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“Robin?”
The owner of the name turned around, facing his confused classmates. They were out of breaths, probably since they just ran as fast as they could to reach Ramshackle. And from their worried looks, Robin guessed they already understand the overall condition. Well, aside from the canned tunas that were scattered on the ground and a big bag that he holds who absolutely screamed 'look! We got kicked out from our dearest dorm!'
Robin shrugged his shoulders as he stood up. “Well, now I'm homeless,” he joked yet nobody laughed. While cleaning his dirty pants after landing unceremoniously on the concrete, he sighed loudly alongside some cursing under his breath. “Any recommendation on where to stay the night for now?” He asked, looking at each of his friends.
Deuce was the first who spoke up. “... Did you really made a deal with Ashengrotto-senpai?” He asked, making sure what he know is correct. “We heard what happened on the Mostro Lounge, so we ran here as fast as we could to check on you and Grim once we heard you lost to Azul-senpai,” Ace continued Deuce's explanation while helping Grim to pick his scattered food. Jack leaned down and helped as well, while Deuce decided to pick the clothes that escaped Robin's unzipped bag.
“NOT yet, excuse you,” Robin inhaled sharply. “Also, judging from what's in front of you guys, I'm pretty sure you can tell what happened,” he replied, voice still flat but everyone could sense the hint of annoyance. He ruffled his hair, purposefully hitting the hairpin on his side bang, Ace noticed. That means right now he's quite anxious and needed some assurance.
Robin clicked his tongue in annoyance. “I thought they would kick us out once we officially lost, but I guess I'm too naive,” he mumbled while putting his clothes neatly inside his bag pack. Once it's all packed, he slinged it into his back in one swift movement and gave his humanoid friends another look.
“So, who's going to take two homeless creatures for three nights?” He asked, concluded his ramblings. Grim leaned close to Robin's leg, his eyes practically begging to the other three. “We won't take many space, really!” The cat added, voice was purposefully made cuter to attract their sympathetic side. The three of them exchanged looks, considering both pros and cons of taking the Ramshackle students into their own dorms.
The Heartslabyul students looked at each other and nodded before answering Robin's request. “We can take you guys in, if you wanted to,” Deuce offered, his fingers pointing to the direction of chambers of mirrors, and Ace nodded beside him. “Yeah. Riddle-senpai won't be able to reject you guys, especially since you helped him back then!” Ace continued Deuce's words, once more, with a big grin on his face.
Robin nodded while remembering the look of the red and white dominated dorm. Sure the walls are a bit too much for his poor eyes, and the asymmetrical walls or the weird layout might confuse him. But aside from Ramshackle, Heartslabyul is the only dorm that he knows a bit better. The beds aren't that bad either, since he had checked them when the duo invited him to play poker several weeks ago. So he concluded that it wouldn't be a bad idea. But before he could say something, Ace opened his mouth again in a hurry—like he just remembered an important fact.
“Buuuut....,” the redhead trailed. His face looked nervous as he swayed from side to side, and the weird looking anemone on the top of his head moved following his head movement. Unconsciously, Robin followed his movement and tilted his head.
“But?” Robin echoed while waiting for Ace to continue.
“I doubt we'll be able to get a vacant room for both of you. We're kind of full, you see? Heartslabyul a pretty famous dorm, you know?” He said, adding full teasing tone in his last sentence, making sure Robin knew Heartslabyul's importance in this college. He clicked his tongue in response, while Grim groaned.
“Not fair! Then where are we supposed to sleep? I can't sleep on that eccentric common room!” Grim complained while laying down on the floor and kicking the airs, throwing a fit. Ace put a hand on his hip, clearly not buying Grim's tantrums.
“Dude, you're so small we can even hide you in the closet and call it a day,” the redhead commented. But Grim still kicking his feet, ignoring Ace's words. Realizing Ace didn't say anything about his sleeping place, Robin pointed at himself; asking Ace about him without saying a word. A devilish grin found its way into Ace's face, and Robin just knew what the shorter one would say. So he sighed and mumbled, “forget it,” not letting Ace says anything.
Then Jack spoke up, finally after staying silent for a while and watching the others talk. “Then, what about Savanaclaw? I think it might be a great idea.” The other four stopped their activities and looked at Jack, as if demanding for an explanation. So that's what he gave. “I mean, even though we don't have a vacant room, the rooms are quite spacious. And we mostly serve carnivorous type of diets,” he continued while looking at Grim as he said his last part. The cat quickly gets up with sparkles in his eyes.
“What do you mean carnivorous type of diets?! They serve more meat there?!” Grim asked happily. Jack nodded hesitantly, not knowing his answer had raised the spirit back in the gray cat. Looking at Jack's affirmation, Grim jumped happily while grinning from ears to ears. Such chance to eat real and fresh meat for his daily food won't come twice, especially when the prefect in his dorm is someone who prefers to eat air than food.
It's definitely a chance he won't miss.
Grim switched his focus into Robin. His eyes were begging for the non magic user to stay in Savanaclaw. While Robin, he wasn't so sure about staying there. He had no problems with staying with the beastmen even when they had a bad reputation. And food is definitely not a problem for him, as he could opt to eat only some rather than devouring it all like the ever so greedy Grim.
Rather, his problem lies with the prefect of Savanaclaw: Leona Kingscholar. It's not because they had a beef or that he hates his upperclassman. Robin always thought that upperclassman as someone who shares the same mindset as him. They respect each other's boundaries since both of them are someone who prefers to not butt into someone's problem, and considers a lot of stuffs are troublesome.
But since Leona's overblot, he had been having difficulties of facing the older one. He couldn't even find a reason to justify it. Perhaps it's because the beastman almost crushed his most treasured item—the hairpin she gave, or when Leona almost turned Robin himself into dust with that crazy unique magic of his.
Robin may be suicidal, but that pain of having your fingers turning into sand and watching them dissolve are horrifying, to say the least. Although his fingers are okay now and he had regained his control over them, he still covered them with bandages just in case they might break and dissolve into sand (he knows it won't happen, but paranoia gets the better of him.)
Sleeping near Leona who had almost killed him made Robin feels like he was a prey, offering its neck willingly to the predator. He knew Leona wouldn't even dare to harm Robin again, but the uneasiness won't go away.
He needs to stay away from the older for a while, at least until the thoughts go away.
As he looked at his friends, another suggestion popped into his head. He may asked Tsunotarou a place to stay in Diasomnia, since he's already quite close with the horned student. But the problem is, will Tsunotarou accept him? What will the other Diasomnia students think about it? And is it wise, to tell an outsider about the problem he's having right now—especially when it might cause an even bigger chaos?
Yeah, that would be definitely unwise to do so.
So now he's back with the two options.
Looking at those expecting eyes from two of his friends (one with a red heart shaped paint, one is a grey cat with blue fire on its ears), he couldn't help himself from wanting to reject those offers and just sleep on the chambers of mirrors (besides, why does that human look at him like that too? What does he want from Robin? The latter wandered.)
“Then, why don't we just split? We could gather more intels like that.”
Yet what escaped his mouth is the opposite of what he's thinking.
They looked at Robin funnily, eyes and mouth opened wide. Then they looked at each other, before beaming at him as if he just invented a super helpful technology.
“Dude, you're a freaking genius!!!” They all shouted in unison while circling at the confused non magic user.
It wasn't an impossible job to persuade Riddle, especially when the older one is indebted and a bit attached to Robin. He lets Robin stay in the freshmen's room while they finished their mission from Azul; to get the picture frame. He won't particularly offer any help, since it's their own problem that they have to solve alone. Although he offered to lend his ears and give his suggestions for them, if they ever need one.
“Sweet! Let's go to our room, Robin!” Ace jumped out of the sofa, hands on the back of his head and he was grinning wide. Deuce bowed down to his prefect, expressing his gratitude for Riddle's kindness. Since he knew it's forbidden to keep an outsider, and they came back quite late as well—meaning they already broke two rules that night and should've get collared by Riddle's magic. Yet Riddle still offered his help and choose to turn a blind eye on this problem.
Maybe crashing out for once isn't that bad to change a bad temper of someone, Robin thought to himself.
“Ah, but wait Rosehearts-senpai.” Robin called out when he saw the redhead was about to take his leave. Riddle looked at him, confused. So were the other two. Robin blinked, thinking on how to articulate his words. Since the taller one hasn't said anything, Riddle decided to be the one who speak, “what is it, Urton? Is there something bothering you?”
“Ah, yes...,” Robin scratched his head as he's still thinking on what to say. Then he looked at his classmates. “Sorry guys, can you leave me with Rosehearts-senpai for a second? I'll meet you in your room.” Robin asked. They looked at each other before nodding, then taking their leave after that. Ace still glanced at Robin before fully taking his leave, as if he's worried and telling Robin to not take a long time speaking with the housewarden. Robin noticed the look on Ace's eyes, and just nodded at Ace's unspoken request. Once he saw they had completely left the common room, he straightened his back before speaking.
“Senpai, I have a request for you and I wish you could fulfill it,” Robin began, his eyes followed Riddle's body who returned to the seat. As he put his hands on his thigh, Riddle blinked confusedly. “What do you want me to do, Urton?” He asked.
Robin held his nape awkwardly, still hesitating to say the truth. “Uh... I was hoping if you could help me making a sleeping potion. I have been unable to sleep lately, and I need some kind of potion or a spell—anything's fine, really—to help me just, turn off my head and sleep.” He explained, purposefully leaving out the detail of him having constant nightmares who'll left him into a crying mess once he woke up.
And he definitely doesn't need another reason to kill himself, especially out of embarrassment like this one.
Riddle, who was a bit taken aback by his request, took some time before being able to answer. After several seconds, he gave Robin a smile, a sign that he agreed with Robin's request. “Okay, I'll help. But you must help me with the preparations and all. Now, let's go make it, shall we?” Riddle asked as he stood up. He touched Robin's shoulder as he walked by, signaling the latter to follow him. Robin understood the hint right away, so he stood up quickly and followed the older one.
It didn't take them a long time to finish it, thanks to Riddle's broad knowledge in every aspect of academic stuffs, and Robin's ability to absorb new information like a sponge. Once it was finished, Riddle told him it should be consumed every time before he goes to bed—two sips are enough for it to work. And it only took up to 10 minutes before it started to do its job, then it'll disappear once he had fulfilled his 6 hours of sleep.
A quite practical potion, really.
Once Robin reached the duo's room, he opened the potion's lid then drink it before entering the room. He doesn't want to waste any more time to think and contemplating life decisions. He'll get inside, introduce himself to the other roommates, reach the bed, and sink into that fluffy mattress.
Whose mattress will he sleep on, though? A question popped out in his head once he already twisted the knob; a little too late to go back and reject the offer.
He twisted the knob, and what greeted him was the view of four people quarreling. They stopped talking instantly once they heard the door creaking. There was an awkward silence while the five of them just stared at each other. And at that moment, Robin wanted to slam the door shut and just sleep at the corridor because really, why nobody said anything? That also includes his stupid self who was unable to open his mouth.
Does the sleeping potion really shut his brain's ability to function, even in the simplest problem like this? There hasn't been 10 minutes since he swallowed it, though. And yet, Robin couldn't even answer that question that he asked to himself.
What a truly strong potion it is, then.
It was Ace who decided to break the silence. He grinned, the usual shit-eating one, before mocking Robin, “so, how long are you going to do the mannequin challenge? Come inside, man!” He moved his hand, ordering for the outsider to step inside. So Robin followed, cautiously entering the dimly lighted room. He nodded to the other roommates while Deuce introduced Robin to his roommates.
“I won't stay here for a long time, so you can ignore my existence for three nights. But can I ask something?” Robin asked. Ace nodded, “what is it?”
“Where should I sleep?”
....
And now, that awkward silence is back.
“Uhm, we could roll for it, don't you think so?” A roommate of theirs asked. Ace snapped his finger, instantly on board with the idea. As he jumped from his bed, his hand rummaged inside the pocket on his pants. The sparkles on his eyes looked so determined, and somehow Robin sensed there'll be some tricks he would do. “Agree! Let's decide it by rolling a dice! Pick your numbers, guys!” He yelled as he pulled out a small white dice with hearts as the dots. While showing the dice on his left palm to everyone in the room, he flashed them a devious smirk. “I pick number 1, though!”
“That seems like a simple way to solve this problem. Fine by me, I'll pick 4!” Deuce joined in while scooting closer to Ace. The other two picked their own numbers. Once they all picked a number, Ace retracted his hand and shuffle the dice in his hand. “It is on, then!” He shook his hands several times, making sure everyone in the room saw him shuffling the dice and hearing the faint noises inside his palm.
Then before he threw the dice into his bed, Robin saw Ace slowed down his hand for a second, but he has no idea what it means. Ace threw the sole dice, and everyone watched as it rolled into the soft surface while holding their breaths altogether. It tumbled, once, twice, before stopping completely—right at number 1.
It was Ace's number.
“Eh?! My number?!! I lost?!!” Ace screamed while leaning closer to examine the dice. “No fucking way! This game sucks!” He screamed again, and probably everyone had the same thought: he was the only one who was able to rig the result, or his luck is just dogshit.
Deuce patted his back, as if he's telling Ace to accept his fate, while the others were visibly relaxing into their beds. Probably glad that they wouldn't need to spend three awkward nights sharing bed with a stranger who looked like he's about to kill everyone in sight if someone ever disturbs his sleep.
“Good luck with that, Ace,” a roommate spoke as he gets inside his blanket. “Don't do anything weird, though!” The other added while laughing. Ace mumbled a trail of curses, before sighing and took his dice back. He looked at Robin who was putting his bag near Ace's wardrobe. Then he saw how the Ramshackle student took off his blazer slowly, watching it slides from his back and revealing his hoodie-covered back. Ace gulped despite there was nothing drooly worthy.
Even when Robin's back looked like his own; why did it feel so erotic, though?
After hanging his blazer on the hanger, Robin looked into Ace who was giving him a stupid look. He could see the way Robin's eyebrow raised with a question mark, but the latter decided to say nothing despite he was ready to throw some sarcastic remarks.
“Which side should I pick?” He asked after a yawn who left his mouth uncontrollably. Ace quickly moved himself to the left while lifting his blanket, letting the other joining him into his single bed. Then Robin sat on the right side, taking off his shoes and socks without saying anything.
“Do you really like our uniform that much?” Ace asked while pulling the curtains on his bed, making sure none of his roommates would take shameful pictures of him again. That time when he first arrived in Night Raven College almost felt like hell since he forgot how much of a prankster everyone could be if they were ever given the chance, although he also took pictures of the snoring Deuce.
Robin shrugged, “I'm avoiding unnecessary spending. Won't even wear other outfit that often.” He then took off his hairpin, placing it slowly into the nightstand like he's afraid it'll break if he put it normally. Then he laid down, his shoulder pressing into Ace's ever so slightly when he tried to fit himself into the cramped space; making Ace choke into air from the sudden contact.
Blame the small bed, not Robin.
“Trappola,” Robin called in a whisper since he knew Ace would be able to hear anything he said in this close proximity. Ace hummed while pulling the blanket over his chest, trying to calm down his racing heart by pressing it with the heavy material. Robin took the other end while adjusting his position in the bed, the sounds of soft rustlings were heard between them. Robin blinked slowly since the potion's effect started to kick his system, meanwhile Ace looked like he's about to burst as he anxiously waits for Robin to continue his words. “You're too close, I can't breathe,” he continued once he found a more comfortable position.
Ace grumbled lowly—a bit disappointed with what the other said. “Blame the bed, not me. I might fall if I give you more space,” he said after he could calm himself a bit. He could hear how Robin snorted, then the latter tried to make himself smaller by moving left and right. From the way Robin's back is pushing into Ace's more, he could tell Robin was almost like a shrimp right now. Suits the nickname Floyd gave to him, though.
Another noise was heard from Robin's side, probably calling Ace again. And again, Ace only hummed, refusing to say anything. There was another silence, probably Robin already dozing off. So Ace decided to speak up while pushing Robin's back a bit with his own, “hey. What was it.”
”... did you rig the roll result?” Robin asked, his whisper was a bit soft and there was no hint of anger in it. Hearing Robin's soft voice for the first time instantly made Ace flush red. He immediately sat up while looking at Robin's back, and stuttered—unable to calm himself down since his stupid brain keeps on replaying Robin's voice.
How did Robin even notice, anyway?
“It was for a mere second, but I saw you slowed down your hand before you throw your dice,” Robin explained as he pulls the blanket even higher until it covers his nose, answering Ace's mental question. “I'm not mad, though. Rather thankful for saving me from the awkward moment with the others if we share bed,” he continued, and the softness of his voice is still audible, as if he's reassuring Ace that it was totally okay.
While for Ace, the urge to kick Robin out of Heartslabyul suddenly appeared. The low, breathy and soft tone definitely caused a chaos inside him. It felt like Ace's insides was being tickled, and he couldn't help himself but to curl—mirroring Robin. Like it would help him from having the weird feeling inside him.
Overwhelmed with the feeling, Ace tugged the blanket a bit. “Good night,” he decided to speak, not wanting to prolong this conversation even longer. He's afraid on what Robin might say if he admitted the truth, even when Robin himself already mentioned that he doesn't mind it. He could hear Robin reply with, “night,” underneath his blanket. And although Ace said that, he's sure he wouldn't be able to sleep for at least the next three hours.
It was later proven correct. Because now it's one AM, and his eyes are still opened wide.
It's just like that time when he slept at Ramshackle, he noted. His heart beats uncontrollably loud, ringing in his hear and he could feel it throbbing in his chest. His feet are cold, his insides are twisting like it's trying to unravel itself in this exact moment. And most importantly, his cheeks are flushed while his brain still replied what Robin said hours ago before the latter sleep.
He peeked outside his curtains, then noticed their room is in pitch dark now. The others' bed are covered with their own curtains, and he couldn't see any glowing lights—like it was radiated from a phone— from any of their beds. Then that means everyone except him, are in deep sleep right now.
After that, Ace turned his head to look back at Robin. He was, surprisingly, sleeping peacefully. The blanket that previously covered his nose was already below his chin right now, so Ace could inspect the other's face properly. His breathing is even, his eyes are closed without any pressure, his eyebrows aren't furrowed, and his lips are forming a thin line. There was no sign of stress on him, unlike back then.
It means the nightmare didn't appear every night, then. Ace concluded.
Such lucky coincidence, though.
Looking at the sleeping Robin, it somehow calmed the Heartslabyul's heart. He could feel his cheeks getting warmer when he realizes Robin could sleep properly, even after all of the crazy stuffs that had been happening. Unconsciously, Ace moved his finger to touch Robin's cheek. It was cold like his hands, and it wasn't as soft as his own, yet Ace still puts his finger there. It's not like Robin would wake up, judging from how his chest still rises and descends still in a stable rhythm.
Ace smiled when he knew he just found another side of the ever so avoidant Robin. He didn't know how he could become this lucky to have all of these unroll so smoothly for him, as if there was an outer force that pushes them closer.
Even if he's not a fan of those cheap romantic clichés, it's still funny to see it happening to yourself.
His eyes fell on Robin's lips. They were thin and a bit pale, unlike his own. It's probably because Robin barely wears any facial products and doesn't treat his own body properly. Those lips were a bit opened, and were chapped—and Ace just realized Robin would bite his lips when he doesn't have the usual nasty lollipop in his mouth. There were also dried blood on the chapped parts. Must've been because the owner bit them too hard.
He should take care of himself more.
From his sleeping schedule, diets, skin, outfits, or even... those scars on his body and most importantly: his mental state.
Sometimes Ace wished he's able to lift those struggles from Robin.
Ace leaned down slowly as he moved his finger from Robin's cheek to touch the latter's hair, stroking it gently. Being this close to Robin made him hesistant and nervous, like he would do something that will definitely upset the other. What did even want to do in the first place, anyway? Why does he want to be this close to Robin? Why... do his eyes are addicted to search for the brunet?
Does it have any connection with how he rigged the rolling result, so he could share his bed with Robin? Does it have any connection with him wanting to impress Robin, then making a deal with Azul so he could get better grades—even when he's sure he could study it on his own? Does it have any connection with how his body instantly jumped at Robin, when the latter almost got turned into sand? Does it have any connection with....
... it probably has a connection with how he became so eager for earning a nickname from Robin, when he knew the Ramshackle looked at that stranger with a softer gaze than when Robin was with Ace. And probably with the other things before all of that, even.
Everything started to make sense once Ace put more thought into it, analyzing how he behave as like he's a loyal dog who followed Robin everywhere. With how he tried to understand why Robin tried to project his ex's image into Ace, and how much it vexed him. Other than how he dislikes being treated as someone else, but another reason. Something that he had been refusing to acknowledge, locking it deep inside his brain.
Then a realization came into Ace after he reexamined each of his life decisions once he met Robin. He gulped hardly like he's swallowing a rock shaped hard truth, and it sits heavily in his chest; planting itself there.
Of course it does.
He always thought Robin is interesting, but he didn't expect he would just... to be like this. It was rather silly, or even stupid if he could say so.
And now that he knows what's his true feelings are, what should he do?
What a funny question. Why should he even hesitate in the first place? Other than the probability that Robin doesn't swing that way, of course. But he wouldn't be a homophobe, right? Robin doesn't seem to be the type that would throw up at the sight of a queer. He even quickly accepts the diverse type of humans here without asking anything when in his previous world everyone looked the same! So that horrendous possibility is definitely out of the window.
But what about her?
Now. That's, a different case.
Even if Robin is still attached to her until this exact second, that doesn't mean he will stay like this forever. Despite how much his heart thugs every time Robin mentioned her, his stubborn side still wanted to pursue the non magic user. He could care any less about her. He'll just prove himself that he's able to change Robin too. The more Robin talks about her, the more eager he'll become.
Yeah, Ace nodded to himself in agreement. He'll prove Robin that getting out of that hole is indeed possible. That at some point, the latter really needs to realize he couldn't stay forever in the same space. And out of spite to show her that she can't be the only one who carved their image deep into Robin Urton.
Definitely sounded like a good plan.
After gathering his thoughts together, he pressed a kiss into the corner of Robin's lips out of his heart's wish—one stupid gesture that definitely leaped out of his heart without his brain noticing. Yet surprisingly, he sleeping one didn't budge a bit when Ace did it. Anxiously, he waited for any signs that Robin might wake up from his stupid action. Yet there was nothing, not even an unconscious hum. Once he realized Robin didn't move at all, he smirked again; knowing he could do anything with this unguarded Robin.
Yet he chose to do nothing since he really wants to see how the brunet would react, if he ever confess or behave like how his heart wanted to.
“I hate you.”
Other than reverse-confessing on top of Robin's cheek impulsively, like he's practicing how to do it if he ever has the guts to say it out loud. One day, mayhap. Once he could break through the thick wall of Robin's defense. Also he bet his lips definitely brushed Robin's cold cheek when he whispered his confession.
Whatever. It could be the proof that only him and Robin's skin will remember.
He pressed his lips into Robin's once more, as if it's telling Robin that it's a deal.
It is on, then.