Archive of Our Own ^beta

"A...fish?"

"A goldfish, to be exact!" Azul placed a mid-sized fish tank on the large windowsill by their desk. Inside a small, orange-finned fish swam around in circles, stopping to stare at Idia whose face had gotten uncomfortably close to it. 

"The headmaster gifted it to the dorm for reasons I cannot comprehend and Floyd kept referring to it as Riddle which began to annoy Jade who wanted to name it after some...thing and in case their argument escalated I decided to move it here!"

Azul took a deep breath and grinned at Idia who was still transfixed at the bowl, as though he had never seen a fish before. It was an endearing sight, Azul hadn't been aware that Idia's eyes could glisten with such wondrous curiosity.

"...they're not gonna come rampaging here right?"

"Rest assured, they were in agreement about it. It has become a club pet now."

"Club pet..." Idia finally turned to Azul, eyes narrowed. "We only have club once a week."

Azul shrugged, already having thought through the details. He was honestly offended that Idia assumed he wouldn’t have thought of the details before coming up with such a plan.

 "I have talked to most others and will be coming up with a feeding chart to the volunteers. Rest assured I'll keep careful note that it is followed accordingly."

Idia let out a low "ohhh" and went back to staring at the fishbowl again. He was far too immersed by it. Just as Azul began to wonder whether bringing it here was a regrettable one, Idia spoke up again.

"Sooooo, should we name it?"

"Marvelous question! As it is still unnamed, I say it is up for suggestion. Do you have any?"

Idia straightened up, eyes furrowed in thought. Azul should have been thinking as well but he watched the man in front of him bite his lower lip instead. It looked rather dry than soft. Azul had always wondered if the tinted blue that colored them was a result of the color reflecting from Idia's hair or if it was simply natural.

"How about goldfish_4433?"

"...did you just say underscore?"

"Yeah, not bad eh?"

"We're naming the fish Idia, not giving it a username"

"Its name is obviously goldfish," Idia rolled his eyes as though Azul was the unreasonable one. "But since you don't agree, I'll keep grinding my brain. I'm thinking of HYDRA-OS, but in all caps."

"You're no longer allowed to name her."

"Wowwww not you assuming it's gender. Cancel Azul 2025-"

"Jade told me-"

"WHAT?" Azul startled at the sudden yell, looking at Idia who had leaned in closer with very wide eyes. "He can talk to it- her!?"

"It offends me that you had forgotten Idia, but we do come from the seas. Obviously we are able to speak the language."

He offered an explanation to the Ignihyde student but didn’t bother to prove it, not hearing the fish itself speaking up from the windowsill either.

Idia seemed to believe him from the way he stared at Azul in wide eyed shock, the same look from before when he first saw the tank. Azul squirmed a little underneath the gaze, trying to stay as still as possible. He had been annoyed at Idia for making such faces previously but...it didn't feel that bad when directed at him. 

Unfortunately the trance was broken by Idia himself who began to mutter something along the lines of "freaking cool", "lucky", and "unfair".

Azul ignored the muttering and steered the topic back to the original topic.

"Anyway, since you are clearly incapable of naming a fish, as are so many people in this college, I will take up the role. We shall name it Goldie."

"Might as well nickname it Riddle 2.0 too while we're at it."

They dissolved into another bout of arguments, ideas and opinions clashing like a war zone of words. Neither of them willed to back down which was often the case when it came to conversations with Idia. Azul had to admit he did enjoy bantering with Idia who, for all his anxiety ridden mannerisms, always had a sharp quip prepared on the tip of his tongue. However right now irritation began to outweigh his enjoyment as Idia shot down all of his ideas with his usual sarcasm. The same went for Idia whose hair was slowly painting red as Azul scoffed at his opinions.

"How about Aureus, Latin for gold-"

"Hard pass, sounds like a mob boss for a cheap fantasy RPG. We need something badass like Respawn-"

"It's like you want the fish to die! I suggest we go for class, say Agatha-"

"She's not a mom bro! Here, Omega Sardine-"

"Why would we name a fish Sardine?"

"Fine! How about Pixelbyte!?"

"How is that- wait," Azul's mind cleared and zeroed in on a single idea, "how about Pixel?"

Idia paused as well, all at once his red fading away as he blinked in surprise.

"Pixel," he murmured to himself before breaking out into a wide grin. An inexplicable jolt shot through Azul's spine as he hurried to mimic the smirk. 

"I like it!"

He couldn't help the relieved sigh, leaning ever so slightly into his chair. With an aura of sureness he declared out loud into the mostly empty room.

"Pixel it is."

There was scattered applause and he looked over at the bowl. Idia did the same, except his grin was far fonder. They watched the fish swim around tirelessly, only stopping by once or twice to stare at Azul or Idia.

"Glad we could agree on something! Nearly thought we'd have to keep it a nameless character."

Azul gave a light huff of laughter, trying to not let his fondness show.

"I am as well, shall we shake on it?"

"Uh, no."

"You know he likes someone right?"

A voice that sounded suspiciously like Riddle, only softer and less harsh, attacked his ears. Azul looked around in surprise, trying to spot the redhead but did not see any. His gaze landed on the fishbowl, the goldfish staring right at him.

"Your voice wasn't like that before."

"You imagine things."

Azul's eyes narrowed with suspicion, the fish was still staring at him. Why did he sound like Riddle all of a sudden?

"Uh? Is...Pixel talking to you?"

He startled, momentarily forgetting that Idia had been here. He looked back at the man whose eyes had grown wide, a glimmer of excitement in them.

"Uh, not anymore."

Excitement shone brighter in his eyes and Azul had to look away, back at the fish who was swimming around again.

"Nothing important was said though, I suggest we go back to the game."

"Heh, fine. But tell me what she says next time."

"I shall."

"Tell him you know he likes someone."

Wait. She was talking about Idia?

Idia liked someone?

Idia!?

Azul's neck nearly snapped as he turned to the fish again, eyes popping out of his skull.

"She said something!? What'd she say?" Idia's shrill voice did not assist the situation in any way or form. In fact, it was only making it worse.

"Nothing, she uh, she was singing a strange rhyme from back home."

"Ooooh you're from the same town, is that what you call it?"

"Sure, and...yes."

"I'm from the Great Reef, how dare you compare me to you little Corals!"

Azul held back a glare, still smiling at Idia as he motioned the other to play. Once Idia looked down, he shot a scathing glare at the fish. The Great Reef was not even close to reaching the Coral Sea’s greatness, but there was no point in arguing with a patriot. 

He continued the game, planning on blocking out the little fish like he did with most other aquatic animals who enjoyed chattering away.

"He fed me the other day, assuming you're aware."

"And he thinks I'm a friend or something. I suspect he's quite lonely."

"I mean confiding in a fish? Pathetic really."

Azul played a piece, trying to keep a frown at bay.

"He's so gloomy too. It's not good for my scales!"

"Sighing and groaning as though I could grant him three wishes. Not all of us were born with my ancestor’s magic, I mean really!"

"’Oh I wish he'd look at me’, he said!"

It was a man!?

No wait, of course it was a man. It was impossible for someone who rarely ever left his room to fall for a gender that didn't even exist in this college. If you ignore the Ramshackle prefect, that is.

"He's pathetic little octomer! Tell him to stop!"

Azul was going to do no such thing!

"Um...dude?" He jolted again at Idia's voice.

The man was staring at him with rare, genuine concern. He played with his fingers as he spoke, fiddling them nervously.

"You good? I mean you keep zoning in and out like on autopilot r'now?"

Azul held back an apology, well aware it wasn't going to solve things. Especially since he was acutely aware that if they continued on with their game he would continue to be the very same. Hence, he put a light hand on his forehead and gave Idia an apologetic smile.

"I...was hoping not but it seems that I am a bit under the weather."

"...You really should, uh, take care of yourself more."

He ignored the shock and confusion shooting through his veins over what sounded like Idia caring for him and pulled up a shield in the form of a well practiced smirk.

"Really now, Idia? I can't help but find it strange to hear you sounding like you care."

It seemed to do the trick, as Idia flustered and fumbled his words. The tips of his hair were turning pink, as was his face, and Azul could not help but be mesmerized by it.

"It's weird right? You think I'm a weirdo finally boss level evil creep don't you? I knew it, sorry for thinking 'gee I wish my only board gaming friend had a stable health bar' I'm just a creep, hit mute and unfriend me I guess-"

"Oh enough," Azul rolled his eyes but the fondness in his chest just wouldn't stop blooming. "You and I both know that was just a joke, and thank you for worrying over me."

"Uh, not worrying."

"Regardless, shall we end this meeting early?"

"Yeah, okay. GG I guess."

They continued to sit in their places even after Idia muttered his previous words, impatiently tapping their fingers on the table or foot on the floor. Neither made eye contact until Azul finally broke it in a bout of impatience.

"Idia, why are you still here?"

"Uh, waiting for you to leave?"

"...Why?"

"Well someone's gotta clean it all up and yeah, it's usually you, but you're low health so I gotta carry for today right?"

"I-" Azul nearly choked on his words, "no Idia please I, I insist on cleaning it up."

Idia frowned at him, more confused than annoyed. "You're kinda sick, don’t know if you’ve been alerted lol"

"It's...hmm, I feel better if...I do this."

"Eh?"

"Yes, that's right. This is relaxing to me, it's routine. I think I'd feel worse if it wasn't me cleaning up!"

Idia sort of recoiled, slowly standing up as he did so. Azul had a sinking feeling that he had just come off as weirder than he was originally seen as. Oh well, little sacrifices. 

"As long as this boosts your health...um, get well...soon?"

"Even though it sounded like a question rather than a well wishing, thank you Idia."

"Pfff you know what I mean." 

And with a quick wave, Idia was gone.

Azul kept his waving hand raised for a second longer before turning towards the fish tank, He slammed his fist on the table and gave her a look so menacing it would have made a whale cry.

"Speak, now."

"About what? After all that ignoring me, how dare you ask of me to speak!"

Azul grit his teeth, failing to hide his obvious irritation. "You said that Idia seemed to...like someone? Well as a fellow club member it is of my interest that this does not derail him, both physically and mentally, and for that to happen-"

"You seem to be talking a lot for a mer who's just jealous."

"Je- who!? Me!?" Azul pulled back so suddenly he felt a strain on his back. He put a hand over it and continued to glare at Pixel, voice still in a low whisper.

"Whatever game you're playing, I want no part of it."

"Pray tell what game I could be playing in a little tub like this."

"You think it's little?"

"No I quite like it actually."

"Good, I'll add some furniture eventually...that is NOT the point right now."

"Oh? What was the point?"

Azul laughed mockingly, fixing his glasses. "Typical of a goldfish, ever the little memory."

"That is nothing but a myth! Why, I expected better from you octomer!"

"I merely joke," he waved an arm lazily, sweetening his tone with each word. "It is a fact that those from the Great Reef have quite an intellect to them, and it seems to be true considering how quickly you caught on to my words."

"Indeed, as long as you're aware."

"Of course I am. But really, I would like to get back on topic."

"Would you now?"

"Yes, it'd be an honor for me to know who my dear club member seems to be...crushing...on."

"Let's see...oh- it seems like my little memory has caused me to forget!"

Azul groaned and slumped onto the chair. He hated citizens of the great reef.

"He came early today."

For a split second Azul froze mid-move before placing down his chess piece. They had gone for a less rules-oriented game today, sticking to the basics. Even checkers was entertaining when it was played against someone as scheming as himself.

Idia grumbled over Azul's move but the Octavinelle housewarden couldn't even bring himself to laugh, mind still reeling on Pixel's words.

Idia had come early? But they had only met by the door. Did Idia come early, talk to Pixel, leave and pretend to bump into Azul? It was hard to believe. Sure it was something Azul would do but unheard of when it's Idia. 

He talked a whole lot about someone again.

Azul had come to a conclusion that Pixel had no idea who Idia was talking about either. Except it only worsened the situation. What's the point of knowing Idia liked someone if he didn't know who it was?

I don't have any hair, but his hair falls over his face perfectly.

Well that eliminated all the bald students of NRC. How helpful.

He has a beautiful voice too, total male lead types. What is a male lead?

What in the world does that mean???

A male lead, Azul racked his brain, was a figure in fictional shows that always got together with the main character. Popular characteristics included...charming?

Most students in NRC were charming, what else was there?

Rich?

Well Azul could take off a few students from his mental list. 

Good looking? But that's quite subjective...

What's a male lead?

He changed his direction, coming up with ways to indirectly ask Idia instead. He bided his time as the sophomore took away one of his pawns, grinning as though it was a big victory. Once he leaned back with an air of confidence around him, Azul struck.

"Last night I was casually watching a show with Jade, and the male lead was...peculiar?"

"Lmao? Grand Duke of the North level?"

"What?"

"Uh, nothing. What were you saying?"

"Jade was claiming that the man was not a suitable male lead, and I wanted to ask your thoughts on it."

"Oh, uh, well since I'm obviously the male lead expert." Idia's voice dripped with sarcasm but he nodded at Azul as a gesture to keep going. Azul had not thought of a male lead.

"Uh, let's see. Well his looks were generic, a bit of a mess but overall put together enough and, hmm, he was well off, meaning he had money. His voice was...on the quieter side, sometimes even going as low as a mumble or a whisper and then suddenly rising to an all out yell. He was quite the anxious one, a bit fidgety. His hair was quite long, fell over his face and..."

"He had beautiful blue scales."

"He had beautiful blue scales- wait-"

"A mer chara!?"

"Uh...Yes." If it worked, it worked.

Idia straightened in his seat, the look on his face making it obvious he was about to go into one of his rants. Azul prepared himself as well, to listen and extract the important information.

"Well him being a mer chara is a major bonus for him, fantasy species are always go to male lead routes, they're considered S-tier. He's rich too so another plus for him, that's like super typical. And- oh wait, is he royalty?"

"Um, yes?"

"ANOTHER point for him! For some reason everyone loves a noble-slash-royal male lead. BUT he's nervous, he's fidgety, he can't speak normally and he doesn't style his hair so...he's sort of a major loser isn't he?"

"Pardon?"

Idia waved his hand around as he spoke, stumbling slightly in his hurry. "I mean yeah, male leads are the confident types! This guy is the second male lead type who gets rejected."

"You're telling me he doesn't pass because he's...shy?"

"Nah shy is cute, that's a sorta popular route too."

"Then?"

"He's a loser."

Defensiveness flared in Azul’s chest. He placed his chess piece down with a sound tap and began to argue.

"I don't think it's fair to cut him out as a male lead option simply because he's a 'loser', why he has all those other points such as rich and good looking."

"You said he can't even speak properly-"

"And why can that not be a charm of his?"

"How is being a bad speaker charming!?"

"Why not!?" Azul followed suit and threw his hands in the air, board now forgotten. "Why can't the main character find it endearing as they follow along on the other's words and watch his voice randomly increase along with his excitement!? Why can't they find the hair falling over his face cute and brush it away as an act of intimacy? Sure he's a bit of a nervous one but that shouldn't make him any less of a male lead! There must be people who adore such characters."

Azul was nearly panting after the passionate ramble over something he could no longer remember. The room had descended into a stunned, mortified silence. Contributed by Idia who was stunned and Azul who felt extremely mortified. The awkwardness stretched between the two, both of them looking at anywhere but the still forgotten board.

"Can't believe you just got mad over a character you made up on the spot. How embarrassing."

Azul sighed internally and began to draft an apology script in his mind when Idia spoke up again in a meek voice.

"You...really think that?"

He looked up to see most of Idia's face hidden by his hood, now brought back up to his head. It covered most of his hair too but Azul could see floating wisps of tinted pinks. He couldn't fathom why Idia was so embarrassed, perhaps over being wrong?

"Well yes, I do."

"Oh. Okay."

The rest of the session was a blurry memory to Azul and he only came back to his senses while watching Idia's retreating figure. He hoped he at least said goodbye while in such a state.

Anyway, there were more pressing matters he had to tend to.

"So," he turned to Pixel who was clearly not paying attention to him. "I have compiled what Idia considers a male lead based on what he said today."

"He said lotsa stuff today."

"Well the main three points he highlighted was a fantasy species, rich and..."

"Confident?"

"No," A horror-stricken look came across Azul's face as he fit the jigsaw puzzles into place. "Royalty."

He slammed his hand against the desk, eyes shaking as he tried to go over the list once again. No Idia said that, he certainly said everyone loved a royal male lead. But still...it couldn't be.

"What's wrong octomer? Which jellyfish have you caught on your net to make such a face?"

"He might be in love with Malleus Draconia."

"Who?"

Azul fidgeted in his seat, gloved hands tapping away at the table impatiently. He had arrived early today, hoping to bump into Idia but the third year seems to have decided to come at the usual time today.

"I do not understand you octomer. You're just blistering your own blowhole here."

"I am not blistering anything, and please refrain from using your crude idioms with me."

"Oh so not only do you insist on catching a starfish with your bare hands, you also wish to insult your only friend."

"You're nowhere near my only friend." Azul hissed. He was going to say he didn't consider the damn fish a friend at all when the door burst open.

He turned to see Idia holding an unidentifiable object in his hand, staring at Azul in surprise. They simultaneously looked at the clock and looked back at each other again. Idia was early.

Idia gave him a mix of a sheepish and shy grin and closed the door gentler than he opened it. Azul looked away from the smile.

"You're early."

"You're earlier."

"Yes, well...I was feeding Pixel. What's your reason?"

"Using me as an excuse now are we? This is why we don't give pearls to crabs. Ungrateful little brat."

"I'm here for Pixel too!"

"The whole college is filled with liars!"

However to the fish and octopus merman's surprise, Idia showed the item in his hand. 

"Feast your eyes on...an Idia-original fish tank filter! This little internal filter crosses off all three types of the required filtration, and it will guarantee Pixel's comfort all day, every day. No more changing water painstakingly, just put this five star artifact in there and let it do that magic!"

"Octomer...I think he's asking for my hand in marriage. Tell him I accept octomer!"

Azul rolled his eyes in exasperation.

"Oh, uh, no good?"

"What? Oh- no no that's genius Idia!" He jumped out of his chair to stop Idia's somehow shrinking figure. "Pixel was singing praise about you just now."

The way the other brightened from the mention of Pixel was...only a little irritating. 

"F'real? That's not even all I've got! Imma order a bunch of little rocks and plants, we can decorate the tank-"

"How lovely it is to have a spoiling husband!"

Azul held back another eyeroll and fixed his glasses. 

"No need to spend so much. I'm sure I can find those at the dorm."

"O-Oh...then why didn't you do it all this time?"

Idia tilted his head with such confusion that Azul could not bring himself to admit that he wished nothing more than to flush his beloved Pixel down the toilet. Instead he coughed into his fist and answered smoothly.

"The idea hadn't occurred to me till now. I'll bring it with me next week."

"Next week? Um, how about tomorrow?"

"Really? I thought you'd want to be there when I brought the stuff."

Idia gave a nervous laugh, toeing the floor as he twisted the filter in his hand around. "I mean, yeah. I could come tomorrow too? Board game club impromptu meeting, aka just us?"

Azul wasn't expecting such an offer, especially not from Idia, but he nodded in agreement. 

"Sure, I don't mind. Same time then?"

"Yep! All good! Nooo problemo." Idia finally walked towards the fish tank. Pixel was swimming in rapid circles, clearly overjoyed over the treatment she was getting.

Azul sat back in his chair, leaning back as Idia set up the filter. He was muttering like usual, but instead of muttering to himself he was muttering to Pixel with a large, almost dopey smile.

"Who's a good wittle fishie? The prettiest, goldest little fishie around? Is it you? It must be you?"

Azul held back a laugh, forcing himself to stay scarce in case he catches Idia's attention and the taller is reduced into an embarrassed mess again. He admired the almost fond grin on Idia's face as carefully placed the machine inside and pulled out a remote from his pocket hoodie. His brows furrowed as he played with it and soon they heard a resounding click and a steady whirring.

His grin appeared again, this time a prouder one that reminded Azul of his victories whenever they played. The same, proud smile he had grown to enjoy seeing. It feels as though he's seen all of Idia's sides throughout their time together. 

The lightness in his chest suddenly increases in dreaded weight as he is reminded that he has in fact, not seen every side of Idia. Idia was in love with someone (Malleus) and he had not informed Azul of it.

He has not seen how bashful Idia looks when he admits liking someone and the smile he would have as he talked about them. Dread twisted and transformed into a sort of bitterness as the realization sank in. 

What was this feeling? Annoyance? Frustration? Perhaps. Azul has spent nights frustrated as to why Idia couldn't bring it up to him. He had made it clear he won't exploit the older over anything unless it was a game. He has made sure he seemed more like a friend than a business acquaintance. Azul considered Idia a friend.

So why? Why didn't Idia confide in him?

He frowned a little as midnight thoughts came back in the middle of the day. If he was so bothered by it then the best course of action would be to talk about it with Idia. 

The sophomore was half bent over the fish tank, cooing over Pixel who was basking in the attention, doing circles and flips in the water. 

Azul looked away again. How was he going to bring it up without sounding bitter?

"So, housewarden Malleus?"

"Huh?" Idia turned to him, head turning over first before he forced his eyes away from Pixel. Azul wished to shoot the fish a glare but held back, still making eye contact with Idia.

"What do we think of him?"

Idia squinted at Azul, as though he was trying to figure him out. Not that he could. If there's one thing Azul has perfected, it'd be his blank face. He even threw in an innocent smile for further conviction. It worked, Idia looked away quickly. 

“I- well…he’s scary,” Idia stumbled a bit before muttering the last part out. Azul’s eyes narrowed at the man, trying to figure out the defensive angle Idia was trying to go for.

“Really now” -Azul crossed his arms together- “there’s no need to act so coy with me.”

“Azul I don’t even know what coy means.”

Azul huffed, irritation rising up in his chest. It dampened down to unsureness as he watched Idia turn back to Pixel, cooing and murmuring over him.

“Idia,” he took a guaranteed to work direction in his questioning- asking Idia directly, “do you like Malleus?”

He had expected flustered expressions and fumbling, but instead Idia looked positively horrified. He was looking at Azul with an expression so twisted it was ugly, Azul would have laughed if the look wasn't directed at him.

“GuywhothinksIlikeMalleussaywhat.”

“What?”

“OH MY S-”

“No no I'm asking what did you just say?”

“Why in the Twisted Wonderland would I like that final boss!?”

“You said,” Azul pointed an accusatory finger at him, “fantasy species, good looking and royalty. If that's not Malleus then-”

He interrupted himself with a gasp, clarity forming in his mind. He looked at Idia with a horrified look that could compete with the other's. 

“You like Leona!?”

“WHAT?”

“I always suspected your tastes were bad but to think it's this abysmal-”

“No no, pause. Pause your thinking right now!”

Idia made a T sign with his hands, shutting Azul up by screaming louder than usual.

“WHAT made you think I liked Malleus…or Leona, or MALLEUS WHAT?”

“You…you said-”

“YEAH that's what's popular dude, not ME. I don't- I mean some of them sure, but I like I don't even consider Malleus a route, he's like a final boss type!”

“And Leona?”

“Eh, cats are cute but Leona? Not so much.” Idia shrugged.

Azul nearly exhaled with relief. He wasn't sure where this relief was stemming from, but this light, floaty feeling was definitely relief. Idia didn't seem to notice this as he cackled to himself, finally leaving Pixel to take his seat.

“Lmao not you saying my type is abysmal.”

“Is it funny?”

“Uh,” the boy suddenly stopped short, as though he just realized what he was saying. “Nah, no, not funny um,”

“So you do like someone!”

“Can we not doxx me rn?”

Azul slammed his hands on the table and leaned in closer. Idia moved away, sinking into his hoodie. 

“Who is it?”

“No one,” the voice was muffled under the hood.

Azul clenched his jaw, trying to keep his annoyance at bay. His mind ran through a few other possible students he could rule out easily. Not Riddle, Idia wouldn’t be able to handle someone who lacked that much gaming knowledge. Not Kalim, far too social. Not Floyd, he was too…wait.

“Idia,” he tried to keep voice level, staring into ambrosia eyes. The source of those eyes gulped nervously, wisps of his hair turning pinker and pinker. “It's okay if you like Jade.”

Immediately Idia’s hair returned to its usual blue and he gawked at Azul, now more exasperated than shocked.

“Dude…like, what is wrong with you?”

“Is it wrong? I find that liking Jade would be better than abysmal so-”

“It’s not!...It’s not Jade okay?” 

He is mostly on the ground than the chair from how far he slouches into it. Azul notes that Idia looks almost annoyed and quiets down, wondering if he had pushed too far. He considers apologizing but fails to bring himself to do it. He wanted to know. He wanted to know who it was so badly.

“You really wouldn’t care if I dated Jade?”

He jumps at the question, head snapping up to look at what little he could see of Idia’s face. There was not a hint of shyness in his voice or expression as he asked, but instead, a probing, dismayed look painted his features.

Azul didn’t answer him, wondering about the question himself.

Idia and Jade…he tried to picture it. Jade would treat Idia right, he treated almost everyone he fancied as best as he could after all. He would tease Idia though, and Idia was so easy to tease. So quick to fluster and turn pink while stumbling over his own words and feet. 

Did that mean Idia would come over to the Mostro Lounge more often? That would be fun, they could have their board game sessions there and Azul could invite him to his office since Idia would hate to sit out in public. Or not, Idia would obviously hang out in Jade’s room with Jade, wouldn’t he? They would sit in the same bed, side by side as they curled up into each other and-

“Probably not.”

“Really? Why?”

“I just,” Azul hesitated, adjusting his glasses, “I just don’t think you would be a good fit for each other. Jade is extremely playful and he…well he would probably enjoy teasing you a bit too much and when he gets too into it, he tends to blur the line between teasing and torture.”

Idia shuddered. He pushed the hair away from his face and straightened up ever so slightly. 

“Who do you think would be a good fit for me?”

“...I’m not answering that.”

“Why not!?”

“Because, well, you already like someone don’t you!? I’m not going to make a completely wrong guess here.”

Idia muttered something that Azul failed to catch and was declined when he asked to repeat it. The rest of the session went by quickly as Idia chose a simple game of chess. Azul speculated it was because the other knew he preferred silence while playing a game of chess, and simply wanted Azul to stop asking questions. 

Ah well, Azul thought to himself as he waved Idia farewell for the day, they will be meeting tomorrow anyway. And he would have thought of more people by then.

“Did you actually have an answer for who would be a good fit for that lonely one? I’m thinking orange scales, fishbowl sized-”

“He’s not in love with you,” Azul rolled his eyes, leaning against his chair as he picked up his phone. He ignored Pixel’s unhappy rants and sent Jade a text requesting him to put the box of Mostro lounge’s unused decorations for him to sort through after going back.

“Idia wouldn’t be able to handle someone who is constantly loud, not someone who is aggressive or unpredictable.” He put his phone down, “someone patient, good at waiting but attentive enough to pick up on the littlest changes in him. Perhaps someone on the quieter side as well? At least allows silence to settle between them. Plus, it should obviously be someone who respects his interest- not tolerate, mind you, he would be paranoid enough to pick up on that.”

“How inconveniently rare,” he sighs, a smile subconsciously creeping up his face, “but Idia likes someone, which means that person does exist. But who?”

“Say octomer, why do you wish to know so badly?”

Azul didn’t answer the question right away, unable to explain himself. 

“Well,” he started, “I take much pride in knowing most things going around our little college. To not know such a…juicy thing about someone so close to me. Why, it doesn’t fit my brand at all.”

“Huh, I was sure it was because you desired it to be yourself.”

“Pardon?”

“You do not wish for Idia to like you?”

“No! I…” Azul laughed at himself, a bitter, raspy thing. He hadn’t even bothered to consider the possibility. He could never fit into someone who could fit into Idia’s type. He was far too demanding, too loud and flashy. He pushed and pricked at Idia, constantly forcing the boy to lose his composure. He wasn’t…he wasn’t even royalty. Or beautiful.

“It couldn’t possibly be me,” Azul said in a low voice. “I am far too much for Idia to handle. He wouldn’t want to do it.”

“But did you wish it were you?”

Azul gave the fish watching him a small smile. 

“...Yes, I suppose I did.”

“Damn mister bossman of Mostro Lounge! Have I ever told you how you are THE GOAT?”

“You have, and I have told you how much I disliked the abbreviated version of that phrase.”

Idia cackled, sorting through the large box Azul had hauled from his dorm, filled with tidbits of decorations they had collected over time but never used up for the lounge. He didn’t bother going through them, sitting on his chair as he waited for Idia to stop gawking at the items. Next to him, Pixel swam around in an excited hurry, going on about how he couldn’t wait for the fish tank to be decorated either.

“Finally! A home fitting for someone as grand as I! I demand a castle!”

“You’ll get one if you’re lucky.”

“What’d he say?” Idia asked immediately, now having a second sense of when Azul spoke to their fish. 

“He wants a castle.”

“Anything for the pwetty wittle baby,” Idia cooed to Pixel who took it with grace. Azul held back the urge to roll his eyes, sending a glare to the fish instead. 

Seeing that Idia had no plans of stopping, he finally stood up and joined him. 

“I do not think we have a castle in there.”

Idia turns to him, looking more devastated than Pixel. 

“That’s all Pixel ever wanted.”

“I assure you, Pixel will be happy with whatever we put in there.”

“No I would not!”

“No Azul,” Idia raised a hand, looking far too serious for someone who was here to decorate a fish tank. “Whatever Pixel wants, Pixel gets. Just wait, I have the perfect thing!” 

Before Azul could even get a word in, the third year was out the door and off. He stood there for a while before sighing and rubbing his forehead.

“I need to stop telling him the things you say.”

“Please refrain from your envy, my husband and I-”

“More like father.”

“You’re nothing like a father to me!”

Azul turned to the fish, pointing at it with an annoyed frown. “I have no wish to have you as my daughter either! If anything I wish to flush you down the drain and back to the sea!”

“Cruel! You are so cruel octomer!”

“Takes one to know one. Now,” Azul took out a few fluorescent colored coral pieces, “which one would you prefer?”

“Oooh! The green ones please!”

By the time Idia came back, Azul had sorted through most of them, taking Pixel’s opinions into account as he decided on which to show Idia for consideration and which to not use at all.

The blue-haired boy was, a mess. Holding the doorway with one hand and fully bent over, he was panting so loudly that it worried Azul who rushed over. 

“Idia? My- are you okay!? Who told you to run when all of NRC is aware of your lack of physical capabilities?”

“All of- oh fuck…off I…just, take this.”

He pushed a mid-sized box into Azul’s hands. There was a castle drawn on it and as Azul scanned the box, clarity rushed over him.

“A lego castle?”

“Yeah!” Even exhausted, Idia’s smile somehow glowed with anticipation. Azul forced himself to tear his eyes away from the sight, scolding his beating heart to slow down. 

The two of them walked back to their desk, where Pixel was going crazy on her windowsill, squealing over the prospect of having her own castle. Azul couldn’t help but smile at the anticipation, finding the goldfish cute for the first time.

“She likes it?”

“She’s very excited.”

Idia grinned again at that, taking the box from Azul and ripping it open.

“I got you Pixel! I have a collection of over 30 different charas all made of lego. If anyone is a genius lego builder, it’s me.”

Saying so, he plopped down on his chair and began to assemble. Azul watched him for a while, silently admiring the focused gaze of the boy, lips pressed into a thin line and shining eyes that glanced at the instructions card once in a while. Deft fingers pressed the tiny lego blocks together, quickly taking the form of something familiar.

“Simp.”

He takes a deep breath and holds back a snipe over who was teaching her such words, knowing full well the culprit was right in front of him. So he gives Idia an unseen glare before grabbing the corals and stones they had picked out and starting to decorate the sides of Pixel’s tank.

“This area needs to be for the castle.”

“Yes yes”

“Put the rock with the tunnel over here!”

“Alright.”

“I want some guards too!”

“Now you’re asking for too much.”

“What does she want?”

“Idia please.”

Azul turns around and is pleasantly surprised to see a small, fish-sized castle in the Idia’s hand. He takes it from the boy, too intrigued with the miniature building to notice the way their hands fit into each other so well. He pulled away with the castle in hand, turning it to look at it from different angles.

“Why Idia, this is amazing!”

“Uh- y-yeah! Thanks!”

Azul turns it around and raises the castle for Pixel to see. As expected, the fish screeches in joy, swimming around in circles that makes Azul laugh.

“She likes it?” He hears Idia close to him and turns his head to see Idia leaning over his shoulder, a few inches away from his head. Idia turns to look at him as well, and only then realizes their proximity. He blushes a bright pink and jumps away, startling Azul enough to take a step as well, turning his head to not let the taller see his own fluster.

“If you drop my castle because of this pathetic display I will end you both.”

“Oh? With your tiny fins?”

“Don’t underestimate me.”

Rolling his eyes, he gently places the castle down in the spot Pixel instructs him to. He wipes his hand on the rag Idia hands him and they stand side by side watching the fish swim around her now full tank.

“She likes it, right?”

“She absolutely loves it Idia. Hasn’t stopped her thank yous.”

Idia’s smile is softer now, looking satisfied. Azul doesn’t want to look away from it, but the reminder that someone else has Idia’s heart is enough to humble him and he turns away. He doesn’t mind, not at all.

“But uh, why is there a toy fork in the corner?”

“It’s a popular home decor back home!”

Azul hears Idia’s voice as he approaches the clubroom. He had timed his early entrance today in hopes of running into the taller and it had worked spectacularly. 

He stood by the doorway, properly hidden as he peeked inside. Not that he needed to hide himself so carefully. Idia was sitting in his usual seat, back facing the entrance.

“Idk Pixelbyte! No matter what I do, he just…doesn’t care!”

Ignoring the annoyance of Idia calling the fish a name they had very much not agreed on, Azul strained his ears to hear more. Ready to soak up as much information as he could.

“Like I thought I was being subtle, but am I just invisible!? Even when we’re talking, is it just my voice?” Idia gasped, “does he think I’m my iPad!?”

He looks over at Pixel who obviously doesn’t reply. Azul fails to hear the fish from where he stood.

“I mean, I don’t even need a big reaction just…just some hint that he's like, affected by what I’m doing, or saying y’know? That’s the worst part man. He prolly isn’t even doing it on purpose, he’s just…abysmal LOL.”

Idia sighed and slowly slouched into his seat. He raises his head and lets it fall, staring up at the ceiling.

“Anyway, thanks for listening like always. You’re a way better conversationalist than my brain.”

The room descends into silence and Azul is left grasping his chest. Idia sounded so…hopeless. Like he had given up on whomever he was crushing on.

Was Azul happy about it? Did he feel like he had a chance now, to pursue the Ignihyde housewarden on even ground?

That’s how he should have felt. But, the moroseness in Idia’s voice was a tone he never wished to hear from the boy again. He couldn’t understand why Idia would choose to confide in a fish rather than him, but he still wished to help Idia in some way.

He waits for three more minutes before taking a few silent steps backward and walking the next few steps forward as loudly as possible.

He walks into see Idia watching the entrance, a surprised look on his face.

“Oh, uh, heyyyy.”

“Hello Idia,” Azul wore his usual smile, “you’re early again today.”

“Yeah, punctuality is my new brand.”

“Is that so?”

He sat down and let Idia pick out a board game for the day. He greeted Pixel as well who informed him about how Idia was just here to rant again. A fact that Azul for once was well aware of the contents of.

They began to play some sort of complicated game that took Idia fifteen minutes to explain the rules of and another five minutes to answer Azul’s questions. It was fun however, once they began to understand and find their own rhythm. 

Azul flicked his wrist, accurately getting the exact dice result he wanted. With a shiteating grin he moved his token piece to the end and leaned back with booming laughter. Across from him Idia was howling with defeat, trying to make sense of his own loss.

“No! What- Azul how the hell- no no-”

"Yes Idia, YES."

"You're kidding me oh my god-"

“Wait”

“Accept your loss with some dignity, and accept another round with me. I say we put some stakes at hand.”

“Azul?”

“Hah! You think I would say no? Listen bro just because you won ONCE doesn’t mean you’re the ult winner!”

“Hey listen!”

“Oh please Idia, I-”

“AZUL.”

“WHAT?”

Azul doesn’t bother looking at the fish as he yells, irritated that his perfect victory was being interrupted.

“Uh- me? Um, I was saying…”

“Your name is Azul?”

Azul keeps his eyes on Idia who is repeating himself, a little nervous. He nods, knowing that Pixel would know it was for her. From the corner of his eye he sees the fish take a lap around the tank.

“Oh my god. Azul! Your name was Azul??”

He holds back his annoyance at the fact that the fish didn’t know his name but nods again. 

“The lonely one over there said he likes an Azul!!!”

“What.”

“Um, again?”

“Yes! Yes, he’s always saying Azul, Azul, Azul. Even today it was all Azul, Azul, Azul doesn’t like me. Azul doesn’t notice me.”

Azul stands up from his chair, interrupting Idia who is repeating himself for a third time with a screech. He turns his whole body to Pixel this time and gets uncomfortably close. 

“You knew this whole time?”

“Well, I didn’t know it was you!”

“You little-”

“Um, Azul- Eep!” Idia squeaks when Azul turns to him with gritted teeth. He could not imagine how menacing he looked, but no matter. He wasn’t letting Idia leave this time either way.

“It was me?”

“Wh-Wha?”

“You liked me?”

The color drains from Idia’s colorless face and for a moment Azul thinks his hair is going to go white too. Idia looks away from him and gives Pixel the most devastating look of betrayal he could muster. The fish hides in one of her rock tunnels, leaving him to fend for himself.

Azul takes a step forward and Idia and sinks into his hoodie. Azul wants to pull him out, but he chooses to stop in place, ire dissolving into guilt.

“I believe I wasn’t supposed to find out like this?”

“You weren’t supposed to find out at all.” Idia mumbles and the words are a direct strike to Azul’s chest.

“Why? Are you…ashamed?”

“Huh- HUH!?” The question is enough to launch Idia to a standing position, hood falling over to showcase his brilliantly flushed face and hair. “Azul we gotta talk about your assumptions skills man, because what the hell!?”

Instead of answering directly, Azul raises his hand and begins to count off his fingers.

“Manipulative, greedy, sneaky, loud, demanding,” he thought back on all the words he’s heard through whispers about him and grimaced when he realized how much there was, “objectively speaking, I’m a nightmare.”

And he was. It was not a fact that he particularly minded, but even he was well aware of his own flaws. He had covered them up with flimsy barriers and had them broken down thoroughly. He's had his ugliness bared for the world to see and to even dare to dream of being able to love or be loved by anyone, let alone Idia...to even comprehend Idia wanting to date someone like him. 

“You’re not…scary to me.”

“..Yes?”

He looks up to see Idia staring down at his fingers and fiddling with them. He was less flushed than before, and his brows were furrowed with concentration.

“You explain stuff to me all the time,” Idia starts, shaky but honest, “and you listen when I explain stuff back. And you uh, you notice all the cool details I want people to notice, and you smile super prettily when you win and like, my brain likes that. I know you're like, sort of an asshole but also uh, same? It's not my fault I like you, you can't stop me from doing that.”

Azul says nothing, but inside, his heart is attempting to claw its way out of his chest and present itself to Idia to take.

“Also you’re…nicer to me,” Idia adds, “even when you’re being kinda evil.”

“...That may be the strangest compliment I have ever received.”

Idia huffs out a nervous laugh, “yeah, well, I have abysmal taste.”

He can’t deny the honesty in Idia’s tone and lets relief crash over him. It feels cool like home and so soothing. He lets himself blush and laugh aloud, a genuine, unpracticed laugh. He looks at Idia who is staring at him in a daze, so obviously enamored that Azul wonders how he could have missed every single sign the taller had sent him.

“I’m sorry,” he says finally, “that my ignorance caused you so much distress.”

Idia’s eyes widen even more, “you’re apologizing? This isn't a rejection kinda-”

“No, no, Idia. I…like you too. Truly.”

Relief seems to hit idia even harder as he slumps down, exhaling so loudly it makes Azul chuckle. He takes a few steps forward again, coming close enough to hold Idia’s sleeve.

“I would be honored if you agree to date me.”

“Dude I should be saying that, like, please date me??”

They look at each other and dissolve into a fit of giggles again, hands over mouths and stomachs. 

“So, we are dating right?”

“Yes. But," Azul spoke thoughtfully, “we should take things slow perhaps.”

“Oh, um, so this isn’t ending with a happily ever after kiss orrrr?”

It makes Azul throw his head back and laugh again. He takes a final step closer to his hesitant lover and brushes the hair falling over Idia's face away before putting the hand over his cheek. Idia leans into the touch, head tilting ever so slightly. It’s a beautiful sight, and Azul takes it in without any shame. 

“Of course I’ll kiss you Idia,” he murmurs and stands on his toes. He forces Idia to bend down simultaneously and has their lips meet in the middle.

All the times Azul had fantasized about kissing Idia did not come close to this moment. The silence around them is deafening and behind the darkness of his closed eyes, colors were exploding. Idia’s lips are cool and when he opens his mouth to let Azul in, his tongue is searing hot. 

Azul slowly goes back to his feet, pulling Idia along with him. The boy whose hands were uselessly at his sides finally reaches up and grabs Azul's waist, giving himself a better hold. 

It is an incredibly intimate affair and Azul is devastated that his human body had such a critical need for air.

He pulls back with a small gasp, breathing heavily. Idia just as much.

They glance at each other and shyly look away, embarrassed over their own actions. Azul is looking at his own hands when a pale one reaches it.

He looks up again to see Idia staring at him, an unsure look on his face that nearly makes Azul's heart bloom with fondness. He shares the smile, surer and firmer and lets Idia copy it. He was fine with this, with them, their smiles, and their silence. 

“Wow finally, you realize I am to thank for this right?”

“That's it, Idia I'm flushing that damn goldfish down the toilet.”

“Wh- Azul wait- wait hey! Pixel I'll save you!”