Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Somewhere on a tropical island resort, the sun was gleaming brightly and palm trees were swaying gently to the summer breeze. This huge island was a popular spot for summer vacation as it offered every possible summer activity you could think of. From snorkling with marine life, enjoying the sun on their gorgeous beach, doing exciting water sports, exploring the town’s culture and many more facilities. It was truly a paradise on earth.

And they were about to receive the rowdiest group you could think of.

“And we have finally arrived, my dearest students!” A voice proclaimed. The Headmage of one of the most prestigious magic academy in Twisted Wonderland, Dire Crowley, got off the bus and presented to his students the place where they would spend their special summer vacation.

Seeing the view, a lot of oooh and aaaahs was heard from the students.

“This is so cool!” A certain Heartslabyul student exclaimed. Ace Trappola could hardly contain his excitement.

“I’ve never been to a place like this before.” Deuce Spade said in wonder as he watched his surroundings.

“Myahahahaha! This resort is not ready for the Great Grim!” Their resident magical beast smirked.

“I have to agree with you guys there. This place looks amazing.” Night Raven College one and only magicless and female student, Yuu, said as she was amazed by the place they were brought to. She had to hand it to Crowley, he may have his… questionable moments, but this was an amazing idea after what had happened to them.

A few weeks earlier…

“So do you guys know what this meeting is for?” Ace asked. He was currently standing in a group with the other students of his dorm.

“No clue, but it has to be pretty big considering the entire student body is here.” Deuce noticed. Indeed, every dorm was present with their respective Housewarden at the front. Even Malleus Draconia was present this time.

“This reminds me of the first assembly I attended.” Yuu chuckled. Even if she was not from Heartslabyul, as she and Grim were the only students of Ramshackle, they had huddled with her two closest friends.

“Grim set fire to everything.” Ace smirked.

“Hmph! That was old me. I am much more mature now.” Grim said confidently. Yuu let out a giggle and booped his nose.

“I think your nose grew a bit Grim.”

“Fwah! Don’t boop me!” The little monster cat.

“Ha ha ha ha! Greetings to all my beloved students!” Their flamboyant Headmage appeared at the front commanding silence. “You must all be wondering the reason for this assembly?” He paused waiting for some form of response, but only got silence. He cleared his throat and continued. “As you all know, summer is afoot! And usually that would mean you will all return home before the start of the next semester. However, in my awe inspiring generosity, I invite you all tooooo -” He paused to add some dramatic effect, which received eye rolls from some people. Some confetti popped and in the mirror appeared a huge tropical island. “An all paid summer getaway to one of the hottest spots in all of Twisted Wonderland!”

“EEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

Was the collective response of the student body.

“An all paid summer getaway. I wonder what he’s hoping to achieve.” Azul Ashengrotto thought as he pushed his square glasses up.

“A human summer resort? I have never seen such a place before.” Malleus Draconia had his curiosity peaked.

“I’ve been there before, it’s like so much fun!” Kalim Al-Asim exclaimed.

“I have never had the chance to go there yet. This might be interesting.” Vil Shoenheit said.

“Urgh, sounds like a pain. I’d rather stay home and do nothing.” Leona Kingscholar yawned, not impressed.

“Are we seriously about to live through a beach episode?” Idia Shroud mumbled, his voice coming from his tell tale floating tablet.

“Headmage, I have to ask. What is the purpose of this trip? Are we to study something during our stay? Is this a special summer assignment?” Riddle Rosehearts questioned.

“But of course not! As I said, this is an all paid summer getaway! Your only assignment is to have fun! Of course this trip is not obligatory. Consider this a present from yours truly. As I am truly SO generous. Ha ha ha ha!”  Then he heard a cough from the side of the room and Crowley flinched and gazed to the side. The other professors of the faculty were giving him the stink eye. “... That is from yours truly and the rest of the faculty. As Night Raven College and the whole of Sage Island went through a… Erm, rather tumultuous event. We of the faculty thought it would be a nice way to reward you for your efforts.”

Excitement started to spread throughout the students as they were getting pumped about the summer vacation offered to them. Crowley clapped his hands to regain attention.

“You all have a week to decide if you wish to come or not. Make sure you read the form properly. As a reminder, Night Raven College will be covering the sleeping quarters and making sure you are all fed. And of course, we will be organizing activities for you all to participate. However, all the other free days will be planned by yourself. As well as any extra charges you might wish to spend. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Headmage!”

“Perfect! This assembly is now dismissed! Ha ha ha!”

“Yuuu! Stop daydreaming and come on! We have to check-in at the hotel!” Ace called out. Yuu blinked and saw everyone were walking towards the hotel lobby.

“Oh coming!”

The setup for the students was quiet nice. Everyone students were paired with at least one other student for their hotel room. The cafeteria would provide them all three meals of the day if they did not want to eat at a restaurant or somewhere outside the hotel facility. They also provided the basic needs for spending time at the beach. Various shuttles were provided if they wanted to enjoy activities around the island. Some of them were covered  by the school and others had to be paid out of their own pockets. 

The resort had two buildings. One was for the usual tourists who simply needed a room. The building beside them was a bit more luxurious for the students who wanted to splurge on a bigger room. It was a condo at that point with its own kitchen.

As Yuu received her room key, she couldn’t stop the grin forming on her face.

“Let’s go Grim!” She cheered. The two of them left with the key in hand and went to their room. They were placed in a middle floor and when Yuu swiped her key to their room, she was amazed by how comfortable it looked.

“Myahaha! This is the life yeah!” Grim smiled as he jumped on the bed and reveled at how soft it was. Yuu quickly placed her suitcase down and went to the balcony. She opened it and was met with a breathtaking view of the beach.

The ocean was glittering, the sun was beaming down with its hot rays and the warm breeze brought in that signature tropical smell.

“Hey Yuu!” a voice called. She looked around for the voice and then beside her she saw Deuce from the balcony beside hers.

“Deuce!” she exclaimed and waved.

“Looks like our rooms are beside one another.”

“Yeah!” She couldn’t stop smiling as the energy was infectious. Cute , Deuce thought and blushed lightly. “Are you guys planning to go check out the beach right away?”

“Ace said he’d like to. I know, Epel said he’d join up with us and possibly Jack later.”

“I’ll come too then!”

“Okay, see you in the lobby.”

They waved goodbye and went back inside.

As Yuu opened her suitcase to get dressed, she could hardly wait to see how this summer vacation was going to turn out. 

Chapter Text

After the students had arrived and checked-in they had all dispersed with their friends to explore the island.

“So, Epel said he’s coming with?” Ace asked. He was already wearing his swim trunks, with a t-shirt.

“Yeah he texted said he'd like to join. Oh, I see him. Epel! over here.” Deuce waved the shorter boy over.

“Sup’ guys!” Epel greeted. “Y’all ready to see that fancy beach of theirs?”

“Yeah we’re just waiting on Yuu and Grim. Jack said he’d join up later.” Deuce informed.

“Bonjour Messieur~” A new voice joined.

“Ah! Rook-senpai, Vil-senpai! What are ya doin’ here?” Epel asked.

“Pronunciation baby potato.” Vil chastised. “We are just here to make sure your quarters are adequate.”

Unlike the other students, Vil had used his personal funds to have bigger accommodation during his stay.

“No worries Monsieur Pommette, we are not here to chaperone.” Rook reassured. Epel let out a sigh of relief. He was here to have fun dangit. Not have another lecture by his Housewarden.

“Sorry for the wait guys!” A voice called. Everyone turned around and saw Yuu jog up to them with Grim in tow.

“Are we all ready to hit the beach! I’m ready to show you guys my ultimate swimming move!” Grim boasted.

“Ha! I can’t wait to see you flounder around in there stupid cat.” Ace taunted.

“Ace, please.” Deuce scolded. But he had to admit, his competitive side got ignited.

“Ha! Y’all are gonna eat ma dust when -”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! WHAT IS THAT?!” A voice screamed, getting the attention of the entire area. The group of freshmen realized it was Vil who had screamed.

“Da hell? S’wrong with him?” Epel questioned.

“I believe Roi du Poison has been shocked by madam Trickster choice of swimsuit.” Rook chuckled. The three young boys and Grim looked back at Yuu’s outfit. She was wearing shorts and a sleeveless vest on top of a grey looking swimsuit.

“I don’t get it?” Ace said, clueless. Vil quickly walked up to Yuu and dramatically grabbed her by her arms.

“Yuu, you do know you don’t have to wear that abhorrent swimsuit uniform.” The expression on Vil’s face was very serious.

“I-I mean yes, but…” Yuu thought back to how she got this swimsuit. Being an otherworldly traveler and spending most of her time in a school, she didn’t have a lot of clothing options. She managed to buy a few with the spare money she was given, but Grim is a bottomless pit and feeding him and her was more important than clothes. She had gone to the Headmage, to ask for a bit of spare money, but instead he had given her this swimsuit. She had a mixture of wondering how he got this swimsuit uniform in the first place and mild disgust. Which the Headmage rapidly tried to defend it wasn’t anything perverted she was thinking about.

She started to feel a bit self-conscious. “Brand new swimsuits are expensive. So…”

“Hey, that’s fine Yuu.” Deuce comforted.

“Who cares about some fancy ‘suit. All that matters is kicking ass in the water!” Epel cheered.

Vil regained his composure and cleared his throat. “I apologize Yuu, I did not mean to insult your appearance at all.” He’d never say it out loud, but he did find Yuu beautiful. Remembering her uring the VDC. It had truly taken his breath away. “That being said, I can’t leave things like this. Everyone should start their summer vacation at their best.” Vil gave her that familiar smirk he had, that seemed to make her heart race. “Let’s go potato, we are going to get you a brand new swimsuit!”

“Huh?!”

“Let’s go now~” Vil grabbed her by the arm and started to drag her away.

“Wait -”

“Do not worry about the price, I will cover for you.”

“I couldn’t possibly ask you too - Waaaaaaaaait!”

The boys watched helplessly as Yuu was dragged off by the Pomefiore Housewarden.

“Ah~ My Roi du Poison. So generous.” Rook wiped a small tear.

“Welp, that ain’t my problem. Let’s go!” Ace declared, but then someone grabbed him by the back of his shirt.

“Un moment Monsieur Heart.” Rook had a mischievous smug look that made Ace really nervous. “Heh~ You wouldn’t abandon your friend like this.”

“How the hell can I help in a swimsuit store?” Ace complained.

“Ah but remember Monsieur Heart. The spirit of summer vacation is to be there with your friends during ALL activities. Oui! Nothing beats the beauty of the bonds of friendship!”

Ace had a deadpanned expression as he felt a drop of sweat slide down his head.

“I get the feeling Hunt-senpai is just making it up to turn this into a group shopping trip.” Deuce whispered.

“Sounds ‘bout right.” Epel agreed.

And that is how, they all ended up at a high end swimsuit store.

“Greetings Mister Schoenheit. How may we be of service today?” A store helper greeted the group.

“I am here to get new swim wear for the lady here.” He answered and gently nudged Yuu forward.

“U-U-Um thank you for your help.”

Soon other store assistants showed up and offered their help. Yuu was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the choices, but fear not. Vil and Rook were by her side giving their input on the selection they had in front.

“They’re all just so pretty I can’t make up my mind.” Yuu marveled at all the designer looking swimsuits. Grim was on her shoulder and only had a confused look since he came in.

“I don’t get it. They all look the same to me.”

“You will look great in any you choose Madame Trickster. I am certain of it.” Rook supported.

“Hmmm… Hey you spuddlings, if you are going to come along you at least offer some help. What do you think, a one piece or a two piece” Vil addressed the three freshmen that were moping off in a corner.

“How can we possibly say an opinion on THAT!”

The three of them thought bitterly. They could feel they were getting stared at by other customers… Most of which were girls.

“Seriously, you boys are behaving as if I’m asking your opinion on something indecent like underwear.”

“Could you maybe not say something like that out loud!” Ace exclaimed as a deep blush made its way across his face.

Deuce’s head was lower and he covered his face with his hands as the tip of his ears were red like the roses back in Heartslabyul. Epel just had a defeated expression. 

“So not manly…” he mumbled.

Vil let out a sigh. “If you won’t help with the type of swimwear. Then why even come here?”

“Because someone didn’t give us much of a choice!” All three were thinking and glaring holes at Rook’s back who was innocently helping Yuu.

“Then perhaps you would input your opinion on a color. Surely, you boys can do that much.”

All three glanced at Vil and then thought about their answer.

“Red…”

“Blue…”

“Purple…”

Ace and Deuce glared at each other.

“Seriously, blue? That’s such a lame ass color. Do you want her to look like a loser like you?” Ace mocked.

“Yuu is a nice and soft person! It would make sense to give her a soft color. Unlike you who gave her a loud color that screams ‘I’m a narcissistic douchebag’. Are you projecting?” Deuce argued with a smug look.

“You’re both wrong! Yuu’s a girl! So clearly purple will match her the best!” Epel insisted.

As Vil watched all three argue back and forth, he let out a disappointed sigh. Until he heard his Vice’s voice.

“Beauté! Magnifique!” he exclaimed.

“You think so?” Yuu asked nervously. She was holding a pink one piece suit with a simple white flower design around the hip.

“Hmmm, yes this will suit you best.” Vil agreed.

“Not too bad henchman.” Grim chimed in, still not getting it completely.

Yuu smiled and walked up to her friends. “Guys what do you think?” She interrupted their little discourse and they stood up straight.

“Y-Yeah not half bad.” Ace said.

 “I’m sure it will look good, Yuu.” Deuce smiled.

“Not bad Yuu.” Epel gave her a thumbs up. Yuu smiled and flipped the swimsuit around to look at it again  and all three boys froze. 

They saw that if she wore this, the entirety of her back would be exposed. A mental image formed and they saw Yuu wearing that swimsuit as she splashed around in the water. They could feel their face heat up and they didn’t know what to do with themselves. Oblivious to their internal struggle, Yuu went back to Vil as they went to the check-out.

Rook creeped up behind the three frozen freshmen with that selfsame smug look.

“Not having impure thoughts are we Messieurs?”

“AH!” All three shouted in surprise.

Rook let out a laugh as he casually walked away to rejoin his Housewarden and Yuu. 

Yes, this is the start to some amazing summer vacations memories.