Chapter Text
“Nothing’s better than free food,” Grim declared as he ate his lunch. Ace and Deuce had finally taken up on their offer to buy you and Grim lunch.
“Thanks guys,” you said with a smile as you took a bite of your sandwich.
“Yeah, we’re pretty selfless,” Ace said, “And maybe,” he had a glint in his eyes, “You could return the favor, by making us lunch.”
Your smile fell and you gave him an unimpressed look, “This lunch was thanks to me and Grim for putting up with you two for a month during the SDC training,” you reminded.
“What she said,” Grim complained.
Deuce sighed, “We appreciate it (Y/N).”
As you ate, you couldn’t help but overhear someone talking from the table behind you.
“Is that the new hand cream that just came out? It smells divine.”
They must be Pomefiore students, you couldn’t help but think, but didn’t turn to check. Usually, only members of that particular dorm would rave over skincare products.
“It is, Housewarden Schoenheit posted it on Magicam after all. How could I not get a bottle for myself?”
You paused when they mentioned their housewarden.
Vil.
To the world of Twisted Wonderland, Vil Schoenheit was a world class model, singer, and actor. Not that it would matter to you, coming from another world.
You saw him a few times around campus, but it was the SDC that forced you to interact with him. The first time you actually met him, he didn’t give you a good impression. Yelling at Epel, calling you and your friends ‘unwashed spuds.’
He didn’t seem any different from most housewardens you met; Selfish, arrogant, viewed everyone around him beneath him, and used his dormmates to achieve his own ends. Because of that you didn’t want anything to do with him.
But your friends, hoping for a shot at payback after Vil beat them up, decided to audition for the SDC. One thing led to another, then before you knew it, you were hosting the SDC training camp at Ramshackle dorm and Vil roped you into being the manager.
You honestly wanted to stay out of whatever drama was bound to happen, but something happened during the camp that you just couldn’t let stand.
“What is the meaning of this?”
You released a startled yelp when you heard Vil’s voice. You sat up in the futon as Grim jumped up in panic next to you.
“What?” Deuce asked when he was awoken on the couch.
“It’s too early,” Ace whined on the other couch.
“Too bad,” Vil declared, “Everyone up, I demand an explanation!”
You looked around and remembered. Last night Vil caught Grim, Ace, and Deuce eating the junk food he confiscated. It led to a fight, until the three fell onto the floor, because Vil put a curse on the food, the three would be paralyzed until the sun rose. You watched the whole thing.
Vil decided to leave the three on the floor all night and ordered you to leave them and return to your room.
At first, you were too scared to disobey. However, you finally decided something.
So, you went back after Vil went to sleep. You placed Ace and Deuce on the couches so they could sleep more comfortably. And you brought a futon with you, so you could spend the night with them, Grim slept next to you.
You looked up at the angry housewarden, he clearly knew that you defied him and came back for your friends. He looked so intimidating as he glowered at you.
You swallowed and Grim cowered behind you.
“(Y/N),” Vil addressed, “What is this? I specifically said, these three were to sleep on the floor as punishment.”
“I-… uh…” You stuttered a bit.
“Hurry up and explain yourself spudling,” Vil demanded, “I still need to prepare breakfast.”
You bit your tongue for a second before taking a deep breath. Then you stood up, “No.”
Vil raised an eyebrow, “No what?”
You looked at him, with all the courage you had, “No, you’re not making breakfast,” you stepped off the futon, “After what you did, you lost all right to handle food in Ramshackle,” you tried to sound as confident and strong as possible.
That only seemed to make Vil laugh, “I lost the right? And who are you to decide that?”
You took in another deep breath, “What I am, is the prefect of this dorm,” you reminded, “And you broke one of the rules I set when you first arrived.”
Vil’s expression became more serious, “Oh? Which one?”
“No harmful magic is to be used in Ramshackle,” you said, “That was one of the first rules I told you all when you came, and you broke it when you cursed food in my dorm.”
“That was a counter measure for the rules of the training camp, which I am in charge of,” Vil reminded, “A camp you agreed to support.”
“Yes,” you said, “I agreed to support the training camp, that means making sure everyone in the camp is safe, not cater to your every whims!”
“Excuse me?”
“Vil,” you interrupted, “Do you know why I put that rule in place?”
“Because you’re magicless and want everyone here on the same level as you?” He asked.
“No,” you deadpanned, “It’s the same reason why I spent the night down here with them,” you looked Vil in the eye, “What would have happened if there was an earthquake, or a fire, or what if Jamil’s prediction came true and an assassin attacked the dorm? Ace, Deuce, and Grim wouldn’t be able to protect themselves. I spent the night down here to protect them just in case anything happened.”
Vil’s eyes widened a bit. Clearly, he didn’t expect you to talk back to him, or to make sense.
“You might be in charge of the training camp, Vil,” you said, “But you’re here because I gave you permission to be here,” You looked him in the eye when you continued, “You may not respect it or even acknowledge it Vil, but my decisions in Ramshackle hold just as much weight as yours hold at Pomefiore. And I won’t tolerate any forms of violence in Ramshackle. Everyone here is under my watch and protection, and I demand you follow the rules, especially the ones that guarantee the safety of your fellow students.”
Vil crossed his arms in a challenging way, “And if I don’t?”
You knew he’d ask that, and you were prepared to answer.
“Then get out!” You said pointing towards the door. The answer made his eyes widen, “You can take your training camp elsewhere and you can keep the prize money.”
“Myah, but (Y/N) my tuna and what about the repair money?” Grim asked.
You knew Grim would ask that. You looked at him and tried to give a reassuring smile, “I’ll get you a bunch of tuna later Grim. I promise.”
“But your dorm will suffer,” Vil said.
You turned back to him with a frown, “What was it you said the other day? ‘My feelings can’t be bought.’ Ramshackle will be repaired one way or another. The headmage will surely have other jobs for us. We don’t need your money,” you weren’t going to allow students being mistreated in your dorm. You were still a dorm leader. You decided it was time to act like it. Besides, Vil was arrogant and proud, after being refused by someone he viewed as less than him, he was bound to leave. You stood tall and crossed your arms, waiting for him to throw a tantrum like Riddle would. Then that would be the end of that.
Instead, he was silent. He looked at you. Ace, Deuce, and Grim were silent as well. Probably too scared to move. The rest of the camp were on the stairs, having watched the whole exchange.
What was Vil waiting for? You couldn’t help but wonder.
He closed his eyes for a minute, before opening them, “If I can’t cook in Ramshackle, what will everyone eat?”
Your eyes widened a bit. You didn’t expect that, but you did have an answer, “You… You want everyone to eat low-carb food. Basically a keto diet, right?”
“Yes,” Vil confirmed calmly.
“Then… I’ll cook,” you said.
“You?”
“My mom went on a keto diet back home,” you explained, “So I learned several keto recipes. No sugar, no flour, low carbs. I even go on it from time to time and it works. I can even make fried chicken that can make you lose weight.”
“What?” Ace asked clearly not believing it.
Vil was stoic through the whole ordeal. He was actually considering this? You thought Vil was more like Riddle when you first met him. That it would be his way or no way, but it didn’t seem like that. Still, you needed to be sure.
“I…” you began, “I should have stopped these three last night. I admit that, but your punishment was too cruel and dangerous.”
Vil raised an eyebrow, “What do you suggest?”
You took in a deep breath, “You are in charge of the training camp, if someone breaks a rule at Pomefiore while training, it’s your call on how they’re punished. I can’t do anything there, but if someone breaks a rule here, you’ll discuss the punishment with me first. Then, we’ll decide on it. I’m not Riddle, the punishment should fit the crime,” you paused before continuing, “That is the condition if you want to stay here.”
You still expected him to pack up and leave. Leona and Azul certainly wouldn’t agree to this.
“Very well,” Vil answer, startling you, “I’ll agree to these conditions, but if the food you provide doesn’t meet my standards-…”
“I’m not doing this for your standards or approval,” you interrupted, “And let me make this clear Housewarden Schoenheit!” You growled his title and name, “Other Housewarden’s who were bigger, stronger, and frankly much more intimidating than you tried and failed to put me in my place! Not to mention I’ve faced four overblots the past year. A diva with a temper isn’t enough to scare me, now if you don’t mind,” you walked past him towards the kitchen, “I have a frittata to make!”
Your keto recipes were a big heat. Even Ace couldn’t complain. Deuce loved them since half of them involved eggs, as did Epel. Grim would eat anything so there were no complains. Jamil approved since nothing was poisoned. Kalim… asked you to marry him, but it was clearly a joke and a compliment. One Rook agreed with saying you’d make a man a happy husband one day.
Vil didn’t voice any complains. Rook said Vil enjoyed your cooking, but if he did, he didn’t show.
Vil wasn’t exactly warm during the training camp… but he wasn’t like the other housewardens either.
He promoted Epel’s juice and that helped his family with his business, and after the day you stood up to him, he really did discuss things with you. When Ace was caught sneaking food again, you and Vil forced him to do dishes for three days.
Though for the most part you did dishes at Ramshackle. One of your rules was; you make a mess you clean it up, that applied to cooking.
One night during the training camp you finished doing dishes.
You wiped down the counter, drying it off before going to your room for a bath.
“Are you done?” You looked up to see Vil at the doorway.
“I am,” you sighed, what did he want to complain about this time? “What’s wrong? Did the shower water go cold again? I’ll get Grim and then-…”
“I’m not here about the shower,” Vil said looking at your hands. You couldn’t help but scratch them that caused Vil to frown and grab you wrist, “Don’t scratch. it’ll make the itching worse. Don’t you have any moisturizer?”
“What does that have to do with anything?” You asked.
Vil sighed, “How can the only girl on campus be so clueless about skincare?” He looked at you, “You’ve been washing dishes almost every night. That dries out your skin and makes them irritated. If you don’t moisturize your hands after washing them you’ll just damage them.”
“Well, no one ever said that to me growing up,” you said.
“I’m saying it now, come with me.”
“Hey!”
You were dragged to the room Vil was staying in. You stood in front of the desk as he began rubbing cream over your knuckles, where itchy red dots had appeared.
“It’s gotten so bad your starting to get a rash, really now,” the way Vil scolded you reminded you of your mom. When he was done, he pushed the bottle of hand moisturizer into your hands, “From now on after you do dishes or wash your hands, use this!”
“Why should I?” You weren’t performing, why should you go the extra mile.
“This is for the sake of your skin and hands,” Vil explained, “If you don’t moisturize your hands and face after a wash, your skin will dry, get cracked, and damaged.”
You sighed, you didn’t want to argue so you accepted the hand cream, “I’ll give it a try,” you said tired. You decided to try and tease him, right before you go so you stopped at the door for a second, “If I didn’t know any better Vil, I’d think you’d care.”
“I’m a housewarden as well, remember,” Vil called as the door began to close, “Our job is to look after those in our care.”
Vil actually respected your position as Prefect of Ramshackle. After you stood up to him, he kept his word. When someone (Ace and Deuce) broke rules in the training camp, he discussed the punishments with you. You spoke and came to a decision that you were both happy with.
Before you knew it, you actually came to respect Vil.
You even liked him a bit.
When he Overblotted, you did everything you could to help him and when he came out of it. He apologized to everyone. For Overblotting, for injuring and tiring them out which cost them the contest.
You didn’t think less of him for Overblotting or for trying to poison Neige. Vil just couldn’t handle the stress, and you all managed to stop him before he could do the unthinkable.
Then the situation with the Island of Woe happened.
You couldn’t help but place your hand on your cheek and blush.
Vil kissed you on the cheek there.
It was clearly a platonic kiss! He did the same thing to Rook and Epel.
He rescued Idia, even though it cost him his youth. Which was restored by Malleus afterwards.
Then Vil and Kalim oversaw your dorm being rebuilt.
You and Grim stayed at Pomefiore and Vil certainly got you back when you stood up to him.
“You have to go through the same skincare treatment while you’re both here,” Vil had a sly smug, “You’re staying at Pomefiore and you must obey my will as it’s housewarden.”
Grim complained, but you couldn’t help but laugh. This was clearly payback for pulling rank in Ramshackle.
Now, your dorm was no longer ‘ramshackle.’ It was just as nice as any of the proper dorms. No more creaking steps or moaning wood. No more cracked windows. No more plumbing and water problems. It was even gorgeous; you couldn’t believe it was the same place the headmage left you at the beginning.
It was thanks to your friends. Thanks to Kalim and his boundless kindness… and Vil for the kindness he doesn’t show but did have.
You realized you were wrong about Vil at first. He was proud, but insecure. He was strict with his students, but it came from a real sense of caring. And when someone was in trouble, he was willing to give up his beauty, the thing he loved most, to save them.
You smiled at the thought, Vil was just… beautiful inside and out.
%%%%%%
After class, you walked with Grim looking through your grocery list on your phone. Now that Ramshackle was renovated you didn’t have to buy anymore materials to fix it. You had more money to spend now.
Okay, we’ll need tuna for grim. Pasta for me, and sauce. We could also get some apples and some water, tea, and sodas. Now that I think about it I need some more conditioner and hand lotion. Maybe I could get-…
“(Y/N),” you stopped when some called you. You recognized it immediately.
You turned to see Vil approaching you, you gave him a friendly smile, “Hi Vil,” After everything that happened, you and Vil had been on much friendlier terms, “Do you need something?”
“I do actually,” he said, “I need a favor.”
You looked at his beautiful face, “What do you need?”
“Next month,” he began, “I have an important photo shoot.”
“Okay,” you tilted your head confused, not knowing what he needed help with. You didn’t know the first thing about how to help in his line of work.
“Rook said I gained weight,” he looked morose.
You looked him over, “You don’t look like you have,” even now, Vil’s beauty was flawless to you.
“Well, I’d rather be safe than sorry,” Vil said, “I want to go on another keto diet and I want you to be the one who cooks for me.”
Your eyes widened a bit, “You want me to cook for you again?”
“What’s in it for us?” Grim asked. That made you lean down and flick his head.
“Grim, don’t be rude,” you stood up straight to face Vil again, “Vil I’m willing to help but, I did give my keto recipes to Rook. Wouldn’t you rather have someone from your own dorm cooking for you?”
Vil sighed, “Rook keeps messing up.”
“He does?” Rook was in the science club and a master potion maker. You always thought that potion making was like cooking and Rook was an expert potion maker.
“Nothing he makes tastes right,” Vil clarified, “I would prefer it if you were the one cooking for me.”
You gripped your skirt. You couldn’t help but feel a little giddy. Vil wanted you to cook for him. The boy you liked wanted you to cook for him.
For professional reasons! You reminded yourself. He just needed your cooking expertise in the ways of keto.
“Alright, but you’ll have to buy the ingredients and certain dishes take time,” you reminded, “I’ll need prior notice if you’re craving something specific like the fried chicken.”
“That can be arranged,” Vil said.
“Also, if I’m cooking at your dorm I’d like some help. I’ll need to know where everything goes and where to put them away. Plus, I can teach whoever’s helping me how to cook a keto recipe right. That way if I’m too busy and you want some next time you’ll still have some.”
“Very well,” Vil said, “Come by the dorm tomorrow morning. We’ll get started.”
“Sure, what would you like for breakfast?” You asked.
“We’ll start with a frittata,” Vil stated.
“Okay, see you tomorrow.”
“See you tomorrow spud.”
You rolled your eyes at the nickname and began your trek back to Ramshackle.
“I still don’t see why we should do it,” Grim grumbled.
“Well, you don’t have to come Grim,” you said, “I can go by myself.”
“No way,” Grim said, “Where there’s food, I’ll be there.”
You laughed a bit, “Fine you can eat the mistakes.”
You couldn’t help but smile. There was no ulterior motive, but you liked the idea of cooking for Vil. You liked to pretend he liked your cooking… that maybe he liked you.
You sighed, of course there was no way he could like you.
Vil was a world class model. A top student. A powerful magician. He worked hard everyday to polish his skills and beauty, because of that every time he looked in the mirror he saw flawless beauty.
You knew what you saw when you looked in the mirror. A plain, useless, magicless, girl.
Vil liked you as a friend, but that was it.
It’s not like I want to be his girlfriend or something. Besides, I have to go back to my world as soon as possible. Not to mention he has his career to think about. This is fine, us being friends.
Perfectly fine.
Vil returned to the dorm. He was getting ready to take a shower, then start his treatment when someone called to him.
“Roi de poison,” Rook approached him with his ever present smile, “How did the talk with Mademoiselle Trickster go?”
“Good,” Vil said, “She agreed and she’ll come by tomorrow to start.”
Vil felt himself relax at the thought of you cooking for him again.
“I apologize for not being able to master her craft at cooking,” Rook shook his head, “But I thought I followed her recipes correctly.”
Vil sighed, “Well, you must keep missing something, because her keto cooking always tasted better.”
Rook grinned, “Hm… perhaps…”
Vil noticed the expression on his vice-housewardens face, “Perhaps what?”
Rook hummed, “Nevermind. I’ll be more than happy to learn directly from our dear Trickster.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Vil said, “I’ll be the one helping her in the kitchen.”
Rook’s eyes widened just a bit, “Oh? You will?”
“Of course, it’s my diet. I need to make sure she does it right.”
Rook was grinning again, “Oui. I understand Vil,” Rook turned and walked away, “I understand completely.”