Tbh guys this is my first post since a very long hiatus, sooooo might be shit….. anywho enjoy
The aftermath of a long battle is always so quiet, the silent and careful calculation of everyone’s health, the scrambling to gather one’s wits and make sure the others are alright. The aftermath of destruction and adrenaline finally came to the forefront of the mind. And with another win stowed in their pocket, Caleb sighed deeply, the air smelling of fire, electricity, and something metallic that is uniquely blood. It was a great battle that got his blood pumping and mind racing, and it felt great because no one was injured fatally, a rarity for the Mighty Nein.
“Well, that was awesome.” As it usually always is, Beauregard is the one to break the silence, and the blunt, abrasive tone made Caleb chortle airily. It was perfect, Jester and Fjord checking in on Veth and Caduceus as a pair and laughing about the pose of one of their dead enemies. And you, you looked radiant; there was blood splatter on your cheeks and a burned handprint on your back, but the way the sun cascaded against your back made you look ethereal. Your beautiful eyes glance over everyone else before landing on him, landing on Caleb.
“Mein schatz.” As the words leave his mouth, a comfortable warmth spreads through his chest, the familiarity of your name on his lips, of your visage in his mind, you. And you smile back, that perfect, beautiful smile, the one that makes your eyes crinkle at the corner and your cheeks flush; only a smile for him. Relief, you’re alright, a little banged up, but nothing that sleep couldn’t fix, relief that you're here, relief that you're smiling and looking at him and beaming. Flowers are blossoming around your feet as a result of your magic, which is still ebbing off of you in delicate waves; you look angelic.
And the blood, not your blood. But the enemy's blood. It splattered around you, and on you, and you still look perfect. The stark dichotomy between how you smile sweetly at him and the carnage that surrounds you, like looking at a rabbit with blood around its maw.
But your smile falls, and your waving hand drops, and then you’re sprinting at him, your eyes are wide with fear. No, not fear, maybe dread? No, it isn’t quite that either. He doesn’t understand what’s happening, but even without consciously understanding, his body understands. The warmth pooling around his back instantly freezes over, the nerves setting alight with cool dread. He feels it.
And suddenly your dread is his too.
Because you can’t, you can’t possibly get here in time. He doesn’t want you to; he won’t allow it.
He can’t possibly lose you, too.
But you’ve always been too quick for your own good.
Before he could even yell, or shout, or scream, or beg you not to do what he knew you would. You were already there, already within a hairsbreadth of his face.
And he could feel you, your warm breath fanning against his cheek, and he could see you; the sweat rolling down the side of your forehead, the lively glint in your eyes, your very spirit which clings vibrantly to your body. He can see you down to the twinkle of your soul, the very point in which the two stars that collide make the supernova that is you. And he can see your beauty.
He doesn’t feel anything, but the impact of your build against his, that hard muscle of your body connecting with him.
And then there it is. Caleb can feel the vermillion splatter of your blood, and its warmth against his cheeks and nose and forehead; it’s as devastating as it feels. He can see the dagger lodged between the eighth and ninth rib, and near instantly, the numbers run in his mind: your odds of survival.
Caduceus can do something, anything.
The remaining enemy is simple to deal with; his broiling fury feels the same as the fire he can let loose from his fingertips. He can smell the char of flesh and the sickening, uniquely metallic blood smell that he knows is yours. Caleb doesn’t turn to look at you, even though he feels all of his friends rush past him, even though every fibre of his being screams at him to turn and help you. But what could he possibly do for you?
He gasps for air, his fists clenching at his sides—a panic attack.
When he turns, everyone is at your side or at least close. And their mouths are moving, but the ringing in his ears makes it too hard to hear exactly what they’re saying. Caleb’s world feels so small, or is it because his vision is tunneling? He feels sick.
Where you lie, flowers are blooming around you, a stark and upsetting contrast to the blood leaking from you, which stains the white petals and falls to the verdant green grass below.
And offhandedly, Caleb thinks that you look winsome like this.
And before he can truly realize what's happening, he’s cycling through thoughts faster than he can grasp them and take the time to understand what the said thoughts imply. His thoughts are frozen and singularly about you, but whirlwind too fast to even comprehend, akin to watching time move quickly past him while he's stuck and unable to think at all.
Being paralyzed.
And he doesn’t even know when he got to his knees, or when Veth put one hand on his shoulder and the other on his cheek, or how his face got so damp, either, and when did he get so lightheaded?
When Caleb comes to, he’s in an unfamiliar room, which isn’t his favorite way to wake up. He shoots up from his position and sees Veth, who’s sitting on the other side of a bed that he overlooked before, and you’re the one occupying it—your body, which is delicately breathing and bandaged and tucked neatly under the covers.
“You both have been out for ‘bout three hours now. They’re gonna be alright, CayCay.” His furrowed brows relax, and his forget-me-not blues meet Veth’s rich and warm coffee colored eyes, and the tightness in his chest is gone, because Veth has this look of certainty in her eyes that not even Caleb’s anxiety can fight against.
“Are they?”
“Okay? Yes. They’re okay, Caduceus fixed ‘em right up.” Veth always knows his every worry and qualms that he could even muster, but you’re alright, you’re here, and you’re breathing, and you’re okay. It feels like breathing after suffocating. And as if his head doesn’t hurt enough as is, tears pool at the bottom of his eyes; he tucks his head into his hand and quietly releases everything: his fear, his anguish, his guilt, and all of his rage.
The hand placed on his shoulder, he knows, isn’t Veth’s, too big, too warm, and the calluses are in all the wrong places; it's your hand. Shaky and not holding nearly enough of the natural strength that it usually does—but it's yours. His head shoots up from his hands, and yawning blue eyes stare at you, the scratches that litter your neck and face, the ugly green bruise forming around your left cheekbone; the tired smile that sprawls out on your lips, making the warmth of your face evident from the apples of your cheeks.
“Mein Feuer.” You. Your voice is rough and scratchy, the scratchy you would hear in the morning; the voice he's heard so many times before. He first feels anger, the kind one only feels when someone does something fantastically foolish. And then relief, and the anger cools to something less, something more agitated and something more protective; something more raw and instinctive. The heat of rage still bubbles in his chest, but seeing you, your open eyes don't apologize for saving him; they apologize for getting hurt. You’re sorry for what’s happened, but you would do it again.
“I’ll leave you two to it.” Veth’s chair scratches against the wooden flooring, and the slight sound of her shoes hitting the floor only fuels Caleb’s rising anxiety, but his eyes don’t leave yours. And even though the door clicks shut, neither of you breathes a word, the look you keep sharing speaks more than any words could.
“Caleb.”
“I know, it’s just….been a very long time since someone I’ve cared about has been so gravely injured. And seeing you like that, with—” You don’t allow any more words to spill, you place your hand on his cheek, his scruffy beard prickly against your skin, and he’s warm; always warm to the touch. Instinctively, he leans into your touch, his left hand cradling your hand while his right wraps around your wrist, feeling your pulse, searching for the metronomic beat of your heart beneath.
Tears sting at his eyes, and you can’t help but notice how beautiful he looks.
“Please, Schatz.” He takes your hand, which is still holding his cheek, and brings your knuckles to his lips, reverent and begging; he doesn’t know what he’s begging for. A promise perhaps?
“Come here.” It’s a gentle order, but firm enough to leave no room for opposition. You pull him softly by his hand to lie beside you, nearly on top of you; his weight is a comforting reminder that you’re still alive. Like it’s second nature, Caleb wraps his firm arms around you, squeezing you almost too tight, breathing you in. Your benign fingers threading through his pleasantly soft ginger hair, Caleb allows himself to burrow his face into your shoulder.
Nothing is fully fixed yet, and you imagine that after this, Caleb will be distraught with you, but for now, both of you remain safe in each other's arms.
"hnn—fuck," sam arches his body as you prod your tongue into the heat of his ass, pressing at the rim of his hole. it's savory and warm in the best way, and to have all six feet and five inches of sam winchester writhing below you in simple pleasure? you might come untouched from the thought.
you feel him push towards your tongue as you pull away, tutting before taking the meat of his right asscheek between your teeth and biting down.
now, you weren't expecting the moan that elicited from sam, the way he shifted under you to readjust his leaking cock against the bed.
"oh, sammy," you coo, breath fanning over the skin where you bit him, thumbs rubbing into his hips. "did you like that?"
sam whines and tries pushing his ass against your face again.
"use your words, boy," you say, kissing his soft skin.
"oh—yes, so good."
you knew that was going to be one of the more sensible responses you would get out of him, so you work yourself up his body, planting kisses as you go, til you're breathing in his shampoo and nuzzling into his neck.
sam was gorgeous like this: quietly panting, skin glistening slightly from a thin layer of sweat that perspired itself as you pressed your finger on the rim of his hole, still slick with your saliva, his hair was disheveled and his whole body twitched with need.
"such a good boy for me. all for me," you say as you push yourself in.
you loved how keen he always was for you to be on top. he liked being useful, but he loved being used.
as you push in a second finger, you sink your teeth into the juncture of his neck, almost hard enough to break skin. you don't know if it was from the second finger, or the bite, but sam yelps before moaning and coming with a small, final thrust into the bed.
You looked up from your half dismantled rifle to see König enter the room panting, and looking exhausted. He looked at you and groaned tiredly, then set his pack down and trudged over before plopping down with an uff. You asked him, "Rough round, eh?" He nodded and said, "Ja... Nearly got a damn missile up the ass, but fortunately dodged last second... The lads didn't see the dodge so they ran over. They saw I was ok, so we laughed off the incident. But the missile hit something in the building, so we had to do our best to rescue people who got caught... We may be KorTac, but at least our troop cares about civvies... Even if they make me anxious..."
He groaned, feeling embarrassed even though he knew you knew he had little control over the anxiety. He then continued, "Scheiße ... I don't know why I always get scared I'm gonna hurt someone? Even if by accident, I'd feel horrible if I did... Except for enemies, fuck them, but that's a given. But innocents and allies... Uff." You listened to him vent some more about his social anxiety as you rub his back.
It felt nice to rub his back with the warmth and the musculature. You could feel the tension slipping away as he also started to calm down, his rant drawing to a comfortable close. You gently took his boots off so he'd be more comfortable while he was starting to get sleepy, then set them next to the couch. Afterwards, you returned to cuddling him and he murmured through the fabric of the couch, "Mhh, danke." as he started to doze off from exhaustion and comfort.
I was totally inspired by @miss-hyoko with this post about childhood friends and the Housewardens. I have others already in mind for at least Azul and Malleus but I want to try and write the Yandere!First Years Part III first.
This one is all fluff though so I hope you like it! Let me know what you think. (It's unbeta'd though so please be kind lol)
=================
Riddle had known you since you were both children.
You were, in fact, the only friend he had consistently been able to be near with the permission of his mother since he was seven years old.
Your parents were nobles as well, after all, and your aptitude for magic was already showing signs of being very advanced for your age. It was the perfect set up for her to prepare a betrothal or simple family alliance. If it had been up to her, of course, it would have been a betrothal from the start, but your parents were more attentive to your wishes and refused to push the subject more than allowing you two to get to know each other and see how your friendship would grow.
The first time you had met Riddle you were both dressed in the same sort of frilly, miniature adult, nobility dress that most of your station paraded their children around in, and Riddle’s mother had set up a ‘tea party’ for you to enjoy.
With her there, of course.
It was awkward and tense and not very enjoyable but you never made fun of him even when his mother explained there were no sweets because they were unhealthy for you. You even gave him a small smile and wave before you left so he felt like, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.
Maybe he could actually make a friend.
He fell in love with you the next time you visited, when you slipped him a strawberry tart hidden in the basket of books you had brought to share with a bright but mischievous smile.
“Tea parties should always have strawberry tartes.” You had whispered with a giggle.
It was the best thing he had ever tasted and your laugh was the most beautiful sound in the world to his ears.
That day he knew he was going to marry you, if you would have him.
He didn’t know what married people did besides live together and spend all their time together but he didn’t care if it meant being able to hear you laugh every day.
If his mother knew of his intent and determination she might have actually been proud for once, but he kept it held secret in his heart. Protected that little dream even as you both grew and his responsibilities and expectations mounted on his shoulders.
You were like a warm summer day to his life, a brilliant rose blooming in an otherwise barren garden.
Smiling at him as if seeing him made your day, speaking to him so openly when you were alone and going on about the exciting and fantastical books that you read or what interesting trip you had gone on with your parents.
You were a window into the world he never got to experience and you shared it freely as best you could. Bringing him pictures and books with their swashbuckling covers hidden behind those of scientific journals. You even covered for him when you could so that he could slip out and meet with Trey and Che’nya.
And every chance you had, you brought him strawberry tartes.
When Riddle was accepted into Night Raven College – the most illustrious and sought after school in all of Twisted Wonderland – he was disappointed to be separated from you. He knew you would, no doubt, be accepted the next year when you came of age, though, so he promised to write you every day and tried not to blush when you threw your arms around him in a tight embrace.
Being accepted into Heartslabyul was in no way a surprise, having planned on being sorted into their Queen’s dorm from the start, and he quickly set about placing himself as the top student and defeating the current Dorm Housewarden to gain his position.
He wanted to be able to greet you properly, after all, and make you proud. Create a dorm that you could excel in and dorm members that would – if not reach your level – at least not disgrace you in any way.
He wanted to prove to you that he could take care of Heartslabyul better than anyone – and in return hopefully prove he could take care of you the same way.
Unfortunately, despite your affect on Riddle, much of his mother still stubbornly clung on and it wasn’t long before he was being whispered about as a ‘tyrant’ despite Trey and Cater’s – the previous Housewarden that he had defeated – attempts to smooth things over. It was perhaps, not as bad as it could be, he didn’t always jump to his Unique Magic to handle trouble makers, but he also didn’t go easy on any of them.
It was fine, though, they would see why it would all be worth it eventually.
He didn’t realize that more whispers were shared among Heartslabyul that centered around the daily letters that Riddle would send and receive.
He always sent one first thing in the morning and he always received one around teatime in the afternoon. No one really understood why he was using physical letters like a grandma – though Trey knew it was because Riddle’s mother had access to his phone and laptop – but whatever was in them must have been important because those were the best times to ask the Housewarden for anything.
He would always be a bit distracted after sending the letter for about an hour, almost wistful, but then the rest of the afternoon when he received the reply he would be a bit more lenient. A bit more soft spoken with the edges of his tone smoothed over so he sounded less like a dictator and more like a strict older brother.
Everyone wanted to know just who Riddle was writing to and of course the guess was a girlfriend or boyfriend, but no one put much weight to that when they doubted anyone could put up with him.
Who would want to date the tyrant queen?
The next year when they arrived on the morning of the welcome ceremony, Riddle was the worst they had ever seen him.
He stormed around, ordering everyone into a whirlwind of cleaning and preparations for the new students. Painting the roses, bathing and brushing the hedgehogs, doing the same for the flamingos and ensuring every corner of the dorm was polished to a shine until the marble floors gleamed like mirrors.
It was clear that someone important was going to be showing up, especially when Riddle gave them a speech about what he expected from them regarding conduct during the ceremony and personally checked each of them to ensure their uniforms were perfect and their appearance well groomed.
Trey just followed close behind with a bemused, fond smile while Cater was near vibrating with excitement and whispering to his taller friend about Magicam videos and candid reactions.
The ceremony went as it had the years before and it was rather easy to see just who Riddle was focusing on when he recognized them instantly despite the robe hood hiding most of their features, and how the person smiled in his direction and gave a little wave. Riddle even smiled back at them, though it was careful and poised, and he gave a small nod in return as they waited for the person to be sorted.
To say that Riddle was disappointed that you were placed in Diasomnia rather than Heartslabyul was an understatement.
He didn’t throw a fit or behead anyone but his expression fell before he quickly plastered on a smile as the figure turned to beam at him. They couldn’t speak while more students were being sorted, Riddle did glance to his side where Lilia Vanrouge was taking stock of the new students being sent to his dorm.
“I hope,” he said softly, expression serious as he met gazes with the other’s wine-red eyes that instantly focused on him. “That Diasomnia treats their human members just as they treat their fae? I would hate to hear that your dorm doesn’t recognize when a worthy soul has joined their house.”
Amusement sparkled in the third year’s eyes and he flashed a too sharp grin.
“Why, Housewarden Rosehearts, surely you don’t think we would not care for all of our students no matter their heritage. There has never been a soul sorted into our noble house that hasn't been worthy. Perhaps you would care to visit sometime to see the truth of my words?”
There was definitely a teasing note in the other’s voice and Riddle had the feeling that the fae was able to see right through him, but he pushed the embarrassment aside, gaze traveling over the heads of the new students seated with their houses.
His rose was whispering excitedly to another Diasomnia student and quickly gave an eager wave to Riddle again when they noticed his gaze, barely hidden by the crowd so as not to draw attention.
It was impossible for Lilia to miss the softening of his expression and the teasing smirk on the fae's face made Riddle clear his throat quickly and look away.
“That sounds agreeable. And of course, Heartslabyul is open to visiting students from all houses as well.” He said before tacking on a quick “So long as they follow our rules.”
“Of course, Housewarden Rosehearts. I’ll be sure to pass the invitation along to our students.” He said bemused, clearly laughing at the situation and it took everything Riddle had not to huff and throw a fit.
But ensuring that you were at least allowed to visit as often as possible was more important.
Besides, he decided eventually, if you weren’t to be in Heartslabyul then he supposed Diasomnia was the best alternative. It was the house of Nobility, after all, and a queen needed a king to stand at their side.
He would just have to ensure that he proved he was the best suited as Queen in all of Night Raven College and that some interloper didn’t steal your attentions away before he could show you just how much he loved you and the life he hoped to provide for you.
The uproar that came from the odd, magicless student and the rampaging weasel monster nearly led Riddle to murder.
How dare they ruin his rose’s first night at NRC! This was not what he wanted their impression of his school to be!
He took care of the monster quickly – with the help of Ashengrotto, unfortunately, - to ensure that no one – especially his rose – came to harm.
It was a relief when he turned, though, and suddenly found his arms full of the one he loved.
He instantly returned the embrace, worried for an instant that they were hurt or frightened, but when they pulled back, hood fallen away to show their beautiful face, they were beaming excitedly, brilliant eyes flashing and the smile he missed so much warming his chest.
“That was wonderful, Riddle! You were so amazing!” you praised, not at all embarrassed or uncertain about saying such things in public.
You never were uncertain.
You always spoke what was in your heart and he both loved and envied you for that courage.
He cleared his throat a little, pulling back just a bit as he knew the other Housewardens could see them and he didn’t want you to grab any of their interests. He didn’t trust them and he certainly didn’t want to risk having to fight them for you.
Not that he would lose! But still, he knew how charming Vil was and Leona’s whole dorm just caused problems. He certainly didn’t want the likes of them hanging around you when they certainly weren’t good enough for your attention.
“It’s good to see you, my rose.” He said, holding your hands instead of continuing the embrace.
He would make up for it later in private where he wouldn’t have to worry about so many eyes on you.
You gave another of your beautiful laughs and squeezed his hands.
“It’s good to see you too.” They said playfully. “Even if it was just yesterday it felt like I’d never get here!”
Riddle hoped that the warmth he felt wasn’t traveling to his face.
“I’m sorry that your first night here has been ruined.” He said, expression falling into a frown as he glared towards where the Headmage was leading off the magicless student and the contained monster.
“Ruined? It was exciting!” you beamed, causing him to blink before a fond smile pulled on his lips as you began praising him again for his skills and bravery and ability to take charge until Vanrouge’s voice cut in from the large double doors, calling for all of the Diasomnia students.
“Oh, I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you soon, promise!” you said before giving him another quick embrace and then spinning on your heals to hurry off after your new, fellow dorm members.
Riddle watched you go and did his best to not make it so obvious that he wanted nothing more than to follow you.
Instead he turned to his own students that were milling around Trey and Cater and started them on the way back to Heartslabyul.
He pointedly ignored the calculating looks from Azul or the amused one that Lilia was shooting him while apparently chatting with you until they were out of sight.
Well, things didn’t turn out exactly like he wanted but it could have been worse, he supposed. You could have been placed somewhere like Octavinelle where he’d constantly fret about you being around Floyd or if Azul would trick you into some strange contract. Savanaclaw even more, not even imagining your bright and open personality being able to stand against the chaos of that house.
He sighed to himself when he was finally able to retire to his room, the rooms he had wanted to show you and offer as a study location along with the evening tea he had set aside to prepare. He had even made sure that your room would be right beside his, ignoring Trey’s knowing look, and hoped maybe he would be able to spend more time with you in private.
Hold your hand longer. Hug you without having to pull back because of what others might think.
Maybe even…kiss you on the cheek if you gave him permission.
The thought caused his cheeks to flare and he quickly shook it away as he changed into his pajamas.
He was just folding the dirty robes to set aside for cleaning later when he heard a strange scratch at the balcony doors.
Frowning confused and wondering if that red headed first year was already causing problems – he could spot a troublemaker a mile away – he went to open them.
He stared.
A bat was flapping and hovering before him…with a letter gripped in its tiny claws.
A letter on thick cream parchment with a vividly crimson wax seal with the imprint of a rose.
“Thank you.” He managed, unsure if the bat would understand him but not willing to risk being rude after it was obviously coming to deliver something for him.
He reached out and accepted the letter, watching as the small creature squeaked before fluttering off again into the night.
Well…he supposed he had seen stranger things happen at NRC, so with a shrug he stepped back into his room and closed the doors.
A smile bloomed on his face, however, when he saw his name written on the front in a familiar hand and he wasted no time in carefully breaking the seal off and opening it. Already you had written him a decently long letter telling him all about your new dorm and how you had settled in and how nice your dorm mates were. He could almost hear your voice as he read your words and the last of his disappointment eased away.
You might not have been placed in Heartslabyul but you were still there with him at NRC now and he could see you every day.
Could walk you to class and carry your books for you. Could eat lunch with you and teach you how to play croquette with the flamingos and cuddle the hedgehogs together when no one else was around. He could see you smile and hear your laugh any time he wanted without the expectant gaze of his mother weighing him down.
He could just be with you, and suddenly school seemed all the more bright with the thought, despite the moon hanging over head.
You were here, finally, and he couldn’t wait to spend every moment he could at your side.
-
It only took a week for the entirety of Heartslabyul to brand you as their ‘king’ – though they didn’t call you that to your face – and you were eagerly welcomed with open arms anytime you could join them.
You were warm and friendly, kind to everyone and didn’t hesitate to help someone if they needed it. You had become much like Kalim, an anomaly at NRC – even if you weren’t quite so energetic. Even more so because of your obvious closeness to their Housewarden.
That was the real reason they loved having you around.
Whenever you were in the vicinity, Riddle’s near entire focus would be on you instead of them. He still upheld the rules, still insisted on only the best from his students, but there were few times now that he truly lost his temper.
On the rare occasion you weren’t there already to lay a hand on his arm and give him a gentle smile that broke him out of his building rage, Cater only had to send you a quick text and soon you were bursting into Heartslabyul with a basket of pastries and books.
You would have part of your uniform out of place and completely interrupt whatever screaming lecture your friend had started into with pleas to help you with homework that you were stuck on that you insisted that only Riddle could assist you with.
The ranting would be cut off instantly, his angry flush still remaining but all real heat and sharpness melting away as he would fuss and right your uniform. He would chide you in a manner that was so gentle and removed from mere moments before that someone might suspect he was a different person all together, before sweeping you off to his rooms with a promise to help you with whatever you were struggling with.
The ‘beheadings’ were cut down to a mere fifth of what they had once been per week and the overall atmosphere of the dorm eased until even the more trouble-magnet students couldn’t complain too much over the elaborate rules.
Rules that Riddle would obviously bend as much as possible for your sake.
He would use every chance to help adjust your uniform because he wanted you to look nice and he liked being able to take care of you, but he never punished you for it. He allowed you to play with the hedgehogs and flamingos without requiring you to help keep their habitats clean – though you tended to help with that anyway – and if you happened to fall asleep during a study session and ended up staying until after curfew…well you weren’t part of their dorm so it wasn’t his place to set a punishment for you.
It would be unsafe and ungentlemanly to make you walk all the way back to Diasomnia in the dark, after all, so clearly the more responsible thing would be to let you spend the night while he slept on the sofa.
Completely ignoring the fact that he had handed out punishments to students from other dorms before without hesitation.
The most obvious rule bending, however, that the other students were able to witness first hand was during unbirthday parties and dorm tea.
There was always a special seat beside Riddle’s at the head of the table – claiming it was only following the proper etiquette and hospitality that they were required to show to guests - despite no others ever being offered the same – and while the first piece of cake was always meant for the Housewarden, Riddle would unfailingly accept it and then hold it out towards you.
After all, it was his slice of cake and it was his right to do with it what he wanted, so if he decided to give the first bite to you – his king – then it was breaking no rules.
Your mere presence would keep the parties festive and Riddle so distracted that even if he caught a minor infraction happening the most he did was send a warning glare for the person to stop.
Ace was your biggest fan, actually, when you had interrupted Riddle’s outrage at his apology marron pie with the sudden declaration that you loved marron pie – and wouldn’t Riddle accept it so they could share it later? If they didn’t eat it at the unbirthday party, then it wasn’t really breaking the rules, right? Besides, wasn’t it the thought behind the action that mattered more? Intentions should always be taken into account when handling such situations. Ace had probably chosen marron because you had mentioned you really liked it. That was nice of him, wasn’t it? To think of you?
Ace had his collar removed and Riddle had a relieved Trey hurry off with the pastry for them to enjoy later in private.
Needless to say, despite your Diasomnia uniform, you had been accepted by Heartslabyul as one of their own.
Not only were your own dorm members – who Riddle was disgruntled to realize were more fond of you than he liked – protective over you, but if someone tried to mess with you or be rude to you in any way, any and all Heartslabyul boys in range would be there in an instant to protect or back you up.
You were their Housewarden’s King after all.
Even if Riddle hadn't made the order to keep an eye on you, they would have done it. If only to ensure you were able to be around as much as possible.
While rumors of strange incidents and fights started showing up around campus, you were safe in Riddle’s room. Sitting close as he helped you study or falling asleep on his shoulder as you both read the adventure books you had brought to share with him.
And then, when Riddle finally worked up the courage to ask, you shared your first kiss with him.
Gentle and full of the love he had felt for you since you were both children, and soft as the petals of a rose.
Riddle’s Rose.
=========================
Hope you guys liked it! I'm a sucker for fluffy cuteness lol and this was particularly tooth rotting. <3
@miss-hyoko hope this is what you imagined and that you like it!
summary: little blurb about introducing conner to more music than just 70s and 80s (thanks kory and gar), and you come across "ready or not" (bridgit mendler version for this) on your playlist. and, in case you forget how it goes, the "i can be your kryptonite" lyric comes up
also includes platonic!rachel roth because she needs to have happiness too, and that's baby sis for real
masterlist
song: ready or not by bridgit mendler (will try to connect the song to the post when spotify quits acting crazy)
"i don't understand. i thought the 70s were the best era of music"
you roll your eyes affectionately, knowing his first experiences with "modern" pop culture were only from genetic memory, kori, and gar. "conner, the 70s set the groundwork for most of what you hear today. but what you hear today? it created an entire generation, it set the groundwork for meme culture, for a connection that could not be attained back then. it offers its own beauty, and... you know what, kryptonian, just listen to this okay?" he laughs at your passion, and nods to say he'll give it a chance. like there was another option, you just got a new bluetooth speaker and learned how to connect it to the intercomms system within titans tower.
you tell conner to look through your spotify playlists and pick which one he'd like to try today, and as he hands your phone back to you, you nearly bounce on the balls of your feet because you see he picked a playlist ripe with peak early-mid 2010s pop and r&b -- the time of vine, the beginning of tumblr fandom crazes, the last time disney had consistently good content... oh you're about to have a party. you immediately press play and "wings" by little mix begins to play as you try to remember the dance moves from the music video and harmonize with the british girl group. conner seems to be pretty neutral, but you get him up on his feet anyway because you're going to enjoy this time either way.
at hearing the 2010s pop beats, rachel comes out of her room, and a smile graces her usually worried face as she starts to sing and dance with you. it's good to see rachel acting her age, enjoying herself after going through so much in a short number of months. the three of you dance along to little mix, amanda seyfried's crooning on the mamma mia soundtrack, and even a one direction song, enjoying the lighthearted nature of the moment. you hear the beginning "hey-ey, hey-ey" of one of your favorite songs from the era, and your eyes widen as you prep yourself to give a once-in-a-lifetime performance of bridgit mendler's iconic cover song. while conner's confused, he doesn't push it as he knows you're just starting to get into it.
I'm the kinda girl who doesn't say a word you sing/scream into the makeshift banana microphone
Who sits at the curb and waits for the world
But I'm about to break out, about to break out
I'm like a crook tonight you laugh at the irony of saying that in a tower built for young heroes
I caught you staring at me and I was thinking clearly
Now I'm like a bee and I'm huntin' for the honey
And I'm kinda shy but, you're super fly, yeah
I could be your kryptonite
you hear rachel begin to laugh as the "oh"s come in, and you turn with your head tilted to see conner looking at you and your phone with shock and confusion, maybe slight offense, but overall amusement. that face alone makes you realize you just sang about being someone's kryptonite
in front of the resident kryptonian, mr superboy himself
"well it looks like bridgit mendler's probably a fan then. maybe she'll take a break from her studies and give a private concert," you shrug and continue to sing and dance along as rachel continues laughing at the coincidence
conner just continues to wonder why bridgit mendler would really want to be something so dangerous and weakening to her crush she's singing about. especially since you make him feel so safe and even stronger.
he's been acting real luthor-like lately in s4, but we love our bald-headed baddie. this fic however, is mostly based inbetween s3 and s4 before he meets luthor cuz... i mean unless you're into that, love that for you and therefore you imagine whatever you wish darling
also we love dr bridgit mendler, our studious disney channel star
You've written something for mateing season read it loved it but what the said mating was successful for the men?
You mean, if War, Strife and Death found out they were going to be dads? I can do that.
War: He's frozen with shock, but you can see his eyes soften, his hands tremble. He doesn't know how he'll be as a father, if he's even worthy of a family after all that he's done. He knows he'll have to hide this from the Council, but you look so hopeful when you break the news that you're pregnant that he holds you like you're made of porcelain and swears silently to protect you and your child, even if it meant burning all of Creation. He will carve toys for them, teach them how to fight, be the best father and husband he can be to this family.
Strife: Strife was not ready. He's a mix of excited and nervous as he hugs you tight and spins you around. Of course, he's worried about the Council finding out, they're not gonna let this slide. But that's fine. He can hide you. Nobody has to know. You're gonna be spoiled the whole time you're carrying, bet on it. He might not be any good at whittling like War is, but he'll find cool toys across the shattered earth and bring them back as presents. He might embellish some details of his adventures to look cool, but he's one of those embarrassing dads that the other kids think is cool.
Death: He was...not ready for this. He doesn't know how to feel- he's not angry at you, no. He's not sure he can be a father. He won't leave you alone, you are not leaving his sight, though he will seem distant for a while during the pregnancy. He'll do what he can for you and the child, but it'll be a while before he's ready to act like a proper parent. He doesn't hate kids, it'll just take him a while to connect with the kid.
If it had been anyone else but Ruggie who had dared to tell him what to do, Leona would have done the opposite out of spite if not literally throw hands.
If it had been anyone else but the Prefect, Leona wouldn’t have even cared.
But that was the problem, wasn’t it?
It was Ruggie.
It was the Prefect.
Most of the time Leona felt that the shit he had to deal with was thrown at him due to no fault of his own. Oh, he knew he was an asshole but being a prince, having such a destructive Unique Magic, having expectations placed on him with no actual benefit or gain in return and all while the world kept him under a microscope, all existed no matter what he did. It would never change, and he would never escape it.
Unfortunately, he was honest with himself enough to admit that the situation he was in was completely his own doing.
He deserved the words Ruggie had thrown at him.
Sevens, he deserved worse.
He honestly didn’t even know why Ruggie put up with him after everything he did, not even taking into consideration that he had nearly killed the hyena. Sure Ruggie had a dependable source of income and support working for him but he was resourceful and skilled, he could easily have gotten a similar or even better arrangement with someone else in NRC like Kalim or Azul.
But no, even after everything, Ruggie had stayed. Leona hadn’t been brave enough to question it, afraid that bringing it up would make the hyena change his mind.
Ruggie was the one person he had actually ever cared about losing since his mother had passed away.
Or at least, he had been the one person.
That was before an annoying herbivore from another world stumbled into his life and stubbornly refused to leave it. Who accepted him as he was - idiosyncrasies, arrogance, and temper - without blinking. Who threw themself into danger when they had no magic and no way to protect themself just to keep him and Ruggie and the other students at the school safe. Who’s laugh could make his chest warm and who’s smile seemed to brighten the world around them just by existing. Who stubbornly cared when they had no reason to.
And for a moment Leona had forgotten.
He had forgotten who and what he was and allowed himself to indulge in the urge to bask in that warmth just a little. To ignore the realities of the world and dream, just for a moment, that he could have this. That he might deserve that.
That maybe all the shit his life dealt him was worth it if he could enjoy that warmth and brightness even if it was only for a short time. Even if it was only the smallest brush of that warmth and brightness that he wanted to exprience.
He forgot and because he forgot, the Prefect had fallen for him – or at least started to.
And Ruggie had been forced to rip him from that silly daydream and back into reality. Address something that he no doubt still held his own pain over just to ensure that pain wasn’t visited upon the kind hearted human.
He didn’t blame Ruggie.
In a way he was grateful. The first time had been bad enough but this…now that he had faced his own demons and seen what filth he held in his heart – had been saved from that darkness by none other than the Prefect – he knew he couldn’t handle another.
It was better for all of them if he pushed the Prefect away, ensured that whatever closeness had been growing – might have continued to grow – was smothered before it could do harm.
Because it would do harm.
He only ever did harm.
So, he closed his heart. He tightened his mask. He practiced his indifference until no one would suspect him feeling anything for the Prefect except maybe annoyance.
He told himself it didn’t hurt that his efforts worked so well.
The Prefect tried to reach out to him many times. Would greet him and offer to do some of the chores for Ruggie that would keep them in his presence. Would bring him snacks and just check on him, always with that look of concern in their eyes and hope in their smile that he would reach back. That he would at least acknowledge them. look at them.
He didn’t.
He didn’t and slowly the herbivore’s hope faded, their smiles were strained, and they stopped checking in as often.
He knew they still cared, it was just the kind of person that they were, but he had managed to convince them that he did not want them and even though they were worried, they didn’t want to force their presence on him. It made him taste bile in the back of his throat at the idea of making them think their company was anything less than a highlight of his day, but he couldn’t say that.
And he trusted Ruggie to ensure that any hurt they felt from his actions could be minimized and soothed.
Ruggie was the only one he trusted their wellbeing to.
The hyena even did his best to ensure his scent stayed heavy around the Prefect as a silent reminder to him if he slipped – like he almost had that one morning. Had almost…but Ruggie’s scent had snapped him out of it enough to push them away despite what he had actually wanted. Ruggie was always looking out for them whether they realized it or not, and Leona knew he would have even if he hadn’t ordered him to.
The rest of the school certainly wasn’t going to do it. Their ‘friends’ had gotten them into just as much trouble as out of it and most saw them as an eyesore for daring to show up at their prestigious campus without magic. Grim was certainly not able to protect them properly and he knew more than one dangerous gaze was set on the Prefect and their situation. It was why he had encouraged the hyena to keep the herbivore in Savanaclaw as much as possible. At least here he could ensure their safety.
He just now had to make sure his dorm students knew to watch out for them without it getting back to the Prefect or have them suspect his influence was causing it. Ruggie had admitted that it was working so far and they both hoped that the Prefect’s existence would be forgotten by the school in general. That at the very least Leona could distance himself enough to ensure their safety while still warning those that might hurt them off.
For nearly two months this worked, but Leona’s luck finally ran out.
Or rather, Professor Crewel threw their plan out the window when he set up a joint potions project between the third years and first years that would pair one of each together with the intent to take an existing potion and improve or alter it in a way that would create a useful product with a different purpose.
And, of course, he had paired the Prefect up with him in hopes of the herbivore being able to actually convince him to do the work.
Leona really wanted to shove that crop of his down the man’s throat.
“Uh…Leona-senpai?” The Prefect interrupted his mental torture plans for the Potions Master. “So, when would you like to start? I have this afternoon free and Crewel-sama gave me all of the information for our project since he said you…missed class.”
“No.”
He dropped himself back down on the soft grass of his sleeping spot he had been curled up on for the last few hours and ignored the dumbfounded look the other was sending him.
“Excuse me?”
“I said ‘no’, herbivore. I don’t do group projects and I’m definitely not going to waste the effort trying to cover for a first year.”
He heard them stammer a little before they actually stomped their foot where they stood beside him, leaning over him.
“Leona-senpai, I can’t do this on my own! Crewel-sama made sure to give us specific duties and parts of the project we have to do! He will know if I try to do your parts as well as mine!” they said frustrated.
“Not my problem, now go away.”
“Ugh!” he heard the annoyance in their voice and wished he could turn over to see the way they always scrunched up their nose when they argued with someone. “Leona-senpai! If you don’t help me, I’ll fail the assignment! Potions is one of the classes that I get graded on combined with Grim’s! I need to get a good grade!”
“Don’t care.”
“Look, I get that you don’t like me-“ his ears twitched and it took everything he had not to show how the words made his stomach twist. “-but please at least tell me what to do so that I can make it believable that you participated!” they begged.
He couldn’t, he had given Ruggie his silent promise not to be around the Prefect. To distance himself, and having a joint project in a class was not following that agreement.
He had broken enough promises to Ruggie.
Then he heard a hitch in their breathing. It was slight and their voice didn’t falter but he could hear the undercurrent of emotion the human was clearly trying to hold back.
“Please, Leona-senpai. I can’t...I can’t do this on my own and I know Grim isn’t that great at his studies but he tries so hard and he does his best to learn so he can become a skilled mage. I don’t…I don’t want to drag him down more than I already do.”
It felt like Leona’s heart was in a vice and he had to take a deep, slow breath to keep from showing what he was feeling. To not tell the Prefect that they were better than the rest of the idiot students in NRC put together with or without magic. That they could never be a burden to anyone, let alone the cat monster that was only allowed to enroll in the school because of them.
He couldn’t say that.
But he also couldn’t manage to force out the words that would make the other give up and go away.
Not when their voice was so desperate and their pleas something only he could give.
“Fine.” He muttered, turning over, and rocking to his feet in one smooth motion. “Let’s get this over with so I don’t have to deal with it anymore. It’s not like you’ll leave me alone until I do.”
The Prefect’s eyes widened and a warm, grateful smile bloomed on their face as if Leona was actually doing them a favor instead of his actual responsibilities.
“Thank you, Leona-senpai! I’ll work really hard and follow all your instructions, I promise! And I’ll do all the writing and brewing so you just have to tell me what to do!” they said eagerly, stumbling after him through the brush surrounding his napping place and out onto the walkway.
“Whatever.” He said, though he couldn’t help but watch the smaller human out of the corner of his eye and try to memorize the light of their smile and the warmth he felt at someone actually wanting to be beside him, even if it was only for an assignment.
It really would be unfair to hurt the Prefect’s academic standing by refusing to work, after all. He didn’t think Ruggie would want them to go through that. And he could control himself. It was just a project. He would tell the herbivore what to do, they would write it down and brew the potion, then they’d be done. Simple.
Then he could go back to ignoring them and hopefully they would forget all about it.
And him.
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This one's a little shorter but I thought it needed a POV from our prince so hope you like it. <3
