Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a peaceful day, or so Jade thought. He decided to tag along with Floyd and Azul out to the courtyard. It seemed quite busy- perfect for whatever survey Azul was about to take for the ‘improvement of Mostro Lounge’ (he is definitely selling the data).

Jade stood back and admired Azul’s hopping back and forth between students. He temporarily lost sight of Floyd, only to figure out that the poor Heartslabyul Dormhead was indulging in his own form of practice. And Floyd was ready to ruin it.

Floyd zigged and zagged around Riddle Rosehearts’s broomstick as he took flight and landed over and over. Must be one of Riddle’s training routines. He talked about it a lot.

Conveniently, Azul was approaching Riddle with his clipboard. The taller always felt at ease when he was able to watch Floyd and Azul in the same eye.

However, he was not ready for what happened next.

In a near blink of the eye, Azul mysteriously tripped and toppled right over Riddle, somewhat.. suggestively.. caging him on the floor.

The reaction from the redhead was just as instant. He whipped his pen out almost on reflex and started to scream his signature spell when a quick blue flash knocked it straight off of Azul’s throat.

Damn Floyd.

Azul was still recovering from whatever the fuck just happened and quickly toppled back as his hat fell off. Riddle’s face was positively tomato red, breathing out heavily. Floyd rolled his head back in laughter, but it stopped short when Azul turned to face him.

Azul started to swat at Floyd’s head (a failure, due to the height difference) so Jade decided it was time to intervene. He took a few long strides.

“Oh Floyd, why would you trick our dear Azul like that? You know how frail he is..”

Azul looked ready to snap Jade’s neck in half before said man hit Floyd directly in the knees, toppling him over before sitting on his back.

“JAAADE!! It was a harmless joooke~~~ forgive meeee”

Riddle was still red and on the grass, staring at Floyd as he pieced the situation together in his head.

“You typically don’t mess with Azul, as you know our consequences. Nee, Floyd, would you want without a bed for a week?”

“Ee, Jade. Don’t be a bully” Floyd rolled over to the best of his ability “What’s the harm in a small game? Didn’t even turn out that great ‘nyway, its more fun doing stuff to Goldfishie myself!!”

Azul seemed to finally recover himself, dusting his now grass-stained suit and fixing his hat and glasses.

“Jade, you know what to do”

Jade smiled and looked at Floyd, who looked both terrified and ready to fight.

The twin stood up off of the other just to step on his back again before extending a hand to Riddle.

“Floyd, an apology?”

Riddle turned rather sheepish staring at Jade literally stand on his twin brother’s back. Azul looked.. violent.. as well.

Floyd let out some strangled cough before Azul cleared his throat.

“I’m terribly sorry, Riddle! I do hope this can stay a secret between the few of us. I could write up a contract to keep Floyd-“

“No. Contracts.”

Azul sighed and glanced at Floyd.

“I assure you he will be taken care of. I’m not sure what has gotten into him lately, but we will be sure to straighten him out. I apologize if I hurt you due to his- act.”

Floyd looked ready to open his mouth before Jade dug his heel further into his back.

“You must be glad I will not take this up with the Headmaster. This has been a violation of at least 6 rules- though I do not condone the physical violence with our perpetrator.”

Jade lifted one foot to let Floyd scramble to his knees.

“See you later cough Goldfishie~”

Riddle simply scoffed before grabbing his broomstick and marching off.

Chapter Text

“WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITH HIM.”

Azul was frantically pacing across his office as Jade sat calmly on the couch.

“He has done nothing but disturb our potential clientele lately!! First the fight he picked, then that MagiCam post, then the incident last week, and now pummeling me to the ground? With a fellow Housewarden?”

Azul sat at his desk and furiously flipped through a few documents, throwing them in Jade’s direction.

“First violation. Second violation. His bad report cards. How long can we keep him working here, legally!?”

Jade smiled and set down his tea.

“I’m not sure if you have observed, Azul, but all of these have been connected to one specific hotheaded person.”

“Are you suggesting there’s someone we need to take out?”

“No, no. It’s not exactly his fault. I’m not sure why Floyd would take much interest in him, of all people.”

“Rosehearts?”

“Rosehearts. I had an extensive talk with a Heartslabyul student to find out that the reason behind the fight was because someone took a jab at him and Rosehearts. The MagiCam post? Happened after Trappola yelled at him over Rosehearts. His grades have slipped because he decided to drop my tutoring in favor of stalking around the library. You do remember what happened last week? Today was hardly different.”

Azul moved to the couch and reached out for Jade’s drink before downing it.

“What the hell do we do.”

Jade shrugged and smiled again.

“We know grounding has never worked. And today he seemed quite unphased and mumbled about how he has someone to “stay over” with. I’m not sure how well physical violence will turn out, but I’d rather not get into another quarrel with him.”

Azul stared at Jade as he continued.

“I’m sure you know of how much we need him, however. I cannot imagine a more suitable bodyguard-“

“I get it, Jade” Azul sighed “I just can’t comprehend why he hasn’t gotten bored yet.”

“That I cannot answer” Jade took back his glass before standing and moving to the door to retrieve more, “I’ve tried to converse with him about it, yet he always seems to come up with the same “I don’t know” excuse. I’ve figured we’ve never kept secrets from one another, so why start now?”

The silver-haired stared at Jade’s dejected face before standing himself and striding over to him.

“Things have changed, and things will change. I guess that is how business will be.”

Jade looked down into Azul’s eyes before flashing his teeth slightly.

“I suppose. Good night, Azul. Seek me if you wish.”

“Good night.”

And the door shut and clicked.

Chapter Text

“Dude are you fuckin crying????”

Floyd barged into his and Jade’s shared room (per usual) and stared at Azul silently wiping his tears as Jade held his glasses.

Jade quickly whipped around and put his hand on his chest.

“He got a B on his exam…”

Azul threw his head back and Floyd widened his eyes.

“Well I got a F, so beat that!”

“Floyd..”

Azul quickly sat up and threw his glasses on, staring Floyd down like he just missed out on a good brand deal.

“You!!! Floyd I swear to FUCKING GOD if you get any lower marks I’m going t-“

Azul whipped out his pen to threaten Floyd but the twin was quicker, casting his signature spell with a flash and laying on his bed.

“Fire me? Or worse? Y’know Azul, grades aren’t all that important~”

Jade sighed and hugged Azul as he went into some sort of hissy fit, clawing after Floyd.

“The fuck is his problem??”

“Floyd, don’t upset Azul even more”

“He’s upset OVER the grades! I’m tellin’ him to chill out”

“LET GO OF ME JADE”

“Nee, Floyd, aren’t you already in trouble?”

“Ee, Jade, I don’t know what you’re talking about~~”

Azul kept flailing and Jade narrowed his eyes.

“You should attend disciplinary proceedings, Floyd, otherwise it’ll just get worse-“

“Fuck that, honestly” Floyd picked at his teeth “its all borin’ and I didn’t even do anything”

“You almost took Azul’s teeth out.”

“Nobody made a big deal of it til Vargas showed up.”

“Azul’s pants got ruined”

“Take it outta my paycheck”

“Rosehearts’s broom could’ve snapped”

“Woulda apologized”

“You put the two in a very compromising position in which was very publicly embarrassing, without their consent.”

Floyd’s expression changed for a second,

“Are ya tryna argue with me?”

“Nothing of the sort”

“Then what’s up with this, Azul never gets this wound up over MY grades”

“Azul is wound up over you. Floyd.”

Floyd finally glanced over to his brother, who was almost frowning, with a now tired Azul in his arms.

“Why?”

“You’ve been.. distracted.”

“Not your business”

“It is quite literally our business. As in, your marks and detentions might force you to quit.”

Azul finally spoke up, “We don’t want to have to lose you.. at the lounge, Floyd.”

Floyd rolled in his bed to fully face them

“K, so what. I start payin’ attention or something?”

Azul scoffed, “You stop keeping your attention on someone else.”

That seemed to strike a nerve, because he instantly sat up.

“That, that’s none of your business. Don’t go makin up shit”

He slammed the door, and Azul and Jade looked at each other.

“Perhaps I shouldn’t have said that”

“He is.. touchy.. anyways,” Jade sighed and squeezed Azul tighter, “he hasn’t been like this since back home with our parents”

“What is there to like about Rosehearts? He’s short and uptight and shrewd, they couldn’t be more different.”

Jade’s smile was telling.

“You’ve described yourself and I still enjoy you” he laughed, “There is a saying among human romance- that opposites attract. For all we know, Floyd’s adapted a lot quicker than the both of us.”

“He is good in gym...”

“Precisely. I’d like to talk with him tomorrow once he’s cooled off. If not about Rosehearts, at least about continuing tutoring with me.”

“Thank you, Jade.”

Jade smiled into Azul’s neck and took his glasses off.

Chapter Text

“Knock knock”

Jade strolled upon Floyd sitting on a bench in the main area, fiddling with his pen and staring at the people pass by. Floyd looked over to his twin, but stayed silent.

“Are you upset over what Azul said? He did not mean anything harmful…”

“Why are you now on Azul’s side?”

“I don’t pick sides, brother.”

Floyd leaned back and stretched his arms out.

“Whaddya want?”

“You seem bored. Wouldn’t you like to come back to the room? Maybe indulge in some design sketches?”

Floyd raised his eyebrow and stared at his brother’s smile, confused.

“What’s this about? Is it some trap? Is Azul gonna be cryin’ again? Haha~”

Jade calmly shook his head. He was simply trying to lure Floyd back to their room in hopes of bringing up tutoring. Azul was doing paperwork in his office, per usual. He silently thanked god that Azul put a hold on the Lounge for a few days while working on a new project, because he wasn’t sure how Floyd’s mood would affect their serving.

As Floyd stared at his pen, Jade thought back to the previous night. ‘How could Floyd like Rosehearts?’ What a silly question. Azul doesn’t know what it’s like to be dominant, a predator. It’s a hunt- and Floyd has simply been following what he’s seen from all of his years in the ocean. Riddle is small and temperamental, and for someone like Floyd it probably stimulates everything that he’s been seeking since he was on land. Plus Riddle is cute.

Floyd was now scrolling on his phone and Jade cleared his throat to grab his attention.

“Yea, okay, I’ll go there right now… Just get me food~”

“I’ll cook some up when we get back to the lounge”

“NO MUSHROOMS!!!”

Jade laughed and Floyd got up and started walking with him as if nothing happened, beaming as he told his twin about his day.

Chapter Text

Azul decided it was best to do his rounds while the twins were away. He was ecstatic that not only Jade managed to get Floyd in a couple tutoring sessions, but now also was allowed to open a temporary pop-up in the main area. Who cares about a B+, anyways? Life was good.

The octopus made circles around the tables, handing out flyers and making polite conversation with potential clientele. He decided to check his clipboard, and lowered it to see a certain redhaired problem march up to him.

“Good evening, Rosehearts.”

The shorter simply nodded and pointed his nose in the direction of his pop-up.

“Do you have permission from Director Crowley?”

Azul practically grit his teeth but pulled a contract out of his pocket.

“Why of course! As you can see-“

“That’s sufficient”

Riddle proceeded to walk around the tables and nitpick as Azul stood and cleaned his glasses.

“Actually, Rosehearts, now that you’re here-“

“Where are the Leeches?”

Azul was absolutely terrified at the thought of Riddle now seeking out Floyd, but instead put his glasses back on to see the redhead clearly displeased (and frankly.. scared).

“I was actually hoping to talk to you about that” he pulled out a chair and the other raised an eyebrow, “do you have the time?”

“I have 12 minutes before my routine check at the garden..” he crossed his arms, “but absolutely no ‘business talk.’”

Azul laughed and leaned in.

“None of that. However, do you know what is.. going on… with Floyd as of late?”

Riddle looked extremely surprised, sitting up straight.

“Ironic, I was looking to complain to you about the same thing.”

Azul frowned as Riddle continued, “While he has been a nuisance since orientation last year, it feels as if Floyd’s only gotten worse.. I’ve been interrupted 8 times in the past 3 days, but who’s counting?”

The silver-haired admired Riddle’s (small) stab at humor and smiled

“Ah.. I see. I was hoping to see if you had any idea of why he’s been so eccentric lately, alas.”

He briefly thought back to what Jade told him about the appeal of being a predator or something, but he didn’t want to think about what it implied.

As if on cue, he noticed Jade’s tall figure in the distance. He walked over with a clipboard and a stack of cups as Floyd heaved 2 giant boxes.

“I suggest you g-“

“GOLDFISHIE????”

Jade took the boxes as Floyd quite literally sprinted over to their table, smiling his stupid fucking smile.

Azul scowled and Riddle sighed, pushing his chair out.

“I was thinking of leaving right now, anyway. Trey is probably looking for me-“

“Ah, sea-turtle! Dont ya wanna see our food or something~?” He turned to Azul and whispered with his so.. so so scary face, “And why the fuck are ya having a meetin’ with Goldfishie, after what I told ya?”

Azul felt his entire body tense and something in his heart dropped before Jade snuck up behind him and placed a hand (very belittling, Azul thought) on his head.

“Nee, Floyd, when do Azul and Rosehearts speak of anything other than marks and rules?”

Floyd narrowed his eyes but popped up and turned back around to Riddle, who looked extremely shaken.

“I-I should go.. who knows if Trey is discipling correctly.. ahem..”

He walked a bit faster than usual, and Floyd shrugged and nudged Jade to throw the boxes at Azul.

Chapter Text

Azul sat back and watched Jamil and Floyd absolutely demolish the guys on the sand. It was supposed to be a nice beach day for second years in celebration of the long weekend, but apparently some.. unfavorable students from some other school were there too.

~~~

It started as typical teenage-boy harassment against Riddle and Kalim, both of which were sitting in the sand a bit away from everyone else, along with Silver. Calling them short and girly and whatever. Kalim, being stupid naïve, tried to be friendly to the guys, making them start being more obnoxious. Riddle was at his limit and started yelling (woke poor Silver up) which made the thugs decide physical contact was the best answer.

Floyd and Jade were swimming, Ruggie was eating (a lot) and Azul sat in his sun hat on his chair. Only god knows what the twins would do if he got in the water, plus he didn’t want to take off his shirt anyway. Jamil was sitting with them, loosely watching Kalim, but figured Riddle could handle the situation.

Until they started grabbing at half asleep Silver and (seemingly) threatening him.

Jamil instantly stood and told Azul he was going to intervene (Azul thought Riddle would be fine until he realized he left his magic pen with his bag.. next to Azul’s chair…) before marching over and yelling at so many decibels that some Savanaclaw students started complaining.

Which also alerted Floyd and Jade.

Jade got out of the water and walked to Azul, sitting next to him and listening to everything. Floyd, on the other hand, practically ran to Jamil with a familiar (and extremely fucking scary) excitement in his eyes.

The students were fine with picking a fight with Jamil until Floyd showed up. They looked a bit scared, but one of them said something and pointed a finger at Floyd and thats when he punched one straight in the nose.

And here we are.

Ruggie started chanting for them and Riddle stared aghast at the scene in front of him. Kalim tried to pry Jamil off of the other guys. Silver blinked, reached for his pen, then leaned against Riddle and dozed off as soon as he saw that they were safe.

Jade stood and smiled his weird smile and Azul fought between laughing or yelling. On one hand, it was fucking hilarious. Floyd hasn’t gotten to seriously squeeze someone in a few weeks now, and he was clearly pent up. Jamil looked ready to leave but Kalim shouting at him seemed to work as some sort of reverse psychology.

On the other hand, this is probably bad for business, PR-wise. Most of the 2nd year class was there, watching one of the most important bartenders of Mostro Lounge break someone’s jaw.

Actually? Maybe Azul needs that threat.

He sat wide-eyed but it looked like the fight was short-lived, the offenders fleeing. Kalim very literally jumped on Jamil to keep him from chasing them, but Floyd looked pleased, shouting something back at the boys. Azul knew that look on his face from a mile away. He stood with Jade and walked closer, hoping to ask what in the actual fuck what just happened.

Ruggie was laughing and hoisting Silver up as Kalim whined into Jamil’s back.

“Calm down. They would’ve gotten physical and stolen your precious family headdress stuff anyway.”

“Thats fine!! I can get a new one!! There’s blood on your hand now..”

“For fuck’s sake… look at it like this: Silver would’ve gotten shanked. Or mugged or something. He’s fine now.”

Kalim turned to Silver who nodded, then unlatched himself from Jamil.

During all of this, Floyd was lifting Riddle up and spinning him in circles and all the stuff that Floyd likes to do. Riddle was screaming that he had enough assault for one day and how many rules have been broken, but Floyd kept laughing and barking about how he “could’ve died and totally saved Goldfishie and deserved a prize”

Azul glanced at Jade, who was smiling with his eyebrows furrowed, clearly excited by all of the commotion. Kalim and Ruggie ran out to the water, and Jamil and Silver retired to Azul’s chair. The housewarden and his vice stood, observing.

Floyd spun Riddle around a couple more times before finally setting him down and crossing his arms.

“Reward?”

“WHAT!! Your ‘reward’ for what? Spinning me so much that I am ready to spit up my entire lunch?”

“Not like you ate much ‘nyway” Floyd smiled and leaned in, “reward for keeping you from bein assaulted n shit”

“How could you say that with such an airy poise…” Riddle puffed his cheeks, “fine. What do you want.”

He leaned in even further to where Azul couldn’t hear anything he said, but Riddle’s face quickly turning red meant it was something ridiculous, probably.

And then Riddle Rosehearts KISSED Floyd fucking Leech on the lips.

Floyd starting laughing and Riddle instantly got to interrogating him but Azul had to turn away. He turned and looked up at Jade, who looked positively mortified. For Jade, anyways.

Azul thought he was going to throw up. Like Floyd personally picked him up and spun him 16 times. What??? WHAT??? Why did he oblige? Why didn’t Riddle throw a fit like he always does? Why didn’t he go grab his pen and knock Floyd’s head off?

Jade looked like he was going through the 7 stages of grief all at once. His eyes darted around and he knitted his brows, frowning and clearly trying to reason it all out in his head.

But there are only two possibilities.

1.) Riddle was just truly grateful for whatever Floyd did and ashamedly accepted the ‘reward’

2.) Riddle Rosehearts has romantic interest in the most crass, lazy, loud individual at NRC

“Jade, help.”

That seemed to snap him out of his thinking, because he looked down at Azul.

“Let’s.. discuss this when we get back.”

Azul hummed in agreement and fixed his glasses.

Chapter Text

After reluctantly getting in the water, getting carried by Jade, nearly drowning from a wave, waking up sunburnt Silver, avoiding any and all eye contact with Floyd, and getting into a heated argument with Jamil, Azul flagged a taxi with Jade. They decided to leave Floyd to his own devices, considering it seemed he wanted to head back with Ruggie later anyways.

They both got into the backseat and Jade slammed the door. He didn’t let his smile fall, telling the taxi driver where to go and then turning to Azul.

“I cannot believe this…”

“I’m going to kill myself.”

Jade went wide-eyed but leaned back in the seat.

“Jade. Seriously. Well, not seriously. I’m not going to kill myself.” he huffed, “what happens if they start dating? Do you think.. do you think it’ll make his status better or worse?”

He cringed at his use of ‘status,’ clearly he’s been around Idia too much.

“Very honestly.. I don’t know. He’s never been fixated on one thing for this long. I can’t imagine this would make him start studying and taking more shifts at the lounge..”

Azul really wanted to break something. Like, really badly. Whenever things got bad he’d trash everything in his office, mourn the loss of all the broken furniture, and then have the twins move it out and buy some more.

But they were in a taxi, and he wasn’t about to commit a crime.

Another one, at least.

So he sat, silently raging the entire ride back.

And the walk into the school

And the glide through the mirrors

And all the way into his office.

Jade followed silently, an unreadable expression on his face.

As soon as he closed the door of his office and ushered a quick deafening spell, shit hit the fan.

Literally, he threw a mug at his fan.

Jade stood, staring at him. This wasn’t abnormal (at all), but he was feeling weirdly emotional this time too. Odd.

Floyd being in a relationship? A human relationship with a human partner and romantic kissing and romantic hugging and romantic love? Jade never even began to think of such a thing. Floyd seemed bored by relationships, any sort of “love” was quick intercourse (or a ‘one night stand,’ as he referred to it) or pointless flirting for pointless fun.

Love and relationships and romance in humans are way too complicated. Jade couldn’t understand it. He read books and watched movies and asked questions and he still just didn’t get it. Floyd got it? Floyd shouldn’t have been the first one to get it. He loved Floyd and deep down was happy that he could figure out something so complicated. But there was also a sense of competition, comparison? Azul should’ve been the first one to get it. He’s attractive and smart and pretty and knows the most about humans. Or maybe Jade himself should’ve been the first to get it, with all of his research.

Jade didn’t even know what romantic interest was or what it felt like. Did he love people? Of course. He loved Floyd as his brother and Azul as.. Azul. He thought he’d spend the rest of his life with at least one of them, but perhaps on land it’s unrealistic..

He finally stepped out of his own head and blinked when he felt Azul’s hand on his face. He had a worried expression, which Jade was confused by, until he realized that his own eyes were watering.

When Azul saw that Jade looked back at him, he frowned and stepped back a bit.

“Did I scare you? Or go too overboard this time?”

Jade looked around and saw that he definitely went overboard.. but smiled a bit and put a hand over his chest.

“I don’t think you’re very capable of scaring me~”

Azul only bit his cheek and stared.

Will Floyd leave?

Is it only going to be the two of them?

That made his stomach feel weird.

Azul snapped his fingers and leaned his head forward again.

“You’re never like this. Seriously, I’ve never seen you space out before.”

Now Azul looked really concerned. While it was a delicious look Jade rarely got to see, the fact that he himself accidentally caused it made him feel ashamed.

He grabbed Azul’s stupid shades that were still hanging from his shirt, and walked over to the couch before tossing them on the ground and crushing them under his foot.

That took Azul’s interest, so he followed Jade and sat down next to him, until Jade pulled him into his lap and frowned into Azul’s neck.

“One of us should have been the first to figure this out”

Azul pulled back a bit, now confused.

“Figured what out? Rosehearts taking intere-“

“Romance. Human things.”

Jade studied Azul’s face as a huge wave a relief crashed over his features.

“Is that what this was about?”

“Partially. Of course, there is the worry of Floyd leaving or ruining everything.”

“I’m not sure if that’s what will happen.. but..”

He sighed, leaned back, and gestured to their position. Specifically, Jade’s hands on Azul’s legs.

Jade simply raised an eyebrow, and Azul dipped his head.

“You’re aware this is not normal, right?”

Jade raised his other eyebrow now, still staring at Azul.

“As in, this IS ‘human romance.’ You know, sitting in someone’s lap, holding hands, sleeping together, kissing.”

“I’ve never kissed you on the mouth”

“That’s besides the point,” Azul laughed a little, “to be fair, I didn’t know any of this either until I mentioned it to Idia last week and he practically exploded. He told me that ‘that’s stuff that totally cringe in-love gay couple people do’ and proceeded to fake gag. He’s so dramatic…”

Jade was still wide-eyed

“I thought that these behaviors are what you do with people you love?”

“Yes, but.. romantic love. At least on land. I know that at sea you guys are very.. clingy and touchy.. but it’s not exactly normal here. All according to Idia, anyways.”

Jade mumbled something and turned his head but Azul coughed.

“You wouldn’t kiss Floyd, would you?”

“No, oh my. Of course not.”

“So then why would you kiss me, if it’s not a romantic display of affection?”

Jade sat, feeling the dumbest he’s ever had.

“I… I’m not sure. I wanted to? And forgive me if I was mistaken, but you did not care, and maybe humans just kissed whoever, because I’ve seen Clover and Diamond kiss numerous-“

“JADE THEY’RE DATING??”

Jade felt even more stupid.

“I am so, so sorry Azul.. I’m very sorry, I thought I at least knew most human social cues..”

“I get it, we aren’t as easy to read now compared to all of the lights and smells in the ocean” he lifted a hand, explaining, “even in merpeople, it was extremely easy to differ between pursuing for reproduction and pursuing because you’re friends. They’re seemingly very close pursuits in humans. Additionally, humans strive for more than reproduction, which complicates things.”

He leaned in a bit, looking directly at Jade, still in his lap.

“But I have no qualms with our current relationship.” he got a bit sheepish, which Jade felt himself smile at, “of course, with this newfound knowledge, I don’t doubt you’re uncomfortable.”

“I don’t think human rules have to apply to us. Especially when I don’t understand them all too well.”

Azul hummed and stretched, signifying the conversation was over.

“Oh, and sexual situations are synonymous with romance too”

Jade felt bewildered.

Chapter Text

“Yo Azul~”

Floyd, Jade, and Azul were in the lounge. Jade was reading shipments and Azul was triple checking the menu for the upcoming week. Floyd was previously putting dishes from the shipments away before turning and tipping his head towards his boss.

“Hm?” Azul responded flatly, not looking up… Floyd and Jade had already annoyed him enough for the day.

“Can I have Saturday off?”

Azul snapped his head up and Jade looked over as well.

“You know Saturday is the busiest day, Floyd.” he furrowed his brows, “you have 3 days a week off anyways, you know our arrangement.”

Jade grinned and chimed in, “sometimes its nice to have an extra day off”

“3 days a week is plenty. Why do you need another?”

Floyd scratched his head, “wanna go out”

“Go out on your other 3 days.”

“I gotta go on Saturday!!”

Jade laughed at hearing his brother whine but Azul was nearing his boiling point.

“What is so important that you leave us on the busiest night of the week? If it’s not going to help us I’m inclined to say no.”

Floyd mumbled something and Jade must’ve picked it up somehow because he chuckled.

Damn twins.

Jade was now putting away the shipments as Floyd draped himself over the counter.

“Wanna go out with someone”

Azul rolled his eyes, “go out with them on Friday. Thats always your ‘go out’ night anyways”

“he can only go on saturday!!”

The merman frowned at the implication of skipping work for a date. Floyd always hooked up with people on his days off, why does he need Saturday too?

“tell him Friday”

“he’s busy”

“tell him sunday”

“he’s busy”

“wednesday”

“school night”

He leaned forward and fixed his glasses

“who have you ever gone out with that cares about school nights?”

Floyd smiled, “im sure ya could think of someone”

Azul turned to his clipboard angrily. There’s no way it could be Riddle, right? Floyd hasn’t mentioned him in weeks.

“Fine. But you’re working Sunday AND closing. Jade, find me in my office once we’re done.”

“Not me?”

“You” Azul pointed his pen at his chest “should get ready for your ‘date’”

“It’s not till tomo-“

Jade sat Floyd up and handed him the shipment sheet

“Some things are private, nee?” he winked.

Floyd looked disgusted.

~~

After another hour of putting away shipments, marking them off, then planning on ways to use them, Azul excused himself to his office. Floyd and Jade were currently whispering about things that Azul didn’t understand, and he got fed up with being excluded. Once in his office, he scanned over and wrote reminders about contracts before Jade politely opened the door.

“You’re bad at knocking.”

“Old habits die hard” he smiled. Azul forgot he only ever lived in a cave with holes for entry.

The eel took a few strides to stand next to Azul in his seat, then clicked his tongue.

“I assume I am here not just to wait on you..”

“Mm”

“I think it is good that Floyd gets a date.. perhaps all he needs is to get some of his… frustrations out.. before returning to his typical life. This has happened occasionally.”

Azul stared at Jade for a bit silently. It’s true.. in their first year Floyd had some weird bouts, but after picking up and dumping someone (rather quickly) he performed better.

“I suppose… it’s quite annoying that it must be on a Saturday, though.”

“At least we will have a night alone?”

Azul looked back to his pen abashedly at the implication, but nodded.

“Mhm. Go tell Floyd to make a request and I’ll approve it.”

Jade’s smile softened as he slipped out of the office.

Chapter Text

Saturday was as chaotic as Azul knew it’d be.

He attended his club per usual, playing a game that had Idia a bit too pumped up, then left to Octavinelle to check who was staffing. He scanned over the list and double checked everyone, Jade last. He moved to the Leech’s room and knocked, Floyd yelling a loud “come in!”

Azul didn’t know what (or who) he was looking at. Floyd sat prettily as Jade tied his tie with a makeup brush in his mouth. Floyd was weirdly dressed-out, with shoes that Azul had never observed before and his dorm outfit actually buttoned and fixed up. His hair was slightly more brushed down than usual, a clear sad attempt from Jade. Jade obviously worked on his makeup, but it was all on the eyes. He even had Jade’s matching earring in, which for some reason ticked Azul off a bit.

“What the hell is going on in here?”

Jade finished his fishbone knot (nice) and turned happily towards Azul, showing off his work. Azul instead sniffed and stepped closer to inspect the makeup.

“He kind of looks like you, now.”

Floyd stuck his tongue out in disapproval.

“Floyd said he needed to look a specific way for tonight” Jade clicked the cap on the eyeliner pen, “it happens that I only know one way of fixing up.”

“And he had to take your earring?”

“Somethin odd about asymmetry” Floyd reached out to his brother to undo his tie, “stop talkin about me as if i’m not here. Jade, let’s make ya look like me now!”

“I still have to work” he reached back to his neck and squinted at Azul, “do you need me?”

“No. Um.” Azul stared at Jade’s undone tie, “I was double checking the staff for tonight and didn’t see you where you typically are.”

“Only helpin’ his dear brother out~~~” Floyd stood up and grabbed his phone, “I’m headin’ out right now anyways. Have fun serving~~”

The twin walked out of the door and Azul shut it behind him.

“Who the hell is he going out with? I’d hate for him to break a decent man’s heart….”

Jade shrugged and began packing up his makeup bag, “I will be at the bar in 10 minutes, I have to clean up”

Azul sighed and turned out.

Chapter Text

Deciding to have a special sale for the drinks was a mistake and a half. Business wise it yielded extreme profits, but without his bodyguard and 3x more drunk 3rd years than usual, Azul did not enjoy the success at all. Each time he got harassed he had to practically run to the kitchen with his tail behind his legs- no Floyd to bite them back. Jade would give the patrons a stern talk and threaten them, but it wasn’t what Floyd could do.

Azul was even more displeased to see that BOTH of the Savanaclaw and Pomefoire heads were there, seemingly enjoying the special. Idia’s tablet thing was also there, so he wondered if it was some sort of 3rd year meeting…

The merman was debating on even talking to them when Ruggie popped up at the counter and stuck his tongue out.

“Boss wants to see ya. Er, not really, but Vil keep complaining… thinks you’re being rude.”

Azul really, really did not want to talk to Vil and Rook without Floyd being there to mediate.

It’s annoying how much he depends on Floyd.

“Of course. Tell them to please wait for a few minutes, I’m still checking in on a few employees.”

Not a complete lie. He really only needed to go chew out some 1st year who spilled food on a guest.

Ruggie’s ears flattened but he turned back anyways (not without trying to grab the appetizer left on the counter) ((Azul flicked his head)).

Azul finished his business with the clumsy employee quickly, fixed up his bowtie and tapped Jade’s shoulder to follow him.

The two strolled up to the odd table of Leona, Vil, Idia’s tablet, Ruggie and Rook.

Malleus probably wasn’t invited.

“Good evening, housewardens-“

“See? Octopunk’s here now. And with the other one. There’s no way he would be gone”

“How would I know? Is it not important for us seniors to make sure the younger potatoes are in their place?”

“You and your fuckin potatoes”

“L-leona… please….”

“So now you join us? You’ve been ‘afk’ for fuckin 15 minutes now”

“I WAS BUSY!!!”

“the fuck is there to do in your room?”

“Roi des Lions always with the naughty language~”

“don’t provoke this..”

“bitch fuck shit cun-“

“Hey! Everyone!”

They all finally turned to look at Azul and shut up.

“It appears you all have ordered, but if there is anything you all need please have your waiter flag down Jade and I, if the-“

He felt himself sweating and shut his mouth when Vil leaned on his hands.

“That is all”

Rook smiled and waved very happily at Jade, who slightly bowed back. Leona stared absolutely pissed at Vil, and Ruggie reached for the menus again.

Idia’s tablet floated silently.

“Hello, Idia.”

Still silent.

Leona poked at the tablet and shrugged “probably still shittin or something”

“I AM NOT????”

Leona only smiled and reached over for Ruggie’s menu.

“If you don’t mind me asking..” Azul shifted his feet, “why are all of you here together?”

Leona and Vil simultaneously sighed and Ruggie finally looked up from the menu

“Housewarden thingy. Leona probably cant function without me and i dunno why Rook’s here”

“I follow Mon Roi de Poison everywhere!”

Jade chimed in, “only 3rd years? What about Draconia?”

All of them looked at each other.

“How could you let that slip again..”

“me!?! I told Ruggie to do it???”

“i’m not a senior like you guys are!!!! i’ve never even talked to those Diasomnia guys???”

“you just ignored my orders?”

“I asked Silver!!”

“Ah, he must’ve forgotten.. il est Monsieur Sleepyhead for a reason.. alors..”

Azul was very quickly growing tired of this.

“Okay! Everything I stated before still stands.. I hope you all have a wonderful evening in the Mostro Lounge”

Jade nodded and they both made their exit, breathing a huge sigh of relief.

~~~

By closing Azul felt ready to fall over and die, per usual. The stupid encounter with the seniors and the constant little mistakes from his new employees were enough to make him ready to sleep as soon as they locked the doors.

“A very long night..”

Jade suddenly stood behind him, but Azul only made a small ‘mm’

“Go to bed, Azul. I can write off the contracts.”

“Tempting, but you technically cannot do that,” Azul turned around to face him, “I’ll do it in the morning. They can suffer with their amoeba for a bit longer.. you should go to sleep, too.”

“Can I sleep over?”

Azul stared at Jade’s so, so innocent face.

“Yeah, c’mon.”

Chapter Text

Azul blinked open his eyes to Jade sitting at the edge of his bed and Floyd on the floor.

“Hello???”

“Ah, good morning, Azul.”

“morning!!”

He laid back down in bed before realizing something terribly wrong.

“WHY ARE YOU TWO AWAKE BEFORE ME??”

His alarm. Why didn’t it go off?

Floyd couldn’t stop giggling.

Azul sat up completely in bed to see his alarm clock on the floor

among other things

“And why aren’t you two wearing clothes.”

Floyd was in his boxers (and socks???) on the floor and Jade was still ass naked

“We are in our own confines, no?”

“Ya, it’s kinda hot in here”

Azul put on his glasses and squinted

“Okay.. 1: Why is my alarm clock on the floor 2: Why did no one wake me up 3!: Human rules apply even when you are in my bedroom 4: I’m terribly sorry for not keeping my bedroom at 12°.. and why is Floyd here?”

Floyd scoffed from his spot on the floor but Jade got up to find his pants

“1: You managed to knock it off of your dresser while asleep, which was quite amusing” he annoyingly chuckled a little, “2: I moved to wake you up but then Floyd rudely threw a pillow at me, and reminded me you very rarely sleep in past 6…”

“That’s not an excuse” the merman crossed his arms, “I have things to do.”

“It’s Sundayyyy” Floyd rolled around and Jade laid an outfit at his feet “the hell is there to do till opening~~”

“Is that why you’re in here?”

“I can’t enjoy the company of my dear sweet brother and my really competent and brave boss?”

Azul felt himself getting a migraine

“What do you want”

Floyd acted paralyzed

“How dare you…. I just wanna talk with Jade, ‘s all”

Jade slipped on a shirt and nodded

“He was giving me many details of his date”

“An’ he was tryin to tell me about the 3rd years, but he isn’t a good storyteller. he was also tellin’ me bout how you needed a bodyguard~~~”

Jade shot him a look

“put your clothes on, nee?”

“ughhh”

All Azul did was get up and point to the door

“I do not care for your ‘date’ until you are dressed, out of my bedroom, and cleaning what is left in the kitchen.”

Floyd groaned (again??!) and stood, then leaned into Jade to whisper something that made the other shrug.

“What.”

“Wonderin’ why you’re so pissy. Shouldn’t ya be glad ya slept in? Or maybe you two stayed up allll n-“

Jade politely shoved his brother out and smiled at Azul.

“Apologies”

He moved to shut the door behind him

“When we get the chance, let me tell you about his.. date..”

Click

Chapter Text

One of the many things on Azul’s (very much full) Sunday agenda was a housewarden meeting in the afternoon. After a long study session, drawing up new contracts, and meeting with 3 people, he set off to the main office that is always used. He got a brief flashback to the night before where all the third years were together and wondered if that had to do with today’s meeting.

He walked into the meeting a few minutes early- per usual- and took his seat next to Riddle. Azul loathed having to sit next to an unwilling, paranoid guy. There’s no fun with a stubborn mule, though, maybe that’s why he should keep trying to win him over…

“Good afternoon, Rosehearts!”

“Yes, good afternoon.”

“….how has your weekend been? Busy as ever?”

Riddle turned oddly sheepish and put a fist to his mouth

“Yes, I had a lot to do. Midterms are only in 6 weeks, so it is best to get studying for that,” he relaxed a bit (as relaxed Riddle Rosehearts can be), “it’s a lot of work getting our dorm ready for studying, as per the Queen’s rules.”

The merman tried his best to hide his excitement, knowing what sets Riddle off.

“My my! That does sound difficult! My weekend was much more relaxing.” lie “You know, I am always available to assist, especially when it comes to studying.”

Riddle frowned and folded his hands on the table.

“I can manage my dorm myself, thank you.”

Riddle turned his head to greet the next person to walk in, but Azul couldn’t pay attention. He couldn’t mourn the loss of another potential customer. Staring at Riddle’s wrists on the table, he was sporting a pearl bracelet with a diamond crystal charm that was distinctly familiar.

Do. Not. Make an expression.

Luckily all of his games of poker trained him for moments like these. He took a deep breath and moved his eyes to Crowley as the typically late dormheads trickled in.

Chapter Text

Ok, so the meeting was useless. Not useless, but nothing that meant much to him or the Lounge. It was a bunch of stuff that only mattered to the 3rd years, and he didn’t really understand why the rest of them were there. Whatever. He had bigger fish to fry.

Azul sped to his dorm as calmly as he could. Jade better be journaling or something alone in his room, because Azul needed to talk to him now.

He harshly opened the door, thanking the Seven Floyd wasn’t there, seeing Jade with a notebook and a pile of books.

“Jade.”

“Azul,” Jade looked up from his notebook and shifted a tad to cover the books next to him, “good afternoon. Why are you so sweaty?”

Azul’s face felt hot but he quickly kicked off his shoes, uncharacteristically shoving them somewhere on the floor. He couldn’t give two shits about the weird position Jade was in on the bed, sitting down wherever he found room.

“I…. tell me about Floyd’s date.”

The twin’s smile fell a little, throwing some pillows behind him and settling next to Azul in a more normal state.

“Do you have something to tell me? You look like you have seen a-“

“YOU tell ME about Floyd’s date.”

“Yes.. he..” he faltered, which is something Jade never does. Azul felt his idea becoming more confirmed by the second.

“I know we both did not think anything of it, because it had been so long since the beach, and-“

“ohhhhh my god”

“…mhm. He is officially ‘dating’ Rosehearts, and he told me the date actually went quite well.”

“It went MORE than well” Azul kept staring at Jade, “in the housewarden meeting, I was talking to Rosehearts and noticed he was wearing a pearl bracelet with a charm identical to the ones on your matching earrings.”

“Oh dear.”

“Oh dear is right. What the fuck?? What is this going to do? How is this going to affect me and Rosehearts’s business relationship? How is this going to affect his work availability?? If he starts asking for Saturdays off I’m going to..” he looked around grasping for some sort of threat, “I DONT KNOW!!”

Jade moved to put his hand on Azul’s arm, but weirdly shifted it back to himself. He looked down a little at his lap, and glanced at the weird mound of books-covered-by-pillows.

“Talk, Jade.” Azul felt stupid saying all of this to empty air

“Is he going to leave and it’ll be just the two of us?”

The silver-haired felt his anger dissipate at seeing Jade so… not Jade. Jade never worries about things. If he’s worried, what is Azul to do? He leaned closer to Jade and opened his mouth to speak, but the other continued.

“I should have expected this, one day. I never could have expected it so suddenly. Or with someone that I speak with every day..” he swallowed, “it does not make sense to me. How could Rosehearts reciprocate romantic feelings with Floyd? No matter how much research I do, nothing can tell me what makes humans connect with other humans romantically. Nothing can tell me what romance definitively is or feels like. How am I ever supposed to understand? Are..” he closed his eyes, and Azul leaned in to hug him, “are you are going to understand these feelings.. this situation one day, and leave me too for someone I know too.. am I supposed to move on in life with just my ambition and passions, and no circle around me?”

Biting back tears, Azul felt his throat tightening as he kept his head over Jade’s shoulder. They both sat silently for a few seconds as Azul tried to speak without his voice sounding wobbly.

“We don’t have to leave each other, Jade. I know we all have a preconceived idea of our goals and careers, but I.. do not see why we can’t both succeed and stay together,”

“Because you have always been so much better with human socialization than I have, and I am sure you will one day grasp romance and find someone that gives you that natural want to stay together for the rest of your lives, and we will go our separate ways and pursue what makes us fulfilled. And that is.. fine, it is just hard to come to terms with.”

Azul never knew Jade could be open like this. He had always been weirdly reserved, hardly ever showing worry and even less often telling Azul what was bothering him. Only recently had they bonded over the stupid problem of Floyd, but as soon as things settled, he was back to being sly and hard to read.

And it was hard being vulnerable back. He always tried to be unemotional, especially due to the teasing from the twins, and only allowed himself to display anger and frustration. Sadness and longing were two emotions he tried to forget long ago. He felt safe talking to Jade about short inconveniences and hard times relevant to his success, but tried to keep personal baggage away.

But he couldn’t ignore the opportunity in front of him. He had tried his best to keep human romance out of his way, as he figured it impeded success. Why would he spend time with someone with no benefit other than enjoyment? Why would he waste time to label these useless human things rather than just do what felt right? He tried not to give it any thought until Idia started giving him shit about it. Calling them “gay” was just the tip of the iceberg. Ever since that monopoly session, Idia had been bugging him about his and Jade’s relations. He always talked about some weird stuff with those comic books and children’s cartoons he likes, bringing random terms to Azul’s attention that had him embarrassingly look up those tropes online. He couldn’t believe he was getting (and listening to!!) romantic advice from Idia fucking Shroud, but it was all he could hear in his head as his heart beat against Jade’s.

He moved back to be face-to-face with Jade, carefully studying his face as he began to speak.

“I know you don’t believe you understand the concept of romance. I know you’re frustrated with yourself for feeling so behind in something so.. useless. But you do understand the concept of romance. And I thought I didn’t, but apparently I do too. We are romance, Jade. I feel like I cannot imagine a future without you and.. you feel like you can’t live a life without me. We enjoy each other’s company. We look to each other in every situation. You take care of me because you want to, and I ask you to help me because I like you. We hug. We kiss. I sit in your lap and you take off my makeup. We wake up with each other every Sunday. We go out to dinner together just to talk about.. things. I have,” he smiled through the stupid tears he was shedding, staring at Jade’s stunned face, “I have no doubts that we understand romance, and nothing is stopping us from being together.. in a human way.”

Jade’s face stayed exasperated, eyes widened and mouth partially open. A million thoughts raced in his head before they were shut up with Azul leaning in and, for the first time, kissing him on the lips.

Yeah, okay. Maybe romance made sense. Maybe everything will be okay.

“Heyyy Ja- HOLY SHIT!!!!”

Azul pushed Jade back and almost fell over at the sound of Floyd opening the door and bursting into laughter.