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A specific thought had been on his mind since his last talk with Riddle a couple of days ago. It came to him ─thanks to the help of a certain hunter─ an idea that he was currently carrying out.
Sturdy hands scattered rose petals on the minimalist white tablecloth that decorated the table. Those were the final details before the leader of Heartslabyul arrived at the venue as he had been invited.
Nerves had haunted Trey since he woke up that morning, so he assumed as the hours went by that he wouldn't get rid of them so easily. The suggested idea was about their first official kiss. Riddle had been concise in his request, after pouring over several relationship books for newbies, who left a question in the air as to why the situation hadn't come up yet, and Clover knew the answer.
It was not an easy step, he had been trying to fit it into numerous contexts since Riddle had confessed his feelings a few weeks ago and accepted them wholeheartedly. For as long as their time together was long, having known each other since childhood, he wanted to make it as special as possible before making it mundane.
With that goal in mind he chatted with his friend, ─also a vice leader─ who was a regular demonstrative of his love for the "King" of his bedroom. The options in his hand were slim, as they also agreed not to make their relationship public until at least that long-awaited moment happened. How Rook Hunt found out about it remains a complete unknown, but by having done it and being so experienced in cases involving heart affairs, as well as dating Schoenheit, Trey found only advantages and answers when he was nothing but a sea of doubts.
"A special place for both of you." These were the words he thought about the most, amidst numerous suggestions and comments praising the fact that it had finally happened. That was how the plan began to slowly and surely begin to plot in his mind. In the perfect leafy gardens of Heartslabyul there was a space between the hedges of the labyrinth, the existence of which was known only to both of them. It was a small ruined place, in the centre of which stood a dark green rusty table, on which rested a damaged glass and matching chairs, both in design and age.
They discovered and repaired it a year ago and since then they considered it a key place to hang out when they were both free of responsibility, a place where Trey could observe Riddle being himself, a reminder that he still existed beneath all those layers that had led to his overblot long before it happened. He was still haunted by the thought of seeing him so consumed by his mother's ideology and not being able to do much more than find moments like those to make him escape his torment, he was haunted in his dreams by the thought of whether he could have handled it better, even if Riddle assured him on numerous occasions that he did what was in his hand.
He pushed away all thoughts about the excess of dark magic at once. Rosehearts was fine now, he had made a lot of progress over the months and that was the most important thing. He redeemed that last ideology of having failed him by being able to approach him more closely without having to go to their place to do so. Nothing soothed his soul more than to see him free of that agony at last, a certain nostalgia radiating in him, fondly recalling their days together at Che'nya's side. He felt he had chosen the best place.
He licked the remains of the icing from his thumb, the sweet taste telling him that it had been prepared to perfection. Nothing more to expect from the son of a family skilled in the culinary art of baking. He made him strawberry tarts, Riddle's favourites, along with some rose tea. He set the plate down where his leader usually sat.
The ticking of his watch told him that Riddle would be there shortly, at the appointed time. He was always punctual, so he made sure that everything was in order for his arrival. He took a deep breath, convincing himself that everything would work out well in the process.
Just as he anticipated, at precisely the right hour, he showed up. Riddle was wearing his Hearslabyul leader's uniform, he was also wearing his white suit. Trey had told him it would be a special occasion, but without mentioning the main point of his plan. The serious expression on his face vanished when he saw him, Trey smiled at him too. He noticed that he looked a little tired.
“Good afternoon.” The sweets on the table soon caught his attention. His silvery eyes sparkled with interest. “A fitting welcome after such a long day, thank you.”
He dragged the chair over for him to sit in an attempt to be gentlemanly. The red-haired boy understood his actions and positioned himself on the metal seat. After a few hesitant seconds he wrapped his arms around him, and let his head rest on his, he knew the gesture reassured him as he felt the tension in his shoulders release instantly.
“You're welcome, all the best for you, as you know.” He murmured.
He placed a kiss on his reddish hair impregnated with a floral fragrance before taking a seat next to him. When he turned his attention back to Riddle, he realised that the display of affection had made him blush. He took the first bite of his tartlet, satisfied.
It was usually the contrary who tended to keep up appearances of being in charge in all aspects of his life, but he seemed particularly lost since they started dating weeks ago. Trey wasn't an expert either, but he was more adept at defending himself and, above all, didn't try to learn from relationship books. He couldn't say the same for Riddle, who was quick to pull one out of his backpack for a brief consultation.
“By the way, what was the special occasion you were talking about in the message?” He asked without glancing up from the pages.
He took the book he was holding and turned it so they could both read it.
“If I may?” He remembered the contents clearly, but was less sure of the number. He ran his fingers over the pages carefully, brushing against Riddle's intentionally on more than one occasion. When he finally found them, he pointed to them with his index finger. The contrary went over the printed calligraphy quickly, pursed his lips as he figured out what his vice leader was referring to. “If it's okay with you we can do it today.”
At least he had already bribed him with tartlets, his speciality, ─if he could call it that─ was to conquer with one's stomach. His silver eyes didn't shy away from his gaze, instead seeking to challenge his golden eyes for a few seconds. Trey tilted his head, expectant of his next actions, which did, in fact, surprise him. The writings were closed in a brief thud. Now it was the other's hand that brazenly sought his own.
“You will have to teach me.” It was not a request, but a demand.
He didn't want to follow in the book's footsteps, which led him to interpret that he may have considered Trey's suggestion in accordance with the subject; the basis of all knowledge always came from experience, even more so when it came to something as subjective and specific as relationships. A sly smile grew on his lips as he intertwined their fingers. Everything was going according to plan.
He requested none to be left out, both on the lips and in less common places, so he explained progressively, ─still without using practical examples.─ those he knew. The red-haired boy's right hand began to move quickly over his notebook, jotting down the most basic ones along with their common meanings and degree of intimacy; he slowed down as he reached other areas, his determined expression inevitably changing to a more frustrated one. Trey took care to leave no detail out, fulfilling the Rose King's request as it was stated. He finished his teaching by taking the final bite of his second strawberry tart.
“All knowledge has its practical use.” He awkwardly placed the pen in its cap, he was distracted reading the notes and also assimilating the information. “I know of several that we can't do right now... But we can try these ones.”
Riddle's neat, elegant penmanship was the green-haired boy's current interest. He had used magic to change the ink to three different colours that indicated the degree of intimacy of each of them: green were those who, once they confirmed their relationship, could happen regardless of their surroundings, such as on their hands and cheeks. In the orange category were the majority, even if it was a public place, they would have to find a space in which to be alone ─ he emphasised that this small hidden space in the garden was ideal─. And of course, it was obvious that in the red were those strictly restricted to the complete privacy of the two, Riddle's room specifically, as Trey had roommates in his.
They were enveloped in a comfortable silence as they returned to their respective meals. With everything cleared up, there was only one last step left, the one he was finding so hard to take. He looked at the list and reflected for a few moments on Riddle's words, if he started with the greens he could release tensions, build up that space of confidence before reaching the long-awaited orange.
He watched the slender fingers settled over his own and squeezed them gently, causing the leader to turn his attention back to him. He moved his hand slowly towards his lips, leaving first a kiss on his knuckles, then a second one on the back. He repositioned his glasses before choosing the right words, his heart pounding rapidly.
“Green.” His tone was soft given his timidity. “Kiss on the hand, respect and admiration.”
It didn't take long for Riddle's cheeks to flush red as he realised his partner's intentions. He narrowed his eyes in response and took a sip of his rose tea, Trey realised he was reaching for the notes he had previously taken. When he was done with them he stood up, determined, reached his position and leaned down to reach his cheek, an inevitable smile grew on his face once he felt the warm touch on his cheek.
“Same colour.” He murmured. “And the meaning is of fondness.”
His yellow eyes looked intently at his lips, they were so close to each other, it was so close to reach, he placed his right hand on his cheek, caressing it with his thumb... But he flinched in the last moment and left this time one on his forehead, finishing with the third of the greenish ones.
“Same and implies protection.”
He was running out of options, it was imminent, Trey was struggling between concluding that he was mentally prepared and the nagging thought that he should have done it already, in all the internal debate he stopped feeling the warmth on his hand to find it on both cheeks, it seemed that Riddle made the decision for him, but he didn't see him as confident in taking a starting point. No, he had to do it himself. He plucked up his courage and removed his glasses from the matter, before he could regret it again, closing the distance to Riddle as soon as the jet plastic frame rested on the ivory-coloured tablecloth.
Clumsy, inexperienced... He didn't even settle down in the most appropriate way! But even so he gradually found calm, with each new contact they both regained confidence in their actions and found full comfort on the contrarian's lips. Reality completely surpassed his expectations, he was in charge of savouring every second at his fingertips, never better said, as the strawberry and cream ones were in charge of sweetening the moment even more.
He didn't want to let him go, but it was inevitable that they both had to pause. He pulled slowly away from his soft lips.
“Well, Riddle, what colour was that?” He questioned wryly.
The red-haired boy stood for a few seconds reflecting on the spot as he took a few breaths of air. He looked for a seat on his lap, letting him adjust as he pleased until he seemed to find the right position: sideways, but facing each other.
“Trey, you should know…” He swallowed nervously as Riddle wrapped his arms around his neck “Do you know what happens when you don't pay attention to your leader's explanations when you're in a vice position?” He had created a monster, and he was also certain that he had no regrets at all. He brought his hands carefully to two different places, his left hand in a firm grip on his waist, while his right hand sought to caress his soft red hair. “Orange, it's orange.” He continued. “I must ensure that you remember it.”
Trey repressed a laugh, he had said it so seriously that, if he didn't know him well enough, he might have thought his annoyance was real, but it wasn't, Rosehearts was playing along.
“I request a review of the contents.” He would be strongly encouraged to try as many times as it took.
Riddle let out a small chuckle, a sly smile tugging at his lips before approaching him again.
“Request accepted.”
He lost track of time, as he always did when he had the pleasure of spending it with him, but this time the difference was greater. It had been since Riddle had set foot in the garden, to be honest. He still thought he was living in a dream, who would have thought to his self of almost a decade ago that in addition to rekindling the relationship with his childhood best friend he would do it this way, one that he had always wanted even without understanding what it was back then.
They were advancing through other orange areas when the vibration inside his jacket interrupted the moment. He blindly patted the white cloth in search of his phone, as he was busy giving himself to his boyfriend’s lips. When he reached it, he half-opened his eyes and could read Cater's name on the screen. He broke away slowly and left his gaze fixed on Riddle, speaking on his own behalf, he didn't feel much like talking to anyone, but if he was calling him it was for a reason. The best thing to do would be to answer it, and with some luck they could get back to their respective business as soon as possible.
“Is it alright if I pick up?” He held up his screen to let him know who it was.
Riddle nodded after reading it, even though the expression on his face became resigned.
“He better have something important to say.” He blurted out impatiently.
He slid his finger across the greenish button as he heard his verdict, held the device to his ear and waited for Cater to start spouting information, as he always did.
“Hello, hello, I hope I'm not interrupting anything.” An animated voice sounded from the other side of the phone line. “But there's neither you nor Riddle around and it's my duty to mention that the Adeuce duo have caused trouble, I've tried to make amends on my own, but... You'd better come, haha... Man, Riddle's not going to be amused at all, what if we don't tell him? I don't want him to suffer another overblot.”
His grip tightened as he heard that last word, and he knew the contrary heard it clearly too, for his features became increasingly annoyed and, before he could get involved, he decided to take the reins of the conversation as soon as possible.
“Cater, what have they done?” He questioned hurriedly.
Overblots were not something to joke about, certainly not after having witnessed first-hand what happened to mages who suffered from it. He tried to remain calm, convincing himself that it wouldn't happen again, Riddle was much more stable now, he had been at every step of his progress since then and could confirm it, so whatever it was it wouldn't lead to one again.
“Hmm... Long or short summary?”
“Cater.” He warned in a dead serious tone.
“There has been a "small" fire in the kitchen, as it has been produced with Ace's magic and he has fled on the spot, we can't put it back the way it was.” He heard a sigh. “We're looking all over for him, but he's nowhere to be found. Deuce is trying to repair it on his own, but his magic is weak, mine is focused on the clones for the search and there are only freshmen around here, so, you know Trey.”
He pressed two fingers to the back of his nose and took the opportunity to look back up at Riddle's face, who was staring at the phone with an even more furrowed brow than before. He reached for his hands to caress them in an attempt to calm him, it seemed to be working. It took little time for his mind to come up with a plan, in fact, just finding Ace and forcing him to reverse the spell would be more than enough, the corresponding punishment would be in the hands he was holding at the moment.
“I'll handle it, but I'll tell Riddle anyway.” As if he wasn't hearing them clearly at that time.
“Are you sure? I don't think it's a g…” Trey interrupted him.
"Riddle handles fire magic very well, in case even Ace doesn't manage to return the kitchen to its original state I'm sure he could, besides, he and Spade have to take their punishment, you know I'm very soft in these aspects... Not to mention if we hide it from him we'll get the blame ourselves."
And it was true, Trey hated having to scold those in his dorm beyond warnings and false promises that it wouldn't happen again. He preferred to retreat to a caretaker role, being strict only when necessary.
"Well yeah, I won't argue with the leader's right hand, you know him better than me.” He heard him gasp. “I think I've seen Ace! I'll leave you, let me know when you arrive and when Riddle intends to come too.”
He didn't give him time to say goodbye, as he hurried to hang up the call. As soon as he put the phone back in his pocket, he wrapped his arms around Riddle in an attempt to recharge his strength before he had to deal with the pair of idiots, he hoped he was doing the same. A thought came to his mind as his embrace was returned.
“Those two useless…” The red-haired boy muttered.
“Riddle.” He called him softly. “I'll go, you stay here and enjoy the tea and the remaining tarts, alright?”
Instead of hearing an immediate refusal, there was an approach to his offer. Since he had prepared this picnic for him, why not enjoy it to the end, it was not how he had planned to spend the rest of the afternoon, but if Riddle had a good time, he would leave the place satisfied.
“I cannot evade my responsibilities just like that....”
“You won't, because my position as vice leader allows me to fulfil your duties in your place.” He reminded him. “Come on, it'll be fine, with a few spells cast by third-year students we'll make it look as good as new.”
Another brief silence fell over the couple. Riddle narrowed his eyes again.
“If you don't make it you know who I'll blame, don't you?” Trey smiled slyly at his threat. “You're particularly brave today, well, don't you dare to let me down.”
“I wasn't planning on it, not today, not ever.” He assured him.
He picked up the glasses on the table again, regaining much of his field of vision. Riddle lowered himself off his legs to sit back in his chair, immediately grabbing another of the tartlets on the plates without taking his silver eyes from his golden ones. Trey sat up and glanced briefly around the table in case he was forgetting something, as he sentenced that he didn't, he leaned over Riddle with intentions of kissing him goodbye, he lifted his head so that he could do so.
“Trey, two things before you go.” He took a sip of his rose tea. “First, thank you for the date, it was very nice and the tarts were exquisite.” Trey smiled proudly at his win. “Second, is it okay if we finish the list later?”
“I'm glad you liked it... Huh?”
He processed the last statement, to finish the list? That meant reaching red, for the Seven, if it had taken him over a month to work out how to reach orange, he couldn't believe what he was hearing. But he wouldn't be the one to complain, he decided to take advantage of the situation now that he had a chance to get away, he had a lot to think about, suddenly, the idea of capturing Trappola seemed most appetising, since when was the temperature so hot?
“All of it?” He asked in case he had misunderstood him.
“You heard me.” His silver eyes glittered with warning, he wasn't in the mood, enough had gotten him to stay there.
“Well, so be it then.”
He had no objections, so it was time to make his way back to the dormitory, no matter how much he had repressed his inner urge to let Trappola burn Heartslabyul to the ground if it meant he could spend more time by Riddle's side. But he had no choice but to fulfil his obligations as he had promised, he would make amends later. Before he left he was aware of his surroundings, now that he was wearing his glasses, he scowled at the hedge walls, there was something different and he could tell what it was.
“How strange…” he muttered. “There were no roses when I came here.”