Archive of Our Own ^beta

“You’re dating Jade? Like, Jade Leech Jade? That Jade?”

The first time someone had asked him this, Trey hoped it would be the last. Now, as he stood alone in the outdoor corridor for a breath of fresh air, he knew it wouldn’t be the last, not after he’d just heard a few dozen versions of the same question in the span of just a few classes. 

There was something about dating a Leech twin that was different from dating… well, a not Leech twin. Many things, actually, but Trey didn’t have the luxury of picking out each and every little thing, not when most of his problems came from just one part of dating one.

It wasn’t the fact that Jade showed affection differently from regular lovers, or the fact that he was an incredibly eccentric merman, with the way he spoke and acted and carried himself. It wasn’t the fact that Jade enjoyed torturing him each day with a lecture on a new type of mushroom, or the fact that he could inhale a whole batch of Trey’s cookies and have the audacity to ask for seconds. It wasn’t even Jade Leech himself that caused Trey’s problems, at least not directly.

Rather, it was the questions he received from other people that drove him insane. The endless sea of confused looks, followed by a delayed few seconds of shock, and finished with pitiful eyes, gazes of concern, pats on the back and reassurances that things would get better. 

Trey didn’t understand it. It wasn’t like Jade was forcing him into a relationship. It wasn’t like Jade had manipulated his feelings or anything. So then why did people act like it was the greatest sin ever to be involved with Jade?

…was what he would say if he was completely oblivious to Jade’s reputation. Sure, he didn’t understand it, the questions and the concern. Trey could never understand the way they pried into his personal matters like that. But he understood why it happened, understood the things that came with dating Jade since the moment they’d started.

Being in the spotlight was just as troublesome as Trey expected it to be. If it were any other situation, Trey would’ve gone right back to the shadows, unwilling to be seen as anything more than average. Still, this was Jade he was doing it for. It was him and Jade he was doing it for. And Trey wasn’t going to leave that behind for anything.

Actually, he recalled himself speaking to Jade the other day about this very same thing, the very same issues that were bugging him now. 

They’d been walking back from classes together, back to the Hall of Mirrors, going the long way to admire the scenery. It was late fall, soon shifting into winter, and most of the trees had already lost their leaves, other than the evergreens, which, well, remained ever-green as their name implied. That very fact was the topic of their discussion that day, with Jade prattling on about how in the Coral Sea, autumn wasn’t the least bit similar to land autumn, with no golden-orange leaves that fell to the ground, no gusts of wind that sent people clutching their scarves and hats, and no spiced pumpkin lattes that tasted like candles and costed 6 thaumarks each.

Trey listened quietly, smiling to himself as he took in Jade’s words, Jade’s rich and velvety voice, the smile on Jade’s face. It was always a treat to see Jade like this, a treat that only Trey would get to enjoy, and perhaps a treat that only Trey , of all people, could genuinely enjoy, with how much information Jade dumped on him. Trey didn’t mind any second of it. He was part of the Science Club, after all, and it was a regular occurrence to listen and learn, intrigue in another man’s intrigue coming naturally to the third-year.

“…and I wondered if Azul would perhaps think of selling it at the lounge as a limited-time item. I asked him about it just last year, and he said, ‘Perhaps next year; this season is just about to come to a close.’”

“So did he do it this year like he promised?”

Jade paused, glancing at Trey with an expression between surprise, pity, and amusement. He chuckled lightly, facing forward again. “I’m afraid after the incident with the Ramshackle Prefect and Leona Kingscholar’s group, Azul wasn’t able to fulfill any of his desires, including the introduction of a seasonal drink.”

“Right.” Trey had almost forgotten about Azul’s overblot in the midst of trying to keep himself and the rest of the dorm afloat. It was a recent thing—Azul was still recovering, and so were Jade and Floyd, mentally, and perhaps also physically from the battle. 

It was why that day was the first time Trey had seen Jade in a while. In addition to Azul’s overblot, testing season had rounded the corner, and Heartslabyul was in chaos, scrambling for what to do, how to prepare, and then how to get back to normal after testing. All Trey could think of were three things: keeping Riddle calm, making sure the rest of his dorm was able to at least pass the tests that came up, and…

…how much he missed seeing Jade Leech.

Trey paused, the thought echoing in his mind. In the time he’d been dating Jade, he never really realized how much he relied on the eel, how much Jade’s presence meant to him. But after spending so much time preoccupied with other things, too busy for even a minute to spare with Jade, the longing in his heart grew stronger than he ever thought it would.

As Trey glanced at the moray now and took note of the serene smile on Jade’s face as they walked, he felt the urge to reach over, tuck the black strand of Jade’s hair behind his ear, or press a kiss to his cheek. But he resisted. They were still in a public area. And their relationship wasn’t a public one.

Trey had never been an open person, not with his secrets and not with his love for Jade. Perhaps he could say what he wanted without fear in front of Jade, knowing the eel would read his desires anyway and ask him about it if he didn’t say it first. 

But for the others? It was always better to stay out of the spotlight. Stick to the bare minimum. Be as normal as possible.

And ‘normal’ didn’t involve dating Jade Leech.

Keeping their relationship a secret was the most natural thing for Trey, to avoid prying eyes, to avoid changing the way he seemed to others.

But was it really worth it?

“Trey?”

Trey blinked, thoughts dissolving back into his mind. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Ah… what’s up, Jade?”

Jade smiled, tilting his head. “Is there something wrong, Trey? You’ve been staring at me for a good minute now.”

Trey blinked again. He didn’t realize it had been that long. Forcing his eyes away from Jade with an awkward smile, Trey laughed, shrugging his shoulders. “Nothing’s wrong.”

“Nothing? Are you quite certain?”

“Yeah. Just resisting the urge to kiss you,” Trey joked. “Something I do every day.”

Contrary to what Trey was expecting, however, Jade froze, immediately stopping once Trey said those words. Momentary shock filled Jade’s features, only to be replaced with something of disappointment, but something of understanding, or maybe both at once.

“Resisting the urge? Every day?” Jade repeated the words slowly. His heterochromatic eyes flickered across Trey’s face, narrow slits, and he pursed his lips. “Are you saying there are times when you wish to kiss me but don’t due to… ‘resisting the urge’?”

“Well, only when we’re in a public space.”

“Is that so…” Jade went silent for a minute, casting his gaze away from Trey, taking a few paces forward. He turned around. “Then may I ask you how many times a day this happens? How many opportunities have you missed—no, have I missed?”

“Well, I mean, at least once…?” Trey laughed lightly. “And other times I can’t resist it. You’re too cute.” 

“This isn’t very much a laughing matter, Trey.” Jade’s lips were still pressed tightly together, but his eyes had softened just a bit, his piercing gaze relaxing into something less sharp. “You know how much it pains me to hear that you’ve been holding back?”

“No?”

“A rhetorical question,” Jade said, his lips curling as he leaned closer to Trey, his breath cold on Trey’s skin. “But to answer the question, it pains me quite a lot. If I could, I would steal all the kisses from your mouth myself.”

“You damn well could.”

“Not in a relationship such as this one.” Jade pulled away, brushing the dark strand of hair out of his face, only for it to fall back over his face, a menace just like Jade himself. “You said it yourself: we cannot do such things in public.”

“And what if we could?” Trey asked, his tone surprisingly bold, the question tumbling out before he could stop himself. “Would you bite my lips off at every opportunity? Would you cling to me like frosting on a cake every moment we’re together?”

Jade’s smirk widened into a large grin, his picture-perfect teeth flashing in Trey’s face. “And if I did? Wouldn’t you enjoy that all the same? I know how much you crave my presence, even if you don’t say so yourself.”

For a moment, Trey found himself staring at Jade, his lips and his smile, his beautiful eyes and teasing expression. It was easy, always so easy to be caught in Jade’s traps, and Trey couldn’t deny how much he wanted to be caught, to give in and lean over, kiss that stupid smirk off Jade’s face.

It was exactly what Jade wanted him to do.

But what about keeping their relationship a secret? What about everything Trey had worked to build, every bit of his normal persona that he’d worked on these years?

“You think too much, Trey.” Jade’s soft voice echoed in his ears as if the mer were reading his mind. “If you want to do it, then do it. I’ll make sure to protect you from the rumors. Anything for you, Trey.”

Anything for you, Trey. Trey’s heart wanted to burst at that statement, those deceptive heterochromatic eyes of Jade so filled with truth, if only in this one moment. Turquoise hair dangled above teasing eyebrows, the black strand of it hanging over Jade’s face, some of it touching his soft lips, warm and tempting in the cool autumn air. Trey felt himself crumble, the smile on his lover’s face too perfect to resist.

“Well?” Jade said, half amused. “Aren’t you going to kiss me already?”

Trey rolled his eyes, grabbing Jade by the shoulders and pulling him forward, kissing him, slow and deep, just a bit on the rough side. The taste of sea foam on his tongue, the taste of Jade Leech lingering on his lips, was enough to dissolve the rest of Trey’s doubts, the rest of Trey’s fears.

It was exactly what Jade wanted him to do. 

But did Trey mind?

No. He didn’t mind one bit.

After that, they hadn’t bothered to care about who was around them, hadn’t bothered to care about keeping things a secret. It was a turning point in their relationship, Trey thought, a turning point for both of them and a turning point for himself: it would be foolish to believe everyone would approve of them, after all, foolish to believe that everything would go smoothly.

As the memory faded into the back of his mind, Trey’s smile died down, and he pulled himself from his thoughts, glancing at the time on his phone. It was almost the end of the break. Classes would start again soon. More questions would await him. More questions about him and Jade.

So exciting.

He sighed, about to put his phone in his pocket and head to his next class section. Before he could make another move, however, he felt a vibration over his hand, the buzz of his phone snapping his eyes back to his screen. It was a notification from Jade, the eel asking if he wanted to meet up for the evening.

Immediately, the stress in Trey’s eyes melted away, his features softening. He typed out a quick response, then began putting his phone away.

Bzzzt. A second notification stopped him again. “I look forward to seeing you soon, Trey.” It was followed quickly by a red heart emoji, which sent a flutter through Trey’s chest, despite how he knew Jade was probably toying with him like the mer always did.

Trey cracked a smile, raising an eyebrow as he played along, sending a similar red heart with his own message. “You too, Jade.”

And he put away his phone, actually this time, walking back to class calmer than before. Yeah, maybe dating Jade garnered a few more questions than he wanted to answer. But it was worth it.

Jade was worth it.

“The vice housewarden of Heartslabyul and the vice housewarden of Octavinelle? Together?”

“Tsk. I can’t believe Trey’s dating a guy like him.”

“Aren’t they too different?”

“Yeah, seriously, they’d be better off separating.”

Jade looked up from his notebook for what felt like the hundredth time that day, his narrow eyes flickering upon the group of gossipers whispering amongst themselves. He smiled kindly, a front for the icy coldness in his expression, a silent warning for them to close their mouths or face the consequences. They got the memo instantly, fear flashing through their features as they turned away, acting like they hadn’t been speaking about him for the past few minutes straight.

Turning back to his work, Jade’s smile faded, replaced with a purse of his lips. Although the rumors and gossip hadn’t bothered him at first—they were quite interesting to eavesdrop on—he eventually grew sick of it all. He was tired of hearing the same nonsense, tired of hearing the same critical remarks, tired of every conversation that happened to be about him and Trey.

It wasn’t anything new to him. He was used to the rumors of the infamous Leech brothers, following behind Azul Ashengrotto, housewarden of Octavinelle. But he wasn’t used to hearing his name in the same sentence as Trey’s, hearing the pitying remarks about how Trey was ‘trapped’ with someone of the likes of Jade Leech.

Indeed, Jade could admit that he wasn’t the best of individuals, not the most moral, and not the kindest either. But Trey already knew that. Trey already knew about his scheming personality, far different from the perfect mask he put up, already knew how dangerous he could be if he wished to be so. Trey already knew he wasn’t the gentleman he always said he was, already knew the truth behind Jade’s lurking presence, the darkness behind Jade’s deep heterochromatic eyes.

Despite all that, Trey had chosen to be with him, regardless of how he was, how he acted, and who he was. That wasn’t anything to be pitied. It wasn’t anything to be mocked or made fun of. Rather, Jade admired that quality of Trey, the way he was so strangely unfazed by Jade, and so smitten despite it all.

And it wasn’t everything he liked. Far from it. Jade liked many things about Trey. The way he wasn’t quite as ordinary as he played himself off as, with his obsession with dental care and teeth— Jade’s teeth, no less. The way he could be so absolutely petty when he felt like it, refusing to forgive unless the other knew they were wrong, knew it in the most cruel way possible. The way he smiled at Jade so warmly, kissed Jade so softly, but could switch in an instant if Jade wished, passionate without a care as to how gentle he was being.

Really, Jade loved everything about Trey.

He wouldn’t allow words to take away his beloved boyfriend.

“…alright, Jade? Jade? Answer me, Jade.”

Jade didn’t realize how deep in his thoughts he was, not until he heard a voice by his ear and felt a tap on his shoulder, wrenching him back to reality, back to the lab report he had to complete, the data he had to collect. He blinked twice, briefly recollecting himself before putting on a smile and glancing at the person next to him.

“My apologies, I was lost in thought for a moment. May I help you, Riddle?”

Sharp gray eyes locked onto Jade, Riddle’s fiery crimson hair dangling in front of his face as stooped down, kneeling where Jade was. He pointed to the bushes in front of them, an odd look on his face. “You’ve been staring at those strawberry plants for quite some time already without writing a single word on your paper. Should I be worried?”

Jade glanced at his notebook, the one half-written note staring back up at him. He frowned. “Ah. I’m deeply sorry for the trouble, Riddle. If you wish, you can find a different person to pair up with.”

Riddle scoffed. “First you hinder the progress of our project, and next you wish to find a different partner? How inconsiderate can you be?”

“Fufufu, I only wished not to inconvenience you further.”

“Well, pairing up with someone else would be quite another way to inconvenience me. I chose you because you’re one of the few individuals who are competent enough to keep up with my pace. Based on your recent progress, however, perhaps I was wrong.”

“Which begs the question of if you should choose a new partner.”

Riddle clicked his tongue. “No, it begs the question of if there’s something wrong with you. Are you sick, Jade? Do you need to take a visit to the infirmary?”

“I assure you I’m not ill. There is no need to worry.”

“Then why were you staring into space for the past few minutes?”

“Nothing of your concern.”

At the direct avoidant of his question, Riddle sighed. He glanced away for a moment, not saying a word, and Jade thought that was the end of it, wondering if he could go back to working on his part of the project.

He was wrong. Riddle turned back to him, this time with a more serious expression—if his expression could ever be more serious, that was—locking eyes with Jade. He paused, then took a breath. “Is it because of the rumors about you and Trey?”

Jade’s eyes widened. “The rumors?”

“Yes. Those… things that people were saying about you…” Riddle frowned. “Specifically the more unpleasant rumors.”

The corners of Jade’s mouth twisted upward, and he narrowed his eyes. He didn’t know whether it was amusement or caution in his gaze, didn’t know what kind of expression he was making, but he chuckled softly, voice quieter and deeper. “My, my, that’s quite a sharp observation you’ve made. I didn’t think you had it in you.”

Riddle huffed, turning to the strawberry plants in front of them. “Don’t you go around underestimating me. Those unruly students were as loud as a squawking swarm of rabid flamingos. It would be shameful of me not to have noticed.”

“Isn’t it more shameful to admit that you overheard things you didn’t need to hear?” Jade smiled. “Perhaps you should forget all the ‘unpleasant’ things you’ve heard.”

“Perhaps if I could, I would. Or perhaps not.”

“Oya? Why not?”

“Because it involves Trey.” Riddle turned back to Jade. “And it involves you. I can’t have my lab partner plummet my grade over mindless rumors.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of the things they’ve said before about Floyd, Azul, and me? Why would I ever surrender to idiots—ah, strangers?”

“I’m not concerned with you. You weren’t ever fazed by anything before. But now you are. The only difference is that Trey’s involved.”

Jade’s smile tightened. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“Nothing. I’m not yourself. I only know that it has something to do with Trey.” Riddle’s eyes grew complicated. “And Trey’s my… vice housewarden. I wish the best for him. And the best for him isn’t these rumors.”

“Then how do you suggest we combat them? There’s no way to take back what has already been done, no way to prevent others from speaking about Trey this way. We’ve already been seen together, so everyone knows.” Jade narrowed his eyes. “Unless, of course, you’re suggesting that we break up just like everyone else is suggesting?”

“Not unless you wish to break up with him,” Riddle snapped. “Not unless you’re toying with his feelings like you toy with others.”

“Believe me, my feelings are quite genuine.”

“Then what’s wrong?” Riddle demanded. “If you’re truly in love and you truly don’t mind the rumors, why are you worried? Is it because you don’t think Trey can take it? Is it because you’re unsure if Trey likes you enough to deal with this? Are you perhaps worried that Trey will break up with you?”

Jade didn’t know how to respond. Of course he was always worried about Trey, always worried about whether Trey truly enjoyed the presence of someone like him. Jade didn’t deserve Trey. He didn’t and never would, didn’t and never had, not with his track record of offenses, the things he had done and the things he would do.

But Trey chose him. Trey liked Jade. And Jade wasn’t going to question Trey’s feelings. Especially not after what he’d witnessed the other day.

It was another regular school day, and Jade walked alone in the hallways, a small smile lining his lips. Classes had just ended, and Jade wanted to surprise Trey with a quick visit, a few words of conversation, and perhaps a quick kiss. Then he’d be off, unwilling to distract Trey from any work he had to do.

But just as Jade rounded the corner to Trey’s classroom, he heard a few faint voices, muffled and hushed in whispers, as if they were speaking of something forbidden, something meant to be discussed in private. He perked up, slowing his steps to a halt, listening in on the conversation.

“…afraid to ask for help. We’re here for you, you know.”

“Yeah, you can count on us for help if you’re stressed. Just like how we count on you! We want to repay you for what you’ve done for the dorm.”

Jade raised his eyebrows. So somebody was in their most vulnerable moment here? His lips curled upward. Perhaps he could use this information to his benefit. Just who exactly was it that needed help? Somebody who others could count on? Someone who had a good reputation among his dormmates? That sounded… remarkably similar to Trey. But it couldn’t actually be Trey. If he had a problem, he’d go to Jade first, right? Or Riddle or Cater. Not some random dormmates of his.

His thoughts fizzled out, however, when he heard the voice that replied, a familiar, charmingly sweet voice, light and humorous.

“Haha, I’m flattered you guys think that way of me,” said Trey Clover, and Jade could just imagine the way his eyebrows quirked in that peculiar way of his, the way he tipped the brim of his fedora downward to hide some of his embarrassment. 

In any other situation, Jade’s heart would’ve fluttered along to the sound of Trey’s voice, his smile widening at the sheer amount of fondness Jade had for the man. But as he heard Trey’s voice right now, all Jade could feel was the drum of his heart, racing along at a dreadful, anxious pace, aching with confusion, resentment, and horror as he heard his boyfriend’s voice ring through the empty area.

Did Trey not trust him that way? Did Trey have to seek out others for this, instead of asking for Jade’s help? Or perhaps others noticed Trey’s problems before Jade did, and Trey just didn’t dare to ask anyone for help?

Or maybe…

Jade clenched his fists. No. The rumors weren’t true. Jade would never trust some flimsy words over Trey’s own. Trey liked Jade, right? Liked Jade out of his own will, right? He didn’t feel trapped or forced or anything like that, right?

…right?

Jade bit his lip. Yes, that was right. There was no way it wasn’t true. There was no way Trey didn’t like him.

But what if he didn’t?

Jade didn’t have the time to think anything more, as Trey spoke up again, his voice like poison to Jade’s heart, a sweet kind of poison that both pained him and soothed him.

“But I really don’t need your help.”

“Huh?”

“Wait, what do you mean?”

Trey laughed the same way he always did, but Jade could hear the annoyance in his breath, hiding behind his sweet voice. “You assumed I needed help because I’m dating Jade, right?”

“Well, yeah, anybody would need help with him—”

“I don’t need your help,” Trey interrupted coldly, no longer bothering to hide his emotions. “Jade hasn’t done anything, and actually, he’s way more helpful than you guys. He’s smart enough not to jump to conclusions like this.

“I’m fine being with him. Perfectly fine being with him.” Trey’s voice was mellow, growing into a whisper as he continued. “In fact, I was the one who asked him out first.” He paused there, taking a breath, his voice growing cold again, but this time sharper. “So don’t bother trying to disturb us. Don’t think you understand our situation when you clearly don’t. Got that?”

It took a minute for the other students to respond, took a minute for Jade to fully process all that Trey had said. When he did, however, he couldn’t help but let out a small gasp, closing his eyes and leaning against the wall he hid behind. The corners of his lips curled into a smile, a genuine smile, and he stifled a laugh, the aching in his chest swelling into something different, lighter and warmer. He felt almost sick. Trey had counted on him to understand, counted on him not to jump to conclusions. Trey had trusted that he wouldn’t doubt the connection they had. But for a split second, Jade had doubted, Jade had worried, Jade had jumped to conclusions.

He wouldn’t do it again.

As he heard the beginnings of a protest flow from the other two students’ mouths, Jade straightened his back, putting on a calm expression as he stepped forward, walking toward Trey and the students.

“But isn’t Jade—”

“Aren’t I what?” Jade came up behind the student, towering over him with a curious smile.

The student almost jumped out of surprise, turning to face Jade with a nervous laugh. “O-oh, it’s you, Jade…”

“Indeed it is.” Jade turned to Trey, his gaze softening considerably. “How are you, Trey?”

Trey cocked an eyebrow. “‘How are you?’ No ‘my mushrooms have experienced quite a bit of new growth, would you like to see them?’ Is something wrong, Jade?”

Jade furrowed his eyebrows, still smiling. “Dear me, have I set the bar so low? I assure you nothing is wrong, although I should try to do better in the future.”

“No, don’t stop. It’s cute.” Trey reached over for a kiss. “I like it.”

Jade’s eyes fluttered closed as he felt the soft press against his cheek, a light blush dusting over him as his smile faltered into something of surprise. “Well now…”

“Ahem.”

Trey and Jade paused, glancing over to the other students, who were still there, standing with uncomfortable expressions on their faces.

Trey raised an eyebrow, half amused. “Haha, sorry for the PDA. Want to go somewhere else, Jade?”

Jade eyed the two with a smirk. “Of course. Perhaps somewhere without any onlookers, or at the very least, onlookers who know how to read a room.”

“No onlookers is good. C’mon. You still haven’t updated me on your mushrooms.”

“Ah, my apologies. It seems that the first batch of spores is thriving as expected, but the second batch yielded an interesting result…”

As they walked away from the students, Jade didn’t bother looking back, focused only on Trey, his amber eyes and alluring smile, only catching a glimpse of the disappointment and confusion on the students’ faces. None of that mattered to Jade. Not in the slightest. Instead, he rambled on, entertaining Trey with the results of his current fungi experiment, all the while being mesmerized by Trey’s laughter and smiles.

Unknowingly, Jade trailed off, slowing his pace as he thought of earlier, Trey’s words. 

I’m fine being with him. So don’t bother trying to disturb us. Got that?

Jade wasn’t the one protecting Trey from the rumors. Rather, it was Trey himself who was doing that. That was all it took for Jade’s love to bubble over, his heart beating quickly in his chest. He glanced at Trey, opening his mouth, his voice soft.

“By the way, Trey…”

Trey paused, looking back at Jade with raised eyebrows. His eyes shone bright, even in the dim light of the hallway, and his questioning smile only made. 

“Hm? What’s up, Jade?”

Thank you. For everything.  

Jade shook his head, smiling. “It’s nothing.”

“Jade? Jade.” Riddle’s voice filled his ears as Jade returned to the present, the housewarden’s voice filled with exasperation and mild anger.

“Ah, Riddle.” Jade turned to the redhead with a polite smile. “Whatever is your fussing about?”

“‘Whatever is the matter?’ I just asked you a question minutes ago and you went eerily silent. My ‘fussing’ is about that. ”

“My apologies, you don’t have to worry about anything anymore, Riddle.”

“I’m not worried, I’m…” Riddle scowled. “Perhaps you should go home early.”

“Go home early? My, my, I didn’t know that was in your vocabulary. But rest assured, the issue has been resolved.”

“Wha—all you did was stare into space!”

“Your questions were a big help.”

“Still—!” Riddle closed and opened his mouth, flabbergasted. “Still…”

Jade raised his eyebrows humorously. “Perhaps it’s not me that should go home early, but you , Riddle. You seem a bit perplexed. Is there something even the most talented mage at NRC cannot understand?”

Riddle crossed his arms. “This isn’t anything like that. You’re insufferable, Jade. I resent your accusations.”

“You can pass your grievances to Trey. He can tell me later today.”

“Why you…!” Riddle huffed. “I do not approve.”

Jade grinned. “We don’t need your blessing.”

“Jade!”

But Jade wasn’t listening anymore, instead pulling out his phone to message Trey, inviting him somewhere for the afternoon. Trey’s response came quicker than he’d anticipated, but that only heightened the pulsing in his heart. He replied, a warm feeling filling him as he saw the red heart Trey sent him.

Riddle’s sighs filled the background, the redhead standing up slowly and straightening his back, moving away from the strawberry plants. Jade half-wondered if the housewarden was going to behead him for his comments and his behavior, not that he thought he deserved it, of course. But the collar didn’t come, replaced with a small mutter from the housewarden himself.

“Truly, you two are meant to be with how irritating you both can be…”

Jade’s lips curled. “Isn’t it the same as you and Floyd?”

“Off with your head!”

Now that, Jade agreed, was certainly deserved.

Before dating Jade, Trey never knew the pain of waiting, the pain of time that Cater always ranted about a week before a movie or show came out. Whenever Trey asked about it, Cater always groaned, saying that the hype was way too much not to be so excited, and the wait was too long for him not to wish time flowed faster.

Now, Trey understood clearly what Cater meant. As the day dragged on, Trey constantly checked the clock, growing weary of how slowly time was passing and how long his classes were. After all the questions he’d received that day, it felt like ages before the time to meet up with Jade finally arrived, and even as the clock wound down to the final hour, Trey still couldn’t stop himself from wishing for the minutes, or even the seconds, to pass by faster.

20 minutes from their meeting time, and Trey couldn’t bear it any longer, throwing on a jacket as he stepped out of his room and down the twisting stairs of Heartslabyul. He only managed to walk a few steps into the lounge, however, when he was stopped by a familiar voice.

“Hey, Trey-Trey! Where are you heading?”

Trey froze, his eyes following the voice to where a ginger-haired junior was sitting, relaxing on one of the empty couches, phone in hand. He turned toward Cater, a humorous smile on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Just going out to meet someone.”

“To meet someone?” Cater immediately perked up at the response before raising an eyebrow and smirking. “Ooh, is it Jade?”

“…Yeah.”

Cater was one of the first people Trey had told about Jade, when he’d first developed feelings, when he’d first asked Jade out, and when they finally let go of the secret part of their relationship. Cater and Riddle, who had also known about him and Jade, were the only two he’d told, the only two he’d trusted enough to tell his secrets to, and the only two who didn’t act like he was insane after learning of his relationship with the eel.

It was comforting to know neither of them seemed to care about any of it. Well, maybe they cared a bit (Jade recounted to him how Riddle gave him a good lecture on not breaking Trey’s heart one time in class). But they weren’t against it. And that was all that mattered.

Cater’s joking tone and knowing grin only ever confirmed Trey’s thoughts. He winked at Trey. “Well, why didn’t you say so earlier? You guys are totes adorbs together, don’t let me take up any more of your time! Have fun with him, but not too much.”

Trey rolled his eyes, but his smile cracked a bit wider and he relaxed. “I think that’s something I gotta say to you every time you’re with Idia.”

“LOL, DWAI! The most we do is cuddle and play games. Which is good! But!” Cater sighed dramatically. “But like, dude, I just wanna kiss him so bad all the time. There’s gotta be a button I can press to make him stop acting so cute when he rants cuz IDK if I can resist it anymore…”

“Sounds like a you problem.”

“Hey! At least that means we’re not all over each other’s mouths like you and Jade!”

“I thought that was what you wanted with Idia?”

“Grk…”

At Cater’s defeated expression, Trey couldn’t help but grin, opening his mouth to tease Cater some more, only for another voice to interrupt him, this time from neither Cater nor Trey.

“Trey, if you’re going to have a conversation, remember to sit down for it.”

Trey turned again to see Riddle in his dorm uniform, striding into the lounge with a few documents in hand. The redhead came up from behind Trey, folding his arms and eyeing Trey up and down, gaze stopping on his jacket.

“Unless, of course, you aren’t staying for a conversation?”

Trey shrugged. “Caught me. I’m not actually staying long.”

“He’s going out to meet Jade,” Cater piped up, grinning. “Lovebirds.”

“As if you’re one to talk.”

“Hey!”

Riddle coughed. “Have you finished all the forms for today?”

“Yeah, I left them on your desk.”

“What about your homework?”

“Done as well.”

“Studying? Do you have any tests coming up—”

“Now, now, Rids, I’m sure Trey’s got it all worked out,” Cater interrupted. “Just let him go. We don’t wanna make him late to his meeting.”

Riddle paused, then nodded. “Fair enough. When are you supposed to be meeting him anyway, Trey?”

“In, uh…” Trey glanced at the clock on the wall. “17-ish minutes…?”

Cater and Riddle exchanged looks.

“Damn, he’s really smitten.”

“Language, but I agree.”

Trey rolled his eyes, walking toward the door. “Sure, whatever. At least I’m actually going out to meet my boyfriend, unlike you, Cater, and at least I’ve already asked out my crush, unlike you, Riddle.”

Cater grimaced. “Ouch, talk about cold.”

Riddle huffed. “I just don’t have the time for dating.”

Trey snorted. “Tell that to Floyd.”

Then he walked through the door, Riddle’s heated embarrassment and Cater’s laughs lost to the closing of the entrance door. He chuckled softly at the faint voices of his friends in the distance, wondering if anything would come from his comment.

In a deeper part of his mind, however, Trey was thankful for their support. Even if it was nothing more than acceptance of his relationship with Jade.

“You’re using your day off?”

“Yes.”

“On a whim like this?”

“Indeed.”

Azul sighed, looking up from his paperwork and glancing at Jade, the light of his desk lamp shining onto his glasses. He pursed his lips, stamping the slip Jade had given him, handing it to the mer.

“Approved.”

Jade grinned, briefly flashing his teeth before settling into a courteous smile, bowing his head slightly as he took the slip. “Thank you, Azul.”

“Of course.”

Between the three of them, Jade had rarely used his days off, preferring to assist at the Mostro Lounge whenever he could. Floyd didn’t abide by these rules, of course, doing whatever he felt, whenever he felt, but Azul did abide, more often than not refusing to take a break unless Jade and Floyd forced him to. The stamped slip itself was more of a formality than a rule itself, and Floyd rarely ever used his, opting to directly tell Azul or Jade himself. But Jade rather enjoyed the custom, enjoying the vibrant purple ink on the page, the crisp ‘approved’ on the white of the paper.

He slipped the note away, standing calmly in front of Azul. Azul continued to stare up at him, tapping his fingers on the desk, impatient.

“So? Are you going to leave?”

“You aren’t going to ask for a reason?”

Azul’s lips curled upward. “Should I be asking? Or rather, should I be worried about what you’re going to do?”

Jade chuckled, neither affirming nor denying Azul’s question. “I only figured you’d be curious.”

“Aren’t you just going to see Trey?”

“Goodness, how ever did you know that?”

Azul rolled his eyes, putting a finger to his temple. “Word of mouth. Rumors. Predictions. Pick whichever you’re most satisfied with.”

“And what if I’m not satisfied with any?”

“That isn’t my problem.” Azul’s eyes went back to his work, and he picked up a pen, writing down a few things as he continued to converse with Jade. “You’ve been all over him since the day you met him—when was it, the beginning of this year?”

“Fufufu, technically it was last year. Our first conversation, however, was at the opening ceremony this year, as you’ve said.”

“Yes, yes, that’s what I meant. The point is, this is nothing new. Should I be surprised? No. Should I be worried? Perhaps. I’m still not sure how the two of you became a popular gossiping topic.”

“Oh, it happened the other day when he kissed me—”

Azul clicked his tongue, waving his fishbone pen in the air. “I don’t need to know the rest.”

Jade smirked. “What a shame. I was hoping to talk to someone about my wonderful conversations with Trey.”

“Then go talk about it to Floyd. Just don’t bother me. I’m trying to concentrate—”

SLAM! “Hah…? Are you guys talkin’ about me?”

Jade turned around just as the door to the VIP room opened, revealing a mildly irritated-looking Floyd Leech, hands shoved in his pocket as he dragged himself into the room. He looked at Azul, then at Jade, plopping down on one of the leather seats in the room and making himself comfortable.

“Floyd.” Jade’s eyes followed the eel, his tone lightly amused. “How nice of you to join us.”

“I ain’t joinin’ you. I’m only here cuz I heard my name.”

Azul pressed a hand against his forehead, massaging it forcefully. His voice was a low mutter. “Damn morays and their incredible hearing…”

Floyd snorted. No doubt he’d heard the words with how he’d heard them from the other side of the door. “No shit. Can’t be your eyes and ears without the ears part.”

“Yes, well, anyway.” Azul glared at Jade. “I think you should take your leave now if you have nothing else to say and do.”

“Oya? Kicking me out so soon?”

“You have a date to catch anyway.”

Floyd raised an eyebrow. “What’s this about leavin’ to catch a date? Woah, Jade, did you finally take a day off or something?”

“Indeed,” Jade said with a hand against his chest. A small smile found its way up Jade’s face. “I’m going to meet Trey by the botanical gardens for a date.”

“Oh yeah, Sea Turtle. Fun. You guys are such nerds together.”

Azul nodded his head, musing. “Yes, the terms botanical gardens and date aren’t exactly seen together all the time. I can’t imagine anyone thinking of it as a romantic date spot other than the two of you…”

Floyd groaned. “I mean, they find any random spot romantic. As long as they’re sucking on each other’s mouths it don’t matter to them.”

“Fufufu, what’s joy if it isn’t kissing a lover?”

“Money,” Azul deadpanned.

“‘Course you say that,” Floyd said.

“What? It’s true. Money brings happiness. To me at least.”

“Yeah, yeah whatever.” Floyd stood up, stretching his arms before wheeling around toward Jade. He put a hand on his brother’s shoulder, whispering in his ear. “Listen, I know you’re real tight with Sea Turtle and in love with him and shit, but if he tries anything weird, I’m gonna squeeze him real hard after you’re done with him. Got that?”

Jade pressed his lips together, his smile eerie. “I understand. But he won’t do anything, Floyd.”

“He better not.”

“Indeed.” Azul pressed his fingers against his desk. “It would be a wise decision not to get involved in something unsavory between the three of you.”

“You aren’t willing to join in?” Jade asked, mock disappointed.

“Only if I have to.” Azul splayed his hands. “And only after the two of you have taken care of your own revenge.”

“‘Kay, that’s enough talkin’ about squeezin’ Sea Turtle.” Floyd brushed past Jade, putting a hand up in farewell. “I’mma head out now. Say hi to Goldfish for me if you see him~”

“Of course.”

“See ya.”

It took a few seconds for the silence in the room to be cut, took a few more for them to realize that Floyd meant he wasn’t coming back for his shift that day. Azul sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “So both of you will be missing today? Fine. I’ll make this work.”

“Oya? Are you quite sure you don’t need me to stay?” It hasn’t been long since your overblot. Jade’s eyes lingered on Azul’s gray ones, an unsaid thought in both of their minds.

“Absolutely sure,” Azul replied, a softer expression in his eyes. “Just go enjoy yourself. I can assure you I’m perfectly capable of holding things down here.”

“Indeed. You’ve done it many times before.”

“No thanks to you and Floyd.”

Jade chuckled. “Perhaps it’s time to take my leave.”

“‘ Perhaps?’ That should be a ‘definitely.’ When are you even supposed to meet Trey anyway?”

“About 20 minutes from now.”

Azul froze. “ 20 minutes? Two, zero— twenty minutes?”  

“Of course. I cannot afford to be tardy.”

Azul closed his eyes, massaging them as he pushed up his spectacles. He groaned. “I hate you two sometimes.”

“I would assume it’s more than just ‘sometimes.’”

“Get out of here.”

Jade smirked. “As you wish.”

As he backed away, turning to put his hand on the door handle, Jade heard one last remark from Azul, dry and half amused.

“You better enjoy yourself, Jade. Make it worth my efforts.”

In response, Jade only tilted the tip of his fedora, chuckling softly as he exited. Oh, he would definitely enjoy it, alright. With Trey, there was nothing not to enjoy, and everything to look forward to. Every date they had and every moment they spent together was a special one, at least to Jade, who began to treasure every second of his life on land since the day he met Trey.

Really, Floyd’s talks of revenge were unnecessary, because Trey Clover would never do anything to Jade.

Rather, he would do anything for Jade.

And Jade would do the same for Trey.

Waiting 15 minutes for Jade Leech was not one of the best ideas Trey had had. The sky had already darkened by the time Trey stepped out of the Hall of Mirrors, the air frigid in the late autumn weather. Trey could see the frosty clouds that puffed from his mouth as he blew on his hands, trying to keep them warm. He ultimately shoved them in his pockets, walking slowly to the botanical gardens, where Jade had told him to meet.

It was after hours. The gardens were never really closed, per se, but there was a certain point of time in the day when it felt as if trailing past the front gates was a forbidden action, something surely punishable. It was only imagined, of course. Trey had never let this deter him from visiting in the evening hours, to clear his mind and possibly happen upon a mysterious moray eel.

He approached quietly, his breath even and relaxed. Trey found himself lost in his thoughts, his heart skipping beats as he imagined Jade’s beautiful smile, lighting up the night—lighting up Trey’s night—way more than the light of the moon ever could. As he trudged down the path to the building, however, Trey spotted a figure in the distance, pacing just meters away from the entrance of the place, silhouette tall and threatening. He slowed down, unused to seeing anyone near the area at this time of day, treading carefully to not draw attention to himself.

But as Trey drew closer, seeing the light of the moon reflect upon the figure, his eyes widened, and he relaxed, stopping in his steps. He opened his mouth, face morphing into a smile before he even realized it. 

“Jade! You’re here early.”

The figure turned around. Jade’s face, once shrouded in the shadows of the evening, brightened immediately, silvery wisps of moonlight chasing his movement, lighting up his silhouette, giving Trey a clearer view of the merman.

Jade wasn’t in his dorm uniform, instead wearing a sweater, the colors of which Trey couldn’t exactly make out in the darkness. A mushroom design was embroidered on the front of it, clear as day despite the obscurity of its features in the evening atmosphere. He wasn’t wearing his coat, for some reason, instead choosing to keep it folded over his arm, a dark shadow that morphed with his silhouette.

Trey opened his mouth again, about to ask if Jade was cold, why the mer was carrying his coat instead of wearing it, only to be interrupted by the warmth of Jade’s arms wrapping around his waist, those smooth lips sliding over the crook of his neck, and the kiss that Jade pressed to his skin.

“Good evening, Trey,” the moray whispered, his lips trailing up Trey’s neck and to the back part of Trey’s ear. “Thank you for joining me here today.”

Trey inhaled sharply, leaning his head toward Jade’s hot breath. He laughed slowly. “Of course. I can’t really turn down an invitation from you.”

“I assure you, you very much can. Although perhaps I won’t be the most satisfied of boyfriends.”

“Guilt-tripping me, now, are we?”

Jade didn’t answer, only chuckling as he released Trey’s waist. The cold Trey was left with didn’t last very long, however, as Jade immediately threw his coat over Trey, draping it over his shoulders and holding it in place with his cold fingers.

“You must be quite cold,” Jade murmured, changing the topic. He released his fingers, grasping the ends of the coat and tightening it over Trey. “I brought a coat for you to wear.”

“But I already have one?”

“The more the merrier.”

“Not if it serves no extra purpose,” Trey said, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t feel a little warmer. Though maybe it wasn’t the coat itself doing that. “Aren’t you also cold?”

Jade chuckled. “My hometown is quite a bit colder than this. I’m used to it.”

“Right, I did hear from Cater who heard from Idia that you hid in Sam’s freezer on Beans day…”

“Did you, now? Perhaps I’ll have to have a word with Idia about his loose lips.”

“Only a word? I would have several if I were you.”

“Fufufu, rest assured that it will be a very… impactful word.” Jade’s lips curled upward. “But no matter. We shouldn’t be speaking of such things on our date.” He let go of the coat, appearing in front of Trey with a smile. “Shall we go inside?”

“Please. I’d rather not be frozen in place.”

“Oya? Is my coat really not doing anything to help you?”

“If it’s half off for dysfunctionality, I’ll take it.”

“Oh, but I never said it was on sale, did I?”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” Trey said with a laugh. But then he narrowed his eyes, leaning closer to Jade and grabbing the collar of Jade’s sweater. “Though you yourself don’t ask permission to take my jackets and sweaters.”

Jade’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “Me? Take your sweaters? I’m afraid I cannot fathom committing a crime such as that.”

“Yet you do so anyway.”

“Truly, do you think so low of me?” Jade wiped a fake tear from his eye, despite his wide smile and the playful tone in his voice. “I only wished to make you happy by bringing a coat for you, and now you’re accusing me of theft?”

“I’ve seen you wear my stuff on multiple occasions.” Trey held up his phone. “I even have photos if you want to see them.”

Jade sighed, dropping his innocent act but not his dramatic act. He turned away from Trey. “My sincerest apologies. I can return them in 5 to 7 business days.”

“Don’t bother. They look cute on you.” Trey slid his hand over Jade’s jaw, turning it toward him again with a smirk. “Maybe a little small, but that’s okay. I can always get new ones.”

It was hard to make out Jade’s expression in the darkness, but Trey could’ve sworn he saw a faint blush on Jade’s cheeks, his lips pursed tight with yearning and affection. But it was only for a second.

Jade chuckled, voice low and quiet. “Who’s to say I won’t just take those as well?”

Trey shrugged. “Who’s to say I didn’t wish for that to happen in the first place?”

Now, the blush on Jade’s cheek was stronger, and the mer turned away, escaping Trey’s touch and heading toward the botanical gardens. He cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should escape the cold before we continue this conversation.”

Trey laughed. “Sure.”

Following Jade into the botanical gardens, Trey kept his eyes on the mer, watching as the light of the greenhouse lanterns illuminated Jade’s presence, confirming the dusting of pink on Jade’s ears and cheeks. The satisfaction Trey felt from that, he kept to himself, ignoring the rush of warmth in his chest, the beating heart in his chest that only seemed to beat faster every second he spent with Jade. 

Trey let go of Jade’s coat, bathing in the warmth of the greenhouse, taking in the grassy, floral scent in the air. He was met with, however, an additional fragrance, one he knew all too well, coming from the black coat in his hands. It was the light scent of cologne that smelled distinctly of sea foam and morning dew. Mixed with the flora of the botanical gardens, it captured Jade’s scent perfectly, reminiscent of the taste of Jade’s lips on his own, a taste Trey was so intimately familiar with, and a taste Trey craved more than anything else.

Trey didn’t notice he’d stopped walking until Jade cleared his throat again, eyeing Trey curiously, almost skeptically. His piercing heterochromatic eyes, now visible below the light of the lanterns, were deep, two pools of darkness that Trey always found himself lost in.

“Is anything the matter, Trey?” Jade asked.

“Hm?” Trey broke himself free from his thoughts. “Oh, no, there’s nothing wrong.”

Despite the relative truth of Trey’s statement, Jade didn’t seem satisfied with the response, pursing his lips and striding over to Trey, eyeing him up and down. His gaze was observing, unnerving if it were anyone else, but to Trey, it wasn’t anything short of alluring.

Jade’s second question, however, surprised Trey, grounding him in the moment. “Has the day been faring you well?”

“What?”

“How was your day?” Jade rephrased, his tone serious as he reached over to grip Trey’s shoulders. “Has anyone been bothering you about our relationship? Has anyone been bothering you in general? Is there someone I must speak to about how they’ve been treating you—”

“Woah, woah, woah, slow down a bit, Jade.” Trey put his hands on Jade’s arms, squeezing them gently. “Relax.”

Somehow, Jade listened, loosening his hold on Trey’s shoulders. The protective look in his eyes didn’t change, however, and Jade still stared stoically into Trey’s eyes, searching.

“Answer me, Trey,” Jade pleaded, voice a whisper. “I need to know.”

“Nobody’s been bothering me.” But then Trey caught himself. “Well, maybe everyone’s been bothering me. I don’t know.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?” Jade’s eyes glowed ominously. “Shall I go around to the whole school and make them apologize to you—“

“No, no, no, please don’t do that.” Trey sighed. “Just… people talking about us as if it’s weird to be together. People talking about how you’re too different from me. People speaking like you’ve forced my feelings. All of that just…”

“Just…?”

“…it just bugs the hell out of me.”

Jade went quiet at that, blinking slowly, his mouth closed. He let go of Trey’s shoulders, and Trey looked away, somewhere other than Jade’s unreadable stare.

“They just keep asking if I’m fine. Which I guess is nice but I know they’re only asking because they think I’m crazy for dating you. ‘Things will get better,’ ‘I’m here for you,’ ‘It doesn’t have to be Jade, y’know”—people just keep saying stuff like that and I never know what to say back.”

Trey paused after that, walking toward a nearby bush, bending down, and plucking a fallen flower bud from the ground. He lifted it above himself, to the light, twirling it in his fingers. Then he glanced at Jade, the mer’s expression still cryptic and indecipherable.

“Do you think I’m crazy, Jade? Do you think you’re crazy? For dating me?”

When Trey was met with silence, a rueful smile rose on his face, and he laughed quietly. “Sorry, was that a bit of a weird question—”

“No. No, it wasn’t a weird question, Trey.” Jade’s voice was soft, somewhat mellow, his eyes avoidant as Trey looked at him. “To be completely honest, this is a question I’ve thought about quite often. More often than I feel comfortable admitting.”

Jade paused, his lips curling upward, wistful. “Isn’t it only natural to feel crazy when you’re in love? No matter who it is or how long it’s been, everyone feels that way sometimes. Or perhaps that’s only me.”

“No, I get that,” Trey murmured. “It does… feel natural.”

“I’m glad.”

Trey choked out a laugh. “Glad about what? That I feel crazy sometimes?”

“No, not that. Well, yes, technically.” Jade chuckled. “It’s just nice to know I’m not the only one who feels that way.”

“I guess.”

“You’re not the only one either. Not the only one who’s been bothered by the endless comments on our relationship, that is.”

“I’m… not?”

“Indeed. I’ve been quite irritated as well. Though I’m usually better about it, I just cannot control how much it boils my blood when they say we should break things off.”

“They’re saying things like that?” Trey cocked an eyebrow. “Just outright? Not indirectly?”

“Outright,” Jade confirmed, half amused. “Perhaps they believe they’re being quiet about it, or that nobody can hear them. Far from the truth, of course, with how much I’ve been overhearing it.”

“Well, that sucks,” Trey said blandly. “Hearing about us breaking up. And that much too.”

“They think of us as incompatible. Different.” Jade placed a hand on Trey’s chin, tilting it slightly upward as he smirked. “It’s rather pitiful how far that is from the truth.”

“And what do you mean to say with that?”

“That they don’t understand you the way I do. They don’t understand that their perception of you is as morphed as their understanding of our relationship. You’re not as normal as you say you are, Trey, are you?”

“Hey, hold on a second—”

“They don’t understand that the kind, exceptionally generous senior of theirs is actually a clever and sly person, moving the pieces on his board according to his will.” Jade leaned closer, his fingers pinching Trey’s chin tighter. “In a way, you’re just like me. I quite admire your ability to hide behind your mask of being normal.”

Trey grabbed Jade’s wrist, brows furrowed, a mildly irritated smile on his face. “Hey, I’m not playing chess with real people, if that’s what you’re implying. It’s not fun to use people just because. ”

“And that’s precisely your charm.” Jade let go of Trey’s chin, his eyes softening, a twinge of playfulness in them, mixed with something of affection. “You’re kind when you wish to be.”

“And right now I don’t want to be kind to you.”

“A hilarious person as well.”

“Can you stop psychoanalyzing me?”

Jade chuckled. “If you wish.”

“Thank the Seven.”

“Although I’m curious as to how you see me.”

Trey sighed. “You really want to know?”

“If I may.”

“Well, it’s simple. You’re a sneaky, conniving merman who happens to enjoy causing trouble while acting as if you’re a proper gentleman.”

“But?” Jade said, glancing at Trey with a smirk.

Trey laughed, narrowing his eyes and crossing his arms. “But that’s just the part other people see. You’re such a bastard sometimes, but not everything about you is like that. Your fascination with mushrooms… it’s cute. And so is the way you act when you’re surprised or when you find something new and interesting or when you blush or when you smile…”

“You’ve always been interested in my teeth.”

“And that’s not the point.” Trey put a hand to his mouth, sighing as he looked at Jade, whose heterochromatic eyes were shining brightly. Whether it was because of Trey’s comment or something else, Trey didn’t know. But he couldn’t deny that that was one of the parts of Jade that he found endearing, just like he’d been rambling about seconds earlier.

“I like it when you’re having fun. Making mischief. Playing around. I like it when you talk about the things you like—mushrooms, potions, a new dish, whatever. But really…” Trey paused holding his shared gaze with Jade, eyes growing soft. “I just like you. And I hope you like me too.”

Trey reached over toward Jade, brushing the mer’s black lock of hair to the side, behind his ear, watching it fall back to where it used to be just seconds later. Jade’s soft chuckles rang in his ears, a sweet melody Trey wished to never get rid of.

“You hope? ” Jade sounded amused. “Why, I was wishing you already knew I did. We’re dating for a reason, aren’t we?”

“Well, I mean, that’s what I meant to say. You get the idea anyway, right?”

“Not really,” Jade said with a smile. “Could you repeat all that one more time, just for good measure?”

Trey groaned. “Seriously? After all that, you don’t understand—”

But Trey didn’t get to finish, Jade’s lips pressing forward in a searing kiss, his long fingers clutching Trey’s shoulders, pulling the third-year closer. Trey’s voice died down, his words caught in his throat, along with his breath. Time stopped, but Jade didn’t, sneaking his tongue past Trey’s lips, engrossed in the caress, the kiss.

Half out of breath and bordering on lightheaded, Trey snuck a peak at Jade’s eyes, breath quickening at the sight. No longer were they pools of mystery or dark allure, but pools of warmth, soft desire, affection like no other.

And they were looking right at Trey. Staring right into Trey’s amber eyes, melting further as Trey stared back. I love you and I know you love me morphed into one meaning in Jade’s expression. Reciprocated love. Mutual want. Knowledge that the other was the same. That was all it took for Trey’s restraint to crumble away, as he kissed back with renewed fervor, devouring Jade’s mouth and swallowing up his breaths by the second.

When they pulled away, Trey chased Jade’s lips, yearning again for their contact. But the mer only fell back, his lips curled in a smile, his eyes long losing the soft tinge they’d had earlier.

“I understood what you said, the first time, Trey.” Jade licked his lips, eyes flitting away for just a moment before returning to Trey. “Understand that I cherish you deeply. Understand that nobody else can love you the way I do. Understand that those words that the other students say have no meaning, not when I have no desire to break up with you.” Jade paused, contemplative, smiling. “I should hope you don’t have any either.”

Trey raised an eyebrow. “And if I did? What then?”

“Then I would burn this whole world from the skies to the earth to the seas. And I’d spare nothing from my mercy, not even you, and not even myself—”

“Wrong answer.”

“Hm?”

“You were supposed to say that it wasn’t a possibility.” Trey drew closer to Jade. “That it was impossible because I love you so much. Not that you would destroy the world.”

“It was a hypothetical scenario.”

“Hah, as if. It sounded like you were absolutely serious about it, weren’t you?”

Jade smiled, furrowing his eyebrows. “I don’t know about that…”

“It’s okay. Just don’t burn the world just yet. I still have a lot of things I haven’t done.”

“Such as?”

“Finishing that last kiss of ours.” Trey smirked, now face-to-face with the mer, their lips almost touching like before. “I know you avoided my lips at the end there.”

“Did I, now? My deepest— mmph!”

“Save your apologies,” Trey said, shutting him up with a quick kiss. “You should know by now that verbal payment isn’t enough.”

Jade’s eyes sparkled. “Then take your payment.”

“Oh, I will.”

And Trey chased Jade’s lips again, at the same time as Jade chased Trey’s, the two of them meeting in the middle like they had all those times before. They took their time, the botanical gardens fading into the background as time slowed down for just another moment.

In that moment there were no prying eyes.

No whispers.

No doubts.

Just the two of them.