Rivals (Multi TWST x Reader)
Summary: Night Raven College has never been lacking in drama and intrigue, especially where the magicless Prefect is concerned. And through all those adventures, she may have just stolen a heart or two... or more? Or Various mini-fics where the Twisted Wonderland cast duel it out for the Prefect's affections.
Warnings: AFAB reader, she/her pronouns, fluff, cannon typical shade, I really did not mean for Lilia to catch strays twice in this fic but here we are
Crossposted on my AO3 TheGhostInTheKitchen
Riddle vs Floyd
Riddle knew he was distracted. This wasn’t like him at all. He’d been happy, more than happy, to help (Y/N) when she had asked him to help her study for her upcoming alchemy exam. But now, as they sat across from each other in the library, warm afternoon light casting golden rays through the book stacks, he couldn’t seem to even bother looking at his textbook. Rather, he found himself watching the girl across from him. How she would frown at a particularly confusing equation, tracing a sentence with her finger as she copied it into her notes, tapping her pencil against her lips as she silently read. Oh, Seven, he was staring at her lips too much.
Riddle had to stop himself from flinching as (Y/N)’s eyes glanced up to him. He could already feel his face heating up as she smiled at him. Her eyes cut to behind him quickly before coming back to him.
“Incoming, twelve O’clock,” She said.
“Sorry?” Riddle asked, trying not to sound as flustered as he felt. Before he could even try to clear his head of the embarrassing pink hearts and sparkles that seemed to be clouding his vision whenever he looked at (Y/N), the back of Riddle’s chair was yanked back on the rear legs. He pinwheeled his arms, legs kicking out on instinct, as he grabbed anything to try and regain balance.
“How are my two favorite guppies doing?” Floyd asked, looking at Riddle upside down with a sharp grin stretched across his impish face.
Riddle started turning red for an entirely different reason than before. “Floyd!” He snapped. He threw himself forward, causing the chair to slam back down on all four legs, hands slapping down on the study table.
“Yes, Goldfish?” Floyd said.
Riddle was completely ready to tear into Floyd for his chaos, a pretty standard routine for both of them by this point. But then he remembered who he was in the room with. His reprimand stuck in his throat. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his chair, back straight, lifting up his book. “As you can clearly see, I’m helping (Y/N) study. We don’t have time to entertain you.”
Floyd started shaking Riddle’s chair. “Boo. What do you need to study for anyway? This is easy stuff.”
Riddle was about to snap again when (Y/N) saved him by saying,“Don’t be mean, Floyd. It’s for me, not him. We can’t all be master mages like you two.” She chastised without any real power behind it, more like a line from a script she knew by heart to try and placate his naturally volatile personality.
Floyd pouted, collapsing into a chair next to her and propping his chin on her shoulder. “I’m never mean to Shrimpy.”
She made a half-hearted “MmmHmm,” sound and ruffled his hair while going back to her notes.
Riddle felt his teeth grind together as Floyd looked at him sideways, smiling slyly.
“Hear that, Goldfish? Shrimpy called me a master mage.”
“I believe she directed that to the both of us. Although perhaps she’s being too kind to some parties.”
(Y/N) lightly kicked Riddle’s foot under the table. “You don’t be mean, too, Riddle.”
“I - I’m not - I would never -!”
She laughed. “Don’t worry about it, I’m just teasing you. But hey, could you help explain this part to me?” She flipped her book around, tapping a section.
Riddle gave a silent sigh of relief as he focused back on the book. But before he could properly read the section (Y/N) indicated, Floyd snatched it out of her hands, holding it high above his head.
“Oh, I know this stuff!” He exclaimed. “I remember reading about this when we first got on land. There’s a way better book to go over it. Uhh, what was it called again?” He pretended to struggle for a moment before calling out the title, author, and exactly what section of the library it could be found in.
“That’s perfect, thanks, Floyd!” He beamed. “Wait here, I’ll go grab it.” As she went around them, she briefly touched Riddle’s shoulder. A silent thank you for his help? An unspoken token of affection? A warning not to let Floyd get on his very last frayed nerve? Who could say. But the ghost of her hand tingled as he watched her disappear into the stacks.
He turned back to the study table, only to be met with Floyd’s wide eyes staring directly into his, the merman’s face less than an inch from his own. Riddle let out a rather undignified yelp as he reflectively threw himself back, his chair almost toppling over for the second time that day.
“You’re all red, Goldfishie,” Floyd said. “Not like the kind of red when you’re playing with me or yelling at those guppies in your dorm. It’s different.”
Riddle brought a hand up to his cheek, feeling the heat radiating from his blush. He cleared his throat. “Yes, well, it is rather warm in here.”
“No,” Floyd said, drawing out the O. “I don’t think that’s it. I think you’re all red because of (Y/N).”
It took Riddle a moment to connect that Floyd had used (Y/N)’s real name instead of his nickname for her. He blinked a few times, saying, “So you can be civil and use someone’s proper name, then.”
Floyd shrugged. “(Y/N) is (Y/N), like how Jade is Jade and Azul is Azul. It’s different from Goldfishie. But you get it, right? You feel the same way about her, too.” Riddle stared at him, mouth moving but no sound coming out as he tried to process Floyd’s accusation. Although, could you really call it an accusation if it was true? In response, Floyd just laughed, leaning back and clapping his hands together. “I was right, right? I knew it! You’ve got a crush on (Y/N)~.” He sang the last part teasingly. He sighed, crossing his arms on the study table and laying his head down on them. “Too bad, though, cause I like her too.”
Finding his voice again, Riddle narrowed his eyes. “And what gives you the impression she feels the same about you?”
“Why do you think she feels the same about you?” Floyd threw back nonchalantly. “She’s real pretty, and nice, and brave, and smart, and doesn't swim away like the other guppies around me. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. What’s that land term? She makes me have beetles in my stomach, or something.” He sighed happily. “It’s like how Pop talks about Mama.” Breaking out of his romantic stupor, he snapped back to Riddle. “How about a game, Goldfish? We don’t tell (Y/N). It wouldn’t be fair to try and influence her decision by making her feel guilty and confess too early. You got to work for what you want, right? We’ll let her decide. The deadline can be a week before summer break. How about it?” He held out his hand to Riddle, looking at him expectantly.
Riddle felt like he was staring down the devil at the crossroads. He felt insulted by the insinuation that he treated (Y/N)’s feelings as a game. But then, maybe that was just Floyd’s unique vocabulary. Although this situation felt less like a game and more like a declaration of war.
And if that’s how it was going to be, fine. He was Riddle Rosehearts, after all. Heartslabyul House Warden during his first year, top of his class, master mage with a unique spell that could send Floyd on his backside in three seconds flat.
If this was war, then so be it.
He clasped Floyd’s hand tightly, glaring at him as the taller boy grinned in victory.
“Aww, look at you guys getting along.” They jumped apart as (Y/N) reappeared behind them, holding the alchemy book.
Floyd hooked an arm around Riddle’s neck, bringing him in close. “Oh, yeah, Goldfish and I were just talking about a cool new game! I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. There’s a really great prize at the end. But it’s a secret.”
“Well, good luck. If it’s between the two of you I’m sure it’s going to be a battle for the ages.”
She had no idea.
Let the games begin.
Malleus vs Leona
“Leona,” (Y/N) said. She tapped his back a few times. “Leona, I have to get up.”
“Mmph,” He grunted, tail flicking at her hand like it was a bothersome fly.
“Leona, my leg’s asleep.”
“So am I.”
“You just talked to me.”
“I’m sleep talking.”
She laughed and Leona smiled. He could listen to that sound all day.
They were in the conservatory, stashed away in one of the many groves of trees, one of Leona’s favorite places to hide away and nap. What had started as (Y/N) bringing him lunch in an effort to give a sick Ruggie a break had ended with Leona pulling her down and using her lap as a pillow.
“Seriously, though,” She said. “I’m already late. I was supposed to meet up with-”
She was abruptly cut off as she was unexpectedly pulled out from under him, his head smacking to the ground. Grumeling, Leona looked up, only for his annoyance to increase ten fold.
Malleus stood over him, blocking out the sun, holding a surprised looking (Y/N) behind her back and under her knees, like some noble prince and princess in one of those old sappy stories his mother used to tell him.
“Kingscholar,” Malleus said dryly.
“Lizard,” Leona responded in kind.
“Hi, Hornton,” (Y/N) said, either ignoring or trying to dissolve the tension rapidly building between them. “Sorry, were you waiting for me long? I guess I lost track of time hanging out with Leona.”
“Yeah,” Leona said, pushing himself to stand. “We were having a grand old time before you interrupted.”
Malleus narrowed his eyes. “I’m sure. However, the child of man and I have an appointment this afternoon. If you’ll excuse us.” Still holding (Y/N), he spun around and began marching out of the conservatory.
With a growl, Leona pushed himself up and stalked behind them.
“What’s the rush?” He said. “Afraid (Y/N) has better things to do than stare at some old stone statues all day?”
(Y/N) put up her hands. “Oh, no, I-”
“(Y/N) had wanted to learn some of the modern fae language,” Malleus said. “After the events of the fairy gala, and considering the pixie population here at school. And who better than I to tutor her?”
Bell-like chimes immediately emanate from Leona’s mouth, causing Malleus and (Y/N) to both freeze. Leona smirked at Malleus, who had been able to clearly understand what the beastman said while (Y/N) simply looked on in admiration.
“I know six languages,” Leona said, casually flipping his mane back.
Malleus smirked. “I speak nine.”
“I know a couple phrases in French!” (Y/N) said. “So I can tell what Rook is saying, like, a quarter of the time? That’s really impressive, though!”
“Thank you,” “Of course,” Malleus and Leona both said at the same time.
As the two continued their stare-down, (Y/N) wriggled down from Malleus’s hold. “So, yeah, the fairy gala! You really missed out, Hornton. I know there was a reason you couldn’t come with us, but it was beautiful! And the guys looked great on the runway! Leave it to Professor Crewel to pull off a whole capsule collection in less than a day.”
Leona smirked. “You thought I looked cool, huh? Well, maybe it wasn’t an entire waste of time, then.” He frowned and added under his breath, “But I swear I can still hear Vil nagging me in my sleep.”
“Perhaps, then,” Malleus said, taking her elbow and pulling her closer. “You should allow me to escort you to a ball in the Briar Valley. There is an upcoming masquerade celebration for a meteor shower. We dance through the night, there are strolling performers, the royal chefs prepare the most amazing feast. I’m sure you would look beautiful in Briar Valley attire.”
Leona took her other arm, pulling her back to him. “Festivals in the Sunset Savannah are way more exciting than whatever stuffy charade they get up to. You liked visiting Sunrise City last time for the Bead Brawl, right? We can stop by the hot springs again, just the two of us.”
“Really, Kingscholar, do you have no sense of decorum?” Malleus pulled her to him again.
Leona tightened his grip as he tugged her back. “You’re the one who interrupted in the first place.”
“Um, guys?” (Y/N) asked. The two princes continued as if they hadn’t heard her at all. (Y/N) sighed. “I wonder if Riddle has a foreign language study guide?” She said to herself.
Both of them snapped to her, exclaiming at the same time, “No!”
Ace vs Jamil
Floyd was suspicious. Crabby and Sea Snake had been acting weird during basketball practice. They started out fine, Sea Snake being snippy and rolling his eyes at everything, Crabby talking a big game and only half way delivering.
But things had changed about half way through when Shrimpy had come into the gym. She has tried to sneak in, slipping into the bleachers with a book. But Crabby had laser-focused his attention on her almost immediately, missing a cue from another player and getting slammed in the face with the basketball. Floyd cackled and he caught Sea Snake trying to hide his smirk behind his hand. But the Scarabia boy quickly frowned when Shrimpy came rushing over to Crabby, fusing over him like a, what was the land term for it? A mother duck, or something like that.
“I’m seeing spots,” Ace lamented. “I think my nose might be broken.” He held Shrimpy’s hand as she fussed over him.
“Do you want to sit down?” (Y/N) asked. “I can get some ice for you.”
“Oh, he’s fine,” Jamil said, tucking the basketball under his arm. “Not like he has many brain cells left to damage anyway.”
“Hey!”
“Maybe if you stayed on your toes more like me you won’t have this problem.” He took Shrimpy’s other hand, turning her focus to him. “Honestly, (Y/N), I don’t know how you put up with it. You can always come to me if-”
“She can come to her best friend if she needs anything, thank you very much.”
“Yes, her friend. Thank you for pointing that out.”
Coach Lobster blew his whistle, calling everyone back into formation. Sea Snake and Crabby took their places across from each other, glaring. Floyd started bouncing on his toes in anticipation at the change of energy. Lobster tossed the ball up to start play, and Sea Snake jumped, smacking it away from Crabby’s hands. The two weaved and dodged around each other, almost completely ignoring the other players. Floyd found the whole thing hilarious, thinking the two were like fighting beta fish, competing to impress their potential mate.
Finally, Crabby was able to get control of the ball, ducking and spinning under Sea Snake’s outstretched arms. In just a few short dribbles, he made it to the three-point line. Smirking, he looked over his shoulder at Shrimpy still watching from the bleachers.
“This one’s for you, (Y/N)!” He called confidently. He lined up the shot, hopped as he threw the ball, and watched dejectedly as it fell a foot short of the basket.
Sea Snake swooped in, easily catching the bouncing ball, side eyeing Crabby with a confident tilt of his head. “I’ll show you how it’s done, (Y/N).” He set up for his own shot, flinching at the last second as Crabby tried to knock the ball from his hands. The ball hit the rim, clanging and falling out of bounds.
Sea Snake glowered. “I had that shot, Ace.”
Crabby shrugged, pretending to be non-chalant while also returning Sea Snake’s dirty look. “Just trying to keep you on your toes, Jamil. We got to practice to be ready for anything, right?” Crabby said, throwing his words back at him.
They both turned from anger to embarrassment as Shrimpy called out, “Don’t worry, guys! You’ll get it next time!”
Floyd snatched the ball out of the hands of one of his teammates. “Hey, Shrimpy!” Floyd called out. “This one’s for you!” He easily made the shot from the half-court line. Shrimpy whistled and clapped. Floyd grinned wider as the two bessotted boys glared daggers at him.
At least this would make the rest of practice more interesting.
Deuce vs Azul
“Look out!” Deuce jumped back just in time to miss (Y/N) as she sped past on roller skates. She wobbled to regain balance, two trays held high with precariously perched drinks threatening to fall. Deuce lurched forward, pressing underneath the trays to help settle them, ignoring the heat in his palms as they pressed against the back of (Y/N)’s hands.
Regaining composure, (Y/N) sighed, smiling at him. “Thanks! Still not used to carrying stuff while skating. It’s making it a lot faster to meet orders, though!” She gave him a wink that did something funny to his heart before twirling away, threading through the tables of the Monstro Lounge.
It wasn’t uncommon for (Y/N) to pick up shifts for the Octavinelle side business. With her available funds always in a perilous position, depending if Crowley decided to remember her existence that week, it never hurt to find employment from a more reliable supervisor.
Or, as Deuce thought glumly, as reliable as you could call Azul. Deuce still didn’t trust the landlocked merman as far as he could throw him, or anyone else in this dorm. There was pretty much only one reason he’d come here, and that was to check up on (Y/N). Especially since she’d gotten that new uniform specifically when she worked at the Monstro Lounge. The skirt fluttered and swayed with each glide on her skates, the puffy cap sleeves giving the whole thing a maid-like appearance, the soft lavender of the vest complimenting her complexion perfectly.
And it wasn’t like (Y/N) needed anyone to check up on her! Sure she got into trouble sometimes, they all did, but Deuce knew well enough that she was perfectly able to take care of herself. Still, he pushed back against the protective instinct to jump up and punch the next guy who happened to look at (Y/N) in a way he didn’t like.
Deep breathes, Deuce, He thought to himself. Keep your composure.
“Well, welcome to the Monstro Lounge!” A familiar voice chimed. “It’s so rare to see you back here after all that unpleasantness earlier in the year.”
Deuce felt his back molars grind together as he looked at Azul. The other boy smiled in a way that Deuce was sure was meant to be welcoming, but he couldn't help but read it as slimy. Azul threw his arm around Deuce’s shoulders.
“You mean when you tricked me and a bunch of other people into becoming unpaid labor? Or after, when you stole a bunch of people’s magic and almost killed us?” Deuce said.
Azul waved the comment away. “Semantics. Anyway, that’s all in the past now, right?”
Deuce plucked Azul’s hand off. “Sure. Semantics. Look, I’m just here to walk (Y/N) back to her dorm after her shift.”
“Oh, of course, of course. You know, it’s been great having her here. Seeing her every day, for hours on end, in such close quarters. We’ve become quite close, I’m happy to say.” There was a gleam in his eye as he purposefully goaded the underclassman.
“Oh, yeah,” Deuce said. “We sit together in class every day. And study together all the time. And hang out at Ramshackle. I’d even say we’re best friends. And you’re just her part-time boss, right?”
Azul wasn't a fool, and he wasn’t nearly as oblivious as he considered Deuce. While it might have taken a hot second for him to acknowledge his own feelings for (Y/N), and maybe a night of agonizing self denial as he tried to fight off the warm-fuzzies that came whenever he merely thought about the girl, he’d come to the conclusion that by the end of the year, he’d have (Y/N) return his affections, no contract required. Of course, that meant taking out the competition. And, as much as he would loath to admit it, (Y/N) was extremely close to her fellow first years, the spade card soldier unfortunately included.
While it might have taken Deuce a little longer to exactly name the emotions that stirred in his chest the longer he knew (Y/N), he wasn’t as clueless as Azul thought he was. If you’d asked him before, back when he was a delinquent, he probably would have brushed off any mention of a crush or the blush of first love as nothing but chick-flick claptrap. But now, actually experiencing it for himself, he more than understood why romance novels were so popular.
They both watched as (Y/N) zipped by. She caught them looking and waved a hand in greeting. Both boys smiled and waved back, imagining her smile was only ever meant for them.
“You know,” Azul said. “I think Octavinelle purple looks good on her. Much better than, say, Heartslabyul red.”
Deuce could swear he felt a vein pop. “I think you’d look better in-”
“Hi, guys!” (Y/N) said, interrupting at just the perfect moment. The tension eased out of Deuce’s shoulders like butter on a hot pan. “Got you guys something. On me!”
In front of Deuce, she slid a tall glass of fizzing blueberry soda, swimming with bursting boba pearls and topped with condensed milk slowly diffusing into the drink. “I had them mix it with a shot of protein powder. You’re getting ready for that track meet, right? You’re going to be awesome.”
For Azul, she set a delicate bone china tea cup, decorated with purple peonies against a light blue background. The aroma of green tea, swirled with a light pink strawberry syrup floated up between them. Tiny crushed freeze dried strawberries bobbed in the steaming tea. “Got to take it easy, boss. This should help your throat feel better. You said it was feeling sore this morning, right?”
Azul smiled gratefully and took the tea cup. “Thank you, (Y/N). What would we do without you?”
(Y/N) shrugged. “Anything for my two favorite guys. Got another order here. See you!”
Deuce and Azul smiled and waved, only long enough for (Y/N) to be properly out of eye sight. They sipped their drinks as menacingly as possible, glaring at each other in an unspoken challenge.
On the other side of the Monstro Lounge, Jade was setting up a betting pool.
Idia vs Vil
It was inevitable at some point, Idia knew, that he’d have to leave his dorm room eventually. That didn’t make his trek across the snow laden campus any better, though. Normally, when he had a special order come in, Ortho would be able to grab it from the mail room for him. But this time it had been delivered to the school store by mistake, and his little brother was deep asleep in his charging chamber with an in-depth diagnostic program running. Of course, Idia could have waited for Ortho to wake up, but every second he went without the new exclusive Premo memrobelia while knowing it was so close already was torture. So, he chose a different kind of torture, slinging on his heavy coat and ventruing out to retrieve the package himself.
It was still snowing lightly as he stepped into Sam’s Mystery Shop, the flakes evaporating inches from his hair. He started to stomp the snow from his boots, but thought better of it quickly, not wanting to drag attention to himself with the noise. There was some sort of satisfying revenge in the thought of tracking melted snow through the store for forcing him to come out here, even if it wasn’t their fault his mail had been misplaced.
He tapped his fingers rapidly at the checkout counter as Sam slipped into the back store room to find his package. Just as he was finally starting to calm down from the overwhelming irritation of being perceived, his heart jumpstarted back to a thunderous beat when he heard a familiar voice call out, “Idia!”
Swallowing hard, he turned around, seeing (Y/N) waving at him from a display of winter clothes. He waved back, expecting her to turn back to what she was doing, but his mouth went dry and his heart dropped into his stomach as she came over to him. His thoughts rushed as he tried to remember if he’d showered that morning, if he’d used mouthwash, was he wearing his good coat, should he smile now or would that look creepy with his sharp teeth, was he -
His mind went from overload to bluescreen as (Y/N) pulled out a deep blue and lavender striped scarf from the box she was carrying and wrapped it around his neck. “Here, this one’s on me. Sam’s letting me sell some stuff I knitted to get some extra cash. You’re dripping snow everywhere, you know? Are you cold?” Idia regretted his ‘revenge’ now.
“A-ah, no, I’m fine,” He stuttered out. He tried to quickly recall every dating sim he’d ever played in a desperate attempt to figure out how to talk to a pretty girl IRL.
“There’s not much point in setting up a stand to sell if you keep giving things away,” Another voice chimed in from behind them. Vil stepped up, hands on his hips with that familiar calculating and slightly disapproving look, although his eyes softened and he smiled that perfect, practiced, magazine-ready soft smile as (Y/N) looked back up at him. Idia couldn’t help but notice Vil had a similar scarf and a pair of mittens personalized with a VS clasped in one hand.
Was that the kind of guy she liked? High maintenance, pompous, proud, tall? He was tall. When he stood up straight, anyway, which he didn’t like to do since it brought even more attention to him than his bright blue fiery hair did. Ugh, this was exactly why he preferred to talk through a screen. Although, even Idia had to admit there was something special about being able to stand directly next to (Y/N).
Vil, likewise, couldn’t help but wonder if Idia represented the kind of personality (Y/N) found attractive as he observed the other boy tug at the scarf she has so fondly wrapped around his neck. A silent genius, yes, but also a shut-in, a rambler, barely enough confidence to fill a tea cup until some invisible switch flipped and suddenly he would go on and on about how amazing he was. Honestly, the only real competition Vil saw in Idia were his amazing cheekbones.
“Vil’s helping me set everything up,” (Y/N) said, unaware of the silent sizing-up the two others were doing. “It’s great to have someone who knows what they’re doing.”
Vil tossed his hair like he was in a shampoo commercial. Idia rolled his eyes. “Well, I only promote products I believe in.”
“Still, it was nice of you to post about it on MagiCam. I never thought my hobby would get 5,000 reposts in ten minutes.”
“It was the least I could do,” Vil said, not-so-subtly flaunting the monogrammed mittens. “Your skills continue to astound me. Perhaps you should come to Pomfiore this evening for dinner and I can-”
“I’ll take it all!” Idia blurted out. He slapped down a heavy black metal credit card on the cashier table. Sam seemed to materialize right out of the shadows, smiling brightly and swiping the card before anyone could get another word in.
“Whoa, Idia!” (Y/N) said. “That’s way too much!”
“Naw, don’t worry about it,” He said, shoving his hands deep in his pockets. “Ignihyde gets super cold anyway since we need strong AC to keep the computers cool. So you’re doing me a favor.” He pulled the scarf up to cover the bottom half of his face, hoping it would hide the blush quickly forming on his pale face, to say nothing of how the edges of his hair were sparking pink. “Plus, it’s like a SSR rank pull since you made it.”
“(Y/N), spudling,” Vil said, putting a hand on (Y/N)’s shoulder to gently direct her attention back to him. “Since you’re out of stock, I’d love to put in a few more orders for personalized items. I have several contacts back in Maquillaville who would be thrilled to receive something so high quality. And, if you’d like to come with me during winter break, I’m sure having an in person model with the designer herself would do numbers. I’m sure Sam here could put in an order for more yarn. Alpaca, cashmere, velvet chenille, and the like. No, don’t worry about the cost, I’m more than happy to pay for it. It's important to support small businesses, after all. Wouldn’t you agree, Idia?”
"Doesn't the Shaftlands get, like, six feet of snow during even a mild winter? The Isle of Heroes is way nicer to spend winter break. You-You know, if you wanted to come over to my place during break instead.”
“Oh, yes,” Vil said sarcastically. “I’m sure (Y/N) would love to spend her free time miles under water in a sterile facility where we nearly escaped with our lives. That sounds like a dream.”
“Um, actually,” (Y/N) said, feeling like she was interrupting something. “Kalim already invited me and Grim to his place. Trying to make up for last winter break, I think. But thank you for thinking of me!”
As Sam bagged up Idia’s new knitwear and discussed with (Y/N) about how much yarn she needed, added to Vil’s tab, of course, the two third years exchanged looks. Maybe they could call a temporary truce for the time being in light of a common enemy.
Sebek vs Jade
“I think I caught something!” (Y/N) cheered. She yanked back on her fishing pole, heels digging into the soft sand of the bank of the river.
She and Sebek stood in the dappled light in the forest around NRC campus. They had taken the easy trek out to a clear river that ran across Sage’s Island, just in time to catch the salmon migration as they went from freshwater to salt. Sebek had asked her to accompany him that morning, with an attempt at nonchalance while also blushing furiously and not being able to meet her eyes. Grim had declared that, even if it wasn’t tuna, fresh fish was still fresh fish and eagerly pushed his hench-human out with the knight. Although she had laughed afterward and said that she would have loved to accompany him, even if she didn’t have an extra mouth to feed.
Sebek looked casually over at her exuberant flailing, his own posture as straight as his own fishing pole. “You’ve caught a rock.”
“What? No, I-” With a yelp, (Y/N) suddenly fell back as her fishing hook dislodged from the riverbed rocks it had been snagged on. Sebek dropped his pole and lunged with his arms out to catch her, only to be beaten to the punch by a figure that stepped out of the trees.
“Careful now,” Jade said, (Y/N) cradled rather fondly in his arms. “This isn’t exactly the way I pictured you falling for me, but I suppose it will do.”
(Y/N) felt heat rise to her face immediately. Before she could formulate a response, her mouth opening and closing uselessly, Sebek grabbed her hands and jerked her back upright.
“Thank you,” Sebek said, not sounding at all grateful. “Now if you’ll excuse us.”
“Oh, not at all,” Jade said. Purposefully ignoring Sebek, he stepped behind (Y/N), looking over her shoulder at their collected equipment. “I didn’t expect to run into anyone during my hike today. It’s quite a lovely surprise. What brings you out, (Y/N)?”
“It’s the salmon run,” (Y/N) said, picking her pole back up and trying to fix the line. “I’ve never been fishing before, but Sebek’s helping a lot.”
“I see,” Jade said, glancing sideways at Sebek. “My, Sebek, I wouldn’t have taken you for one to lure our dear Prefect out alone in the middle of the woods. And not a chaperone in sight! What would your prince say?”
Sebek spluttered at the accusation. “How dare you! As a knight of Briar Valley, (Y/N) is more than safe with me! Much more so than with someone already proven to be a swindler and confidence man!”
“Oh, how you wound me, Sebek.”
“Wait, I’ve really got one this time!” (Y/N) interrupted. A brightly colored red salmon jumped out of the water, the end of (Y/N)’s finishing line caught in its mouth.
“Start reeling it in!” Sebek commanded. “Keep your rod up and pull it towards you.”
“You want to give it side pressure,” Jade said. “Move your rod to the other side of how its swimming.”
“That will just make the line slack! You’re going to lose it!”
“Keeping the rod that straight will snap it.”
“I’ve been fishing since I was a child training with Master Lilia, I know what I’m doing!”
“Ah, that would explain the outdated methods, then.”
Amidst their arguing, neither of them noticed (Y/N) take a step forward to try and steady herself against the surprisingly strong fish. Her foot landed just the wrong way on an algy-covered stone, her leg buckling under her, sending her cascading into the river and the fish zipping away to freedom.
(Y/N) spluttered, wiping a hand down her face to get rid of the dripping water. She supposed she was lucky enough to have fallen into a shallow portion of the river, even if she was still soaked through. She pushed against the slippery rocks, turning herself around only to slip again, landing on her back.
Huffing in finality, she laughed at herself. “Can I get a little help here?”
“Honestly, human,” Sebek said, voice crossed with frustration and affection. “What would you do without me?”
“My, so presumptuous,” Jade said. “Here, (Y/N), let me help you, free of charge.”
(Y/N) looked up. The sun created halos around their forms, both extending a hand down to her. She gulped, hand hesitating in the air. Finally, she took both their hands in each of hers, hauling herself up out of the water. She tried not to notice their disappointed expressions as she wrung out her shirt. “Thanks, guys! Maybe I’m not built for the great outdoors.”
“Nonsenes!” Sebek said. “You’re progressing quite well for a human.” (Y/N) winked at him. “Oh, just for a human?”
Sebek blushed, clearing his throat and turning away. “Y-Yes, well, all things considered, I suppose you have become quite… formidable, given recent events around school. Even with your unfortunate disposition, I can see why Prince Malleus has grown fond of you.”
“Just Hornton, huh?”
“I told you to stop calling him that-!”
Jade dropped to his knees, one hand coming up to hold (Y/N)’s knee and the other cradling the back of her thigh, just underneath the hem of her shorts. She let out a tiny gasp of surprise and Jade had to bite his lip to keep himself from smiling too obviously.
Sebek, however, had no compunctions about hiding his emotion. Fangs bared, he marched over, ready to snatch Jade by his collar and throw him into the river, or, more preferably, all the way back to campus. “What do you think you’re doing?! Such crude behavior is completely inappropriate in front of a lady!”
“Just a moment,” Jade said, unbothered. He ran his hand up the back of (Y/N)’s leg, taking note of the goosebumps that followed. With a deft twist of his wrist, he dislodged a black, blobby leech from her skin, holding the wiggling thing up for them to see. “Please excuse me, (Y/N). I thought it best to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.” He flicked the leech back into the river.
“A leech,” Sebek muttered. “How appropriate.”
Jade grinned. “A distant cousin, perhaps?”
“I was referring more to the blood sucking.”
“Hey!” (Y/N) said, trying to lighten the mood. “I might not have caught anything, but you got a couple of big ones, Sebek! How about we light up a campfire and start cooking these?”
Sebek puffed up his chest in pride. “Of course! For a trained knight to the Draconia throne, this sort of thing is nothing!” He dropped to a pre-cleared area and started arranging various logs, sticks, and other kindling they had collected earlier into a short pyramid shape.
“Ah,” Jade said. “So you’re choosing to make that type of fire.”
“And? This is a perfectly standard way to cook in the wilderness!"
“I’m sure. But, as the founding member of the mountain lover’s club, I’ve been out in nature my fair share as well. I think you’ll agree this configuration is much more efficient.”
(Y/N) sighed inwardly. It was going to be a long day.
Ruggie vs Kalim
Kalim wasn’t used to this feeling. He wasn’t used to wanting anything, at least not something he couldn’t easily have. He wasn’t used to craving what someone else had. He’d always been the kind of kid to share his toys, give freely to whoever asked, with no thought of repayment.Yet anything he could ever want or dream of was always at his fingertips. The entire concept of envy was inexplicable to him.
But now, standing in the small garden tucked behind Ramshackle dorm, watching (Y/N) and Ruggie laugh together as they pulled weeds, there was a strange twist deep in his gut. Was this what jealousy was?
Trying his best to push the gnawing feeling away, he plastered on a bright smile, waving his arm above his head as he walked over to the two. He purposefully ignored the way Ruggie’s eyes narrowed and ears went back, instead focusing on (Y/N) looking up at him with the sweetest smile he had ever seen and a glitter in her eyes that made his heart flip. He was enraptured by the sound of her voice as she detailed all the work that had gone into the little backyard garden and how proud she was of its crop. She couldn’t have done it all without Ruggie’s help, she said, bringing back that twitching, strange feeling in Kalim’s chest.
Was it so bad that he wanted her to rely on him like that? To have her first instinct be to come to him for any problem, no matter how small? To speak about him as if he was the air she breathed, like he spoke about her?
He swooped down and lifted up a basket of zucchini, taking her hand to pull her up with him. He talked about throwing a party in her honor. She was amazing, didn’t she know that, for working so hard to make something so amazing? He felt like he was flying on a magic carpet as she laughed and thwacked his chest with the back of her hand.
Kalim wasn’t used to the feeling of want. But he was more than ready to do whatever it took so that ‘want’ would become ‘have.’
Ruggie was used to this feeling. This feeling of wanting, of coveting, of hunger. He was also used to the feeling of perseverance. Of fighting for what he wanted. Of digging his teeth in and not letting go. He knew the weight of his own determination, the ache of hard work, the bloom of succeeding after long hard exertion.
What was new to him was that hollow feeling being filled by nothing more than a few kind words and a sincere smile from a certain magicless girl. A girl who had stumbled into his life out of nowhere, turning everything upside down and chaotic but quickly becoming someone he couldn’t picture the rest of his life without.
He watched Kalim hoist a basket of zucchinis over his head, smiling brightly as a few leftover yellow flowers fell from the vines. Ruggie sunk his teeth into a tomato, relishing the way the juices dripped down his chin, but his eyes never wavering from the other boy.
Was he worried? No, not really. Sure, there was some apprehension watching how Kalim’s hand touched (Y/N)’s back as she leaned down to look at something he was showing her. But he wasn’t worried, not really.
Ruggie had known plenty of boys like Kalim, whether from interacting with them at NRC or his grueling days back home in the slums of the Sunset Savanna. Boys like that were easy to figure out, all overstuffed with their own confidence that came with being born with a silver spoon in their mouth. They were used to things being easy.
Ruggie jumped up, easily sliding himself between Kalim and (Y/N), pretending he had interrupted to show her a caterpillar slowly gnawing on a large leaf. He relished the way she gasped in delight and gently stroked the caterpillar’s back. Every smile, every sincere compliment, every laugh she gave him, the warmth of their hands brushing as they had worked in the garden, felt like refreshing rain rushing through a dry riverbed.
Ruggie’s eyes cut up every so briefly to Kalim’s face, catching his small frown at the interruption. He had to bite his lip to keep from grinning.
Ruggie had always been a fighter, and he wasn’t about to give up on his love so easily.
Bonus: Malleus vs Ace
It took Ace a minute to realize his eyes were open. It wasn’t until moonlight started to peak behind the clouds and pour in through the large windows of the Ramshackle living room that he realized what had woken him up. Rubbing sleep out of his eyes, he pushed himself up off the couch he was splayed over. He wasn’t sure when he had fallen asleep. He’d originally come over after getting hit with his House Warden’s signature spell again and wanted a quiet place to stew. But his bad mood had quickly devolved into a night of eating way too many snacks, jokes, and video games with his favorite Prefect.
The floorboards creaked as he heard movement from above, padding down the stairs, and passing by the living room to the front entrance. He saw (Y/N)’s familiar silhouette pass by the door.
“He-Hey!” Ace called out, voice still a little groggy from sleep. Tripping over himself, he rushed to the entrance hall. Why would (Y/N) be up so late? Was she running from something upstairs? Did something weird happen with the ghosts? Was she okay? Was there something-
Ace froze as he whirled around the corner, staring at the front door. The tall, dark, looming figure of none other than Malleus Draconia blinked back at him in surprise as (Y/N) hopped on one leg to pull her shoes on.
“Oh, Ace!” She said. “Sorry, did I wake you up?”
“Uh,” Ace said, now all too aware of the dried drool on his chin. “What’s up?” “Hornton and I were going on a walk,” She said, like it was the most casual thing in the world.
“In the middle of the night?”
“It has become routine,” Mallues said. “There’s something beautiful about exploring the grounds at night. It’s much more… intimate.” He seemed to smirk at the way Ace’s eyes narrowed at him as he said that. “Althought I didn’t expect you to have company.”
“Oh, yeah,” (Y/N) said, pulling on her coat. “The guys crash here all the time. At least it gives me an excuse to clean up some of the other rooms here. Ready to go?”
“I’ll come!” Ace quickly interjected. He tried to downplay his insistence by saying, “I mean, I’m awake already, so might as well, right?”
“Oh, yeah, sure! Is that okay with you, Hornton?”
Malleus pressed his lips into a thin line, looking down at the red head who stared back up. In any other circumstance, Malleus might have felt impressed at the younger boy’s insistence at not backing down. He smiled softly, taking (Y/N)’s hand and patting the back of it, taking pleasure in the way Ace stiffened. “Of course, my dear child of man. Whatever would please you.”
“Great!” She said, squeezing his hand once. She stepped around him, opening the door for the two boys. “Don’t forget your coat, Ace.”
As (Y/N) admired the fireflies that gathered on the Ramshackle lawn, Malleus and Ace stopped on the front steps. There was a moment when they both admired her, a carefree moment in a normally tumultuous environment. And then they remembered they were standing together, and not alone with the object of their affection, and the mood quickly soured.
“I wasn’t aware you frequented Ramshackle Dorm,” Malleus said.
“Oh, yeah,” Ace said, casually. “I’m here, like, all the time. (Y/N) and I are practically besties, you know? Like that.” He held up his pointer and middle finger crossed together.
Malleus narrowed his eyes at his underclassman. “I see. Then, of course, you know all about the ball we had at Noble Bell College during the student social last year, yes? Why, I remember catching her in my arms as we fell through the floor when the fire lotuses bloomed. And then we danced the night away, hand in hand.”
Ace tripped going down the front steps. He hadn’t known that particular saccharine detail, but there was no way he was about to admit that.
“Y-yeah, well, then, she probably told you all about when we were in Playful Land, right? We went down a rollercoaster and she totally grabbed on to me real tight. I mean, it was great and everything, for a while, anyway. Bet I looked super cool swooping in to save the day at the end.”
“Intersting. Lilia told me you were quickly trounced by the fox’s unique magic and only managed to be spared by sheer coincidence and good luck.”
Ace grimaced. “Yeah, well, he was stuck in a cage turning into a puppet the whole time, and he’s like a million years old, so maybe he doesn't remember right.”
Malleus narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps you don’t remember who you’re speaking to.”
Ace could already tell that whatever he was going to say next would be a bad idea, but by the Seven, he was going to say it anyway. He was saved by (Y/N) coming back up the steps. She stood between them, hooking her arms through each of theirs.
“Come on!” She said. “The night’s not getting any younger. I’m glad you're both here. There’s nothing better than hanging out with my two favorite guys. Don’t tell Grim I said that.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” Malleus said with a soft smile.
Ace casually bumped her with his shoulder. “But I’m your most favorite guy, right?” (Y/N) laughed and shoved him back.
“Hey, so,” She began, tone more serious and quiet now as the trio meandered through the silent streets of Night Raven College. “I mean it, really. I don’t know how I would have survived this long if it hadn’t been for you guys. Not just the Overblots, I mean. But, like, everything. Things have been pretty hard from the word ‘Go,’ but knowing you both are here to help me… It just means a lot, is what I’m trying to say. I don’t know how I can ever really repay you.” She blinked hard, eyes suddenly misty.
Both boys paused, their competition temporarily forgotten. Malleus stepped in front of them, taking both of her hands in his and leaning down so they were eye level. “My Dearest (Y/N),” He began. “I believe I speak for both of us when I say your happiness is of the utmost importance. No sacrifice is too great if it leads to your bliss.”
“Yeah!” Ace jumped in. “You know, not to get sappy or anything. But with everything going on here, you know you can count on us for anything. We’ve got your back, no matter what.” Ace looked past (Y/N) at Malleus. “You know what I mean, right?”
Malleus definitely knew what Ace meant.
Bonus bonus: Ace and Deuce vs Jade and Floyd
“Well,” (Y/N) said, dusting off the stubborn sand that still clung to her clothes. “All's well that ends well, right?”
“Is that what we’re calling it?” Azul grumbled.
The five of them, (Y/N), Grim, Azul, Jade, and Floyd, looked over at Jamil and Kalim. The taller boy was sitting cross-legged amongst the many piled high pillows and low couches in the Scarabia dorm common room. He was still clearly exhausted from his Overblot, but nonetheless he kept trying to stand and move around. Kalim would, not unkindly, push him back down, darting everywhere like an anxious bird to pick up various snacks, blankets, and tea to present to Jamil. Grim had already descended on the spread and was devouring a plate of baklava. Rushing over with a plate of petit fours, Kalim’s foot caught on the edge of an elaborate area rug, causing him to trip. He fell flat on his face, but popped back up with a smile, having saved the tiny cakes from damage. Jamil sighed, shoulders slouching, his face collapsing in his hand.
“Well enough,” (Y/N) decided with a smile. “Seriously, I can’t thank you guys enough. You’re lifesavers, literally.”
Floyd threw his arm around his brother’s and (Y/N)’s shoulders, bringing the three of them in a tight hug. “So, Shrimpy owes us one, huh? That’s fun. Got any ideas, Jade?”
“Oh, I’m sure we could come up with a way you can repay us,” Jade said with a sly smile.
Azul rolled his eyes at his friend's antics, heading over to schmooze with Jamil.
(Y/N) felt her face heat up at the close proximity to the two boys, not to mention that particular look in their eyes that seemed a cross between playful affection and a predator that had just spotted its next meal.
She laughed nervously. “Well, yeah, sure. Or maybe we can call it even from that time you kicked me out of my house.”
“Aww, you know we didn’t mean anything by it!” Floyd pouted. “It was all part of Azul’s deal! We were just following orders, you know?”
“Yes, I’m sure you took absolutely no pleasure in throwing me out on the streets.”
“If we’re discussing pleasure,” Jade said. “I think a return visit to Ramshackle would be a fine way to settle this debt. There is some sort of charm I miss in that dilapidated old building.”
“Hey, I’ve spent a lot of time fixing that place up!”
“Perfect,” Jade said, leaning down so his face was level with hers, mouth next to her ear. “ Then you’ll have to personally give us a tour of all the improvements."
Floyd squeezed a little harder, his own face coming down to her other ear. “Everyone’s still gone for winter break. Must be lonely up there. Jade and I can come keep you company.”
Flustered and face burning, (Y/N) stuttered out, “Uh, well, if you wanted to come hang out I suppose that’s okay-”
“(Y/N)!”
The new voice broke whatever carefully crafted mood the two eels had cultivated. Looking up, Jade and Floyd with an annoyed frown and (Y/N) with curious wide eyes, they looked to the entrance of Scarabia that led to the mirror portal.
(Y/N) was worried it was a mirage at first, a cruel hallucination caused by the stress of the last few days, exhaustion from dealing with a fourth Overblot, and the heat of the desert. But no, it was real. Ace and Deuce, running up the fountain-lined entrance of Scarabia, school blazers slung off and shirt sleeves rolled up.
(Y/N) didn’t expect the sudden bursting in her chest. With a sob that surprised even her, she broke away from Jade and Floyd’s grip, running to meet the two other first years half way. She missed how the twins clutched at the air behind her, unwilling to give up a treasure or aching for the memory of the heat of her skin. Without waiting for a proper hello or explanation, (Y/N) threw her arms around the Heartslabyul boys in the tightest hug she could manage, hoping to convey all her emotions through that action since words had abandoned her.
“Hey, hey!” Ace said, awkwardly patting her back in the outburst of emotion. Although he couldn’t help the feeling of self satisfaction that came with knowing (Y/N) was so happy to see him. “Easy, already! We came here to save you, didn’t we?”
“We got your text!” Deuce said. His hands floated over her back, unsure how exactly a proper honor student would handle a situation with a crying girl. Even if his first instinct was to pull her close and never let go.
She pushed back, still holding them at arms length and taking shuddering breaths to calm herself down. “I-I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I-I didn’t think you’d come! I didn’t even know if that text went though.”
“Didn’t think we’d come?” Ace said, incredulously. “Come on, we go through three Overblots, a monster in the mines, a heist in the middle of the ocean, and you don’t think we’d come help our best friend out when we get an SOS text out of nowhere?”
“Four Overblots, actually,” Jade said, him and Floyd sliding up to the reunion.
“Not that you’d know,” Floyd added. “We already did all the hard stuff. Right, (Y/N)?”
“Oh, yeah, right!” (Y/N) said. She wiped away the stray tears from her eyes. “You guys won’t believe the week I’ve had. Well, maybe you will, it’s kind of seeming par for the course at this rate.”
“Wait, there was another Overblot?” Deuce gasped.
(Y/N) nodded. “Yup. And I thought Crowley said these things were supposed to be rare.”
“Not… Kalim?” Ace said, looking over to the common room. “You know, with the house warden trend and all.”
“No, it was Jamil.”
“What! Jamil? I play basketball with that guy! That doesn't…” Ace paused for a second, thinking. “Okay, wait, yeah, no, that actually makes sense now that I think about it.”
“Well, we’re all okay now,” (Y/N) said. She took a step backward, tapping Jade and Floyd. “It wouldn’t have been possible without these guys and Azul.”
“You went to Octavinelle for help?” Deuce said, sounding a little betrayed.
“It was kind of a spur of the moment thing, and a flying carpet is actually really hard to drive, and I didn’t know if you guys had gotten my message or not, and things were getting really dire, and-”
“No need to justify yourself, (Y/N),” Jade said. “Octavinelle is based on the Sea Witch’s spirit of benevolence, after all. Of course we would be more than happy to come to the aid of a damsel in distress. In a timely manner, of course.”
“Yeah,” Floyd said, pulling (Y/N) into a backwards hug and resting his chin on the top of her head. “We already took care of all the hard stuff. So I guess there’s no reason you guppies need to stay around, huh?”
Ace grabbed (Y/N)’s hand and pulled her back to his and Deuce’s side. “(Y/N) called us. It sounds like she just kind of ran into you guys by accident.”
Floyd grabbed her back. “Well, we’re the ones who actually helped out. We’re all super close now. What’s that thing called, Jade?”
“Trama bonding.”
“Yeah, we’re totally trauma bonded.”
“Hey!” Deuce interjected. “If anything, we’re way more trauma bonded than you!”
“Okay!” (Y/N) said, holding her hands up between the two groups. “Not that I wouldn’t love to remember all the awful stuff that’s happened in the past few months, but I think we need to save Jamil again.” She nodded her head back towards the common room. While they couldn’t make out what he was saying, it was clear from Azul’s body language that he was trying to pitch something to the vice-house warden. Jamil looked like he was ready to throttle the merman. “Come on, you guys are here anyway. Might as well enjoy some time off before classes start again.” Grim waved her over, proudly showing off that he had saved a piece of baklava just for her, since he was such a good boss for this hench-human and all. (Y/N) picked him up gratefully and inserted herself between Azul and Jamil.
The two groups back at the entrance glared at each other.
“Tweels,” Ace hissed.
“ADeuce,” Jade shot back.
“Don’t think this makes anything even,” Deuce said, punching his fist into his palm. Once he realized he was doing it, he shook out his hands and crossed his arms.
“Yeah,” Ace said. “(Y/N)’s our best friend.”
“Oh, did you hear that, Floyd?” Jade said, grinning.
“Yeah,” Floyd replied, matching his brother's teasing tone. “He said ‘friend’.”
“Well, friends are all well and good, but I think we’re interested in a little more than that. And if the position is open, who better than her recent saviors to fill it?” Floyd started cackling as the two quickly made their way over to the little party.
“Wh- Hey, wait!” Ace called out.
“There is absolutely no position to fill!” Deuce yelled after them. “And if there was, we’d get first dibs!”