#rose lopez

  Ramshackle was bustling with the sounds of people. The huge party has since died down and now all that’s left are those who chose to stay the night at the ghostly dorm. A few people were scattered all over, some were putting out the sleeping bags in the common room, others were preparing snacks in the kitchen, a certain couple was bickering over how to set up a projector, while another was setting up a pile of board and card games.

  “Should we really set up Rose’s spot? Won’t she be wherever Jack is? Including his sleeping bag.” Epel groaned, “Yes. Means more room for me.” Rory replied, “Focus on getting the projector working.” “Well I would but I’m dating an idiot.” Ace’s mouth fell open in shock, “How could you-what if that hurt my feelings?” 

  “Did it?”

  “…no.”

  “Then you’re fine.”

  Rory gave the projector one last smack before it started working, at the same time Rose, Jack, and Vil all came to the common room holding trays of various snacks to appeal to everyone. “You guys know how to be loud.” Jack pointed out, Ace and Deuce pointed at each other, “His fault!” Rose laughed at the twos antics and plopped down next to Rory. Her so called, soul sibling. They came to Twisted Wonderland around the same time and have been inseparable ever since. 

  Everyone found a spot around the room, both on the chairs and the floor. Small chatter filled would-be silence and kept the atmosphere friendly and warm.

  After the first movie they took a break and brought out some of the games that Blanche and Vil had curated together. When Rory started up the record player, chaos begun. “UNO Championship may now commence!” Rose announced. The game went smoothly until the ones playing noticed Ace’s cards disappearing a little too fast. “Ace…” Rory quirked a brow, “Where are your cards going?” He asked. “Yeah, you had a way bigger pile on your last turn.” Rose added. Ace scoffed, “This is all of my cards! I’ve been putting them in the pile.” He explained but, no one was having it. “Pat him down, he’s stashing them somewhere.” And at Deuce’s recommendation, Rose immediately leapt at him.

  Rory found the cards under the pillow that Ace was lounging on so they were all returned and he got the entire built up pile. Yet, through the fiasco everyone forgot to keep an eye on the one who actually had 1 card left, Blanche. 

  The next card game they played was Phase 10, this was a grave mistake. Because now, Rose and Silver were fighting over the scores. Physically fighting. “Quit copying me!” “I’m just good at the game. We’re tied!” They went for each other’s throats until Jack and Sebek pulled them apart. “You two need to be separated!” And separated they were, to opposite ends of the table.

  Afterwards most of the group got ready for bed. Silver helped Blanche braid her hair, Rory made Ace do skincare with him, and Rose conned Jack into letting her have his cardigan. Normal couple things. Except Rory and Rose weren’t tired yet.

  So Rory kindly asked Ace if he could borrow his phone to watch stuff on. With Rose partially laying on top of Jack and Rory taking up what was originally Rose’s spot, they watched romcoms until eventually passing out.

  The cafeteria was as loud as usual yet one table was unnervingly quiet. Deuce nervously picked at his food before groaning and directing his attention to his friend, whom was busy glaring at one of their upperclassmen from across the room. “Rory, you’re doing that thing again.” Without looking away he asked, “What thing?” Ace replied, “For someone who hates eye contact, you’re terrible at remembering to blink.” Rory’s eyes stung as he blinked. “I don’t know how they do it.” He spoke up. Ace and Deuce looked around but couldn’t figure out who he was talking about. Jack, who was sitting across from them at the table, kicked their legs. “Now you’re both staring.” He pointed out, “No we’re not!” The duo answered in unison.

  Rory focused back on his food, “How do people like Zagarius and Vil get up every morning and look gorgeous for the day?” He wondered.  “If you’re so curious then go ask one of them.” Ace said with a mouth full of food. Rory picked up Grim from his lap and plopped him onto Rose’s. She was trying to eat her food in peace but happily snuggled close to Grim. He wordlessly stood up and began making his way towards the tall hound beastman across the room. 

  The others at the table looked at each other in a panic. 

  “I was kidding!” 

  “Where are you going?”

  “He’s going to get in so much trouble.”

  Ignoring the others, Rory pushed past rambunctious students until he stood right in front of NRC’s infamous Zagarius Hekkate. Despite them both wearing a variation of platforms and heels, Zagarius still towered over him. Rory also now realized he didn’t plan out what to say to him. 

  The beastman quirked a brow, “Do you need something?” He asked. His tone seemed neutral enough. Rory averted his gaze and instead looked at the floor. Not out of nerves but, habit. “Uhm…” something. Something. Some- “How long does it take for you to get ready every morning?” “Pardon?” 

  A pause. 

  Until finally Rory cringed at his own wording, “I’m so sorry. That sounds so weird, I’m going now.” He turned to leave when Zagarius finally spoke up, “Was it my makeup or my hair that piqued your interest?” Rory froze, “What-“ 

  A new face bounded over, “Zagger is a pretty puppy with a soft spot for his juniors.” Rory looked at the person who seemed to enter their conversation herself. He recognized her as a Pomefiore student alongside Blanche. Zagarius sighed as he greeted him, “Hello Carla, can I help YOU?” Carla covered his laugh, “Nope, but I overheard his question.” Rory internally facepalmed. Zagarius turned back towards Rory, “An hour. Between makeup, hair, and getting my belongings sorted out.” Rory nodded along, “Thanks. I uh…don’t understand how students like you and Vil can look so nice so early.” 

  A smirk graced the taller man’s face, “It’s only natural as a servant of the Shroud family to look their best.” His ears perked, “I would get going now.” “Why?” “For the bell is about to toll.” A moment passed and sure enough, the bell rang. Everyone began rushing around yet a voice broke through the crowd, “Come on Rory we’re gonna be late!” 

  Closing time at Monstro Lounge was a strangely calming time. Floyd swept the floors, Jade cleaned up the tables, and Agate washed the rest of the dishes. Azul, per usual, was stuffed in his office writing off whatever paperwork he had. Agate was drying a glass when Floyd came over mildly exasperated. He sat on one of the bar stools and flopped forward, resting his face on the counter. 

  Jade passed by putting the dishes in the sink, “Sit up Floyd, or later you’ll complain about your back hurting.” He warned. The latter mumbled something that only Agate caught. “Something about the bee shrimp in Ramshackle?” She finally spoke up. He shot up, “Yeah! Apparently little bee shrimp is pretty good at making coffee~ Maybe we can convince the boss to hire her for mornings.” Jade laughed him off. “Right, she’s a living fire hazard.” Agate piped in next. “A fire cracker? Is that what those are called?” Jade shrugged, “She could be.”

 Almost on queue, the personification of a fire bee came bounding into the lounge. “We’re closed!” Jade shouted before she fully came into view. Once he saw her he heaved a sigh. “I’ll get the fire extinguisher.” The young girl skipped a stair or two as she walked over to the bar. “Hi octo-gang!” Her smile was so bright it could’ve blinded someone. “Bee shrimpy!” Floyd exclaimed and gestured to the empty stool next to him. She happily plopped down and Agate offered her an awkward smile. “Hello Rose, want anything? I’m washing the dishes but I don’t mind fixing up something quick.”

  The Ramshackle prefect pretended to think over her answer, “Coffee!” She replied, “And add some cinnamon. Trust me, it’s life changing.” 

  Agate nodded and turned around to brew the coffee. As she did she listened to Rose talk about her day. Various hijinx involved. “Did you hear that some of the Hekkate siblings blew up the alchemy lab?” Rose wondered. Agate hummed, “Probably the younger ones. Zagarius wouldn’t let that slide.” She thought over her next words, “They have such regal names and yet they go by cute nicknames. It’s almost endearing.” Rose nodded, “Mhm! I was talking to Blanche and Mak earlier, she was really trying to show them the bright side to using utensils and not biting people.” Her voice lowered to a whisper, “But I think biting is perfectly acceptable, I mean, I would bite Jack if I could.” 

  Agate let out a boisterous laugh, “Biting?! I still have the bite mark that Zagarius gave me last week during one of our fights.” Rose smiled again, “You laughed!” The other smiled and handed her a cup of coffee, “Of course I did. I don’t laugh often though so call it a marvel to behold.” Rose took a sip and Agate immediately saw from her face that the drink was good. “How often do you and Zagger duke it out?” She shrugged, “Every other week, we call it training.” “Mhmmm…and what about Kalim?” Agate froze as she raised the cup to her lips. She coughed into her free hand, “Let’s…change the subject.”