#ramshackle writing

[ramshacklefey]

I realized that I only ever shared these in the server, so! Here are the links to the Murderbot fics I've done recently. This construct will not leave my brain.

Cute story about MB and the Mensah kids.

What if ART ended up raising Iris alone?

Murderbot experiences the worst possible side of being able to meet your fellow clones:

[ramshacklefey]

Prince Wilhelm was hiding in the bath, sunk down so only his head was above the water. The steam had stopped rising from the water some time ago, and aside from the soft hissing of the new steam radiator, the room was silent.

He wanted to get out of the bath, put on his robe, and go curl into a ball under his blankets. Maybe he could pretend he was ill, and refuse to come out of his rooms for the evening. Surely, he had been to enough of the day's events that he could get away with skipping this one. The thought of putting on his stiff evening suit and descending to the dining hall to be stared at and fussed over made him feel ill. And there would be dancing afterward, which meant being stuck in the ballroom with its deafening echoes and music swirling out of control. He was supposed to make conversation there, but he didn't see how anyone else could even hear what was being said in that room.

He thought of sneaking down the back stairs to the stables, saddling Freyja, and leaving the palace. But he would never make it off the grounds and through the city without anyone spotting him.

There was a soft knock at the door, and his father came in. King Gregor was already dressed in his evening wear, all dark blue and gold braid, with ribbons braided into his long white beard. His dark eyes took in Wilhelm, huddled in the cooling bath, and the untouched tray of soaps on a table beside him. He sighed and pulled up a stool to sit beside the tub.

"You won't get out of it by waiting up here, you know," he said gently.

Wilhelm didn't answer. They both knew all the things he wanted to say. They'd had the conversation a hundred times already.

"I'm sorry, Will," his father said. "This isn't what your mother or I wanted for you. But the political situation has gotten worse, and we need to find a way of cementing our ties to our neighbors. At least you get to choose."

"That's not much of a comfort when I know I'll be choosing someone I don't love," said Wilhelm.

"You don't know that," said his father, "This is only your coming-of-age. You don't have to choose tonight."

"Father, we both know I'm never going to find a woman I can love," he said softly.

His father sighed. "Have you washed your hair yet?" he asked.

Wilhelm shook his head, and Gregor reached over and grabbed the small cup lying by the tub. Wilhelm sat up, hugging his knees to his chest, as his father began gently washing his long, dark hair. There was no sound between them but the soft splashing.

"Come on," his father said when he was done, "get out of there before you catch cold."

The sound of him getting out of the bath brought his attendants creeping around the door, carrying clothes, perfumes, and hair-brushes. King Gregor dismissed them with a sharp look, and led Wilhelm into the bedchamber. Wilhelm grudgingly started dressing himself in the outfit his tailor had spent the last two months on. He wished Clas would have listened to him and not made the jacket from cloth-of-gold, but Clas had insisted that this was traditional for this event.

Once he was dressed, his father sat him in front of his mirror and began combing out his hair.

"Love is a fine thing," Gregor said as he worked, "but it comes in many forms. No one would say that being in love isn't one of the best things in life, but when it comes to a marriage... well, there are other things that matter just as much. Find yourself a woman who enjoys your company, has a good heart and a good head, and who you can respect. What happens after that is up to the two of you."

"Is that how you and mother were?" he asked.

"It was," said Gregor. "Lilia was my best friend. We didn't have quite the same difficulties that you will, but we respected each other. And if either of us had, I know we could have worked it out. That's far more valuable than any impassioned romance. And you know, Will, all the young women down there who have an ounce of sense are looking for the same thing. Do you want your hair tied back, or left down?"

"Down please," said Wilhelm. "But father, what am I going to do? Am I really supposed to find a woman who will want to be married to a man who doesn't even-"

"You're making too many assumptions," said Gregor with a wry smile. "What makes you think that all those women are any more interested in you than you are in them? Plenty of women would think it a blessing to be married to a man who is going to make no demands of them in the bedroom. And since you're my younger son, no one is going to be expecting an heir."

"Unless Mikkel doesn't have any children," Wilhelm said bitterly. "And then what?"

"That," said Gregor, "is a problem that can be solved when, and if, it becomes one. Now. We are going down to dinner. It's going to be alright son. Why don't you try talking to King Marcus's daughter, Claudia? She's quiet, but I had an interesting conversation with her this afternoon. I think you two will get along well."

"I will," he said, "but only to please you."

Gregor smiled and squeezed his shoulder. "That'll be enough," he said.

~~~~

The ballroom was a roaring whirl of light and sound. The smell of drinks and perfume was making his head reel. Wilhelm had just managed to escape the dancing crowd for a moment and was standing on the edge of the floor, sipping a cup of chilled wine, when a young woman came and plopped onto the bench beside him.

Her face was flushed from dancing and her eyes sparkled very prettily as she looked back out over the floor.

"Good evening, Your Highness," she said, nodding politely.

"Good evening," he said, "I see you're enjoying the festivities."

"As much as I can! It isn't often I get a chance to see such sights! His Majesty truly has put on a splendid event. And how are you enjoying the evening, Highness?"

He looked down at her, wondering where she might be from. While it was true that his was one of the larger and more powerful kingdoms in the area, he didn't think any of them were so poor as to make this seem like a rare extravagance. She met his eyes, and there was something mischievous there that made him uncomfortable. It seemed she knew more about him and his feelings than she was letting on.

"Everything is wonderful," he said. "Forgive me, I've met far too many people in one day..."

"Oh, of course, my apologies," she said, bounding to her feet and dropping an elegant curtsy. "Tellervo, daughter of Lord Tapio and Lady Mielikki."

"My apologies," said Wllhelm, "I must have misheard you in the noise of the dancing. Did you say-"

"You didn't mishear me, your highness," she said, winking at him.

"Then you're talking nonsense," he said.

"Not at all," said Tellervo, "I am precisely who I say I am. The question is, do you believe me?"

Wilhelm stared at her. There was no way she wasn't joking with him. Tapio and Mielikki were two of the old forest gods. No one except rural peasants believed in them any more, and actual worship was forbidden by the Church. His father used to tell him the old stories about them when he was little, but he had long outgrown his love of the old tales.

"If you are who you say you are," he said at last, "then what are you doing here?"

"I have business here," she said. "Business that you may be able to help me with."

"I see," he said. Perhaps she was a bit touched in the head. It would be best to be polite in that case, until he was able to find out who she really was. Undoubtedly she had been sent here with attendants, who were likely worried about having lost track of her. "And what business might that be?"

"You don't believe me," she said. "I was hoping you would, you know. You're one of the few people who still care about the old stories of us."

Wilhelm was about to reply to her, when Mikkel came bounding up and threw an arm around his shoulder.

"There you are little brother!" he said boisterously, "What are you doing skulking here in a corner by yourself?"

"I was just talking to-" Wilhelm began, but Tellervo was gone. She must have slipped away.

"No excuses!" said Mikkel. "I know you hate parties, but you can't be over here neglecting your guests like this! Here, just stick with me, all right? I'll keep the ravening hordes at bay. Just let me know if you see someone you actually want to talk to, and I'll let them pass."

Wilhelm, feeling rather dazed, let his brother tow him back into the press of people. As he did, he thought he heard a voice whisper, "I'll see you again soon."

You, the prince have been suffering through the parade of prospective brides all day. They’re all beautiful, wonderful women. But you’re gay.

[yuuchama]

Sometime during the VDC training camp, when everyone on team Night Raven is sleeping over at Ramshackle Dorm:

Ramshackle Dorm has no shortage of spare rooms, but their condition is another story. You've managed to get enough of them decently clean. They're not as nice as your room, which has had far more time invested in it and is well lived in, but your groupmates should be able to spend a few days at the dorm without issue and are more than free to tidy up rooms as they please.

Yet on one of the first nights, you hear the door of your room creak open. It's dark and you can't see the intruder, though you know it's not one of the ghosts. The approaching footsteps aren't as heavy as Grim's, even after he's cleared out the entire fridge in one sitting. You're also pretty confident Grim is fast asleep beside you.

"Hello?" You groggily lift your head and call out to the intruder. If it's anything malicious, you hope the ensuing scuffle will cause enough noise to wake everyone else up.

A weight pushes the edge of your mattress down and there's a gentle touch at your shoulder. "Prefect, do you mind if I spend the rest of the night here?"

"Jamil?"

You almost don't recognize him in the dark with his hair down. You feel around for a bedside light. Grim groans in his sleep when it clicks on and turns over, shielding his eyes with tiny arms.

Jamil looks exhausted. "Please, I'd really appreciate if you could let me sleep here tonight."

"Yeah, sure. Of course." Maybe it's the sleep addling your brain or your trust in Jamil. You see no reason to turn down his request and didn't question why he was coming to you instead of Kalim. You nudge Grim over to make room for one more on the bed.

The vice housewarden does his best to fit in the cramped sleeping conditions, assuring "I'll pay you back for this. Thank you."

He's turned towards the wall, back touching your side so that he doesn't fall. You wait to make sure he's fully secure in bed before turning off the light. In the calm that follows, you notice he's almost imperceptibly shaking. Sure, the dorm is cold, but not that cold. Especially with three in one bed.

"Jamil, are you okay?" The longer you spend awake, the more concerning this whole situation feels.

"I'm fine. Goodnight, Prefect." Jamil already has his eyes shut and seems adamant about not discussing things further.

"Okay... Goodnight."

You lay down and silence settles over the room once more. It's really warm between your two friends. Sleep is quick to catch up to you, you find yourself nodding off within minutes of your head touching the pillow.

Before you fully drift off, Jamil turns to face you. His hair drapes over the side of the bed and he places a hand on your pillow, lightly grazing your cheek.

"Thanks again," he whispers. "I feel a lot better with you here. Your room doesn't have bugs on the wall."

[taruruchi]

Random heartshackle, adeuce and yuu, thingy I came up with over a week ago, here u go !!

Sorries if they don't type how they seem like they would, I'm so bad at coming up w stuff like that 😭

[twstyuna]

The transfer student looks familiar

The end of the event. Pain and agonies. Behold mine copium.

[cheekinpermission]

I'm only *checks notes* five days overdue. Whoopsie.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

On the subject of the period tracker meme in TWST…how do you think the guys would react, Miss Raven? Like what do you think their login lines would be or how would they react to you being on your period? Sorry if this is overstepping, in that case then please ignore. Don’t want to make you uncomfortable if this isn’t something you want to talk about.

[Referencing this post!]

I’m going to include Grim, the Ramshackle Ghosts, NRC staff, RSA boys, and Halloweenies here too because why not 😂 And these are going to be my general thoughts, since I think login lines are too short to capture the nuances of what I’m trying to explain! This is unironically some of my best work yet—

***Note: This is going off the assumption that Yuu has a platonic relationship with the characters (ie no romantic implications), similar to what is established in the actual login lines. I will also be assuming gender neutral pronouns for the reader, but there may be references to other menstruators that are women (such as characters' family members).***

Curiouser and Curiouser...

NRC Students

Riddle has the technical knowledge, but struggles to apply that knowledge when the situation demands it. H-He has never had to do this before! Riddle has his anatomy and physiology textbook out and reads directly from it as he tries to figure out how to best help you, double and triple checking the directions before handing you any medication or even a heating pad. Stiffly offers you tea and pours it for you himself. Offers to bring you any classwork you miss, plus homework. Being on your period is no excuse to not keep up with your lessons!

Trey goes into big brother/dad mode. Dotes on you. Bakes you cookies, pies, tarts, cakes, etc. to feed the munchies while you’re bleeding out. His food is also warm and comforting, like a hug. What are your favorites? Tell him, he’ll prepare them. Asks every other hour how you’re feeling or if you need anything. Gives an awkward laugh if you get into the particulars of periods. He’d rather not, he’s just here to make sure you’re okay.

Cater has tons of experience dealing with this kind of thing. When his older sisters were on their periods, they’d whine for him to go out and buy stuff for them—pads, snacks, OTC pain relief meds, you name it, Cay-kun bought it! He knows exactly what you need, so just leave it to him, okay~? Besides, he can’t just leave you hanging like this… even if you do look kinda cute and pathetic writhing like that!

Ace, UGH 💀 Quintessential teenage boy. No clue what a period is, doesn’t understand why you’re in pain—but claims that he, in fact, does know because (ah-HEM!) he actually has mad game and plenty of experience with women!! (He doesn’t.) Calls you while he’s at the Mystery Shop to ask for what pussy size you wear.

Deuce is in a similar boat as Ace. He kind of sort of knows what a period is but didn’t ever think about the particulars. Not the sharpest tool in the shed, can you blame him? Deuce hits the books to learn more about the subject (it’s what an honors student would do, right?) but is horrified to learn you’re “ovulating”. “D-Does that mean you’re going to lay an egg?! Are you secretly a chicken, Prefect?!” Tries to be polite and understanding about it, but comes off as awkward instead.

Leona has the tact to not openly remark on a woman’s time of month. He just kind of makes an unreadable expression and quickly looks away before you get any strange ideas. When he catches you alone, he makes some haughty remark that insinuates that he knows—and as you’re blanching with embarrassment, he (to your shock) casually tosses a bag of period supplies at your feet. There’s everything you could possible need in there!! You glance up, about to thank him, but Leona’s already sauntering away and waving a hand dismissively. “Don’t say I never do anything for ya, herbivore.” Now he’s off to nap peacefully—and, hopefully, you can too.

Ruggie just shrugs. It’s not really any of his business, now is it? The more time he spends loitering around here and lookin’ after you, the less time he’s spending making money at his part/time jobs! “Sheesh, looks like you’ve got it rough~ Glad I’m not you. I’d still have to work my tail off, bleedin’ or not!” Maybe if he’s feeling generous, he’ll save you some free food from whatever he can salvage from work. Want him to grab you something on the way over? Pay him for his time and effort!

Jack smells the blood at first and worries that you’re injured (n-not that he cares or anything). Once he realizes what that smell is, he’ll apologize and will make things right by dedicating himself to supporting you! Dutifully trails after you like a duckling that imprinted on the first thing he saw when he hatched. Quick to rush in and do things even when not asked to. Is okay with even carrying you around if need be—it’s a good workout for him, so it’s a win-win!

Azul shows up “randomly” with a care package he “just so happens” to have on him. Dramatically offers you the care package and thanks you for “taking it off of his hands”. Not-so-subtly also implies he can whip up elixirs that are effective at numbing period pain, or perhaps you'd prefer a massage from his strong octopus arms?—for a price, of course. He studied up on human physiology and had Jade snoop around for details on your cycle; this was all orchestrated well in advance and Azul intends on collecting on this favor at a later point in time. Does a smug little evil chuckle to himself as he walks away.

Oh, Jade knows. (See Azul’s section above.) He acts as though he doesn’t though. For example, he’ll hold something you need out of reach just to watch you squirm and struggle in discomfort to obtain it. Once you cast aside your pride and confess what’s going on, Jade will feign surprise and apologize. Brews you a relaxing mushroom tea to help with the cramps. Kindly offers his services, acts like the perfect, sweetest, most attentive butler you could ever ask for. (… Though you have unfortunately made the mistake of letting Jade into your quarters. He’s just waiting for you to doze off so he can rifle through your things and collect dirt.)

Floyd thinks it’s hilarious. Human bodies are so weird! You bleed every month? Hah, sure must suck. He’s so glad he doesn’t have to deal with that. Pesters you with a bunch of questions about how periods work. Asks if a band-aid is enough to deal with it. Laughs when you double over and coos about the poor Shrimpy. If he’s in the mood, he’ll give ya a lift—but it’s a bumpy ride, and he’ll attempt to parkour with you on him. Might cook you up some good grub too. It’s a gamble—are you willing to try your luck?

Kalim hears you’re bleeding and has a mild freakout about it. Hires the best medical team money can buy to examine you and to make sure you’re okay. Relieved to learn it’s just a period. “Hey, so… I’m glad you’re alright and all, but what’s a period?” he asks. Listens to you talk about it, but concludes he still doesn’t understand the intricacies. Gets the gist that you’re in pain once a month and resolves to totally pamper you for that week or so. Provides Oasis Maker water too--it's so refreshing! Whatever you want, just say the word and it’s yours! You’ll have nothing to worry about :)) Kalim’s sure Jamil won’t say no to lending you a helping hand too he’s being voluntold to.

Jamil is used to this drama/j from Najma. Very calm about the whole ordeal. Hovers and tuts like a mother hen, but more quietly judgy. Prepares delicious home cooked meals and pain relief remedies, fetches items + runs errands for you. Makes sure you’re comfortable. Even offers to plump your pillows. Basically feels obligated to do this on behalf of Kalim; wishes he were doing something else, but hey… this is preferable to having to deal with frantic last minute party preparations.

Vil is very mature and no-nonsense about it. Please, only a child would behave crudely over a woman’s natural bodily processes. He recommends vitamins and yoga stretches for alleviating cramps and to reduce bloating. Blends you nutritious smoothies and plans balanced meals to keep your energy up. Vil also prepares essential oils to help you relax. Here’s a diffuser for your room, and he has these bottles of fragrance you can dab on your temples and wrists.

You don’t even need to say anything. Rook gives you That Look (TM) that tells you immediately that he knows what’s up. Probably knows your period is coming like a week in advance of it actually arriving. Unexplained period supplies show up on your doorstep. There’s a note and a rose with them. Someone has written you a lengthy poem about how the “crimson petals” are “peeling away from thine flower”, so please accept these items and take care of yourself! The supplies replenish themselves whenever you’re just about to run out, too. Rook knows you’d probably prefer your privacy for these matters—he wouldn’t want to make you feel self-conscious! … So he makes sure to make himself discreet when he hides in your walls to watch over you and ensures you’re comfortable.

Whoa, you bleed every month? That’s METAL!! Epel has heard about periods from the elderly ladies in Harveston. The way they talk about it, it’s like they survived a war!! That must make your gut super tough…! It earns you his respect. He looks at you like you’re some kind of VIP. Epel gifts you a bright red apple every day, saying that it will keep the doctor away. Offers to rush by on a (borrowed from Ignihyde) magiwheel/blastcycle to drop off anything you may need.

Idia blue screens and keyboard smashes in a panic. It’s already hard enough for him to interact with people face-to-face but now you have to go and drop this bombshell on him?! How’s an otaku to cope?! Sends you memes and funny videos via a messaging app. Can’t be bothered with going in-person. Might send candies or ramen cups via a drone. You can’t see how alarmed he is whenever he sends you a new text. Not because he’s worried, but because the idea of a period grosses him out. Why are organic beings so unhygienic?? Machines are so much cleaner and more efficient!!

Ortho rattles off facts about your cycle based on the data he has collected. Basically a living period tracker. (It’s scary how much he knows about your health.) Has a list of light exercises, relaxation techniques, and OTC medications loaded to fire off at you. Also advises you eat each iron, fiber, and protein-rich foods to restock on the nutrients you lost from shedding your uterine lining. Remember to hydrate too! Ortho’s just trying to be helpful!

Malleus is familiar with Briar Valley politics, not bodily functions. Ever curious, he listens to your explanation of periods, staring and nodding slightly all the while. Comes to the conclusion that the child of man is suffering immensely and that it is his noble duty as a Draconia to look after the less fortunate. Proceeds to breathe a line of fire to “gently warm you up”. Then attempts electrical stimulation, which brings about a massive lightning storm that has you dodging, rolling, and sprinting to avoid being hit. Malleus dials it back when he realizes his attempts aren’t that helpful. Sulks about it until you tell him you really appreciate the attempt, but just good food and good company is enough for you. He’s able to provide, using magic to make the cutlery dance and to float over some delicious-looking dishes. Sits across from you and says he will keep you company for as long as you may need.

Lilia is oddly very knowledgeable about periods (you figure 700 years of living and a few hundred years of travel must count for something). Unfortunately, he refers to periods as “the peak of one’s fertility” just to mess with you. Keeps you company while you’re in pain and grabs whatever you need, no questions asked. Tells you about how women "back then" managed their periods with cloth rags, cotton, and even animal fur or dried toads. Peasant women had to go without, as they couldn't afford cloth. Endless stories and songs, sometimes exposited to you while Lilia hangs upside down from the ceiling. Do not, however, eat anything he tries to feed you, even if he claims they are "time-tested herbal remedies"! One time he suggested acupuncture or acupressure--techniques he learned of from the east--for period pain cramps. You turned down that idea, which he said was "a shame", as he had been meaning to try it out.

Silver notices you’ve been looking tired and a little out of it lately. Asks if he can touch you, then proceeds to pat you down in various spots…?! He nods and announces you he feels you have a lot of tension in your body, so you should exercise to relieve yourself of it. (You think about letting him know what’s up, but you’d feel bad for “tarnishing” his pure mind.) Invites you to join him for his daily training. Is kind enough to stop and wait for you to catch up or to adjust the exercise to make it more doable for you. Plenty of breaks to drink water and to catch your breath. His animal buddies sometimes bring nuts and berries as snacks or flowers, which you press to your nose to recharge. You and Silver rest in the shade of a tree and end up napping the day away.

Despite coming from a household with two women and even reading some books on growing up, Sebek is still quite bashful and skittish on the subject of periods. He thinks of it as something weirdly intimate but will never confess that to you. Sebek instead shouts very loudly that “mere menstruation” is “no excuse” to not get up and work hard!! Why, he’s had to endure much more hellish training under Lilia-sama’s tutelage!! … You have him to thank for everyone in the school knowing when it’s that time of month for you. (He gets bonked on the head by Lilia and Silver and is told to apologize, which he does so very quietly.) Hands you a book about menstruation and tells you to study up.

Grim has no concept for what a period is. Acts all cool about it though and promises he’ll take the best care of his minion!! He proceeds to struggle using a can opener to crack open a tuna can (it’s your lunch). Spends the rest of the day acting as a heating pad and weighted blanket over your stomach region. Surprisingly very effective.

NRC Staff + Ramshackle

Crowley smiles and wishes you well—but he keeps taking progressive steps back as he talks, almost like he’s hoping to wander off without you noticing. The man is on a tangent about the weather and changes the subject every time you try to bring it back to your period. What? You say he’s dodging his responsibility to look after his students? N-Nonsense! This is a matter for the school nurse, not the headmaster! You want a magic lift to the infirmary? Oh, would you look at the time! Crowley has a very important meeting to go to. You’d better be on your way to the infirmary then, hmm? Toodles, and best of luck!

Crewel is similar to Vil, aware and mature about how to deal with it periods in his own way. Has a spare pair of pants and a sweater on standby for you change into or to wear over stained bottoms. Gives tips on how to wash period blood out of various fabrics so they don't stain. Cold water, hand wash, air dry! Commands Grim to be a good boy and take responsibility for his partner. "Tend to their every need until they are at full health again. Am I understood?!" Tells you to take it easy, you won't perform at your best in your current condition--but he still expects your homework to be in tomorrow! Willing to grant an extension if needed.

Trein thankfully already went through this crisis when his daughters had theirs for the first time, so he knows just what to do now. Refrains from assigning detention for lateness and lack of attentiveness; lets you off with a very sternly worded warning. (Lucius makes himself comfortable in your lap during the lecture.) Trein discreetly passes along some pads after the other students have filtered out of class. Offers tea and light sandwiches in the teacher’s lounge. Lets you know you can come to him if the boys are being mean to you. He’ll give them a good scolding! After all, upstanding gentlemen shouldn’t engage in such behaviors.

Vargas recommends that you join him for exercising. Physical activity can help reduce period cramps, so up and at’m, champ!! Have you tried having a few dozen eggs? Protein can do wonders for the body! Here, he’ll prepare them for you in a raw egg smoothie!

With big ol’ grin, Sam cheerily advertises his wares. He’s got all the feminine hygiene products you could ask for, any snack you could want, OTC medications of choice, IN STOCK NOW!! The Mystery Shock also offers delivery for an extra little fee if you’d like to save yourself some time (and your body some effort).

The Ramshackle Ghosts are old and dead, so they're... let's just say not that well acquainted with bodily functions. They understand that you're in a tough spot though, so they'll step up unlike Crowley to ensure you're okay! They'll do your shopping, float over to the main building to fetch any work you miss, and grab grub for you from the ghost chefs in the cafeteria. Anything Crowley asks you to do, the Ramshackle Ghosts will do in your place. They even sew together some old curtains and couch stuffing to make a pillow for you to rest on. Randomly poke their heads through the walls to check on you.

RSA Students

Chenya’s eyes keep wandering, and he’s humming some tune or saying something cryptic about the color red. It doesn’t sound like he’s really listening to you, but no—he’s actually been listening well this entire time. Here, chew on this unidentified plant he picked up! It’ll help mellow you out and reduce the pain. Trust him, he learned this from his grandpa! And once you’re nice ‘n cozy…! Nyah! You won’t mind if he settles in for a little catnap beside ya, would you?

Neige frets for your health (it’s no good to lose blood) and, with a kind smile, tells you to please relax! He’ll take care of all your chores for the time being. Neige gracefully tackles the cleaning, cooking, and other housework. He somehow manages to get it done despite also balancing school and his celeb gigs, and never seems to be bothered by it. Sings you lullabies to help soothe you.

The Seven Dwarves do a a group huddle (Dominic leading) and debate about what they should do to help you. They try making music, preparing porridge, and offering you shiny rocks they found on the ground. Once they also picked flowers and swarmed your bed with them, as if they’re mourners at a funeral procession. They’re small gestures, but you figure it’s the thought that counts… right? 💦

Halloweenies (Halloween Event Characters)

Rollo frowns. Deeply. He does not understand why you’re telling him about this. “You ought to be keeping such sensitive health information to yourself”, he chastises you. Keeps his handkerchief pressed over his nose and looks the most disgusted and repulsed you've ever seen this man (save for when he's doomposting about Malleus Draconia). Might give you a croissant or some meds out of pity, but hands it over with his full arm extended to maximize the distance he has to stand away from you, or just leaves the items on a table and tells you to come fetch them. Says he will "pray for you."

Fellow never got a formal education, so what he knows about periods is limited to what he hears through the grapevine (ie various women he has conned). He’s aware it involves bleeding from… down there—he can smell it—but has no clue how to handle it. Has too much pride to confess to the truth. Acts like he knows what he’s talking about by playing up being a doctor. Has Gidel scribble in a notepad as if it is your patient chart while Fellow reads off your symptoms and gives you a random diagnosis he made up on the spot. Hands you an apple he finished eating (there’s only the core left) and pats you on the head, telling you you’ll be juuust fine~!

Gidel is too young to know what a period is. All he understands is that you seem to be in great pain, and he feels bad seeing you like this 💦 He sees you clutching your stomach or lying in bed; is it maybe a tummyache? Gidel offers you half of his loaf of bread. He gets tummy grumblies on an empty stomach too, so he knows what that’s like! Tries to do silly things like making funny faces and dancing to cheer you up.

Skully does not know what a period is. (I’M SORRY, bro lived like hundreds of years ago; am I supposed to believe they had pads back then, let alone menstrual cycle education for men???) He’ll listen to you explain, but his face gets paler and paler as you continue. Makes a shocked, wide-eyed expression, hands on his cheeks. A “why would God do this to women” look. Looks slightly faint after the fact, but offers to assist you with whatever you need; simply call for him, and this gentleman will come running!

[anbaisai]

sharing the full image of my pfp because it has an energy i cannot put into words. she is so shaped.

(it's actually a redraw of this random monster hunter meme i found which i'll put under the cut ⬇)

[remina-mina]

First years and how they ended up at Ramshackle (Heartslabyul 2/2)

Deuce

"Deuce how did you guys get through Riddle's Overblot?" "If it wasn't for my upperclassmen I'd be dead."

if Deuce was asked why he sleeps over at Ramshackle so often he would say it's to keep an eye on Ace. that wasn't far from the original truth from when Trey slipped him the permission slip

But after watching someone who by all definitions of the word was the ideal honor student

someone who he hoped to help him on his path to becoming an honor student attempt to murder his friends and slaughter clones of his upperclassmen he can't help but wonder how the rest of his days are NRC will go

when he catches Ace waking up in the middle of the night to stretch his neck or grasp his side would Ace have been skewered if Trey was a moment too late, would he have died if Cater's clone wasn't there, what if it was Cater himself

when he notices the eyebags that drag on Yuu's face even as they forgive Riddle he acts quickly

it is Deuce who asks to sleep over first after the overblot, saying he needs help studying, he doesn't mention his own nightmares of being surrounded by dead clones nor does he bring up Ace's sleepless night or the eyebags on Yuu's face, he is an NRC student after all

he knows he is not the smartest, he knows his faults more than anyone else but caring for his fellow first years is not one of them

honestly i think out of our trio deuce is the one who is always looking out for others, he is the one who checks on ace after he is kicked out, he is the one who stands up to riddle with ace, he is the one who even comforts azul directly after his overblot, he is the one who worries about epel unprompted. so it felt fitting to have his reason to sleepover at ramshackle to be other people Ace / Deuce / Jack / Epel

[astro-stars]

First years convos (1)

The cafeteria buzzed with its usual lunchtime energy, but one table in particular stood out—the one occupied by Yuu and the first-year chaos squad. Ace, Deuce, Jack, Epel, and Yuu had gathered once again for their daily dose of questionable conversations and hearty laughter. Today’s topics promised to be even more chaotic than usual.

“Alright,” Ace said, leaning forward with a smirk, “serious question: if you could have any superpower but it came with a ridiculous drawback, what would you pick?”

Deuce scratched his head. “Uh… super strength, but I’d have to sneeze every time I use it?”

“Lame,” Epel said, waving a hand. “I’d want to turn invisible, but only when I’m holding my breath.”

Jack frowned. “That’s not practical.”

“None of this is practical,” Yuu pointed out with a laugh. “I’d want to talk to animals, but the drawback would be that they’d all gossip about me.”

“Shrimpy, you’re already living that one,” Ace teased, and Yuu threw a napkin at him.

Jack crossed his arms. “I’d pick super speed, but the drawback is I have to eat five times as much.”

“You already eat a lot,” Epel said, grinning.

“That’s why it’d work,” Jack replied, deadpan.

“Next topic,” Deuce said, clearly eager to contribute. “If you could swap places with any of the housewardens for a day, who would it be?”

“Vil,” Epel said immediately. “I’d banish all the fancy skincare rules for one day. Live free.”

Ace snorted. “I’d pick Leona. Dude spends all his time sleeping anyway, so it’d be an easy day.”

“You wouldn’t last five minutes in Savannaclaw,” Jack said.

“You’re just mad ‘cause I’m right,” Ace shot back.

“What about you, Yuu?” Deuce asked.

Yuu thought for a moment. “Probably Riddle. I’d want to see what it’s like to run Heartslabyul without a single rule for one day.”

“The dorm would burn down,” Ace said, and everyone burst into laughter.

“Okay, okay,” Epel said, wiping tears from his eyes. “What’s the weirdest food combination you’ve ever tried?”

“I dipped fries in ice cream once,” Deuce admitted sheepishly.

“That’s not weird,” Yuu said. “It’s delicious. I’ve done it too.”

“Pickles and peanut butter,” Epel said, grinning. “It’s better than you think.”

“Nope, nope, nope,” Ace said, shaking his head. “I’m not even entertaining that one.”

Jack shrugged. “Raw eggs in milk. It’s a protein thing.”

“You’re terrifying,” Yuu said, staring at him.

“Alright,” Ace said, leaning back. “Last question: if you could fight any mythical creature and win, what would it be?”

“Kraken,” Deuce said without hesitation. “It’d be awesome.”

“A chimera,” Jack said. “It’s got a lion, a goat, and a snake. Beating one would be a real challenge.”

“You guys are too serious,” Ace said. “I’d fight a unicorn. What’s it gonna do? Stab me with glitter?”

“You’d lose,” Epel said, smirking. “Unicorns are supposed to be super strong.”

“What about you, Yuu?” Deuce asked.

Yuu grinned. “A dragon. If I win, I’d make it my friend.”

“That’s cheating,” Ace said. “You’re supposed to fight it, not make friends with it.”

“Why not both?” Yuu replied, and the table dissolved into laughter.

As the lunch hour ticked by, the topics grew more ridiculous and the laughter louder. By the time they left the cafeteria, they were all wiping tears from their eyes and clutching their sides from laughing too hard. Another day, another chaotic lunch for the first-year crew.

TAGLIST: @soramcduckahyucky @lunasmisosoup

DIVIDER: me!!

[brideofbriar]

🏚️┆Daily life in Ramshackle dorm

➳ FT:: Yuu,, Grim,, Rollo Flamme,, Fellow Honest,, Gidel,, the ghost trio ➳ A/N:: the family ever they make me wanna sob (they exist only in my head) ➳ summary:: the choas resulting from living with "reformed criminals" ➳ warnings:: might be ooc

Yuu:: guys, do you mind leaving for a sec? I have something to speak to Fellow about. *glares into his soul*

Fellow:: no guys stay! Please stay...

Yuu:: Go!

Fellow:: Stay!

Yuu:: GO

Fellow:: Grim please stay

Grim:: get him henchman! nyeheheheh

Yuu:: GO!!

Fellow:: Rollo don't do this to me!

Rollo:: *picks up Grim and grabs Gidel's hand, walking out of the room*

Fellow:: GIDELLLLL

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

Azul:: how does it feel to belong to the worst dorm in school

Yuu:: well-

Rollo:: in a school full of sinners I wear it as a badge of honor

Cater:: what about the rumor's that you're all gay nd mentally imbalanced

Grim:: WHO DARED TO SAY THAT ABOUT THE ALMIGHTY GRIM

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

Grim:: *yapping to Gidel abt how he is the superior cat nd he will never replace him*

Yuu:: what's going on

Slim ghost:: Grim is being obnoxious again kheheheh

Plump ghost:: man if I were in that little kitty's place I would've beat him up wwwwww

Gidel:: *picks up hammer*

Ghosts + yuu:: ?

Gidel:: *bonks Grim*

Grim:: OUCH-?!

Fellow:: *popping out of nowhere* that's my boy!

Gidel:: >:3

Grim:: HENCHMANNNN

[twstjam]

I haven't publicly posted any random fic ideas in a while so here's a quick one!:

The Dark Fae of Briar Valley are feared by their human neighbours. The humans spend every day dreading that their children and loved ones will be stolen away by the night, never to be seen again. They're only reassured by a prophecy that foretells the arrival of "A tamer of beasts that can bring even a fearsome prince of thorns to his knees".

You're just an average human who made an unlikely friend after wandering too close to the darkest side of the woods. Unbeknownst to you, this friend of yours is the current crown prince of the nocturnal faeries and every time you meet up with him, he falls more and more in love with you.

[infernoflorys]

"humanity sucks i hate all people and we should just nuke the earth" i understand. have you considered that your heart is a muscle the size of your fist, so keep on loving, keep on fighting, and (hold on, and hold on) hold on for your life?

[twisted-wonderland-but-gayer]

There would probably be a lot more problems if yuu couldn't see or hear

Blind/Visually Impaired Yuu stepping on leonas tail. The Japanese version literally has him say "damn I feel bad about hurting someone's who's helpless but I'm gonna take a tooth"

He'd still be pretty rough with a blind Yuu.

I can see the teachers wearing one of those small mics around their necks that guve captions or send what they're saying directly into transcript for notes— students may harrass them to get those though.

But also just imagine if you have mobility issues. Look at this:

Sure there are mirrors but look at the paths to Ramshackle which is also not a very disability friendly dorm. Especially for a blind person with all the loose wood

[spliceyblues]

He is going on my burn book for sure.

This fugly greedy little corporate rat be stealing wallets from twst players. DO NOT TRUST THIS RODENT‼️‼️‼️

[tixdixl]

Rule 153 - TWST Ficlet

Words: 3300

Characters: Wén Xiáng, Ace Trappola, Deuce Spade, Riddle Rosehearts, Gia Yugo [ @ramshacklerumble ]

CW: Descriptions of dissociation and memory loss

The sound of turning pages accompanied the murmur of studious whispers. Steam rose from their collective teacups as the smell of peppermint and lemongrass wafted in the air. As the two of spades took a sip of his tea, the Scarabia freshman leaned over his textbook. His finger dragged across the page as he pointed at the text. Xiáng had been explaining the linear progression from one of their homework assignments for Deuce, who seemed to be going up against his personal weaknesses and disabilities as they reared their ugly heads. He barely noticed the porcelain clink against metal as the ace of hearts stirred his tea with a need to fidget. 

“This is so boring…” groaned Ace, “why do we even need to learn this stuff anyway?”

Xiáng glanced up from the textbook, catching a glimpse of the frustration written all over the card soldier’s face. 

“Dunno,” he answered with a shrug, before resuming his explanation to Deuce.

From across the table, he heard the grumble of disapproval before the ace of hearts interrupted him again, “No, because actually- I’ve never once used the pythagorean theorem outside of school. So then why do teachers act like we need to learn it if it's meaningless? This is no different than a normal school. If I knew college would be like this-”

“What?” came the soft, yet tremoring voice of the Heartslabyul housewarden, “You’d never have come?”

His voice had this quality that could shake mountains. Even when he didn’t raise his voice, he spoke like every deliberate word commanded a space. Few times had Xiáng actually heard the softness of volume actually match a softness of tone. Moreover, Xiáng doubted he had the capacity to truly be soft.

“H-Housewarden Rosehearts!” both card soldiers sounded like they’d been spooked, prepared to be roasted alive.

“Hi Riddle,” piped up the Ramshackle Prefect, who had been largely silent this entire time.

“Good to see you, Gia,” Riddle offered them a smile. A flicker of warmth entered his being as he acknowledged the prefect, before a wave of frigidity overcame his disposition. His gaze resembled wild fire as he reverted it towards Ace. Xiáng couldn’t stop his passive contented smile from falling as he continued, “Don’t tell me you’re planning on skipping, or are you considering quitting altogether?”

“What?” Ace growled, “No- I just don’t get why we have to do this stupid assignment. It’s not like it’s going to help us at all.”

Xiáng and Deuce exchanged a look. They had all collectively just recovered from Riddle’s Overblot. Riddle had stated that he would work on himself and his rigidity. But also, there was a truth that Ace had said some pretty horrific things aimed at Riddle; they both had said things, and truthfully, since he didn’t live in Heartslabyul and wasn’t there when the events unfolded, the Scarabia freshman couldn’t tell to what extent either of them meant it. To what extent they resented each other. And truthfully, he hadn’t even considered it until the two of them shared a look. The thought hadn’t occurred to him that heads could roll until the housewarden had spoken up. 

“Have you considered that perhaps you have to learn the foundations before you can apply them?” Riddle challenged him, his ire seeming to lessen slightly- a feat Xiáng couldn’t recall witnessing before. 

He blinked, glancing over at Ace to witness the shift in his expression. His brows furrowed, and the slightest bit of a pout threatened to appear on his face. His scarlet eyes, devoid of empathy, grew colder.

“Foundations, my ass,” Ace growled, “it’s just an excuse to have us do busy work.”

With a condescending smirk immediately rushing to his face, the housewarden placed a hand on top of the stack of grimoires seated firmly at the corner of the table. He leaned closer to the card soldier, his face only a foot away from the other’s. 

“Then why is it you can’t already enchant a broom to autonomously sweep the space without your presence?” the housewarden taunted him, “If it's so easy, why haven’t I seen you using that charm during your daily duties?”

“...just get a Roomba,” the prefect piped up once again. 

Everyone collectively froze. Various expressions of confusion littered the room as the collective turned their gazes to the prefect. The prefect, who had not looked up a single time during this entire exchange, seemed to realize what was happening without seeing it. They raised their head with a completely blank, almost vacant expression - almost akin to Xiáng’s - washed over their face. 

“...does it for you,” they explained in monotone, “No magic needed.”

“Riiiight…” Ace coughed, disbelief radiating off his posture. 

Xiáng immediately reverted his attention to the Heartslabyul students. Realizing he would have to wait for them to finish before he could continue, he slumped back into his seat, no longer leaning over Deuce’s textbook. 

“I never said it was easy,” Ace retorted, scrunching up his face at the housewarden, “Just that I didn’t understand what linear progressions had to do with magic.”

“Would you believe that magic, like science, is mathematical?” the sneer grew ever so largely on Riddle’s face.

“I’m gonna hurl,” the card soldier slumped further into his seat.

Across the table, color drained from the fact of the two of spades. As if hope itself were air, the spades soldier deflated further in his seat. The Scarabia student attempted to offer him the slightest bit of consolation as he placed a hand on his shoulder. They both then perked up just a tad as they caught movement in their periphery. Pulling a seat from across the common room, the housewarden pulled up a seat beside the struggling freshmen. 

“What’re you doing?” Xiáng asked genuinely.

“Assisting you all,” the housewarden replied with the smallest of smiles, “It’s my responsibility to ensure that every one in my dorm is able to succeed academically. Ace’s lamentations aside, it looks like your little study group could genuinely use some help.”

“It’s mainly me…” Deuce admitted, nervousness and shame creeping into his posture, “I’m just not getting this sequence right.”

The housewarden glanced up at the Scarabia student, “I take it you’ve been explaining things to him, Wén Xiáng?”

As the housewarden addressed him, Xiáng felt a bead of sweat emerge on his brow. He offered Riddle a nervous smile as he replied, “Trying to anyway.”

“What seems to be the problem?”

“I only really understand this method the way that our instructor presented it?” he stated, unsure of himself, “And somewhere around the movement from step 2 to step 3 has Deuce here all stumped.” 

“Let me see…”

Riddle gently took the book from Xiáng’s hands. As he watched the moment of his eyes, sweeping over the pages with a speed unparalleled, he felt himself almost zone out momentarily. Time and focus seemed to completely slip away from him until the moment Riddle gently cleared his throat. 

“Hey, Ace,” the housewarden asked quietly, “Would you mind pouring me a cup of tea?” 

“Sure, is peppermint fine?” Ace asked nonchalantly.

That question seemed to tear Riddle out of his concentration. He paused, slowly raising his head and looking Ace in the eye. Xiáng blinked. Instantly, he felt confused by the expression on Riddle’s face. He wouldn’t have described the expression as cross necessarily. The twitch in his brow almost preparing for the switch to flip. But why?

“Is it herbal?” Riddle asked, his tone a twinge darker than before.

“It’s peppermint and lemongrass,” Xiáng explained, confusion dripping from his words, “It’s a green tea.” 

A brief pause fell between them as a rose tint began to flush the housewarden’s cheeks.

“...is that… bad?” 

“...Boys,” Riddle addressed Ace and Deuce directly, “Want to explain to me why you didn’t educate the outsider on Rule 153?”

The confusion on the Scarabia student’s face immediately dissolved into a blank stare, devoid of any emotion. 

Rules… the silly Heartslabyul rules that he honestly forgot existed. And whenever anyone reminded him that they existed, he not only found himself punished for his ignorance, but when the rule was explained, he found that the rules were… at their core, arbitrary. The sorts of rules he expected the upper courts would use simply to control the average common folk. And worse, while Riddle Rosehearts could run around playing pretend, pretending to be the ruler of a non-existent kingdom and punish those who slighted him with fake beheadings, Xiáng for once recalled the treatment of those back home. Not quite beheadings, but the cruel reality that the imperial courts cared little for the wellbeing of those from his home. 

It took little time dwelling on the line of thought before he felt a small surge of magical energy, like a sharp, swift zap of electricity, traveling from his head down his spine. Certainly, this wasn’t the worst reaction his curse had inflicted in recent years. However, the quickness of which it reacted caught him completely off guard. A throbbing sensation in his eye and in his head tore him away very abruptly from his line of thought. Whatever conclusions he had been drawing, whatever dots he had connected, all of it had been knocked away. Like a leak in a dam, his attention now stolen away to try and alleviate the discomfort.

He grew stiff, trying to hide the sensation from those around him. They seemed too engaged in Riddle’s rant about the rule to notice. Then again… he wasn’t watching. And the words coming out of Riddle’s mouth had momentarily resembled the sound of a voice reverberating down a tube. 

“It is your responsibility to know and abide by the rules,” Riddle snapped, “Even if he is in Scarabia, he is a guest in our house, which means he abides by our rules.”

Xiáng blinked. His body relaxed slightly as he attempted to loosen his limbs. His eyes drifted toward the cross housewarden, though the right side of his vision had grown blurry and difficult to see.

“Sorry- what’s Rule 153?” Xiáng asked, interrupting the rant. He didn't intend to fully admit his disconnection with the moment, and yet, he genuinely didn’t know and likely had missed it being outlined. 

With brows furrowed, the housewarden’s eyes pierced through Xiáng’s head like nails in a coffin. He seemed to study the Scarabia student briefly before his brow twitched, relaxing subtly. Clearly the housewarden interpreted his blank expression and genuineness in his tone as they were, rather than insubordination. 

“Rule 153: The only tea you may drink in the evenings is herbal tea,” the housewarden stated matter-of-factly. 

“...and who does this rule benefit?” Xiáng asked in a monotone.

Riddle blinked, his eyebrows furrowing ever so slightly. 

“I beg your pardon?”

“To whom does this rule benefit?” he repeated himself, “I would expect that the aims would benefit the drinker, but in reality, it makes no difference on your health what type of tea you drink. Caffeine intake aside, all of them vary in their beneficial effects. So if the rule pertains nothing to the drinker, who does it benefit? What purpose does it serve?”

In the blur of his vision, he swore he saw the prefect raise their head from their book. And simultaneously, the two card soldiers exchanged a look.

“The Laws benefit those who serve the Queen,” the housewarden stated with full sincerity, “The Queen was always right, and it is our duty to uphold her traditions.”

“So the benefit then has nothing to do with the tea itself,” he remained monotone, “Rather, the benefit to the tea drinkers is remaining in the queen’s favor. Am I mistaken?”

“But of course!” Riddle gleamed, “The Queen’s ways are the only ways! Those who fail to oblige will lose their heads!”

“And what if the Queen’s ways are unjust…?” 

“What do you mean?” the housewarden snapped, his frustration slowly beginning to grow like a strangle weed to a flower bed, “The Queen’s ways are just. By keeping rigid order and making sure those who fall out of line are prevented from creating trouble.”

The Scarabia student paused. The mild throbbing in his eye a painful reminder not to let himself get wound up. As he drew in a deep breath, he cleared his mind a moment. Clearly, the conversation failed to make any progress. A brick wall would have moved sooner than their discussion, like a dog chasing its own tail. 

Opening his eyes once more, the Scarabia student picked up his cup of tea. A few fragments of leaves floated in a lull across the top of the murky liquid. Its aroma nevertheless potent as it had become lukewarm. As he took a sip, the flavor felt reminiscent of an elastic band to skin. Obviously, he had yet to fully recover. And yet despite this, the flavor seemed to bring him back to center. As much as any roller coaster would, he felt the exhaustion creep in. 

Once he had carefully placed his tea cup back on its saucer, his gaze returned to Riddle, who had been expectantly waiting for a response. 

“Let’s back up a bit, shall we?” Xiáng offered, deceptively handing the housewarden an olive branch as he smiled gently, “I want to understand what you mean by ‘the Queen’s ways being just’. Can you lay out for me how the system works?”

“Naturally!” Riddle exclaimed, his condescension drenching his words like a towel that’d been dropped into a sink. The housewarden glanced at the card soldiers, “And you both would do well to pay attention.”

“Y-yes, sir.”

He cleared his throat, “The Queen’s Laws have been written in permanent ink since as far back as evidence goes of her reign as one of the Seven. Each of these laws were representative of the culture and the needs of the Queen at the time. Citizens and guests, much like the Curious Girl, were expected to know and uphold these laws at all times- and ignorance was not permissible as an excuse.

“When a law was broken under the watchful eye of the Queen and her Card Soldiers, a trial would often not be deemed necessary unless requested by the defendant. After all, if the Queen saw it herself, there would be no question as to whether or not a law was broken. And by this understanding, many were sent to beheadings on the spot. 

“But in the case a trial had been demanded by the defendant, the defendant would be sworn onto the stand and several members of the community would be brought forth to testify. The jury, while present to take notes, often played no role in the determination of the case. This was of course because the verdict came after the sentence. Of course, the King had an opportunity to request witnesses, evidence, or even offer his own opinions. But when it came down to the sentence, the Queen always had the say- the only say, and the final say.” 

“So… if I understand correctly, the legal system functions solely based on the decisions and perspective of the Queen, regardless of the evidence, testimony, or actual innocence of the defendant?” The Scarabia student asked before bringing the tea to his lips again.

“That is correct,” answered the housewarden with a smile.

“Then, if the trial has nothing to do with justice, and everything to do with keeping ‘order’ and satisfying the Queen’s whims, how does this constitute a just legal system, with laws that are designed to benefit the people?” asked Xiáng, unwavering in his smile and his tone, “Wouldn’t it be inaccurate, or worse, dishonest, to account the system as such?”

The break in the conversation felt like glass shattering against stone. The color from Riddle’s face drained, as his eyes grew wide. He expected Riddle to fly off the handle in a rage. To sit there, call him insolent. Even go so far as to collar him again. And yet… despite this expectation, Riddle did nothing of the sort. Sure, he stared with an expression of undeniable disbelief but he didn’t immediately scream. He didn’t immediately set fire to the place. Instead, a slow, quiet, almost resistant breath entered his nostrils. His eyes flitted around like a fly, between staring Xiáng in the eye and the teacup in his hand. Another breath entered his lungs before he paused fully. He lowered the textbook in his hands to the table. With a clear attempt to pull himself together, he clamped his eyes shut. His hands wove together with a gesture of regathering composure. 

“Well…” he finally said, opening his eyes, “I suppose if we are to use ‘justice’ by its dictionary definition, in which ‘justice’ is defined by upholding and behaving based on what is morally right and fair, and respectful to the people…”

He paused, clearly fighting with himself.

“Then by the logic you have proposed, and the definitions therein, no. It is not a “Just” system.”

The housewarden then smiled, a mixture of genuineness and cocky attitude, “but it is orderly though, by the circumstances, cultures, and needs of the era.”

The opposing freshman held up his hands, as if to indicate backing off. 

“For sure,” Xiáng agreed, “I never intended to deny that. She absolutely kept things orderly and lawful.”

“...to your point though,” Riddle cleared his throat, “I do have to wonder… what does justice have to do with keeping people in line?”

The freshman hadn’t fully expected to be hit with the same sort of energy that he was dishing out, especially not by the infamous “Rose Red Tyrant” himself. After the times he’d spent seeing Riddle while studying with his classmates, however, he had come to expect a wit and a keen eye for dissecting the things he faced academically. He had reason to suspect that Riddle probably handled himself in similar fashion when it came to other students too. So… on second thought, maybe he should have expected this.

“Where I come from, people are most willing to agree and comply when they don’t have to question if they’re going to die tomorrow… when they know where their next meal is coming from…” he stated, “People tend to be afraid of what they don’t understand, and resistant to what they don’t know...”

He lost his train of thought. The thoughts in his head felt scrambled, but he hoped that what he could convey made enough sense to answer Riddle’s question. Taking a handkerchief from his pocket, he rubbed his eye. And as he looked back at the housewarden, he noticed an internal struggle occurring behind those usually piercing eyes. 

“Well… even if we don’t agree,” the housewarden side stepped his comment, as if to avoid diving any deeper into that, “I do ask that you try to follow the Rules as you are made aware of them. If nothing else to respect the traditions and culture of our dorm.”

“Oh, yeah,” Ace commented with a groan, “Like he’s aware of literally anything— OW!”

Deuce swatted at the other card soldier, in defense of their friend. 

“Be respectful to our guest,” Riddle chastised him, “At the very least, he’s offered to help study with you, which is welcoming enough. Which– we have carried this on for far too long. We’re collectively getting distracted.”

“...and whose fault is that?” Ace grumbled.

The housewarden shot him a glare, as the Scarabia freshman chuckled lightly from across the table. Flipping to the next page in the textbook, Riddle resumed his explanation, as he began to demonstrate a different method of problem solving for their assignment. None of their heads rolled. And… for once, Riddle’s presence overall felt far more helpful than detrimental. Maybe he was starting to change, even if he was kicking and screaming internally the entire time.

~~~

Tag list: @ramshacklerumble @rainesol @elenauaurs @starry-night-rose @boopshoops

@cyanide-latte @blithesharem @inmateofthemind @theleechyskrunkly @thehollowwriter

@lumdays @twstinginthewind @the-trinket-witch

Lmk if you want added/removed