Work Text:
Stories. Everybody loves them, the knight in shining armor fighting the fearsome dragon, pirates going after treasures, fairies granting wishes, werewolves coming out in the full moon ravaging the woods, vampires in castles old as times. Escaping into the world of words that transform into an universe of unpredictable events defines the desires behind human imagination.
Nobody knows how or why all the stories came to life. On one halloween night long ago, the world changed. Well, not really but it had become full of supernatural. That's what the history books say anyway, it's not like anybody can relate to that. Who doesn't love their witch neighbour and their delicious apple pies? Hard to think in earlier times witches would be burnt at stake.
Prestigious Night Raven College, which you can only attend if the letter comes to your door, harnesses the talents of all beings and provides a wonderful education. Some people don't even know how they got in because the criteria doesn't exist, it' just full of opportunities.
Deuce truly doesn't know how he got in. He is a siren, usually women are born into the family but his mom was very delighted to have a boy. The problem is that except breathing underwater and singing beautifully he cannot access the others powers. Ever since he had learned as a child of what he can do, Deuce dreamt to be a police officer just like many other sirens. They fool the bad guys with careful words, make them surrender and then confess to their crimes. Sirens don’t enchant or brainwash others, they bring to the surface their true self. Upon realizing his impedement in middle school, he became a thug because it seemed like his life wasn’t leading anywhere. Sirens never cry, they never have a reason to, with their powers and looks, but his mom cried over his mistakes and troubles. Night Raven College is a fresh start and Deuce shall do his best to access his full potential and make his mom proud.
Ace heard a lot of great stories from his brother about Night Raven College so he was excited to go. What he wasn't excited about was to discover how much of a control freak the housewarden of his dorm is. Like many others in Heartslabyul, Ace is a witch, but everybody can use magic so what makes witches special is the fact they can use magic from all around, using elementals and activating artifacts is something only they can do. As a first year he needs to learn all the possible basics so he can further his studies in one field for example there are fire based witches, like his entire family, who rely on passionate burning feelings to draw their power out and excel in Magical Analysis especially. So considering his elemental power who cannot expect Ace Trappola to not be a mischievous little shit?
These two very different, at first glance, but the same brand of loveable idiots become a known duo thanks to an incident on the second day of school when they also befriended Yuu, the outcast who doesn't seem to have anything special, and Grim, a talking weasel.
”I don’t get how you cannot do your special thing? It’s like I wouldn’t know how to make a broom fly.”
”Shut it, Ace. I can make a broom fly too, it’s not that easy. I tehnically need to get into someone’s head.”
”Ohhh. You’re just too stupid to do that, aren’t you?”
”YOU’RE IN THE SAME MESS!”
”It would be quite admirable of Little Mackerel to enchant us but a contract is a contract~~” The giant merman looms over them having the time of his life watching them with anemones on their heads struggling.
”Indeed, Floyd. Perhaps you’d like to set up a new contract with Azul, we know plenty about sea sirens, it shouldn’t be too different for you.” Prepare for trouble and make it double when Jade joins them.
”You’re both crazy bastards!” Grim really doesn’t understand NOT to bite the hand who can tell him to go wash the toilets.
”Oy, oy. Sing us something.”
”Do I have to?”
”Yeah. ” Floyd looks even scarier when he smiles.
And well an order is an order. Deuce learned a few songs from his mother. He always found it weird to sing because it never actually felt like him. His grandma claimed this feeling to come from his disconnection to his siren life. This song is supposed to enchant people yet the twins are not becoming a mushy mess who speak nonsense. Both of them congratulate Deuce at least. Jade even chimes in that if he never hypnotizes anybody he can be a great singer. Scrubing the floor angrily at another failure, he doesn’t realize Ace is rethinking his life choices washing the same spot aggressively.
Here’s the thing about witches, they have an eye for aesthetics. Be it gloom and frightening, neat and elegant or colorful and ecstatic, they never fail. So Ace really likes Deuce’s voice because it is the perfect anecdote to his hidden violent nature. This boy chosen as his partner in crime, well Ace does the crime and drags Deuce into it, is full of surprises which lights up something in him.
”I should fight Deuce, shouldn’t I?”
Yuu is really tired. Ace literally talked about how just hearing Deuce’s voice gets him riled up and jumpy and yet it is totally a platonic rival feeling. His logic is just as bad as Rook’s and that says a lot.
”Now I’m about to tell you something insane.”
”WHAT ARE YOU LAZING AROUND ABOUT?”
This is not actually therapy time with Yuu. These two, Sebek and Jack have to help Sam with inventory because three out of four made a disturbance in class by being too loud, one actually voluteered.
”Dude don’t scream.”
”That’s right, let’s focus.”
”Thank you, Jack.”
”I’m not defending you, Ace. We have a job to do.”
”Unlike your ignorant housewarden, you have a sense of duty. Obviously it doesn’t compare to the Young Lord’s, he is a honorable prince.”
”Stop insulting people every other sentence, Sebek.”
Jack wished in time like this, there was an actual criteria to Night Raven College admissions.
”Guys this is very serious, I might accidentally kill Deuce if I don’t do something.”
Ace earns three different looks, Yuu is unimpressed, Jack disappointed and Sebek exasperated, he also claims to not care and to get back to their job.
”Oh c’mon man, you gotta have some advice. You’re like a fairy, bipidibop me.”
”THAT IS VERY INSOLENT OF YOU!” Jack tries to interrupt him to make him shush. ”I AM OF THE SAME NATURE AS THE GREAT MALLEUS DRACONIA, A FAE, DO NOT MISTAKE IT AGAIN OR I WILL MAKE YOU PAY.”
”I’ve been called a fairy before too and I didn’t react like that, stop being such a snob.”
”HOW DA-”
”ENOUGH!” Yuu loses their temper at their antics but gets a wonderful idea. ”Oy, Ace.”
”Hm?” He responds while still giving Sebek the stink eye.
”Does the feeling of wanting to fight Sebek compare to the one towards Deuce?”
”No. I want to fly Sebek across the room with a punch, with Deuce is more of a constant feeling.”
”Hm, hm. And is this one of your fire-ish feelings?”
”Yeah, I told you, my magic grows stronger.” Ace is a bit confused.
”Are you unaware of other feelings except anger, frustration and excitement because you’ve only practiced magic in relatation with your family?”
”Huh?”
”What I’m saying...” Yuu clasps their palms ”This unknown passionate feeling towards Deuce might be love.”
Buildings are crashing, planes are falling from the sky, sea level is rising and in Ace’s mind, apocalypse is coming. Witches strive off less nice feelings like anger, pettiness, hatred so the idea of liking Deuce was impossible. Besides what is there to like about Deuce? He literally summons cauldrons to deal with his problems. Like okay he has a pretty face and a good voice but that’s not a reason to fall for him.
”HUMAN WITCH I DEMAND YOU TO DO THE JOB YOU’VE BEEN ASSIGNED FOR.” Sebek can’t even let a man have his internal conflict in peace.
”You’ve really been on my case but Grim literally took off half an hour ago.”
”THAT MONSTER, DOES HE NOT UNDERSTAND COMMON PRINCIPLES?!”
”Nope. Let’s just get this done with. ”
”That is not correct, you shouldn’t work for both even if you are enrolled as one student.”
”Thank you, Sebek, but the sooner we finish, the better.”
They finish rather soon despite the setback thanks to the first year of Diasomnia who seemed to summon the powers of the Great Seven to finish this tedious job and go back by his liege’s side.
Ace also should have went back but continued to bother Yuu. He really cannot comprehend harboring feelings for Deuce. What’s even so special about him? He is beautiful but that comes from his siren traits that aren’t even developed properly. That’s right, he is average, even below average in academics on the ocassion. He excels in athletics though and can definitely pack a punch. Some people may find that hot but this is not the age of barbarians to find pleasure in viole-. Yeah, it’s bullshit, it’s so hot to see Deuce going off into his bad habits. What’s he going to do at his age... a stupid crush on his best friend?
Deuce’s instinct tells him something is going with Ace. He may be as annoying as a goblin from the moutains just the same but this lingering feeling won’t stop. The worst case scenario, even he got fed up with Deuce’s lack of talent and smarts. He is trying his best, giving his all to be a more capable student and a nicer person but the results are yet to be fully seen and Ace reminds him so. The first year is strong and won’t trouble others with his frustrations because he strives for improvement and recognition, not pity but Jack can tell he is feeling down.
”Deuce.”
”Oh! Sorry, Jack. Did you say something?”
”I don’t want to pry into your bussines. I just have the feeling you’re beating yourself up over something. Even our upperclassmen said you don’t have your usual drive.”
Deuce feels really bad worrying everybody, the track club is soothing for him because running sweeps his thoughts away. Unfortunately, the matter seems to be eating him inside out.
”Am I working hard enough? I am not very smart and I can’t even use the powers I was born with but I also have dreams I want to reach. I can’t expect results immediately I know that. It just feels like I’m losing.”
Jack is very observant. Ace coming to him and Yuu daily to talk about his crush problem gave him an idea on how their whole relationship goes. It’s normal to want some validation when you spend almost the entire day and night with a person but all Ace does is put salt on Deuce’s wounds.
”I know Ace is being an idiot. He’s a witch though, he believes getting you angry will trigger something because that’s what works for him.”
”How did you know it’s about Ace.” Deuce blinks shocked.
”Lucky guess... Nevermind that, keep in mind that just like everybody here has a different running record and needs different hours of training and a personal diet, you have to find what works best for you.”
”Thank you, Jack. You’re a good friend.”
”Looks like our first years are really close. I hope you’r revitalized Deuce, if you don’t keep up I’m making you sing.” The club leader signals the end of their break.
”Yes, sir!”
Strangle him. An overreaction, but Ace cannot take Riddle even after his change of heart to loosen up. Perfection is not possible, it’s not even what people make it out to be. Perfect score, perfect record, perfect etiquette is all bullshit. He took a bath to calm down but he really wishes to burn something (Riddle).
Great, Deuce is back from club activities, another one of his problems.
”Ace! You got into another fight with Housewarden Riddle. Are you insane?”
”Boo hoo. Trey will calm him and he’ll just be disappointed in me for awhile. I won’t act like someone I’m not to please his expectations.”
”I didn’t say any of that. He is an upperclassmen and our housewarden, it’s best to keep a friendly relationship.”
”Not like you get it so don’t bother.”
”Oy.”
”Don’t ’oy’ me. You suck up to him.”
”Huh? Are you forgetting I was on your side when he overblotted?”
”The whole dorm basically was. I mean you’re acting all posh and whatnot whenever he is around but I know you fall asleep with your head on the desk after reading 2 rules.”
”This conversation leads nowhere, you’re obviously still angry.”
”Alright, calm me down. Sing something.”
”Do you really think I’ll do it, jerk?”
”Man, Deuce-kun, you really don’t care about your best friend.” He fakes tears.
Deuce spends a second thinking about it, incredible feat since usually he just refuses Ace. Maybe he needs to accept the fact that his voice may never access the siren abilities. If he does that, then moving on would be easier and a weight would lift off his shoulders. So he sings.
I hear the ticking of the clock
I'm lying here the room's pitch dark
I wonder where you are tonight
No answer on the telephone
And the night goes by so very slow
Oh I hope that it won't end though
Alone
Till now I always got by on my own
I never really cared until I met you
And now it chills me to the bone
How do I get you alone
How do I get you alone
Deuce learned songs from his mother and he never quite catched on the fact they are mostly love songs, he just sings what he can remember off the top of his head which end up as a remix of songs. He closed his eyes trying to remember the rest of the song.
“We’re alone right now.”
Deuce is startled to hear Ace’s voice so close to his face. He goes into cardiac stop when Ace draws his face near and kisses him lightly. His eyes are blown out of orbits but there is nothing he is able to focus on. His heartbeat threatens to blow out his eardrums and he feels a tickling sensation across his abdomen. For Deuce, the world stopped right there around the two of them, it’s like a great tsunami has wiped out the world creating a vast ocean which is now storming out. This is his first kiss but instead of excitement, he feels panic.
Ace loves Deuce’s songs, especially because he is the one singing. His heart jumped of joy when he realized he is going to indulge him but then everything started to shift into oblivion. His mind wondered into a misty field even though he was aware of everything happening. He took the first step according to Deuce’s rhythm, all he could see were his lips accentuating every word and charming his way through his heart. Every beat felt like a calling to which Ace was obliged to follow. He is following his desire. He spoke but he didn’t understand his own words, there was only the feeling of Deuce’s cheek in his palm and then his lips. It takes a second for the panic to set in.
Now in the room two blushing idiots are staring at each other, breathing so hard it could be confused with a panic attack. It is not far from the truth but there is something more there. Be it a hand that hasn’t left the other’s face or the confusion on how this kiss even began. Below the surface, only their hearts know that the speed at which they’re drumming comes from yearning, even if Deuce wasn’t aware of the impact of a certain redhead in his life. None of the two move, from an outsider’s point of view it would be a mortuary silence but it’s the loudest moment of their lives.
Deuce literally doesn’t think when he clutches his hand on Ace’s shirt, he doesn’t know what he means and even less what he wants to happen next. Ace just looks into his eyes which are so beautiful, red be damned that bright fucking blue is his favorite color, and hopes this is the right answer to the mess they made. Deuce’s second kiss is a bit more forceful, partially because Ace is embarrassed out of his mind. He also stops staring like a fool and pushes back.
The moment breaks when the door creeks and Deuce actually pushes Ace so hard he falls to the floor. Their roommates stop talking to look at the scene going on in their dormitory. The disastrous duo got into a fight for sure (no, they did not), Ace must be at fault (yes, he is).
Deuce leaves clenching his fists. It’s the first time they see someone as red as Housewarden Riddle. He must be really angry.
“Ace dude what have you done, that type of anger I only get to see when I eat after curfew.”
Ace stays glued to the floor lamentating his stupid brain.
Deuce ishaving second thoughts because he doesn’t want to impose on Yuu at this hour but he needs help. He knocks three times. Grim opens the door.
“Oy! Don’t you know what hour is it?!”
“Sorry, Grim. Something happened.”
“Are you being chased or something. You’re like tots red and out of breath.”
“Why does God give me the hardest battles?” Yuu joins them at the entrance. “Come in.”
They get the tea going while Deuce recollects himself in the living room. It takes 20 minutes for him to prepare the speech which at the end leaves him incredibly hectic again. Yuu looks into their mug thoughtfully.
“I have good and bad news.”
That catches Deuce’s attention.
“Good news: congratulation you are officially able to charm people with your singing. Bad news: people have to be vulnerable in front of you in order for the charm to work.”
“HE CAN?” Grim squeals.
Deuce’s mouth hangs up and starts spluttering nonsense.
“Listen dude. I’ve been thinking and even read some books but there is 99% information on women sirens so you are an unknown case even if people don’t act so. Voice used to be what made sirens seem attractive, when people hear something melodic they instantly connect it to a beautiful face which becomes a motif for love that just turns into an illusion. That illusion allows sirens to charm others. You are missing that factor women have that people are drawn to, for example delicacy. You’re also violent and blunt which gives you even more minus points. Even if you are friendly, kind and devoted, your first impression isn’t one of love at first sight. ” Deuce may have come to clear his feelings but Yuu is glad their theory about sirens has proven to be correct.
“I can’t tell if you are mean or nice right now. ” The answer would be both Grim thinks.
“Because people don’t feel instantly attracted to me, I can’t hypnotize them…?”
“You are attractive but most people won’t leave their heart open for you.”
“Most people…”
Deuce is a bit confused but his heart is so full it’s overlooked. He can use his powers just not like other sirens do. Jack was right too, he just has to find what works best for him.
“Wait then why did it work on Ace?”
“Why do you think it did?” Yuu smiles with sympathy.
“Leave their heart open.” Deuce reminiscences over their previous words blushing nervously “ACE LIKES ME?”
“ACE LIKES HIM?”
Yuu can’t believe how little love awareness they can have, it’s like they have never watched telenovelas. Actually, Grim definitely hasn’t.
“You kissed. Twice. He initiated the kisses.” Yuu watches Deuce die with every syllable they speak. He definitely thinks over what the next step should be, but they are ready to bet money on this relationship, Adeuce forever.
Deuce decided to stay the night with Yuu and just go back super early in the morning. Hopefully, Riddle won’t catch him which is not really worth the risk but he doesn’t trust himself in a room with Ace at the moment. Does he like Ace? He has zero romantic experience, like he doesn’t even know what a crush should make him feel. By the name, it sounds like a crushing experience. He definitely felt crushed with the whole situation, yet love always seemed a lot more beautiful. Deuce isn’t even sure why he is liked by the other. And well, there’s only way to discover – by asking Ace himself. There’s no beating around the bush, he will face his problems head on, except it’s not that much of a problem. Ace likes him. Really likes him. Deuce won’t admit how happy he feels.
Ace is burning. In the literal sense, he is so frustrated for letting his emotions run wild and scaring Deuce that his magic is acting up. A funny sensation is running up and down his palms while his forehead is covered in sweat. The others have gone to sleep. He cannot close an eye. He cracked under that stupid beautiful voice and now he is paying the price. Ace wants to erase the feeling of Deuce’s lips on his own, wants to turn back time, he’ll even take amnesia into consideration. Yes, Deuce is the guy he likes, but first and foremost they are friends. His love rose from the friendship they have built and even that could be lost right now. He daydreams of Deuce’s song and the moment they shared then his skin crawls thinking that might never happen again. Deuce might never talk to him again. He needs a snack, screw the rules.
Yet when he opens the door, he sees a miracle. Deuce is back and it’s already sunrise. The moment is cut short when they are faced with horrors by the sound of a door down the hall. Ace drags Deuce inside and runs to his bed. In retrospective, it’s his second stupidest idea because they’re face to face feeling each other’s breath again.
He’s embarrassed. It’s Deuce’s only rational thought among plentiful screams.
I want to kiss him. Ace’s mind is on a whole different chart.
Deuce looks away first rising from their position. Once sitting, he hits the sides of his face.
“Ace!”
“Yes!” He also gets up from his lying position.
“I can use my powers.” Ace just blinks confused. “My siren powers, I can use them.”
“Huh?”
“They only work on people that like me in some way.” Deuce doesn’t know why he is avoiding addressing their actual situation.
Ace blinks confused again until the light turns on upstairs. He explodes, quickly raising his hands to not burn his bed and cover his face. This is the worst moment of his life but there’s one thing standing here: Deuce came back to talk about this.
“What’s your answer then?” Ace drops his hands to stare at the other boy. Call him a cocky jerk but Deuce won’t reject him.
“I- … I-” It’s Deuce’s turn to explode. “I don’t know.”
“That’s not a no, Dunce.” He only hears a mumble. “What?”
“I liked...” The end gets eaten in a whisper.
“Loudeeeeer.”
“I liked the kiss, okay!” Deuce hisses at him but the sentence only makes them both embarrassed. They sit in silence for a while.
“Congrats on your breakthrough.”
“Well.. Couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Oh god, you’re really gonna hold it against me.”
Two days later they officially get together and if Yuu wins a generous amount a money from Heartslabyul students, Riddle shall never know.