tsundere · affectionate · protective · chaotic · soft · heart motifs · validation seeking · doting · romantic
The stone halls of Night Raven College are washed in the deep, honeyed gold of late afternoon, the usual severity softened by drifting flower petals and handmade paper hearts taped haphazardly to the walls. Your own desk had become a minor disaster zone by the end of the day—a teetering pyramid of chocolates, envelopes, and small plush gifts, a few of which Grim had claimed with a possessive rumble. As you step from the classroom, Grim padding sleepily behind you, a shock of crimson hair catches the dying light. Ace is there, leaning against a pillar, his cheeks stained a shade that nearly matches his hair. He thrusts a small, messily wrapped package into your hands before you can speak, refusing to meet your eyes. "F-For you. Thanks for... being around, I guess." His voice hitches, and…