The Academy of Demon Magic

The day was a rather pleasant one, a few clouds in the bright sky but aside from that the warming sun was out and the early afternoon was enjoyable to those in it. Not that Thief was outside and enjoying it, but he could see out the door into the glorious beyond as he remained seated. He was eyeing it, curious of the noises that came from beyond. Noises of laughter and shouting that usually meant excitement and some devious intent.

It was a 'free day' of a sort for him, the school holding a club fair so all the students could find groups and activities they enjoyed. Inside on stage some were trying to rope in newcomers, convincing them to join their cliché and activities. Outside was similar, though had more of an appeal for the more high energy types ready to wear themselves out with sports and physical activities. He himself was tempted by the outside freedom, the inside group becoming more dull then he appreciated.

He was well aware of his short attention span for the things he didn't find fun and interesting, one of the few reasons he found himself here to begin with. His fathers did ask if he wanted to attend the more prestigious school, hitting the age where common schooling was giving way to something more advanced and sophisticated, and he saw it as a chance to start his own footing in the world. A school meant for those of a more demonic type, helping them hone skills just discovered and find their way in their still young life. What's more it offered magic based courses for those interested or blessed with those sorts of abilities.

Thief had been enjoying his new school for about a month thus far, one of the many freshmen that came in with the new school year. It was lovely so far, full of so much freedom he never tasted before, finding similarly devious people like himself, and there was plenty for him to explore on and off campass once school hours were done. He even had his own place to call his own, rather small compared to what he had but livable for sure. He was one of the late applicants so he was limited on the housing situation, but he was already making plans to find a different place once they allowed him to. It was appreciated all the same that the school accommodation him on short notice, but he knew he could do better with a pretty smile and daddy's money until he was bringing in income of his own.

Hearing some excited cheering coming from outside, he was finally tempted to see what was going on before it was done and over with. Tying up his loose red hair into a ponytail, he was to his feet and smoothing down his uniform. He wanted to see what all this noise and giggling was about, and also see if he could have some of that fun while the going was good.

Spending most of the month creeping around campus, Love had avoided joining any clubs so far. He was young, but the whispers and sneers of other citizens had started to reach him as he became curious of the world. It worried his parents to see him starting to shun away from the world so quickly, thinking the best option was to petition and send him off to stay outside the city for schooling. Sending him off to a new house far too large for one person, it was still small compared to what the pampered noble was use to. Though much more lonely with only a maid coming to clean once a week.

The more time he spent trying to go through his day without trouble, however, the more he realized the people here weren't anything like the tainted city he had started to discover. It was far more kind, accepting, and he could go back to being himself without fear of at least deadly retribution. He was okay with the fun sort of revenge for his harmless pranks.

One of which was going on right now. Dressed up in one of the cheerleading uniforms, he had decided to try out one of the more active outdoor clubs considering he had a lot of energy to burn. What he didn't expect, was how fun it'd be messing with the other applicants. A white haired beauty had just gotten her skirt flipped. Granted Love's reason for doing so was her snorting about how he'd never fit in.

It left him cackling seeing her flush faced and trembling in anger when a quick flick of his tail gave everyone a view of the moon in broad daylight. "You know, you right! No one told me I could wear only the uniform, no wonder I wasn't fitting in!"

Once outside and enjoying the fresh air, Thief took his leisurely time making the trek to the outer fields where activities were going on. The grass felt nice under his boots as he made his way, far more enjoyable then the hard inside ground that was only good for those fun clicks of the heel as you walked. Sports clubs were held out here, already not a stranger to them as he liked watching the fit people do what they did best. Sophomores and seniors had already taken a liking to him, that charming smile an easy ticket into many hearts, so he had an upper hand if he did decide to take his energy to one of those clubs. Not that he had decided yet, still wondering what he wanted from a club to begin with (aside from something to keep him busy of course).

That was far from his mind at the moment though, following the noise to what looked to be the cheerleader tryouts. Everyone was dressed up and having a good time it seems, the usual antics being had (which of course included some mean girl styled bullying), but as he got closer a sight he didn't expect to see came to his vision. A full moon per say, but not one he hadn’t seen before, not interested in everything people offered to him. He could be a flirt, for sure, but had his standards and wasn’t out for any quick fucks nor just a good time. No, he flirted with purpose and some people had yet to get that.  

“Here I thought it was the middle of the day, and yet a moon is out.” Hearing the familiar voice at least the others came to say hello, leaving behind what just was seen as the taller male smiled and returned their greetings. There were plenty of new faces he hadn’t seen before, one being a long haired more flat chested warpa who was quite a cutie. One he wanted to wiggle over to and see who they were, that was for sure.

Spaded tail waving tauntingly, there was nothing better than a bit of mischief to make Love's day better. He wasn't quite used to crowds of people yet, about to make a quick escape back towards the club leaders to change back when it dispersed all on its own. Well, more like shifted, but he'd accept that too without much question. The attention elsewhere, it didn't take him long however to see they weren't moving far. A surprisingly good looking centerpiece making their way through after some greetings.

Love thought surely, it wasn't his problem, they'd just walk on by to wherever they were going, but was surprised when the other stopped in front of him instead. Oh Shit... this wasn't some sort of disciplinary member or something was it...? Showing more suspicion than panic, he at least had to admit it was interesting seeing someone more demonesque than him up close. "There something I can do for you? Would be more than happy to have someone like you owe me a favor."

With the group slowly dispersing out to see where Thief was going, he had a set path in mind and one that wasn’t interrupted this time. The one he was walking over to looked about ready to dash though, short skirt and all, as he paused in front of them. Up close they were cuter than expected, fluffy hair tied back, pom poms in hand as he was looked over, and either devious of flirty intent as they spoke to him. Spicy, but not too spicy that it would burn out quicker then get fun.

“Not quite, I just came to investigate the new cutie causing some troubles.” He leaned down to more gently examine the paler horn and splotches on their face, running his thumb over the areas with much intrigue as the wiggling tail caught his eye as well. “Quite the cutie, definitely my type...”

Musing over it a bit more he eventually let the other red head go, hearing some oooooooos in the background as he let them be. Part of him wanted to steal that kiss, give into his gremlin brain that shouted how he should do so many fun things and worry about the consequences later. Alas, he had higher standards than what his brain thought, much to his dismay. He didn’t want to come off as a playboy, just a young gremlin.

“I am The Thief, who may you be?”

Raising an eyebrow, Love was confident enough about his looks, but only when disguised as a human. This strange warpa even going as far as to touch his white patches of skin. Something he flinched away from at first because they were sensitive, but held still and merely eyed the other suspiciously as long as they were gentle. It felt pleasant enough, he was just wondering what the hell they were up to.

It wasn't even the actions that flustered him in the end, but the background ooooo's cluing him in that this was an unusual thing. "Pff, The Thief? Isn't that a title instead of a name?" Flailing one of the fluffy poms at them, he took a step back with the movement to have some distance before he started blushing. "I guess you can call me Love. I'm not interested in any Host Club or something for rich kids with too much time on their hands though. Just a fun, tiring way to waste time." The Thief certainly had the looks and personality to steal hearts if that was their goal. BUT. He wouldn't be swooned into a flirty club no matter their smooth lines. Love had many doubts he was the first to hear he was this guy's type today alone.

“I must admit, you are right, but my family name is rather protected so only a select few get to know what it is.” It was the name he came up with for himself as he got older, though his parents still lovingly called him their pet names he was used to when growing up. He had his fill of fun when it came to touches at least, watching the other flail a bit before turning his back to him to keep talking and introduce themselves as Love.

“I’m afraid I’m not a part of any Host Club of the sorts, I was just wandering through finding a club of my own to join when I heard the noise and came to investigate what it was. It seems rather... unsavory?” To each their own in the end, some kids wanted to just indulge in those flirtatious ways and make their heart race. It was a strange feeling, but not one to go chasing willy nilly from what he was taught.

He wasn’t one to press too hard though, especially when practice was going on and Love was a part of said practice from the looks of it. He let Love take his space while the others went back to their practice and showed off their moves, a sneak peek into future moves they’d try when playing against other teams. It was fun to watch at the very least, Thief taking a seat to enjoy the new sights.

At least outside was at least filled with more energy and ways to possibly tire him out, though nothing really caught his attention quite yet. There was even a chance he wouldn’t join a club, but at least he was trying to find something to entertain himself. Though, he was sure he’d find entertainment in some way the school deemed reasonable or troublesome if given the chance.

A curious sort then, a kindred soul to the young noble that liked to spend his days reading everything from geographic anomalies to romantic fantasies to pass time. He often wondered what drove people to write down all the vastly different ideas, going as far as to write his own journal. It was great for notes and looking back for a good chuckle at old memories, but nothing to write a biography about, never mind a wild fantasy.

All in all, he supposed he could call the Thief his type as well if they themselves weren't interested in such things. He wasn't sure if he had mentioned this before, but man, did their appearance match his tastes. Unsure if he should call it unfortunately or not yet though, Love was called back over to be put through a few more drills now that things had settled down.

He decided on fortunately, when the rest of practice was over and Thief was still watching nearby. A short reminder about when to get together again for tomorrow if he wished to join, and he was wandering over to the demon that held enough true interest to stick around at least. "You wouldn't happen to be busy, would ya stranger?" he teased lightly, leaning forward if he had to to be eye level with Thief. "Was just thinking it'd be nice to at least visit a few more clubs after I change back to make sure I'm in the one I want."

Sitting and leaned forward as the leader directed some of the newbies how to be more seductive and interesting to look at, he was back at step one it seemed. With more eye candy and someone he wanted to get to know, but still sitting and just watching the show in front of him. It was far more interesting at least, attention torn between the giggling cheerleaders and the people who joined him on the benches.

With practice and some clubs settled for what they got in attention, others joined him to wolf whistle and flirt with the short skirts and crop tops that returned their noise with hip wiggling and waves. He wanted to just watch though, eyes drawing to the red hair that was swaying. Love he said? Oh how he’d love to get to know them better. Smiling at his own terrible joke, it was at least fun to watch them practice.

With it over though, he was left wondering where to next. It wasn’t a long practice, plenty of clubs still off with their stalls and sweet words as you walked by. He was sitting a bit more when that pretty red hair swayed and caught his eyes once again, just in time to see Love walking towards him. Tilting his head as he listened, he smiled as he sat up more from his slouching position.

“I’m rather free, I was just about to do the same but to find one.” He supposed it would be too much to find a club that catered to his devious nature and desires to be a well trained rogue. He supposed he never knew though, having some interest in parts of other clubs and could settle. “Are you sure you don't want to wander around in that cute outfit of yours? I think you look very lovely in it~” He teased back, laughing lightly if Love happened to turn that pretty red.

Pulling back as Thief straightened up again, he was thinking they looked good in any position, but thought better of saying such a thing out loud. The other seemed to have no qualms about holding back their praise however, even laughing as Love colored a bit. He was used to teasing the cooks and maids out of snacks, but it was a whole other game to have it done back. It didn't help that he was still a sheltered young master still learning to interact with faces he wasn't used to. He was either far too friendly, or too quick to seek revenge through pranks.

The other was clearly on the far too friendly side with him at least, so it was working out splendidly. It had him shaking his head though, liking the uniform, but knowing he'd start getting embarrassed if he got attention walking around in it. "Preeeetty sure. I'll get upset if you tell me I'm not as lovely when I come back though, so keep your mouth shut otherwise." Scurrying off, he was oddly more confident in female clothes, this school year was his first to freely run around in boots and pants. A little weird feeling, but far more comfortable and mobile in exchange.

It didn't take long to return, wearing his favorite leather jacket over a tan long sleeve. The orange scarf even longer than he was, but enchanted to help hold small items he might need in a pinch. "Alright, ready to go find out what sort of clubs you're into too~!"

“Oh don't you worry that pretty head of yours, I’m sure you'll be quite the looker in anything you choose to wear. Or if you happened to go the route and wore nothing, sometimes you just want the breeze to air things out.” With Love off to change, Thief waited a moment before getting to his feet and brushing off some leaves and dust he picked up while sitting.

It wasn’t a long wait either, not able to even let his mind start wandering again when Love was back in a much more masculine set of clothes. His uniform was covered with a longer jacket that covered most of it. A few other accessories as well, but most didn’t stick out too much or draw the eye to them as much as the longer coat did. Not that he was one to talk, his own school jacket covered with his longer and thicker one that was a wonderful thing when it started getting colder. Fall was here so the air wasn’t all that warm, but warm enough to go prancing around in short skirts and short tank tops to get some eyes on them and make all the boys go ah waaaah.

“See, I was right, just as pretty as when you left.” Maybe the compliments weren’t needed, but they never hurt as he offered his hand.

Watching at first as Love starred and then shook it, he raised an eyebrow at the other but eventually finagled his hand into just holding it as he led the way. They had places to be and areas to explore, and maybe some gremlin activities to indulge in.

There they went saying whatever they pleased again. Love could feel his ears burning at the simple thought of wandering around anywhere naked. It was a thought he quickly pushed out of his head.

"Thanks, I knew you had good tastes~" Part of him was worried Thief might not actually say anything on his return, but the response was much warmer than he thought. Enough to make him realize he might have to try getting used to Thief's... eccentric? Yeah sure, he'd go with that for now. Personality, unless he wanted to be on the edge of a feverish temperature if they were going to be friends.

Thinking they were sealing the deal with a handshake, he was a little confused since introductions were out of the way, but went to grab it anyway. That confusion only grew when Thief raised an eyebrow and adjusted enough to hold it instead. Away they went, just like that. Aaaat a more brisk place than he was used to. Love was entertaining the idea that he still had a few years to try and grow taller, but the other's longer stride was hard for him to keep up with. Not one to voice his struggles out loud, Love did his best on their way to the next club. Unfortunately, it didn't take many steps before he stumbled over his own feet, scraping his knees, but at least he didn't fall completely, his arms and face perfectly fine as he had a good grasp on Thief's hand. "Heck, I just cleaned these too..!"

Figuring something more active would be a better choice for the two of them, Thief was telling Love about some of the other clubs he had come across. Walking a bit faster than what he normally would, he was happy to have someone cute as Love on his adventures with him as he got to be a little more of a nerd with the knowledge he already picked up. He was usually so quiet, so mysterious and pent up, but this was a time where what he knew could come in handy as they walked around.

As he felt Love fall though he stopped, the warmth of the hand starting to leave but was gripped tighter as he turned just in time to see Love catch himself but still had fallen. It clicked as to the why, settling himself back down as part of the issue was he became far too excited and the other couldn’t keep up. A shame, as he just told himself there were times and places to be like he was, and walking with someone shorter was not that time nor place.

“Sorry, are you alright?” Taking out some golden colored bandages he looked over the knee for a moment and just wrapped it as delicately as possible. It was even on that long as he unwrapped the bandages and the small scrapes and bruises were gone and just a memory. Good as new as he wrapped back up the bandages to clean later.

"Oh yeah, I'm fine. Just give me a minute." Still a frail noble despite his abundant amounts of energy, Love had yet to build up that grit tolerance. Glancing up with a face full of confusion and a couple watery eyes as they had him sit to look at his knees. Tilting his head slightly when the bandages were brought out, they were as pretty as the other's markings, but he didn't understand until applied.

Wounds vanishing like magic, he stared in new wonder, patting the torn fabric. Fascinating! His family made their livelihood on magic items, but he had yet to see such bandages. The best they had were the cure wands, seeing it in cloth form as quite creative. "Wait, wait! Can I see those? What are they called? Where did you get them??" Leaning forward into the other's bubble, the young demon already had the wanderlust and need to examine anything magical his family tended to display.

Just finished with wrapping it back into its neat roll, Thief hmmm?ed as Love suddenly was in his space and curious of what he thought was a common item among the others. He supposed part of him knew it may not be, but for him magical items were a way of life, the livelihood of his parents who both adored making and ‘finding’ new items on their travels. They themselves weren’t magical in any sense of the word but that made it all the more important that these items were made for others like themselves.

“These? They’re called Bonds of Health. One of my dads sells them in his shop, he said they are quite common.” Stopping himself from putting it back into his pocket, he helped out the sparkling light gold bandages with the small stain on it. The ends were slightly frayed, but that didn’t seem to stop it from working in any way and just seemed to mean this one was well used and cared for. “I have more back in my room, if you want to follow me home after school. I needed to grab some groceries before then though.”

It was nice to have Love so close though, part of his brain saying go in for that kiss as the other and more normal part of it said just admire. He was torn between which to listen to, going for a middle ground as one of his gloved hands stroked Love’s face again. A look of curiosity and admiration as he did so. They were so pretty, and cute when excited. Even cuter when they blushed, but he wasn’t trying to get that one right now.

Hmmm, bonds of health made him curious about the nature of how they worked. Obviously when Thief paused to bring them out again, the wound was still 'visible' in the form of a stain. He wondered if it was a one and done sort of thing, if they could be cleaned somehow, or were they a temporary thing that would fade back over time? Reaching out to touch them himself, they didn't fade back or anything. There was even a small amount of worn damage to it, yet it still worked.  Man did he suddenly wish the day away all of a sudden.

"Of course, I'll even help you carry them back!" One thing was for certain, blissfully ignorant of the other's inner debate, love was quick to hop on the chance to get to see them more closely. Mind going burr far too hard, he merely looked back at thief with those big, excited eyes, as they moved their hand, ready to tackle and make the day go by faster so he could have his first visit at someone else's house. Despite watching it coming, Love jumped a little when touched once more. Part of him wondered if he should say something, but even as he blushed, he shook off the thought in favor of enjoying the strange- pampering? He supposed that's what it was; since it felt nice, he'd indulge.

Getting himself worked up again now that he wasn't hurting anymore though, he reached up to grab Thief's hand this time, standing up and waiting expectantly for them to do the same. Though he wasn't sure whether or not to let go of it... because he kind of liked being able to hold it. "Um.. this is.. fine, right?" Wiggling their hands a little, the maids always told him no, but they grabbed his first before so surely it was alright?

Staring into those deep red eyes as Love seemed all too excited to follow him back home, it just made Thief all that more curious how far could this go. Was Love that sweet and innocent? Would he give in more easily to less fluffy antics? Only time would tell and at the moment it wasn’t the time. He wanted to just enjoy those more giddy feelings, stare at the eye pleasing person, and indulge in that way.

“If you’re that excited we can always skip the rest of the day. There isn’t any class and only club picking.” They weren’t supposed to, the school stating that up front, but the town he lived in knew students would do what they wanted in the end and didn’t report to the school often unless they were causing trouble. “Or I suppose if you want to be a good student we can go look at more clubs.”

Smiling as Love touched his hand, he gave into letting his hand be taken away and held by the other. They seemed more shy in this aspect, nervous maybe? He wasn’t sure himself, rather open and more affectionate from his upbringing. It amused him seeing how someone else reacted to what he thought was normal day to day life and common things.

“I think holding hands is perfectly fine, for you anyways.” He couldn’t help but tease, it seeming to be in his nature after being raised by two gremlin fathers.

Humming, Love did wish to see what sort of club thief would be interested in, but the prospect of getting to fiddle with magic items was far more enticing. Perhaps it didn't help that he was starting to grow into some troublemaker ways either. "I'm fine with being a passing student over a good one." Most of his classes right now were only basic requirements for one's he wanted to advance into anyway. He could afford to skip out on those to even if they still had sessions running today.

It was heartening to hear holding the other's hand was perfectly fine. The stipulation that it was fine for him, had Love's heart fluttering in a funny way though. "I'll let you lead, I don't usual pick up groceries myself."