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The Heartslabyul dorm is always lively, but the most prominent part of the students staying there (and has gotten much used to it) is their housewarden's occasional shrieks and screams whenever a student actually pissed him off. That's why it is certainly weird when none of them has heard of Riddle for a whole day.
It has become a norm for Ace to make a bee line to Riddle's room instead of his assigned one. Seven knows that his own bed is starting to develop dust from rarely using it at all. Today was tiring and all he wants is to see his little rose to recharge himself.
"Rosieee~! You wouldn't believe what Trein-sensei made us doー" Instead of only seeing his little rose, he was met face to face by both Trey and Cater. He can already feel his embarrassed fueling up when he saw the grin on Cater's face.
"Rosie? Why that's new, Acey~ what sort of nicknames do you have for Riddle-kun, hm? Oh, love birds~ Am I right, Trey?" Cater teased, elbowing Trey who just chuckle in return while Riddle could only glare at the both of them with redden cheeks.
"Sorry, Riddle-kuun~ I am just weak for sweet couples.♪"
"Right, uhh... What are guys doing in here anyways? Did something happened?" He finally asked.
"Well, we escorted Riddle back to his room after we caught wind that he had lost his voice." Trey answered,
"I told you it isn'tー" Riddle tried to argue, voice already so raspy and barely audible, but he was quickly hushed by Trey.
"And that means he isn't allowed to use his voice to an extent for the meanwhile." Trey added, "We'll be on our way out, so we trust that you'll look out for him, Ace."
"Well, duuuh, that's like the basic responsibilities of a boyfriend. I'll make sure he isn't going to yell or shriek at someone." Ace said.
"Make sure to brew him some honey tea later, Acey~ Get well soon too, Riddle-kun.♪" Cater waved his hand, shutting the door as they headed out.
Riddle sighed, "They are far too worried for something that isn't much serious."
"Nuh-uh, are you even hearing yourself right now? You sound like a broken engine, Rosebud." Ace exclaimed, plopping himself on the bed besides Riddle. "And remember what Trey-senpai said? No talking, yelling or anything that is using your voice."
Riddle rolled his eyes, but unexpectedly did as Ace had told him. Ace knows that Riddle is very knowledgeable in the field of anything medical related, so he knows Riddle is aware of what to do and not to do in a situation like this. Riddle is just stubborn by nature, always so fixed on duty despite the circumstances.
"C'mon, I did say to stop talking, but that doesn't mean that you can ignore me, Rosebud. That's just being mean!" Ace whined, wrapping his arms around Riddle's waist.
Riddle looked at him as if he's crazy, but he prompted to stroking Ace's head anyways. Communication has always been an important part of their relationship, well every relationship, but it is more prominent with the two of them. Ace always runs his mouth like there's no tomorrow and Riddle at times simply replies to Ace one after the other while he's busy signing paperwork that is meant to be done by the Headmaster who seems to suddenly develop intense headaches that would prevent him to fill out the paperwork himself. It's bullshit and Riddle can see through the Headmaster's lies very easily, but he ultimately does it out of pure duty as the Housewarden of Heartslabyul.
"It's weird to see you so quiet, even though you're supposed to be quiet right now, Rosie." Ace exclaimed. "Ah, I already miss hearing your voice and it's killing me! How did you even lost your voice anways?" Ace asked, seemingly forgetting that Riddle can't answer to that vocally.
Riddle however is good at finding alternatives. He casts a simple spell to carry his notebook to his lap then simply wrote his answer for Ace to read.
［"I must have been using it alot as the number of students asking to be tutored has increased immensely than usual. A bunch of students gotten rowdy a while ago as well, so I had to lecture them one by one."］
"Oh, that actually explains alot. I admire your dedication Rosebud, but I wish you'd atleast take a break or two once in a while. You aren't made of stone." Ace replied back,
［"You know I can't do that, Ace."］
Ace groaned, "You act like Trey-senpai doesn't exist. I don't mean that you should throw your responsibilities at him, but you can atleast relay some of the work to him. Heck, he'd even be thrilled to do it."
［"You always worry too much, Ace. I assure you that I am fine."］
"Can't help it." Ace shrugs, "It's sorta my job to worry, you know? That's normal and resting once in a while is to."
Riddle paused for a moment before he started writing again［"I'll think about it."］
"Heh, atleast it's something to think about." Ace hums.
It truly is a wonder how Ace can easily render him to rethink things that normally isn't so hard to decide on. He doesn't hate it however.
The next morning, the couples found themselves taking a stroll at the rose maze when they came across a student who's throwing his food down the well that was rarely used at the dorm. Riddle was furious, voicing preparing to shriek at the student, but all that came out was a raspy "Offー" before clearing his throat to try again once more until he heard Ace reciting the spell to his unique magic and casting Riddle's own signature spell on the student.
"You have some nerve to throw food that is prepared wholeheartedly by Trey-senpai! Have you not have any shame?! Flamingo duty for a weekー" He looked at Riddle, searching for any signs of agreement and Riddle looked dissatisfied with the punishment being given.
"That's flamingo duty for a whole 2 weeks PLUS a handwritten note to Trey-senpai detailing how sorry you areーIs what housewarden Riddle is trying to say." Ace exclaimed, leaving the student both apologizing and confused as he finally ran off.
Ace sighed, "Geez, people who waste food are such ass." He said, looking back towards, Riddle who is equally wearing a very shock expression on his face.
"Heh, how was that, Rosie? You can always count on me to deliver the verdict on your steed whenever you are't able to do so yourself!" Ace grinned, clearly proud of himself.
Riddle smiled, leaning in to give him a kiss on the cheek. He truly is lucky to be blessed with a devoted card soldier by his side.