Chapter 1: The First Time
Chapter Text
It was another day of school, and Aculeo was on his way to the library to yet again, read. Because Sevens forbid a jellyfish likes reading. He was humming a song his mother used to sing to him before transferring to Night Raven College, hooded eyes staring at the ground.
On his way there, he met up with Azul, a friend whom he grew up with, along with the Tweels. Azul approached him, adjusting his glasses before he spoke up.
"Ule, have you seen Floyd?" He asked, in which Aculeo responded by shaking his head. Azul sighed, having already expected that. "You're heading to the library, right? Care to check if he's there? I've been looking for him, we need to set up the Mostro Lounge for today. And after you're finished with the library, do join us."
With that, Azul walked away, leaving Aculeo with a new job. Of course, Aculeo didn't mind. He was already heading to the library anyway, why not do just as Azul told him? And so, with a newfound mission, he moved from his spot to head to the library.
———
Finally arriving at the library, he opened the door, his gaze searching around for a certain teal-haired eel. Having seen nothing at the front, he decided to go pick out a book instead. Of course, it didn't take him long, as he'd read anything, and everything. Doesn't matter if it was boring. If it's a book, he'd read it.
Holding the book, he searched around for a vacant table, and yet again, it didn't take him long because, it's a Monday. Nobody usually visits the library at that time. But he preferred reading at the back, where he wouldn't be disturbed.
Reaching the back of the library, he found Floyd, the certain eel Azul's told him to look for. And unsurprisingly, Riddle was also there. Albeit, the two of them were sitting oddly.... close to each other. Their backs facing Aculeo, so they weren't aware of his presence.
But what caught Aculeo's attention was Riddle's red face. That wouldn't be unnatural, he's grown quite used to Riddle's outbursts. But this time, he could tell the Heartslabyul's Housewarden's red face was caused by something else entirely.
Was it the closeness between him and Floyd? But Riddle would've already told him off, right? Yet Floyd was still sitting there, barely any distance left between them, and Floyd was grinning. His head placed on top of the shorter male's head at the other studied, gaze stuck to the red hair. His eyes were full of something only Aculeo could describe as adoration, or maybe even love? He wasn't sure.
He remembered that Azul was looking for Floyd, so he wanted to step in. Until he heard Riddle's voice speaking.
"Floyd.... Are you just going to lay your head on mine and do nothing at all? If so, I advise you use that time to actually study, and perhaps, leave me be. I still have an assignment to finish, and you are making this more difficult than this should be." Riddle stated, looking up at Floyd with a glare, face still red despite himself.
"But I don't wanna leave just yet. Goldfishie's being so studious, an' I'm bored. Play with me." Floyd responded with a more demanding tone. Riddle's jaw clenched in annoyance as he resisted the urge to roll his eyes. At that point, Aculeo doesn't know if he should speak up or let them continue.
The two's increasing bickering came back and forth, leaving no entrance for Aculeo to speak up. He should really just leave and read the book he picked out, but he didn't want to disappoint Azul and leave empty handed, so he should at least try, right?
He opened his mouth to speak, and yet again was cut off by Riddle casting his unique magic. Unsurprising. But what did surprise Aculeo was Floyd's way of shutting Riddle up. And that was by placing his hand on the shorter male's head, pulled him closer, until their lips crashed together.
All right, that was his cue to leave. With quiet footsteps, Aculeo hurried his way out of the back, deciding to read in front instead. He quickly found a table in the library, sat down, and opened the book he was holding before burying his face in it. What has he just witnessed? He had no idea..
Floyd Leech and Riddle Rosehearts, they were together? He didn't know. Heck, he didn't need to know that way. The universe had a strange way of making things clear, and he definitely didn't expect to stumble upon that by mere accident. He hoped that wouldn't happen again, but little does he know, it would.
Well, there goes leaving empty handed. What should he even tell Azul? He didn't find Floyd at the library? But he did. And that would be considered lying. Sevens, he barely even lied! What should he do now..?
Chapter 2: Another?
Summary:
After witnessing the TidesBloom (Florid) couple, he didn't know there would be another day he'd see a couple. Goodness, how would his day end now?
Notes:
Fast updates? Nah, I just had nothing to do today. I haven't finished the game yet, and even missed some events. But I tried to make this as lore accurate as possible, and without mischaracterizations 🙏
Hope you enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Aculeo was walking alongside Yuu and Grim, who was perched along their shoulder. He was with them for emotional support of some sort. Yuu was heading to the Botanical Garden, and they were worried that maybe the seed they planted didn't grow right.
And since Aculeo's unique magic, To Be Seen, allows him to create a cozy environment effortlessly, of course Yuu wanted him to go with them. Although Aculeo was clueless about what his own unique magic does, everyone knows, so it's all good. Probably.
———
As they finally headed inside the Botanical Garden, Aculeo followed Yuu into the back, where there laid Yuu's successful batch of gardening, which to their delights.
"Oh, thank Sevens! They're growing perfectly!" Yuu sighed in relief. "Of course! I was there to support my hench-human, after all! It's all thanks to the great and amazing Grim's help!" Grim puffed his chest in pride, in which Yuu chuckled at.
"That's great, Yuu, and Grim." Aculeo spoke with his usual stoicism. Though if you squint, you could see there was a small smile, barely even seen. "They're beautiful." He complimented. Both Yuu and Grim beamed with pride at that.
Just then, they both heard something. Or rather, someone.
"Woah! These are some fresh-looking apples you've grown here, and there's a lot of them too! You grew them yourself, Epel?" A familiar voice appeared from somewhere, but near, causing the trio's heads to turn to look .
They walked over to where they heard the voice, and saw Jack and Epel, standing in front of apple trees, which they assumed that Epel grew, based on Jack's words earlier. And he was right, the apples looked amazing. Grim could feel himself drooling from the sight.
"Hehe, cool, right? I learned a few tricks from my meemaw- I mean, grandma! But it looks like I grew too much. I should probably bring them home, though, there's already too much in Harveston..." Epel sighed as he contemplated decisions.
"Yeah, that must be rough. Though, I'm thinking. Why bring me here? You didn't bring me here just to prove apples are better, right?" Jack assumed as he crossed his arms to his chest.
"No! Of course not! I mean.. Isn't it already obvious why I did..?" Epel interjected before his voice softened, gaze now avoiding Jack's.
"What do you mean?" Jack asked, a brow raised. Aculeo and Yuu both shared a glance, already knowing what that meant.
Grim just kept staring at the apples before he decided to lunge forward. Fortunately, Yuu was fast enough to pull him back, and even clasped a hand over his mouth before they hid.
"... Is this what I think it is?" Yuu whispered over to Aculeo, thinking again before deciding whether or not they should speak up. They feel as if they're interrupting something, after all. "... I assume it is." Aculeo whispered back, making sure they stayed hidden.
He didn't even know why they were doing that when they could've just left earlier on. But something about the moment urged him to stay. And as someone who always follows the sea's currents (or the wind), who was he to stray away?
"What do you mean by that?" Jack asked Epel, now wondering why the shorter male was now avoiding eye contact.
"Well... I-I don't have to make myself clear, do I..?" Epel asked despite knowing that Jack probably wasn't catching on. And so, with a sigh, he opened his mouth to clarify. "I brought you here because..." He hesitated, feeling a little shy at the thought of saying his reason aloud.
"... Wait, is this a date?" Jack asked, now surprised at the sudden thought that this could be a date. Epel brought them to the Botanical Garden, a place full of plants and flowers and such, naturally creating a beautiful scenery. Sevens, how did Jack not catch on sooner?
Epel's fair skin, now flushed with a soft hint of red, as he tried to cover it with his hands. "N-nevermind then!" Epel tried to excuse himself, but Jack caught hold of his wrist before he could flee.
At that sight, Yuu could swear that looked like something straight out of a K-Drama as they kept their hand on Grim's mouth, temporarily (I think) refraining him from, and Aculeo thought of something else. A pair of seahorses dancing together, an affectionate manner. He thought it was adorable. But why were they still watching?
"Wait." Jack spoke as Epel looked back at him in shock, doe eyes widening as they looked up at the taller male. "If... If this is a date, then it wouldn't be fair if you left me hanging, y'know?" Jack stated, albeit flustered, he still managed to at least keep his composure.
Epel's face flushed at Jack's statement. "E-eh????" Epel stuttered, suddenly very aware of how close they were as Jack pulled him close. Epel couldn't deny that Jack's statement was true. It would be unfair if he just left abruptly without explanation.
Epel eventually got his composure back and just nodded in agreement to Jack's words, continuing their sudden (?) date. All while Aculeo, Yuu, and Grim watched in shock. Yuu quickly regained their composure and took the opportunity to scram, grabbing Aculeo's wrist, and with Grim already in their arms, they quickly fled. Unbeknownst to the couple.
Sevens, what a day....
Notes:
Fuck this took too long........ Very sorry if there are some mischaracterizations, I just researched them through Google since I assume I missed the event in where they both have a disagreement on whether apples or pear compotes were better? But yeah...
Twin I don't wanna do this anymore, why is this turning out into a fucking K-drama, release me!!!!
Chapter 3: Really? Right In Front of My Fish?
Summary:
Eating with Yuu and Grim in the library should've brought him some peace, so why in Twisted Wonderland are Ace and Deuce arguing (flirting but in their own way) right in front of their faces?
Notes:
I didn't think people would actually read this, so seeing how many kudos I got from this fic really surprised me. So for that, here's another chapter. Hope you enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The cafeteria was crowded, but that's to be expected now that it was lunch, giving them at least an hour break from classes. Yuu, Grim, the ADeuce duo, and Aculeo sat on a table, already eating their own lunch. Ace and Deuce were sitting across each other, and that was not a good thing.
As expected, they were arguing about something stupid. Yuu and Aculeo tried (emphasis on tried) to ignore them, really. Grim was just too busy eating to even bat an eye at them, which was good. Yuu didn't need him jumping in.
"Guys... We're eating, can that at least wait later? Quit arguing." Yuu tried to intervene, Aculeo nodding his head in agreement as he poked and ate his food. Which was mostly fish or sea food related. But of course, Yuu's words fell on deaf ears, and they could only sigh in a mix of frustration and expectance.
Not even 5 minutes later, Yuu noticed something. Of course they noticed something. But what was it that they noticed? That Ace and Deuce's insulting words barely contained any bite in them anymore. Sure, they were still arguing. But Yuu couldn't help but feel as if their arguments were turning more like... affectionate nagging?
Yuu turned to look at Aculeo, trying to see if he noticed anything too. But they should've expected that he wouldn't, and he just stared at his food. Yuu thought that maybe they were just being delusional, so they ignored them again, giving up on any chances of stopping them.
Until. Of course there's an until... Deuce sputtered out, "At least I had the guts to tell you I liked you while you continued to be in denial!" Once his sentence was finished, all eyes were on him as awkward silence enveloped their table. Considering he confessed that pretty loud. Though not loud enough for other tables to hear.
".... Come again?" Yuu asked once they finally found their voice as Grim couldn't decide whether to feel bad or laugh out loud at Deuce's accidental confession. Aculeo just stared at the two of them with an unreadable expression. Probably contemplating life already. Probably being the usual airhead he was, and not getting the memo.
Ace looked shocked as a soft hue of pink brushed his cheeks. "EHHHHHH????" He voiced out his confusion, eyes widening. He was not expecting Deuce to accidentally confess as a way to defend whatever they were arguing about.
Deuce, on the other hand, just looked mortified and embarrassed, mostly, at what he had just admitted. Out loud at that. He couldn't believe those words came straight out of his mouth! His face was red, he could tell because he was burning, as his hands went to cover his face as he let out flustered noises. Mostly trying to explain that that wasn't what he was supposed to say.
Their relationship had been a secret all along. Matter of fact, most of the romantic relationships are secret. Emphasize on most. The rest of them? Let's just say they were more obvious than how many calories Grim can eat in a day. Which should speak for itself.
Yuu took Deuce's reaction as a cue to leave. They grabbed both Grim and Aculeo's collars and led both of them away, almost sprinting. All the while Grim and Aculeo kept hold of their lunch trays like the bigbacks they were. But hey, crisis averted! The two were left on the table, probably talking again, probably letting the awkwardness in the air linger. Who knows? At least they were gone now.
Notes:
Thank you for reading!!! I really appreciate y'all, love you guys so much 🫶🫶
Chapter 4: In The Dead of Night
Summary:
Aculeo's roommate, whom he shared his room with, suddenly heard noises in the middle of the night and woke him up, and it creeped him out. In order to check what was up, the Octavinelle student, named Frank, woke Aculeo up to go with him as he was too scared to go alone. What could they come across next?
Notes:
Enjoy this out of the blue chapter that I cooked up just now. Just so you know, I don't know how to cook.
Insert; new OC that'll probably only appear if Aculeo's in his room.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Aculeo was sleeping in his room, with his shared dorm mate. It was currently 1:45 AM, a time where everyone else should be asleep on as it was a weekday. But Frank, Aculeo's roommate, woke up due to noises that just wouldn't stop, even after he covered his ears.
Frank looked at the time on his phone, 1:47 AM. He groaned in frustration as he tried to sleep again, until he heard another sound coming from outside. He couldn't help but feel a little nervous and frankly (pun intended), a little frightened.
He got up his bed and walked towards the door. He opened the door just a little to peek outside the crack, and heard yet another noise. He quickly shut the door before he caught sight of Aculeo, sleeping on his side of the room, so peacefully. Oh, to be a heavy sleeper...
He went over to Aculeo and shook him gently, trying to wake him up. "Ule.... There's a weird ass noise I'm hearing, and I don't wanna sound like I'm delusional. Can you go with me?" Frank asked, shaking Aculeo again once noticing the latter fell back asleep even after glancing up at him. "Ule..!!"
Fortunately, his efforts were not in vain as Aculeo shifted before finally sitting up, rubbing his eyes as he let out a yawn after. "What now..?" He asked, turning his head to Frank. "Come with me!" Frank urged as he was now pulling at Aculeo's arm. "I am up, no need to pull at my arm.." The latter groggily spoke as he then stood up, much to Frank's relief.
—
Finally out of their shared room, with Aculeo holding his phone with the flashlight on and Frank hiding behind him. They strolled around the hallways of the Octavinelle dorm, searching around for whatever Frank was hearing. Aculeo was about to call it a night before they heard it, making Frank let out a small yelp as his grip on Aculeo's arm tightened.
"See what I told you..!?" Frank whisper-shouted to Aculeo, who just sighed before heading over to wherever the noise they just heard was. It seemed to be coming fron Azul's room, and seeing that, Frank tugged at Aculeo's arm.
"Maybe we should go back now-" "Nonsense." Aculeo cut him off. "What if Azul was hurt?" Frank started considering Aculeo's words before reluctantly giving in. "Fine, let's go..." Now, if Frank couldn't see well in the dark, he probably would've missed how the corners of Aculeo's lips curved upwards ever so slightly. Did he have something devious in mind? Frank could only wonder.
Aculeo didn't bother knocking, mind you, and just twisted the doornob and opened the door. There was Azul in his bed, with Jamil on top of him. Both of them in their PJ's, of course, with the latter's braids down. Both of them stared in shock as they stopped what seemed to be a make out session, all while Aculeo and Frank stood there with Frank's jaw wide open. Aculeo even almost let his phone slip from his hand, which still had the flashlight on.
Before Azul could tell them to get out, Frank, quickly swooped in and shut the door before dragging Aculeo with him back to their shared room. That night was definitely something Frank would never forget, even if he wanted to. And for Aculeo? Sure, he wanted to catch Azul off guard, but dear Sevens did he not expect that.
—
Oh, and what happened the morning after that? Let's just say, the awkwardness never left them. And Azul just kept avoiding Frank, with the latter doing the same. Aculeo? He recovered quickly, and sure he was teasing Azul about it, but he never actually told anyone. Much to Azul's relief. But the tweels caught on though, and there goes a good morning.
Notes:
New OC!!!
Frank Stevie (Spot from The Little Mermaid)
Age: 17
Best Subject: Flight
Birthday: March 16th
Class: 2-D — 27
Club: Spelldrive
Height: 194cm
Hobby: Exploring, looking for adventure
Homeland: Coral Sea
Likes: Adventure, Salmon en Croûte, Luciana-style octopus
Dislikes: Weird noises in the middle of the night (admittedly, it creeps him out)And since I forgot to give one for Aculeo, here's one for him too lol
Aculeo Samael (based off no one in particular)
Age: 17
Best Subject: History of magic
Birthday: December 3rd
Class: 2-B — 12
Club: Board Games Club
Height: 165cm
Hobby: Wandering around, gardening
Homeland: Coral Sea
Likes: Flowers, plants, chess, art, braised mackerel
Dislikes: Being disturbed, work.