✧Reader is mainly based on my own personality✧
"()" is for if the situation applies to you so reader can still reflect anyone
𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 ✧ 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆 ✧ 1 ✧ 2 ✧ 3 ✧ ...
You had already expected your day wouldn't be all that great since that morning. You were also pretty sure there may be another creep after you now. Great. You were also sure that "paint" you used٫ for work that wasn't even yours to do carried٫ like٫ 58 diseases with it or something. And to top it off٫ you basically have temporary custody of Ace while he's being kicked out of his own dorm. You can't keep doing this٫ man. Wait٫ where's the actual other Ramshackle member? Where was Grim? You had a bad feeling...
Deuce spotted something and shouted٫ "Oh! Look out the window! I just saw a ball of fur running across the yard!" That little shit.
"He's cutting class on the first week?!" You were already exasperated. You're too under qualified to be a housewarden. Maybe Riddle's crazy punishments are the right way to go after all.
"Not a good look to lose your only student on your first week as prefect٫" Ace teased٫ playfully nudging you with his shoulder. "Want help catching him?" He left you with no other choice but to plead for both of their help. You felt pitiful. You must've looked it too because both boys seemed to drop the majority of their smug act at your begging.
"I do love the chocolate croissants at the co-op٫" Ace mused٫ obviously trying to get something more.
"I'd do it for an iced latte at the cafeteria٫" Deuce bargained. You groaned but had no other choice to agree so they'd help you catch Grim.
"Pleasure doing business٫" Ace kept teasing. "Now٫ Deuce٫ shall we clean up the mess made by the worst prefect to ever set foot on campus?"
"I can already taste that latte٫ Ace٫" Deuce added. Assholes. They both patted you head before heading after Grim. Thankfully٫ they eventually did catch him.
"Mrrah! I've had it with these boring classes!" he whined. You tried to coax him into just doing them or else he'll never become a great mage. He٫ however٫ was not having that. "UGH! When did you get all bossy!"
Finally٫ it was time for lunch. Hopefully Grim would stop complaining now. He did seem pretty excited.
"Wooo! Lunchtime at last!" Grim cheered right up at the sight of the lunch options٫ even starting to drool a little. To be fair٫ it all did look very fancy. "Look how fluffy those omelets are! Ooh٫ grilled chicken! And a bacon-and-egg tart!"
"Shhh! Dude٫ inside voices! Where was this energy earlier today?" Ace chided. He was being so hypocritical that it was almost comical.
"___٫ grab me the grilled chicken! There's only one left!" the direbeast demanded. "And an omelet too. And that jelly-filled bread. Just fill your whole tray with 'em!" There’s no way he’s gonna eat that much. Suddenly٫ Grim cried out٫ "Ow!"
"Hey! Watch where you're goin'!" It was some rude rando. Why was he talking about watching where you're going when he was clearly the one being the ass and taking up the path! Before you could brush his rudeness off٫ the same guy started to whine like a toddler. "M-my carbonara! You broke the yolk!"
"Whoa٫ that's messed up! Pokin' the egg is the best part! You better make this right٫ pal!" His friend chimed in next. In your personal opinion٫ commentary was not needed from the peanut gallery. This was such a non issue.
"I'm gonna need that grilled chicken of yours as compensation٫" Dumbass A added٫ practically grinning to himself. No way was he getting in between you and not hearing Grim complain for the rest of the day. You got that chicken fair and square.
"Myah?! No way! Hands off the bird٫ chump! I need my protein٫ because I am HANGRY!" Grim refuted. You could wholeheartedly agree with his statement. You were a hair too close to punting him if he whined one more time. The two as well for that matter!
"What are you? Five? It's gonna get broken either way. Just suck it up and try to get another one tomorrow!" You didn't realize you were so agitated until you accidentally insulted him.
"Hey! That's no way to speak to an upperclassmen! Catch me outside and I'll teach you some respect!" Dumbass B threatened. You were about to tell him just where he can shove his respect up until Deuce intervened.
"Um٫ excuse me٫ sir٫ but it said in the handbook that fighting with magic was prohibited..." Deuce tried to explain as he moved to stand in front of you and Grim٫ even grabbing your upper arm to keep you behind him.
"Fighting? You got it all wrong. This is just me helpin' some ignorant freshmen know his place٫" the first one spoke up. Was he really this upset about an egg yolk? And what was up with his hair. For someone acting so childish٫ he looked like he was already graying.
"Now٫ let's see just how many ways there are to skin a cat٫ heh!" The second one chuckled at his own threat.
"I've always wondered just how much magic a magicless person could stand٫" the first one grinned. That one really seemed to get to both Ace and Deuce. Even Grim seemed more upset with the threat against you than the one meant for him. You could feel the latter's grip tighten on your upper arm at the threat. Ace pulled you a bit behind his side and put his arm around you. Only then did Deuce let go and roll up his sleeves٫ walking towards the two delinquents with Grim right behind him.
The fight was basically over before it even started. Despite the two being upperclassmen٫ the duo still wiped them out quickly. It almost seemed like they were trying to kill them. You had never seen Deuce or Grim use magic so viciously٫ even back at the mines with that monster.
"Whoa٫ didn't know you had that in you..." the white-haired boy commented.
"Look٫ I'm gonna let you off the hook this time٫ but only 'cuz I don't want my pasta gettin' cold٫" the redheaded one added before both scampered away. You scooped Grim up and put a hand on Deuce's shoulder before thanking him. You feared that if you hadn't stopped the two٫ then they might've went after those assholes and actually killed them.
"Can we just get some lunch already? I missed breakfast٫ and I'm about to collapse٫" Ace whined٫ starting to walk to the line after grabbing you with his arm around your shoulders and dragging you with him. It seemed more like he was trying to drag you away from Deuce than getting you to walk with him. "How 'bout I carry your lunch tray for you. To settle my debt for staying over at Ramshackle and all?" Ace claimed it was for that٫ but he was more upset about not being able to fight for your honor and all with the other two.
Grim had already started chowing down before you all even sat down. He was praising the food as if he were sponsoring it too. Seriously٫ where does he put all that?
"So٫ I saw your guys' dorm٫ but what are the other ones like?" Grim looked up at the duo while still munching. He reminded you of a squirrel with his cheeks full of food like that.
"I'm sure your familiar with the statues of the Great Seven? Night Raven College has a dorm themed after each one." You recognized that voice. It was the one that's been haunting your thoughts all day. You looked up to see Cater and another boy with glasses right beside him.
"Bwah! You're that guy from this morning!" Ace yelped like a dog who just got his tail stepped on. Both him and Deuce quickly scooted closer to you as if it would keep the upperclassman away from you.
"You tricked us into paintin' those dumb roses!" Grim shouted at him.
"Tricked it such and ugly word. Do you think I wanted to spend MY morning painting roses?" Cater whined٫ trying to make it seem like he were the victim. "It's dorm policy! I was just following orders."
"And grinning like a fiend all the while٫" Deuce commented.
"Now٫ now٫ Deucey. Outside of the dorm٫ I don't care what rules you follow. Here٫ I'm just a friendly mentor figure!" Cater corrected. Mentor figure your ass. He was practically feeling you up earlier!
"Please. Do NOT call me Deucey٫" the bluenette pleaded before Ace cut in.
"Bullshit! You were practically feelin' ___ up٫ earlier!" He interjected.
"Well that's because they're just way too cute!" Cater explained٫ as if it made the most sense in the world. "It's like seeing a cute little puppy and just having to cuddle them!" Did he just compare you to a dog?
"Ah ha ha. All that's how Cater shows he cares٫" the other boy tried to cool down the tension.
"And who are you?" Ace٫ once again٫ asking what everyone's wondering.
"Ah٫ I should introduce myself. The name's Trey. Trey Clover. I'm a junior student at Heartslabyul٫ like Cater here٫" he explained. Well that's why they were dressed in the same colors. His kind attitude was honestly a breath of fresh air compared to all the other boys here. "And you must be ___٫ the new prefect from that dump of a—ah٫ I mean٫ the 'rustic' dorm." Nevermind. This whole school is just purely assholes. Did it come with the whole "yandere" thing? "I heard the whole story from Cater. Thanks for looking out for our boys lately٫" Trey finished٫ giving you a thankful smile as he sat across the table from you. Well٫ maybe some were more redeemable assholes. Hold on٫ why were they sitting down at the table now?
"I don't recall inviting you to sit with us..." Ace grumbled in a huff.
"Hey now٫ we're all from the same dorm٫ right? Let's try to get along. Here٫ gimme your digits٫" Cater cooed and held out his hand for a phone that would never come.
"I don't have a phone٫" you shrugged. You've never been so relieved that your phone stopped working since you got here.
The redhead practically shrieked in surprise٫ "For real? I've heard about luddites like you٫ but never imagined I'd meet one in the wild!" You٫ then٫ had to explain to him how you practically lost all signal on your phone from home٫ so now you're practically phoneless. Only then did he stop looking at you like an alien. "I know a place that sells the latest models cheap. How about you and I go on a phone-shopping date?" He leaned towards you. Thankfully٫ Trey intervened before you could tell him never in a million years.
"Cater. You're freaking out the freshmen. Maybe take it down a notch?" Trey suggested٫ putting a hand on his friend's shoulder to pull him back.
"Ha! Sorry! I can get a little extra sometimes. What were we talking about... The dorms٫ yeah?" He pulled back a bit but still kept gazing at you. "Ah٫ what fun to mentor new students! Go ahead٫ A-M-A."
"Before you get into the other dorms٫ I wouldn't mind learning a bit more about ours٫" Ace added٫ more calmed down now that no one was trying to mess with you again. "Like what's the deal with all this 'Queen of Hearts rule number whatever' junk?"
Trey was the one to answer٫ explaining٫ "I'm sure you're familiar with the legendary Queen of Hearts already? She had to rule over a kingdom of weirdos while caring for her anxious darling٫ and did it by emphasizing order and making strict rules."
"Our dorm٫ Heartslabyul٫ is an homage to her٫" Cater continued٫ "By tradition٫ we wear armbands with the red and black of the Queen's dress. And we live by the rules she created."
"Pfft. Can you make me any more bored?" Grim yawned. You were beginning to agree with him.
"Now٫ the degree to which we adhere to the rules depends on the sitting housewarden. Past housewardens have been much more lax٫" Cater went on.
"Riddle though? He doesn't mess around٫" Trey sighed٫ trying to not make it sound so bad. "Basically٫ you could say that we're honoring that tradition to the utmost extent possible."
"Bleah. Just my luck..." Ace groaned٫ putting his head in his hands.
"So what are the other dorms like٫ then?" Grim seemed to be actually curious now.
"As Cater mentioned earlier٫ the dorms of this school are themed after the Great Seven. We have our dorm٫ Heartslabyul٫ modeled after the strictness of the Queen of Hearts٫" Trey began explaining. "To run down the rest of them for you٫ we have Savanaclaw٫ based on the persistent spirit of the King of Beasts. Octavinelle٫ based on the benevolent heart of the Sea Witch. Scarabia٫ based on the mindful personality of the Sorcerer of the Sands. Pomfiore٫ based on the tenacity of this Fairest Queen. Ignihyde٫ based on the diligence of the king of the underworld. And finally٫ Diasomnia٫ based on the noble spirit of the Thorn Fairy." Damn٫ that was a lot. But٫ for some reason٫ it all felt so...familiar? Just like how the statues resembled something that was suppressed in the back of your head. Well٫ whatever. It was probably just a bad case of deja vu.
"All those names are way to long! How's anyone supposed to remember 'em?" Grim whined.
"Ah ha ha! Well٫ you get the idea. Want to or not٫ you'll learn them soon enough٫" Cater mused٫ a slight smirk on his lips.
Trey kept going٫ and just kept going. This is way too much info. "At orientation٫ the Dark Mirror picks a dorm for you based on the essence of your being. As a result٫ each dorm ends up with a distinct sort of...flavor٫ we'll call it."
"That is sooo true. I totes see it٫" Cater agreed٫ thoroughly amused by the way Trey said it.
"'Flavor٫' huh...?" Deuce mumbled to himself.
"So like Hogwarts?...Nevermind..." You did not intend for that to be said out loud. Their confused stares made your cheeks burn. Maybe you should of just let those two idiots earlier kill you... Thankfully٫ they just got a quick chuckle out of your unintentional comment and went back to the topic at hand.
"For example٫ look at that guy٫" Trey got back on course٫ hinting at a big٫ muscular boy with— wait٫ are those real?! He had actual animal ears and an actual fluffy animal tail!
"He has dog ears?!" You nearly shouted out in surprise. You seemed to be the only one٫ however. The others looked as if it were completely normal. Well٫ it made more sense than anything else٫ especially the stupid yandere/darling system thing.
"That rough-and-tumble vibe he's got has Savanaclaw House written all over it٫" Trey pointed out.
Cater chimed in next٫ "No doubt. That dorm is full of scrappy guys who are into٫ like٫ working out and fighting. How should I describe the vibe…? Macho dudes? Gruff big brothers? Something along those lines. The black and gold armband is another giveaway."
"And some advice٫" Trey quieted his voice as he spoke next٫ "majority of the guys in that dorm are beastmen٫ so they have a big thing with scenting." What the hell was "scenting"? Like actual animals?
"Oh٫ yeah٫" Cater hummed. He seemed to notice your confusion and began to explain. "Beastfolk have a higher sense of smell so they tend to cover their darling in their scent as a way of claiming them as theirs." What. The. Fuck. How many fanfic tropes are there in this damn world. First yanderes٫ and now the omegaverse?! What's next?! A mafia au?!
"Huh. Alright٫ so what about that guy with the grey and purple cord wrapped around his arm?" Grim asked. This was the most invested in learning you'd seen him all day. The boy he pointed out had white hair like the Savanaclaw boy٫ but this one had glasses٫ was much paler٫ and looked much less fit.
"He's gotta be from Octavinelle House٫" Trey٫ ever so reliably٫ replied. "And the student sitting at the table in front of him has a red and gold armband—Scarabia colors." There were two students sitting at that table. Another one with white hair next to one with dark brown hair. Finally a natural color like yours... The white-haired one practically radiated sunshine٫ a much welcome contrast to all the icky vibes around here. The brunette looked much more serious٫ especially compared to his dormmate.
"Those dorms are for the smart students. They're always neck-and-neck in academic rankings٫" Cater summarized. "Ah٫ but the current housewarden of Scarabia doesn't seem to be all that great of a student..." He moved his gaze back to you before he started to talk again٫ as if he meant it mainly for you. "Octavinelle students are supes shady and somehow manage to manipulate things crazy good in the dark. Scarabia guys are٫ like٫ totes obsessive and then end up thinking they're always right 'cause of that." It was almost like he was warning you what to lookout for. Was he?
"And here Cater goes٫ off on some tangent٫" Ace groaned٫ dramatically leaning against you like he was about to die of boredom. You pushed him off.
"Ha٫ you learn fast. Let's get back on topic٫" Trey grinned. "You see the flashy one with the purple and red armband? Those are Pomfiore colors." He pointed out a pretty...guy? girl? You couldn't tell. All you could say for sure was that they looked cute and had purple hair. Next to them was—...It was that guy...What was his name again? Rook? Who cares? You didn't want to have to remember his name because you wanted to stay FAR AWAY from him.
"Whoa! The girl with the potion books٫ I really like her!" Grim blurted out. Damn٫ that was way too quick. You were not helping him plan any Twisted Wonderland-adjacent Vegas wedding.
"What's she doing in a boys' school?!" Deuce practically shouted.
"You two are such morons. There aren't girls officially enrolled here (besides ___)٫" Ace fussed at the two. Pot once again calling the kettle black٫ but you kept that comment to yourself this time. Grim and Deuce were flabbergasted.
"Speaking of girls٫ there's a portrait in the west hall who's a real beauty. Name's Rosaria. If you'd like to meet her٫ I'd be happy to introduce you. Maybe we can set something up?" Cater teased.
"A painting? Hard pass! I don't care how cute she is if she's two-dimensional!" Ace argued٫ but mumbled began to grumble to himself after٫ "Plus I'm pretty sure I already found my darling..." You could barely make out what he said٫ but he refused to repeat it when you asked. If Cater heard then you couldn't tell because they're were no hints in his expression saying if he did or not. He just kept poking the bear٫ though.
"Come on٫ man. No real yan would care how many dimensions their darling got! There's still that connection٫ y'know!" He soon did drop it in favor of giving more details about the dorm. "Anyway٫ they take vanity pretty seriously at Pomfiore. It's basically a dorm full of models. Their housewarden has 5٫000٫000 followers on Magicam."
"Hey now٫ they're not all just pretty faces٫" Trey cut in. "The students at Pomfiore are among the best at potions and crafting curses."
"Heh heh. True dat٫" the redhead agreed. "They are kinda scary٫ tho. Last I heard٫ their last housewarden treats his darling as basically just a living doll. Poor thing started acting like one too..." What?! If Rook got a hold of you٫ would he do that to you? You didn't want to think about it...
"Next٫ we have Ignihyde..." he rambled on. "Their armbands are blue and black٫ but I dont see any around here. They tend not to be the most outgoing students. Even I don't have a single friend from that dorm. They're kind of the polar opposite of us sunny٫ fun-loving Heartslabyuls."
"So they're gloomy and miserable?" Grim deadpanned.
"Hey٫ no need to put it like that! They just have a reputation for being quiet and serious٫ is all٫" Trey chided again. He kinda reminded you of a parent or older sibling correcting a kid to act nice. "That dorm tends to attract magical-energy engineers and students who are good with tech."
"TBH٫ they're pretty stalkery. Especially with their darlings. They leave their creepy hidden cameras and listening devices everywhere..." Cater whined. You were already way too familiar with that watched feeling than you liked. But from a creepy Pomfiore student٫ not an Ignihyde one.
"And that just leaves... Diahonyalara٫ was it?" Deuce hesitantly questioned. You weren't for sure either٫ but you definitely knew that was wrong.
"You were off to a good start٫ and then you rammed right into the guardrails. It's 'Diasomnia'٫" Ace corrected.
"I know that! I just misspoke٫ alright?" Deuce countered٫ try to save face. You patted his shoulder out of pity and that seemed to cheer him back up a little.
"Diasomnia House is٫ hm... Ah٫ look over there. Those guys in the special seating area٫" Cater made sure all attention was back on him. "You can tell from the neon green and black armbands. They're basically campus celebrities. The vibe they give off makes it real hard for regular schmucks like us to even approach them. And their housewarden is that times a thousand." There were three guys where he was talking about. They all looked so pale it seemed that they hadn't seen the sun in years. The shorter boy in the middle looked sorta out of place between the other two serious-looking boys.
"There's a little kid in that group!" Ace pointed out.
"Ah٫ we do get some child prodigies here٫" Trey replied٫ "But that guy there's no kid. He's a junior like us. Name's—"
"Lilia. Lilia Vanrouge." WHAT THE FUCK?! You nearly shrieked. How the hell did he suddenly appear all the way over here?! And how is he floating upsidedown?! Why is he floating upsidedown?
"H-he just teleported!" Grim yelped٫ clutching onto you about as tight as you were holding him.
"I understand my apparent age interests you? As this bespectacled fellow accurately noted..." Lilia was not right-side-up and right behind you٫ Ace٫ Deuce٫ and Grim. "Despite my fresh-faced٫ boyish good looks٫ it would be inaccurate to call me a 'child.'" He booped your nose with an amused grin٫ especially entertaining by how you scrunched up your face. He was muttering to himself about something being cute.
"'Fresh-faced٫' he says..." you overheard Trey mutter to himself in exasperation.
"You need not gawk at us from afar. You may feel free to speak with us directly٫" Lilia invited٫ "We are schoolmates٫ are we not? All of us at Diasomnia House welcome you without reservation."
"And yet٫ those guys over there aren't exactly rolling out the red carpet in terms of approachability..." Deuce observed aloud.
Lilia chuckled before replying٫ "Forgive me for appearing above you during your meal. I do hope we can speak again." He lowered his voice in a hushed tone and whispered into your ear٫ "Don't be a stranger. Darlings as yourself are quite special to our kind~..." You whipped your head around٫ but he was gone. How'd he know that? You made a mental note to be weary of that guy.
"Their table has got to be over twenty yards away from ours. And they overheard our conversation?" Ace was also recovering from shock apparently. "That's WAY creepy!"
"Well… Diasomnia House does have a bit of a reputation for having lots of special students٫" Trey hesitantly offered. "Some of them are extremely talented at magic. Their housewarden٫ Malleus Draconia٫ is considered to be one of the five best mages in the world."
"Malleus is reeeeal bad news. Though I suppose the same could be said of our own dear housewarden."
"No kidding! He collared me for eating one slice of tart! All his rule obsession is outta control!" Ace ranted٫ unaware of the shadow looming over him.
"My 'rule obsession' is 'outta control٫' is it?" The boy behind him repeated. You guessed that be Riddle. You tried to get Ace to shut up by hitting his arm٫ but he was already in too deep even if he did.
"You bet it is. Riddle's just a petty tyrant who leans into the whole 'rules' schtick as a pretext to keep everyone under his puny thumb!"
"Ace! Behind you!" Deuce finally warned. Only then did Ace notice.
"Bwah?! Housewarden!" The idiot practically shrieked. Riddle looked very unamused.
"Hey٫ Riddle! What's shakin'٫ pal? You're lookin' adorbs٫ as always!" Cater tried to smooth it over٫ but Riddle wasn't having it.
"Hmph. Cater٫ keep running that mouth and you'll lose it—along with the rest of your head٫" Riddle sharply stated. All you could think about was how you might have to deal with Ace in your rundown dorm for until graduation.
"Sorry٫ sorry! My bad!" Cater put his hand up in a surrender motion. You just thought about how you would have to deal with no free space or breathing room if Ace didn't go back. You already felt the claustrophobia.
"Myah?! You're the guy who put that stupid collar on me at the orientation ceremony!" Grim angrily pointed out. You just thought about horrifying and exhausting having to be in charge of a boy is٫ a troublemaker of his caliber too.
"And you're the new students who were nearly expelled the other day٫" Riddle observed. "I'll ask that you not refer to my signature spell as a 'stupid collar.' The headmage's habit of tolerating rulebreakers like you is going to send this entire campus spiraling into chaos one day. Those who break the rules should have their heads removed immediately٫ without exception." There was no way you were going to share your new found personal space with a messy٫ stubborn guy!
"Dude٫ seriously? This guy looks like a wimp٫ but talks like a monster!" Ace grumbled.
"The headmage may have forgiven you٫ but if you break any further rules٫ I assure you I will not٫" the housewarden left no room for disagreement. You kicked Ace and whisper-yelled at him to apologize.
"So٫ uh٫ listen٫ housewarden٫ sir… Any chance I could get you to remove this collar?" Was he serious. That wasn't even an apology!
"I had intended to remove it once you'd taken an opportunity to reflect upon your crimes٫" Riddle answered٫ "But I've not detected so much as a hint of remorse in the foolishness I've heard you spout today. So I think I'll let you keep that for a while." All hope you had of kicking Ace out was shattered. They may have to lock you up for murder. You honestly blocked out the rest of his rant and their conversation after that. There was no way you were sharing your space with any freaky yanderes! Even if it was Ace٫ you still weren't entirely sure you could trust them.
"Hey٫ ___٫you alright?" Deuce put a hand on your arm. You snapped out of it and nodded٫ telling him not to worry.
"Speaking of which—are you still not gonna let me into the dorm until I buy a tart٫ Cater?" Ace questioned. Yes! Great question!
"Don't @ me٫ but... yeah. That's rule 53٫ so my hands are tied٫" Cater sighed. Damn it! "Also٫ Riddle always looks forward to having the first slice of a tart. So if you want him to forgive you٫ you had better bring a whole tart!"
"What happened to 'We're all from the same dorm٫ let's try to get along?' Throw me a bone here!" Ace complained.
"That's one thing. This is another٫" the evil ginger tried to excuse.
"A whole tart has gotta be pretty expensive٫" Deuce commented with a sigh.
"Seriously? I don't have that much money!" If he didn't have the money٫ then you'd make him get the money. You didn't really care how.
"Then why not make one yourself? Trey made those three tarts by hand٫ after all٫" Cater suggested. Ace started praising Trey٫ probably trying to butter him up.
"Heh٫ I do appreciate that. We do have most of the stuff you'd need٫ but..." Trey started. "I'm afraid I'll need something from you in return." Thankfully٫ he did not want money. He did٫ however٫ want physical labor done. Boo... Riddle had been wanting a chestnut tart٫ so he needed someone to gather a ton of chestnuts. There was no doubt in your mind that you would have to help. When asked how many٫ Trey said two or three hundred. You thought you saw the light for a second.
"And they're all gonna need to be boiled٫ shelled٫ and pureed٫" Trey explained.
"Alright٫ I'm gonna head out٫" Grim declared.
"I'm leaving too٫" Deuce joined.
"I'd rather not..." you droned off.
"You heartless cowards!" Ace shouted.
"Hold up! Haven't you ever heard that food tastes better if you make it with your friends?" Cater tried getting you all on board. "This'll be a memory to treasure! It could even be your chance to make a splash as a cooking blogger!"
"Don't tell Riddle٫ but chestnut tarts are at their tastiest when eaten right out of the oven٫" Trey admitted٫ "And the only people who get to experience that culinary privilege are the ones who make it." Honestly٫ the idea of a yummy treat did kinda sway your opinion.
"Well٫ when you put it that way... Come on٫ humans٫ let's do this!" The little glutton seemed to have a whole tune change at the mention of getting food. Trey told you how he heard there were tons of chestnuts in forest behind the botanical garden. You all decided to meet up there after last period.
Towards the end of lunch٫ you somehow managed to break off from the others to find Riddle. If this plan didn't work out٫ you needed a back up. You eventually did find him alone٫ drinking tea just as the Queen's rules say to.
"Riddle!" You called out to him as you rushed over. Once in front of him٫ you clasped your hands together bowed you head towards him. "I'm so sorry for their behavior! I'm the one who's supposed to be in charge of Grim as prefect٫ and I've also been around Ace and Deuce a lot lately and I should've made sure they were acting right! Please forgive them!" This was your plan. Sucking up to the point of pity. Maybe he'll feel bad enough for you and take Ace back. Just then٫ you heard him sigh. Was it working?
"There's no need for your apologies. None of that is you fault so it'd be cruel to punish you for it." Huh? Was this really the same guy from earlier? You peered up at him. He signaled for you to sit with him. "Truthfully٫ I should apologize to you for accidentally handing that rulebreaker off to you. It must be unnerving as a darling to have a yandere staying in the same space as you." How—how do people keep finding out?! It's only been three on their own٫ but that's three too many! He must've noticed your unease because he began to explain. "You resemble the main traits of a darling far too much. Anyone who pays close enough attention can easily tell٫ but it seems as if everyone in the school is too absorbed in themselves."
"You won't—...tell٫ right?" You nervously glanced at him.
"Of course not. If word got out then there'd be utter chaos. So no٫ I won't tell٫" Riddle's explanation relieved a few of your worries. Anyways٫ back to trying to suck up so he takes Ace back٫ or at least goes easier on you. You did not want to end up like those other students even if you don't have magic to lose.
"I'm honestly quite interested in the Queen of Hearts' rules myself. They all seem kind of complicated٫ though٫ from what I've heard. So٫ I was wondering if you would mind helping me learn them like the other Heartslabyul students?" you pleaded. You weren't proud of it٫ but you needed Ace out. You noticed Riddle perk up at your request before clearing his throat.
"Well٫ I wouldn't mind helping teach them to you if you're truly that interested. I believe you can't attend your last period class since darlings are not permitted to know what it teaches٫ correct?" You nodded at his question. "I just so happen to have a free period then٫ also. We can meet in the library during that time twice a week so I can help teach you. We can even start today٫ how's that?"
"That sounds perfect! Thank you٫ Riddle!" You clasped your hands over his own with a big smile. "I should probably get going now٫ though. Bye!" You waved to him as you rushed off to your next class. A slight smile began to form on Riddle's lips٫ his cheeks heating up. Now that he thought about it٫ the Queen did always have her king by her side...
At last period٫ you dropped the three troublemakers off at their class before heading to the library. Riddle was in front of the building٫ waiting for you. You noticed he had some materials in his arms.
"I brought these because I assumed you don't have really have any good study materials of your own. Materials such as these are invaluable to any hardworking student٫" Riddle instructed٫ placing the stuff in your arms. You thanked him٫ which seemed to fluster him a bit. "There's really no need. I'm just doing my best to be a good upperclassman..." He trailed off before guiding you inside and to an open study room. You placed the stuff down on the table and sat down. He seemed completely different from how he was treating Ace earlier.
"This is a copy of the Queen of Hearts' rulebook. I have another one in my room so may keep this one٫" Riddle explained٫ sitting down next to you. "Now for your first lesson٫ we'll go over the first ten rules. Copy down each rule a dozen times and then I'll explain them to you in more detail." You gave him a look of betrayal٫ causing him to let out an actual٫ genuine laugh. It was a pretty laugh. That's the only way you could describe it. You were in slight awe of it. Frankly speaking٫ he was quite a pretty boy... "Heh٫ come now٫ I'm not that cruel٫" Riddle mused. "You need only rewrite them thrice." Better than a dozen times you guessed.
Every so often٫ you'd find yourself stealing glances at him. He seemed to be doing his own work while you did your little assignment. Like this٫ he seemed so...sweet. Once you were done٫ he began to explain the rule and the reason it was created. Every time you had a question٫ he would gently explain it to you. Was this really the same so-called tyrant?
"If you really want to learn more about her majesty and her rules٫ I encourage you to attend tomorrow's Unbirthday party٫" Riddle invited. "Parties such as this were the Queen's pride and joy. She adored them almost as much as her darling. Plus٫ it'd be quite rude to decline a personal invitation٫" he joke٫ a small smirk on his face.
"Well then٫ I suppose I might just accept٫" you joked back. You looped you pinky around his. "It's a promise." Riddle seemed shocked for a second before once again smiling.
"I'll hold you to it٫" he promised in return. You glanced at the time. It was already about time for you to meet up with the others. You quickly got up and began grabbing your stuff.
"I gotta go! Bye٫ see you tomorrow٫" you waved as you rushed off.
"Heh...how childish..." Riddle mused to himself once you left. You still had so much he needed to help you learn.
"Whoa! There really are a ton of chestnuts just layin' around. I'm gonna be livin' large on chestnut tarts! Mmm!" Grim announced upon finding the place. "Let's get grabbin'—YOWCH! Myah! The chestnut spines pricked my paws!" You kneeled down to the little direbeast's height and expected his paws.
"Mwah! All better٫" you reassured him with a smile after kissing his paws. Grim looked at you in awe٫ his eyed practically sparkling.
"Ow٫ I think I pricked my hand too٫" Ace lied٫ horribly you might add. You rolled your eyes at him.
"I don't think we can do this with our bare hands. And we need something to put them in٫ too٫" Deuce thought aloud٫ pulling Ace away from you by the back of the collar.
"Maybe we can find some supplies in the botanical garden?" Ace wondered.
"Let's take a look." You all followed after Deuce. On the inside٫ the garden was huge. You all decided to split up to look for the groundskeeper.
"Hey٫ come take a look at this!" Grim called you over to where he ran ahead. "There's a ton of fruit growing here! Smells like they're ripe٫ too!" You started to fuss at him not to pick anything when you accidentally stepped on something.
"Ouch!" The voice was deep and rough. It didn't really notice and just kept walking. The mysterious voice angrily called out to you٫ "Hey! You got some nerve steppin' on my tail and just walkin' away!" You turned to see a tall man with long brown hair. He also had animal ears and a tail٫ that you were now sure was what you had just stepped on. Whoops.
"Are you the groundskeeper? Not sure you oughta be talkin' to students that way٫ pal٫" Grim chided.
"Ain't nothin' worse than bein' in the middle of a good nap and havin' some jerk step on your tail٫" the guy complained. Seriously٫ what is his problem?
"Sorry٫ but in case you didn't notice٫ it's called a walkway. You know٫ where people walk." You crossed your arms over your chest. How many jerks were you gonna run into today. The comment only seemed to amuse him٫ however.
"You... I know you. You're that herbivore from orientation who couldn't use magic." He got closer to you and started to sniff you. What the hell?! You started to back away out of muscle memory٫ but he grabbed your wrist to stop you. "Huh٫ it's true. You don't smell of magic at all. Well٫ can't say it'd be much fun to hurt someone so helpless. Still gotta do somethin'٫ though٫" he mused٫ grinning at you like prey. He pulled your forearm closer to him. "No one gets to stomp on my tail and just walk away without payin' the price. I'm in a bad mood on account of bein' woken up from my nap٫ too. That's gonna cost you extra."
"You're the moron who was sleeping in the middle of the path! So٫ if anything٫ it's your fault!" You argued back with him. He looked genuinely surprised that you argued back. His expression quickly changed back to one of amusement at your defiant attitude.
"___! Cheese it!" Grim shouted٫ trying to pull you by you're free hand.
"Leona! There you are!" There was a new voice٫ and he called the first guy "Leona." That must've been his name. You looked past Leona and saw a more scrawny looking boy. He was also a beastman٫ at least that's what you think they were called. He had scruffy٫ dirty blonde hair and a vibe that made you want to keep tabs on your metaphorical wallet.
"Heh?" Leona scoffed٫ turning his head towards the new boy.
"I knew I'd find you here! We got after-school classes today٫ remember?"
"Ugh٫ now I've got this guy on my tail..." he groaned.
"Leona٫ you've already had to repeat one year. If you get held back again٫ we'll be in the same grade!"
"Oh put a sock in it already. I'm tired of all yer yappin'٫ Ruggie."
"Look٫ you think I like always being in your case?" Ruggie began to complain٫ "C'mon man. You act like it'd be hard for you. You could skate through life if you'd just TRY. Come on! Let's just go already!" You felt like you just heard a mom scold their child.
"Hrmph... Next time you stink up my territory٫ there's gonna be a price to pay٫ herbivores!" Leona threatened before walking off with Ruggie. You felt tempted to throw some more insults at him٫ but held your tongue.
"Myah! I don't like the sound of that! What is up with this nutso?" Grim complained to you. That guy was definitely not the groundskeeper.
"Yo٫ guys٫ we found baskets and tongs٫" Ace called out with Deuce right behind him.
"What in the world happened to you two?" Deuce questioned٫ examining you both.
"Oh٫ right٫ the chestnuts! We gotta gather those chestnuts so I can get my tart on!" Grim cried out before talking to you٫ "We'll fill 'em in on the crazy groundskeeper while we forage."
You both told the duo about the guy while you all picked chestnuts. They both agreed that there was no way he was the groundskeeper. Grim said how he was wearing Savanaclaw colors so that must've been what dorm he was from. You all did eventually finish foraging as you talked. Deuce took your basket٫ insisting he carry it all the way back to the kitchen for you no matter how much you tried to refuse. As you all walked back٫ you could practically already taste the delicious tart.
"Welcome back. Looks like you got plenty!" Trey greeted you all.
"Now you can make us some massive tarts!" Grim exclaimed٫ already drooling.
"Well٫ the bigger the tarts٫ the harder it'll be to peel all these nuts٫ so…good luck with that!" What. Both you and Grim looked at you senior like he lost his mind.
"We have to peel all of these…? Suddenly the whole room is spinning..." Deuce commented.
"Preparation is key to good baking٫" Trey stated. This tart was seeming less and less worth it.
"Yeah٫ yeah٫ I know. We've come this far. We're not giving up now!" The ginger next to you claimed. He must've learned French because you had no idea who this "we" is.
Apparently he was speaking English٫ sadly. Now you٫ him٫ and Grim had to manually peel these things while the other two got to do the easy way out again and use magic. Damn bastards...
"Just watch me wipe the floor with you even without magic!" Ace claimed٫ but you highly doubted it.
"You guys...mmph!…ftand back and munch watph a mafter!" The feline's greed sickened you. You heard about people with bottomless pits for stomachs٫ but damn.
"Hey! Quit stuffing your face full of the ingredients!" Ace scolded in irritation.
You all finally got half way through after a little while. They were honestly pretty hard to peel all of them. Ace seemed to be getting pretty good at it though.
"Look٫ ___! Look! A primo perf peel!" He began to show off to you.
"Wow٫ Ace. You're remarkably deft٫" Trey praised.
"Yeah٫ you're crazy good at that٫" you agreed. He all but puffed out his chest at your praise.
"I mean٫ one of us has to be. It sure ain't the furball or the tryhard٫" Ace grinned at you.
"Hey! My peels are perfectly fine٫ thank you. See?" Deuce was doing his best to show off٫ too. Ace had other plans.
"See? Like this٫" Ace instructed with his hands over your own as he guided them٫ taking up your full concentration. He kept doing that whenever he deemed he saw you struggling until you were all finished.
"That was the last one. We're all done!" Deuce began to celebrate.
"Very nice. Even the manual side managed to get through pretty quick٫" Trey began to praise.
"Well٫ duh. Any job's good as done if I'm on the case!" Your bottomless pit began to once again praise himself.
"All right! Next comes the straining٫" Trey informed. There's MORE?! Maybe you should've just let that Leona guy knock you out or whatever.
"There! Finally got 'em all pureed!" Ace leaned back against the counter like he was exhausted.
"My arm is killing me…" Deuce mumbled to himself.
"Nice work. It'll be all the sweeter for your pain!" Trey put his hand on your head in a sort of pat. You were beginning to think he was some sort of sadist.
"The smell alone already has me droolin'…" You picked Grim up into your arms so he wouldn't eat all your hard work.
"I just need to add butter and sugar to the chestnut paste٫ and a sensible splash of oyster sauce—that's my secret ingredient!" Trey ruffled your hair a bit before heading over to where he placed the mixing bowl.
"Oyster sauce?!" There was only one word to describe how you all felt: Flabbergasted. Nevermind٫ there's another one: horrified.
"Yep. The umami of the oysters gives the cream a deep savory flavor. I use this one here: Walrus-brand Young Oyster Sauce. All the best bakers use it in their tarts." He showed you all a dark glass bottle with a cartoonish drawing on the label. There was no way he was for real. You knew some sweets had salt to balance out the flavor٫ but that was way too much salt!
"Really? But isn't oyster sauce like٫ super salty?" Deuce wondered. Maybe he should've been born a blonde...
"Some folks put chocolate into their curry٫ don't they? Maybe it's the same idea." Ace too?! Your friends are morons. Either that or you're the dumb one for not trusting Trey.
"Pfft… Ah ha ha ha!" Trey practically cackled٫ nearly hunched over laughing. "I'm totally lying! No one in their right mind would put oyster sauce into a pastry." So٫ you were right!
"What?! So you were just yankin' our chain?" Ace questioned.
"Ah ha ha! I mean٫ if you'd used your brain٫ you'd have realized how ridiculous it was!" Your senior relentlessly teased the two. "Let that be a lesson to you. Don't believe everything you hear."
"Feh. And here I thought that human was actually somewhat decent." You couldn't help but agree with Grim. Nobody here seemed completely decent.
"Next٫ I'll put the cream…Oh!" Trey looked around the counter for something.
"What's wrong?" Ace put a hand on his hip.
"You guys gathered so many chestnuts that we may have overdone it with the chestnut paste٫" Trey began to sigh. "I don't think we have enough cream to mix in."
Deuce was the first to volunteer to help. "Then I'll go buy some. Do they sell it at the school store?"
"They sell pretty much everything٫ so…probably. Can I have you pick me up a few other things? I need two cartons of milk٫ two packs of eggs٫ some muffin cups٫ five cans of fruit..." Trey had started to list.
"I don't think I'll be able to carry all that back. ___٫ could you come with me?" Deuce pleaded. How he was looking at you reminded you of a big puppy. You were guilted into agreeing.
"Then I'm comin' too! I'm getting dizzy from all this stirrin'. I need a break!" Grim announced٫ leaving no room for disagreement. In the corner of your vision٫ you thought you saw Deuce scowl a little when Grim demanded he join.
After shopping٫ you three began to head straight back to the kitchen. Grim had started to complain about Deuce being cheap due to how all you guys bought was the stuff on the list. Deuce٫ being Deuce٫ had started to argue back until he noticed you struggling.
"Hmph. ___٫ looks like you got the bag with all the cans. That must be heavy. Let me take that one. I've got a little trick for carrying heavy bags." Without a word from you٫ he took the bag and began carrying it with the other ones he was holding.
"There's a trick for that?" You unconsciously tilted your head to the side in curiosity as you readjusted the bags in your grasp.
"Yeah. My mom always used to stock at sales٫ and the bags would get ridiculously heavy. I was the only man in the house٫ so I got to do all the heavy lifting٫ and— Oh٫ sorry. I didn't mean to monopolize the conversation." He bashfully looked away.
"It's fine. Plus٫ I never hear about your home life٫" you smiled at him in reassurance. "I'm curious٫ though. What about your dad? From what I've heard٫ yanderes can't bare to be away from their darling."
"Oh٫ well... My hometown's a highly pro-darling area. My father was declared unfit to care for my mom٫ so the darling rights agency helped remove her from him when I was just an infant..." Deuce trailed off٫ avoiding meeting your gaze.
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to bring up bad memories..." You felt terrible for making him remember such a horrible thing. His solemn expression seemed to melt away when he met your gaze again.
"Don't worry 'bout it. It's all in the past٫ and me and my mom are much better off now due to the organization's funding help." Deuce playfully nudged his shoulder against yours.
"Well٫ I'm glad to hear that٫" you commented before nudging him back. "Also sounds like you took good care of your mom."
"No٫ it wasn't like that at all. The truth is٫ I— Owww!" Deuce was cut off upon being bumped into and accidentally dropped the grocery bags on the ground. To top it off٫ eggs managed to break and splatter all over the bag.
"Myah! The eggs!" Grim yelped.
"T-the carton of eggs is totally smashed! And now the bag's dripping egg goo everywhere٫" Deuce was practically frozen as he inspected the damage.
"Ouch! Why don't you watch where you're— Hey!You're the jerks who broke the egg yolk on my carbonara!" Great٫ these guys again.
"I've had about enough of you punks. You need to learn your place!"
Deuce remained quiet for a second for speaking. "You're the ones who darted out at us from around a corner! And you picked a fight with us at lunch over an egg that you were still totally able to eat! And now you've destroyed six of OUR eggs!"
"Yeah! He's right!" Grim chimed in.
"So what? You sayin' that was our fault?" Wow٫ you really wanted to punch that guy in his smug face.
"I am. Please reimburse us for the eggs. And then apologize to the chickens٫" Deuce demanded٫ not in the least bit scared.
"Ooh٫ look who's got his big boy pants on. You sure are makin' a big deal outta some stupid eggs." This one had an even more punchable face.
"What?" Deuce clenched his fists.
"They haven't even touched the ground٫ so they're still edible. Quit whinin'."
"You should thank us for savin' ya the trouble of crackin' 'em!" They both laughter. Their joke wasn't even that funny. If you had bought tomatoes then you would've thrown them at the two.
"That ain't funny٫" Deuce icily stated.
"I said٫ THAT AIN'T FUNNY." He was practically fuming. "You don't get to call my eggs stupid. You don't get to call ANY eggs stupid! Those eggs may not have gotten to be chick٫ but they were gonna make some amazing tarts! Do you get it yet? DO YOU?!"
"What is with this guy all of a sudden?!"
"You owe me six eggs. If ya ain't gonna pay me for em٫ then you're gettin' a bruise for each one!" What in the world had gotten into Deuce?!
"Are you serious right now?!"
"Buckle up٫ jerks!" Deuce pulled out his magic pen. This dual٫ he for sure seemed like he was gonna kill them. Deuce only stopped once you grabbed his arm.
"This guy's outta his mind!"
"Bwah! L-let's get outta here!"
The two of them٫ once again٫ ran away with their tails between their legs. You held onto Deuce so he wouldn't chase after them.
"Next time you eat an egg٫ you better apologize a hundred times٫ you buncha chumps!" You did your best to try to get him to cool down.
"Whoooooa..." Grim watched from the sidelines. Deuce was panting heavily until he snapped out of whatever came over him.
"What's wrong?" Grim questioned.
"I did it again٫ didn't I...? ARGH! I was dead-set on becoming an honor student this time٫ too!" Deuce's emotions did a whole flip.
"When I was in middle school٫ I was pretty wild٫" he started to explain. "I cut school all the time and got in fights." Well٫ that didn't seem too terrible for a boy that age. "I called my teachers names٫ hung out with bullies٫ bleached my hair..." Okay٫ that wasn't that great٫ but still not that uncommon. "I tore around tight curves on my blastcycle..." What the hell was that? "I'd show off my magic to kids who couldn't use it yet...I was a total punk." Alright٫ that was was a bit of a dick move.
"So you were only a little more annoying than you are now?" Grim commented. You did notice he kinda had that sorta vibe...
"But one night٫ I saw my mom on the phone with my grandma. She was trying to hide from me٫ but I saw her٫ and I could tell she was in tears. She was saying how she must have been a horrible mom٫ and that maybe she should have never tried to raise me by herself. That had nothin' to do with it! She hadn't done anything wrong. It was all me. When the carriage came to take me to Night Raven College٫ she was so happy for me. I decided then and there that this time٫ I wouldn't do anything to make her cry. This time٫ I'd become an honor student—someone she could be proud of. And I already messed it all up!"
You couldn't help but drop the bags you were holding٫ as well٫ and hug him. He went stiff for a second but tightly hugged you back after.
"I mean٫ did ya٫ though? Is putting up with jerks what honor students do?" Grim asked. For once٫ he said something smart.
"Even I٫ Grim the Magnaminous٫ was ready to pound those losers into tuna plates! You just got to 'em first."
"Just make sure you don't overdo it٫" you warned.
"You guys…" Deuce's grip on you tightened a bit as he began to smile. And to be completely honest٫ it felt nice seeing those guys get what they had coming to 'em again.
"Heh heh... I guess you're right! I just hope those chicks can rest in peace."
"Those eggs weren't the type that hatch."
"Wha— WHAAAAAT?! Are you kidding me?!"
You three had to go back to the store to replace what broke before finally making it back to the kitchen.
"Ah٫ you're finally back! Took ya long enough٫" Ace jabbed as soon as you walked through the door.
"Let's get this tart-y started!" Trey joked with a grin. "The last part is to put the chestnut cream we made on the tart."
"And then we can chow down٫ right?! Consider me PUMPED!" The knee-height bottomless pit cheered.
"Same here. Time to go and bang out this tart!" Ace joined in.
"Good to see your eye're on the prize. Let's keep that momentum going!" Trey announced to you all. Ace and Grim cheered in agreement. Deuce still looked pretty bummed out about the chicken scenario٫ though.
You were doing your best to mix the cream in the bowl. You heard Trey chuckle at your attempts as he walked up behind you.
"You stir it like this٫" he instructed. He had his hands over your own as he helped you whisk the cream. You٫ honestly٫ felt pretty comfortable like this. He was warm and very gentle as he led you to properly stir. "Now you're getting it. Good job." He gave you a warm smile. His praise made your cheeks heat up a bit. You heard the other three bickering٫ but every time you tried to see about what٫ Trey would somehow grab your attention again or tell you to pay attention to what you were working on. It felt like Trey was paying more attention to you than the two that he was mainly in charge of as vice. Well٫ they did seem to be a bit to busy arguing with each other the whole time to be properly taught what to do.
"That'll do it٫ Prefect!" Ace declared.
"Myum! That looks amazing!" Grim was nearly drooling.
"Once we stick the marrons glacés on top٫ we're all done." Trey examined.
"Oooh! Mememe! Lemme do it!" You didn't think it'd be a very good idea to give Grim that task.
"You better not screw this up at the last possible moment٫" Ace scolded.
"Relax. I got this! BAM!" Grim actually did it. You were pleasantly surprised. "Mya ha ha! One flawless chestnut tart٫ courtesy of Grim٫ master chef!" Now that was reaching.
"Okay٫ now we sprinkle on a little powdered sugar٫ and…" Trey trailed off.
"Finished!" Ace and Grim began celebrating.
"Fin…ished…" Deuce mumbled.
"Did something happen to him while you were shopping?" Ace questioned.
"He's still in shock٫" you shrugged.
"For sixteen years٫ I was so sure…"
"Yeah٫ whatever. I'm pretty beat. Making tarts sure takes it outta you." Ace stretched out before leaning against you like a tired little kid.
"Hey fam! You look wrecked. Are the tarts done? Ooh٫ those look sooo cute!" Oh look who finally decided to show up. "Lemme snap a quick pic for Magicam!" Cater started taking pictures of the tarts on his phone like he helped make them.
"What٫ NOW you decide to show up?" Ace seemed to be full of energy now.
"Freeloaders don't get rewards٫" you crossed your arms with a glare.
"Oh٫ don't be like that! I just came to see how hard my little newbs were working." Cater ruffled your hair.
"It's tough work if you're not used to it. But there's no better cure for the ails of fatigue than something sweet from the oven! Help yourself to some of this tart." Trey offered.
"Pretty funny how you managed to show right when it was ready to eat٫ Cater٫" Ace pointed out.
"Heh heh. Someone's gotta be the official taste tester!"
"Mmmm...That smells so good..." Grim was practically floating to the tart like a cartoon character. "Glossy chestnuts on top٫ fluffy cream below… I can't wait another second٫ I'm going in!"
You all took a bit and were pleasantly surprised. It was delicious! Everyone began to praise the treat as they ate their own slice.
"Oh٫ Trey! You gotta do the thing٫" Cater begged.
"Uh٫ wanna fill me in here?" Ace asked. In response٫ Trey asked everyone their favorite food and got a multitude of answers in response.
"All right٫ you've got it… Let's 'Paint the Roses'!"
"Huh? What does that mean?" Deuce was the one who asked that time.
"Take another bite of your tart and see٫" Trey suggested٫ and you did just that. This time٫ it tasted just like your favorite food that you just said. It seemed the same happened with the others too.
"Neat trick٫ eh? That's gotta be a hit when Trey's having tea with his future darling٫" Cater added.
"It's very impressive. Is changing flavors your signature spell٫ Trey?" Deuce inquired.
"Technically٫ it's 'overwriting characteristics.' I can change taste٫ color٫ smell٫ whatever. It only lasts for a little while. But it is kinda like covering up the real thing hence 'painting٫'" he explained. Sounded kinda creepy to you. He could just hide things in plain sight without it being noticed.
"If I had magic like that٫ I could be eatin' canned tuna every meal of every day! That's way better than Riddle's stupid collar magic!" Grim announced.
"Oh٫ that's in a whole other league. His signature spell is a weapon. Mine's just childish prestidigitation٫" Trey replied with a wry smile. "Speaking of Riddle—it's too late to give him these now. Let's call it a day and do it tomorrow. Don't forget that tomorrow's the unbirthday party. You don't want to be late."
"___٫ can I crash with you again? It doesn't sound like I'll be allowed back in my own dorm tonight." Ace began to beg.
"Again٫ seriously?" Cater sighed.
"It isn't right to keep mooching off of ___, Ace٫" Deuce scolded.
"Yeah٫ it ain't! If you wanna stay tonight٫ you gotta pay for the privilege! Ten cans of tuna!" Grim demanded. You'd personal rather money...
"What?! Guess I'm sleeping outside٫then." He crossed his arms in a huff.
"Why don't you go and stay at ___'s dorm too٫ Deuce٫ so you can keep and eye on him? As vice housewarden٫ I can issue you a sleepover pass٫" Trey suggested. What?! More people invading your space?!
"That's our Trey٫ always spoiling the newbs. What fun for you. Ooh٫ maybe I'll come too! What do you say٫ ___?" Cater leaned back into your personal space with puppy eyes. You say "Hell No!" Only mentally٫ though.
"No pass for you." Thank you٫ Trey! You will remember this.
"Aww. Sad trumpet… Womp womp wooomp." Cater deflated.
"Sorry to dump them all on you, ___. At least it's just for tonight." You could only agree٫ feeling obligated to help the two like someone would with two little dumb dogs on the side of the road.
You had told them to sleep on the couch for the night. Somehow٫ though٫ it ended up with the four of you all sharing one bed with you in the middle. You were trapped. Better hope you don't need to get up for any reason during the night.
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