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Night Raven College was always such a mystery to Neige Leblanche.
He never really explored it, he never had a reason to-- Sure he could come by and greet Vil but Che'nya was against the idea, saying that he wouldn't survive NRC, he wasn't sure what he meant by that. Surely NRC wasn't that dangerous? Sure, the castle looms ominously over the town but Vil went to NRC so it shouldn't be that bad, right?
Though here he was now, roaming the courtyard of NRC while everyone was busying themself with the VDC prep. Though he did cherish his fans, he wanted to be able to take in the wonders of NRC.
And if he was going to be honest it wasn't all that.
It was certainly ‘wondrous’ but so was RSA. Neige would argue that RSA looked a little better. In RSA the courtyard was flourishing with seasonal flowers that even the bees and hummingbirds couldn’t resist but NRC looked a little empty, dead, with only a few shrubs and a huge apple tree that overshadowed the-
“Aaaaaaa~ ARGGGHHH!”
Neige heard what appeared to be a beautiful melody at first but then what followed afterward was an offkey note that was akin to a dying pig. Neige jumped, his back hitting the bark of the apple tree. He looked left and right, wondering where the source of that noise came from.
“Ugh, no that’s not- Why can’t I seem to get it right?”
He heard another voice, this time the source was coming from behind the tree. He peaked out of his hiding spot, his hand on the bark of the tree as he leaned to the side.
And there he found an interesting sight.
A girl– wait no, It was a boy, they were wearing an NRC uniform after all– They were leaning over the well in the middle of the courtyard. Eyes tightly shut; their eyelashes pressed against their cheek as they focused on vocalizing.
“I’m wishing. . .” They sang again, this time a little meeker than before. It was almost like they didn't want anyone else to hear their voice but the well.
“I’m wishing. . .” The well echoed back.
“For the one I love, to find me”
“To find me”
“Today. . .”
“Toooodayyyyy!!” Neige suddenly popped in, he saw the shaken face of the student through the reflection of the water as they quickly backed away from the well, a hand placed over their chest.
“God-! You scared me!”
“Hehe, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to” Neige giggled at first before looking apologetic “I heard you singing and I couldn’t help but join in.”
“This is embarrassing. . .”
“Oh please don’t be!” Neige leaned in and grabbed their hands. Pulling them up to their face, getting uncomfortably close “You have a wonderful singing voice– I mean sure it could use some work but I like it!”
The other person stared at him for a little “Well you’re blunt” They then looked at Neige up and down “Wait, you’re Neige. That guy from the Red Apple Soda commercial.”
Neige blinked, that was strange, most people would recognize him from the bigger projects he’s been in. Not some commercial, but he decided to not pay it much mind. Maybe they lived under a rock “Yep, that’s me!”
The NRC student gently tugged their hands away from Neige's grasp “Aren’t you supposed to be at the VDC event?”
“Oh! Well yes, but they're currently preparing the stage. Why? Are you a fan?”
“Not really”
Neige felt an arrow shoot through his heart.
Neige was reminded of Vil, though Neige often tries starting a conversation with Vil but he always tries to maintain a professional relationship with him which Neige understands, he supposes. However, for some reason, Neige couldn’t help but feel his throat go dry.
“O-Oh”
“I’m actually the manager of your rival team” They added on.
“Oh!” Neige’s excitement came back.
“How is Vil?! Do you know what song he’s going to sing– wait– Don’t tell me, Don’t tell me! I wanna be surprised–” Neige proceeded to go on a rant about how he’s a big fan of Vil’s work and how he’s so cool; when it comes to Vil, Neige can’t help but look up to him a lot, despite being close in age. Vil’s maturity and general attitude make it seem like he had more experience in the acting industry than Neige did.
“I didn’t expect you to be this gung ho about Vil” The other person noted to which Neige couldn’t help but let out an offended gasp “How couldn’t I? It’s Vil Schoenheit!”
“Well I get it, it’s just err…r” The manager looked to the side, suddenly feeling a little awkward “I can’t really say the feelings are mutual. ” They muttered under their breath.
“What was that?”
“Nothing– Anyways, I think the VDC stadium is almost finished wrapping up. I can escort you there if you like, "the manager offered.
“Oh! You’re probably right. Thank you– “ Neige paused before pulling out his phone “Hey do you wanna exchange numbers? NRC is a pretty big place so it’d be helpful if I knew someone there”
The manager shrugged “Sure, why not?”
—
Neige woke up from his dream.
It was 2:04 in the morning.
How strange. . . Usually, when he awoke from a dream, he would forget what happened in an instant, like sand slipping through his fingers. But for some reason, he remembered this dream very clearly– Well, would it technically be considered a dream if it were a memory?
Still, he should get some sleep. He couldn’t afford to stay up late.
When Neige needs to go to sleep quickly, he does a mental checklist of everything he needs to do. Wake up early, do his skincare routine, make sure Shelphie gets out of bed in time, have breakfast with his dorm mates, make sure Snick took his allergy medication, go to cla–
*Buzz Buzz*
Neige opened one eye, It was his phone! How strange. . . He usually sets his social media account on DND but his personal contacts notifications are on in the event of an emergency. Most of his friends know not to disturb him in the middle of the night.
So this must be important.
Neige picked up his phone and he saw two unexpected notifs
tunaluvr3000: hey,,,
tunaluvr3000: sry to bother u rn but are u up
It was the manager of Vil’s VDC group! He had almost forgotten that he had given his phone number to them. To be fair, they don’t interact much other than Neige liking their post about their adorable little cat? raccoon? Neige wasn’t sure– and the manager would do the same in return for his post– Not that Neige was paying attention or anything. . .
There was also this one instance where Che’nya caught him staring at a magicam photo of the manager (He was just admiring the background of course!!) And Che’nya mentioned something about the manager being the Headmaster of NRC’s adopted child.
Neige couldn’t help but wonder, he never heard of Headmaster Crowley ever having a child. So was this a recent adoption? Or were they just well hidden? If so, why did Crowley hide them? And why did he suddenly decide to reveal them to the world now?
Neige decided to ponder those questions later. He sent a reply.
neigeleblanche: prefect, hi!
neigeleblanche: yes im up right now, is something wrong??
Almost immediately they texted back a response.
tunaluvr3000: this is a bit sudden but
tunaluvr3000: is it okay if me and grim bunk in your dorm for a few days?
If Neige wasn’t fully awake, he was now. A brow shot up to his hairline and he sat up from his bed.
neigeleblanche: prefect are you two okay??
neigeleblanche: do you need me to inform headmaster ambrosia?
tunaluvr3000: oh no no, god no! we’re completely fine
tunaluvr3000: it’s a long a story
tunaluvr3000: it’s silly actually
neigeleblanche: where r u right now?
tunaluvr3000: erm
tunaluvr3000: near the rsa gates
neigeleblanche: ill be right there
neigeleblanche: just stay where you are
tunaluvr3000: omg tysm so much neige
tunaluvr3000: i am forever in your debt, you have no idea
Neige was still in his pajamas, merely throwing on a warm coat to protect himself from the weather; he couldn’t help but worry about the manager. What could’ve possibly happened for them to run away from NRC? Did they not have any other friends to go to? Or to her father? Why would they come to him of all people. . ?
When Neige reached the gates of RSA, he couldn’t find the manager for a moment until in the corner of his eyes he caught a bundle curled up in one of the corners with a bag right next to them; and right next to them was their beast companion clinging to their side for warmth.
Neige was suddenly struck with a memory, an abstract figure with a blurry face holding his face so lovingly with a sweet smile before commanding him to wait here, in the dark forest with millions of eyes glaring down at him– waiting to consume him before they could return.
And so Neige complied, with a smile on his face even as his heart pounded against his chest, even though those branches looked like hands that were ready to grab him and tear him apart.
He waited still.
And waited some more.
But they never came back.
Neige shook his head, something about seeing the manager in this position brought back some unwanted memories, and his heart also couldn’t help but ache for them. All alone with no one to help them.
He finally called out to them as the wind picked up, if the manager stayed outside any longer they were bound to get a cold. Said person lifted their head, they saw Neige and their eyes widened with what appeared to be joy and relief “Neige!” Their companion stirred in his slumber, one of his eyes opening to reveal his beautiful electric blue eyes “Finally, ya kept us waiting!” He complained, yawning while rubbing his eyes.
“Grim, be grateful that he even took us in.” The manager scolded, before giving Neige an apologetic look. “I’m sorry he gets cranky when he’s tired, I really appreciate you doing this for us Neige.”
Neige merely waved his hand “It’s okay! Grum gets mad too when people wake him up from his nap– Here, let me take your bag!” Without warning, Neige grabbed the managers’s bag before they could even protest “Is this all you have?” Neige inquired, surprised by how light the bag was.
“Yeah, we promise we won’t stay for long. It will only be for a little while.”
“Oh, I see” Neige didn’t wish to intrude on their personal life but the manager did not seem to be in distress at all. They were rather calm for seemingly running away from NRC.
“Fnyah. . .Can we get to bed now, I’m sleepy. . . and hungry” The beastly companion– or should Neige just refer to him as Grim now? complained, tugging on the manager’s clothes. They took notice of this and decided to lift him into their arms to which he immediately got comfortable and snuggled against the crook of their neck. Neige couldn’t help but be reminded of Shelphie, dear sweet Shelphie who struggles to fight against his sleepiness.
Adorable. . .
“We have some leftovers if you want.” Neige offers.
—
After situating everyone in the dorm’s dining area, Grim didn’t hesitate to chow down on the leftovers; honestly, it shocked Neige how something so tiny could eat so much. Not even the dwarf clan could get this hungry
“I-Is it good?” Neige asked, after watching the little dire beast chug down some microwaved soup like he was a 40-year-old man having a beer-drinking contest on a Friday night.
Grim placed the bowl down, not before letting out a tiny burp, “I haven’t eaten like that in ages”
“You make it sound like I starve you or something.” His other companion teased, nibbling on some toast with jam smeared on. He offered them something more but they refused, saying they’d already asked Neige for too much.
“You don’t let me eat our snacks!” Complained Grim.
“That’s because I’m rationing them.”
“Rationing?” Neige parroted.
Before they could explain, Grim cuts in “That stupid crow who calls himself our headmaster won’t give us a raise!”
“Raise?” Now Neige was even more confused. “Why would the headmaster need to pay their students?” Much less his supposed adoptive child? But Neige didn’t say that out loud.
The manager pinched their nose before letting out a sigh. “I’m not sure whether I should tell you but considering you took us in no questions asked I suppose I owe you this. The truth is Neige. . .” They paused for a little while “Headmaster Crowley has been making us do free labor; Actually, I didn’t want to be the Prefect of NRC but me and Grim had to earn our keep there”
“What?!” Neige couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “But I thought Headmaster Crowley was your father?”
“Well that's mainly because he didn’t wanna get arrested for child la-”
“Grim” The Prefect immediately shut their companion down to which they shrank behind their soup bowl “We decided to run away from NRC to see whether he can manage the school without us. I mean considering his ‘benevolence’-” Prefect air quoted “-I have no doubt that he will manage.”
Considering the evil smirk the Prefect had on their face, Neige was going to assume that they were being sarcastic.
Neige had a hard time computing what the Prefect was putting down. He had never met Headmaster Crowley personally but from all the photos he had seen of him, he looked fairly normal if you ignored his mask and creepy glowing eyes.
“But you know. . .” Neige trailed off, looking down at his water. He would normally serve something fancy for his guest but Hoppy already drank all the juice they had and his manager had told him not to drink caffeine past 5 o’clock as it would affect his sleep schedule.
Neige thought back to the time he was left alone in the forest of a million eyes, however, he imagined it was the Prefect in his place instead of him, baby-faced and tiny. Running aimlessly around the forest.
For Neige, he may have found out that those eyes belonged to harmless animals who were just curious as to why this stranger was suddenly in their home but what would the Prefect have found? What would have happened to the small and defenseless Prefect?
“I’m not sure running away is a good idea.” Neige continued.
“Huh?”
“Prefect, I understand you don’t like how your dad is making you run errands but-”
“He’s not my father!”
Neige jumped, almost spilling the water in his glass. He looked away from his water and faced the Prefect.
They were angry. Eyebrows furrowed and lips pressed into a tight line, Neige bowed his head slightly. The Prefect immediately looked concerned.
“I-I’m sorry I shouldn’t have. . .” They cleared their throat before they could continue “Listen. I understand you’re trying to see the good in Crowley but I’d hardly call making us run around and do his errands for a minimum wage ‘good parenting.’”
Neige couldn’t help but feel bad, here was the Prefect seeking him for help and he dared to project his problems onto them? “No I. . . I should be the one apologizing. I’m sorry”
“It’s fine, really” The Perfect then opened their phone “Crap, it's already half past 3”
And like on cue, Grim let out a big yawn “Yeah. . . I think the soup is making me tired”
“Yeah, let’s go set up your room-” Neige let out a big gasp before he could finish his sentence.
“Neige? Is something wrong?”
“I just realized. . . That we may not have an available room for you two”
—
Neige had felt like a fool.
He had went out of his way to pick up the Prefect and Grim, feed them, and bring their hopes up about finding shelter only for him to tell them that his dorm didn’t have any spare rooms for them– He could have asked the other dorm leaders, but he felt bad at the thought of ruining their beauty sleep.
So he decided to just share his bed with them.
Grim has already flopped onto his bed, getting on all fours and walking in circles before he finally finds a perfect spot to rest while the Prefect borrowed Neige’s bathroom to brush their teeth and wash up a little. Grim was an adorable creature, it took a lot of willpower for Neige to not caress his soft grey fur, the Prefect must be a great owner to Grim for his fur to look that healthy with their limited resources.
Grim muttered something incomprehensible– Something about tuna before flopping around with his arms stretched out while his mouth was wide open, drool dripping from his face.
Neige giggled, he couldn’t help but be reminded of Grum– The other dwarf clan would often tease Grum for the silly faces he would make while sleeping; if Neige remembered correctly they had a full album dedicated to Grum sleeping antics.
Neige helped fixed Grim position, gently moving his head and then closing his mouth.
He heard a giggle behind him.
He whipped his head around and saw the Prefect smiling at him fondly. In their pajamas, hair down, some hair strands were sticking to their face due to the water, and the bathroom light created some sort of halo effect around them.
“Nice to see Grim feels comfortable enough to sleep around you”
Neige couldn’t help but notice how intimate this felt. The Prefect just recently left the bathroom and now they're preparing to get into bed with him. Out of context, it does seem like they're a couple.
Neige blushed, looking away. Hopefully, the Prefect didn’t see “I-I’m glad that's the case”
“Are you sure you’re okay with me sleeping on the bed? I can sleep on the floor too you know?”
Neige was quick to protest “No no it’s fine really!”
“O-Oh, I see” The Prefect looked a little shocked by how determined Neige was, but they didn’t question it. They lifted the duvet and crawled under the sheets. Not before gently petting Grim’s fur to which he sleepily swiped a paw at “Nooooo. . . My tuna”
“Geez even while we are on the run you still think about food,,” The Prefect chuckled.
“Prefect?” Neige called out softly to which the Prefect gave him a curious look “I wanted to apologize about what happened earlier. The truth is, I never knew my parents. . . Or even remembered their faces..., The Dwarf Clan is the only family I have left so the concept of parents is. . . pretty foreign to me”
He didn’t know why he was telling them this, he had never told anyone about this before, not even to the Dwarf Clan– Well how could he? It was hard to open up to them because in a way he was their parent too. He had cooked for them, cleaned for them, and taken care of their every need. He couldn’t afford to be vulnerable to them.
“Oh, Neige-” The Prefect looked at him with what appeared to be pity. “I didn’t know you had to go through that. I’m sorry. . . I admit, I know I’m being practically childish, running away and hoping someone would do something I just wish– I just wish Crowley took notice of my efforts. If not for my sake then at least for his.” They looked at Grim, sleeping ever so peacefully.
“I hope it works.” Neige looked at the Perfect earnestly. “I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”
The Prefect smiled again, and Neige felt his heart race.
“Say Neige”
“Y-Yes?”
“Do you often invite girls to your bed?”
Neige was confused “Pardon?”
The Prefect propped her elbow onto the bed, holding her face with her hand. “You know considering you’re pretty popular I would assume so.”
Oh
Oh
The Prefect was a–
Neige's face immediately went hot. His heart was thumping against his ribcage and his ears were burning.
“Oh crap– Neige I’m sorry I meant that as a jok-”
“I-I think we should get to bed now!” Neige immediately cut in, pulling the duvet up and turning around so his back was facing the Prefect.
“O-Okay”
This was bad. . . This was very bad for Neige.
His manager was not gonna like this.