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“What’s with you today?”
“Hmm? Why? Is it bothering you?” Trey sighed as Jade’s words, but did nothing to stop Jade from nuzzling his head further into his shoulder.
It was a regular Tuesday—calm and uneventful— yet Jade had barged into Trey’s room (uninvited, obviously), dragged him away from his books, and pounced onto him. 10 minutes in, and he was still curled against him like an oversized cat.
“…Did you do something?” Jade paused his affectionate ministrations, and Trey realised he was perhaps too straight forward. He gulped nervously as Jade slowly tilted his head back from Trey’s collarbone, and stared, the swirling hues of olive and canary gazing at him, a hint of hesitation, of contemplation, in them.
A sense of unease creeped up his spine. What did you get into now? he tried to convey with his own unwavering look. Then Jade smiled, eerie and silent like the calm before the storm, and murmured,
“No, nothing at all. Don’t you worry.”
Which only made his worries increase tenfold. But he didn’t protest or question Jade further, letting him press his face back into the nook between his shoulder and neck. Seriously, wasn’t it just a couple days prior did Jade stir something up? Alas, he supposed he signed up for trouble when he started dating the troublesome eel. He’d deal with it later.
Surrendering himself to Jade’s odd sudden affections, he sighed and mentally noted to look out the next few weeks on whatever mischief Jade committed then.
…Okay. He knew Jade got up to weird things, but really?
Standing by Riddle’s side as he berated Ace and Deuce, his eyes wandered to the top of their heads. The swaying, aquatic anemones, the pale, greyish blue hue colouring into a vibrant purple, it certainly stood out in the grey halls of NRC. And it reeked of Octavinelle. The two card soldiers did seem rather regretful, their faces worn and pale, they swayed on the spot like the anemone on their heads. Exchanging a look with Cater, they both nodded before Trey started.
“Riddle, I think Ace and Deuce learnt their lesson well enough by now. Didn’t they say Azul took their magic? That’s already a good enough punishment, right?” Riddle’s harsh and judging gaze snapped to him, but managed to gather up the courage and will to stand his ground at least.
“Hardly! These two have gotten into trouble one too many times to be sorry with that measly hardship. I ought to assign a consequence myself.” Turning back to the duo, Riddle glared heatedly, shouting with stern conviction, “For attempting to violate the academic integrity of our school, and agreeing to such foolish schemes, write an essay explaining your wrongs, then we shall talk!”
As Riddle stalked away with an irritated ‘hmph!’, Trey spared a pitying glance to Ace and Deuce. Deuce looked properly reprimanded, face tired and ashamed. Ace was more annoyed than anything. Well, at least they learned not to make a deal with Azul now. He’s sure it’d be over in a few days, a few weeks if they're really unlucky, but Azul’s schemes never really lasted long. At least none this obvious. Azul knows better than to be so aggressive in business.
Offering a thin smile as consolation, Trey hastened his way to the dorm. Riddle was already in such a foul mood, he should get the dorm under control before he beheads someone.
“Hah, freshmen am I right?” Cater joked, his steps light as he practically skipped alongside Trey. “Can’t seem to avoid trouble, those two.”Chuckling, he whipped out his phone and went onto social media with practiced ease.
“Them and the Ramshackle prefect… they’re going to get into serious trouble if they’re not careful.” Really, the trio got into more trouble than Riddle and Floyd in their first year. And that was something. As he and Cater passed by the open halls and corridors of NRC, he noticed a great many students missing. there was silence where howling laughter, joking, The courtyard, normally full of students walking past or resting, was now nearly depleted of its usual foot traffic. Even the stone and long hallways were near empty, save for a student or two.
Isn't exam season over? Usually by now, a Friday afternoon after exams, there’d be bunches and hives of them swarming the place, either joyfully recounting their marks or solemn faces promising to score better next time.
Before long, his feet walked him to the mirror chamber. Stepping into the mirror, he let his body adjust from the sudden change in environment, the cool encompassing magic of the mirror leaving his body as gravity settled over him again. Looking around, he noticed everything was slightly off.
Frowning, he surveyed the entrance, and picked out messy bushes and uncut weeds, more dirt and less shiny pavements, cracking paint on the drooping roses and the gold unpolished. Though it wasn’t horrible per se, it wasn’t their standard. And it definitely wasn’t Riddle’s.The minor problems added up, and the weirdest of all, there were no students in sight. Admittedly he and Cater had arrived earlier than usual, but even then there were always groups of students strolling about, or hurriedly completing their duties before Riddle arrived.
“Woah, what happened here?” Cater asked out loud, even his joyful mask fell a little as he knelt and cupped a dying rose, the white petals shriveled and curled, stained with dirt and rot as the musty old red paint cracked and peeled.
Slowly making his way further in, he noted the spilled paint buckets, hastily kept cups and tea sets shoved under or onto benches, like the person holding them was pulled away abruptly. The mess wasn’t that bad, honestly compared to the first year he had in Heartslabyul it actually was quite clean. However, the gardens relied on daily pruning and painting, and the animals required daily cleaning… Where was everyone?
“Wow. #Uncool. Riddle’s going to blow a fuse…” Cater mumbled, flipping his phone open and typing in some text. A ‘ding’ from his phone sounded and Trey pulled it out from his pocket, and read Cater asking in the group chat where everybody was.
Odd. No response. It was after class on a Friday too.
Opening the doors of the lounge, finally there were some students, noticeably all third or second years, as they frazzledly scrambled about like headless chicken, shouting out random orders and questions.
The disorder and confusion were a slap in the face, considering Riddle would be back in 2 hours at most, and to not only reign in the students, but also manage to fix the dorm in time…
“Vice-housewarden! Thank seven you’re here!” A student spotted them and nearly wailed out of relief, his face previously taut with worry melting off as he rushed toward them. “Everything's a mess! When I came back, even the flamingo and hedgehog pen were left dirty. And none of the other students are answering my texts! Please please please tell me you guys know what’s happening?”
“…I’m afraid not. What has been done so far?” Trey quickly got into action. He listened as the poor second year rattled off the list of things the small group had accomplished so far. It wasn’t much. Riddle is going to be furious.
“Alright, thank you for your work so far. We’ll take it from here. Do none of you know what happened?” When the student shook his head, he felt the beginning of a headache throb in his temples.
Sighing, he tried to comfort the nervous second year by offering reassurance, the poor guy looked like he’d burst into tears. “Don’t worry, let’s just explain this to Riddle. I’m sure he’ll be reasonable about it.” He most definitely will not.
“TREY CLOVER, CATER DIAMOND. COME HERE THIS INSTANT.” Ah. Shit.
Exchanging another look with Cater, they both ran off to the entrance to greet their housewarden.
Reaching the entrance plaza, both grimaced at the sight of Riddle’s fuming. His face flushed a crimson red from rage, his small frame vibrating from anger. His harsh gaze whipped towards them and he marched forward.
“You will not believe what I just found out.” Riddle gritted through his clenched teeth. He really should stop that. Grinding teeth will damage the outer layer.
“… What did you find out?” Cater asked warily, his smile now nervous.
Riddle turned a new brilliant shade of red, similar to his strawberries as he barked out, voice full of righteous fury and rage, “THAT SLIMY AZUL ASHENGROTTO HAD NOT ONLY THE AUDACITY TO TRICK MY CARD SOLDIER OF THEIR MAGIC, BUT ALSO FORCE THEM TO SLAVE AWAY IN THEIR OWN LOUNGE! I WILL HAVE HIS HEAD FOR THIS—”
“Wait. They’re working at Mostro?” Riddle paused at Trey’s question, surprised by the interruption. He frowned but answered, “Yes. And without any pay of any kind. If the Ramshackle prefect is to be believed, they’re overworking my card soldiers to perform without break in that shady lounge of theirs.”
Riddle’s stern voice got more authoritative as he calmed down. “I cannot allow this foolery and absolute mockery of rules to continue. I shall be in my room drafting up a letter to Crowley.” Riddle grumbled, his steam having run out from the earlier yelling. He didn’t even seem to notice the standard Heartslabyul was in.
Watching his figure get smaller and eventually disappear into the grand doors of Heartslabyul, Trey contemplated his options. Riddle’s rage wouldn’t be subdued until Azul stopped whatever plan he was cooking up, or the students fulfilled whatever they signed. Knowing Riddle, if his anger wasn’t placated, the next few weeks would be…
“Hey. Trey-trey. It’s Mostro that’s causing this, yeah? Could you ask your boyfriend if he’s planning to let some of our students go?” Trey felt his mood drop further. He hesitated before nodding distantly, mumbling a “I’ll try”. Cater gave him a sympathetic look, splitting himself into multiples and left. They both knew Riddle would demand the moon in a teacup before letting go of this issue unresolved.
But to ask Jade… seems a bit much. Jade has his own business to attend to, and his own plans to follow through on. Seeing how this particular scheme is on a much larger scale, it most likely was Azul’s idea. Besides, to use his relationship with Jade for this… it feels improper.
It probably won’t end up that bad. Azul of all people should know the consequences of offending so many people.Sighing, right as he was about to turn back to help Cater clean up the dorm, his eyes caught a clump of honey-coloured caps and sheets of white decay surrounding it like sheets of ice. A closer look revealed large clumps of warm honey fungus, innocent and deceptively sweet, the white sprawling trails of snowy rot expanding and creeping onto the roses.
… Snapping a picture, Trey made a mental note to send it to Jade later, before rushing off to help Cater.
A couple days pass by, and Trey still hasn’t talked to Jade. It’s not like he didn’t try either, it seems every time he gets the opportunity to invite him, Jade was busy with something else. He didn’t push, but he figured what Jade was constantly busy with judging with the complaints from Ace and Deuce. The demands of Riddle and the tired, exhausted faces of the freshmen however got to him eventually.
Initially, he thought of the Ramshackle prefect. They would know what to do, surely? They helped solve both Heartslabyul’s and Savannaclaw’s troubles, maybe they’d be inclined to help if Trey offered something?
The way to Ramshackle was… unusual, to say the least. Not only was the path overgrown with weeds and a spiderweb of cracks seemingly about to break the pavement anytime, but the dilapidated and eerie appearance of Ramshackle itself deterred any visitors. That is, until the prefect came along. But even then, he doubted they got many visitors, save for Ace and Deuce. As he reached the front steps and debated whether knocking might bring down the entire rickety door,, he heard the murmur of voices.
Ah. Good, they’re home.
Knocking lightly against the wall — he didn’t trust the door not to collapse, Trey braced himself for Grim’s greed, the prefect’s wariness, and of course a bribe of free pastries. He was ready for the Ramshackle chaos.
He was not ready to see the person who opened the door.
“…Jade?”
“Ah. Trey-san. Were you looking for the prefect?” Jade smiled, polished and charming, like the slippery eel he was. Like he didn’t leave Trey on ‘read’ for the past four texts. Not that he was keeping count.
Trey forced a polite smile, masking the knot of unease forming in his chest.
“Oh— yes. Is the prefect around? I need to talk to them. Alone.” Was this what Jade was busy with?
“Oya, I'm afraid you came at such an unfortunate time.” Jade apologised with faux sorrow, “The prefect has … vacated to elsewhere, and they were so very kind as to give the Ramshackle dorm to us in the meantime. Could I interest you in having a tour of the place instead?” Jade’s smooth voice was perfectly politely pleasant, his professional mask never dropping. In the background, he could hear the faint sound of destruction and cackling laughter.
“No, thank you. I’ll be on my way to find the prefect.” He tried to turn and leave— when a firm hand clamped down onto his shoulder.
He spun around smoothly, and was face-to-face to Jade’s serious face, dropped of all pleasantries.
“Trey-san. I do favour you, truly, I do.” Jade purred, leaning in closer, face now serious and stern. “Which is why I must tell you.” He could feel Jade’s breath on his bare neck, the knowledge of how close his neck is to Jade’s teeth making him swallow nervously.
“Do not interfere.” He leaned into Trey’s neck and whispered, “It’s more trouble than it’s worth.”
The tight grip on his shoulder was released, and Jade straightened back up and smiled like nothing happened. His cunning grin and smirking eyes were back, and he teased, “Though I know you can’t get enough of me, these are my working hours. If you want to see me so badly, do it after work, will you?” And with that, he turned and shut the door.
“Chevalier de roses! Whatever has saddened you so much to produce such a glum face?” Rook called out as he entered the science lab. Trey smiled crookedly as he set the beakers down.
“Ah… do I look that bad…?” He chucked nervously. He thought he’d been able to at least look half-way decent, but that would explain the pitying looks he’d gotten that day.
“Why yes! Your previous knightly radiance has dimmed with the burden of duty.” Rook dramatically exclaimed, in full poetic beauty. “Ah, to see such princely beauty, diminished by the weary grind of duty… truly, magnicifcentè!”
Rolling his eyes, Trey couldn’t help but huff in amusement. Dramatic as always…. “Yes, yes. Maybe I’ll be able to regain my ‘knightly radiance’ if you help me set up.”
Rook swiftly made his way to Trey’s side, eyes alight as he put on his gloves. “Ah, say no more! I shall help to restore your charming beauty!”
“Thanks.” Letting Rook enthusiastically help him set up, he decided to go scour for the ingredients. It was nothing big, just a simple healing potion. But, with Jade’s eel mucus…
Not long after their accidental meeting, Trey had gone back to his room, tired and confused at Jade’s words. He was planning on simply collapsing onto his bed at this point, but a shimmering, gel-like liquid in a small elegant bottle, along with a creamy note with elegant, cursive handwriting distracted him.
“My apologies for ignoring you. We had some extra. I thought you’d appreciate it.”
Carefully holding it up against the light, Trey inspected it with curiosity. This was a first, Jade usually gave his shed skin or teeth, he’d heard before from the eel himself how arduous the mucus extraction was.
Setting it back down and gently storing it away, he couldn’t help but smile.
He knows exactly what to give me. How sneaky.
He’d brought it to club, hoping to experiment on it… if only he could find the other ingredients for the potion.
Frowning at the unlocked potions chamber, Trey stepped inside.The floor was dusty, and the equipment still dirty, tools and bottles were scattered and unwashed. Cluttered beakers and measuring tubes still murky with residue powder and colour lay cluttered and stacked in the sink. The tables were cluttered with only kept equipment, the vials and bottles of liquid dangerously close together, and a foul smell emanated from somewhere — is that a spilled potion?
Though this wasn’t exactly the messiest it’s been… if some of the contents of these beakers were mixed wrongly or just kept too improperly, NRC could, well, theoretically burn down. Or if recorded wrongly and not labelled, one might just be able to make an extremely additive halliconogen…Not that the science club houses all of the necessary ingredients and apparatus and currently the lack of supervision needed to make illegal substances… or a bomb.
And not like that has happened before.
Shaking that aside, it was still highly irresponsible to leave everything in such a mess. Crewel could be furious.
He decided to just clean everything up himself, cleaning beakers, putting back tubes where they belong, and cleaning up the spillage of any contents.
It was an awful lot, and it certainly wasn’t fun, but after a good while, it was finally in decent state. Grabbing the ingredients he needed, he exited and was disturbed by the lack of students. The silence as he walked through the hall was even louder than the usual chaos of footsteps and laughter. “Rook? Do you know where everyone is? Are they really all doing field studies?” Trey asked.
“I do not believe so. It is truly unfortunate, I was planning to showcase my most magnificent work that shows the beauty of innovation and science! But alas…”
“…did they say anything about a contract?”
Rook smirked, and his eyes narrowed. “Why, I believe so. In fact, it was something related to Roí d’effort.” His smile turned sharper, like a hunter approaching his prey.
“One would have thought Monsieur Mastermind would have told you…”
Trey frowned. Rook was probably just teasing him, but still, he had a point.
Suddenly, Rook took a large step back. His smile cheery and his face gleeful, he posed dramatically and lamented, “Ah, how tragic! Even in Pomefiore, the joyful echoes of footsteps and laughter have lessened. No longer though I hear the yelps of surprise and joy when I stalk my prey, and admirers of beauty have decreased so…”
“…what a shame. Maybe you should save your experiments for when they come back then.” He wasn’t going to reel Rook in when he’s alone. As he flipped on some switches and connected the wires, his eyes lingered on the tiny jar gifted by Jade.
Jade would tell him if he was doing anything too bad, right?
It was a Tuesday. Everything seemed normal. He woke up, got ready, went to classes, and chatted with Cater. It was still roughly late afternoon, and it seemed like the ‘missing’ students returned. They all looked wary or exhausted, but they’re back.
That’s good., Trey noted as he waved hello to one of the ‘missing’ card soldiers. Jade returned them. That means everything should be fine. He had his fun.
He was making his way to the mirror chamber, deciding to visit Octavinelle. He would talk to Jade, maybe find out what exactly happened, and then forgive whatever trouble Jade stirred up again. It wasn’t that big, right? He supposed Jade did pretty much exploit a lot of students, and probably bullied them… but, he let them go, and he doubted the students fulfilled whatever insane conditions Azul set up, so that meant all was well, right?
However, the large crowd of students blocking the path to Octavinelle mirror told him otherwise. Shuffling his way to the front, shock and unease dawned on him, as he saw tape and ghosts surrounding the mirror to Octavinelle.
Asking one of the students next to him, the Scarabia student seemed quite wary, but answered him,
“Didn’t you hear?” The student hissed, “The Housewarden of Octavinelle overblotted!”
What.
Then it hit him like a train.
For a second, he couldn’t breathe. Breath hitching and stuck in his throat, his mind blanked, caught between panic and disbelief, still processing the words.
The noise from the crowd dulled, muffled from the sound of panic ringing in his ears. Before he knew it, his feet started moving, and he was running.
Ignoring the yelp from the student, he pushed his legs as fast as possible as he hastened his way to the infirmary. A cold dread knotted in his chest.
Squeezing through crowds and groups of students, mindless apologies and excuses spilling through his mouth, he was only set on one thing.
Jade.
He’s seen what an overblot can do. Twice. Riddle was destructive and lethal, going on a murderous rampage, nearly killing Ace, and very much wanted to kill everybody else. Rose bushes and trees turned into weapons as thorns and spears dripping with blot were thrown at them, the ground cracking and rising, the world seemed to turn mad as Riddle laughed hysterically.
And Leona. Choking Ruggie, hurling magic and insults at Diasomnia, as he slowly turned everything into sand, the fine golden grains sucking any and all moisture as they seemed to fall and spill from everywhere. He remembered the cracks forming in Ruggie’s skin, the whirlwinds and gusts of constant sand in his eyes, as he tried to keep the card soldiers safe.
Both had raw, unfiltered power, as they went about destroying anything and everything in their path, killing and violence seemingly the only thing on their mind. The inky and sticky blot, the screams as students ran, the inhuman figures that emerged from their cocoons of ink. Both times, it was a miracle that none died. But, what were the chances of a miracle happening thrice?
His mind ran with possibilities as he made his way to the infirmary. Jade is always close to Azul, he most likely was near him when Auzl overblotted. And Azul always had quite the sum of magic, and he knows Azul had managed to suck the magic out of at least a hundred other students… who knows how powerful an overblotted version could be?
By the time he reaches the white door, he’s panting and his legs and hands are trembling, from fear of possibility or from running, probably both. His hand shook as his clammy hands touched the cool metal of the door handle, he took a deep breath in preparation for the worse, and opened it.
His eyes searched for the nurse, exploring cautiously, careful not to disrupt those sleeping. He could feel the tainted blot emanating from them, the magic exhaustion clear in their sunken faces. Yet, no teal hair. Yet.
“Ehhhh? Sea turtle-Kun? What’re you doing here?” The familiar, sing-songy voice called out.
“Floyd! Do you know where Jade is?” Relief flooded him when he saw the eel, who was quite badly hurt, yes, but otherwise nothing too bad. And the fact that he wasn’t harmed too severely, and didn’t seem quite upset meant that Jade was okay. Probably. He’s not quite sure when it’s the twins.
“Hm. But why should I? I’m not really feelin’ like it.” He smirked, the infuriating face taunting him.
Just as he was about to cave and do something he’d most definitely regret later, a stern and strong voice echoed.
“Floyd Leech! Where are you?!” The sharp and crisp voice may have seemed calm to most, but Trey could detect the slightest undertone of fear and worry underneath.
Floyd’s face lit up immediately, and he grinned widely, he hobbled over to Riddle, voice now cheery and playful, “Hahhh? Goldfishie is lookin’ for me~ Do ya wanna play now?”
“No, of course not! I had received your message, and I must say, to send such gory images and so casually saying Azul overblotted, why, you scared me for a second there!” Riddle’s voice cried out, and his voice punctuated to a more disbelieving and worried tone towards the end.
“And besides! You shouldn’t play while injured anyway, that would be highly irresponsible of you— Floyd no—!” The two seemed to be in a world of their own as Floyd attempted to carry Riddle, but his injuries seemed to have taken their toll on him as he winced and had to let go. Riddle was fuming and reprimanding Floyd, but the soft, concerned frown and furrowed brows told Trey Riddle was more worried than upset.
“Ahem. Floyd, if you could tell me where Jade was?” Floyd turned, irritated that his ‘playtime’ was interrupted. “Hah. Didn’t I just say I’m not gonna? Did ya lose your hearing? Maybe a good whack would bring it back…” Floyd’s face soured visibly, as his mood darkened.
“Floyd! You will do no such thing! Tell Trey where your brother is this instant! It is only out of a place of concern and care that he asks, and it is incredibly rude of you to answer so hostilely!” Riddle chided, his small stature not deterring him in the slightest at shouting at Floyd.
“Ehhh. Fine.” Turning to face him, Floyd frowned but answered, “He’s in the bed further along there, turn to the left, then right, he should be in the first room. He’s watching over Azul.”
Thanking Floyd, Trey turned on his heels and followed the directions. As he walked past the halls, he knocked at the door which had supposedly had Jade. After a few seconds and no answer, Trey wondered if Floyd just lied to him. He was about to turn and ask someone else, when the door creaked open.
Jade’s tired and injured form opened the door, slouching and clearly exhausted. Trey’s eyes scanned the litany of bruises and cuts and scratches and were those suction marks—?!
Despite the numerous bandages and bruises painted across his body, Jade was upright at least. But barely.
“Trey… what’re you doing here?” Jade blinked in surprise and tilted his head in question.
“What am I doing here?” Trey repeated incredulously, opening the door so Jade could stand with less weight on him. For some reason, Jade’s surprised expression at Trey visiting him made something in him snap. A week of stress and worry and telling himself to ‘just wait it out’ came crashing down.
Trey replied in disbelief, now more snappish and scolding, “You went through an Overblot, Jade. An overblot.” Running a hand through his hair, he continued, “You know what that means? You could have died Jade.” He stressed each word, yet it seemed Jade didn’t realise it.
“Ah. Yes, I suppose I could’ve, but I didn’t.” Jade replied like that as the most natural answer. He frowned and his eyebrows furrowed, like he was offended over Trey worrying Jade was going to die, and snapped back, voice sharp and defensive, “Why? Did you think me so weak as to die to Azul? How little faith you must have in my skills.”
Trey groaned, one that was half annoyed at Jade not getting it, and half relieved that Jade was well enough to argue and make such stupid points.
“That’s—! I don’t mean— It isn’t like that — Ugh. ” Taking a breather, Trey inhaled and exhaled and then looked straight back at Jade, “ I meant that you could have. I’m not doubting your skill or whatever. Yeah you’re an extremely capable fighter, but still, you could have gotten hurt. Because I went through two overblots and people very nearly got seriously hurt.” With each word, he took another small step forward until he and Jade were face to face. “And I don’t want that to happen to you.”
Jade’s eyes darted away, and Trey felt an odd and sudden surge of anger rise through him. Oh no you don’t. I just mustered up this courage to scold you, you don’t get to run away from it.
“ Jade. ” He refused to look at him still. Stop looking away. He reached out, gripping both of Jade’s shoulders with his hands, firm but not rough, and pulled Jade down to his level.
At this, Jade’s eyes snapped back to Trey, his eyes now sharp with annoyance and he opened his mouth to answer a rebuttal. Trey shut him up before he could.
“I was worried about you.”
Jade was rendered speechless at that. His mouth now slightly agape, Trey took the few seconds of shock to examine Jade. He really did look tired. Exhaustion rimmed around his eyes and his hair was all over the place, scratches and small cuts decorating his cheeks and forehead, and Trey could see the beginnings of large, purple bruises and stinging red marks on Jade’s neck. His eyes held a certain uncertainty, yet he at least was looking at Trey now.
“…Sorry.” He mumbled, his eyes now looking downwards in some sense of shame that Trey was relieved Jade had.
“Ah.” Trey doesn’t think he’s ever heard Jade say that word so sincerely. “No worries. Just, exercise some caution, yeah?” Stepping back, he now realised he might have been a bit too emotional in his confrontation. Why did he get so worked up? He shouldn’t have been so weird about it. When was the last time he got so riled up about something…
“I always exercise caution, it’s just a matter of how much.” Jade replied primly, and Trey couldn’t help but snort slightly. His humour really needed improving.
“… Did you seriously not notice me?” Trey whipped his head around at the croaking voice, and realised Azul was at the corner of the room and was currently staring at them with a distant gaze that seemed like he was staring a thousand yards away. Stepping even further back from Jade, Trey coughed awkwardly, realising he really did just do all that in front of Azul.
Jade smirked at this, “Oya? Where did all that bravado go? I was so touched too, why are you running away now?” Jade teased, head tilted slightly and eyes brim with amusement.
“Please. Let him go. Or go with him. Just get out of my sight.” Azul deadpanned, his usual charm and suave having been replaced with irritation and impatience, which, understandable, he did just overblot.
“Oya Azul, how cruel… and to think I was the one who so graciously nursed you these past few hours…” Jade sighed, crocodile tears welling in his eyes.
Azul did not fall for any of it. “Leave.”
And so the two were kicked out.
“Sigh, Azul can be so petty at times…” Walking slowly back to the main hall, they continued chatting. Sneaking a look at Jade, Trey frowned when he noticed Jade had a minor limp, and he started noticing many more bruises and such that seemed to have sneaked under the radar.
Gently grasping Jade’s hand, Trey led them to the student nurse area, where salves and bandages were left out. Making Jade sit down, he carefully unwrapped and stuck the bandages onto the cuts and scrapes that were left, and gently massaged salve into the bruises left visible.
“You really don’t have to do this. I could easily do it myself.” Jade points out lightly as Trey wraps another small plaster to his finger. He hummed in response, merely flipping Jade’s hand to check for more injuries.
“I suppose you could.” Trey replied. “But I want to do something. Or I’d collapse from pacing back and forth. Plus, it's better for someone else to do it, no?” He frowned seeing another bright red suction mark decorating the inside of Jade’s arm.
“Hmm. I guess so.” Jade finally eased up a little. Before long, Trey had done everything he could, and they simply had to wait for the nurse to finish the other patients and come for them. In the meantime, they waited together at the benches available, and Trey quickly noticed Jade falling asleep. His back had slouched from his usual perfect posture, his eyes blinked sleepily and his head swayed slightly.
How long has it been since he slept? Slowly moving his hand to rest on top of Jade’s, he met his gaze, as Jade raised his brow, asking ‘Really?’ .
Trey nodded, and continued watching the free show of Riddle and Floyd bickering, and didn’t mention anything when a heavy, grounding weight landed on his shoulder.
His neck is so going to cramp after this.