The Heiress of DeVille

ao3: Vera_DeVille

[vera-deville]

Masterlist

About Me

Hi! I'm Vera DeVille, and I love to read and write fanfiction. I write for a lot of fandoms, so if you're curious about which ones I write for (and would like to request fics), head on over to my request rules:

Request Rules

Welcome to my blog:

Welcome!

Fanfiction:

Obey Me: Masterlist

Twisted Wonderland: Masterlist

My Hero Academia: Masterlist

Jujutsu Kaisen: Masterlist

Bungou Stray Dogs: Masterlist

Ouran High School Host Club: Masterlist

Haikyuu: Masterlist

Miscellaneous: Masterlist

Fanfiction Events:

Vera's Hauntober 2023 (Sort of discontinued?)

[vera-deville]

Once Upon a Study Session - Riddle Rosehearts

Ch. 4 - It's Getting So Much Clearer

05/14/2026 - 05/15/2026

Synopsis: Struggling to keep up with your classes, you are assigned a tutor by Professor Crewel: Riddle Rosehearts, the strict and notoriously intimidating Housewarden of Heartslabyul. What begins as an awkward arrangement slowly shifts into something much more than you could have ever expected. A genuine friendship forms - one that neither of you realizes is quietly growing into something more.

Pairing: Riddle Rosehearts x Reader

Content: The slow-burn finally has some progression; a little bit of emotional hurt/comfort; Riddle and the reader open up to each other; took some creative liberties with the reader's family and backstory from back home

Word Count: 3,371

Notes: I'm playing around with the formatting of my fics. I'm still contemplating whether or not I should have a chapter synopsis for each part and if I should include links to my masterlists in the beginning or end (or both) of my fics. Let me know what you guys think! Also, super excited to finally release this chapter!

The library had become familiar in a way you never expected. Not just the space itself, but the towering shelves, the soft rustle of pages, the faint scent of old parchment, and the table you always used. The one tucked near the window, where the afternoon light spilled across the wood in warm, golden strips.

Being chucked into an unfamiliar world has its downsides, as one might expect, and when you first arrived in Twisted Wonderland, you refused to study outside of your room. It was the one place you could hold to yourself, despite its dire state of being, and you despised studying anywhere else. Not with so many eyes on you, constantly watching your every move, seemingly almost waiting for you to make yet another mistake.

As you made your way in, you noticed that Riddle was already seated, as punctual as ever, his notes arranged in that familiar, neat, symmetrical layout you have thus grown accustomed to.

"Good afternoon," Riddle said, without looking up, though the slight lilt in his voice told you that he had indeed noticed your arrival, and, dare you say, was a tad happy about it. You allowed him to finish writing whatever he was writing, while you slid into your usual seat. You pulled out your notebook, flipping to the page you'd been working on earlier. "I went over the stability charts like you suggested."

Riddle finally looked up - and paused.

You were already working.

No hesitation, no second-guessing, no glancing at him for his reassurance.

Just...working.

He watched as you traced the sigil pattern with your finger, murmuring the cadence under your breath. Your brow furrowed, not in frustration, but in concentration. You weren't overwhelmed. You weren't lost. You were focused.

And enjoying it.

He could see it in the way your eyes lit up when you realized that you had drawn the sigil exactly as it was in your textbook. He could see it in the smile that ever so slightly tugged at the corner of your lips when something clicked.

"You have improved in your sigil drawings," Riddle said, unable to mask the tone of pride in his voice. "The lines are clear, and there are no mistakes."

You glanced up, akin to the hedgehogs back in Heartslabyul.

"Yes," He said simply. "Your cadence in incantations has also stabilized significantly."

You grinned, bright and sunny, something warm flitting about in Riddle's chest - something that couldn't be named. Perhaps satisfaction? Pride? The quiet joy of watching someone grow under your guidance?

You reached for the reference book beside you at the same time he did.

Your hands brushed, lightly, naturally.

"Oh-sorry," You said, but your smile was easy, unbothered.

"No need to apologize," Riddle replied, handing you the book. "You may use it first."

Your skin came into contact with his once again as your fingers brushed his knuckles.

Neither of you froze.

Neither pulled away.

You flipped open the book. "Okay, so...this particular sigil needs to be rotated this way because the sigil's orientation affects its stability, right?"

Riddle leaned in slightly, not enough to crowd you, but enough to see the page. "Correct. And why is that?"

"Because the energy flow needs to align with the incantation's cadence," You replied, tapping the diagram. "Otherwise it creates resistance."

Riddle smiled. "That is exactly right."

You beamed. "Look at me, sounding like I know what I'm doing."

"You do know what you're doing," He said, and the sincerity in his voice made your smile soften.

You worked for a while in comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional question or quiet explanation. Riddle corrected you once - twice at most, and even then, his tone was gentle. Guiding rather than strict.

At one point, you paused, fiddling with your pen, swishing it around. "Hey, Riddle?"

"Yes?"

You hesitated. Then laughed softly. "I feel like I should tell you something."

Riddle straightened slightly. "Go on."

"So...I was honestly terrified of you at first."

Riddle's brows furrowed. "Terrified?"

"Yeah," You said, swirling your pen around faster. "You were kinda intense. Like, really intense. The first time I saw Ace with the collar, I was pretty freaked out. We don't have things like that back home, y'know?"

Riddle's ears turned faintly pink. "My...apologies."

"And during our first session," You continued, "I was scared to get anything wrong. I thought you'd lecture me for breathing wrong."

"I would not-" Riddle began, then stopped. "I suppose I can understand why you felt that way."

"But," You said, leaning forward, "after the overblot and after getting to know you, I realized you weren't angry. Just...anxious. And precise. And just genuinely trying really, really hard and always trying to be perfect."

Riddle's breath caught.

"And now?" You said softly, focusing on the slate of his blue eyes. "Now, I see how patient you are. How much you listen and how much you care about helping people improve. I really admire that. I also just wanted to say thank you for being so patient with me and helping me...even if Professor Crewel told you to."

Riddle stared at you, stunned into silence.

"...Thank you," He said quietly. "That means more than you know."

You smiled. "I'm glad!"

A moment passed, soft, warm, and marshmallow-ey.

Then you tilted your head. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"How...how are things with your mother now?"

Riddle stiffened - not in fear, but in surprise. "My mother?"

"Yeah," You encouraged softly. "You mentioned that things were complicated before, and after the whole, well, overblot thing, I just...wondered if they've gotten better."

Riddle looked down at his hands.

When he spoke, his voice was calm and careful.

"It is still...awkward," He admitted. "We are speaking more. I am trying to advocate for myself, and she has been trying to give me space. But it is still incredibly unfamiliar to both of us."

You listened quietly, nodding.

"I have spent so long following her rules," Riddle continued, "and truth be told, I do not know who I am without them. I am still learning to create boundaries and to exist within them. And my mother is still learning how to let me."

"That sounds really hard," You replied delicately.

"It is," He agreed. "But...I am trying. And so is my mother. That is enough for now."

You smiled, tender and proud. "I think you're doing great."

Riddle's chest tightened with something fragile and new.

He cleared his throat. "What about you?"

"Me?"

"Yes," He said. "Your home. Your family. Do you miss them?"

You blinked, surprised by the question.

And then you talked.

Seemingly, it was all you could do. You told him about your home, your family, the things you missed, the things you didn't, the foods you no longer get to eat, the people you no longer get to see, the world you don't know will be yours ever again. You told him of your dreams and plans. The ones you had before coming to NRC. You feared speaking too much, of yapping Riddle's ears off, but every time you met his eyes, you couldn't help but keep going.

Riddle listened - truly listened - asking thoughtful questions, nodding at the right moments, and offering placid empathy.

You didn't realize how long you'd been talking until you finally paused, noticing that the sun had slipped away from your favorite corner, leaving only the haunting glow of the green lanterns in its place.

"Oh," You said softly. "My bad. I didn't realize that I had been talking for so long."

Riddle closed his notebook. "This was nonetheless a productive session. I rather enjoyed hearing about your world, though I find some things hard to picture."

You smiled. "Yeah, I guess so."

As you packed your things, Riddle watched you with a gentle expression. When you finally slung your bag over your shoulder and headed out, waving an exuberant goodbye to him, Riddle lingered for a moment, allowing the quiet to settle around him. The session had been the best one yet, and the thought left a small, steady satisfaction in his chest.

He stepped out of the library a minute later, heading toward the path that led to the dining hall, where Trey and Cater were already waiting for him. And as he walked, that same quiet satisfaction continued to replay in him.

It wasn't excitement, nor was it anything dramatic. Just a warm, grounded sense of rightness - the kind that came from seeing genuine progress, from knowing that his guidance had helped someone grow. It was a feeling he didn't get often, but one he found himself appreciating more and more.

The dining hall was already buzzing with evening chatter when he arrived. The clinking of silverware, the hum of conversation, and the faint scent of freshly baked pastries in the air. Trey spotted him first, lifting a hand in greeting from a table near the center.

"Riddle! Over here," He called.

Cater waved enthusiastically beside him, reminiscent of your own antics every time you leave your tutoring sessions. "Riddle-kun! We saved you a seat!"

Riddle approached, posture straight but noticeably relaxed. He slid into the seat across from them. smoothing the napkin on his lap with practiced precision.

"You're in a good mood," Cater observed casually as Trey passed Riddle a plate.

Riddle blinked. "I had a rather productive day."

Trey's smile deepened ever so slightly - subtle, but knowing. "Productive is good."

Cater leaned forward, elbows on the table (Riddle stiffened at that). "Ooooh, does this have anything to do with your tutoring session with a certain Ramshackle Prefect today?"

Riddle paused mid-reach for the bread basket. "Yes. She demonstrated significant improvement."

Cater's grin grew wider. "Significant, huh?"

"Yes," Riddle replied, unaware of the trap he'd just walked into. "Her sigil drawing has improved dramatically, and her cadence control has become consistent. She's also begun identifying structural patterns without prompting."

Trey raised an eyebrow. "That's impressive."

"It is," Riddle agreed, a faint note of pride slipping into his voice. "She has been working very hard, and it is clearly reflected in her results."

Cater's grin widened. "Wow~ Listen to you! Praising someone so much. I'm shook."

Riddle frowned, "I do not see why that is surprising. I praise people often."

"Oh, no reason~" Cater said lightly. "Just that you sound...I dunno. Proud?"

Riddle stiffened. "I am acknowledging her progress. That is all."

"Sure," Cater said, leaning back with a smirk. "Just acknowledging progress. Totally neutral. No warm fuzzy feelings involved."

Riddle's ears went faintly pink. "I do not experience 'warm fuzzy feelings.'"

Trey snorted into his drink unhelpfully.

Cater all but pounced. "You sure? Because you walked in here looking like someone told you the Queen's Roses were painted red with no reminder from you."

Riddle sputtered. "That is an exaggeration-"

"Is it?" Cater teased. "Because you've got this little smile-"

"I am not smiling."

"You kinda are though."

Riddle found himself pressing his lips together immediately, which only made Cater laugh harder.

Trey shook his head, amused. "Cater, leave him alone."

"What? I'm just saying," He replied innocently. "It's nice to see him so happy."

Riddle opened his mouth to admonish him - but paused.

Happy.

Was he really that happy?

He considered it. The quiet satisfaction. The warmth. The sense of accomplishment. The easy he always felt during your tutoring sessions. The way your laughter had lingered in his mind longer than expected.

"...I am pleased that she is improving," He said finally, choosing his words with care. "It reflects well on her effort."

"And on her tutor," Trey added gently.

Riddle's ears turned pinker. "That is not relevant."

Cater smirked. "Uh-huh. Sure~"

Riddle huffed, stabbing a piece of roasted vegetable with more force than he normally would have applied. "This conversation is becoming absurd."

Trey chuckled. "Relax. We're just teasing."

Riddle, in fact, did not relax, not fully anyway, but the tension in his shoulders and the pink in his ears eased. He took a bite of dinner, letting the familiar flavors ground him again.

The conversation drifted to other topics - Heartslabyul events, Cater's latest Magicam trend, Trey's baking experiments - but every so often, Trey would glance at Riddle with a small, knowing smile.

Riddle was by no means distracted. He was no longer flustered, and he certainly wasn't daydreaming. He was simply...lighter. More at ease. More open. More content.

And Trey, having known him for many years, noticed.

Cater noticed too - but unlike Trey, he couldn't resist poking the bear.

"So," Cater said casually, swirling his drink, "when's your next tutoring session with her?"

"Tomorrow afternoon," Riddle replied without hesitation.

Cater's sharp grin returned. "Wow, you answered that fast."

Riddle raised an eyebrow. "It is simply scheduled. There is nothing unusual about that."

"Sure~" Cater teased, smirking. "Nothing unusual at all."

Trey continued watching, tickled and pleased with the free mealtime entertainment he was getting.

Riddle sighed, exasperated. "Must you both behave like this?"

"Yes," Cater said cheerfully.

"Absolutely," Trey added.

Riddle stared pointedly at his friends (what a nice ring that had).

But even as Cater teased him and Trey chuckled, that quiet satisfaction from earlier didn't fade.

If anything, it nestled itself deeper within him.

Across campus, you were having a very different evening.

You had barely stepped into the Ramshackle common room before Ace's voice rang out, booming and noisy.

"There she iiiiis! Miss Honor Student!"

You froze mid-step, bewildered. "Huh?"

Ace leaned over the back of the couch, grinning like he'd been waiting specifically to ambush you (which he probably was). "So? How's tutoring with our super uptight Housewarden?"

Deuce, sitting beside him, winced. "Ace, don't say that."

Jack crossed his arms. "Seriously. Show some respect."

Epel snorted. "I dunno, I think it's pretty true."

You blinked, finally actually stepping inside your own dorm fully and setting down your bag and coat. "He's not really that uptight. Or strict."

Sebek turned sharply at this. "Discipline is the foundation of strength. If the Housewarden of Heartslabyul is tutoring you, he should be stricter!"

Ace rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right. Housewarden might have changed after his overblot, but he's still hella strict. You know he still gives me those terrifying glares whenever I do anything, right?"

"That's because you still mess up. It's a miracle you haven't been collared yet." Deuce added helpfully.

"I'm serious! He's really not all that terrifying!"

"Ha! That's how I know you're lying!" Ace accused.

"I'm not lying!" You insisted, plopping yourself down on a chair. "He's patient. And he explains things really well. And he listens. And he's actually really-"

"Really what?" Epel asked.

"If you'd let me finish," You glared at him pointedly, "just...really helpful. He's never yelled at me or been short with me despite how many times I've messed up, and he's just a really good friend."

Jack nodded in solemn understanding. "You sound pretty passionate about defending him."

Deuce nodded. "It's nice, actually. I'm glad that you two seem to be getting along well."

Sebek slammed a fist over his heart. "LOYALTY! ADMIRATION! Yes, this is the manner in which one should speak of a superior!"

You smiled at that. "I mean...yeah. Riddle's really impressive. He's smart and dedicated, and he's changed a lot since the overblot. I really respect that!"

Sebek pointed at you triumphantly. "EXACTLY! You understand! Just as I admire Wakasama's unmatched brilliance, you admire that of the Housewarden of Heartslabyul."

You nodded enthusiastically. "Right! Riddle's growth is honestly really inspiring. And he's so good at teaching and he's-"

Ace and Epel exchanged a look before bursting out in laughter.

"Holy shit," Ace said, clutching his chest and wheezing. "You like him!"

Your brain suddenly lost all of its ability to function. "What!?"

Epel laughed maniacally, smacking Ace's shoulder repeatedly in his bouts of laughter (which made Ace shoot him a dirty look). "You totally do!"

"I DO NOT-!"

"You so do!" Ace exclaimed victoriously. "Look at you! You're defending him more than Trey or Cater ever did! You're defending him like he's your boyfriend or something."

"He's not-!"

Jack raised his hands. "Guys, knock it off. Don't tease her or Houswarden Rosehearts like that."

Sebek nodded earnestly. "Indeed. Such admiration is natural when one is in the presence of greatness."

You pointed at Sebek. "THANK YOU."

Sebek puffed up like a pigeon. "You and I are the same! Admirers of true excellence!"

Ace snorted. "Yeah, except she's admiring Riddle, not Malleus."

Sebek gasped, offended and indignant. "THE HOUSEWARDEN OF HEARTSLABYUL IS A RESPECTABLE MAGE!"

"Exactly!" You jumped back in, flustered, but grateful. "He's-he's amazing! He's smart and disciplined and he's worked so hard to change and he's-"

Ace smirked. "Keep going. This is great!"

You threw a pillow at him. "SHUT UP!"

The pillow was narrowly dodged, but Deuce's face became the unfortunate recipient of the pillow embedded with all your annoyance.

"Oops, sorry, Deuce!" You apologized, cheeks warming further.

"She's blushing!" Epel screeched.

"I AM NOT BLUSHING-!"

"You totally are~" Ace said, running like a mad chicken with you hot on his trail. "You totally like him!"

"NO I DO NOT TRAPPOLA DAMMIT-!"

Of course, that's the moment your voice gave way for a crack, which ended up being all the ammunition they needed.

Ace collapsed onto the couch, wheezing with laughter, no longer breathing. Epel was wiping tears from his eyes. Even Deuce was smiling, though he tried to hide it. Jack shook his head, mildly amused while Sebek launched into yet another tirade about the virtues of powerful mages and how admirable they are.

You stormed up the stairs towards your room, but Ace wasn't done.

"Hey!" He called after you. "Make sure you study extra hard tomorrow! Wouldn't wanna disappoint your favorite housewarden!"

Epel chimed in, "Yeah! Maybe he'll give you a gold star! Or a kiss on the forehead!"

"I SWEAR TO GOD EP-!"

You nearly tripped over the stairs, heat pummeling through your head.

Jack winced at the sight. "Guys, seriously."

Deuce sighed. "You're going to make her explode."

Sebek nodded gravely. "Indeed. Such teasing is unbecoming of Night Raven College students! However-" He added, eyes practically gleaming, "-I do understand the admiration of a powerful mage. Lord Malleus is unmatched in grace, strength, and magical prowess!"

You blinked, walking down a few steps. "I mean...yeah. Malleus is incredible."

Sebek lit up like a Christmas tree. "YES! EXACTLY! You understand TRUE GREATNESS!"

"Riddle's pretty cool too!" You blurted before you could stop yourself.

Ace and Epel howled.

You fled back up to your room, slamming the door behind you.

But their voices echoed in your head.

You like him.

You like him.

You like him.

You heard as the boys left, one by one, taking their rowdiness with them.

You paced.

You sat at your vanity, brushing your hair.

You stood.

You changed your clothes.

You paced again.

You pressed your hands to your face.

"No," You muttered. "No, no, no. I don't. I don't-"

But then you thought about that time he gently corrected your formula for a magical equation. It was your third tutoring session, back when you were still nervous around him. You thought about the times he's listened to you whenever you yapped about something that came to mind - just like earlier today. You thought about the way he genuinely didn't seem like the Riddle you first met soon after you woke up in a coffin. You thought about the comfort you felt around him, how the two of you could sit in silence for however long, and how it no longer felt awkward.

You thought about the way you defended him as much as you did today. Was it really any more than what anyone else would have done? You thought about how you had come to look forward to your sessions. About the way he smiled, actually smiled, it just seemed so right. Like the most beautiful thing in the world.

Your breath hitched.

"Oh no," You whispered.

You knew.

You liked him.

Like, like-liked him.

Really liked him.

And there was no denying it anymore.

You sank into your bed, burying your face into your pillow.

"...Oh no."

Author's Note: I've been super busy, and it's genuinely been so depressing just thinking about how long it's been since I last wrote a fanfic. On one hand, I've just been so swamped, and on the other, I've been going through a weird writing rut. Right now, I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things, so hopefully that goes well!

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter (TBA)

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

[vera-deville]

Once Upon a Study Session

Chapter 3 - Nothing Made Sense 'Til the Time I Saw Your Face || R. Rosehearts

01/29/2026 - 03/24/2026

Pairing: Riddle Rosehearts x Reader Word Count: TBA Gender: AFAB Warnings: Very mild self-deprecation Tags: @rose-the-witch1, @qaxdea, @katzline, @3lectraheart, @aurorab-0-realis, @danielapuppy41 Notes: God, this took forever to release, and it wasn't even because of the writing. I already had that down, but I accidentally messed up my color gradient formatting, and I lost all will to post this. T-T

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter (TBA)

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

By the time your fourth or fifth session rolled around (honestly, you couldn't remember for the life of you), you no longer felt like you were walking into a courtroom every time you approached the library table. Riddle was already there, as always, posture perfect, notes arranged with surgical precision. Seriously, this guy would do great in the medical field. Somehow, things had changed a little. He looked...less intimidating now.

"Good afternoon," He said without looking up, flipping a page in the diagnostic packet he'd prepared for you. "I have marked a few areas for us to review today."

You slid into your seat. "Only a few? Wow, I'm improving faster than I thought!"

Riddle paused. Then looked up, expression unreadable.

"...That was a joke," You clarified quickly.

"I am aware," He noted, though the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth suggested he hadn't been. "However, you are improving."

You blinked. A complete welcome, albeit unprompted compliment.

"Thanks," You said, trying not to sound too pleased. "I've been practicing."

"I can tell." He tapped the packet. "Your spell structure analysis is far more consistent. You're beginning to identify patterns without prompting."

You grinned. "Pattern recognition is my one superpower. That and making tea." You opened the packet. "So, what's today's challenge?"

"Intermediate spell theory," He replied. "Specifically, the relationship between incantation cadence and magical stability."

You stared blankly at him. "What's that?"

Riddle inhaled, then exhaled. Slowly, like he was reminding himself that patience was a virtue.

"Cadence," He repeated. "The rhythm of the incantation. It affects how stable the spell is."

"Oh!" You perked up. "Like in singing?"

Riddle blinked. "I...suppose there are quite a few similarities, yes."

"Sweet!"

He slid a diagram toward you. "This is the standard cadence pattern for a basic levitation spell. Notice the rise and fall in the syllables."

You tried reading through the sentence, murmuring the words, trying to figure out how to pronounce them, when Riddle leaned in again, his fingertip tracing the cluster of symbols. "This one," He murmured, "uses bh again. Remember, let the b break on a breath, as if the sound is being pushed out of your chest." He shifted to another line. "Here, the double aa means you lengthen the vowel. Not louder, just longer, like you're letting the sound settle before you move on."

He tapped a new mark. "When you see dh, you soften the d and let it roll into the breath. It should feel like the sound is slipping out of your mouth rather than striking. It's like the word 'the,' but you stress the first consonant. This one here is śa. That's not a normal 'sh.' It's sharper, more focused, like cutting the air with the tip of your tongue."

His eyes flicked to you, checking whether you were following. "These distinctions matter. The spell listens to the shape of the sound, not just the word."

"If I say it too fast, does the spell destabilize?"

"Correct."

"And if I say it too slow..."

"It fizzles out."

You nodded. "Okay. So, a little like cooking. Too much heat, it burns, too little, you're not cookin'."

Riddle stared at you again.

"That is an unexpectedly apt comparison," He said quietly.

You shrugged. "I'm better with metaphors. It's the learning and execution I need help with."

"You are improving in those areas as well."

"Wow - two compliments in one session. Should I be concerned?"

Riddle's ears went faintly pink. "I am simply stating facts."

"Sure," You smiled smugly. "Facts."

Riddle had you practice the cadence aloud. You tried. You really did. But the first attempt came out worse than your friend back home, who couldn't roll her 'r's for shit.

Riddle winced. "Try again."

You did.

"Not that slow."

You huffed. "You're very particular."

"I am precise," He corrected. "There is a difference."

"Is there?"

"Yes."

You raised an eyebrow. "You're sure?"

Riddle shot you a look that could curdle milk.

You laughed. "Okay, okay. Precision. Got it."

He guided you through the rhythm again, tapping the table lightly like a metronome.

"There," He said. "That was correct."

You blinked. "Really?"

"Yes."

You grinned. "Sweet!"

After a while, Riddle closed the textbook.

"You have made considerable progress today," He said. We can take a short break."

You stretched your arms above your head. "Thank the Seven. My brain was starting to leak out of my ears."

"That is not anatomically possible as a result of studying."

"It's a metaphor."

"I am aware."

You snorted. "Sure you are."

Riddle gave you another withering look, but there was no heat behind it.

You reached for your water bottle. "So...do you tutor a lot of people?"

"No," He said almost immediately. "Most students do not request my assistance."

You blinked. "Why not? You're really good at explaining things."

Riddle hesitated.

Just for a moment.

"I am...aware that my demeanor can be intimidating."

You nearly choked on your water. "You? Intimidating? Nooo."

He narrowed his eyes. "Sarcasm is unnecessary."

"Sorry," You said sheepishly. "But seriously, you're really not that scary. Not anymore, anyways."

Riddle looked at you like you'd just told him the sky was green.

"I...appreciate the sentiment," He said finally.

You shrugged. "I mean it. You're strict, yeah, but you're also pretty patient. And you actually listen. That's rare."

Riddle's posture softened. Barely, but noticeably.

"...Thank you."

You didn't really say anything about that afterwards. You just sipped your water and let the quiet settle comfortably between you.

As you packed up your things at the end of your session, Riddle spoke again.

"You demonstrated strong improvement today," He said. "Your cadence control is significantly better."

"Thanks," You said. "I actually had fun."

"...Fun?"

You panicked. "Not like 'fun' fun, but like, academic 'fun!'"

"I understand," He said quickly, though his ears were pink again. "I am...pleased.

You blinked owlishly.

Riddle stared right back at you.

A second passed, then another, and then you both pretended nothing happened.

Potion Theory.

You were pretty concerned when you arrived at the library table and found Riddle already seated with two porcelain teacups, a small pot, and a neatly folded napkin arranged with the precision of a ceremonial offering.

You stopped mid-step. "...Is this a test?"

Riddle looked up from the notes he was annotating. "No. It is Earl Grey."

You stared at the teapot. "That didn't really answer my question."

"It is not a test. The caffeine may assist with concentration."

"Oh." You slid into your seat. "Well...thanks."

"You are welcome," He said, pouring the tea with a practiced hand. "Sugar?"

"Uhhhh, sure."

He added exactly one spoonful. No more, no less. You found yourself amazed at how he knew the perfect amount of sugar you put in your Earl Grey.

You took a sip.

Your eyes widened. "Oh! This is really good!"

"Of course it is," Riddle said primly. "I brewed it."

You snorted. "Right. Silly me."

His pen paused for a fraction of a second, barely noticeable, but you caught it.

You found yourself thinking about Riddle's tiny pauses after some bout of silly sarcasm from you. It meant that he was amused. That tiny inhale he'd let out after you try explaining something almost always meant that he was about to correct you. A tiny exhale, on the other hand, meant that he was trying not to correct you.

Huh, when did you start noticing things like that?

You sipped your tea in silence, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere between you two (as well as the scones Riddle apparently already had on the table). You watched as the light hit, a stark difference to the beautiful apple red that was his hair, and how it seemed to make him glow just a little more.

Eventually, it was time to work on sigils. As you moved on to the next diagram, Riddle watched your process intently, occasionally interjecting with a question or correction.

"Your placement is slightly off," He said at one point.

You adjusted it. "Better?"

"Yes. Much."

You grinned.

He grinned back.

You tried not to think too hard about that.

Halfway through the session, you paused to stretch your fingers. "Why do sigils have so many circles? It's like someone got bored and started doodling."

Riddle looked mildly offended. "They are not doodles. They represent containment fields."

"Containment fields shaped like circles."

"Yes. Circles are the most stable geometric form for magical energy."

You raised an eyebrow. "Says who?"

"Says centuries of magical research," He replied, sounding personally attacked.

You grinned. "I'm just saying, trapezoids deserve a chance."

"Triangles are inherently unstable."

"Wow. Harsh."

Riddle gave you a look. "You are being deliberately contrary."

"Maybe."

He exhaled sharply, but you could tell he wasn't actually annoyed. If anything, you'd even go so far as to say that he seemed...mildly entertained.

After another round of sigils, you leaned back in your chair, rubbing your temples. "My brain is melting."

"It is not," Riddle said automatically.

"It feels like it."

"That is normal," He said, tone softening. "Potion theory is complex. You are doing well."

You blinked. "Thanks."

At some point, you were explaining your thought process and were mid-sentence when your pen slipped and left a streak of ink across your notes.

You groaned. "Ugh, balls-"

Riddle scrunched his nose, but leaned over to assess the damage. "It is not a significant error. You can rewrite the line."

"Yeah, but now it looks messy."

"Perhaps, however, the accident still works in your favor." He said. "Your work is still valid."

You blinked at him. "You really think so?"

Riddle's lips twitched.

You laughed, and Riddle looked away quickly, as if the sound had startled him.

As you packed up your things, Riddle spoke again.

"Well done today," He said. "Your analogies were particularly effective."

You blinked. "Really?"

"Yes." He hesitated. "I find your perspective...refreshing."

You stared at him.

He stared back.

Then he cleared his throat. "I will see you during our usual time and location next week."

"Got it," You said, smiling. "And...thanks. For the tea. And the patience."

Riddle's posture softened - barely. "You are welcome."

You left the library, your body no longer feeling like osmium weighing you down.

You were halfway through explaining your thought process on a spell diagram, hands frazzling about, voice animated, tea cooling beside you, when Riddle leaned in slightly, eyes narrowed in concentration.

"Uhhhh, so if the incantation cadence shifts here," You said, tapping the page, "then the stabilizing sigil compensates for the imbalance. It's like...magical shock absorption."

Riddle nodded, almost impressed. "That is another apt analogy. Continue."

You felt the corner of your mouth twitch upwards, before you manually forced yourself to keep cool.

"And that's why the incantation sounds ceremonial even though it's functional," You finished, flipping to the next page. "It's traditional layered onto practicality!"

Riddle remained quiet for a long moment.

"...You are genuinely enjoying this."

"Well, duh! I finally understand what the heck is going on and-"

"Well, well."

You nearly inhaled the rest of your words.

Riddle jolted upright (more than he already was) so fast, you could have sworn you'd heard his spine crack a little.

Standing a few feet away, hands clasped behind his back, was Professor Crewel.

Unlike the usual look on his face that made you feel like he'd caught you exchanging notes with your friend in class, a flicker of amusement shone through.

"Professor Crewel," Riddle said. "I was not aware that you were-"

"Checking in?" Crewel finished smoothly. "Naturally. I assigned this arrangement, after all. I must ensure my pups are doing well and that you aren't tearing each other apart."

You found your own spine straightening at his presence. "We're not tearing anything apart. I mean-except for maybe my brain, but that's normal; no biggie."

Riddle shot you a withering look that said please stop talking.

Crewel's gaze drifted over the table, taking in the open books, scattered notes, teapot and teacups, the way Riddle was leaning ever so slightly towards you (even in this moment) instead of simply sitting rigidly upright.

"My, my," Crewel drawled. "It seems this arrangement is working better than I had hoped. Sencha?

"Yes, Professor," Riddle replied stiffly.

"The tea is-" You began.

"Delightful?" Crewel supplied, lips curling. "Yes, I can see that."

Riddle opened his mouth.

Closed it.

Opened it again.

No particular sound came out.

Crewel's eyes sparkled. You felt your face heat up. "We're making a lot of progress!"

"Of course you are," Crewel said lightly. "And Rosehearts here seems to be enjoying himself."

Riddle made a noise that might have been a cough or an itty-bitty existential crisis.

"I-Professor-that is-an exaggeration."

Crewel hummed. "Is it? I have seen you tutor, before, Rosehearts, but usually, you are far more rigid."

Riddle stiffened. "I am not rigid."

You snorted before you could stop yourself.

Riddle shot you a betrayed look.

Crewel's grin widened. "See? Even your pupil disagrees."

"I-" Riddle sputtered. "That is-"

You jumped in, attempting to save him. "He's not rigid. Just...structured!"

Crewel nodded approvingly. "Well, whatever it may be, I am pleased to see such progress. Carry on, you two. Keep up the good work."

You and Riddle froze.

Praise from Professor Crewel wasn't rare, but always welcome. Silence fell over the table.

You stared at your notes, trying to focus on the words, unable to fight the grin attempting to cement its place on your face. "So. Uh...spell diagrams!"

"Yes, of course," Riddle muttered.

Eventually, the session came to a close. You began packing your things, not slowly, but not rushed either. Riddle cleared his throat.

"...You are improving," He said quietly. "Significantly."

You looked up, excited. "You really think so?"

"Yes."

You felt a sort of warmth wash over your spine. Something that only intensified when you noticed the soft expression on Riddle's face.

And as you left the library that evening, you realized a crucial, itty-bitty little detail that you hadn't really had in the forefront of your mind before:

It didn't really feel like tutoring anymore.

Author's Note: This took forever to write, because for some reason, my writing rut just had to hit while I was in the middle of this. I ended up starting this 1-month writing challenge in my AO3 so that I can try and pull myself out of the rut, and so far, it's been pretty cool! I'm not too happy with how this chapter turned out, but I'm excited to get it out of the way and move on to chapter 4 (which I have been waiting to write forever).

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter (TBA)

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

[vera-deville]

You don't cry when they say his name.

You don't even flinch.

"Gojo Satoru has been sealed," Someone repeats, voice strained, like saying it again might make it make sense. "We need to assume he's unavailable indefinitely.

Unavailable. Like he missed a meeting.

You nod. Calm. Steady. You even speak - God help you, you speak.

"Okay," You say. "Then we regroup. We count numbers. We prioritize evacuation zones and cursed energy hotspots. Panic will not help."

Yuji's eyes glaze over in worry, something unspoken. Maki tightens her grip on her katana.

You don't break.

You don't scream.

You don't throw the nearest object against the wall with every bit of force you can muster.

You hold it together, because someone has to. You'd lost more in one night than you could have ever imagined, but you damn well weren't going to lose it in front of everyone, and especially not all these kids. God knows they're going through enough as is.

When you finally excuse yourself, you don't stop walking until you're alone.

A stairwell. Empty. Concrete walls closing in around you.

You brace your palms against the railings -and that's when it hits.

"There's no way," You whisper to the cold, damp air. "There's no way you're dead."

The words feel obscene in your mouth. Wrong. Incorrect. Unfathomable. Erroneous. Revolting. And yet, they don't stop.

"He's sealed. Is he alive? Dead?" The only way the others referred to him was 'neutralized' but that only raised more questions than answers. You couldn't bear to think of his cold, dead body held inside of a god forsaken cube. You couldn't bear to think of him in his final moments - swallowed by silence, with no one there to hold him as the world slipped away.

You scratch at your throat, desperate to regain some semblance of breathing.

Satoru, who laughs too loud and touches too often and never takes anything seriously - except you. Satoru, who promised, half-smiling, "I'll be back before you even miss me."

You slide down until you're sitting on the steps, pressing your hands to your face, muffling every sound, every breath.

Liar.

You don't allow yourself to cry. You can't. Everyone else needs you steady.

So you just sputter on the cold, bitter air.

Somewhere deep inside a cursed object sealed with ancient techniques and divine restraints:

Gojo Satoru scratches his back.

"Ohhhh, yeah," He hums, dragging the wooden curve of the back scratcher between his shoulders. "That's the spot."

The Prison Realm is quiet. Timeless. Boring.

He's already tested the boundaries. Already yelled. Already tried brute force, finesse, cursed energy overload, and sarcastic taunts.

Nothing really works.

So now, he's sitting, man-spreading, one arm resting on the chair while the other taps the back scratcher up and down on his thigh.

"...Man," He mutters, staring into nothing. "They're definitely freaking out."

He grins.

There's no doubt in his mind, not for a second, that you're out there holding the world (or what's left of it) together with as brave a face you could paint. That you thought the worst. That you're hurting.

His grin softens.

"Hang in there," Gojo says quietly, almost as if the cube could hear him. "I'll be back."

He stops bouncing the back scratcher.

"After all," He adds brightly, "I can't leave my favorite person worrying over me like that."

[vera-deville]

Ur so cool and epic W + pogchamp

Awwwww, thank you so much Techy! (I knew it was you-)

[vera-deville]

Choso realized that he wants to kiss you in the most inopportune of moments - right after a fight, when the air still smells faintly of cursed spirits and blood, and his hands won't stop shaking.

Not from fear.

From relief.

You're fine. Standing right in front of him. Alive.

"Choso, you say softly, reaching for his sleeve. There's concern in your eyes, the kind that makes his chest ache. "You're hurt."

"It's nothing," He replies automatically, though the cut on his cheek stings. What hurts more is the thought that you almost weren't here to say his name again.

You step closer, lifting your hand to his face before he can stop you. Your fingers brush his skin, gentle and grounding, and he stills completely, breath refusing to move above his larynx. He's so aware of you that it's dizzying: your warmth, your pulse, the quiet trust of your touch.

"Choso?" You say, stepping closer. "Talk to me."

He doesn't pull away, but his shoulders tense beneath your touch. "Even after all this time..." His jaw tightens. "I still feel like a monster."

The words immediately sour your face into one of forlorness.

You cup his face before he can look away. His skin is warm. Real. Human. "You protected me," You say softly. "That doesn't make you a monster."

His eyes flicker, a second away from crying. "I've taken lives. I was born from blood and hatred. And worst of all, I failed to be there for my brothers. Even now, when I look at you..." His voice drops. "I'm afraid you'll see me for what I truly am."

You don't answer with words.

Instead, you step closer - close enough that he can feel your breath, steady, anchoring. Your hand slides from his cheek to the back of his neck.

"You don't scare me, Cho. Not then, not now, not ever. I see someone who's been through hell and still strives to be the best he could possibly be. What about that is monstrous to you?"

That's when something breaks.

Choso leans in like he's crossing a line he never thought he was allowed to touch. His hand trembles as it cups your jaw, hesitant, waiting for you to stop him.

You don't.

The kiss is gentle, despite everything. Slow. Careful. Like he's memorizing the feeling. Like he's afraid it might vanish if he dares to rush it.

When he pulls back, his forehead rests against yours, breath uneven.

"...Is this okay?" He whispers, almost in disbelief.

You smile, brushing your nose against his. "Every time."

This time, you're the one who leans in, slow, deliberate, pressing your lips to his like it's a promise you intend to keep.

[vera-deville]

Leona insists he's only walking you back to Ramshackle because it's "on the way."

That's a lie, and you both damn well know it.

The sun is dipping low, the hallways cool, and Leona's shadow stretches long, completely overtaking your own as he yawns dramatically for the third time in five minutes. "You walk too fast," He grumbles, even though you're pretty sure he'd be much faster if he tried.

When you tease him about it, he flicks your forehead with just enough force to make you gasp in indignation. "Careful," He says, viridescent eyes half-lidded, but amused. "I'm doin' you a favor."

A loose tail curl brushes your wrist - not accidental. When you look up at him, he pretends not to notice, gaze fixed ahead. But his ear twitches. Twice.

At Ramshackle's steps, you thank him, expecting him to leave.

Instead, he leans down, resting his chin briefly on your head. Heavy. Warm. Familiar.

"Don't stay up too late," He mutters. "You better not be late to Magift tomorrow."

And before you could tease him any further about his obvious want of your presence at his Magift practices, he's already sauntering away, self-satisfied grin plastered on his face.

[vera-deville]

Now how did YOU get into obey me and Twsted?

As well as do you have any Yuusonas? Or Obey me MC oc’s? Or any oc’s in general?

Lastly, What dorm do you think your in?

Hehehehe~

I'll start with Obey Me, since I got into it before I did Twisted Wonderland. It was many years ago, and I used to be OBSESSED with Mystic Messenger, so when I found out that there was this new otome game that I kept hearing about, I figured I could see what it was about. Now, I didn't download the game (so I didn't know about actual gameplay) until years later, but I had been in the fandom for a very long time by that point, and had known pretty much just about everything that there was to know about it.

Twisted Wonderland was a more fun story (in my opinion). It all started with me reading a fic about some character (I don't recall what fic it was, unfortunately) back in 2020, and I remember seeing a character being used as the banner for that person's blog on Tumblr. Now, I thought the character was really cool. The dude had lion features and just looked very smug, and I was curious as to who he was. Unfortunately, at the time, I had a device where I couldn't search up the image online because Tumblr formatting was weird and stuff, so despite trying super hard to find the guy, I just couldn't find him.

Time skip to about a little over a year later when I had come across a post where it was a bunch of characters who were all wearing matching outfits and stuff. They were pretty cool; the color theme revolved around red and white, and there was caution tape kinda thrown into the mix, and I thought it actually looked really cool. Something about their outfits just eerily reminded me of Black Butler for some reason though. I couldn't put my finger on it, and to be honest, I still have no clue why to this day.

I looked at the comments/tags and found out that the characters were from something called Twisted Wonderland. I originally thought it was an otome game, but then as I was getting into the fandom, I realized that it's literally not(!?) and that it was owned by Disney(!?) and that (biggest one yet) Yana Toboso was part of its creation(!!!???). So, the Black Butler definitely made sense later.

I first really liked Azul Ashengrotto because he seemed really suave, sleek, and elegant. I also adored Octavinelle's theme (as well as the house's name itself). The second character I liked was Malleus Draconia (let me know if you want a little more of a deeper dive into why I liked these characters). Lastly, I really liked Leona Kingscholar, and honestly? I'd say that he's probably my favorite of the boys to this day.

Unfortunately, I do not have any OCs for Obey Me or any Yuusonas in TWST, but I love seeing what other people create. I have been wanting to create a Yuusona for many years now, but I've never been good at drawing or art in general, so I ended up never getting around to it.

This question is kinda funny to me, because I was recently asked this by my friend who was trying to figure out my favorite dorm for our friend group's Secret Santa. I really like the aesthetics of Octavinelle, Pomefiore, and Diasomnia, but genuinely speaking, Ramshackle does hold a special place in my heart. It's super cute, and in my imaginary scenarios, I can genuinely see myself sprucing up the place and making it all quaint and stuff. So, my favorite house would actually have to be the dilapidated, definitely breaking multiple zoning laws (not to mention safety/hazard laws), dusty and moldy dorm - Ramshackle.

Masterlist

[twilightpoison]

I have the ability to draw. (in a very chibi style)

Give your ideas and maybe references... 100% references.... please.

[vera-deville]

Oh my goodness, that's literally the sweetest thing ever! I'mma totally take you up on that offer-

[vera-deville]

Now how did YOU get into obey me and Twsted?

As well as do you have any Yuusonas? Or Obey me MC oc’s? Or any oc’s in general?

Lastly, What dorm do you think your in?

Hehehehe~

I'll start with Obey Me, since I got into it before I did Twisted Wonderland. It was many years ago, and I used to be OBSESSED with Mystic Messenger, so when I found out that there was this new otome game that I kept hearing about, I figured I could see what it was about. Now, I didn't download the game (so I didn't know about actual gameplay) until years later, but I had been in the fandom for a very long time by that point, and had known pretty much just about everything that there was to know about it.

Twisted Wonderland was a more fun story (in my opinion). It all started with me reading a fic about some character (I don't recall what fic it was, unfortunately) back in 2020, and I remember seeing a character being used as the banner for that person's blog on Tumblr. Now, I thought the character was really cool. The dude had lion features and just looked very smug, and I was curious as to who he was. Unfortunately, at the time, I had a device where I couldn't search up the image online because Tumblr formatting was weird and stuff, so despite trying super hard to find the guy, I just couldn't find him.

Time skip to about a little over a year later when I had come across a post where it was a bunch of characters who were all wearing matching outfits and stuff. They were pretty cool; the color theme revolved around red and white, and there was caution tape kinda thrown into the mix, and I thought it actually looked really cool. Something about their outfits just eerily reminded me of Black Butler for some reason though. I couldn't put my finger on it, and to be honest, I still have no clue why to this day.

I looked at the comments/tags and found out that the characters were from something called Twisted Wonderland. I originally thought it was an otome game, but then as I was getting into the fandom, I realized that it's literally not(!?) and that it was owned by Disney(!?) and that (biggest one yet) Yana Toboso was part of its creation(!!!???). So, the Black Butler definitely made sense later.

I first really liked Azul Ashengrotto because he seemed really suave, sleek, and elegant. I also adored Octavinelle's theme (as well as the house's name itself). The second character I liked was Malleus Draconia (let me know if you want a little more of a deeper dive into why I liked these characters). Lastly, I really liked Leona Kingscholar, and honestly? I'd say that he's probably my favorite of the boys to this day.

Unfortunately, I do not have any OCs for Obey Me or any Yuusonas in TWST, but I love seeing what other people create. I have been wanting to create a Yuusona for many years now, but I've never been good at drawing or art in general, so I ended up never getting around to it.

This question is kinda funny to me, because I was recently asked this by my friend who was trying to figure out my favorite dorm for our friend group's Secret Santa. I really like the aesthetics of Octavinelle, Pomefiore, and Diasomnia, but genuinely speaking, Ramshackle does hold a special place in my heart. It's super cute, and in my imaginary scenarios, I can genuinely see myself sprucing up the place and making it all quaint and stuff. So, my favorite house would actually have to be the dilapidated, definitely breaking multiple zoning laws (not to mention safety/hazard laws), dusty and moldy dorm - Ramshackle.

Masterlist

[vera-deville]

Thank you so much to everyone who got me to 10,000 likes! I really appreciate all the support I have received over the years, and I'm really excited to share what I have in store for this new year!

[vera-deville]

He heard you after our chat istg XD

AHHHHHHH OMG-

This is literally so cool-

T-T

[vera-deville]

Once Upon a Study Session

Chapter 2 - Pick Me Up at Six || R. Rosehearts

01/01/2026 - 01/02/2026

Pairing: Riddle Rosehearts x Reader Word Count: 1,396 Gender: AFAB Warnings: Some very minor self-deprecation Tags: @rose-the-witch1, @qaxdea, @katzline, @3lectraheart Notes: Here's the second chapter to this series! I finally got the hang of gradient font stuff, so that's pretty exciting as well!

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter (TBA)

Series Masterlist Masterlist

If Night Raven College had a talent for anything - aside from emotional trauma, magical catastrophes, and wildly questionable ethics - it was turning academic failure into a character-defining experience.

You stood before the library doors like a condemned criminal.

The carved wood loomed ominously, tall and heavy, polished to a sheen that reflected your own stiff posture back at you. The unmistakable bite of fresh varnish drifted up to meet you, threading through every breath. The brass handles looked cold. Judging. Smug, even.

Inside that library sat Riddle Rosehearts.

And outside the library sat your last shred of peace.

You adjusted your grip on your notebook for the nth time since you walked to the library, fingers tightening and loosening as you were psyching yourself up for what felt more like a duel rather than a tutoring session.

It's just studying, you told yourself. With the former tyrant of Heartslabyul, who once nearly tore the school apart over a few broken rules.

Easy.

"You're making that face again."

You nearly jumped out of your skin.

Ace leaned against the stone wall nearby, arms crossed, grin sharp and bright in a way that told you he was enjoying this far too much. Deuce stood beside him, posture straight, worry written plainly across his face. Grim perched on Deuce's shoulder, tail flicking lazily.

"What face?" You snapped, already knowing the answer.

Ace tilted his head, examining you as though you were a HeLa cell culture. "The one where you look like you're walking to your own execution."

"I do not-"

"You absolutely do," Ace butted in. "Though, to be fair, you are kind of being sent to the gallows with Housewarden."

Grim, rather unhelpfully, added, "It's the same face you make when Crewel says 'pop quiz.'"

You deflated. "...Okay, maybe a little."

Deuce scratched his cheek. “It’ll be fine. Housewarden Rosehearts is strict, sure, but he’s mellowed out a lot."

Ace snorted. "Bold of you to say that with a straight face."

Deuce scowled, "Hey!"

"I'm just saying," Ace continued, shrugging, "he's still Riddle. He's mellowed out a ton, but he's got that look that makes you sit up straight away."

You groaned and pressed your forehead lightly against the door. "Why did Crewel choose him?"

"Oh, that's easy," Ace said conceitedly. "Because watching you squirm builds character."

Deuce sighed. “It’s probably because Housewarden Rosehearts always scores really well, and he actually knows the material. The professor must’ve figured Riddle could explain it in a way that would make sense to you.”

"That doesn't make me feel better."

Grim puffed up. "If that strict guy starts bossin' you around, just remind him we saved his butt!"

You smiled despite yourself, reaching up to pat Grim's head. "Thanks, buddy."

You straightened, inhaling deeply.

"Okay," You said, more to yourself than anyone else. "I can do this. It's just studying. With someone who has extremely strong opinions about everything."

Ace grinned. "Have fun~"

You flipped him off over your shoulder and pulled the door open.

The library swallowed you whole.

The moment you stepped inside, the noise of the corridor vanished, replaced by an oppressive, reverent silence. Tall shelves stretched endlessly in every direction, stacked with ancient tomes and spellbooks that smelled faintly of dust, ink, and old magic. Giant chandeliers of green flame cast a hollow, eerie glow across the ceiling, but it was the scattered lamps that bathed the room in a warm, golden light, illuminating the space in full.

Every footstep felt too loud.

And then you saw him.

Riddle Rosehearts sat near the back, posture straight, shoulders squared, books arranged neatly with surgical precision. His uniform was immaculate (as always), not a wrinkle or speck of dust in sight. His pen lay perfectly parallel to the edge of the table.

And his eyes locked onto yours as soon as you entered.

Focused, calculating, slightly furrowed.

Your soul left your body.

He'd been watching the door, you realized. Of course he had.

You forced your feet to move, crossing the space between you as if it were a minefield. With every step, your awareness of him sharpened - the way his gaze followed you, not harsh, not angry, but assessing. Measuring.

You stopped across from him, heart pounding.

"Ah," Riddle said. "You're on time."

Your shoulders loosened a bit.

"Hi," You started, then immediately panicked. "-I mean, good afternoon."

Riddle blinked once.

"...Good afternoon," He replied. "Please, sit."

You did, carefully lowering yourself into the chair like it might collapse if done so incorrectly. You set your notebook down, adjusted it, then adjusted it again when you realized it still wasn't perfectly aligned.

He noticed.

You pretended not to.

There was a brief, unbearable silence.

You opened your mouth. Closed it. Then tried again.

"Thank you for agreeing to tutor me," You said. "I know you're busy."

"It was not a matter of agreement," Riddle replied calmly. Professor Crewel requested it, and your academic standing necessitates corrective instruction."

Ah. We're starting there.

You nodded quickly. "Right. Yes. That makes sense."

"You are failing Spellcasting Theory," He continued without hesitation. "Your fundamental understanding of magical equations lacks precision, and your lack of magical affinity further complicates matters."

"Ouch," You muttered before you could stop yourself.

Riddle paused.

"...I did not intend to insult you."

"Oh! No, it's fine," You said hastily. "I insult myself about it all the time."

That earned you a look.

"Self-deprecation is unproductive," He said. "We will focus on improvement."

He slid a parchment toward you. "This is a diagnostic assessment."

You stared at it. "...A quiz?"

"A diagnostic," He corrected immediately.

Of course it was.

You scanned the questions. History of Magic. Potion theory. Magical cause-and-effect scenarios.

"I can do this," You murmured softly.

Riddle observed you closely as you worked. You scribbled answers, occasionally muttering to yourself, tapping your pen against the table when thinking through a question.

You were vaguely aware of his gaze, but weirdly enough, it wasn't uncomfortable. Just...more curious than judgmental.

When you finished, you slid the parchment back.

He went through the diagnostic in silence.

Finally, he looked up.

"Interesting."

Your heart held a beat. "Is that good or bad?"

"It is..." He started carefully, "unexpected."

You braced yourself.

"You approach magic conceptually," Riddle continued. "As a system rather than a rigid hierarchy."

Your eyes lit up. "Yes! Exactly! Magic history reads like a fantasy series to me. It's just so full of fairytales that sometimes, it doesn't feel like I'm reading a history book. It feels like I'm reading a novel, like I'm transported to another world with some stories. He, well, I guess, I did get transported to another world. Oh, and potions is basically just like chemistry, but like, with somewhat different consequences."

He considered that.

"Though I do not agree with our history being akin to mere storybooks, I suppose your grasp of potionology is not incorrect."

And then - barely perceptible - he smiled.

Your breath caught.

The smile vanished almost instantaneously.

"Do not misunderstand," He said briskly. "Though you seem to have a better grasp on certain topics, you still lack tremendously in others. Proper execution still requires discipline."

"Right. Rules. Discipline. Love that."

"...Sarcasm is unnecessary."

"Sorry. Nervous."

Riddle simply gave a brief nod of his head.

That startled you more than anything else so far.

"We will meet thrice a week," Riddle continued. "Our primary meeting location will be the library, unless you require alternative accommodation. If you do not understand something, you will ask."

You hesitated. "...Even if it's a stupid question?"

"...Yes." He answered immediately. Then, after a beat, he added, "If you do not understand something, that is a reflection of my instructing capability."

Suddenly, it didn't feel like your spine was being held upright by a marionette string.

This wasn't as terrifying as you thought it would be.

Still intimidating. Still intense.

But not cruel.

"Ummm, what days will we be meeting? I have club on Mondays and Wednesdays."

Riddle looked up from the diagnostic again. “I wasn’t aware you belonged to a club. My apologies, I should have confirmed your schedule beforehand. Would Tuesdays, Fridays, and possibly weekends be suitable for our meetings?”

Oh, yeah, totally! Um…are we still doing six?”

"Yes, six o'clock is fine. If that time ever becomes inconvenient, let me know."

As Riddle began outlining a study plan with frightening efficiency, you glanced at his figure - focused, intelligent, composed.

Okay, you thought. I can survive this.

Author's Note: So far, I'm having a lot of fun writing this. I'm still trying to figure out how to make the story span multiple chapters, and I'm also trying to figure out the storyline in the first place. I'm also having a hard time trying to make each chapter a different lyrics from Today Was a Fairytail by Taylor Swift, since a lot of the lyrics are repeated, and I want to try to have the lyrics progress with the story. Apart from that, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and I can't wait to see you in the next one!

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

[vera-deville]

Once Upon a Study Session - Riddle Rosehearts

❦ Riddle Rosehearts x F!Reader [Ongoing series] Struggling to keep up with your classes, you are assigned a tutor by Professor Crewel: Riddle Rosehearts, the strict and notoriously intimidating Housewarden of Heartslabyul. What begins as an awkward arrangement slowly shifts into something much more than you could have ever expected. A genuine friendship forms - one that neither of you realizes is quietly growing into something more.

❦ Warnings: minor cursing. minor injury and care for injury. mentions of arachnids. very minor self-loathing. minor self-deprecation. warnings will be updated as series continues.

❦ Word Count: 7,992. word count will be updated as the series continues.

❦ Additional Tags: tutoring. hurt/comfort. slow burn. slightly ooc riddle. post-overblot riddle. reader is a little shy and introverted.

Masterlist

❦ Chapter 1 - I Used to Be a Damsel

❦ Chapter 2 - Pick Me Up at Six

❦ Chapter 3 - Nothing Made Sense 'Till the Time I Saw Your Face

❦ Chapter 4 - It's Getting So Much Clearer

❦ Chapter 5 (TBA)

❦ Chapter 6 (TBA)

❦ Chapter 7 (TBA)

❦ Chapter 8 (TBA)

❦ Chapter 9 (TBA)

❦ Chapter 10 (TBA)

❦ Chapter 11 (TBA)

❦ Chapter 12 (TBA)

❦ Chapter 13 (TBA)

❦ Chapter 14 (TBA)

[pyroxeene]

I absolutely adore this idea of the Halloween characters all joining Ramshackle Dorm so have this. Also it has been brought to my attention that Crowley knows who Skully is (I haven't reached the end of the event yet) but eh just take it.

[vera-deville]

Once Upon a Study Session

Chapter 1 - I Used to Be a Damsel || R. Rosehearts

06/30/2025 - 07/02/2025

Pairing: Riddle Rosehearts x Reader Word Count: 866 Gender: AFAB Warnings: None that I can think of! Tags: @rose-the-witch1, @qaxdea, @katzline Notes: This is the first chapter of my new series! A lovely anon requested this as a oneshot, but in honor of my 300 followers milestone, I decided to turn this into a series instead. I plan to have chapters release every 3 days or so. Please check the series masterlist below to see all chapters! Next Chapter Series Masterlist Masterlist

"Y/n."

Oh boy, did you know you were in trouble the moment Professor Crewel said your name.

Not snapped it. Not barked it. Said it - smooth, sharp, almost amused, much like the way someone does when they already know the outcome and are merely watching the pieces fall into place.

You froze mid-step.

The corridor outside the staff offices suddenly felt too bright, too quiet, too full of witnesses. Grim, mercifully, was nowhere around (most likely off plotting arson or theft or both), leaving you alone to face whatever academic doom had finally caught up with you.

You turned slowly.

"Yes, Professor Crewel?" You asked, voice a little too high, a little too eager, the verbal equivalent of standing at attention, as tall as a steeple, and saluting when absolutely no one asked you to.

Crewel's office door was already open. He stood just inside it, gloved hands folded behind his back, violet eyes sharp and appraising as they flicked over you.

"Inside," He said pleasantly. "Now."

Ah.

So it was that kind of conversation.

You walked in, posture stiff, brain already running laps. You tried running through the catalogue of your recent sins in your mental notebook:

Missed spell execution in Transfiguration? Yes.

Nearly combusted a cauldron in Potions? That one time. (Okay, twice).

Failed written exam in Magical Theory? You still thought that whole exam was unfair.

The door shut behind you with a soft, definitive click.

Crewel moved to his desk and sat, folding his hands neatly atop a stack of papers. He regarded you for a moment, silent.

You cracked.

"I just want to say," You began, words tumbling out of your mouth, "that I have been studying, I swear. I know my grades don't reflect it, but I really am trying, and I know it's not an excuse, but I'm still magicless and struggling, and sometimes the theory just doesn't...click? And I know this is Night Raven College, and that it's a super prestigious institution and that what I'm doing is basically desecrating the name of it-"

"Y/N," Crewel interrupted calmly.

You stopped mid-sentence, mouth snapping shut.

"...Yes?"

He leaned back slightly, eyes narrowing.

"Breathe."

You did, though it came out more like a startled inhale.

Crewel reached for the papers and slid them toward himself. "Your academic record," He said, tapping the stack once, "is...uneven."

That felt worse than if he'd just called them terrible.

"You are failing Spellcasting Theory," He continued, "Barely passing Practical Magic. Your performance in Transfiguration is-" He paused, choosing his words with almost surgical precision, "-erratic."

You winced.

"However," He said, voice shifting, "your History of Magic scores are consistently high. Top quarter of your year. And your Potions work, while occasionally...explosive, demonstrates a remarkable grasp of chemical ratios and reaction timing."

You blinked.

"...It does?"

"It does," Crewel confirmed. "Which tells me this is not a matter of intelligence. It is a matter of application."

You nodded vigorously. "Yes! Exactly! I mean, I know I'm not magically inclined, but if you think of magic like-like a system, or an application-"

Crewel raised a hand.

You stopped again.

He smiled. Slowly. Smugly.

"That is not why I have called you here today. In regards to the subjects you are facing...troubles with, I have already decided on a solution."

Your stomach dropped.

"A...solution?"

"You shall receive a tutor."

Your brain short-circuited.

"Oh. Okay. That's-actually, that's great. I mean, not great that I need one, but great that there's help, and I promise I'll work really hard, and-"

"Riddle Rosehearts."

Your lungs betrayed you.

"...I'm sorry?"

Crewel's smile widened just a fraction.

You felt your soul leave your body, take a look around, and make a mad dash to the window.

"Riddle...Rosehearts," You repeated faintly.

"Yes."

"The same Riddle Rosehearts who-"

"Overblotted recently? Yes. Well, not quite the best mark on his record, but it does not sway from his capabilities," Crewel supplied not so helpfully.

"Oh." You laughed.

It came out wrong. A tad too hysterical. A bit doomed.

"I'm going to die," You mumbled.

Crewel steepled his fingers. "On the contrary. If you do not accept this tutoring arrangement, your continued enrollment here will be...reconsidered."

That shut you up.

You swallowed. "W-When does tutoring start?"

"Immediately," Crewel replied. "I have already spoken with him."

Of course he had.

"You will find him in the library this afternoon. He is expecting you."

That felt impossible. "He...is?"

"Yes." Crewel stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "Do try not to ramble excessively. Rosehearts values efficiency."

You opened your mouth to respond.

Then closed it.

Then nodded. "Yes, Sir."

As you turned to leave, Crewel added casually, "Oh-and Y/N?"

You paused, hand on the door.

"I suggest you do not mistake Roseheart's strictness for cruelty," He said. "He corrects because he cares."

You weren't quite sure whether that made you feel better or worse.

The door closed behind you, and you leaned against the corridor wall, staring at nothing.

Riddle Rosehearts.

As your tutor.

You pressed your forehead to the cool stone wall.

"...This is going to be a disaster."

Author's Note: For once, I'm trying not to focus too much on reaching a specific word count goal or anything similar, and instead seeing how the story unfolds. I'm not sure if I really like how this first chapter has turned out, in terms of how well it's written. I feel like I could have done better, but it's really all I have at the moment. Maybe I'll edit it in the future. See you all in the next chapter!

Update: Omg, I finally figured out how to do the gradient text!

Next Chapter Series Masterlist Masterlist

[vera-deville]

HELLO!!!!! HRU? Eating well? Sleeping well? I hope so!

Well..., I have this idea i'd like to share if you are taking requests, what would happen if MC meets Riddle by failing her classes?

And so they assigned Riddle as her tutor and she had to find him across the library, and idk because they're nervous they just ramble?

Sorry if it's too much!

HIIIIII! OMG, THANK YOU!

I am doing well, but I've been a little busy as of late. Unfortunately, sleep eludes me just as much as my will to write fanfics. How are you? I hope you're eating well, drinking enough water, and also sleeping a lot better than me. :>

I absolutely love your request, and it happened to coincide with my 300 followers milestone! I think the premise is super cute, especially since I've been wanting to write this trope for some character, but I just had no clue who. I thought long and hard about how I wanted to write this, and I'll actually be turning this into a series. I'm still trying to figure out how many chapters the series will have, but for now, please let me know if you would like to be tagged for each chapter!

[vera-deville]

Night Raven College Masterlist

11/24/2025

⁍ Taglist ⁍ Heartslabyul | Savanaclaw | Octavinelle | Scarabia | Pomefiore | Ignihyde | Diasomnia | Night Raven College ⁍ Main Masterlist

⁍ The Origins of Y/N the Prankster (Pt. 1) [Platonic] [GN] ⁍ The Origins of Y/N the Prankster (Pt. 2) [Platonic] [GN] ⁍ A Haunting Voice [No Pairing] [AFAB] ⁍ They're Not the Same! [No Pairing] [Gender Neutral] ⁍Between Worlds, Between Words [No Pairing] [GN] ⁍ Vera's Hauntober 2023 [Series] [Multiple Characters] ⁍ Enchanted Chaos: The Adventures of a Reluctant Student (Part 1)