Chapter Text
“It’s red but it ain’t hot.”
These were the famous last words at the sophomore’s orientation ceremony, before the whole room was engulfed in something that was actually red and hot. Needless to say, it was also the first day Floyd had seen such big sea creatures struggle to hold a tiny goldfish, bonus points because he got to view the whole show suspended in the air.
Nevermind that his own brother was laughing uncontrollably, Floyd didn’t really find anything funny about the situation, but he didn’t understand what was so aggravating about it either, apathetic to the goldfish’s fuming face. He simply only said what had come to mind. The single redhead was the only thing worth mentioning amidst the boring speech, going on and on about some school conduct or whatnot. Floyd didn’t care for that.
After that day, it only took a matter of time before the redhead, or as Floyd liked to call him, Goldfishie, made an appearance as Heartslabyul’s new housewarden. Heh. Floyd was positive he wouldn’t be able to find fish this interesting under the sea. Above land, the command chain seemed much more different in comparison to his home under the coral sea. Creatures didn’t dominate based on size, rather it was strength. Or, magical strength at least. Goldfishie looked like he wouldn’t even be able to destroy planks from a shipwreck. Weaker than isopods. Yet here on land, he was equivalent to the famous Trident that the seawitch had so greatly desired. Goldfishie was powerful. Powerful in ways that made the ground tremble, powerful in ways that made others jealous. Powerful in ways that made Floyd wanna know more.
He’s never understood the lines, ‘curiosity kills the cat’. For Floyd, it’s what keeps him alive, he thrives on curiosity, his blood thirsts for it. That's why, most of their first year is spent bickering back and forth. Well, bickering on Goldfishie’s end. Floyd was more of an instigator, making snide comments and clever remarks whenever possible, firing up the shorter boy.
Yet Floyd didn’t know when arrogant comments had become genuine compliments, when jokes about Goldfishie’s short temper became adoration for his red face, and when curiosity blossomed into something more.
Perhaps it was then…
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
“Floyd, I told you already, you’re working! You can’t just–” Azul was interrupted by a clatter of furniture, Floyd, in aggravation, had walked directly into the pile of chairs kept in Mostro Lounge. “Don’t wanna.” The latter simply commented. “M ditchin.” Floyd walked out in 3 long strides, ignoring Azul’s yelling voice.
Tch. Stupid Azul. Stupid Jade.
Floyd continued walking, without any real destination in mind. It had been a long time since he was this aggravated. In other words, it had been a long time since Jade and him fought this hard. The former was also nowhere to be found, going completely MIA on him and Azul both. Not like Floyd cared. Floyd grumbled, as he stepped out of his dorm and into the hall of mirrors. Floyd didn’t know where he was going, all he knew was that he had to keep walking. The moment he stopped, he would be giving his brain too much leeway to reflect back on what had just happened.
Without realizing, Floyd had been circling the school grounds for half an hour already. He found himself in front of the school library. Without giving it much thought, he stormed in, making a series of loud noises. Not that Floyd cared, in fact, he wouldn’t mind if he had made more noise. Angering someone would surely make him forget his own.
Floyd continued to grumble through the shelves, glaring anyone who looked his way, until he had reached the corner of the library. There sat a certain housewarden, almost hidden between his large stacks of books, his red locks barely visible between the old hardcovers. Floyd let out a snicker, seriously, when was Goldfishie not studying? He walked over to the shorter boy, and sat in the chair opposite him, hands still in his pockets.
“What’s this? Goldfishie busy studying again? Is it cuz your head is so small you need to keep memorizing information so you don’t forget?”
Riddle paused his scribbling, looking up, glaring at Floyd. “Floyd. Stop calling me by that nickname. And I’m aware goldfishes have short memory, but do not associate such animals with me, or any student for that matter. Head size and your ability to retain information have no correlation. It would do you some good to study as well, Jade tells me you’re constantly neglecting your studies.”
“Ughh. Again with the studying. Jeez all you land folks are so fucking anoying.” Floyd grumbled, eyes darkening.
Riddle, taken aback, it was rare to catch Floyd swearing. He immediately looked back up at Floyd, making eye contact with the merman. “Are you…?” Riddle cleared his throat. He tends to do that a lot Floyd noticed. “You seem to be aggravated, Floyd.”
Floyd didn’t respond, he simply looked away.
“Did something happen?”
Still no response.
“Ah, did you perhaps fight with Jade?”
Floyd whipped his head back, eyes in shock before he quickly masked it back with anger. “Hah?”
Riddle put his pen down. “I knew it, you and Jade fought.”
Floyd looked away again. “Think whatever ya want.”
“What happened?”
“Why should I tell ya?”
“Floyd.”
Floyd grumbled again. “Ugh. Fine. He’s just bein annoying. Says I gotta actually study here or whatever.”
Riddle knew this was a very oversimplified explanation of what happened, but he also knew that if he pushed Floyd any further, it wouldn’t end well. He would have to ask Jade another time. So instead, he simply replied back before looking back down to continue his notes. “I see.”
A silence fell between them, before Floyd slouched further into his chair, letting out yet another grumble.
“I wish I had just eaten him in the womb.”
Riddle looked puzzled, furrowing his eyebrows before asking. “How would that be possible? Weren’t you guys hatched from eggs?”
Floyd flopped his upper body onto the wooden table, shaking it slightly. Startled, Riddle immediately reached out to hold his pile of books, making sure that none of them fell. “It’s just hypothetical. Mehhh, you’re no fun ‘fishie.” Floyd sounded much more aggravated now.
Riddle cleared his throat, looking back onto the man who was a few grumbles away from breaking the table beneath him. “Regardless of hypotheses or not Floyd, I don’t think you truly think that.”
“Ughhh.” Another grumble. Riddle unconsciously gripped his pen tighter.
“I meant that you two love each other very much. It’s as clear as Crewel’s potionology classes.”
Floyd blinked, looking back up at Riddle before bursting out laughing. “Professor Beakfish’s lessons aren’t clear at all, hahahahahah Goldfishie, you’re funny. He always speaks in doggy language or whatever animal it is.”
“Thats what many people think, but in reality, if you just looked a bit closer, listened a bit harder, and cared a bit more, it’s extremely obvious.” Riddle calmly spoke. “Someone who doesn’t care to listen, or doesn’t bother trying to understand Crewel’s analogies would obviously find the class hard. But that’s what he’s been testing us on. It’s not ‘potionology’ he’s evaluating, he’s looking at our skills to interpret data and knowledge, even in the most unfamiliar situations.”
Riddle continued to speak, “Likewise, the relationship between you and Jade is even more unique than Crewel’s dog analogies. Most if not all the merman who attend Night Raven College are from Octavinelle, therefore, anyone else will find it extremely hard to understand the dynamic between you guys. But, upon closer inspection, it’s not that different from normal familial relationships…or so I heard.” Riddle let out another short cough, clearing his throat. “Jade always talks about you in class, and I’ve heard you mention Jade’s anecdotes multiple times during our previous conversations. Plus, the both of you seem much more relaxed when the topic of conversation switches to the other. It’s clearer than Crewel using puppies to explain chemical reactions that the both of you care for each other very much.” Riddle finished speaking, then returned back to his note taking, not bothering to look up at Floyd’s reaction.
Floyd, on the other hand, just blinked. He was speechless, unsure of what to say, unsure of which part of Goldfishie's speech he should react to. Should he laugh at how easily Riddle breezed through his academics? Should he correct Goldfishie, and say that Crewel’s classes actually were about potionology and not skills or whatever? No. Instead, all Floyd retained from that conversation was that people who care will see. And who saw him? Goldfishie did. Goldfishie noticed that he was having a bad day, he noticed that it was because Floyd had fought with Jade. He noticed the comfort they found in each other. He noticed the small details in their body language that even their own dorm mates struggled to understand. Goldfishie saw him.
Floyd abruptly stood up, causing Riddle to look back up at him, one eyebrow raised. Floyd smiled at him, not a condescending one, a genuine smile, a silent thanks for the comfort Riddle had offered him. “I’m gonna go find Jade.”
“I’m sure you’ll know exactly where to find him.”
“Heh.” Floyd left without any further words. Nothing about Riddle’s red hair, nothing about how quick he was to notice, nothing about how he knew exactly what to say to comfort Floyd. Yet they both knew this was Floyd’s way of showing gratitude.
Floyd missed it that day, but the tips of Riddle’s mouth slightly curved upwards as he continued writing his notes.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
From that point on, Floyd didn’t realize it but the red Floyd once associated with anger had slowly morphed into beauty, one that decorated the sea’s youngest princess. The term ‘housewarden’ no longer became a meaningless title an Octavinelle junior branded, but it became an accomplishment from a fellow freshmen. Goldfishes weren’t dumb, small fries of the ocean anymore, instead it became something Floyd had looked up to.
The rest of the year passed quickly, and before Floyd knew it, he was about to enter his second year as a student on land. Yet amongst Azul becoming housewarden, Jade becoming his vice, and all the new students Floyd had to train for Mostro Lounge, his Goldfishie had overblotted.
When Floyd found this out, he immediately dropped everything and rushed to the nurse. The freshmen were left extremely confused, only for Jade to take them under his wing instead, even without his brother saying anything. He knew.
Floyd sat beside Riddle’s bed for six hours, before he finally started to stir awake. “F-Floyd?” Goldfishie asked, in a soft, weak and raspy voice. Floyd could barely recognize it, afterall, the two had spent the last year fighting (only on Riddle’s end, yes, we know), yelling, and bickering with each other. Floyd wasn’t used to such a tone from Riddle. He hoped he never had to hear it again. “Goldfishie, jeez, ya scared me.” He joked, trying to distract his mind. Riddle slowly sat up, with Floyd’s hand supporting his back. “How long…?” Riddle was barely able to get his words out clearly. Floyd’s heart tightened. “A few hours since the incident. Ya need to rest, Goldfishie.”
Riddle didn’t respond, instead, his head was held down, not daring to look up, as if he was being scolded by an invisible figure on the hospital bed. Floyd, in an attempt to cheer Riddle up, handed him a prepackaged sandwich. “Here. Eat.” Riddle only weakly looked up at him, as if he was too tired to fight back. “There's nothing you can’t eat in here , Goldfishie. I’ve checked with Azul, it fits into your daily calories or whatever. And it’s healthy, I made it myself, okay? There's no bad ingredients in here so, please eat okay?” Riddle blankly stared at Floyd, before reaching out for the sandwich. He slowly opened it, taking small nibbles.
Floyd’s heart started twisting up. Why did his Goldfishie have to eat so little? Was this why he was so small? Floyd immediately frowned. He sat there watching Riddle finish his food. It took him over an hour to finish the sandwich. Floyd stayed by his side for every minute, refusing to leave, even when the nurse urged him to go eat his own dinner. Once Riddle had finished, Floyd handed him an insulated bottle, one that was a light teal, decorated with scales all over. “Here, lemon. Two cubes of sugar.” Riddle blinked at him, and smiled, reaching out to take the bottle of tea, immediately uncapping it. In between the sips of tea, Riddle found himself smiling.
Rule 339. The post-meal beverage is to be lemon tea with two sugar cubes.
“Thank you.” He softly said. Floyd propped his elbows on Riddle’s hospital bed, smiling back at the housewarden. Floyd said nothing, instead, he simply waited for Riddle to finish his tea. In the end, it took Riddle another hour to finish his tea, due to the overwhelming staff that had visited him after finding out he awoke. Regardless, Floyd stayed by his side every minute of it. Even when Crowley requested privacy, Floyd stood outside the door, waiting. It was only until Riddle had been given permission to return to his own dorm, did Floyd finally move as well. He helped walk Riddle back to the hall of mirrors, even going further and stepping into Heartslabyul with the shorter boy despite his protests. Once the both of them had finally reached Riddle’s door, Floyd reluctantly said goodbye.
That night, both of them had trouble sleeping, unable to let go of the days events.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
“Goldfishie! What brings you to our humble abode, huh? Playing hide-and-seek? Sounds like fun.”
“F-Floyd. I’ve asked you several times to stop calling me by strange nicknames.” Riddle stuttered. It was their first ‘official’ meeting after Riddle’s overblot, (the nursing didn’t count, only Jade and Azul knew of that). Floyd grinned, Goldfishie was obviously still flustered over their interaction last time, he hadn’t even made eye contact with Floyd! The merman had to hold himself back from teasing the shorter, any more and he was positive Riddle would start avoiding him like his life depended on it. Instead, he shifted his focus to the new freshman and cat. Nah, he couldn’t do it. Even when talking with Sea-Bream, he couldn’t help but take glances at the housewarden, microanalysing his features, making sure he was really okay. After confirming that Riddle hadn’t suffered physical drawbacks from his overblot, Floyd finally shifted his focus back to Cater and the others.
“Here to assess the competition in advance of the spelldrive tournament, perhaps?” Jade butted in. Ah, so that’s what this was about. Next thing Floyd knew, he was chasing the group across the courtyard, a big smile plastered across the face.
After finally losing the group, Floyd found himself wandering around the courtyard, poking his head through the newly transported apple trees. In the end, he flopped down under a particularly old one, it’s branches sticking out, offering the perfect shade for a nap. Without a few minutes having even passed yet, ruffles were heard from amongst the bushes, before a certain housewarden stepped out.
“O-oh, Floyd-shi, it’s, uh, it’s you.” Floyd opened one eye, hands still supporting the weight of his own head. He didn’t move, instead, he only replied.
“Jellyfishie’s not here.”
The housewarden’s hair immediately flared up, turning a soft pink color.
“I AM NOT LOOKING FOR SILVER-SHI. I’M SIMPLY ON A QUEST TO SECURE MORE LOOT.”
“Heh.” Floyd smirked, then rolled on his side. “Whatever. M sleepin. Don’t bother me.”
The fire-headed housewarden immediately scurried off, not wanting to sustain conversation with Floyd for any longer. A few moments later, more ruffling from the bushes were heard. Floyd, now aggravated, having been disrupted for the second time, grumbled without opening his eyes.
“I already told ya Jellyfish isn’t here, if ya don’t want me to squeeze–”
“Floyd.” He was cut off by an extremely familiar voice. Floyd immediately opened his eyes and turned back, this time, only to find a housewarden that he did want to meet, and one that wasn’t his own.
“Goldfishie!” Floyd sat up, grinning widely. “Back already? Ya missed me that much?”
“Wha–no! I was just walking past the courtyard to get to the hall of mirrors, and happened to hear some shuffling noises here, so I came to check it out.” Riddle defended, eyebrows furrowing in the process.
“Hmmm, I liked the first reason better.” Floyed plopped back against the tree, closing his eyes once more.
Riddle paused, before asking. “What exactly are you doing, Floyd?”
“Takin’ a nap.”
“In the middle of the day?”
“Yeah.”
“Out in the sun?”
“Yeah.”
“Don’t you have work?”
“Jeez Goldfishie, you talk too much.” Floyd reached out, and pulled Riddle down towards him. The unexpected movement caught the shorter boy off guard, making him stumble right into Floyd’s chest.
“F-Floyd!” Riddle protested, face heating up. Floyd however, indifferent to Riddle’s weak punches, only held Riddle’s waist tighter and kept his eyes closed. “Cmon Goldfishie. You gotta relax too ya know. Don’t worry, I’ll wake you up at 4 okay? Just enough time to play Croqutte.”
“That doesn’t mean I have to sleep on you!” Riddle yelled back, his other thoughts however, were left unsaid.
Floyed realized that Riddle was tired, that he had been lacking sleep. That the recent overblotting has left Riddle too afraid to succumb to his slumbers, not daring to relax. And more importantly, Rule 346: Croquet must not be played after 5:00pm.
“But it’s more comfy this way. What? You wanna sleep on the dirty grass?” Riddle looked over to their surroundings. It wasn’t that the grass was extremely dirty, but he could tell it had been messed with, probably a product of Floyd’s wandering and Idia’s squandering from just now. Giving up, Riddle just sighed, and rested his head atop of Floyd’s chest. Floyd smiled, upon realizing Goldfishie had given in to him.
“Wake me up at 3:45.” Riddle said, before finally closing his eyes, drifting off to sleep listening to the steady heartbeat of the merman. Floyd raised an arm to rub Riddle’s back, smiling. “Of course, my queen.”
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
It was one of the rare occasions where Riddle had visited Mostro Lounge. If Floyd had to guess why, it would probably be that he needed to discuss something with Azul concerning the upcoming Spelldrive tournament. However, Floyd leech doesn’t follow ‘logical reasonings’, he follows his own beliefs. So if he believes that Goldfishie had visited Mostro Lounge to see him, then Goldfishie had indeed visited Mostro Lounge to see him.
“Goldfishie!”
Riddle calmly turned towards the elated voice. “Floyd.”
“What’re you doing here? Here to see me?” Floyd grinned, walking closer to the shorter boy, just until the tips of his shoes were poking Riddle’s.
Riddle took a breath in, “No, I’m here to discuss something with Azul, do you know where he is?”
“Ehhh. Azul’s busy right now.” Floyd flopped down on one of the couches, mood starting to sour. He looked around the relatively empty cafe, before his ears perked, as if the invisible lightbulb beside his head lit up. “I know! How about you have lunch here? It’s already noon.”
“What? No I couldn’t possibly inconvenience you guys. Besides, I never made a reservation.”
Floyd stood up, brushing the invisible dust off his lap. “Jeez Goldfishie, want me to pull that stick outta your ass?” Riddle immediately heated up after Floyd’s diss. “What are you talking about?!? Are you trying to–” He was cut off by Floyd’s hands ruffling his head.
“Goldfishie you just stay right here, I’ll whip something real nice for you.” Floyd leaned in, smiling so wide all his sharp teeth were beared in plain sight. Riddle, now fuming, was shaking with anger. “Floyd Leech. Get your hands off me right now.” Floyd immediately lifted his hands up in the air, as if he was caught violating one of Heartslabyul’s many rules.
He sighed, bringing both of his hands to rest on his own head. “I only meant to say that you’re welcome here anytime, Goldfishie. Reservation or not, Mostro Lounge will always have a place for you. You don’t need to worry about being an ‘inconvenience’ or whatever. ‘Sides, who do you think even books this place?”
Riddle paused, visibly relaxing his tense shoulders as he let out a sigh. He looked back up to the taller merman before apologizing. “I–I see. My apologies. I hadn’t realized the message you were trying to convey me.” Floyd looked down to see Riddle’s clenched fists glued to his side. His Goldfishie had really been trying to change. Floyd smirked, reaching a hand out to pinch the fat on Riddle’s left cheek. The housewarden flushed in return, hands now shaking. “Floyd! That doesn’t mean you can still act inappropriately! And don’t think I’ve forgiven you for using such crude langua–”
“Heh, so cute Goldfishie. Wait here, I’ll go cook your lunch. You just gotta sit and look all pretty.” Floyd immediately left to the kitchen, leaving a furiously blushing red-head lost for words.
A few moments later Floyd returned, his dorm outfit having been completely abandoned. The taller boy was now dressed in a more appropriate chef attire, apron wrapped around his waist and his sleeves were rolled up. The merman was holding a trey filled with many dishes, most of which Riddle recognized. He walked over to the table Riddle was sat at, and offered him a wide grin before placing each of the plates down one by one.
“Goldfishie! For our appetizers today we have tuna tartare and citrus scallops. Crab cakes for the entree, and a fillet mignon for the main course! And here, a strawberry soda just for ya.”
Riddle eyed the dishes, silently judging them one by one. Omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and potassium, lean protein, Copper and magnesium, iron. All incredibly nourishing for one’s health, and meeting Riddle’s daily requirements.
“Wow…thank you Floyd. I didn’t realize Mostro Lounge offered such fine dining. These all look incredible.” Riddle sincerely complimented. His grey eyes were sparkling contrary to their dull color.
“Nah. Azul would never serve this to anybody. You really think he’d be willing to use such expensive ingredients?”
Riddle paused, before glancing towards Floyd. The taller boy had made himself comfortable, pulling a chair and sitting on it the other way round, facing the backrest. “I…see.” What a roundabout way of approaching this topic, Riddle wondered, his cheeks heating up again as a reaction. Floyd could have simply said he made this meal without Azul’s permission. “Then I will be sure to enjoy it. Thank you, Floyd.”
“No leftovers!” The merman protested. Riddle didn’t reply.
The housewarden continued eating in silence, moving through the different dishes using the appropriate utensils with practiced ease. Floyd on the other hand, said nothing, taking this opportunity to observe Riddle. It was only then did he notice the boy’s eyebags seemed much darker than usual, so much so that the concealer he was wearing didn’t do much. The redhead was also moving just a fraction of a second slower than he usually did, senses just slightly dulled. Perhaps it was from the lack of sleep, Floyd concluded.
By the time Riddle had finished up his last bite of food, there was still a considerable amount leftover, but Floyd knew he shouldn’t pressure the housewarden any further. He sighed, clearing the plates. “Wait here.” He told Riddle, before returning the dishes to the kitchen. When Floyd came back out, he was holding a new, smaller plate, one that held up a singular strawberry tart. He placed the dessert in front of Riddle without much words, only pushing it towards the housewarden. Riddle’s eyes sparkled in return. “I didn’t know that Mostro Lounge also offered tarts.”
“Nah, this is special. Limited edition. Just for you goldfishie.” Floyd grinned back. “So you gotta finish this, okay?”
“Of course.” In comparison to the meal just now, Riddle finished off the tart rather quickly, wiping his mouth with the provided napkin. It was delicious, Riddle had no other words to describe it. Floyd was still sitting by his side, now leaning on the table, observing the housewarden.
“By the way Floyd, I never got the chance to ask this, but all those dishes were made by you, yes?”
“Yep! Why? Did you like them?” Floyd grinned.
“Yes, they were incredibly satisfactory, you are quite the chef.”
Floyd brought a hand to rub the back of his head. “Duh, I pretty much operate the whole kitchen these days. Can’t trust Jade with anything, he’d probably poison the food.”
“I see. I have heard Jade mention his…infatuation for mushrooms many times, I take it that you do not share the same hobbies?”
“Beh, of course not! Those things are slimy and gross. I don’t know why Jade likes them.”
“I see.” Riddle nodded, not offering anything in return.
“What about you, Goldfishie? What do you like?” Floyd asked, as he reached for a tea pot, pouring the steaming liquid into a cup, and placing two sugar cubes before handing it off to Riddle.
Riddle took the cup without any qualms, silently sipping on the citrus flavor. “Me? I like reading.”
“Ehhh, I meant, apart from that. Everybody knows that. The library is practically your second pit.” Floyd continued pouring another cup of lemon tea for himself, adding two sugar cubes in as follows.
“Oh, then, it would probably be croquette.”
“Croquette huh? That game where you fling those pink birds?”
“They are not called ‘pink birds’ they are called Flamingos, and yes. Would you like to join me in a game of croquette sometime?”
Floyd’s eyes lit up, “Really? Of course! No take backs okay?”
Riddle chuckled, as he continued to sip on his tea. “Of course, I don’t make promises I can’t keep. Well, I better take my leave now.”
Floyd frowned in return, eyebrows furrowing. “Already? It’s only been seven minutes, you still have eight left.” Riddle’s eyes widened in shock, had Floyd been keeping track of the time?
Rule 271: One must leave the table within fifteen minutes of completing their lunch.
Riddle suddenly felt warm, realizing that all Floyd had been doing was catering to his needs. The food, the post meal tea, and now even the time. He cleared out his throat, bringing a clutched fist over his mouth. “Yes, I suppose I do.”
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
That night, Floyd sat at the edge of his bed, staring out into the night sky, drawing sea animals with the stars.
“Hey Jade.”
“Yes, what is it my dear brother?” Jade's quiet voice came in. When they were alone, he often stripped himself of the facade he put around others, leaving his emotions bare. So despite his seemingly mocking choice of words, Floyd knew he was being sincere.
“Whaddya like ‘bout Azul?”
“....”
“Whatever do you mean, Floyd? I do not like Azul.” Floyd turned his head over, only to see hands covering his brother’s face, obviously embarrassed and trying to avoid the former’s gaze.
“Bwahahahaha” Floyd started…screeching (?), one couldn’t really describe the unique sounds of the merman's laughter. “What are you even trying to hide yourself from? Yer killing me here.” Floyd laughed until he started tearing up. By the time his laughter died down, Jade’s hands were no longer covering his face, but his ears were still very red. Jade sighed, as he leaned down, resting his arms on his own lap.
“Seriously…you’re just impossible.” Floyd only grinned back. “To be honest, I–” Jade was cut off by Floyd shuffling off the bed suddenly. “Wait. I ain’t in the mood to listen anymore. Gonna go real quick.” This time, it was Jade’s turn to smile back at his brother. He said nothing, only stood up to stretch himself up, glancing back at the full moon outside of his window. Floyd, on the other hand, made his way out of his room, not bothering to change out of his pajamas, leaving his dorm to go retrieve a certain animal.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
Riddle was just about to leave his own room, already dressed in his dorm attire when suddenly there was a loud knock at his window. Puzzled, he turned to the source of the strange sound, and approached the glass window. Only upon closer inspection, did he realize a certain lanky merman was hanging off his terrace. Riddle quickly pushed his windows open, before yelling in confusion. “Floyd?!? What in the sevens are you doing?”
“Let me down this instant! You’re gonna kill me!!” A whining was heard beneath Floyd. Riddle leaned in closer only to realize Floyd wasn’t alone, he was holding a certain direbeast in one hand. Floyd looked up after seeing that Riddle had opened his window, ears perking. “Goldfishie! Hold up, move outta the way for abit, I’m coming through.”
“Wha–?” Before Riddle could finish, Floyd casually pulled himself up with a single arm (Riddle didn’t even know that was possible), hopping into Riddle’s bedroom. “Maannn, that was a long way up.” Riddle, now flustered and confused, was left speechless. Had Floyd really climbed up to his bedroom? Grim, on the other hand, was on the verge of tears, he was almost hyperventilating really. Grim had practically glued himself to Floyd’s arm, holding it as tightly as possible. Riddle, still puzzled, took a deep breath in before asking. “Floyd, just what in the Twisted Wonderland are you doing here? Do you realize what time it is? And what have you done to Grim? Poor thing looks like he’s seconds away from passing out.”
Floyd glanced back at the direbeast before sighing and putting him down. “You have a minute. Calm down.” He demanded. Grim, who was still so panicked, didn't react to Floyd’s words. Instead, he started kissing Riddle’s floor, murmuring lines of “thank sevens” or “I thought I was gonna die.” Riddle only raised his eyebrow, before Floyd turned back to Riddle, taking a few steps closer to the housewarden. “Jeez, it’s this late and you still wanted to go out?” Floyd asked, completely ignoring the questions Riddle had just bombarded him with, and becoming much of a hypocrite himself for shaming Riddle for wanting to be out and about at this hour. Then, he slowly took out a violin hidden underneath his jacket, before stripping the jacket off fully. “Damn, it’s hot here.” Riddle started heating up upon seeing the taller man strip, ears flaring red. “Wh-what are you doing?!?” Just then, Floyd sat on the floor and pulled a teary eyed Grim onto his lap. His eyes widened, threatening the cat in his lap, as he bared his fangs. “Play.”
“Eep.” Grim (the poor cat really), who was now visibly shaking, grabbed the violin from Floyd’s hands, and started fiddling with the bow, creating a series of unpleasant sounds. Riddle’s eyes widened in shock, was this the reason why he showed up to Riddle’s dorm so late at night?
Rule 529: If you eat steak on the night of a full moon, a cat must play the violin afterwards.
Once Grim had finished playing his tune (?), Floyd let him go, and the direbeast wasted no time bolting out of Riddle’s room, wailing as he sped through the halls. “Happy? Now you can sleep.” Floyd looked over to Riddle, grinning. Riddle was taken aback, had Floyd come all the way to his dorm just to make sure that Riddle wouldn’t have to leave?
“I–I, thank you, Floyd.” Riddle truly didn’t know what to say, he was extremely grateful to ther moray eel. This time, when Floyd flashed another smile to Riddle, he felt his cheeks heating up. “Uhm, would you like a cup of herbal tea?” Floyd blinked at Riddle, before standing up and letting out a giggle.
“Nah. It’s time for bed anyways. Ya need to sleep, Goldfishie.”
“R-right.” The two stood in silence, before Riddle understood that the merman wouldn’t leave his side until he actually got into bed. Sighing, he reluctantly whipped out his magical pen before changing out of his dorm attire into a silky set of pajamas. Floyd raised a hand to his chin, “I didn’t realize Goldfishie liked wearing this type of attire~” He teased. Riddle only blushed in return.
“Wha-Whatever. Hmph.” Riddle turned away, walking towards his bed.
“Ehh, don’t be mad Goldfishie, it’s cute. It suits ya.” Riddle turned back, furiously blushing, eyes widening before pointing at Floyd. “What are you still doing here? Leave immediately!” Floyd walked over to where Riddle was, forcing the shorter boy to back up until the back of his knees hit the mattress. He then pushed Riddle onto the bed, before pulling a chair in and closing the lights. “Sleep Goldfishie. You look worse than Firefly Squid-senpai and all those all nighters he pulls." Riddle blushed in embarrassment, but ended up complying with Floyd’s words. He tucked himself in, pulling the blanket up to his shoulders, just so his head was peaking out. Floyd sat next to his bed, observing his every movements. The two stayed there in silence before Riddle finally looked over to Floyd, unable to fall asleep under his gaze. “What are you still doing here?” He asked, to which Floyd simply replied, “Keepin you company, Goldfishie.”
Riddle turned over, grumbling. His ears had once again heated up, and he swears he hears pounding inside his chest. Floyd reached out, laying his hand just centimetres away from Riddle’s back. “I’ll be here until you fall asleep, so don’t worry. Just think about gettin’ a good nights rest.” Riddle glanced over, to see Floyd still in the same position, just slightly leaning in. He sighed before giving in to the slumber that he had been chasing for days.
That night, was the first time since his overblot he slept soundly, no phantom or mother protruding his dreams. Riddle woke up to an empty bed in the morning. The initial pang of disappointment hit him earlier than one would’ve expected, but nevertheless, he forced himself up. It was the first time he had slept this good in awhile, he couldn’t let the absence of a certain merman ruin his day. Besides, Floyd wasn’t even supposed to be there in the first place.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
“Housewarden Riddle, did something good happen lately?” Riddle slammed his teacup down, causing some of the liquid to fly out. He looked over to the innocent freshman. “Everything has been just as it was before. Why do you ask, Deuce?” The navy haired boy brought a hand up to his head, repeating circular motions as if he were itching or rubbing it. “Uh, it’s just, you seem much brighter these days. And your complexion is better too. But, forgive me for asking, that might’ve come off as rude!”
Riddle stood up, walking towards the door to leave Heartslabyul’s lounge before glancing back at the younger boy. “I see. It’s true, I’ve slept much better the past few days.” He said curtly, before excusing himself.
Contrary to his confident steps across the hallway, the red headed housewarden was burning red from his neck upwards. The embarrassment that he had practically been babied to sleep for the last few nights had hit him. While it was true that he had been sleeping much better, he had decided to censor out the part that most of this improvement came from a certain teal headed boy who made it his new job to visit Riddle’s room every night, to ensure he slept well. Not that Floyd ever did anything! At most he would hold Riddle’s hand and rub his thumb over the red-heads thumb. And no. Riddle absolutely did not ever want Floyd to do more. Just hand holding. Riddle paused, taking a deep breath in and collecting himself. It wouldn’t be proper of him as a housewarden to walk around his own dorm so flustered.
Riddle decided to take a detour into the garden. The hedgehogs always gave him a sense of peace. He swiftly changed his course, making a U turn towards the garden of roses. However, it wasn’t long before the housewarden found himself stopping again, spotting a head of ocean teal amongst the red roses. Of course it was Floyd, and of course he was sneaking into Heartslabyul’s gardens. Sighing, Riddle approached the taller man, asking. “Floyd, just what in the sevens are you doing here this early?”
Floyd turned his head back, being momentarily taken aback. “Ah! It’s Goldfishie!”
“Did you…did you not get the chance to go back last night?” Riddle whispered, ears burning up as he checked his surroundings to make sure that no one could hear them.
“Nah, nah, I went back just fine. Just, somethin’ caught my eye last night so I just had to come back to check.”
Riddle, puzzled, leaned in to see what Floyd was talking about for himself. It was a singular rose, one that didn’t stand out from the rest. “A rose? Yes, Heartslabyul has many of those. Why did this one catch your eye in particular.”
“It just reminded me of you, Goldfishie.”
Riddle furrowed his eyebrows, he failed to see the point Floyd was making. “What do you mean?”
“I mean look! It’s smaller than the rest! Hahahahah.” Floyd started laughing, Riddle, in return, started shaking and burning up in anger.
“Floyd! I’ll have you know that I still have many years to gro–” Riddle was cut off by the former’s words.
“It’s so small and alone, but it’s so much more prettier than the others.” Floyd admired, as he reached his hand out to caress the singular flower. Riddle paused, immediately taken aback by the merman’s words. “I–” He let out a cough, clearing his throat. “I see.” This time, his cheeks started heating up once more. Floyd turned back, beckoning Riddle to come closer, just until the latter was squatting down beside Floyd. Floyd reached out into the pocket of his uniform jacket. “I can’t give you the rose today, so this will have to do.” He pulled out a folded origami rose, one that was decorated not only in red, but had highlights of silver streaks and sparkles throughout. Riddle’s eyes widened as he realized what Floyd was hinting to.
Rule 228: Flowers in gardens must never be picked on Wednesdays.
Today was a Wednesday. Floyd couldn’t give Riddle the rose that reminded him of the housewarden, so instead he folded his own. At this point, Riddle’s entire face was red, a perfect shade that matched the paper rose Floyd had tucked into his ears.
Riddle, still furiously blushing, stood up immediately, only to lock eyes with Floyd, whose face held a rare smile, something reserved only for the late nights that Riddle had been struggling to fall asleep. Riddle’s chest started beating furiously, but this time, it wasn’t out of fear, panic or anger. He didn’t know what to diagnose himself with. He had never heard of such symptoms before, a pain in his chest that spread into his stomach, one that made him want to clutch his heart, as words struggled to come out of his mouth.
“You look very pretty, Goldfishie.”
Riddle, still unsure of what to say, instead only turned and made his way out of the gardens. He had to get to class immediately. Before he went out of sight however, he turned back, yelling to the merman who was still in the same position as when Riddle initially found him. “You shouldn’t be picking flowers out of my garden regardless!” Before storming off.
“Heh.”
That night, the incident from the morning left unsaid, but if Floyd happened to see a folded rose origami on Riddle’s desk, then Riddle would simply tell him he was hallucinating.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
Then, before they knew it, came the Spelldrive tournament. Floyd and Jade had been particularly looking forward to this year's tournament, having had so much fun with last year’s competition, they had been eagerly planning their strategies. Floyd would have loved to show his new skills off this year too, that is, if it weren’t for a certain Sea-Lion overblotting.
He let out a sigh of annoyance as he walked across the seemingly empty hallways of the school, everybody was busy sorting the guests out after Leona’s overblot, they had completely abandoned the first reason as to why they were here in the first place! Well, it wasn’t like Floyd could blame them, Sea-Lion was pretty scary after all. Azul and Jade were busy handling the external affairs, tch, Floyd scoffed. Those two definitely predicted all this, in fact, Azul was probably counting on something to happen. Floyd continued to aimlessly stroll through the empty hallways, until he suddenly heard the clacking of heeled shoes getting closer and closer. Just as he reached a corner, ready to turn, a certain red-headed housewarden bumped right into his chest. Floyd smiled, ready to start teasing his Goldfishie for rushing so hard he didn’t even sense someone else was approaching from the other side. Already planning his words, he held Riddle’s shoulders and gently pushed him away, so he could see the housewarden’s face, yet instead of the usual annoyance or anger, Floyd was met with a face he never wished to see again.
Riddle was sweating, his pupils were dilating and he was clearly hyperventilating, it looked as if he was having a reaction to his nightmares mid day. Gently, Floyd let go of one arm that was gripping Riddle’s shoulders, and brought it to clasp Riddle’s hands instead. He bent down, making sure he was at eye level with the housewarden, locking eyes with the monochromatic ones.
“Hey, you okay?” Riddle didn’t answer, he was still out of breath, constantly gasping for air.
“Goldfishie.” Floyd reached his other hand out to hold Riddle’s mouth. “Breathe. One by one, In. Out. That’s it. Keep going, just like that.” By the third minute, Riddle’s breathing had finally evened out. He was now taking slower, deeper breaths. Floyd’s hands remained locked holding his. After confirming that his Goldfishie could breathe okay, Floyd pulled Riddle in closer to him, before picking him up Bridal style, one hand under his knees and the other holding his back. Riddle, instead of protesting like he normally would, only stayed silent, cuddling closer into Floyd’s chest. The merman could feel his heart drop, just what on earth had happened? Neither Floyd nor Riddle said anything, instead, the merman just carried the shorter boy straight to the hall of mirrors.
Floyd walked through Heartslabyul’s hallways with ease, he had memorized most of it’s different layouts by now, and thankfully, this was one that he walked before. If the dorm had sprung an unfamiliar layout to him, he was really considering breaking the walls down just to make the journey quicker. Riddle stayed silent in his hold, eyes closed as he pressed into Floyd. By the time Floyd had reached Riddle’s room, the latter boy was no longer shaking, instead, a sense of tiredness had washed over him. Floyd’s presence helped lessen the panic significantly, so much so that Riddle was reminded of his initial fatigue that had been hidden under the stress of Leona’s overblot. Unable to fight it off, Riddle succumbed to his own slumber as Floyd walked through the door. Just before he had fully drifted off, he held onto the taller boy’s jacket, whispering so Floyd could just barely hear.
“Don’t leave me.”
“I won't.” Riddle managed to hear, before he fell unconscious. Floyd gently laid Riddle on his bed, before placing a soft peck on his forehead.