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#Kalim birthday takeover
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Kalim, Azul: Silver Spoon, Golden Boy
Kalim my beloved sun spot... 🥺 Also, gotta love that classic Azul ass-kissing to the wealthy/j ashdaisdbasfiba I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WAS JUST ME, but I wonder if Kalim not knowing where the cash register was is a subtle nod to Princess Jasmine not knowing she had to pay for fruit (during that scene where she snuck out of the palace and into the bazaar)?? Maybe I'm overthinking it!
A Boy in Bloom, and his Blossoming Future.
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"How do you spend your days off?"
"I dunno!" Kalim replied cheerily, not a care in the world. "I do lots of stuff, it depends on the day!
“I'll throw a banquet if there's something to celebrate or if there's someone that's feeling down. Sometimes I'll play with the animals—Scarabia has a whole menagerie—or I'll take magic carpet out for a ride! Sometimes I'll chill with Cater and Lilia, or see what Silver's up to in Diasomnia."
"My, my, you're quite sociable, Kalim-san," Azul crooned, simpering and sweet. "It's good to keep oneself busy, but it’s even more important to build and maintain relationships, wouldn’t you say? You manage to keep abreast of them both so effortlessly.”
“Aw, thanks a bunch!! I love hanging out with my friends! I’ve actually been trying to go out more lately instead of bringing people back to Scarabia. It makes Jamil upset with me when I bring over unannounced guests, so…”
“He said that?” Azul pretended to look taken aback. “How rude! I would certainly never do such a thing.”
“No, he didn’t say it. I can just tell. His face turns into this mask you can’t read, or he sighs and tells me off a little. But even if he’s not happy with me, Jamil always does what I ask. Always. For so many years.” Kalim’s smile dimmed, a slight sadness creeping onto his lips. “I don’t want to cause him more trouble than I already have.”
Azul frowned, his flattery faltering. Something genuine pushed out instead. “… Kalim-san. Your compassion for others truly is remarkable. Jamil-san may not voice his true thoughts, however… there is a part of him that notices your efforts and appreciates them.”
“You think so?” Hope welled in the birthday boy’s voice.
“Fufufu, of course. I’m a businessman—and if nothing, I know of people’s hearts.” Azul pushed his glasses up, the sunlight momentarily catching them in pure white. “Now then, please continue to be hat you were saying before. You’ve been going out more as of late?”
“Yeah!” He perked. “The other day, I went shopping with my dorm.”
“Shopping?”
“Shopping!!” Kalim affirmed with a nod. “Usually I’d have people do it for me, but getting to do it myself was like a whole new world! I want to try and be more independent, so I thought this would be a good first step.”
“Well… yes, it is. Baby steps, I suppose.” His interviewer quirked a brow. “And how did that trip go?”
Surely he couldn’t have run into any excessive issues. He was still accompanied by dorm members, so they should have kept him in check.
“It was so cool seeing the places that sell things! I thought that stores would be more like the bazaars back home, with everyone mostly selling one thing. The fruit vendor, the fish monger! Like that!
“It turns out that stores sell lots of stuff all in one place. I got excited seeing it all, I had to grab a little of everything!! Um... then I stood around!"
"... What for?"
"I didn't know where the cash register was!!" Kalim easily laughed it off. "But my dorm mates were nice enough to help me out! They showed me the way and helped bring over the stuff I wanted to buy.
"It was a lot of work hauling it all, so I got them thank-you gifts for the trouble! Then I saw something really amazing while we were checking out!!"
"Oh? And what might that be?"
"Carpet cleaner!"
"... I beg your pardon? Carpet cleaner?" It certainly wasn't the first thing Azul would have imagined to capture the eye of such a wealthy boy.
"Magic carpet wasn't able to make the trip into town with us. I thought he'd feel sad if he didn't get a souvenir... so I hope 50 boxes of carpet cleaner make it up to him!
"Magic carpet loves taking baths! I know cuz Jamil's let me take over scrubbing magic carpet down. His fabric gets all covered in bubbles and he gets all relaxed. It's like he's getting a good massage!"
Azul patiently listened—and internally, he boggled at the mental arithmetic. “A little of everything” plus a thank-you gift for every Scarabia student and last-minute carpet cleaner quickly added up to a monstrous sum. He had no doubt that Kalim had fumbled at the cash register, trying to pay for a simple transaction in several thousand thaumark bills.
That’s one part of Kalim-san that won’t be changing anytime soon: his generosity.
If the octopus was lucky, he, too, would be graced with a smidgen of it. But Azul did not think himself a betting man. Every ounce of energy dedicated to the day was to up those odds.
"I see now. I'm glad to hear that the trip went off without any hitches!" Azul gushed. "You've learned so many new things this year--and I know you'll only continue to grow from here on out! I'm most honored to be your peer.
"You're broadening your horizons with each passing day. You're not the same Kalim-san from winter break. No--even back during the cultural festival, I sensed something different in you."
"Gahahah! You remember that." His garnet eyes softened with both fondness and sadness. "VDC was so much fun! It was also the first time I realized... all my life, I've been given everything I've ever wanted. I never really earned it, did I? I got it just for existing."
From the moment he had been born, there had been a silver spoon in his mouth, and he was golden. The future bright, a guarantee for him. Never questioned, never challenged.
His heart quivered.
"I got used to it, and I expected it. I never thought about what would happen if things changed. Then Jamil was picked as a lead vocalist--and I was so happy for him, but also so frustrated with myself. I knew... I couldn't stand at the same level as him. We didn't shine the same.
"Things can never be like they were ever again. Not until I earn that spot for myself! Not until I can stand on my own two feet at shopping and washing carpets and singing! That's my goal: to make my future golden myself."
"Kalim-san..." Azul pursed his lips. A second later, he let his words go. "Are you aware of how diamonds are formed?"
"Hmm? No, why do you ask?"
"Simply put, diamonds are the result of common carbon deposits being exposed to considerable heat and pressure. It takes billions and billions of years to form a single gem... and even then, a diamond is not always perfect. They can be too small, too rough, any number of things which may make it undesirable to consumers--but a diamond is only a diamond because of all the time and energy spent to form it."
Azul smiled, lowering into a bow. "Kalim-san, you are still in the process of becoming a diamond yourself. When that day should finally arrive, you will be a splendid one."
“Azul!!”
His hat and glasses were almost knocked off from the impact of Kalim colliding with him. Arms wrapped around the merman and squeezed, the embrace like a single drop of sun unfurling into a great spotlight.
“Thanks for believing in me!" Kalim cried through watery eyes. "I promise… I promise I’ll make you guys proud!!”
Azul chuckled. "I'll prepare my standing ovation when the time comes. Any plans to enter VDC as well next year?"
"Maybe when my singing's up to snuff! I've gotta cram in lots of practice until then!"
"Ah, yes. Best of luck then--but do let me know if you are ever in need of any musical accompaniment! I play piano quite well if I do say so myself, and I would be more than happy to lend a helping hand to your efforts."
"Gee, thanks, Azul!! You're so kind! I don't know why Jamil tells me to watch out for you. We should totally jam out sometime."
"Fufufu, why indeed..." Azul glanced up, shading his eyes against the sun, and smirked. "Speaking of Jamil-san, we wouldn't want to keep him waiting. I'm sure he has prepared a grand feast in honor of your special day."
"Oh crap, you're right! I gotta get going!!" Kalim scrambled for his broom, handling it like a hot potato. When he had, at last, clumsily mounted it, he cast a look at his classmate. "See you at the party, Azul?"
"I will be there to support you."
"Cool, see you there!"
With only one hand clutching onto the handle, Kalim took off on his broom. Gold and blue sparkles trailed behind him, white petals spiraling in the vortex of magic.
Even he rose higher and higher, Kalim didn't hesitate to look down. Filled with adrenaline--that oh-so-familiar rush, an indescribable feeling--he excitedly waved farewell to his friend.
He was off to see unbelievable sights, to visit dazzling places he never knew, to learn more of them.
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dollxmania · 2 years
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ㅤㅤㅤ ❝ 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓 ❞
— WRITING LIST.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: nail vibes: snippet undecided.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: .iii summoning reactions: feat. leona, ruggie, jack.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: pucker up!: snippet riddle, leona, azul, kalim, vil, idia, malleus.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: the lost records of the court: oc lore feat. ren
— 3O DAYS OF WONDERLAND.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day three: move night. poly!fic ace, deuce.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day four: dorm takeover. fic ignihyde.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day five: game au. fic leona.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day six: the lead. fic heartslabyul.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day seven: merfolk. fic azul.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day eight: plushies. fic idia.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day nine: rainy day. fic rook.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day ten: soulmates au. fic sebek.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day eleven: massage. fic ruggie.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twelve: father’s day. fic crewel.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day thirteen: telephone game. fic vil.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day fourteen: club. fic silver.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day fifteen: daycare au. fic pomefiore, scarabia.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day sixteen: potion mishap. fic epel.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day seventeen: detention. fic trein.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day eighteen: fright night. fic jade.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day nineteen: fae. fic malleus.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty: mafia au. fic diasomnia.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty-one: lost. fic neige.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty-two: culinary crucible. fic trey.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty-three: sick. fic lilia.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty-four: mystery shop. fic sam.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty-five: self-aware au. fic riddle.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty-six: teacher’s conference. fic crowley,
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty-seven: cat’s life. fic grim.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty-eight: teacher’s assistant. fic vargas.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day twenty-nine: flying high. fic kalim.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day thirty: freebie. fic cater.
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ❝ 𝐀𝐒 𝐀 𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄! ❞
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ㅤㅤㅤ ❝ 𝐈’𝐕𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐃 ❞
— WRITTEN WORKS.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ : cr!au series: as the name suggests, contrary roles, the player is the character who takes their place, and the character takes the player’s place. au created by dollxmania / chocodollxren.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: .i summoning reactions: feat. riddle, trey, cater.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: .ii summoning reactions: feat. ace, deuce.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ : misc: works not apart of any specific series, one shots, snippets, headcanons, or others. may range from over a thousand words, to a mere paragraph per character.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: happy birthday, mon cherie / mein liebling: poly!fic vil, rook.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: kiss, please!: snippet trey, ruggie, jade, jamil, rook, lilia.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: happy birthday, your highness: fic leona.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: the delicious taste of you with the sauce☆: fic jamil.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: kabedonning them: snippet riddle, leona, floyd, jamil, vil, idia, sebek.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: merform snippets!: snippet azul, jade, floyd.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: vampire bites!: snippet vil, rook, epel.
— 3O DAYS OF WONDERLAND.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day one: amusement park. fic floyd.
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ —: day two: overblot. fic jamil.
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ❝ 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑! ❞
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do not request.
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Kalim, Lilia: What else can I do?
KALIM MY SON MY PRECIOUS SUNSHINE CHILD 🥺 Sorry for getting this out late—
BRUH YOU DON’T KNOW HOW VALIDATING IT WAS FOR ME TO READ THESE VIGNETTES I’ve literally been saying this entire time that Kalim’s way underestimated as a leader despite his social intelligence 😭T HANK YOU LILIA FOR CONFIRMING TO US THAT KALIM IS A GOOD JUDGE OF CHARACTER AND THANK YOU KALIM FOR CONTINUING TO GROW HNGNGNGGNHHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHHHHHH
Imagine this...
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"I always see Sebek scolding Silver. He does that because he cares for him, right?
Lilia suppressed a chuckle. “Yes, that would not be incorrect to say.”
“Gahahah!” Kalim’s full-bellied laugh rolled across the lavishly carpeted floors, his smile lighting up the entire room. Sunshine spilled in from wide windows, and out from within the birthday boy. “Sebek must have a really big heart for all that love!”
A chortle slipped out of his interviewer.
“Kufufu. He is very passionate in expressing himself.” Fingers curled under Lilia’s chin. “To think that you’d pick one of my own… I’m positively ecstatic~ You’ve made a good judgement call, Kalim.”
“Eh, I have?”
“Indeed.” Lilia nodded knowingly, his eyes creasing—a subtle shine of elation. “Most find Sebek too brash and bold to approach. Ah, but you—you’ve so easily stripped away that harsh exterior and gotten right to his core. You are able to see the forest for its trees. Not many can compare to that discerning eye of yours, Kalim.”
“Thanks, Lilia!! I’ve never thought of it like that! Jamil says I can be pretty careless when I just say what my gut feeling is…”
“Then your gut is very accurate. You have a strength that comes so naturally to you. The ability to read and to understand others is a wonderfully indispensable skill for a leader.”
Lilia beamed, slapping a playful hand on the birthday boy’s back. “Fufu. I approve of you to serve as Sebek’s elder brother. Be certain that you swing him around in your arms often, just as you do with your siblings!”
Kalim took the joke with ease, barely pausing for a beat before replying, “I’ll try!! I’d love to spoil him too! … But I shouldn’t. Not yet.”
“Hmm? Now what might you mean by that, I wonder?”
“It’s like... I think I need someone like Sebek around--someone who’ll scold me and tell me when I’m doing something wrong.”
“Is that not what Jamil already does for you?”
“Yeah, but...” A pensive look formed on Kalim’s face. “Lately I’ve been thinking of how I can help him. Jamil does so much for me, and I’ve realized that I haven’t done a lot for him in return. And when I do try to help, I just screw things up and make more trouble for him.”
His shoulders slightly sagged as a thought crossed his mind.
I’ve... always caused trouble for him.
The memories collected one by one. Particles of sand falling into a mound. From the top bulb, funneled through the neck, and to the bottom bulb. The happy moments, times spent playing together, chasing each other in the bazaar, dancing in the garden, splashing in the water, snacking and studying…
All of it, a pretense, shattered by his words. A thin, potent poison ran along them, bitter and bleak.
“As long as you exist, I will never be free,” Jamil had snarled. His face had been so twisted then--calm, and yet his eyes were as pointed and as cold as icicles, sharpened to form blades. Ink engulfing him, creeping over his skin like a swarm of locusts consuming a fresh feast.
All the hate he had kept bottled up, at last eating him alive.
Hate that had stemmed from him.
From Kalim.
His smiles, his laughter.
His ignorance.
Kalim inclined his head, letting the brim of his hat eclipsed his garnet eyes. “... For a long time, I’ve hurt Jamil without realizing it. I don’t want to do it again--not to Jamil, not to anyone. That’s why I’ve been thinking: how can I be better? What else can I do?”
“Kalim...”
“I don’t notice stuff myself. I need that kind of criticism so I know when I’ve done something wrong, so one day I won’t need Sebek or Jamil or anyone to tell me I’ve made a mess, so I can the kind of dignified person that people will follow. Someone that’s earned the seat of dorm leader.”
Someone that’s worthy of being Jamil’s friend and rival.
In spite of the shadow cast over Kalim’s eyes, they glittered just as bright as ever. “Until that day comes, I’ve got to work hard. Then, one day...”
I can be where he is, as his equal.
Kalim didn’t complete his sentence out loud, letting the last of his words hang in the air--raindrops suspended, not yet fallen to the ground. A pocket of solemn silence in an otherwise loud, lively party.
No one heard the rest but Kalim.
“... I understand.”
Lilia patted his junior on the head, gently stroking his hair. “There’s no need to rush growing up. I have no doubt that you will rise to the occasion when the time calls for it.”
“Really? You think so?”
“I know so.” Lilia chuckled, indicating an open window. “You’ll rise through the roof, to the skies, without a magic carpet ride, but on your own power. If you continue to work hard and be mindful, surely that wish you’ve stowed away in your heart will come true.”
“Aww, you always know just what to say to make me feel better! You’re awesome, Lilia!!”
“Of course, of course… but at this very moment, do not concern yourself with me.” The fae smirked, retracting his hand. Reaching into his jacket, he magically pulled out a pie, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “You need only eat, drink, and be merry!”
“Ahhhh, you’ve got me there!!” Kalim cried with a laugh. “Is it time for the Gift of Good Fortune already? It’s still a ‘gift’, so I’ll happily accept it!!”
“My, such a good sport. I’ll do my best to deliver your gift to you.” Lilia tossed the pie into the air, testing its weight as it fell back into his palm. His lips folded into a grin as he brought the pie back. Stance practiced, arm poised, as if this was done he had done many times over.
“Good fortune and the happiest of birthdays to you, Kalim!!”
SPLAT!!
The pie was a direct hit on the lower half of Kalim’s face, the whipped cream forming a cloud on his chin we the paper plate slid to the floor. The result was the birthday boy dressed handsomely in a fluffy, airy facial hair. Seconds later, the whipped cream plopped off and joined the plate on the floor, leaving Kalim with traces of a sweet-tasting stubble behind.
“K-Kfffft!!” Lilia bent over, clutching his stomach to prevent a howl from escaping. Between giggles, he managed, “M-My liege…! How big and bushy your beard is!!”
Kalim took the joke in good faith and with a large grin. Beckoning with a hand, he said, “You don’t need to bow! Raise your head!!”
Lilia lifted his gaze as he had been commanded to—and found Kalim picking a pie off a nearby table. He raised an eyebrow at his junior.
“I want to join in on the fun, too!! C’mon, grab another one!! We can have a food fight, you and me!”
“Haha, very well. I cannot turn down a request from our beloved birthday boy.” Lilia’s eyes slightly narrowed. “Kufufu. You’d best be prepared for combat! I cannot promise that you will make it out of this experience alive.”
“Yup!! Let’s sing! Let’s dance!! Let’s die… of fun!!”
Kalim’s smile was as certain as the sun, promising to reach ever upward.
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Floyd, Kalim: The Way of Water
I was wondering how the artwork would frame the sitting boys, but I guess having Floyd floating there on his butt is fine fjeviwgxkwjwhfoen I don’t know what the alternative would be…
It's nice to learn more about the land boot camp the Octatrio went to; Floyd's vignettes indicate that merpeople need passports and that they went to a zoo as part of the program.
A Tale as Old as Time.
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Museums could be such snore fests sometimes. Sure, the place had an entire section dedicated to merpeople history, but it was nothing compared to what the Atlantica Memorial Museum boasted under the sea: the Mermaid Princess's silver comb, a replica of the Sea Witch's cauldron, bones of a sea dragon, a statue of the Sea King...
Here? All they had were some crummy paintings.
Floyd tilted his head back, taking in merman arriving in a dolphin-drawn chariot. He was an older man that sported bushy brows and a grand white beard that flowed in the water, his physique muscular and imposing. There was a regal presence about him, perhaps in how upright he stood, or in the glisten of the crown upon his head or the gauntlets cuffing his wrists. With his trident in hand, it was clear who he was.
The ruler of all the oceans. The waves obeyed his every whim, the sea and all its spoils bowing to his power. He, the Sea King.
Meh, what’s so great about him? So stiff and uptight. It’s be so much better workin’ for the Sea Witch.
Floyd's eyes flickered to the boy next to him, who seemed far more interested in the painting than he was. A steady grin crept onto his face, and he leaned in close.
Floyd pounced, hooking a long arm around Kalim's shoulder and yanking him over. The eel peered down at him, a single golden orb colliding with a pair of garnets. Leering, Floyd jerked his head at the depiction of the Sea King.
"Ne, ne, Otter-chan. What'cha think of this one?"
Any sane person might have been paralyzed with fear encountering Floyd in a dimly lit room, but not Kalim. No, Kalim was not sane at all.
The dorm leader greeted his peer with a smile so wide it could fill the horizon. "Floyd!! I'm so excited I get to see more of your history."
He blinked. "You actually like studying this kinda thing? Are you even any good at it?"
"Nope, not really!!" Kalim confessed (perhaps a little too easily). "I was looking at this painting and going, 'His beard's so impressive!' It reminds me of the one my dad has. I won't remember all the details later, but I'll always remember how cool the Sea King looks."
"It goes in one ear and out the other. Why bother then? Just dedicate your time and energy to stuff that actually interests ya."
"But it does interest me. It's fun learning about where your classmates come from! I heard humans and merpeople weren't always on good terms."
"Yeah. Back when the Sea King still ruled, there were tooons of rules forbidding merpeople from coming into contact with humans." Floyd held up a finger for each one he counted off. "No going to the surface world, no owning human stuff, no exploring shipwrecks... even no music at one point. You'd think Goldfishy wrote the lawbook."
Of course, even if those rules were in place, he would still totally disregard them. No one—not royalty, not his parents—could stop Floyd from venturing into the unknown.
"Whoa, the Sea King sounds like he was super strict and scary! I don't think I could live without music..." Kalim's face dropped. "He looks like such a nice person in the painting though."
Floyd rolled his eyes. "Cuz he lost his wife to a human ship. After that, he got all paranoid, thinking himans and merpeople are too different to coexist. He got especially protective over his daughters. The Sea King had seven of 'm and he breathed down all of their necks.”
"Ooooh!" Kalim didn't even bat an eye at the number (Floyd was sure it paled next to the number of siblings he had running around in his home.) "So the Sea King just wanted to protect his loved ones and make sure nothing sad like that ever happened again. He's a good guy after all!"
He now regarded Floyd with eager, sparkling eyes. "Wow, you know so much about this!! It's crazy thinking about how different things were in the past."
"Duh. It'd be boring if things stayed the same all the time." The eel smirked. He let go of Kalim and stepped back, giving a playful twirl, arms stretching out above him. "Ehehehe! Good thing the Mermaid Princess ended up opening doors for us to come onto land~"
Kalim beamed. "That's right!! She did! We wouldn’t be able to be friends without the Mermaid Princess’s help.”
The word gave Floyd pause, a rock tossed along his path as he brought his foot down upon it, snagging his step. Friend. He didn’t like spoken in that saccharine, trusting tone.
It was sticky and sweet, stuck in his teeth. Like cotton candy residue yet to be washed away by the waves, or sweat accumulated from summer heat. A gross feeling.
“You’re bein’ way too generous with your definitions again,” Floyd groaned, peeling away. “Cut it out, or I’ll get annoyed.”
Kalim (unwisely) laughed. Not at Floyd, but with him. “Oh, hey. When you think about it, we’re not really that different.”
“Mmm? What are you saying now, Otter-chan? Did all the sunbathing finally melt your brain?”
“In the Scalding Sands, waterways are really important. We use them for trade and travel. It’s the same for the Coral Sea. With all that water, it’s convenient for those sorts of things.” Kalim said matter-of-factly. “We’re using those same waterways now. We’re connected by water.”
“A good part of Twisted Wonderland is water,” Floyd pointed out. “You sayin’ everyone can be friends with everyone?”
Kalim nodded eagerly. “The Sea King was probably wrong. Humans and merpeople are actually very similar. I think the Mermaid Princess knew that too, and she wanted to help others recognize it.”
Floyd stared at Kalim, the moment long and hard. He wasn’t irritated anymore, only a little disappointed. Maybe mildly disgusted. “… Otter-chan, you’re so happy it hurts.”
“Thanks!”
“That wasn’t a compliment.” Floyd sighed. The energy and fight had been rapidly drained from in over the course of the short exchange, leaving him as wilted as a salted slug. “Aaaah, whatever. I’m tired of this already. I’m bailing.”
He turned on his heel and made for the exit and into the adjacent room. Already, Floyd could see a platinum frame of the Sorcerer of the Sand in the distance, bony fingers clasping a golden scarab.
“Wait up, I’m come with!” Kalim called after him. “I can teach you about my country’s history too!
That was how water was—always seeking to follow the flow. One body leading straight into another.
Floyd picked up his pace, arms pumping. (No running in the museum? Screw the rules.) Adrenaline deposited into his bloodstream, and he was hit with a rush.
Suddenly excited again, maybe a little interested in what a certain otter had to offer. A game, a chase, a thrill.
This is what he had come to the surface for.
Not rules or restrictions or a royal bossing him about. Not even friendship, as Kalim had suggested. Just fun, plain and simple.
It looked like he was going to get it.
Floyd grinned and shouted back, “Catch me if you can then!!”
And hurled right into the next room over.
Bless the Mermaid Princess.
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Jade, Kalim: Leaves from the Vine
This is the Jade and Kalim content I’ve been waiting for and wanting 😤 We haven’t seen them interact with one another much (the longest interaction is probably in Jade’s School Uniform vignette and/or the interrogation scene of episode 4), which is a shame because I think their dynamic is hilarious. Jade just feeds Kalim all these lies and Kalim 110% believes him…
I was pretty much expecting Jade to be flying low to the ground, but it’s nice that they linked Floyd’s hand in to tease Jade 😂
Side note: writing 2 birthday fics in the same day going to be difficult for me (this weekend is busy), so the Floyd one will be out later! Please be patient; I haven’t forgotten him! (And yes, for those who are wondering, the title for this Jade fic is a reference to Avatar: The Last Airbender!)
***Spoilers for episode 4 of the main story; this fic is meant to take place AFTER episode 4, as some events from it are referenced.***
A Boy in Bloom, and his Flowering Future.
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“What do you do for fun on your days off?”
“I create my own tea blends.” Jade’s smile was easy as he offered his response, dangling it like a tasty morsel over Kalim’s head. “I use a variety of sources for my leaves: the Botanical Gardens, plants I’ve raised, and, of course, those I’ve collected on mountain excursions. I find that there is joy in preparing one’s ingredients just as much as there is in experimenting with them.”
Kalim sunk his teeth into it, hook, line, and sinker.
“Oooh!” The dorm leader blinked back, his mouth in an “o” shape--a mixture of both obliviousness and total awe. “Wow, you put in so much effort to do something you really love!”
“Fufufu. One might say that once something captures my interest, I devote myself mind, body, and soul to pursuing it.” Jade inclined his head to one side, thoughtful. His left eye glinted like gold “The Mostro Lounge occasionally features my tea blends as limited time items. Devotion, as Azul says, ‘pays’ off in the long run.”
“Whoa, that’s SO cool!! Brewing your own tea, making your own potions, mountain climbing, helping out at the Mostro Lounge... There’s nothing you can’t do!”
“You flatter me.”
“No, I’m serious! You’re amazing, studying and working hard for yourself and for others...” Kalim shook his head. “You’re a lot like Jamil!”
A light laugh passed between Jade’s lips. “We are both vice dorm leaders, no? It naturally falls to us to support our respective dorm leaders.”
“Gahahah! You two always seem to be way ahead of me. Azul too! You’re all super smart and accomplished and...”
Kalim continued to ramble, singing the birthday boy praises. But Jade had already sensed a change in the air, and a shift to his interviewer’s smile. Lingering doubts, words not spoken.
Sadness to his sunshine.
Sometimes... I wonder if I can catch up to where you guys are.
Yet Kalim wore a brave face. His smile, his suit of armor. The sadness squashed down so as to not rain on the birthday celebration.
How selfless of him. How kind, Jade chuckled to himself, to worry about such a thing after experiencing the ultimate betrayal.
In the recesses of his heart, something stirred. Notes of sorrow and compassion floated to the surface, coloring his mild amusement with a different shade.
Pity.
“... Kalim-san,” Jade piped up, “do you know what the trick is to brewing delicious tea?”
“Huh? No, I don’t think so.”
“Then allow me to share my secret with you.” Extending a hand, Jade caught a leaf passing in a breeze. It was just an ordinary little thing, ragged at the edges, and set in an inconsistent color. Scarlet to orange to sienna to yellow. “It’s aging.
“Most commercial teas derive their leaves from the same plant: the camellia sinensis. Depending on how long they are left to dry in the sun, they will produce a different kind of tea. Green, black, red, white, and so on and so forth. Different methods of preparation are optimal for different kinds of tea.”
Jade held out the leaf to Kalim.
“Think of each of us as a leaf. At our cores, we are the same. We have blood, flesh, and bones. We breathe the same air, attend the same school... but we all have our own strengths and weaknesses, our own courses in life. Steeped by time, we can become teas that are unexpectedly delicious.
“We are different, and we are all the more interesting for it.”
He set the leaf free, and it was carried up, up, up over their heads, and out into the world. The two of them, trapped under a beautifully blue sky.
There was silence, with only the whispers of the fickle winds lapping at their ears.
“… Thanks for the advice, Jade,” Kalim said at last. “I feel like I learned a lot about you today!”
“I am always happy to assist a peer.” Jade executed a bow. “It is thanks to those such as yourself that I am able to have so much fun at Night Raven College.”
After all, life would be ever so dull for me without these small, simple pleasures.
“You got it!!” Kalim beamed, the full extent of his cheer having returned. He eagerly thrusted the broom he was holding to Jade, his eyes glimmering. “And now it’s time for you to have fun on the birthday road!”
“Oh dear… I’m afraid that flying is not my forte,” Jade sighed, reluctantly accepting the broom. He positioned it parallel to the ground, but hesitated in sitting down. “I worry that I will embarrass myself before you.”
“Eeeh, so there are things that even you aren’t good at?” (Jade tactfully decided to not point out how indirectly rude that comment was.) Kalim pumped a fist. “Don’t worry, you can do it!! I believe in you!! Oh—I know!! I’ll cheer you on, maybe that’ll help you focus on flying!”
“Oh no, there is not need to…”
Kalim was already stomping and clapping his hands and wiggling his arms in odd waves. His voice spiked up. “Go, go, Jade!! You can do it, Jade!! Close your eyes, summon a WHOOSH, and blow’m all away!!”
“… Pfft.”
Such a juvenile chant—but one that is full of heart.
“Very well. I will do my best to meet your expectations.” Jade gingerly seated himself upon the broom—teetered to one side, then repositioned himself securely. With an uncharacteristic gulp, he let a warm spark of magic run from him to his handle.
A moment later, and the broom shakily hovered off the ground. It stopped a few centimeters up, then crawled off with Jade (miraculously) still mounted on it. Leaves kicked up in a trail behind him.
(Kalim continued to cheer through the fumbling.)
Well, now. This isn’t so bad.
Jade allowed himself a tiny, triumphant smirk as his broom began ascending a stairwell.
It seems that I’ve improved over the past year!! I—
“Jaaaaaade!”
Suddenly, Jade felt his wizarding cap being yanked off of his head. Fully exposed to the glaring sun, he craned his head and stared at his assailant: a boy with a face so close to his own.
Floyd expertly hung upside down from his own broom. He flashed his twin a crooked grin when their gazes met.
“Eheheh!! Made ya look!”
“Fufufu. Indeed you did.”
He laughed, Floyd laughed—even Kalim’s laugh carried to them, riding upon an autumn gale. Different people, mingling and seeping into his closely guarded heart, and the secrets that he kept locked up within.
The memory of today, another secret to store. Something precious to Jade.
Yes, it is because of everyone that I am able to have so much fun here.
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Birthday Bash Masterlist
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***Please note: there are spoilers for initial artwork and groovy artworks! There may also be spoilers for the related vignettes.***
2020-2021: Birthday Boy Suit interactions
For reference, these are the rules for the interactions here.
The links in this section will take you to the "welcome story" for each boy; to read all of the interactions associated with that character, follow the appropriate tag. For example, Riddle's is #Riddle birthday takeover. Some boys may have as many as 40+ interactions which would take up several masterlists by themselves.
Heartslabyul: Riddle / Trey / Cater / Ace / Deuce
Savanaclaw: Leona / Ruggie / Jack
Octavinelle: Azul / Jade and Floyd
Scarabia: Kalim / Jamil
Pomefiore: Vil / Rook / Epel
Ignihyde: Idia / Ortho
Diasomnia: Malleus / Lilia / Silver / Sebek
Other: Raven / Rollo
2021-2022: Union Birthday Jacket ficlets These pieces focus on the bond between, and the influence of, the birthday boy and his interviewer.
Heartslabyul: Riddle / Trey / Cater / Ace / Deuce
Savanaclaw: Leona / Ruggie / Jack
Octavinelle: Azul / Jade / Floyd
Scarabia: Kalim / Jamil
Pomefiore: Vil / Rook / Epel
Ignihyde: Idia / Ortho
Diasomnia: Malleus / Lilia / Silver / Sebek
Other: Raven
2022-2023: Birthday Broomquet ficlets
These pieces focus on the respective boy's goals for the future.
Heartslabyul: Riddle / Trey / Cater / Ace / Deuce
Savanaclaw: Leona / Ruggie / Jack
Octavinelle: Azul / Jade / Floyd
Scarabia: Kalim / Jamil
Pomefiore: Vil / Rook / Epel
Ignihyde: Idia / Ortho
Diasomnia: Malleus / Lilia / Silver / Sebek
Other: Raven
2023-2024: Platinum Jacket ficlets These pieces focus on the respective boy's thoughts and feelings about the Disney figures they see in their vignettes, and how they relate to those figures.
Heartslabyul: Riddle / Trey / Cater / Ace / Deuce
Savanaclaw: Leona / Ruggie / Jack
Octavinelle: Azul / Jade / Floyd
Scarabia: Kalim / Jamil
Pomefiore: Vil / Rook / Epel
Ignihyde: Idia / Ortho
Diasomnia: Malleus / Lilia / Silver / Sebek
Other: Raven
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Hi! Sorry i’m new here but is your “Floyd, Kalim: The Way of Water” post is vignette translation of Floyd’s new card or..? I’m a but lost here
[Referencing this post!]
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Hi and welcome!
To be clear, I don’t do translations of any kind. That’s not what this blog is for. I do creative writing (+ writing requests when I feel like it!) and just generally talk/theorize about TWST.
The post you’re referring to is a one-shot that I write for fun to celebrate each of the boys’ birthdays. I have done similar fics and interactions for the last 3 years. These kinds of posts are denoted by the hashtag #[character’s first name] birthday takeover. (See #Floyd birthday takeover as an example.) The birthday fics borrow ideas, concepts, and lore mentioned in the actual card vignettes, but are not meant to be full-on translations.
In the Platinum Suit cards, each boy has maybe a few lines total related to the painting in the groovy illustration and does not involve the secondary character (in this case, Kalim). In the birthday fic I write for each boy, I take the groovy illustration and expand on those few lines of dialogue into a full fic and include interactions with the secondary character (Kalim). The purpose is to expand on the relationship, similarities, and/or differences between the pairs.
Hope that clarifies things! ^^
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Malleus strolled into the room, his head held high and an unreadable smile gracing his lips. In his hands were a clear crystal box with a beautifully preserved rose inside, sparkling with the same crimson hue as the Scarabia dorm leader’s lively eyes.
“My, what an occasion you’ve struck up, my dear Kalim. Royalty, nobility, the gentry, and ... how quaint. Even the rabble,” the dark-haired fae remarked, chuckling to himself. “No need to worry; I only come bearing a curse of happiness for the birthday boy.”
Malleus handed Kalim the gift before he snapped his fingers, a shower of silver dust falling over the birthday boy. Satisfied, the fae stepped back to admire his work, clearly enjoying the lively atmosphere.
“Happy Birthday, Kalim. Here’s to another prosperous year.”
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Party guests shrank away from the hulking mass that was Malleus Draconia, forming a perfectly clear path from him to the birthday boy. The fae’s dorm uniform clung to him like a cloak of darkness itself, shrouding him in shadows—yet his eyes were as bright as the stars that littered the sky. A collective shiver passed through the attic, interrupted only by a single explosion of warmth: Kalim.
“Malleus, you came!! I’m glad your invitation got to you in one piece this time!” he cried excitedly. “Come in, come in! There’s still plenty of cake and food, and there’s space on the dance floor for you, too!”
“How kind of you to offer, Asim.” Malleus’s smile was a twinkle of mischief in the night. With a chuckle, he slipped the beautifully preserved rose into Kalim’s hands. “Such a generous host deserves an equally generous blessing.”
“A blessing?”
“Fufu. Think of it as a magical charm, a spell to bring you good fortune.” Malleus’s lips pursed into a smirk. “For one such as yourself, who already has access to all the material goods he could ever ask for... Happiness is a fitting gift. It cannot be purchased, nor bartered for—it is something you make for yourself.”
“Whoooa, you’re really giving something as amazing as that to me for my birthday? I’m honored!!” Kalim stared up at the third year with curious eyes. “What should I do?”
“Hold still.”
Malleus snapped, producing silver particles which rained down on Kalim. Flakes stuck in his hair, briefly dancing in the light, before dissolving away into a cool, pleasant tingle. The birthday boy giggled at the strange sensation, reaching his hands out to catch the silver particles that remained—each melting like snowflakes upon contact with his skin.
“May you be smiled upon, Kalim Al-Asim,” Malleus recited solemnly. Then, he stepped back and gave a small smile. “Happy birthday, Asim, and here’s to another prosperous year.”
“Gahahah! It kind of tickles!!”
“... The blessing tickles?” Malleus arched an eyebrow.
“Yup! It feels all fluttery, like a bunch of butterflies are flying around you. It’s a really awesome feeling!” Kalim laughed—and the petals of the rose seem to pulsate, following the flow of his voice. The birthday boy’s eyes shone with admiration. “Your magic’s so cool, Malleus!!”
Cool? That was a first.
“Ah. Well... I am pleased that you seem to enjoy your gift,” Malleus replied, a slight bashfulness to his tone. “It is not often that I cross paths with one so pure of heart. Were the world to be filled with more people like yourself, perhaps we would know of more peace.”
“Oh...! Speaking of piece! Since you’re here, do you want a piece of cake? I can cut you a slice if you want! It’s flavored like cardamom and cinnamon, and there’s also lemon and honey water to go with it!”
“You are offering me cake?”
“Yeah!” Kalim nodded enthusiastically. “Cuz you’re an important guest too, Malleus! You said it before: happiness is something we make ourselves, so I wanna make everyone as happy as I can!”
“... Pfft. Truly, you are golden, Asim. A slice of cake for me, then.”
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You know how Floyd calls you an otter? Well here's an otter plushie for NRC's very own birthday otter!
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"Ohhh, yeah! Floyd does call me that, huh?" Kalim laughed, setting his earrings a-clinking. "People tell me that' he's 'dangerous' and a 'menace to society', but he seems alright to me! It's cool that he gives nicknames to everyone, isn't it? And he's always so cheerful! He can't be a bad guy, right?"
"Huh? Where'd I hear those things? Sometimes from my classmates, but mostly from Jamil. It'll be fine, though! I'm older and wiser today, so I'll probably be a stronger judge of character, too!"
"Anyway, this plushie's really cute! He even looks like he's reaching around something to give it a biiig hug!" Kalim tucked a finger under the stuffed otter's linked arms and wiggled it around. The embrace held firm, and the otter stared up at its new owner with wide doe eyes. "Aww!"
"I don't think I have anything like it, mostly just silk throw pillows. Gahahah, this little guy'll feel right at home, swimming in all those cushions! Thanks so much, I promise I’ll take extra good care of him!!”
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“Happy birthday, Kalim.” Jamil says, stepping forward with a maroon box with a golden bow. “Here. Accept this. But don’t think this makes us friends. Giving a gift to the birthday boy is something that is done only out of obligation. Yes, I am only doing this because I am obligated to.”
***Mild spoilers for chapter 4!***
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“Jamil... You got me a gift?”
Unspoken words hung in the air between them. Thick, laced with tension. After all that happened between us?
“Don’t look so surprised.” He pressed the box into Kalim’s waiting hands. “My parents would never let me hear the end of it if they found out that I didn’t get you something.”
“You didn’t have to. I wouldn’t have told on you or anything.”
“I really did. Word travels fast, even if you keep tight lipped on the matter.” Jamil glanced at the box. “Go on, then. Open it.”
Off came the lid—and a wave of strong smells hit the birthday boy. Tucked inside the box was a spinning rack of spice bottles, each carefully labelled with its contents. Parsley, rosemary, saffron, cumin, anise...
“They’ll be useful to you in the Master Chef course,” Jamil explained coolly, “and with enough practice, you’ll be able to fend for yourself when I’m not available to make your meals. I won’t always be here, Kalim—so taking the steps to form your own independence is...”
“J-Jamil... JAMILLLLL!!”
“Wh-What?!” He drew back, startled by Kalim’s shaky outburst. “What are you... Are you crying? Over spices?!”
“I-I’m so... s-so happy...! Really, I’m... I’m so relieved!” Kalim bawled, clutching the spice rack to his chest—as though swaddling an infant. “You really do care about me, Jamil...! In your own way!!”
“What? No, do not be absurd. And don’t twist my words to fit your own sappy narrative...!”
“B-But...”
Jamil held his Dorm Leader’s watery gaze. “Make no mistake, I still have every intention of leaving this position someday. I do not know when. I do not know how. But when that day comes, I want you to be prepared for it. Not... breaking down like this.”
Kalim sniffed loudly. His face was a mess of snot and tears.
“... We’ll go our separate ways,” Jamil reiterated. There was a bittersweetness set to his words. “And should we ever reunite, I don’t want to return to the same old Kalim. At the very least, you must greet me with an edible dish.”
“I... I definitely will!’ Kalim blubbered, furiously wiping at his eyes. Wet streaks marred his skin, and his face was as hot as the desert sand. Searing, burning brightly. “I promise, I’ll make you food that’s so good, you’ll be crying, too!”
“I had better not be crying from how horrendous it tastes or how spicy you’ve made it,” came Jamil’s sarcastic response.
Kalim gave a laugh through his tears.
The sun coming out after heavy rainfall.
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{For kalim's bday}
"Happy birthday kalim! Here i made some lecha plan its a Filipino dish that is sweet and its actually my favourite dish! Sorry that its a simple gift again happy birthday!"
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“No worries! A gift’s still a gift! It makes me really happy that you want to share your favorite dish with me!” Kalim reassured you, still as sunny as ever. “Oh, but I can’t eat it right away...”
From his side, Jamil heaved a sigh. “Pass it here, then.”
You obeyed, offering up the flan to Kalim’s caretaker.
Jamil held up the dessert, carefully rotating it to get a look at it at various angles. It was a wobbling, glossy, golden mound set in a pool of caramel sauce, which dripped along the sides from its crown. Topping off the confection was a decorative cage of sugar.
His spoon easily sliced through the soft flesh of the flan. When Jamil brought it to his lips, a rich, creamy sweetness permeated his tongue. Both its texture and its finish were smooth--like a cold pudding--yet it also melted away to a fluffy, delicious whisper--like a marshmallow.
There was a pause to process the flavors.
But more importantly, to see if any poison would kick in.
“... It is safe,” Jamil declared flatly. returning the flan, along with a clean spoon, to Kalim. “Enjoy.”
“Thanks, Jamil! You’re the best!!” Kalim graciously accepted the dessert and the utensil--already digging his spoon into the remains of the flan. “And thanks to you for the food! I’ll gonna dig in now!!”
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*places jamil dakimakura into kalim's hands before sliding out*
Here’s a Jamil body pillow I found on Etsy if anyone is interested! I used a plain body pillow image here, though.
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“Look, Jamil! You’re on a pillow!!” Kalim eagerly thrust the present into his Vice Dorm Leader’s face (which was fixed in an expression of mild disgust). “You’re even wearing different clothes on each side! Isn’t it neat?”
"Neat? That is not the term I would have chosen to use,” Jamil folded his arms and scoffed. “What I want to know is, what purpose does this design serve? That shirt is practically riding up my torso. And why am I licking my lips?”
“This kind of pillow’s good for hugging and keeping you company! If you put a face on it, it’s almost like having your best friend you when you fall asleep and wake up every day!!”
“... You saying that so casually makes it all the less appealing.” Jamil brought a hand to his temples. “And don’t tell me you need more company. The guest lists for your parties are extensive. There is no way that you feel lonely enough to require the company of a pillow... and why one with my face, of all things, on it?”
“Hmm... Well, we don’t have the same classes or schedules! Like sometimes I sleep in, or Light Music Club meetings run late. Even then, you’re always there for me, Jamil... even if you have other things to do, even if it’s burdensome to come running for me. But it can’t be like that forever.”
Kalim gave the pillow a squeeze, caging the illustrated Jamil in his embrace. “You should just live your own life, and do your own things! I’ll be fine, because Jamil’s always with me, no matter what!”
The caretaker sighed. “... Fool. I can’t be replaced by a pillow. A pillow won’t call you to get ready for class, or cook your meals for you. While I would love for nothing more than to do as I please, the truth of the matter is that you and I... our fates are intertwined, and one cannot stray far from the other. There’s no need for you to keep that ‘fake’ me. That is why...”
Jamil extended a hand, smirking. “Kalim. Hand it over. I will purge that design off with fire.”
“H-Huuuh?! With fire?! But it’s one of my birthday presents!! You can’t...”
“Did I stutter? Hand. It. Over.”
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"Kalim-san, a hearty Happy Birthday to you. My, you seem to shine brighter than ever, even in such a small and dingy venue."
The surrounding noises and kerfuffle of the packed attic seem to confirm Jade's words that such an extravagant party would have been much better suited elsewhere, but he only sends a sly, teasing look towards Miss Raven before turning back to the Birthday Boy.
"As it is your birthday, I suppose a gift is in order. I don't suppose that rug you were so keen on presenting to me during winter break would still be available, would it?"
Although it had only been a ruse to get Kalim alone at the time, that doesn't stop Jade from asking. He doesn't bat an eyelash at any confusion or protest; simply claspes his hands in front of him and continues.
"Ufufu, is it set in stone that the Birthday Boy can only receive gifts? Wouldn't it feel just as gratifying to give gifts as well?"
***Mild chapter 4 spoilers!***
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“Bite me, J Leech,” Raven vehemently mouthed back.
"Thanks, Jade! You’re always so nice to me!” Kalim chirped, happily greeting his newest guest. “You’re looking really shiny today, too! You must be really excited to celebrate with everyone, huh?”
“Fufu. In a way, yes. Lively functions such as these are ideal for flowing conversation.”
Guests carelessly letting their guards down around friends. Becoming loose-lipped from all the cheer. Running their mouths in all the wrong directions, just to be heard over the music and other discussions. It was the perfect atmosphere for collecting useful information--and repurposing it for blackmail.
“Now then... I don't suppose that rug you were so keen on presenting to me during winter break would still be available, would it?"
“Hm?” Kalim blinked. “I think it should still be free. Why do you ask?”
“Is it set in stone that the birthday boy can only receive gifts?” Jade asked, his tone remaining as reserved as ever. “Wouldn't it feel just as gratifying to give gifts as well?"
“Well, yeah! It feels awesome to give things to other people! That’s why I love throwing parties so much. Everyone gets to enjoy good food, good music, and good friends!”
“Precisely.” Jade nodded matter-of-factly, clasping his hands together before himself. “That is the reason why I have come to you empty-handed today, Kalim-san... To grant you the joy that comes with gifting to others. And not a moment too soon--the Mostro Lounge was in need of new décor. However...”
Jade’s eyes cut to the Magic Carpet, who had hidden itself behind its master. It peered out from behind Kalim’s legs, then made itself scarce again when the eel’s gaze came down harshly upon it. The carpet vibrated with fear.
“... I will not say no if you are willing to part with your other belongings or birthday bounty. I am certain that, whatever you so generously choose to donate, we at Octavinelle will utilize well.”
“Oh! I guess that makes sense? I’m not really sure what you’d like best, so maybe you can look through everything and pick?”
“That would be much apprecia--”
“What’s going on here?”
Jade silently cursed through his smile--not that he hadn’t been anticipating an interruption. “Ah, how wonderful of you to join us, Jamil-san. I was just speaking to Kalim-san about an item he had promised to relinquish to me.”
“No items of any sort will be handed over into your slimy hands,” Jamil corrected sternly. “You will do us the common courtesy and provide a present, or be escorted off the property.”
“Oya, how cold. It nearly brings a tear to my eye.” Jade dramatically wiped at his eyes.
“Jamil! Don’t make him cry!”
“It’s so obviously fake. Don’t tell me you actually believe him. That’s the worst fake crying I’ve ever witnessed.”
“Sob, sob... I’m appalled that you would think me so low as to stoop to crocodile tears to gain your sympathy, Jamil-san... Is it so wrong of me to challenge the status quo of birthdays?”
“When it is coming from you, yes.” His gaze was steely. “Must I repeat myself? Provide a present, or be escorted off the property.”
“Jamil!”
Jade quirked his lips into a smirk. “Not worry, I merely jest. I did not come empty-handed. In fact, I have come today to gift Kalim-san with song.”
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“So, it’s your birthday, Kalim? Well then happy birthday. I’m not really sure what to give you so I made a nice soup for you” *gives Kalim a soup that is just as terrible as Lillia’s soup*
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“Rejected.” Jamil wrinkled his nose as he eased away the pot with a hand.
The soup’s odor wafted up from the foul concoction, dredged up memories of smelly socks, overripe fruit, sweat, and decaying sweat. The soup itself was more like a stew—thick, with a slip to it. Fat had started to congeal on the surface, along with blue and green blooms of something... fuzzy. (You insisted it was mushrooms and white carrots in a chicken broth.)
“Without so much as taking a sip of it, I can tell that something is... wrong... with this dish. The aura it is giving off is...” Jamil’s voice trailed off, leaving him at a loss for words. Rancid, he wanted to say, just like Lilia’s “food”.
“Oooh, you mean how it looks like its got patches of mold in it? Yeah, eating that would probably get you sick!”
“Kalim...” Jamil avoided face palming—though it took every ounce of his strength. “That’s a little too careless of you to say up front.”
“Ehhh, is it?!” Kalim’s face snapped to you, bearing a sympathetic look. “Aaaah, sorry!! I’m sure you worked really hard on it, and that it’s delicious!! The soup just looks kind of strange!”
“Please, just stop flapping your lips. You’re only worsening the situation.” Jamil groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “In any case, I’m afraid I can’t allow that to be served—at least not to Kalim. Ah, but perhaps a certain eel would find it enjoyable...”
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We come to a close.
Apologies for the tardiness! 💦 It’s back to my usual content after this~
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“Here’s your coconut juice. Freshly cracked.”
“Thanks, Jamil!”
Kalim accepted the coconut--so young that its skin was still green, streaked with tawny brown. A pretty pink flower and a straw had been stuck into the fruit, making it look bright and festive for the occasion.
With food still chipmunked in his cheeks, Kalim took a healthy swig of the juice. Cool and sweet, coconut water cascaded over his tongue, washing down the potent spices that had been dancing in his mouth not too long ago. A content sigh escaped his lips as he set the fruit down beside him.
“Is there anything else I can get for you?” Jamil offered, kneeling to set down another plate of cubed cakes before the birthday boy. “
“You’ve already gotten me plenty!” Kalim cried. He eagerly patted the spot next to him on the intricate carpet. “You’ve been working all party, right? Here--come sit and take a break!”
“I couldn’t possibly.”
“What if I said it’s my birthday wish for you to take a break and join me?”
“Don’t be cheeky, Kalim.”
“Buuuut what if I did say it was my birthday wish?” he pressed, garnet eyes creasing in a smile--one far more sly than Jamil would have normally given him credit for. “Then you can’t say no, cuz it’s what I wish for!”
“Honestly, I cannot believe you,” Jamil declared with a huff. He collapsed beside Kalim, folding his legs into a pretzel. “There. I am seated. Are you happy now?”
“Not ‘til you eat your fill!” Kalim slid him several platters--curry with steamed jasmine rice, fried seeds and fruits, kebabs stacked in a pyramid... and plenty more.
“I don’t think I--”
“If you can use your mouth to talk, then you aren’t eating enough!” Kalim chirped, wagging a finger. He produced a set of golden cups and a tea pot that sparkled in the same color--and carefully poured steaming tea into the containers. One for him, the other offered to Jamil with a smile.
He gingerly took the cup. His reflection in the drink was painted sepia, like the bitter memories he often stewed on.
“... Why do all of this?” Jamil asked suspiciously. “This is meant to be your celebration.”
“Mm? Isn’t it only natural that the host of a party wants to make sure all the guests are having a good time? That includes you, Jamil!” With a pair of tongs, Kalim retrieved a cube of sugar and held it out.
A peace offering.
“Another year has passed, and you still haven’t changed in some ways,” Jamil sighed, curling his fingers around his cup. He allowed the cube to be placed in his tea--watched as the sugar slowly dissolved into fine particles.
Sweetness amid the sepia.
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot, though! From Azul and Vil, from Yuu and friends, and from Master Chef! And I’ve learned a lot about you too, Jamil. Happy things and sad things. Many, many things. Things I never knew before, because I was so sheltered.”
Kalim smiled, radiant as the sun, glimmering like pure gold. “That’s why I’ve got to work harder from here on out! A whole new world’s waiting for me, and I want to see it with everyone!!”
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"Ne ne~ Happy Birthday sea otter!" The owner of all sea themed nicknames was currently holding an otter himself! Where did the otter come from? No one knows, and yet Floyd went on "I saw this otter down by the shore and whaddya know, it has these, uhhhh- Boxes. Yeeeeah those things, like 10 of them. Tons of juice! Mango juice I think. Anywayyyys I hope ya don't mind that I took a sip hehe." The otter could only chirp in contempt. "It wants to sing happy birthday, so I'll do it for it. Ahem-"
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"Happy birthday to you 🎵 You live in a zoo 🎵 You act like a sea otter 🎵 so that means you’re one too 🎵” (Floyd belted out improvised lyrics to the tune of the birthday song, while the otter in his hands squeaked along.)
“Whoooa, amazing!!” Kalim burst out into applause when the pair finished their short song. “That was so good, Floyd and Otter! You two could go on a world tour, singing the birthday song to kids all over Twisted Wonderland!”
“Ehehehe~ Thanks, Rakko-chan!” The eel giggled excitedly, pleased with the praise. “Mmm, but you know, the real gift from us is all this mango juice! You should drink up, so you can grow big and strong!”
(... As Floyd spoke, he carelessly yanked out another box and pierced it with a straw. He took another healthy slurp of juice, even making a show of how tasty it was by loudly smacking his lips together. The otter mimicked his motions by nibbling at the air.)
“Alright, I can do that!” Kalim agreed, reaching for a box—but someone stepped in the way, blocking the drinks off with his arm.
“You can’t be serious, Kalim,” Jamil said sternly, his eyes like poison-tipped daggers. “You’re going to accept these suspicious cartons of mango juice that washed up on the shore... just because they came with a cute animal and a song?”
“Yup!! They poured their hearts out to put on a good show, so I gotta graciously accept their gift!”
“You have no idea where the juice came from.”
“Ehhh, but Floyd’s already had two boxes and he’s totally fine. See?” Kalim pointed to the eel, who had already slammed down his second serving and had grabbed a third. “You don’t need to worry about the juice being dangerous, or having to taste test it yourself.”
“First of all, there could very well be poisons that are deadly to humans, but harmless to merfolk. Second, his stature is far larger than yours, so it would take even potent poisons longer to be circulated throughout his entire body. And last, but not least...”
Jamil took a deep breath. “Why, for the love of the Great Seven, are you letting Floyd consume his own birthday gift to you?”
“Huh? There’s nothing wrong with sharing.”
“He’s powering through the mango juice like a dehydrated man through his water reserves.”
“It’s nice that Floyd has a healthy appetite! Just like Silver has a healthy sleep schedule! There’s no such thing as too much of a good thing.”
“I wouldn’t call either of those habits healthy or good things...!!”
(“Ahahah~ This party’s so much fun! Rakko-chan and Umihebi-kun are the best comedy duo~” Floyd laughed—and from his arms, the otter trilled in agreement.)
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