The Prefect is A Rockstar?! Part Three
Synopsis: (Male!Reader) Ramshackle's magicless prefect accidentally becomes famous trying to make more money for Grim's tuna.
Content Warning/Tags: Crowley slander, takes place after Book 7, secret identity, not secret for long, Idia knows, prefect has a stage name, reader is male but non-gender conforming, prefect started multiple riots, prefect gets punched, extreme usage of the word "dude", this is too long, way too much dialogue, no revisions, may or may not be cringe, crackfic(?)
Author's Note: Sorry for posting this a month later. The fanfic writer curse got me and I broke my ankle. They weren't kidding, huh?
Part One Part Two Part Three
You didn't know he knew, but he did. Of course he did. He had been the one to help you out, and you thought he was just going to give up the chance to listen to music from a whole other universe? You must be a real idiot.
He listens to all of the music you have, but one artist stands out to him most.
Right off the bat, he figures out that you're [Stage Name]. He clocks the secret-identity trope immediately.
I doubt this guy listens to much of anything else besides video game and anime OSTs, but he probably picks up on the charm your music has that other music tends to lack, in terms of both your world's music and the music in Twisted Wonderland.
He was surprised at first, especially the moment he realized that you were [Stage Name]. He's seeing you in a totally different light. You could only imagine how flabbergasted he was at seeing you practically naked, not that he thinks you look bad or whatever. Not like he cares...
But now it seems like you're just an NPC?
He might feel a little disappointed. Your character customization is really boring now.
Used to be SSR-ranked, and now you're nothing, but N-ranked.
Talk about a downgrade...
The night you released your first album, he pulled an all-nighter, as he so usually did. He noticed [Stage Name] becoming really popular really fast. Like, comedically fast.
He actively watches your following go up.
Idia is very much the type of guy to hate on anything popular amongst normies. So, when you become popular, I think he'd deem your music Magicam music (clock the reference to so-called TikTok music). No offense, but your music is starting to get overplayed, and he's sick of it! Ugh!
And then he comes across an edit of an anime he likes that happens to use one of your songs.
Okay, maybe not all your music is completely annoying.
That song's going in his playlist.
And maybe a couple of other songs he likes to imagine edits to...
He doesn't tell anyone he actually likes your music because he's convinced everyone will call him a trend hopper.
That being said, he will 100% be arguing with people online about how you aren't to blame for the riots happening in Night Raven and that, clearly, everyone rioting is illiterate because they can't understand the true meanings of your songs.
But he also won't tell anyone that you are [Stage Name] because he knows you'll get in a ton of trouble and be forced to take down your music, and he lowkey wants that second album.
He also sort of owes you, because he almost killed you or whatever. Moving on.
He doesn't tell you he knows, but he'll have your back whether you're aware or not. Just like now. At a housewarden meeting. Well, not at a housewarden meeting. Idia never attends those things. He's there via tablet on speaker, camera off, of course.
It has been a week since you released your first album in Twisted Wonderland, and it appears that you have single-handedly managed to throw its entirety into chaos. There's even news of a protest starting in Royal Sword Academy, which the Headmage is very relieved about.
He has failed to notice the difference between riot and protest.
With the whole Human v Fae War that happened in Twisted Wonderland, I can see your music resonating with some fae. Probably not in Briar Valley because, y'know, they're practically stuck in medieval times, but there are lots of other faes that view your music as an opportunity to finally have the conversation a majority of humans tend to ignore.
Your music is a hot topic, popular with both humans and fae, and because that is so, people feel like your music has created an outlet for them to express their distaste for the past and the present.
It's these conversations within the community you created that allow everyone to feel as though there is hope for a better future.
There is no chaos in Diasomnia. In fact, the students in that dorm are pretty lively.
Lilia? Oh, big fan. Huge fan. This guy loves everything about [Stage Name]. He thinks the riots are a bit overkill, but he doesn't blame you for it. He is [Stage Name's] biggest defender, and he will be until the day he dies.
If [Stage Name] has a million fans, he's one of them. If [Stage Name] has one fan, he's that one. If [Stage Name] has no fans, he's dead. He's that serious about it.
Diasomnia is free of riots- no one in that dorm is going to act out with Malleus as their housewarden- but they're not the only dorm. Ignihyde has been pretty peaceful, too, if you consider the students' trash-talking the other dorms peaceful, anyway. The worst they're doing is rage-baiting everyone. No harm, no foul.
Ramshackle is also free of riots, but that's mostly because people forget it exists.
As for the other dorms...
Riddle is currently standing red in the face and yelling at the Headmage, demanding that students be expelled for the extreme vandalism happening in Heartslybul. The Headmage can't get a word in.
Leona and Vil are bickering, and it's becoming increasingly intense. Savanaclaw students have waged war against Pomefiore students after a brief period of peace. When your album was first released, students were oddly united, but when a Pomefiore student called a Savanaclaw student "savage" while they were rioting together- it was unclear whether or not it was supposed to be a compliment- fights began breaking out between the two dorms.
Leona didn't care all that much until a group of Pomefiore students tried to ambush him while he was taking a nap. Did they get a scratch on him? No, but it's why the bickering was getting really close to a fight.
Which is weird, because Leona and Vil were on the same page at first. They agreed that their students should be punished for their stupid behavior. Idia isn't really sure how they started bickering, actually. It seems like the two just naturally get into bickering matches.
Azul is going on and on about the Mostro Lounge and how it's also been vandalized and under attack, but not to worry because the twins have been taking care of the ones responsible. No one is paying attention to him.
Kalim, who learned about [Stage Name] from Lilia, is currently sitting next to Idia, and he's talking about how he's actually a pretty big fan of [Stage Name] and how he thinks maybe he should throw a party to ease the tension started by the riots. He isn't aware of the riots in his dorm because Jamil is the one shutting them down before they grow too big to control.
Malleus was not invited to the meeting, as per usual.
Idia is sitting in his room thinking about whether he should say anything or just hang up.
After much contemplation and lots of overthinking, he speaks. Actually, speaking isn't the best word.
"Let's just ask [Stage Name] to make a statement..."
"IDIA SAID WE SHOULD SPEAK TO [STAGE NAME], EVERYONE!"
The room goes quiet, and he swears his heart stops with the way he can feel everyone staring at his tablet. It's like they're looking directly at him, and his camera isn't even on!
Miraculously, the room actually calms down. Riddle is the first to speak after the silence.
"What? You don't know?" Azul's brows furrow. "She's the entire reason why this is happening. Your dorm was branded by her lyrics!"
Kalim looks up in thought, "Ah, I thought [Stage Name] was a boy?"
Vil sighs, "Is this truly the matter you're all focusing on?"
"All of this is happening because of a lousy musician?"
"I hardly believe someone capable of gaining so much popularity in such a short span of time can be considered lousy. It's applaudable, really," Vil replies.
Crowley tries to shift Riddle's anger towards you by saying, "Mr. Shroud, what is it you've suggested? Speaking with the one responsible?"
"He isn't responsible," Idia subtly groans, forcing himself to speak up. "It's not like he's the one trashing this place. People are using him as an excuse."
Then he whispers to himself, rolling his eyes, "What guy would trash his own place?"
Idia doesn't know because, as previously established, he never attends these things in person, but everyone stops for a moment and looks at each other.
Did Idia not realize his tablet could pick up his whispers by now?
Azul asks, "How can you be so sure that they won't be in full support of these riots? They seem exactly the type. It's their gimmick."
"I just do, okay? You're talking like you have any better ideas."
He hums and leans back in his seat, "I suppose I don't."
"Getting him to make a statement does appear to be the least troubling solution," Vil says. "Very well. I'll do it. Though I'm not sure why they haven't made a statement already."
Idia's relieved when the meeting comes to an end after that.
He's just glad he didn't accidentally give away crucial information, like, for example, the fact that [Stage Name] goes to NRC. That'd be pretty bad.
While he hangs up the call after Crowley announces that the meeting has ended, everyone stays seated.
Azul sighs at Idia's slip-up, "He knows who [Stage Name] is."
"And they're a student," Riddle says in exasperation.
"Maybe he doesn't want his friend to get in trouble?"
At Kalim's words, Azul chuckles, "That's nice, but frankly, I couldn't care less. If we wish to find [Stage Name], we can narrow it down to Idia's friends and find the one who looks the most similar to [Stage Name], which should be easy, considering he doesn't have many to begin with."
"There isn't a single student in this whole school who looks remotely like that singer," Riddle interjects. "Someone would have noticed by now."
Now on Magicam, going through their target's account, Vil says, "It's difficult to know what they really look like from their videos, and they have no posts that suggest who they could be."
Leona, sitting next to Vil, holds out his hand.
Vil scoffs, "That's how you ask for something?"
He hands over his phone anyway.
Leona doesn't even need to look over your account for more than a couple of seconds to let out a chuckle.
"Wha-" Vil quirks his head back. "Is there something amusing about this to you?"
He doesn't say anything but leans over and points to something no one else but them can see.
The other housewardens desperately try to get them to spill.
Crowley doesn't notice the glance Vil sends him.
Vil says it's nothing before encouraging all of them to leave so as not to dawdle around.
"Afterall, you must have other matters to attend to, isn't that right, Headmage?"
Only briefly confused by the sudden switch, he agrees with Vil. He actually does have things to do.
So, all the housewardens leave the room, albeit equally confused.
Riddle stops everyone for an explanation, demanding to know who [Stage Name] is, because the two clearly know.
Despite having just bickered a few moments ago, the two look at each other in complete understanding. They walk away.
"Doesn't matter who it is. It ain't any of our business."
"That's right. All that really matters is that they put an end to all of this. For that reason," Vil dismisses them with a wave of his hand, "I will do only what I said I would do."
They leave the other housewardens in the dark. Riddle is annoyed, because uh- it's definitely their business- but is more curious about who it could possibly be if Idia, Leona, and Vil were siding with them.
Azul is already messaging Jade about the latest revelation that [Stage Name] is a student, asking him to look into it.
Kalim comments that Idia said the student wasn't rioting like others, so they could use that to figure out who you are. He really only wanted to find out because he's a fan and would like to get acquainted with you. Wouldn't it be awesome if you joined the Pop Music Club? He wonders why you haven't already! You're amazing!
If it weren't clear, Leona and Vil don't reveal your identity because they immediately assume- or better yet, know- that this was some way or another Crowley's fault and that he brought it upon himself.
They're aware of the money situation, or rather, the lack-of-money situation. Clearly, you were doing this to make a stable living for yourself and Grim.
Well, they certainly weren't expecting you'd do that by becoming famous, but they came to the correct conclusion that you hadn't intended for any of this to happen.
I think Leona is pretty indifferent to the fact that you're [Stage Name], if not amused. He'd probably have already heard about you because Savanaclaw is established to be all for fast and energetic music, but I doubt he'd gone out of his way to listen to your music himself.
That changes after he realizes it's you, though. He watches a video or two just to see what all the fuss is about, but he doesn't get into it. He will admit, it is pretty funny to watch, knowing it's just the small, magicless prefect underneath all that hair and makeup.
Looks like the herbivore finally got tired of being helpless and built itself an army, huh? He respected that.
But if anyone else tries to attack him while he's napping, he will come for you.
Vil is, to say the least, disappointed.
The riots... the endless fights he's had to deal with...
How could you have reduced yourself to a mere potato?
The moment he realized you were [Stage Name], it felt like a fairy had just lost its wings.
And the moment he realizes that those dimples of yours aren't dimples at all, but scars from where your piercings used to be? The fairy has been shot.
You've been holding back on your potential this whole time? You actually had a sense of style? And you didn't even try out for SDC? Oh, he's irritated.
He cannot for the life of him understand why you'd hide this side of yourself. Whether it's because of insecurity or something like that, he isn't sure, but he supposes that's a conversation for another day.
The fact that he knows you're [Stage Name], though? Yeah, no, he tells you immediately. In fact, "I know it's you, prefect, so don't bother trying to deny it. No one else on campus aside from Ruggie has a cat to feed," is his opening line.
You get Vil's message, but you don't see it until you're in the infirmary.
Why you're in the infirmary? You got decked in the face. Why you got decked in the face?
It's a bit of a long story.
You were at the Mostro Longue with the whole gang, this time joined by Sebek because that guy can eat, absolutely splurging on the menu. You felt really bad after hearing about the damage they got as a result of a bunch of stupid students. They were pretty minor, but you still felt responsible. But, it wasn't like you could just hand over a bunch of thaumarks to Azul because that'd give you away. So, you decided to just buy way too much stuff to pay him, giving everyone the lame excuse that you had "saved up."
They don't believe you, but when you ask, "How else could I have possibly made this much money?" They don't have an answer and just agree to let you take the bill. Free food is free food.
Jade happened to have been working that shift, and during a bit of small talk in between serving your guys' table, he mentioned that Azul told him it was discovered in the housewardens' meeting that [Stage Name] was a student in NRC.
You didn't know how he knew, but you knew he knew because he stared directly at you as he said it. He was trying to get a reaction. You knew he was. Did you give it to him?
Of course not- yeah, you did.
Que you acting surprised.
"What? Dude, that's crazy! Anyway, I'm gonna go to the restroom real quick. What did you say, Sebek? I already went a couple of minutes ago? Dude, that's way harsh. I was here the whole time! Yes, the whole time! I swear! No, dude, I'm being so serious, I swear I was! On the Great Seven, dude, I was!"
The Great Seven got your ass for that, because when you went, you found some guy in the middle of vandalizing the restroom. When you told him that you were going to go get Jade, he called you a snitch, so you called him a poser.
Honestly? You should have seen it coming.
Anyway, you're lying down with an icepack on your black eye, rereading Vil's message over and over again, mentally freaking out, trying to figure out how to reply, and trying even harder not to visibly freak out in front of your friends.
Okay, he wanted you to make a statement. You could make a statement. You've made one before. You'd already been working on your, like, twelfth draft of a statement you had been planning on posting. All you had to do was make a statement that would stop an entire school from rioting.
It certainly wasn't your first riot, but knowing the students in NRC, they might just ignore you entirely.
"Should you be on your phone? You just got punched, dude," Ace asks, lying over your legs while also on his phone.
You look over Grim, who's snoozing on your chest, to peer down at Ace, "My other eye works just fine."
Deuce, lying next to Ace, also on your legs, deadpans, "You were knocked out."
"And I'm awake now? I don't see the issue here."
Jack tells them to get off of you, but Ace replies that he's just mad that he has to stand.
Epel, whom Jack let take the chair, asks if he wants it. Jack, embarrassed by the accusation, declines and says he's fine.
Sebek, the one who had (un)fortunately discovered you knocked out in the bathroom, stands by holding a to-go box. He comments that someone should probably stick around closely to you from now on, because you're utterly helpless. He doesn't mean it as an insult because he genuinely thinks that's the case, and it is.
That doesn't mean you don't take offense to it, though.
"I'm not helpless!" You scowl.
"No, he's sorta right," Epel stops you. "This guy didn't even need to use magic, and you still lost."
"It's not like I knew he was gonna punch me."
"That doesn't usually stop people from dodging."
"Whatever. I'm fine! It's not like I haven't been punched before."
Deuce perks up at that, a frown on his face, "Another student punched you? When?"
"No, I mean- jeez, dude, don't go punching anyone for vengeance- it was like, way before I was even here."
Ace laughs, "How the heck did that happen? Who'd you piss off?"
"...I don't know. Like, the police, or something."
Everyone looks at you with wide eyes, and you shrink into your pillow, trying to focus your gaze on your phone.
They all start freaking out over your statement, but you just shush them because they might wake Grim up.
Epel is incredibly confused, "The police? Prefect, were you a delinquent or something?"
Deuce shakes his head and ask for clarification, "Okay, but how does something like that even happen?"
"You weren't like... a criminal, right?"
"Why do you guys assume it was my fault? I'm the one who got punched."
Deuce looks a bit perplexed by that statement.
"Uh, yeah, by the police."
"Uh, yeah, and they can punch people too."
"Uh, yeah, but they usually do it for a pretty good reason."
"Your world is kind of concerning if this is how you talk about the authorities," Ace says before Deuce could retaliate with a "Uh... yeah."
Jack points out, "Now that I think about it, you don't really talk about your world that much. Or your past, for that matter."
Everyone looks at you expectantly after he says that, waiting for a life story.
"You guys are asking too many questions, and I'm getting a headache. I'm like, totally concussed."
"You just said you were fine?!"
You clutch your head, "Ouch!"
Sebek, who had been rather kept to himself the entire conversation, sighs heavily.
You clutch your heart, "Ouch..."
Now, if it were under different circumstances, Sebek would have freaked out alongside everyone else. Malleus has been hanging out with a criminal this entire time?! He has to keep you away from him from now on! He'd probably say something along those lines.
Except that he knows you're [Stage Name] too, because when he found you unconscious on the bathroom floor, that happened to have been the same time Vil sent his message, and he saw it. Complete coincidence.
A really stupid coincidence, but that's how it happened.
Sebek doesn't tell anyone. The reason?
See, he, like Lilia, noticed how favorable a mood Malleus was in, and when he asked, he was told you had entrusted him with a secret. He hadn't thought that much of it until he saw Vil's message. That's when it clicked. He realizes this was the secret you had told Malleus, so he decides to keep it as well. If Malleus hadn't, it would be a completely different story.
It isn't until you're discharged from the infirmary and Sebek insists on walking you back to Ramshackle, a snoozing Grim in your arms, that he tells you he knows.
He stops you from freaking out even more when he tells you that he'll keep your secret, but he will be keeping an eye on you to ensure you don't try any funny business with Mal.
He also thinks you've been punished enough- having been punched and all. You also bought him lunch.
You nearly fall to your knees and thank him, but he stops you when he asks what you're going to do about Jade, and therefore Floyd and Azul, knowing.
"I'm gonna prepare to lose a lot of money, is what, Sebek."
"I think you might want to prepare to lose your other eye, too."
"Yeah, maybe even an arm and a leg," You start to laugh.
Sebek chuckles, "Who knows? Perhaps he'll take your voice just like the Sea Witch!"
You stop laughing immediately.
"You don't think he'll actually do that, right? The only reason I did any of this was to make sure I had something to land on if it turns out I'm stuck here."
Sebek stops laughing too once he realizes you're being serious.
"O-oh, I apologize... I hadn't realized you were worried about that. I'm sure he won't."
The two of you awkwardly stand on Ramshackle's steps before even more awkwardly saying goodbye.
Once you step into Ramshackle, and after a brief moment of silent panic, you lock in.
Vil's message is sitting in your DMs, and you can only imagine his reaction to having been left on read.
You pace around the dorm, typing in intense focus.
You apologize profusely. As you type, you find yourself telling him you never thought you'd make this kind of impact, and that you take full responsibility, adding that you had already been planning to make a statement. You apologize to him personally, having heard about the situation going on in his and Leona's dorm. After explaining that you'd cover any damages, you confirm you'll issue the statement later today.
Similarly to Idia, Vil replies almost immediately.
Vil tells you that you and him will discuss damages another time and that his main concern is issuing a statement and stopping all the chaos happening around school.
You feel incredibly relieved when he explains that he understands how fans like to get ahead of themselves and get out of control, but you start to feel real giddy when he switches conversations and starts congratulating you on your success.
He tells you that, while he isn't necessarily a big fan of rock, he admires the distinct style you've made for yourself. You are unabashedly yourself, and that's the most crucial part of achieving true beauty. You've rightfully earned your stardom, he says.
'btw how did u find out? the only person i told was malleus'
'?? but i didnt tell him anything. he only helped me with something, but he couldnt have known. was i that obvious lol?'
'I never would have known it was you. You look like an entirely different person, which I'm really disappointed by, just so you know.'
'tbf it wasnt like i knew i was gonna get runover by a carriage. if i knew i was i would have dressed for the occasion.' With realization, you message again, 'wait, does this mean every housewarden knows? and the headmage? ik azul knows. jade basically told me. om7 does everyone in this damn school know??'
'Leona was the one who figured it out based on your bio alone. We didn't tell anyone else. The Headmage wasn't providing enough for you, was he?'
With hesitance, you admit, 'he usually gives me a monthly allowance, but he kinda didnt this month and i needed money'
'That's pretty much what I expected.'
'i rly didnt wanna need ur guys help. it makes me feel like a nuisance '
'So you decided to become famous.'
'And how is that going for you?'
'i did get punched but on the plus side grim might as well have a lifetime supply of tuna'
'I'm sorry, punched? So they didn't use magic, and you still got hurt?'
'If you're getting hurt, maybe you should make it known that you're [Stage Name].'
'the headmage would def kick grim and i out if he found out'
'There isn't anything a bit of flattery and bribery can't solve.'
'yk that was my exact plan for dealing with azul'
'Oh I'm sure, because it'll be the exact plan you'll need to deal with me later. In any case, I'm eager to see what you have in store for us. Just be sure it isn't any more rioting students. Maybe focus on giving us more looks?'
'ofc. i would hate to disappoint the fairest one of all'
'Flattery later. Statement now.'
'yeah ik sorry ill get on it rn'
The relief you feel when he hearts that message and says he'll keep in touch is immeasurable.
Well, you were screwed, but at least you weren't that screwed.
Now, it's back to the drawing board and focusing on that damn statement.
You think that maybe Vil is right. Maybe people knowing who you were would be better. Vil was famous, and no one bothered him on campus.
You're not quite sure you're ready for that sort of attention, though.
You contemplate long and hard about his words of flattery and bribery.
On one hand, the Headmage might just kick you and Grim out, and the idea of ruining Grim's chances of becoming a great mage made you panic. But on the other hand, Vil might be completely right, and all it took was a sincere apology, a reminder of how kind and generous the Headmage was, and a major donation to the school to not be expelled.
The statement you put out later on is quite long, but you're positive it will be enough to stop students. At least, you hope it is.
It goes something along the lines of-
"Hi all! Thank you for your massive donations. My cat is especially grateful. You guys are seriously fattening him up. Jokes aside, I'm still in shock at how well the album was received. I'm 4ever grateful for all your support. However, these days, I've been a bit disappointed. I wish I could say 'I can assure you guys there's lots more where that came from', but I don't think that will be the case. It has come to my attention that I have been made the face of a series of riots at Night Raven College.
Never could I have imagined being used as an excuse to deface my beloved school. It is a campus of so many caring teachers, capable housewardens, and cherished friends of mine. It's my home, so I ask you all to stop. If you don't, I will be forced to end my music here. I am horribly embarrassed by the display you've all put on, and I am most sorry to our dear Headmage for having instilled a need for such violence in my fellow classmates."
As expected, the statement marks the end of the chaos at Night Raven College. As much chaos as can be ended, anyway. It's always chaotic there.
The day after you issue the statement, nearly the entire campus is silent with embarrassment. Apologies are made by students to their housewardens and teachers. Ace and Deuce recount Riddle collaring everyone who came forward as if they were actually publicly executed. So many people end up going to detention that it's practically a school event.
The fights and riots have ceased. Everything returns to normal.
Because when a couple of days pass and you're busy with trying to fix the huge mess you indirectly caused, students start to grow oddly united again.
That's because, while the statement marked the end of the riots, it also marked the beginning of the school-wide manhunt for [Stage Name].
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