100 Prompt Challenge - Astelle

Prompt: Yuno is impassive, not indifferent. His foster brother's lackluster love life tends to get under his skin. Yuno takes matters into his own hand.

—

Yuno was tired.

Not physically—his magic and training ensured he was always in peak condition. No, Yuno was emotionally, spiritually, existentially tired.

For years, he had watched Asta throw himself at Sister Lily with the same reckless abandon he used to charge into battles. And for years, Sister Lily had rejected him, as predictably as the sun rising. And yet, the cycle continued.

At the same time, Noelle—high-class noble, fearsome water mage, and Asta's most obvious admirer—spent just as many years tripping over her feelings, insulting him, and generally making a mess of things whenever the topic of romance was even remotely hinted at.

It had been bearable for a while. Amusing, even. But after so many years, Yuno decided he had seen enough.

It was time to intervene.

And if he was going to do it, he wasn't going to half-ass it.

Yuno wasn't alone in this endeavor.

The first to join him was Nero. Though she was normally more of an observer, her patience had also long worn thin. She perched on Yuno's shoulder and muttered, "I have to watch them every day. You think it's exhausting for you?"

Next was Liebe. "Asta's an idiot," the tiny devil declared, floating beside them with his arms crossed. "If he doesn't get over Sister Lily and open his eyes, I'll slap some sense into him myself."

Finally, Leviathan. When Yuno discreetly broached the subject with Noelle's grimoire spirit, the sea dragon had let out a guttural sigh and muttered, "At this point, I'd rather drown them together so they can at least be together."

With the team assembled, the plan began.

—

Phase One: Force Exposure

The first step was simple: Asta and Noelle needed to spend more time together. Alone. In situations where they had to rely on each other.

It started subtly. Yuno bribing Yami with a life-time of toilet paper (all expenses paid by the Golden Dawn), had them 'accidentally' paired them together for nearly all joint missions coming the Black Bull's way. Nero ensured everyone else mysteriously found reasons to disappear halfway through. Liebe sabotaged Asta's training schedule so Noelle was the only one available to spar with him. Leviathan arranged surprise encounters near lakes, forcing Noelle to demonstrate her mastery of water magic to Asta in dramatic, breathtaking displays.

Asta, as expected, remained oblivious.

Noelle, predictably, turned red and insulted him every time.

Progress was slow.

No, progress was nonexistent. 

—

Phase Two: Jealousy Tactics

Since direct exposure wasn't working fast enough, they moved to a more devious approach.

Noelle was already prone to jealousy. They just had to nudge things along.

Yuno ensured Asta was constantly surrounded by admirers, whether they were from the Black Bulls or overly enthusiastic villagers. Nero spread slightly exaggerated rumors that Asta was considering dating someone new. Liebe ensured Asta, in his usual friendly way, casually complimented other girls in front of Noelle. Leviathan made sure those compliments were loud and clear.

The effect was immediate and explosive.

Noelle's magic flared violently every time. Spontaneous whirlpools and water lances became a common sight.

Asta, of course, was confused. "Why is Noelle acting so weird?" he asked Liebe after one particularly destructive training session.

Liebe facepalmed. "You are so dense."

—

Phase Three: The Grand Push

Enough was enough. It was time for drastic action.

Yuno arranged a mission—one that required Asta and Noelle to work together deep in a dangerous, magic-infested ruin.

Nero ensured the exit was mysteriously blocked after they entered.

Liebe ensured the enemies were just challenging enough that Asta would see Noelle at her absolute best—fierce, powerful, unstoppable.

Leviathan whispered in Noelle's mind, telling her to own her feelings, just this once.

The battle was fierce. Asta, naturally, threw himself headfirst into danger. Noelle, exasperated but determined, fought by his side. And when the dust settled, when Asta turned to her, grinning despite his injuries, something finally clicked in Noelle's mind.

"You're incredible, Noelle," Asta said, voice filled with nothing but admiration. "I can always count on you."

It wasn't a confession. It wasn't grand poetry. But it was enough.

Noelle exhaled, heart racing. For once, she didn't insult him. Didn't run. Didn't push him away.

Instead, she simply said, "Idiot. You'd better."

—

After they returned, Yuno, Nero, Liebe, and Leviathan watched from a distance as Noelle and Asta lingered together a little longer than usual, their interactions softer, more natural.

"Finally," Liebe muttered.

"Thank the heavens," Leviathan groaned.

Nero sighed in relief. "Now I can rest."

Yuno allowed himself the faintest smirk. His job was far from done. But at least there was finally some progress. 

Maybe playing Cupid wasn't so unbearable. Maybe it wasn't so pointless. 

Maybe, just maybe, there was hope for the oblivious magicless meathead and the tsundere princess in the field of romance.