Work Text:
Riddle loves learning about the law, he really does.
The idea of arguing his way to a verdict and using the evidence to prove guilt or innocence is thrilling to him, and now that he’s in his second year of university, they’re finally analyzing real trials in class!
What he doesn’t like, is the way that his phone has gone off yet again , for the twelfth time in five minutes, effectively ruining all of his meticulous note-taking efforts. Riddle groans and abandons his notes to sneak it out of his bag; he’s about to turn on ‘do not disturb’ and put it back in his bag where it belongs, when the name on the notifications catches his eye.
12 new messages from ace trappolatte <3.
And of course it’s from the one person he can’t possibly ignore. Riddle sighs and balances his phone on his leg, scrolling through the recent messages with one hand while he tries to take notes with the other.
Messages: ace trappolatte <3
1:49 PM
ace trappolatte <3: rosebuddd
ace trappolatte <3: riddleee
ace trappolatte <3: are u there
ace trappolatte <3: if i call u pet names will u answer me
ace trappolatte <3: little rose. sweetheart. love of my life
ace trappolatte <3: prettiest boy i’ve ever seen
ace trappolatte <3: my wonderful angel descended from heaven
ace trappolatte <3: wait shit i just saw the time
ace trappolatte <3: ur in class aren’t u
ace trappolatte <3: sorry
ace trappolatte <3: u can go back to uh. whatever it is u do in ur classes
ace trappolatte <3: dont mind me
cafe au riddle: Yes, I am indeed in class, Ace.
ace trappolatte <3: RIDLDEE HIII
cafe au riddle: And hello to you too. Did you need something?
cafe au riddle: Actually, scratch that. Don’t you also have class right now? What are you doing on your phone?
ace trappolatte <3: i didn’t go
cafe au riddle: You skipped ??
ace trappolatte <3: no i got sick :( i think i caught it off someone in comms
ace trappolatte <3: trey said i couldn’t leave the dorm AND THEN HE KICKD ME OUT OF MY OWN ROOM
ace trappolatte <3: I GOT KICKED OUT MY OWN DORM ROOM ROSEBUD
cafe au riddle: It’s policy, yes. To ensure that no one else catches whatever you have.
cafe au riddle: You’re in one of the designated sick rooms, then?
ace trappolatte <3: mhmm but no one else is in here :(
ace trappolatte <3: and i’m bored and sad and lonely :((
cafe au riddle: …So let me get this straight.
ace trappolatte <3: ur dating me. no ur not
cafe au riddle: Ace. You know what I mean.
ace trappolatte <3: sorry
cafe au riddle: Anyway. Just to make sure I have this right, you texted me during my class, just because you were lonely.
ace trappolatte <3: yea 🥺
cafe au riddle: …
cafe au riddle: Goodbye. I’ll talk to you later.
ace trappolatte <3: NOOO RIDDLE PLEASEE
ace trappolatte <3: u wouldn’t ignore me right,, not while i’m sick right :((
cafe au riddle: Ace, as much as I do love you, midterms are coming up soon, and I don’t want to fail.
ace trappolatte <3: u never study for those anyway and u still do fine
cafe au riddle: Because I have good notes. And I can’t take good notes if I’m texting you in class.
ace trappolatte <3: will u please at least come over and keep me company :( and get me food or smth :(
cafe au riddle: Did they not give you anything to eat?
ace trappolatte <3: well yeah but it didn’t taste like anything :(( and u weren’t here to feed it to me :(
cafe au riddle: Alright, alright, I’ll come visit you with soup once this class is over.
ace trappolatte <3: really,,🥺
cafe au riddle: If you promise not to text until I’m out.
ace trappolatte <3: okayyy
ace trappolatte <3: i’ll see u in an hr then?
cafe au riddle: Just about, yes.
cafe au riddle: Now off your phone and take a nap.
ace trappolatte <3: alrighttt
ace trappolatte <3: gn riddle
cafe au riddle: Goodnight, love. I’ll see you at 3.
ace trappolatte <3: aww u do love me <333
cafe au riddle: Go to bed, Ace.
ace trappolatte <3: yessir
By the time Riddle looks up, the trial they’ve been watching is nearly over, and he has… well, he can’t really call what he has written down notes, but they’re passable for now- or at least, until he can get Azul to pirate the video for him.
He sighs and gives up on writing anything else down while the video drones on in the background. Riddle sits in his seat for a while, watching as closing arguments are given and the trial wraps up, and the room is getting brighter when an idea flashes into his mind.
Riddle finally slips his phone into his bag as the lights fully come on, and the screen briefly flashes with a confirmed order before it falls inside.
The plastic bags of supplies are heavy on his arm as Riddle pushes the door to 810 Degrees open. Miraculously, no one had noticed (or cared about, probably) him sneaking out of class early, even if the little Azul in his head promises to tease him relentlessly for it.
But at least this means he can grab a drink or two before Ace expects him. As soon as Riddle steps through the door, the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans fills the air, and he unconsciously smiles as he goes up to the counter.
“Oh, Riddle! Welcome in,” the barista chirps. “Always a pleasure to see you!”
Riddle nods back and stares up at the menu board. He recognizes this particular barista as the one who always fills in for Ace when he’s out, and the redhead realizes that he should probably learn the other’s name now that they’ve seen each other this much- even if Riddle’s always dubbed him as ‘barista 2’ in his mind. He glances at the nametag (which reads Francis in loopy handwriting) and saves the name away in his head.
“Thank you. I’ve grown rather fond of this cafe, as it were.” Riddle smiles and shifts the bags on his arms. “Apologies, my arms are a bit occupied right now, but could I have a latte to go, please? And…”
The redhead hesitates; the cafe’s tea is supposed to be his secret- his and Ace’s alone- and to ask someone else for it feels wrong. So in the end, he eventually settles for nothing.
“Never mind. Just the latte, then.”
“Of course! It’s usually four thaumarks, but…” Francis winks at him. “For you, it’s three. I won’t tell.”
“Ah, really? Thank you.”
“Anything for you, Riddle!” He disappears into the back, and Riddle listens to the hum of the espresso machine while he waits. It feels odd not having Ace to talk to while he’s here, but the redhead supposes he’ll be seeing his boyfriend soon enough, so he’s more than fine with waiting. And it isn’t like he has to wait long either; a few minutes later, Francis comes out with a paper cup in his hands.
“Here you go!” Francis holds the drink out, then pauses. “Ah, wait…”
“Francis? Is something wrong?”
“No, I was just wondering if you’re a geometry major, because you look good from every angle.”
The redhead blinks, clearly taken aback, and tilts his head in confusion. “...but I’m majoring in law?” An awkward silence falls in the shop, and Riddle narrows his eyes as he tries to puzzle it out. He’s told Francis about his studies before, right? So why would he-
“A-anyway!” The barista’s face is completely red when Riddle glances up. “How have your classes been going?”
“They’ve been going fine, thank you. A bit more challenging now that I’m in my second year, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. It’s worth all the effort, if it means I become a worthy lawyer.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be an awesome lawyer! And all the criminals will shake at the thought of you, which in my case, I think would be often.”
At this, Riddle frowns. “Breaking the law isn’t something you should be proud of… nor is it something you should be bragging about. It wasn’t anything big, was it?”
“No, th-that’s not what I meant! What I meant is, uh…” Francis flushes red and fiddles with his fingers, adamantly avoiding Riddle’s gaze. “Uh, never mind. But I haven’t broken any laws, I swear!”
“...If you say so.”
Francis chuckles nervously, and his hands grip the counter. “Yeah, I do. Say so, I mean! I do everything legally, and I don’t shoplift. And speaking of shopping, you’re sure carrying a lot of stuff. What is it?”
“All this? It’s blankets, medicine, and some soup.”
“Did one of your friends catch something?”
“My boyfriend, actually.” Riddle smiles at the thought of Ace like he always does, even if the other is lying sick in bed. “I promised to bring him some soup after class, and I figured I should bring some extra supplies for him just in case.”
“Oh.” Francis ducks his head and frowns, wordlessly sliding the latte over to Riddle. “Here’s your drink, then. Have a nice day.”
Riddle makes a confused noise, then catches sight of what time it is on the clock. “Ah, I need to go! I hope I haven’t left him waiting too long. Thank you for your service.” With that, the redhead took his latte and strolled out of the cafe, blissfully unaware of Francis’s longing gaze.
“Riddleee,” Ace whines, pouting as he crosses his arms. “You’re late.”
Riddle sighs with a smile and shuts the door behind him. “I know. My apologies, it took a bit longer to buy things than I thought it would.” He holds all the bags up to show Ace, then sets them down. “I didn’t keep you waiting too long, right?”
“No, but…” Ace pouts again and sinks into the blankets. “You’ve never been late for the whole year that I’ve known you. I thought you weren’t coming.”
“First off, I’m sure that’s not true. What about when we went to the festival? I was running late when we got stuck in traffic.” Riddle pulls a chair up beside the bed and puts his hand on top of Ace’s. “And I already promised. I wouldn’t just leave you like that.”
“Bullshit. You just said you were late because I was already there. I told you seven in the evening, and you came like the second it turned, even though I got so nervous I ended up getting there an hour early. I swear it’s almost like magic. You’re magic. So I kinda got worried when you were late this time.”
“There’s no such thing as magic, Ace. Don’t be silly. But I really am sorry for being late, I should’ve texted at least.” Riddle pulls a cup of soup out of its bag, and Ace’s eyes light up when he sees it. “Now, didn’t you want something to eat? I brought you soup, but I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so this is just chicken noodle.”
“Seven, yes. You’re wonderful and I love you so much.” Ace giggles as he takes the cup from Riddle and places it in his lap before spreading his arms. “I wanna kiss you. C’mere.”
“No. I’m not getting sick before another test again. Stay in bed until you recover.” Ace deflates like a balloon with the air let out, and Riddle sighs. “But a hug is fine.”
Ace rushes forward and pulls Riddle into a tight hug. “You’re the best.”
The redhead pats Ace’s shoulder before pulling back. “Thank you, Ace. Now please eat your soup before you spill it. Or it goes cold.”
“You said you were gonna feed me.”
“I do believe I never said that. Would you like me to pull up our text conversation as evidence?”
“Damn it, I really thought I could get you.” Ace sulks as he pops the cover open and starts eating. “You’re too good at arguing.”
“If I’m to be a lawyer, I should be.” But Riddle takes one look at Ace’s misery, and he sighs as he takes the soup cup. “But if you promise to take your medicine after this, I’ll feed you.”
“I do!”
“That was a plea to get you to drink your medicine, not a marriage proposal…” As much as Riddle would like for it to be quiet so Ace can at least eat in peace, it’s silent for all of five seconds before the first-year pipes up again.
“So what had you running late? Was it class?”
“No, it wasn’t class. I…” Riddle hesitates, but sighs and admits it anyway. “I left early so I could pick up some supplies before coming…”
Ace’s eyes go wide and his jaw drops. “You mean I made the most studious guy on campus leave class early?!”
“Ace… you know I did this for you, right?”
“Yeah, I know.” The first-year smiles brightly, and Riddle swears he can feel arrows shooting straight into his heart. “Thanks again for that. You really are the best, and I care for you a latte .”
Riddle blinks, trying to process what Ace just said. “...what?”
“I care for you a latte ! Y’know, like latte, lot. It sounds similar.”
For once, Riddle is so very proud of how much self-control he has, because if he had just a little less, he doesn’t doubt that he’d likely be cackling from how cheesy and utterly Ace-like it is. “I… see.”
“You’re trying not to laugh!” Ace grins and pokes Riddle’s cheeks with one finger. “I can see it! C’mon, you can laugh, it’s fine!”
“ You need to be quiet and eat your soup.” Yet even as Riddle holds the spoon out towards Ace, he can’t help but crack a smile. “But I will admit it was a little funny.”
“Yes!” The first-year pumps his fist, but quickly settles back down. “But you never answered my question. Why were you late?”
“I went to the coffeeshop to get a latte-”
“When I wasn’t there?!” Ace immediately pouts and crosses his arms. “I can’t believe you got coffee from someone else. This is treason.”
Riddle gently pats Ace’s arms. “If it helps, it’s not as good as yours. And you’re better at doing milk art.”
“Okay… but who made your drink though?”
“Ah, the guy I’ve always been seeing when you weren’t there. I believe his name was Francis.”
Ace pulls a face and frowns. “Him? Really? He didn’t say anything to you, did he?”
“Well, we had a nice conversation. He was mostly asking about my classes and how I was doing.”
“And..?”
“I told him. He was rather excited to hear about it, to the point where he kept fidgeting.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m not quite sure why either. But! Don’t think I haven’t noticed you not eating. Eat some more and I’ll finish the explanation.” Ace pouts but dutifully eats a few spoonfuls, and once the soup is all gone, Riddle nods in satisfaction. “There, the soup’s gone. That wasn’t so bad, yes?”
“No. But only because you were here.” Riddle flushes red, and the first-year grins. “Ok, now keep going, please?”
“Alright, alright. As I was saying, I don’t actually know what happened to him. One second, I was talking to him normally, but as soon as I mentioned having to take care of you, he just… deflated? I think that’s the right word, yes.”
Ace perks up, and Riddle furrows his brows when he sees how excited the first-year is. “Really? What’d you tell him?”
“That I had to take care of my sick boyfriend. Which is you, of course.” Riddle tilts his head and frowns. “Actually, now that I remember it, he looked a little red while we were talking, and he said some strange things, perhaps out of delirium. I think what you’re sick with, Ace, is a bug going around. I suppose I should be more careful.”
“Rosebud, I really don’t think that’s the point. What do you mean he was red while you two were talking?”
“I don’t know. Why are you asking so much anyway?” The redhead thinks for a while. “Could it be… are you jealous of him?”
“What? Me, jealous? Course not.”
“Love, the last time you refused to admit you were jealous, we ended up fighting for a month.”
“No, I’m serious! It was different with Trey cause you two go way back and stuff, but this guy doesn’t even know you like I do, so I count that as a win.” Ace settles back with a smirk before something clicks in his head. “Wait, go back. What do you mean he said strange things?”
“They were confusing and I didn’t get what he meant. But if you want to know…” Riddle fishes the medicine out of a plastic bag and holds it out to Ace. “Drink your medicine first.”
“Do I have to…”
“Do you want to know what he said?”
“Yeah, but without the medicine.”
“Absolutely not. That’s a terrible deal.”
“I think that Azul guy is rubbing off on you, you sound just like him.” Ace huffs, but takes the bottle anyway. “Fine, I’ll take it.” Then Ace’s eyes glint mischievously, and he nudges Riddle’s arm. “Is there any chance you’d give it to me mouth to mouth?”
“In your dreams. Take the medicine.”
“Yeah, I figured.” Ace uncorks the bottle and pours it into the little cup, downing it with a shudder. “Ugh. This is why I hate getting sick.”
“Yes, but you didn’t have me before, right?” Riddle gently kisses the crown of Ace’s head. “You’ve done well.”
“What happened to being careful, huh?” Ace laughs and takes the redhead’s hand in his. “Thanks for everything though, rosebud. For the soup, and the medicine, and just for coming.”
“You’re quite welcome. I’m glad to hear I could make you feel at least a little bit better.”
“Honestly, I think I’m well enough to get up right this second!” Riddle simply raises an eyebrow, and Ace sinks back into bed. “Kidding, don’t worry. I’ll stay in bed… if you tell me what he said.”
“How dare you use my own methods against me.” The redhead pokes Ace’s shoulder teasingly. “Alright, alright. So you know how I said he asked about my classes? I suppose the most concerning one here is that he forgot my major. He said, and I quote, that he wondered whether I was a geometry major, because I looked good from every angle.”
Ace’s eyes widen and his jaw drops. “Oh, he didn’t. He did not .” When he saw Riddle’s confused gaze, he cleared his throat. “And you told him..?”
“My actual major, of course. Which only led him to say that if I became a prosecutor, the criminals would all tremble at the thought of me… including him, for some reason. Though he swears he hasn’t committed any-”
The sentence is cut off by Ace’s raucous laughter, and the first-year wipes tears from his eyes as he cackles. “Th-there’s no way he tried to- oh Seven, this is gold -” His laughter abruptly breaks into a coughing fit, and Riddle pats his back with a concerned expression.
“Ace! Are you alright, what happened?! Why were you laughing so much?”
“Oh Seven- rosebud, please tell me that you knew what he was saying.”
“No..?”
Ace giggles and pulls Riddle closer with a grin. “Riddle. He was trying to flirt with you.”
“...oh.”