once did them. She could go away, she might desire to leave. 

Malleus used to never think these things, there was no way he could ever imagine that Sebek might one day leave him. It felt natural she would stay forever, there was no other option. She wanted to stay with him, wanted to dedicate her life to serving him. That was that, he never worried over her place in his life, he never had to before this. 

That was a mistake.

She might not be willing to stay anymore, but he couldn’t let her go. He wouldn’t allow it. Love or not, Sebek Zigvolt was his. Apart from his family and his guard. Yes.

He was a prince, he would soon be king and take his rightful place on the throne. No fae could defy him, they were all his. And Sebek was fae. She could go elsewhere, yes, but even if she didn’t love him, she had a duty and love to her… biological family back at the Valley. Because of them, she would stay with him as long as he ordered her too. Well he didn't want to use such drastic measures, whether she loved him or not, Malleus loved her. He loved all his family. He didn't want to hurt them or make them fear him any more than they already did. So then what would he do?

He would just make sure there was nowhere else to go. Nothing else she could do. If the only option was him, then there would be no chance of leaving.

He would have to start with those friends of hers. 

(If Malleus was a good person, he would have relieved Sebek of a duty she no longer wanted. He would have told her to be free and choose another occupation. Would have let her leave his side and stay with people she actually loves. He’d be happy with just her being happy even if it was away from him.

But Malleus was a monster. And weren't monsters notoriously evil and possessive? So he would do none of that. He wouldn’t allow Sebek- no, he wouldn’t allow any of his family to leave his side. He would have them, whether they grew to hate him or not. They were his. From the moment Lilia hatched his egg at the cost of his life, he was his. From the moment he first held baby Silver’s hand, he was his. From the first day he had met Sebek, and she bowed to him in the clumsy yet endearing way only children could do, swearing her loyalty for life, she was his.

Those that were his weren’t allowed to leave. They would stay, willingly or not. As long as they could, as long as they were alive and even beyond that. 

He smiled darkly, staring at the sparkling stars. “What a beautiful night.”)

____________________________

“See ya Silver!” Yelled out Kalim, waving both arms towards him. 

Silver smiled, “I’ll see you later, Kalim.”

When he looked away, the smile dropped. It was instead replaced with furrowed brows and thin lips. 

Silver was worried. Sebek was being kept away from her friends, as well as anyone else she didn’t share classes with and was obligated to talk to. Silver wishes he could say the timing was a coincidence but judging by the look on Malleus’ face when he ordered her to come straight to him during any breaks, that definitely wasn’t it.

It’s not like Silver could blame him, his liege was still mentally recovering from his overblot and Sebek’s new feelings made apparent just made everything worse. 

Well, he couldn’t fault Sebek for this either. She just wanted to clear everything up, she probably hadn’t noticed how she made her lord feel. She probably- 

He didn’t know. He didn’t know how Sebek felt anymore. Every time he looked at her nowadays and thought he knew what she was feeling, he remembered their talk and had to rethink. He had always thought the girl was the type to wear every emotion on her sleeve. She was never ashamed to be happy or admire someone, and when she disliked someone? She’d say it straight to their face. 

But why didn’t they notice this change? Was it because she never truly considered them family? When he was younger, Silver had always been a little sad to have Sebek leave after playing for the day. Because it meant that their little cottage wasn't her actual home. It meant she had actual family to go to, that they were just friends or people she occasionally talked to. Not the family Silver thought they were. It was as if he was only a small part of her big life. He was scared that once they went off into the world, Sebek would find other people and realize that what she had with them was nothing special. That she would make other relationships and put Silver and his father on the same level as those other people.  But there was Malleus, and he always had her utmost love and respect. Even more so than she gave to her grandfather sometimes. He was her whole world and what she based her life on. And Silver was family with Malleus. That surely meant that what their little group had was most important to her. It meant they mattered, by association or otherwise.

But if she was willing to give up on Malleus like that, that meant she’d be willing to give them up too..

Maybe Malleus had the right idea, if she spent time away from the first years and other outside influences, Sebek would undoubtedly return to her usual self. Without other people plaguing her mind with their fear and love she would come back to them and realize they were her only family.

…

No. 

No, Silver was wrong. He was doubting his family again. He doubted his father’s love for him, doubted Malleus’ care, and now he was doubting Sebek. He knew her better than anyone, he was sure of it. She wasn’t the type to be easily influenced- well, at least not about Malleus! There must be something missing. Context Sebek forgot to mention or well- Silver didn’t know, he just knew that he had to talk with his sister. 

There was nothing that could stop him. They would talk and if it ended up they didn’t misunderstand anything and Sebek really did not love Malleus anymore, he would accept it. He would get his liege to accept it. He would make sure she was able to do something else with her life instead of being chained to a person she no longer admired. Well she definitely still admired their liege, right?

Whatever. He had something to do, right now!

_____________________________

Sebek Zigvolt was being smothered to death. Not that she minded of course! It was just odd. 

Her liege was always around nowadays. He was calling her during break times and lunches, and even bringing her along with him after school on those walks that lasted until nightfall. After that, she would be exhausted and forced to sleep through the mornings where she would usually message her friends or go for a run. She had almost no time to herself!

It was an honour to be with her lord so often, and it was even better that he seemed so insistent on her company especially! But! But..she sort of missed her friends. 

“Sebek?” 

Ah right, Lilia-sama! She hadn’t seen much of him since he declared he needed to finish something with his club.

“Lilia-sama! Apologies for the late greeting!” Sebek greeted, jumping off the lounge couch and immediately looking for the other fae.

“Lilia-sama..?” 

“Boo!” Lilia appeared upside down from the ceiling, coming face to face with Sebek suddenly.

“AHH! WHAT THE-!?” The freshman fell right back down, luckily, on the couch.

“Oh my, what a reaction. I wanted to give a good scare..it’s nice to know I still got it!” Lilia laughed as he went down and sat next to her.

Sebek took in a breath, “Lilia-sama, I thought you were busy with your club?!” 

“Ah my ears.. indoor voices please!” 

“Oh..apologies!”

Lilia waved her off, smiling at her in that eery way that he did when he thought she was hiding something. Though in this case, she had no idea what! He just popped out of nowhere, scared her, then scolded her on her volume! Where in that interaction did she appear suspicious?!

“Sebek, what did you say to Malleus?”

“Excuse me?”

“He’s been acting off. Did you really not notice?”

“He is?” She asked nervously. Of course she had! But she couldn’t doubt her liege, he probably had a very important reason for acting like this!

The general shook his head mournfully, “He’s been awfully clingy nowadays! I was supposed to go to my club today and he stopped me, that’s why I’m here early..”

“Maybe he needed you for something?” She tilted her head, it would do no good to accuse their liege, not about these things. After the overblot, he’d been very good about people close to him to do their own things.

“Well I thought that as well, but he just watched me walk back in and left to his room! He’s been calling Silver over more often as well.” He looked at her imploringly and the croc tried to divert her gaze.

“Not to mention how he’s been acting with you.. Don’t tell me you can’t see it,” Lilia pat her head and sighed, “I’m just worried. I can’t help but remember what happened during his overblot, trying to keep everyone close yet distancing himself at the same time.”

Gasp

How could she not have known! Her liege must still be feeling insecure, thorn fairy knew she was after all that had transpired during that time! Something must have occurred that made him think that someone would leave him again..was it Yuu? Did they mention their plan to go home again to him? So soon after his overblot?! Friend or not, if they had made Malleus-sama feel abandoned they would face her wrath! 

Sebek immediately stood up, ready to run to her liege and try to resolve this problem that had him acting off. Malleus was someone that should never have to feel unworthy or unloved, she’d have to make it clear that they were all going to stay as long as they could and that Yuu leaving was not because the love they had for him was insufficient, but for seperate reasons probably relating to family and responsibilities in their world. Whatever would make him feel better. 

..And also maybe allow her to spend time with her friends again. They had been getting quite persistent with their requests.

Her mentor put out a hand to stop her. He was the one who told her about this issue, did he really not expect her to do anything?! This was an important matter, Lilia can’t just be staring at her with those expectant eyes! 

“Lilia-sama, please! What is it now?” 

“You haven’t answered my question, dear.” 

“What question?”

“What did you say to him? If we go in blind we might just make it worse, so do you remember anything that might have triggered this behaviour?” Lilia sighed and gestured for her to sit back down. 

Her? Her?! What could Sebek have done to make her liege feel unloved?! She’s tried her best to be utterly devoted and respectful to him! The only thing she could possibly think of was-

***

The girl's face twisted into something mixed between disbelief and offense. Yikes.

“Lilia-sama!? You of all people should know my devotion to Malleus-sama! I would never do anything to-“

There was a pause. 

Her face twisted in realization, “GREAT THORN FAIRY WAIT-!” 

Suddenly she panicked, oh it seemed he was correct with his assumption! He just guessed, Silver was avoiding Sebek for a good while and the whole overprotective behaviour was only with her at the start. Hm, now what could Sebek have done to make Malleus think she would leave him- leave them.

This girl was basically his third child, his youngest child and first daughter. She had never ever shown anything other than admiration and overwhelming love for the three of them. Even to Silver, in her own special way.

(It was very funny to see his son sulking back then when he thought Sebek hadn't thought of them as family. Lilia had to remind him who would carry him to his bed or the couch when he passed out and sat next to him reading, tell him who brought over his favourite foods when he was sick and couldn't stomach Lilia’s heavy cooking. It was especially funny seeing his son’s face when he told him that she was the one who volunteered to stay with Silver whenever Lilia had to go to meetings with Malleus. To hear that she wanted to spend time with him was apparently mind blowing.)

“The cafeteria..”

“Something really happened then? What was it? We can’t be going into this conversation blind-“

“I told him I’d never love him.”

…

“What.”

She covered her face with both hands and shook as she slunk back down into her seat. Was she crying? Lilia couldn't tell. He couldn't think.

And then-

“Ha!” 

Sebek’s head flew up, a vengeful look in her teary eyes, she was glaring at him, but he couldn’t stop.

This was absurd.

“Lilia-sama!”

He doubled over, clutching his sides because he felt like his stomach would crash out of his body if he didn’t.

“You- ha - you told him what?!”

She stuck out her trembling bottom lip, looking completely petulant and adorable. Unfortunately for her, he couldn't stop.

“I’m even more stupid than those characters from the novels! How can I show my face to my Liege again?!” 

The other fae let out a loud scream as she hurried her hands into her hair, messing it up. Oh gosh, this was really too much. To think Sebek had- oh sevens he really wanted to see his boy's face when she said that! He’d never let her or his sons forget about this when it was over.

But first it actually had to be over.

Lilia stood straight and wiped his face of tears, he hadn't laughed that hard in a while.

“Oh Sebek, please. He’d forgive you as soon as you tell him. How exactly did you even come to utter those words?” He made his way to her, settling in the seat beside her and resting a hand on her shoulders. His poor girl, his poor, silly, adorable girl.

“I- it’s all Trappola’s fault!” She screamed and he had to lean away for a moment, “He asked me when I was going to leave my job as Malleus-sama’s retainer and everything imploded after that!”

Lilia raised a brow. Trappola? Really? Why would he do that? If that boy had any ulterior motives like separating Sebek from them for whatever reason, Lilia would deal with him himself. Malleus would have to wait for his turn with whatever was left of the heartslabyul child. 

“Elaborate.” 

“Well it was during lunch..”

~~~~

“-and that’s why I didn’t have money for lunch today. Thank you so much Ortho. Stupid Crowley, does she even know how much I work to pay for those stupid repairs?!” Yuu slumped down into their seat, cradling their lunch like it was the first thing they’d eaten all week. It probably was.

“Cool. Anyways, speaking of Jobs. Sebek, when’re you gonna quit yours?” 

“Excuse me?!” 

Yuu rolled their eyes, “Guess my turn is over then.”

“Yeah yeah, we get it! You’re the part time hire for everything and more, fixing toilets and serving tables cause Crowley won’t serve you a proper housing agreement. Whatever.” 

Deuce elbowed the boy next to him, “Ace! Don't be so rude!”

“Ow! What the hell man!”

Epel snickered , “That’s whachu get fer annoying Yuu. Watch it or ‘ya won’t be invited to the next sleepover.”

“What! I was only being honest!”

~~~~

“This is a nice insight into your relationship, but I don’t understand what that has to do with what you said?” Lilia tilted his head curiously.

“Right! To the point, my apologies!”

~~~~

“Trappola! How dare you imply me to be unfaithful! Just because you humans are doesn't mean I am! I would never leave Waka-sama’s side!”

Jack quickly pushed her back down into her seat and Sebek huffed, arms crossed. Ortho pat her shoulder comfortingly. 

“Dont worry Sebek, we all know that you follow Malleus Draconia-san with all your heart!”

Ace scoffed and mirrored her movements, “Obviously I know that! What I’m asking is when she’s gonna quit the retainer thing and join as his wife or something.”

The entire table fell silent.

“What.”

~~~~

Lilia’s jaw dropped so low that he thinks it might have unhinged again. Ace Trappola.. you will pay for that. Literally. If he has to get checked out by Sebek’s father again he’d bring the boy down with him.

“What.”

Sebek nodded, a furious gaze in her eyes, “I told Trappola that he was completely incorrect!”

“I love my Liege very much, but that love is not to be mistaken as one of that kind!”

Lilia nodded along, still feeling a bit incredulous. To think someone would say something like that..wait. Was this something people thought back in the Valley as well?! Perhaps Sebek’s blind admiration and love was mistaken for something more by the ignorant masses.. the thought had never crossed Lilia’s mind, not only because they were like family to each other, but also because he was almost absolutely sure that Sebek liked girls! Was that not a well known fact?

“Did you tell him off?”

“Obviously!” And to that, Lilia was satisfied, “I told him he was disgusting and an idiot for even thinking such a thing and that I would never love…Waka-sama..”

“He was in the cafeteria and heard that.. and the conversation we had later surely didn’t help.”

And suddenly everything made sense, “Oh dear. That would do it.”

She screamed again and this time it was even louder, Lilia couldn't bring himself to scold her. He kind of wanted to cry.

“If I ever were to leave Waka-sama, which I would never do! It would only be if he himself asked me too for his safety! Not because of- that!”

She leaned into her hands, “I’d rather die than leave you all, Lilia-sama! Please believe me!”

Lilia brought a hand up to his head, this was all truly just a terrible misunderstanding. It gave him such a headache. And what was that about rather dying? 

For all the time he’s known her, Lilia thought there was really no reason for Sebek to desire being somewhere else. He really thought she’d stay forever. He never once even considered other options. And suddenly he could understand his son's behaviour. 

The thought of someone you thought would stay forever leaving put a deep pit into his stomach. It was such a familiar feeling. All he wanted was to gather all his children together and bring them back to their little cottage and stay there until he died. 

But this was Sebek, it was his youngest, and he wanted the best for all of them, and if Sebek’s best was only achieved by leaving them then it would be a worthy heartbreak. 

Either way he didn’t think Sebek would ever want to leave. But- just in case. He had to let her know.

“Sebek.” He spoke firmly and she turned to look at him for the first time since the start of her story, what a good child.

Such a good one that he had to let her know, “My dear, if you ever did want to leave-“

“I would never-!”

He cut her off with a finger to her lips, “I know, you would never, but if you ever did end up finding something else you wanted to do with your life, we’d all want you to be happy. That’s all. We wouldn’t be mad at you, sad at your absence, yes, but not mad.” 

He stood up and knelt at her feet, holding her trembling hand, “I want you to know we love you. All of us. And leaving your position wouldn't mean leaving us.”

He looked back at her face and smiled softly, truly, such a silly girl. Why was she crying again? 

“Thank you-“

BANG

***

Malleus was betrayed.

To think that a member of his own family had decided to undermine him, to think it was Lilia. He had originally been taking a walk around Diasomnia, he desperately needed to clear his mind and think about what he’d been doing.

During the most recent housewarden meeting, Rosehearts had commented on the fact that both Silver and Sebek had been skipping their equestrian club lately.  

~

“Malleus-senpai, may I ask you something?”

Malleus looked up at Rosehearts, “Hm?”

He looked nervous, for some reason. Beside him Kingscholar yawned and stretched, his lean body flexing in the chair, "Don't get nervous now. You planned this out, so say something.”

Schoienheit sneered, “If it’s so easy why don’t you do it yourself? Honestly, you’ve no room to judge when you were too cowardly to help. Riddle, take your time.”

Kingscholar rolled his pretty eyes but stayed quiet.

Malleus looked around the room, it seemed all the housewardens were somewhat anxious. Had something happened he wasn’t aware of? 

And where was the headmage?

“Thank you Vil-senpai. All right, I’ll get to the point. Do you know what an intervention is?”

The Ignihyde housewarden made a distorted noise at that. Something between a laugh or a cough, was he choking?

“Ah..Riddle-shi, you can’t just say that outright..” beside him, Ashengrotto pat his back, smiling.

“Riddle, when you said you’d be the one to start the conversation I didn’t think you meant you’d be so.. blunt.”

“I am just trying to communicate! If any of you have notes on how I should do it maybe you should be the one to speak instead! Any takers?”

There was a cough and Ashengrotto pushed down Asim’s raised hand.

“Aw, I wanted to help.” Asim pouted.

“The floor is yours, Riddle.” The mer looked away from Rosehearts’ sharp gaze. 

That was enough. “Yes, I'm aware of the concept.” He frowned, “Why is the headmage not here?”

“Right.” The red haired boy straightened impossibly more in his chair and looked right at him, “Malleus-senpai, this is an intervention for you.”

Malleus blinked.

He looked around the room. “Pardon?” 

“You heard the kid, it’s an intervention.” 

“I was under the impression that someone had to do something wrong to need their peers' interference..? To my knowledge, I have not done anything to warrant this.”

“Senpai, there has been a hurricane outside for the past few days.”

“…I do not see what that has to do with this.”

Riddle sighed, looking to the others for help. Hmph, of course he’d be, Malleus has not done anything wrong. They would have to dig deep to find anything.

“It’s reminding students of your overblot.”

…

Alright then.

“And an intervention is not only for people that make mistakes. It's for people that might need a little support with things that the others can help with.”

“In this case, we are trying to help you find the root cause of your current behaviour and correct it before it implodes.”

“Yeah cause we all saw what happened last time that happened..” Shroud uttered under his breath, writhing under his gaze when Malleus turned to him. Good. They might have gotten close after the overblot, but it did not give the man permission to talk so flippantly about him.

“I see no problem with my behaviour. I understand your issues-“

“Our concern. We are worried about you senpai. That’s why we came together like this.”

Ah, so that’s why the headmage wasn’t here. They were..worried for him and came together themselves to help him.

The dragon fae decided to stay silent and listen. It was the least he could do for now. 

“Hey lizard. You’ve been too pissy lately, my frosh keeps complaining that you won’t let your croc play.”

Leona Kingscholar was here. In a meeting. For him. Hm, he was under the impression that lazy cat had to be dragged to even mandatory meetings. To think he’d come here of his will because he was worried. How..cute.

But it was still annoying.

“I wasn’t aware I had to get permission to call for my retainer.” He got up from his seat, dusting his collar.

“I’ll be heading out now, if there’s nothing else.”

“That’s not what he meant-“

“Nah, red. If he wants to run away from his problems, that ain’t on us. We tried to help, and all he’s doing is getting defensive. Can’t help someone who doesn’t want it from you.”

Schoienheit sighed, “Like you wanted?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“It means I heard full well from Riddle and Azul how hard it was to get you to talk with them after your own tantrum.” 

“Ah, I’d appreciate it if those conversations could stay between us-“ a sweat dropped from Ashengrotto’s pale face. Kingscholar scowled again. His shiny lips pointed downward and sharp teeth flashing. Did he use lipgloss of some sort or was that natural? He wanted to find out.

“You better watch your mouth-“

“Or what?”

“STOP!” Rosehearts slammed his hands down, Shroud yelped and dropped something dark and rectangular from his hands.

“Really Idia-senpai?! Playing games during a time like this?!”

“E-Eek!” He quickly shoved the device back into his sleeve.

“I don’t have time for this. Malleus-senpai, please sit down.” 

“Ordering me? How brave of you Rosehearts.”

Kalim blinked, “Uh guys, I don’t think he wants to stay.”

“Fine! All of you are so stubborn! Senpai, Silver and Sebek have been missing many essential club meetings. Not only that, but we can all see how you’ve been isolating them and yourself as of late!”

“Now I won’t presume to know what’s going on, but the point of this meeting was to tell you we’ve all had trouble with things pertaining to our feelings and recovery after our overblots and if you need anything, anything at all, we’re here to help!”

“Meeting over!”

“Hey I don’t think I ever had an overblot though, that was Jamil?”

“Meeting OVER!”

~

Yes, after that meeting Malleus had a lot to think about. Of course he knew what he was doing, everything he did had purpose and this was no different. But the thought that his current demeanour resembled that of his darkest times during his overblot was disturbing. 

For a moment, he thought he should reconsider his ways and have a chat with his family. Together, because surely what he was doing now wasn't the most efficient way of keeping them by his side. Maybe he could lighten up and allow them back to their clubs and friends while still ensuring they would always come back to him.

That was why he called Lilia for the day. For them to have a talk about priorities.

Then he went for a walk to clear his mind before the meeting, to ensure he’d be going in with an unaffected mind. Unfortunately his time alone was cut short by a loud scream. Now usually yelling was normal in Diasomnia, there were students screaming because they got frightened, or just Sebek. In this case it was Sebek. But what had the prince running was the genuine pain in her voice.

By the time he got to the door, he only just remembered he could teleport. That was what panic did to a person, stopped them seeing the obvious paths and instead 

‘-And leaving your position…-leaving us.’

‘Thank you-‘

Leaving her position. Lilia was- Lilia was encouraging her to leave her position?! 

He slammed the door open.

There was Lilia, on his knees, eyes red and wide at his sudden appearance. It seems he’d been crying.

And there was Sebek. On the couch with her hands on her face, shoulders shaking. She didn’t even look up at the noise, only covering her face further and facing away from him. Why? It couldn’t be that she was scared. No,no, not of him. It was one thing to wonder, and another to actually see it. Sebek was scared. Scared of him. Scared that she had been caught conspiring with Lilia and probably scared to leave. 

Why did this always happen? Why was everyone so scared of him? Why was she scared of him? He hurt them, that much was obvious. During the overblot he had attacked with the intent to kill. It had happened with all overblots, rage and negative emotion controlled you so heavily you couldn't tell friend from foe. 

But- but all the others had been consumed by blot as well, he heard that Kingscholar had basically tried to dust his vice away moments before his. He heard that Schoeinheit had attempted to poison someone before his. So why was it only him they were afraid of? Was it just him, was he meant to be a fae that ruled with fear? Was he such a monster that even those close to him eventually ran once they saw his true colours? Was Malleus meant to be alone?

Destined to bear the weight of a crown he hadn't asked for, the blood in his veins coursed only because of the generations of hate built up by his ancestors. He was meant to be a hateful being, meant to destroy and conquer and never love. He was supposed to be feared by all, not to tolerate an ounce of the disrespect his mother had endured during her death. He could not be vulnerable or soft lest he be challenged by the pests who would think they could beat him and take his kingdom. He was molded to be infallible.  

And he was. Malleus was strong, one of the strongest. He had done such a good job and look where that led him, not a single person left by his side. Was this truly what his mother had wanted for him? This unending cycle of loneliness and pain? 

Mal-

Malleus..

“MALLEUS STOP!”

Lilia? He was calling for him, why? To tell him they’d be leaving? That Sebek’s decision to leave had made him and Silver realize they could no longer stay with him either?! Why?! Why was he forced to be alone!

“PLEASE! WAKA-SAMA PLEASE COME TO YOUR SENSES!”

CRACK!

***

“LILIA-SAMA, WATCH OUT!” Sebek rolled to the floor with Lilia, adjusting herself so she took the brunt of the attack. She was always better with the thunder.

“SEBEK!” Lilia cried out, his eyes were panicked as he grabbed her arm and backed away from her liege.

“Are you alright?!” 

“Yes of course.. I- What's happening to him?! Is he going to overblot again?!”

“I’m not sure. Sebek, I need you to go and get anyone you can. The housewardens and staff preferably. I have a feeling this won’t be over so quickly.” 

“But I can’t just leave you here!”

”This is not the time for that! I appreciate your worry but you can’t hold him back, go get the others for now!”

I’m still too weak to- UGH!

”ALRIGHT! PLEASE STAY SAFE LILIA-SAMA! ILL BE BACK SOON!”

____________________________

They call in Housewarden to help

So someone causes an opening- , then riddle comes in and uses his UM and while he’s suprised enough Leona comes in with a final blow and NEVERMIND Hes closed again. So sebek uses his um to get in there in lightning form and then Epel puts him to sleep and Silver uses that brief window to go into his dream and talk to him.

They talk, crying and apologizes happens and boom. End of story.

Leona makes fun of Malleus for sure afterwards. It’s okay, Malleus likes it. The housewardens plan monthly group therapy sessions with Riddle leading cause the rest of these mf’s can’t stay on topic for two seconds 

Little epilogue where Ace gets beat with a stick then firsties have their sleepover and they're finally together