Chapter Text
It was quite boring, sometimes.
Keyword: sometimes. While you have had your fair share of adventures since arriving at NRC that you didn’t even think to be possible, you have to admit that being magicless sometimes was very…annoying. There was the obvious notion of being magicless at a magic school, but there were also other small things. Having teachers assign you boring essays instead of doing a magic assignment, (which would be assigned to Grim, who would somehow mess it up) or being unable to participate in some clubs due to being magicless, (not that you had a burning desire to play Spelldrive, but…it would be nice to have to option). You had to admit, it was frustrating at times, but you figured there was no point in letting it bother you too much since this was just your life now.
Boring.
To the point that you’re taking a walk outside with Grim just to do something other than homework, since you had been effectively drowning in it the past few weeks. Due to Grim’s complaining every time there was even the slightest amount of work that he had to do, you had taken on most of the workload, and it was draining you. You practically lived in the library now, pouring over books that you didn’t understand half of due to your sudden arrival in a completely different world. You were able to rope Ace and Deuce into studying sometimes, but it was usually the latter who would actually put effort into studying, while the former argued with Grim about something nonsensical.
“Maaan. Hangin’ out in Ramshackle was boring, but goin’ on this walk is even more boring.” Grim complained, his voice drawing you from your thoughts. You sighed at his words, glancing up at the sky. It was a rather uneventful day, although you weren’t sure what you expected there to be happening near Ramshackle of all places. Maybe something would fall from the sky…you never know.
“I wanna do something fun…” You mused, thinking about how you used to go to arcades and cafes with your friends in your world.
“I’m with ya there. We ain’t got nothin’ to do at school except homework, homework, and more homework…If only we could go somewhere else and have some real fun!” You scoffed at Grim’s words.
“May I remind you that I’m the one who does 95% of the homework around here? You just sit on the table and eat a can of tuna and fall asleep! You only get 5% for doing anything during Vargas’ class!!”
“The great and mighty Grim can’t be bothered by doing such things! It’s for the hench-human to do!” You only rolled your eyes at his response, not bothering to retort back, (it was useless).
You could go to the Mostro Lounge…maybe Ja-
“Good morning, (Y/N). Grim.” You almost let out a yelp at the sudden voice, startled by the sudden appearance of Jade in front of you. A bit behind him you could see Azul and Floyd, with the latter giving you an odd glare. Weird…
“Oh, hey Jade.” Grim responded, seeming to also be a bit confused at the merman’s sudden appearance. Jade looked over at you, clearly expecting a greeting from you as well.
“Um, good morning to you too, Jade…” You trailed off, seeing a bit of mischief in his eyes.
“I can sense the hand of fate behind our coincidental meeting.” He started, putting a heavy emphasis on the supposed ‘coincidence’.
“Right…” You replied, a bit lost as to where he was going with this. You glanced at Grim, but he just shrugged at you.
“Would you care to join me at a wedding?” You almost choked at his words, your eyes widening as you stared at him.
He’s getting married?! To WHO?!
“A wedding? Wait, you’re getting married?!” Grim asked, his face screwed up in confusion. You were glad that he responded, as your words seemed to have run away from you, leaving you gaping at Jade.
Although you haven’t admitted it to anyone, you seemed to be…crushing on Jade. You couldn’t find any other explanation for it, and you also had no clue as to why. Yes, Jade is very attractive and also very tall and his eyes are also really nice and he kinda saved you that one time…
Focus (Y/N)!
“No, it isn’t my wedding.” He replied, seeming to be a bit amused that that was the conclusion Grim had come to, (you’re grateful that you didn’t voice that you had also thought the same). “I did say a wedding, as you might recall.”
Thank you God.
“Shoulda figured. So who’s the happy couple? Friend of yours?”
“No, they are complete and total strangers.” You raised an eyebrow at him, curious at this. He smiled politely at you in response, making your heart jump a bit in your chest.
“Uh, why’re you goin’ to a wedding for people who don’t even know?” Grim questioned, voicing your thoughts out loud.
“An acquaintance of my mother’s is the one holding it, tomorrow in the Sunshine Lands. Floyd and I are supposed to head there today to assist with the pre-wedding ceremony.” He suddenly got a worried look on his face, but you could sense that it was not quite…well, real worry. “But sadly, Floyd can no longer make it due to unavoidable circumstances. Which has left me terribly anxious about going by myself. Dear me, what a conundrum…” He suddenly looked directly at you, hitting you with the most depressed and sad stare you’ve ever encountered, (even though it was definitely fake). “Now there’s no one I can turn to for help--aside from you two kindly souls. Would you be willing to join me on a trip to the Sunshine Lands?” He asked, a half-smile on his lips as he continued his feigned sadness.
The slight curve of his lips put together with the desperate look on his face almost did you in, and you would’ve dropped to the ground right there if looks were capable of stopping hearts.
“Why should I go to some total strangers’ wedding? Pass, that sounds boring.” You could’ve smacked Grim for his response, but Jade merely smiled at Grim’s words, the sad look from just a few moments ago disappearing and being replaced by a knowing smile.
“There will be a lavish party after the wedding.” Grim immediately perked up at this, and from Jade’s smile you could tell that he knew he had won.
“A party? Will there be food?!”
“Of course. Seafood, meat, cake, fruit, and of course a plethora of famous delicacies from around the region. You’ll be able to enjoy plenty of sightseeing in the Sunshine Lands when you’re not helping with the ceremony.” As he listed off all the different foods, you could see Grim’s smile getting wider and wider, his head already nodding in agreement before Jade had finished talking.
“Now you’re talkin’! Sign me up for that! You’re in too, right (Y/N)?” He turned to you, his eyes shining with excitement. Jade also looked to you expectantly, his polite smile back on his face. Looking between the two of them, you knew you couldn’t say no.
Plus, you would get to spend more time with Jade…
“I mean, I was just saying that I wanted to do something fun…” You started, deciding to tease a bit. “But I don’t know, Jade…what kinds of things will we be doing?” You asked, still a bit teasing but also a bit curious about what kinds of activities there would be aside from the party.
“Well that’s just something that you’ll have to find out, no?” He answered. Although he had said it in his usual polite tone, his smile had a bit of his pointy teeth showing, flustering you a bit, (was he flirting?! No, no way…).
“I-I guess! Um, yeah, sounds fun, definitely sign me up!” You blurted out, your previous confidence suddenly melting away.
“Thank you kindly.” His face returned to its usual cool and polite expression, a small smile on his lips. “Now I’m even more excited--ah, I mean, less anxious about assisting.” He quickly corrected himself, but it was quite obvious to anyone with a brain that Jade hadn’t been anxious about anything at all. You don’t point out his little act though, just nodding along and giving him a smile.
“We’d better get back to Ramshackle, (Y/N). There’s a lotta stuff we gotta pack…” Grim said, suddenly taking this very seriously, (probably because there’s food involved).
“It’s settled! Please meet me in the Mirror Chamber in an hour.” Jade announced, the plans now set in stone. Grim zipped back to Ramshackle so fast you almost didn’t see him, yelling something about ‘AN HOUR?!’ and ‘packing tuna for the trip’.
“Wow, he’s so pumped…” You mumbled, amazed at the sudden speed that Grim had shown.
“For good reason. I myself have been looking forward to this trip since it was planned.” Jade replied. “The rit-ah, I mean the Sunshine Lands are much fun. I think that you will also enjoy them as well.” You ignored his slip-up again, although it did make you giggle a bit.
“I have no doubt! It’ll be nice to finally get out of this old dorm for once! Ah, that reminds me though, is there anything specific I should bring?” Jade pondered on your question for a moment, his finger touching his chin as he thought.
“Ah…perhaps a swimsuit if you would care to swim in the water, but there shouldn’t be anything else necessary.” You frowned at his answer, thinking of your very limited wardrobe.
“Hm, okay…well thank you, Jade. I’ll see you soon.” You smiled at him, giving a small wave before walking off, (hopefully it was a casual smile and did not show how excited you were for this).
“See you soon, (Y/N).” As you walked off, a grin spread across Jade’s face for a split second before he schooled his expression, raising a hand to cover his mouth in case you decided to look back.
Precious (Y/N)! I can’t wait to see you~