Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

October 29th, Friday. 2 months into the school year. Caleb woke up like he did every single school day. Keeping track of time in his head. Time: 7:42am. Put on some clothes. Time: 7:45am. Brushed his teeth. Time: 7:47am. Grabbed some toast. Time: 7:51am. Etcetera etcetera etcetera. Then waited outside his apartment for his mom friend Veth to pick him up since he’s not able to drive yet. Time: 7:52am. Wildemount High is only a couple of minutes away but he doesn’t want to walk and he enjoys Veth’s company either way.

Wildemount High is one of the largest high schools in the entire country though not one of the best considering it is a public school; because of its size it has a reputation of educating global leaders. It’s located right at the border of 3 of the biggest states (Dwendalifornia, Xhorida, and The Menagerie Coast). Caleb is a sophomore there taking the Transmutation concentration. He transferred there at the end of his freshmen year as he used to go to the Soltryce Academy, a small private school in the Rexentrum that’s considered one of the best magical schools. His parents died at the beginning of his freshmen year there and he was adopted by one of the teachers, Trent Ikithon. Because of uhm…….. well, he was emancipated by the end of the year. Going to Wildemount High was not one of the best decisions academically wise, but the best decision for his mental health and financial situation.

At the end of last year he met Veth, who was a Junior at the time, and at the beginning of this year he met the Mighty Nein, his new friend group. Veth is a Senior, Beau is a sophomore, Yasha is a Junior, Jester is a freshman, Fjord is a sophomore, Caduceus is a Junior, and Mollymauk was a Senior. Molly was the party planner. They were popular and everyone liked them, but they passed away in a car accident at the beginning of the year.

“Hey kiddo? You alright?” Veth looks over and asks the red headed human sitting in the passenger seat. “Yeah I’m fine.” He didn’t realize it but he had been quiet and absent mindedly staring out the window the entire time like some moody teenager in a movie or book. “Alright. We’re here though so I need you to get out of the car so I can park in the back.” Caleb got out of the car and walked towards the school. This feels like it’s going to be a long day.

—(POV change: Caleb 1st Person)—

I walked towards the building and into the hall; constantly getting pushed on my way to AP Spellcasting Probability and Statistics. I’m definitely one of the lankiest here. I definitely don’t even have to look up at the hall to tell that. I passed one of the groups of Seniors but I can’t entirely tell what they’re saying. Oh my gosh they’re whispering about me. Wonder if they can read my thoughts. If anyone was able to, they would think inner-monologuing is weird. IS that normal? Gods I hope it is. I need to shut up and get to class. What should I read later? Is the new library done with renovation yet? I hope so because I- Focus. Stay on task Widogast. You’ve got this. Only 183 days, 6 hours, and 3 minutes until school’s over and I’m given the freedom of summer break.

I arrived at the classroom. Time: 7:59. I have been in this class for 2 months but I don’t know anyone. I don’t think they’d really want to know me. ……. Time: 8:05…….. Time: 8:32….. Time: 8:40…….. Gods! This class lasts forever! Eiselcross dangerous transportation. Blah blah blah. Doodle on my notes here. Doodle on my notes there. Oh look at that doodle cat! I wish I had a cat. They’re so warm and soft and fluffy. Notes on Chapter 3: Introduction to Wild Magic……. done! Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnggg!

Free period! I’m going to check if the library is open yet. Last time I checked they said it’d be maybe a day or two more so……. fingers crossed! I do unfortunately have to walk across campus to get there though. Down the hall, past the whispers of high schoolers, out the doors, across the lawn, across the lawn, across the lawn, across the lawn, and into the library building and……… it’s still closed. :( Oh welp. Time: 9:05. Now I have to go back across the lawn, across the lawn, across the lawn, in the doors, past the empty lockers, and down the hall to the front of the school. Time: 9:12. I just sketched some cats in my sketchbook and then reread the AP SPS (Spellcasting Probability and Statistics) textbook.

AP SPS, Spellcasting Probability and Statistics, is an important topic that needs to be understood and studied by any spellcaster (whether their Spellcasting abilities were inherited, gifted, or worked for). Wizards and Bards are some of the only spellcasters that study for…………

Twenty-three minutes later, the bell rang when I was about halfway done. I was actually really enjoying this book. I cleaned up my pencil and pens, put my sketchbook away deep in my bag where no one would ever find it (probably all the way to the Astral Plane deep), picked up my textbook, and started walking towards the bleachers next to the baseball field where The Might Nein awaited.

The crazy mix that is The Mighty Nein are currently enjoying their Nutrition by annoying each other and stealing each other’s snacks. “CALEB! CALEB! COME TASTE SOME OF MY PASTRIES!” The blue-skinned tiefling started yelling and waving her arms at me from across the field. All of a sudden the blur that surrounds my life and blocks people’s faces suddenly clears up as I catch sight of my friends. They are all definitely one clusterfuck of energy.

I climbed the bleachers to sit next to Beau and Veth. “I’ll try it. What exactly is it?” “It’s a Bear Claw! But instead of jelly inside it’s custard and cinnamon!” Jester started to push the pastry forward towards me “Ah then no thanks I- mph!” She just stuffed the pastry in my mouth, but honestly….. it’s pretty good. “Danke! This is very good.” She continues stuffing people’s mouths with pastries as others joke and tease each other. Time: 9:44:40. “Guys the bell’s about to ring; we should get to cl-'' Ring Ring Ring Riiiing. Sure enough the bell rang. “Class.” “Look at you Mr. Nerd! Alright, I’m heading off to math. See ya’ guys,” Beau said as she speed walked off.

I had Mr. Mercer for Magical Theory and Debate Club next. Today happened to be a lecture of the formula for mage hand. Time 9:57. “Hey there! I’m sorry Matt; I don’t mean to interrupt your class but I need to borrow Caleb,” the guidance counselor, Laura Bailey, poked her head through the door. “No, it’s fine. I don’t believe he has mage hand on his spell list this month anyways. Caleb, you are dismissed.” “Danke,” I replied.

Ms Bailey had me follow her to her office where she told me to take a seat. “So…. Caleb. I’d like to talk to you about a therapy program recommendation. I know that might sound terrifying,” It does. “But I really hope you will consider it. Also it’s free so you won't have to worry about the cost.” “I appreciate your concern Ms Bailey but I’d rather not.” “Alright then,” she gave me a very suspicious look, “but you can stay here for the rest of the period if you’d like.” “Danke.”

It was pretty quiet for a bit but then I remembered the library. I sat up from the couch I was given permission to nap on, “Uhm, Ms Bailey?” I got a small mhm in response. “Do you know when the library will be open again?” “Ah. The library has been under renovation for over a year now so you probably haven’t seen it yet. Uhm, I think it will be open to all students with their school ID’s on them starting Saturday, but it will be closed on Sunday because of Halloween. Does that answer your question?” “Yes, thank you.” I got up and started walking out of the room. Time: 11:05. The bell rang just as I did so.

I started making my way towards my next class, Honours 10th grade Common. I wonder how many of these people are also in my other classes? Their faces blur in my peripheral vision and I either look past them or down at the ground; because, in all honesty, they don’t matter that much to me. I at least have this class with Fjord. Fjord’s only honours class.

Common always seems to be the most mixed classes. There’s a couple drows, halflings, tieflings, then Fjord, and me. All the people here are assholes to each other. I can’t even begin to comprehend some of the racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism I hear on the daily. But common class…. is especially the worst. “Fuckin’ crick always showing off.” “Says Denis who was literally born from evil.” “Oh you’re one to talk shorty.” I didn’t even notice this person before. A drow floated into the classroom. Pfft. Really is a show off, but i dont think slurs are necessary. “THAT IS ABSOLUTELY ENOUGH” Our Common teacher, Mr O’Brien, shouted at the class. “None of that behaviour will ever be tolerated. Denis. Eleanor. Here are your detention slips. Find your way to the guidance counselor’s office,” he then whispered, “sorry Laura.” “Thank you Mr O’Brien.” “I’m sorry that had to happen, Heir Thelyss.” And class then officially began. Time: 11:10.

Class eventually ended, Time 12:45, and lunch officially began. So Fjord and I stopped by our lockers and got our blankets and lunch boxes. We then made our way across campus to the baseball field and then behind and under the bleachers; where Caduceus and Jester were already there setting up our daily little picnic.Their classes, 9th grade Common and Giant 3, were close by in the building next to the field. All of our friends eventually arrived and we were laughing and having a good time when the drow from my Common class floated up to us and handed us an invitation. “Hello! I’m throwing an epic costume party for Halloween at this abandoned warehouse I found last year. Literally everyone is invited and it’ll be a blast.There will be alcohol and food provided but i suggest you bring a snack and some water because you never know what happens to unattended tables at parties. Anyways, I hope to see you guys there.” He then winked at me and floated away.

“Wait! What’s your….” By the time I snapped out of my trance he was gone. “.....name?” “Oooooooo~ Caleb do you know him? Do you have a crush on him? Are you two in love? Are you dating him? Oh my gosh! You guys are going to get married!” Jester gushed and squealed like an extreme fandom shipper. I could feel my blood rising to my face as I tried to hide my complexion, which I’m sure was bright red by now, with my hands. “Evidently not. I don’t even know his name, but he is in my Common class.” Literally the entire Mighty Nein teased me the rest of lunch.

All I could think about was that drow elf for the last two classes of the day (Honours Biology and AP Exandrian History), in the car on the way home, and well into the night. Surely he flirts like that with everyone…… right? No. focus. Stay on task Widogast.

Chapter Text

October 31st, Sunday. Time. Time. Time is 7:26pm or 19:26. Do I look good? I think I look good? I look terrible! Oh god what am I thinking?! Going to a stranger’s Halloween party?! I don’t even know their name? It doesn’t say on the party card. Erghghghg. I hate costume parties.

“Are you sure this is fine, Veth? It just seems a little uncreative,” I shouted across the house to my tiny friend.

Veth peeped around the corner looking for me, “Are you kidding?! You look amazing! It’ll be sure to impress your drow friend from earlier,” she gave me a wink.

“He’s not my-! Ergh. Wasauchimmer. Do you know how many people will be there?” No response.

I looked myself up and down in the mirror. A cat. The classic cat costume, except I’m wearing a half-mask that looks like a cat (that Veth and I painted last minute last night), a brown blazer, a grey button up, some trousers, and a black loose-fitting costume corset (no bones). My fiery hair is currently put in a low ponytail. I’ve been trying to grow it out ever since Trent cut it.

The Mighty Nein will be arriving soon in Fjord’s 11-seater, The Balleater, which was a gift from his adopted dad Vandran. It’s basically the group’s van at this point with how many changes to the interior, decorations, or paint job each of us have made. Time 7:30pm. “Veth! We should head out, they’ll be here soon!” I grabbed my phone and started turning off some of the lights in the house. Veth is dressed as….. Fjord? “Alright! Let me text Yeza to see if he needs a ride.”

It’s taking painfully long to get there but for good reason. Our friend Mollymauk died in a car crash a few weeks into the school year. They were going to graduate this year… we’ve been very cautious since.

“Fjord. Watch the road!” Jester yelled at him from the backseat when the half-orc went to adjust the radio.

“I’m watching the road!”

“No. You’re messing with the music.”

“Someone hand me the aux,” Beau piped in.

It wasn’t very long before the whole Might Nein was bickering over music. Time 8:01pm. “We’re late guys.”

“Chill, mr. Wizard. Nobody is ever on time to a party.”

“We’re here.” The vehicle rapidly stopped lurching us all forward and tumbling on top of each other. Once we got out of the car, I was able to finally get a look at everyone’s costumes. Veth and Fjord are badly dressed as each other, Yeza is dressed as a pirate, Beau is a ninja, Yasha is dressed in battle armour, Jester is dressed up like a scientist, and Caduceus is not wearing a costume. He says he’s just there to supervise the majority of the group.

Walking into the abandoned warehouse was an experience. As soon as I stepped in, there was an overwhelming smell of alcohol, cheap perfume, sweat, pot, and fog machine fluid. There are strobes everywhere, and the music is very loud. There seems to be an upstairs that’s not being used. There also seems to be about 1000 people here. Tonight is definitely going to be interesting.

The mighty nein almost immediately split up to explore and have fun. And there I was still standing at the entrance. Maybe I should find the cute guy who randomly invited me? Walking over to the food and drinks table(s), I think I saw him for a second. I’m not going to risk eating the snacks or drinking the punch. It’s sooo loud here. I don’t know exactly how anyone can focus here. I can’t even make out what song it is or what the people next to me are conversing about-

“-YOU HAVING A GOOD TIME?” Some blonde elf shouted at me.

“UH NOT REALLY,” I responded with.

“TRY THIS” They handed me some sort of crystal

“WHAT IS THIS”

“JUST TRY IT”

I then actually looked at what I was holding. Residuum. It’s really hot in here.

“YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE THIS” Is it just me or is the air getting thinner?

“DON'T BE A STICK IN THE MUD” They started to reach for my mouth and feed me some crystals. I’m going to puke. I puked. All over them.

“OH I UHM UHM SORRY” The upstairs. I’ll get there. I think I’m going to pass out. I don’t feel good at all.

I eventually climbed the ladder to the small loft. I hate this. I puked again. I still had the crystals in my hand. Oh gods. Fuck. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. He’s here. Why is he here!? Get away from me! GET AWAY FROM ME! “GET AWAY FROM ME!”

“Hey. Hey. I’m not going to hurt you, alright? Mr Widogast? Can you take a couple of deep breaths for me?”

I tried to breathe in but I choked up because I’m freaked out still and shaking like crazy. I look up to see the drow with short white hair looking at me.

“I uh- erm- sorry.”

“There’s no need to be sorry. What song is playing right now?”

I try hard to focus for a second, “I Go Crazy…. the acoustic version.”

“Very good. Do you have any idea of what time it is?”

Time. Time. Time…. “Time: 8:42pm.”

After confirming the time on his phone, the drow let out a low whistle, “Daamn. You’re super precise.”

I look up at him again to study his features. He’s not wearing a costume but rather a punk outfit. His sort of Grecian or Aquiline nose perfectly fit the proportions of his face. His skin glowed ever so softly under this light and showed his metallic freckles. His hair colour is such a pure lily colour and anyone could easily get lost in his eyes for days on end. This man is fucking gorgeous AND smart. I deduced he’s pretty smart considering the location of the warehouse and the classes he shares with me.

“I uhm- danke.”

“Pardon?”

“Oh uhm, sanks for helping me.”

“No problem,” he briefly glanced down at the party from the loft. Time 11:00pm. He looked back at me and smiled, “It looks like your friends are leaving. You should probably join them but before you do….. here’s a water and my number.” He handed me a water bottle with the label removed and a W on top and a slip of paper with a phone number on it. “Danke.”

“See you on Monday, Mr Widogast.”