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It started with an overheard conversation. Azul was on his way to his room after classes, when he heard voices talking. Pausing around a corner, he listened in, always on the prowl for new gossip and rumors he could use for blackmail now that his contracts were up in smoke (or sand in this case). Settling against the wall, hidden from sight, he listened intently.
“I’m just saying, I think Housewarden Azul is just not up for the task anymore.” A voice said.
Azul paused. He was a bit startled to hear his own name being thrown around, but now he was curious as to who they were talking to. Who would be so bold to say that out loud in Azul’s and the twin’s territory? A fool, apparently. Azul would have to find a good punishment for this student to reestablish his control over the dorm. He would need to talk to the twins about this.
“That so?” Floyd’s voice suddenly asked.
Azul froze, his eyes going wide. Floyd?
“Yes! I mean, you saw his overblot! That was so embarrassing for the whole dorm! It’s one thing for Housewarden Riddle or Leona to overblot, but Azul? He’s supposed to be the levelheaded one at this school.” The voice continued.
This was about his overblot? Admittedly, he wasn’t wrong… Azul was just as embarrassed about the whole situation, but why was Floyd listening to this nonsense? He didn’t need Floyd turning his back on him, not right now. He would need to have a talk to him, maybe get Jade involved to straighten Floyd out. He couldn’t have one of his best friends talking shit about him behind his back.
“Mah, you do have a point.” Jade stated.
Azul’s heart dropped into his stomach. Floyd and Jade were listening to this? What was going on?
“That’s why I think we need to remove him! I know most of the dorm would agree with us and once he’s gone, Vice Jade, you can take over! We really need someone with your kind of rationality and level headedness to take over and get this dorm back on track.” The voice went on.
“Hmmm that is an interesting idea you have put forward.” Jade stated.
“Yeah, I mean he’s not wrong. Azul kind of let this get out of hand.” Floyd replied.
Azul swallowed, his eyes welling with tears. The twins… agreed with this? His only friends in the whole, twisted world… thought he couldn’t be a good house warden anymore?
“He did! I mean it was all his fault and now our dorm is the laughingstock of the school!” the voice agreed.
“It was his plan and his contracts.” Jade said.
“Exactly!” the voice agreed eagerly.
“He did make us swim all over hell and creation for that stupid bet. If he had just listened to us, we wouldn’t have had to do any of that.” Floyd said.
Azul didn’t think he could feel worse about himself after his overblot, but this, this was so much worse. He knew the twins hadn’t been happy with him after everything, that they had made their jokes at his expense, but talking badly about him to other dorm members? Azul had never thought they would stoop so low. Azul feared he might break down into tears right then and there.
“Azul can’t stay as our housewarden. With your help, we can send him swimming back to the Coral Sea, crying.” The voice said meanly.
The twins started to laugh and Azul couldn’t listen to this anymore. He turned and fled, his eyes filled with tears. His heart was breaking and he couldn’t listen to this one more minute! He was gone by the time the next sentence came.
“I knew you guys would understand and agree! I could see it in your faces the last few weeks! So, let’s help each other out and get rid of that miserable octopus, what do you say?” the voice asked.
The laughter stopped immediately. The twins stood over the first year Octavinelle student.
“You’re a real idiot, huh?” Floyd demanded coldly.
“H-Huh?” the student said, thrown off.
“You must be, because what else could it be, Floyd, for him to come to us of all people and try to get us to turn against Azul?” Jade asked, his hand cupping his chin thoughtfully.
Floyd slammed his hand against the wall next to the student’s head, making him squeak in fear. Floyd leaned in real close, baring his teeth.
“You are either really dumb or have some really big balls to approach us and try to get us to turn against Azul and I can’t tell which pisses me off more.” Floyd snarled.
“B-B-But!” the student stuttered.
“Oh dear, you thought you had convinced us, hm? How naïve.” Jade chuckled.
“You think you’re the first brainless guppy to try and pull this shit? You’re not even the first one this month.” Floyd sneered.
“And certainly not the most convincing.” Jade stated.
“B-But Azul!” the student’s face was grabbed by Floyd’s other hand.
“Ah ah ah! Keep his name out of your fucking mouth!” Floyd snapped, squeezing his cheeks as tears welled up in his eyes and grabbed at Floyd’s wrist to try and stop him.
“I suppose you haven’t figured it out yet, so allow us to share a very, very special secret with you.” Jade said as he leaned in.
The student’s eyes dared between them, terrified. Being trapped between the twins was certainly the worst situation one could be put in.
“Azul is very important to us. Like really, super important.” Floyd said darkly.
“And we have spent most of our time, both at home and here at NRC, protecting him and making sure that Azul never has to worry about idiots like you trying to drag him down or destroy him.” Jade continued.
“While we appreciate you coming to us with your bullshit so we can put you in your place rather than having to waste our time tracking you down, it still pisses us off to no end.” Floyd stated.
“Which gives us plenty of time to explain to you, in detail, what will happen to you if you attempt anything against Azul.” Jade finished.
The student looked like he was about to pass out. Floyd and Jade just grinned at him.
—sSs—
Azul felt the tears roll down his face as he sat on his bed. He couldn’t stop the tears from flowing, couldn’t stop the mocking laughter from the twins from echoing in his head and couldn’t help himself from feeling so fucking stupid for trusting them when it was clear they didn’t actually give a fuck about him. He buried his face in his shell pillow, feeling a fresh wave of tears coming when there was a knock at his door.
“Azullll~” Floyd’s voice called.
Azul froze, his whole body going taunt as a bow string. Oh no! This was the worst possible timing!
“Azul, it’s us. Can we come in?” Jade called.
Azul’s eyes darted to his door, thankful he remembered to lock it. Azul stayed silent, hoping they would go away if they thought the room was empty. Seconds passed by and nothing happened. Then Floyd spoke again.
“Is he not here?” Floyd asked, sounding confused.
“Didn’t Skuttle say he came this way?” Jade replied, sounding equally as confused.
“That’s what he said.” Floyd said.
“Maybe he was mistaken? Perhaps he went to the Lounge?” it sounded like their voices were fading away and Azul let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.
Azul shook his head and got up. This was ridiculous! Him crying in his room like some lovesick fool! If the twins were going to betray him and try to get rid of him, then he needed to get off his ass and remind them who was in charge here! He got up and threw the pillow onto his bed. He walked over to his vanity and sat down, making sure to wipe his face and eyes to get rid of the evidence of his tears. He fixed his clothes and makeup, put on more deodorant and grabbed his hat.
“It’s time to remind everyone why I am Housewarden.” Azul said coldly as he looked in the mirror.
—sSs—
Floyd and Jade were in the Lounge when Azul walked in. They didn’t seem startled to see him, but Azul tried not to think about it too hard.
“Hello Azul./Hiiii, Azul!” they greeted.
“Jade, Floyd.” He replied coolly.
The twins seemed to pick up on his tone and glanced at each other with confusion.
“Any issues we should be concerned about today?” Azul demanded as he headed for his office while they followed.
“Nope.” Floyd replied.
“Nothing out of the ordinary.” Jade agreed.
Azul clenched his jaw, but released it. If that’s the way they wanted to play, then fine. He could play that game too.
“I see. Did we get the inventory ready for tonight?” Azul sat down at his desk and pulled the reports.
“Everything’s all set.” Jade said with a nod.
“We even got that extra shipment of shrimp!” Floyd grinned.
“Good. Then you two can take the night off.” Azul replied, not looking at them.
There was silence and eventually, Azul looked up to see Floyd and Jade staring at him blankly.
“Azul? Is this a joke?” Jade asked, confused.
“Yeah, we never get the night off!” Floyd said, crossing his arms.
“And certainly not both of us at the same time.” Jade shook his head.
“Yes, well, I just don’t think I need either of you tonight.” Azul replied.
Jade and Floyd looked at each other.
“Who will run front of the house if it’s not me?” Jade asked, baffled.
“Skuttle. He has been trained and knows what to do. I naturally will be here to oversee it as well.” Azul said.
“What about the kitchen! I’m the only one who knows the whole menu!” Floyd stated, sounding furious.
“Bruce and his two friends are working tonight. They also know the menu, Floyd. So they will be able to handle it.” Azul said.
When the twins continued to just stand there, Azul dropped his reports on the desk.
“I’m quite confused, I would have assumed you two would be pleased to have a night off.” Azul stated, leaning on his fist.
“I mean… we are but…?” Jade said, seemingly thrown off.
“Then what is the issue?” Azul asked.
“It’s just weird!” Floyd replied.
Azul’s eyes narrowed.
“Weird? My kindness towards you is weird, Floyd?” Azul demanded.
“Well… I mean…” Floyd trailed off, uncertain.
“I will keep that in mind, but as I said before, we will be fine without you both, so please, enjoy your night.” Azul turned back to his reports, but neither of the twins moved.
“Azul, are you angry with us?” Jade asked after a moment.
“Angry? And why would I be angry, Jade?” Azul asked.
“You seem like you are angry with us. I am just trying to understand.” Jade stated.
Azul clicked his tongue with annoyance before looking at Floyd and Jade over the rim of his glasses.
“Well, I am just trying to get my dorm back under control, that’s all. Remind them who is the Housewarden here and why I was chosen, which seems to be a concern of yours. So do not worry, I will do it myself and not have you two running all over hell and creation this time.” Azul said coldly.
Jade and Floyd’s eyes widened and they seemed to realize exactly what was going on now.
“Azul, wait. Please let us explain.” Jade said.
“What is there to explain, Jade, Floyd? You apparently don’t think I can be housewarden anymore because I let things get out of hand. Tell me, how do you think you would run the dorm, hm? Have some pointers for me, maybe? Since I clearly didn’t listen to either of you before and now look at what happened. So please, the floor is your’s.” Azul demanded, waving his hand dramatically.
“Ohhh…” Floyd rubbed the back of his neck.
“Azul, please, just give us a moment. I swear we can explain.” Jade begged.
Azul clicked his tongue.
“Fine. Since you have so much energy to speak about me to my own dorm members behind my back, go right ahead.” Azul said.
“You got it all wrong, Azul! We would never talk about you behind your back!” Floyd stated.
“Explain or get out.” Azul cut him off and Floyd growled, but calmed down when Jade looked at him.
“You are right when you said we have heard people talk badly about you, but we never let it slide. That first year was talking poorly of you, but we did not allow it to stand. I promise you.” Jade said.
“Hm, it seemed like you were agreeing with him, Jade.” Azul stated.
Jade paused and then raised an eyebrow.
“Did you listen to the whole conversation?” Jade asked.
Azul looked away.
“I didn’t think so. I’m assuming you heard the first part and then ran off crying?” Jade asked, a slow grin taking over his face.
“I did not cry!” Azul snapped, slamming his hand on the desk.
Jade walked over and cupped his chin, making him lift his head.
“You missed the corner of your eyelid when you wiped your face.” Jade said with a grin.
Azul smacked his hand away.
“Anyway!” Azul hissed.
“We didn’t let his comments stand. We just needed to be sure he was the only one in on his plan and that there were no others. Apparently, he was stupid enough to assume he could convince us to go against you without gathering anyone else in the dorm.” Jade stated.
“And once we were sure he was alone, we made sure that if he ever thought about going against you again, we would make him regret it. He’ll probably come crying to you about us bullying him, but he deserved it.” Floyd said with a grin.
Azul raised an eyebrow.
“And I’m just supposed to believe you? When I overheard you with my own ears?” Azul asked.
“Then perhaps this will convince you.” Jade placed his phone on the desk and opened a recording.
Azul’s brow furled as he listened to the same conversation he had overheard, but was startled to realize it continued after what he had heard. He listened to the twins threaten the first year, making sure that he understood that any actions against Azul would end in bloodshed.
“Now, if you think telling others about this will gain you any sympathy, you can try, but we’ve had this conversation with just about every person in this dorm, so good luck.” Were the last words from Floyd before the recording cut off.
Azul stared at the phone before slowly looking at the twins.
“Oh.” Azul muttered as his face flashed.
“Believe us now?” Floyd asked, chuckling.
“I would hope so, but if you need more convincing, we can work on it.” Jade stated.
Azul had to admit, he expected anger from the twins, but they seemed almost amused.
“I’m sorry…I just…” Azul trailed off.
He really didn’t have a good excuse if he was going to be honest. They were right, he hadn’t listened to the whole conversation, he had assumed the worst and had run off before he could confirm anything. It seemed his emotions had gotten the best of him.
“Aw, Azul.” Floyd cooed, leaning on the desk.
“Looks like you got caught breaking rule number one of eavesdropping. Never walk away until you have all the information.” Jade chuckled.
“Isn’t that what you taught us? Isn’t that something you insisted on?” Floyd pressed.
Azul flushed under their eyes.
“Yes, yes, it’s clear you have made your point.” Azul muttered angrily.
“Hmm, no I don’t think we have.” Jade stated.
“Jade.” Azul whined.
“No, no, you will listen to us now.” Jade said seriously.
Azul blinked, startled. Jade and Floyd glanced at each other before they walked around either side of the desk and leaned over him. Azul looked between them, his head going back and forth in confusion, feeling a bit trapped between them.
“If you believe for even one moment that we would let some kind of bottom feeder come between us, then perhaps we need to remind you that we agreed to come to NRC because you told us you wanted us to come with you. That we would have this school eating out of the palm of our hands and we do. This whole dorm knows who is in charge, but some of them need to be reminded every so often.” Jade stated.
“These little guppies are trying to be sharks. They think they can get between us and make us turn against each other so they can take over. We won’t let that happen and we expect you to trust us to keep them in line, both in front of your face and behind your back.” Floyd explained.
Azul swallowed and looked down.
“My overbolt, did it make you think differently of me?” Azul asked.
“Differently? We were upset, yes, but see you differently? Never.” Jade said.
Azul’s eyes started to water again.
“Y-You don’t think I’m a bad housewarden?” Azul asked, voice shaking.
“You’ve made this dorm what it is. You created the Monstro Lounge. This dorm should be proud to have you as a housewarden.” Floyd said.
Azul clenched his fists tightly.
“You’ll always be here, right by my side?” Azul asked quietly.
The twins curled around him.
“Of course.” Jade said.
“Always.” Floyd agreed.
Azul grabbed their arms and held them as he cried.
“Poor crybaby Azul.” Jade teased.
“Our crybaby.” Floyd giggled.
The twins pressed kisses to the sides of his head.