Monday is too soon! I let out a big yawn as I go to clean up for the day. I'm going to have some pissed teachers. Oh, yeah, I skipped like two days of classes last week. They're going to be pissed. And I don't even care.
Fuck, why is Crewel the first one I see today? I've got my stuff on, and my hair up. Sure, my new bangs and framing are hanging down but I—I need a hair clip for this. I do not HAVE one. But it looks cute, too… eh, I'll deal with the fallout from our very fashion-minded teacher. This is Rook's fault, but it's cute so any yelling is totally worth it.
Actually, he doesn't say anything—but I feel a bobby pin being stuck and taking the majority of the hair with it, tucked to the side. "-Thanks?"
There's some murmuring about dogs and coats.
Class goes without a blow-up, and I'm really surprised that I'm getting away without some-
"No Wei, please see me."
FUCK.
I head over, and usher my trio of terror off. Oh no, and oh boy. A gulp, as I look at the dog-themed professor. "Yes…?"
"You skipped several classes last week."
I KNOW. "Yep." I am so upset. I have had a rough time. Have some mercy. "I-is there any make-up work I can do…?"
Crewel crosses his arms, regarding me carefully. "You are an attentive, diligent student. I couldn't fathom why you'd skip until the rumors sorted themselves out. Going toe-to-toe with Ashengrotto at his own game is admirable, however stupid." Ouch.
"Yeah… I figured that out…" I don't want to have a lecture.
"I am only excusing you this time. Do not let your follies interfere with your attendance again." He's very strict, but I AM getting excused! So, I win, right?!
"Thank you, professor!" And I hear a bell ring. Oh boy.
"Go." He waves me off, and I am MORE than happy to oblige.
"No Wei." Oh yeah, I hear Trein's voice and Lucius's matching meow. That's so adorable. But—I swallow and turn back to the professor.
"Yes sir?" Always be polite when you're in trouble.
"You skipped multiple classes last week." Oh boy.
"W-"
"The staff is informed by Headmaster Crowley that you were on an assignment to rid the students of the anemones. I am merely informing you that it is only because of this you are excused for your attendance, and I will only require you to make up the reading—which is pages 245-260. I will not require you to make up the essay, and I am excusing you from the next quiz this week." Trein cuts me off so fast.
OH I feel a little teary eyed, and nod. "O-okay."
He blinks, surprised. "Are you alright…?"
"Y-yeah… it's… um, it's been a really rough week. That's all." Some MERCY in this world.
Brows knit, but he nods, still petting Lucius. "Hurry to your next class."
I nod, and off I go—having to wipe away some fresh tears.
Wait.
THAT BASTARD CREWEL KNEW CROWLEY ASSIGNED IT!
UGH!
Now I'm in angry tears. Life is great.
Vargas, however, is not a great encounter. It's before class he wants to speak to me and I am still wiping away from fresh tears.
"Y-yeah?" I ask, as I'm pulled aside to talk. I feel awful.
There is a frown on the coach's face. "You skipped several classes last week."
Nope, I'm already wiping fresh tears. "I know, I know—I know. I—it's not like I iwanted/i to-"
"Woah! Woah. No Wei, you spent a lot of time swimming! I don't want you to strain your muscles. Now, if after your warm ups you can give me a backwards hand spring, I'll consider that time served and you can hit the showers and go on. How does that sound?!" Wait. What?
I stare at him a moment, and nod. "Okay…" And… and off I go.
One hand spring later, which felt GREAT, I'm off to rinse my face and all that before—well! I'm done. I can go to the school store! I have COOKIES to bake, and I know exactly what I'm making!
I feel zero percent bad that I'm leaving my trouble trio behind. I just need a long walk and to do something for a bit.
The school store is actually relaxing, even if there's a few students milling around. I have a very, very simple recipe in mind, and I don't need much—it's not even that expensive, either! I've gotten to the counter quickly.
"-I need a bag of flour, a bag of sugar, a pack of butter, a carton of eggs, cinnamon, and a vanilla extract." I already have measuring cups and spoons left behind!
"Oh? What are we baking, No Wei?" Sam asks curiously.
"Snickerdoodles." I answer, delighted. I am very excited. "Oh—and a lemon!" For the sweet tea, of course.
The total is just right for my budget, thankfully, and I take the change after I've paid. The bag in my backpack fits it all with nice packing. Everything's good—and I'm on my way home.
I trust that Grim will come home with Ace and Deuce dropping him off—or I'll check Heartslabyul if it's late enough. It's happened, but I trust Grim on his own a lot more than I once did.
It's later in the evening, I've got batches of cookies done and little containers filled with them for the people I'm gifting them too—there's so many containers here from students that just left them behind. I could give cookies to thirty friends at least and still have a stack. It's really nice to have around, and I won't miss any that people forget the return.
I have five for my friends in Heartslabyul, three for Savanaclaw, and a big one for there too—and a big one for Octavinelle, the first step in attempting friendship is the gift of cookies.
I wonder if I should get the containers after classes? That seems a lot easier, and doesn't involve me waking up. Actually, that's a genius idea. I'll definitely do that.
It's rare I get such a peaceful evening… actually, it's too peaceful. The ghosts are off, muffled talking to one-another in another room, and Grim's gone.
I haven't felt this at ease in awhile, I think. Things are… going well.
I have no fear of Crowley busting in—yet.
And I have a big plate for Grim. So he won't go sniffing around the containers for awhile yet.
I grin wide as I see Mr. Horns! My mysterious night-friend. It's—well, it really helps to have someone to talk to at night; walk around with, and honestly, even with my troubled sleep I've been looking forward to his visits! It's not every night, but… he's been here at the most important times lately.
"There you are!" I'm pretty excited, there's a big grin on my face because he came!
The ingredients here are different, and so cooking and baking are strange experiments. I'm still really good at it, but I guess it's just really nice to share baked goods with friends. I wanted to mess around, and I made something delicious.
"Oh? You were looking for me?" He has that strange, mysterious grin. I don't really know what that look means. It's some form of amusement, maybe?
"Yes! I made cookies, I'd like to share them with you." Like I said.
He seems a bit put off, as if he's unfamiliar with the situation. Weird, but, then again, I've met people who are foreign to human interaction. Maybe he's a bit of an insomniac shut-in?
"C'mon!" I beckon, leading the way. Did he not believe me?
It's an easy trot inside, and I hold open the door for him. "Watch your horns!" They look just tall enough to scrape, and I'm not sure if he can feel that or not in whatever capacity, but I would rather him be cautious than hurt.
I watch his gaze dart to the door frame, and see him gracefully bend to come inside. His eyes are scanning all over the place. I've got it fixed up a bit, and it's clean, but in all honesty it's sort of in shambles. But it's iclean/i and that's what matters.
"It IS called Ramshackle Dorm—it's my work in progress." I lead him through the lounge and down the main hall into the dining room, which is connected to the kitchen. It's not the largest table, but I pull out a chair and gesture for him to take a seat. "Sit, sit!"
He takes the seat, elegantly, really; why do these guys have this sort of grace? It's crazy!
But, I go over to the counter, where there's a bunch of containers with cookies in them. However, there's a set-aside platter that isn't Grim's, just for us, tonight.
I start taking down a plate, to put some cookies out. I feel his eyes burning a hole in my back. He's watching my every move. He's one of those types.
"I used to make them-" I pause… I feel a little sad. A bit nostalgic. "With my parents." It's been awhile since the topic made me feel that way; I've basically bluntly used it. Maybe it's the calm night, the scent of baked goods, and the mysterious company that makes the emotions swell.
No, it's because I'm on the dregs of my monthly. Fuck.
"Parents?"
"I guess—uh, I mean I've never seen you at school Mr. Mystery. So… besides the whole other-dimension; I'm an orphan. Well, technically twice."
I look at him a moment, before turning to finish filling the plate. "Twice?" He seems so curious at that info.
"My parents died, and after… a bit… my grandmother took me in; she adopted me. She was my only family left and… a couple years later she died too. So, yeah, an orphan twice. It's a little awkward." I finally get the plate filled and place the cookies on the table in front of my strange night-friend.
I can't help but keep talking. "Anyway—tea, or milk, or—I think water is about all the options we have." I head to the fridge, looking. "Yep."
"Tea. Thank you." Some manners, too!
I pull out the jug of iced tea, and take down a glass to fill it up—ice, cold tea (sweet as can be of course), and-"Lemon?"
"...I suppose…" I look over and he looks absolutely perplexed.
A lemon wedge in, and there's two glasses of God's perfect drink on the table. I put the container up for now to keep it chilly and finally sit down.
He looks confused.
"It's iced tea."
"Iced tea." He repeats, staring curiously.
"More correct: southern sweet tea. As God intended it." This is a fact.
My etheral friend takes up the glass and gives it a sip. Looking startled at the flavor. He sets it down a moment. "...Sweet."
"That is the point; if the spoon doesn't stand up it isn't right." I am sharing my vast southern, Texas knowledge with him right now.
"This is a traditional drink where you are from…?"
"Mhm! Texas." I grab a cookie, taking a bite. Ah. A classic, beautiful snickerdoodle. I swallow first, before speaking. "Try one. They're called snickerdoodles."
He obliges me at least! He eats… almost daintily? It's really weird, it's all poised and measured. I wonder if everything he does is like that? Effortless?
I think he looks a bit delighted?
"This is… good." He's choosing words. "What is in it?"
"It's a sugar cookie rolled in cinnamon and sugar before it's baked. It's my favorite." I am very happily eating the cookie and drinking tea. This. This is a really good midnight snack.
It's nice to talk about things. Classes and teachers. I think I'm doing most of the talking. He's like Leona with intense, green eyes. But while Leona's are very cat-like, I can't place his. I just know it's… etheral.
I've got a few questions I'm holding for later. I think, I can safely say he'll come back again. I hope so.
Now, it's clearly my turn to answer something when he chooses to speak.
"No…" Hornton starts, "Do you have other names? You have given me many." So people DO notice.
I pause a second, and put down my glass of tea. "Not really; Housewarden or Prefect, but it's pretty sarcastic." I smile a little. "But I'm just No Wei. But maybe I've forgotten—I've forgotten a couple things."
"Oh?" Ah, he seems so interested again. His brows are so well shaped as he raises them.
Maybe my eyes are a little teary, as I look over at him. "I… don't remember what color my eyes used to be." It's more like a confession, isn't it? "I don't remember… a few things."
His brows furrow slightly, clearly my horned friend is giving thought to this.
"But I—can't really dwell on what I've lost, right? But—changing subject, I'm starting to think you're a ghost or something." Ah, too honest. I can't shut up. "But I live with ghosts… I look for you at school. I want to have lunch together. Introduce you to my friends. I think we'd have fun. Maybe even a picnic." I shrug.
There's a wry smile on his face, now. He always gives me the strangest looks. "Maybe."
I'll take it.
It's so easy to speak with him.
The next time I look, it's sunrise. I see it peeking through the windows now, and I go, "Huh. It's sunrise…" I stretch, because I know I'm going to be tired.
Looking over at Mr. Mystery, it's strange that he's sitting back a bit, his arms crossed. Contemplative. "...Sometimes… I lose track of time when I'm with you. It's quite a novel phenomenon for me." This feels like some sort of admission from him. How his lips are set in a line. His green, lined eyes regarding me with such consideration.
"Time flies when you're having fun with a friend." I can't help a smile.
His eyes widen for a moment, his brows raise. Lips part to speak, but the words die on his lips.
"You know, you're welcome over at any time. You don't have to stick to late-night visits." Maybe he's shy? I'm not entirely sure about that, but—I just want to encourage him in case he wants to make other friends. "And like I said; I'm open for lunch."
There's that smile again. It knows so much, and tells me nothing. "I will keep that in mind." He stands, and as a polite host to my horned-and-other-featured guests I stand too. Clearly, he's making an exit. "I must go…"
"Yeah, we have classes in a couple hours, right?" I laugh, and lead the way back out, opening the door.
"Yes… I will see you again." That's not very definitive.
"That better be a promise—oh—wait!" Of course he pauses partway out the door as I run back to the kitchen and grabbing one of the containers. I meant to send him off with some cookies too! Running back, I hold out the sealed container. "Take some cookies to go! Sorry, we were talking and I forgot to offer them earlier! Share them with your dormies!"
Honestly, he seems a little… taken aback at first? But he takes the container from my hands and hesitates. "Thank you." I swear he was raised weird.
"Have a nice day in class! I hope you're not too tired!" I offer a wave.
"I will." And… he goes off. Holding the container… stiffly? As he goes.
I regret not sleeping more, but… it was a really nice night.
Honestly, the normalcy that's taking hold is nice. There's a movie Friday Night hosted by the Film Research Club that I'm seeing with my Trouble Troupe. There's also the dorms having a selection for the Halloween representatives—I'm not sure what that's about, but some students are excited about the holiday.
I assume there's some school event about it, but as I'm not a proper dorm I'm not part of the participation, and thus? I don't care.
I'm going through the rest of my monthly without problems, thankfully—and honestly it's nice to have less hostility going on! The Savanaclaw Dorm has backed off entirely since I stayed there for three days, and I don't have any beef with either Heartslabyul or Octavinelle (except Azul and the Leech bros but fuck those guys). The rest of the students are fairly neutral, little beef here and there but nothing I can't handle.
It's… irritating, though, when Azul approaches me while I'm carrying a stack of containers to deliver cookies—though I DO aim to see him, and Grim is carrying some, I was going to do it last.
"Ah! No Wei. It is about time the Lounge opens—would you care to come?" He has such a bright smile and I trust it zero.
"Ummm… actually, I've got plans for a bit—maybe after?" I'm carrying a bunch of shit, Ashengrotto.
"Ah! So I see, could I be of assistance?" He asks.
"Actually, can you take the container on top?" I have my chin on it. Maybe I'm not long enough for this shit.
"Ugh—what about one from me?" Grim complains, holding a bag of small containers.
Azul gingerly takes the large container of Snickerdoodle cookies. "This?" He asks.
"Yeah, that's the cookies I made for you guys—so, I'll swing by with Grim after. Okay? Bye!" And off I go into the Savanaclaw mirror, leaving a speechless, and surprised Azul behind.
I think I like him best with his mouth shut.
I'm surprised no one is trying to fight me as I enter, but I hear the sounds of a—brawl? Maybe? Well, then I guess Grim and I get to let ourselves in! That works for me, as I slip in to the Lounge to see…
Jack's arm wrestling someone, and he literally slams and breaks them through the table. The crowd goes wild—and in all honesty this behavior doesn't surprise me. At all.
But Jack spots me first, and he gets up—heading over to me, curious. "What's all of that, No?"
"Mmmm-stuff." I answer. "Grim, get a thing out."
Grim grumbles, and sets down the bag—taking a small container out and handing it over.
"It's for you." I say to Jack.
He… takes it, sniffing in surprise. "-cinnamon and sugar… cookies?"
"Snickerdoodles." I correct. The blasphemy. They are art.
"You… made some for me?" He seems a little flustered?
"Mhm! As thanks."
"—and they're good. Can't believe I have to WAIT for me…" Grim grumbles.
"—and—" I head over, and set a big container on a table. "This one is for the rest of the dorm." It is filled to the brim! I made a couple dozen. I have this super awesome double oven that I can put TWELVE pans in. I love it. I never want to leave it. And the mismatched kitchen supplies are so many the dorm is STUFFED. I don't care how many people were scared off, I'm thankful.
There's a looot of talking.
And of course I hear Leona chuckle. "Oh, so a baked goods service now, bunny?" He's lounging, and I head to Grim, fetching two more, setting the final big container down and taking the two small ones to him and Ruggie, nearby.
I hand one to Ruggie, who's-"For me?"
"Mhm."
"Oooo… and I'm off!" He goes off, I guess he's far too used to sharing and has to hoard and eat it alone.
And I offer the other one to Leona. "And for you." He looks surprised for a second.
There's a chuckle. The lion sits up enough to take it. "How cute, Bunny." I can't even get mad.
"Welp, I'm not done—so have fun guys!" Off I go to pick up the last, big container, and Grim toddles with me, grumbling all the way.
"—where are you headed?" Jack interrupts my exit.
"Heartslabyul, then Monstro Lounge… Azul invited me, for whatever reason." The dog goes stiff. Huh. Yeah, fair.
"I'll meet you in the Hall of Mirrors." Jack says, and takes off himself. Ah, right, I believe he has siblings. That's a very natural reaction to getting a treat.
I also spy several beastmen already trying one. There's a lot of murmuring as I take off again. "Bye bestie!" I call out, just to irritate my lion friend.
Sorry, bud, we're BESTIES forever now.
"—You didn't have to." Riddle is a little pink in the face as he holds the cookies I've given him. Deuce and Ace are already taken care of, and they're off to stash the goods as they're coming with me to the Lounge, too.
"I wanted to." I reply easily.
Trey, is more gracious. "I appreciate it, No. They look very well done." Ah, right. My baking competition.
BUT. I have an EXTRA SPECIAL half-dozen for Cater.
He looks a little cautious.
"—they're with pepper seeds. Sooo… they're more like a cinnamon-fire concoction. I thought you might like to try, rate, and post." Now, Cater is interested.
"Yeah—sure! Thanks no!" I get a grin.
I remember he doesn't like sweets. That's why there was some experimentation going on. They might suck, though. I just found them too hot.
I exit, with Ace and Deuce in tow—Jack not long behind. It's a pretty nice set-up, actually. Taking the basic Trouble Troupe to the familiar, and not great, Monstro Lounge.
This place is fucking crowded.
"I'd like a special drink!" A Heartslabyul student cries out.
"So would I!" Yells one from Pomefiore.
I see, of course, Azul approaching with a grin—and is that the Devil Duo? Why yes, yes it is—not far behind.
"Coming up!"
"Why is this place packed?" Ace asks, that is a good quesiton.
I'm so fucking sus right now.
"Wonderful, isn't it? Our new advertisement is working." Jade is right up beside me and I didn't see or hear him approach and I HATE him!
"What did you guys do?" I ask.
"Advertisement…?" Jack questions.
"Yeah, yeah—the Headmaster says Azul can't do contracts anymore for magic…" Floyd sighs. "It sucks."
That is the least useless thing that Headmaster has ever done—wait, how the fuck am I getting the dorm money? Is it going through him? OH AZUL ASHENGROTTO WE GOTTA TALK!
"Oh no, how sad." I'm very sarcastic. The last day or so isn't my best attitude either.
"Azul made point cards instead!" The fuck is this scam, Floyd?
"What do you mean by point cards?" Good question, Ace detective.
"Yes! You get a single point for every Monstro Lounge special drink you order. The Monstro Lounge special meal is worth three points. Once you reach fifty, you get a meeting with me—and I listen to your woes, your troubles, and if possible—solve them!" It's a scheme for money this time.
"So you're offering therapy?" No, Grim.
"So even… school troubles?" I think Deuce is getting closer to the point of this.
"Why, of course!" Azul seems so proud of himself.
"If you earn over a hundred and fifty points, you receive more special services." Jade continues.
"For more information, please either take a pamphlet, which is available at the front, or view the Monstro Lounge website at: . ."
"Hey, I want a special drink!" Grim calls out. Fuck.
"Me too!" Ace calls out.
"I'd like the special meal!" Deuce joins in the idiocy.
And me? I'm good.
"Thank you so much for your orders. Jack, No, would you two like anything?" Azul asks with a calculated look.
He learned nothing too, huh?
"Really, you three?" He sighs. "—I'm still looking, then." He's so disappointed.
"I'm going to have to settle some things out with you, Azul." I give him a pointed look.
"Ah—well, when things calm down, of course!" Does he look nervous? Of course he does. "Jade, Floyd, we have so much to do!"
Well, I am having an entertaining time watching them run around. That's really nice! I think what's more interesting is that they set waters before us when they deliver the drinks and meal to the table—Jack and I inspect it with suspicion before drinking.
We're both paranoid, and that's fair.
Azul stops by when the rush finishes. "No, I've returned-?" He also seems more nervous.
"Cool, is the VIP lounge free?" I ask, bright-eyed.
"—Yes."
"Shall we?"
The other four are tense, and I wave them off as I head over.
It's comfortable this time, as I sit on the nice, plush couch. I wonder how he got all the money to build this but that's neither here nor there. Instead, I recline back and wait for him to sit nervously. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"The payment schedule." I reply with a smile.
"Ah—yes. That." He looks relieved. Weird?
"What were you worried about?" I am suspicious.
"Nothing! I will have your first payment deposited to Ramshackle Dorm's account every Friday, and I will make sure the statement is emailed to you so you can keep an active running total." Oh, I have an idea.
"Good." So, I have to wait a few days—but I can start budgeting once I receive those numbers! That's so good. I'm absolutely relieved, to be honest.
"Is there anything else?" He asks.
I stand, but I pause… "I think you should talk to Riddle." I pause another second. "—the Overblot. I think it'd be good to talk to someone about it. Someone that knows."
"—w"
"Anyway! I swear to God if you let Grim order whatever he wants whenever he wants without clearing it through me or try to charge a dorm account I will come back and slug you again. Am I clear?' Just, so we're all on the same page.
"C-crystal." He replies.
And out I go back to the table, sliding back in.
"How did it go?" Jack asks.
"Swimmingly."
The resounding groans is very appropriate.
I think I'm really starting to fit in here.
