Chapter Text
Consistent average efforts is better than inconsistent excellent efforts but consistent excellent efforts was always expected of him. That’s what was embedded into Riddle ever since he was young. With his mother’s lectures and the Queen of Hearts’ rules he carried on their perfectionism, evident in his work ethics and lifestyle.
Which is why Riddle is always found studying diligently in the library. You’d think that with the demanding role of being the Heartslabyul housewarden mixed in with his after school club activities he’d have a hard time with keeping up with academics. Most people would assume the same thing, that Riddle is falling behind his peers but it’s quite the opposite actually.
Riddle squeezes studying with every free time he gets no matter how tight his schedule might be. It’s never too early to study ahead of time, he’d rather be early than late anyway. He never had anything else to do outside of his dorm and academic duties so he’d rather excel in both than waste time dilly-dallying.
From an outsider point of view his routine is quite worrying but Riddle doesn’t mind. People should actually learn to mind their own business instead of worrying about someone else’s. He needn’t worry about that most of the times, students were usually wary and scared of him. Unless they’re spreading malicious rumors Riddle is unfazed with their stares and whispers.
With the exception of one student, whenever he appears Riddle’s schedule will always fall behind. After his overblot he vowed to be more patient not only to the people around him but also to himself. But it seems like every ounce of that student’s body is dedicated to wearing down Riddle’s patience.
“I swear one day I’ll have his head,” he muttered through gritted teeth. Both of them are still inside the library which is a good and bad thing. Riddle knows the layout of the library like the back of his hand, the only downside is Floyd’s the same. It frustrates him because how could someone so tall be hidden so well in a place with little to no hiding spots?
He already circled the whole library twice. It’s no use looking for someone who doesn’t want to be found. Deciding that this cat and mouse game isn’t worth the time he went back to the table where he was studying in. Only to find the culprit lazily flipping through the book he took from him.
“You!” Riddle whispered angrily, loud enough for the other to hear. His patience is hanging by a single piece of thread that he’s desperately holding on to.
“Goldfishie!” Floyd excitedly got out of his seat and handed the book to the worn-out Riddle. “You we’re taking too long to find me, seems like you went into hidin’ instead.”
“I wasn’t hiding! I was looking for you everywhere in the library.” He angrily snatched the book from him before packing up his things. Too much time was wasted here, his schedule was falling apart.
“Eh, you don’t wanna play anymore~?” Floyd asked as he watched Riddle packing up in an aggressive way.
“Never wanted to in the first place.” Riddle made sure he didn’t leave anything before he walked to the exit, leaving behind a sulking Floyd. Once he exited the library he looked back to check if he was following and sighed in relief that he saw no signs of the taller Leech twin.
“So where are we going?”
Riddle almost crashed into a wall. He didn’t notice the figure that was beside him although he was towering him.
“Huh, didn’t think goldfishie’s clumsy.” Floyd commented while Riddle just groaned. Image be damned he just wanted to go back and finish everything that needs to be done.
“Can you please go bother someone else?” Riddle asked, tiredness evident as his words were slowing down. There was still a handful of students passing them by so fighting back aggressively was a no go.
“No way! They’re too boring to play with.” Floyd was telling the truth. Most students he went to ‘play’ with were far too weak and boring. Only a few people interested him, Riddle was on top of that list.
Riddle realized that there was no use with negotiating with Floyd unless it’s something that he will benefit from. So he came up with a compromise that would hopefully satisfy the eel in front of him.
“Fine, I’ll let you hang around with me at the dorm-” Riddle was cut off by Floyd grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him.
“Really really? It’ll be so much fun!”
“BUT!” He grabbed both of him arms as he became light-headed from the shaking, curse him and his energy. “Once you tell me you’re bored and cause trouble I’d kick you out and ban you from coming there.”
“That’s easy! It’ll never get boring when you’re with me, goldfishie!” Floyd answered before engulfing the shorter one in a bone-crushing hug. He was met with several hits to the arm.
-
It was not easy. Floyd was already bored out of his mind. He would’ve squeezed whoever he saw but so far no one has entered the office they were staying in.
“Oi, goldfishie.”
Riddle ignored him. If he answers whatever question or favor he wanted he’ll never get his paperwork done. Considering that it’s Floyd it was already hard to focus due to his groaning and muttering.
“Goldfishieeeee~” Floyd sang as he appeared in front of him. Guess he had no choice but to acknowledge him.
“What.” He said flatly but that was enough for Floyd to smile.
“Where’s your bedroom? Can we go there instead?”
“HUH?!” Riddle’s exclaimed as he slammed his hands on his table. His cheeks were burning, just what was he implying when he uttered those words!?
“What? I jus’ wanna take a nap or somethin’. Goldfishie’s room would be more interesting than this boring office.” Floyd then poked Riddle’s bright red cheeks. “Whaddya think I meant by that?”
He then gasped then grinned at the fuming Riddle. “Are you thinking what I think you’re thinking?”
“NO!” Riddle shouted as soon as he finished, making him look guilty. “If you’re bored or you want to get rest then I suggest you make your way back to your dorm.”
“Don’t wanna yet. Azul’s gonna work me to the bone.”
“Then I’ll tell Azul that you’re escaping your duties at your dorm.” Riddle was never going to get any work done while Floyd was still around. He had to find a way to get rid of him.
“Don’t care. Jade’s there anyway, it’s not like Mostro Lounge’s gonna end up bankrupt if I’m not around.”
“Then what do you suggest we do?” In the end Riddle was forced to pay attention to what he wanted to do.
“Let’s go to goldfishie’s bedroom!” Floyd happily suggested but was immediately shut down by Riddle.
“My room is off limits! Don’t you dare think of ever stepping in there!” He shouted as he pointed his magic pen towards him.
“Ehhh, goldfishie’s so defensive you might be hidin’ somethin’ in there. Like por-”
“NOT ANOTHER WORD OUT OF YOU LEECH! OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!”
Needless to say Floyd was kicked out and possibly banned from stepping foot into the Heartslabyul residence. Not like that’s ever going to stop him from doing so.
“I’m surprised you tolerated him enough to bring him here.” A visibly amused Trey was standing by the doorway with a snickering Ace behind him.
“I’m quite surprised too. Where’s the rest of you two?” Riddle asked with no specific intention in mind but the way Ace was stuttering and Trey was in deep thought made him laugh.
“Don’t think too hard. I’m sure Deuce is still caught up with club activities and Cater’s somewhere around the dorm.” This time it was Riddle's turn to laugh.
“Huh, yeah. I’ll go look for Cater, I need help with the kitchen again so if you two are available you’re more than welcome to come.” Trey waited for their answers before he resumed baking in the kitchen.
“I’ll go later, I just need to do something first,” Ace answered.
“I’ll drop by in an hour. There’s tons of paperwork I need to finish.” Came Riddle’s reply.
Trey just nodded before making his way to the kitchen, greeting the students he passed by.
Riddle was left with Ace with a conflicted look on his face. “He’d be happy to see you there.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” Ace feigned ignorance.
“You wanted to see Deuce already, right? So go ahead and visit the field.” Riddle noticed the surprised look on Ace’s face. “Am I wrong?”
Ace shook his head and clasped his hands nervously. “Do you really think so?”
“Of course. I can see that you two enjoy each other’s company compared to anyone else’s.” Riddle smiled as he watched the younger’s cheeks grow red.
“I guess so.” Ace then looked at Riddle with a genuine smile. “Thank you dorm leader.”
Riddle answered with a slight nod. “I hope everything goes well between you two. When the need to talk to someone arises, I’ll make time.”
Ace grinned before embracing Riddle in a tight hug. Riddle was tense at first but hugged back. “I’m sorry when you first came here I made you feel like you couldn’t confide in me.”
“It’s fine. You’re trying to learn from the past and in turn you’re doing better than before.” Ace let go from the hug and smiled. “I’d better go now before their practice ends.”
“Off you go now. Don’t be late for dinner.” Riddle reminded him which was answered with a nod.
Ace then left with a skip in his step that made Riddle chuckle. Perhaps what he said was right, he already changed for the better. But that doesn’t mean that he’ll start changing for everyone’s approval. He’ll just start with forming bonds and loosening up, things he wasn’t allowed to do when he was younger.
As he ascended the stairs, he realized that he needed help if he were to step out of his comfort zone. It’s not something that can be consulted in a text book. Thankfully, a few people came to mind immediately, he’d just need to make a list of his worries and hopefully everything would be answered.