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Cater was gonna be in some trouble and he should have never listened to his advice,
a confused Riddle thought while being pulled away by a very excited Floyd.
As most of his Saturdays, Riddle had planned a very long session of revisions and reviewing lessons at the library. He was also still studying blot, even if he was feeling a lot better now. At least, better physical form. His mind was still adapting to being more lenient, and trying to engage in dialogue with others. That is why he told Cater about Floyd's attitude and his constant attempts to bother Riddle at any occasion. The elder seems pretty amused by the situation, even if he seems surprised when Riddle told him that once, Floyd weirdly complimented him.
He smiled as if he was understanding something that Riddle couldn't place. The housewarden try to investigate, but Cater brushed it and proposed his help instead
He said to Riddle :
“You know Floyd better than me, but I think I remember he can be pushy, right? “
Riddle argued :
“I won't say I know him, but.. I know he tends to get bored quickly. But he seems to never get bored to annoy me and disturb my work. “
Cater nodded, smiling. He take a conspiracy tone :
“Maybe if you act the opposite of what he wants, then he'll leave you alone? “
Riddle considered the option, then agreed. After all, he has tried multiple times scolding the eel and it never worked. Even when Floyd got bored of bothering him, he always came back. Maybe acting unbothered could work, after all. And this Saturday, never missing the appointment, Floyd was here.
He came from behind Riddle, surprising him with a :
“ ~Guess who's there, Goldfishie? ~ “ while putting his hand on the redhead's eyes.
The housewarden tensed, gritting his teeth at the sudden and unwanted proximity :
“ Floyd! Get your hand off my face this instant ! I dislike being touched unannounced and you're disrupting my work, AGAIN “.
The eel ignored most of Riddle remarks as he gently put his hand off, and congratulated him :
“Yeahhh, good job Goldfishie! Let's go play today! “
“Did you not hear me?” retorqued a very pissed off Riddle . “I have work to do ! “
“You're always working so hard, take a break, Goldfishie! Let's go play! I'm gonna touch your hair now and keep asking “ said the eel, playing with Riddle's tiny strands of hair as an antenna.
Riddle could feel he was reaching his breaking point, and was about to snap. Either he will send Floyd flying across the room or choke him with a book, but it could disturbed the silence of the library and there was probably a rule or two about murdering camarades inside. Maybe it was time to try Cater advice. He sighed, trying to manage his temper; and said :
“Allright, Floyd, I shall play with you today until you're bored. “
What he did not expect was the radiant smile illuminating Floyd's face, visibly happy out of his mind. The eel mumbled with excitement :
“ Really, Goldfishie ? Yaayy let's go! We'll play basketball and then dance and bake and.. Oh, I'm gonna take your hand and here we go, Goldfishie!! ‘
And as he said, he pulled Riddle and started to drag the housewarden alongside him, toward the hall of mirrors.
Puzzled, Riddle could only mumble his disagreement :
“No.. Floyd… that wasn't.. Please let me go. “
But it was too late, he already agreed. Cater will definitely be in big trouble. However, even if he could easily break free of Floyd's light pull, he didn't feel like it. Maybe it was because going back on his words was not acceptable as an honorable housewarden, because he was too surprised to think twice or even because he didn't want to erase this adorable smile of Floyd's face, who could know ?
Within less time that he could recall, he was in the gymnasium, Floyd had let go of his hand and was giving him a spare basketball jersey, Octavinelle colored, with Floyd name and number on it.
He was still giggling, searching for balls on the locker and even preparing water bottles for both of them.
Riddle was speechless and, without thinking twice, turned into his PE uniform and put on the Maillot, trying to ignore the fact that it was Floyd's. Finally changed, he searched for the eel, who was patiently waiting for him to get ready, staring a bit.
“ Ready, Goldfishie ~~ ? You look great in those colors, haha! Let's go ! “ he said with excitement, going towards the practice field.
The housewarden followed him, a bit reluctant. He felt completely out of place, with the oversize jersey and the ball Floys put in his hands, but he was stuck to his own words. He seriously envisioned the collar around Cater's neck.
“ Come on, Goldfishie, or I'll take your hand to drag you! ” the eel interrupts his mumbling, grinning widely.
“What’s the matter? You don't know the rules of basketball or somethin’ ? “
Ohh, this could be an opportunity for Riddle to get Floyd bored enough to leave him. Because, even if he knew some basis, he was indeed ignorant of the totality of the rules. He stiff himself, trying to look more at ease and stated :
“ Actually, I don't know all the rules, and I can't play with you if I don't know all of them, it will be improper and disrespectful of all the players. You will need to explain to me all of them.
Floyd seemed kinda amused, and grinned, faking his annoyance :
“ You know the rules are boring, right? I really need to explain all of them to get you to play? “
“Yes, really. “ Riddle affirmed, stiff in his position. Maybe it could be enough to get Floyd to leave him alone.
“Allright, then “ Floyd agreed to Riddle's surprise,and he then started to enumerate the rules while dragging Riddle around the deserted court. He told him about the dribble, the forbidden moves, how to pass the ball. He was pretty serious and focused, leaving Riddle speechless as he listened and nodded from time to time.
“ Then, you'll have to put the ball on the hoop, and bam! Winning!! “ continued Floyd, getting excited again.
“Aren't you supposed to do multiple points and hoops to win? One cannot be enough! “ objected Riddle, unable to not correct the eel.
Floyd smiled widely, as he had caught a beautiful prey ( or a lying goldfish).
“ Ahah, I knew Goldfishie had at least a few rules! I saw you last time, you came encouraging Crabby ! “
Ignoring the fact that Floyd saw through his little lie easily, he replied :
“ If I recall well, you have left the match in the middle, because you were blocking Jamil instead of the opponent team and the coach got you out. “
Floyd grimaced :
“ Well, they were lame and Sea Snake's a real tough guy, I just wanted to have fun, u know’ ? But who cares? Let's play now, Goldfishie ~~ !! “ he exclaimed, his motivation back.
Riddle had run out of excuses and had no other choice but to agree.
“ Fine “ he sighed.
“Yaaayy “ smiled the eel, again with the same expression of pure joy on his face.
“ Let's start with some throws, and then we'll dribble against each other. “
Riddle followed Floyd on the court, sighing. Maybe it's not that difficult, and maybe Floyd will get bored. Maybe if he was very bad, the eel would be bored and let him go.
He discovered soon enough that he would have no need to fake being bad at basketball. He was, as much as it cost him to admit, terrible at basketball, unable to even get a bit close to the hoop.
“ Aahahaha, Goldfishie, you really sucks at throws “ Floyd was quietly laughing at him, amused. “Ok, let me show you “.
Floyd took Riddle place, and, in a fluid and controlled motion, put effortlessly the ball through the hoop. He then took a step back, getting farther from it, and scored again. He did the same thing twice, still scoring until the line of 3 points, then finally stopped and grinned at Riddle.
He was studying Floyd movements, and while he'll never admit it, he was quite impressed by Floyd 's skills. He knew that the eel could be very good at things if he put his mind into it, but seeing it first hand was quite impressive.
“ See? Easy! “ teased the eel with a smug smile. “ Wanna try to dribble now? “
“ N..no! I want to put a basket ! “replied Riddle. His pride was on the line, and he was a bit caught up in the game.
“ Allright, Allright “ ‘laughed the eel. “Goldfishie is determined “.
He came back to him and started to describe how to have a better movement.
After several attempts, Riddle started to understand and his throws were getting better. Floyd was standing close, giving precise advice on his arms or body position, throwing a ball for good looks from time to time, never missing the hoop.
Riddle persevered, and after all his efforts, he finally put the ball on the basket. He turned towards Floyd, caught up in his excitement and exclaimed :
“ I did it!! “
Floyd smiled and put his hand up, praising him :
“ Good job, Goldfishie ~! “
Not thinking twice, Riddle clapped his hand with Floyd's. The eel laughed, delighted.
The housewarden realised what he had just done and began to redden. He tried to put his composure and answered, a bit formal :
“ Thank you for your advice, Floyd. It was surprisingly helpful. Are… are you satisfied that we played ? Can I go back to my work now? “
“Already? “ the eel pouted. “ We still have a lot of things to play, and you said until I'm bored, right? Well, I'm not bored yet “
Riddle was looking unsure.
“ But… I have work to do. “
Floyd seemed to connect his dots and smiled playfully :
“ You promised to play until I'm bored. Sure a housewarden as honorable as Goldfishie would never go back on his words, right ? “
Riddle knew he was stuck. He watched the ground, and agreed between his greeted teeth :
“Fine. What do you want then, Floyd? “
An almost arrogant smile formed on the eel lips as he sent his ball towards Riddle.
“Let's do dribbles! I'll come and steal the ball, and score. Try to stop me, Goldfishie! “
And without further discussion, he got away from Riddle, to better come back towards him, running.
“Floyd.. I don't think it's a good idea. “ tried to argue the panicking redhead while he watched the eel sprinting towards him, ignoring his pleads. Riddle didn't have much time to move as the ball was snatched from his hands and scored in the hoop.
“ You're supposed to try to keep it, Goldfishie! “ teased Floyd. “Ok, I'll show you, try to get the ball from me” proposed the eel, as he took the ball in his hands.
A bit exhausted, Riddle tried to adjust to Floyd's movements, but he was only brushing the ball before it disappeared in Floyd's hands again.
“Ahah, nice try, Goldfishie, but you'll have to get better! “ teased the eel again, but he seemed happy that Riddle was actually trying. He let him struggle for a few minutes, then stopped.
“Ok, I'm bored ! Let's switch back “ imposed the merman as he took a few steps back and threw the ball at Riddle. He tried to protest :
“I'm still not convinced , Floyd, I… “
He tried to warn, but the stubborn eel was running full speed toward him. Riddle tried to actually dribble, but Floyd tackled him, and he missed a step. He arrived with an uncontrolled speed and collapsed on Riddle, making them both crash on the gymnasium ground.
The shock was not as violent as expected, because Floyd managed to put Riddle sort of on him and the redhead crashed on his torso while Floyd's back met the ground.
The eel instantly burst out laughing, opening his arms to let go of a mortified goldfish. The housewarden stayed still for a few seconds, acknowledging the shock, and his position, right into the eel arms. He became red from embarrassment, quickly getting himself up, and then his anger burst out.
“FLOYD LEECH! YOU - YOU MORON ! “ he snapped. “ I should have never agreed to this. This is the first and last time, do you hear me? I told you not to do it, you BRUTE. I could have been injured! Or you! I'm going back to work. “ he stated, but he stayed stiff, visibly waiting something from the eel.
Floyd stopped laughing and was quickly back on his legs. He seems hesitant, a rare expression on his face. He scratched his neck, looked to the ground and mumbled :
“I'm sorry…. “
“ I couldn't quite hear you, Floyd Leech” answered Riddle, still red and furious. “Care to repeat? “
“Sorry…. “ repeated Floyd, still fixing the ground.
A bit surprised that Floyd was actually REALLY apologizing to him, Riddle felt a little less angry. But this nonsense has to stop. He tried Cater's method, leading himself to get even more caught up in Floyd's shenanigans. He resigned, and sighed, voice still cold but calmer :
“Well, I do accept your apologies. After all, it's not entirely your fault if you tripped. “ he paused, looking around. “I shall be returning to Heartslabyul now. “ He turned around and started to leave, his footsteps filling the uncomfortable silence.
“ Wait….you promised..“ cut a little voice, soft and almost… vulnerable. Caught off guard, Riddle turned around.
He only met Floyd's usual grin, looking at him expectantly.
“ Goldfishie, I'm not bored yet! ~ You have to stick with me ! Come with me, let's do something else! “ He crossed the distance between them excitedly. “I'll take your arm, let's go, Goldfishie ~ ! “
He just did as he said and caught Riddle on his way, bringing him alongside him. He chose to ignore the protestations of the redhead or the sore feeling of his back and headed to the Hall of Mirrors.
The housewarden protested, but he was still stuck to his words, and also still wondering if what he heard was a product of his imagination. Between his disconcerting praise and those genuine apologies, the eel was definitely impredictable.
Absorbed in his thoughts, he realized Floyd's grip had released him, and that he was now standing inside Octavinelle's kitchen.
The named eel was now offering him a seat on the bar side, smiling playfully.
“Earth to Goldfishie! Snack break ! ~ You can sit and watch! “
“What on Twisted Wonderland are we doing in this place? “ was all Riddle managed to say while sitting reluctantly on the seat.
“Told you, it's a Snack Break. Don't you have a rule for this or somethin? “ winked the eel while changing his clothes to an apron in a flicker of his pen. He then turned towards the kitchen, pulling out ingredients and tools messily.
“That's… Surprisingly accurate. Rule 313 states that every Saturday afternoon, a snack with lemon tea has to be taken at the desired hour. “ recitate the housewarden with automatism. “ How do you know this one? “
“ Crabby and Mackerel use it to spend a lot of time at Ramashackle on weekends. Shrimpy invited me a few times to play with them. “ smiled the eel, proud of surprising Riddle on his own field.
“ I see… I'm quite surprised you remembered anyway. “ he answered, not knowing what to say. “.. What is it that you're doing? “
“Surprise Surprise Goldfishie ~ ! Just wait a bit more, it'll be done soon! “ Floyd responded, still cooking, his back facing Riddle. The redhead fell silent and just watched the eel, pulling things in a saladier with wacky movements. It was like he was pulling everything at random, and at the same time that he was knowing perfectly what he was doing. He could bet it was probably a mix of both.
At this point, he had just completely given up escaping the trap he set himself in, and he was just praying that the eel would soon get bored of him and let him return to his studies. Surprisingly enough, Floyd didn't seem to get much bored, as he was now humming a rhythm while a delicious scent was starting to spread in the kitchen.
His mind drifted to the searching he was still conducting, and the consequences of his overblot. He was trying his best to change and be a better person, but old habits were hard to fight. The feelings of doing something wrong, the guilt and culpability every time he was doing something out of studying business, something personal, would always come back to bite him back. Even if he knew thanks to his search that personal time out of responsibility was something central for a healthy mind and to avoid any overblot risk, it was always theoretical. Like most of the things in his life, he knew from books and papers, from science or literature, but he had never * lived *them. He never ever went on vacation, or to the beach, or the swimming pool…the list was long. He wondered if he really had changed, or if the fear will make him trapped into his beliefs forever.
The sound of a plate clinging on the bar stopped his train of thought as a magnificent crepe, filled with strawberries and whipped cream, with a little chocolate topping. The dessert was as pretty as coming from a restaurant, and Riddle actually never ate crepes.It smelled divine.
A very proud Floyd Leech watched intensely as his guest's face was enlightened with excitement and want.
“ Fancy yourself, Goldfishie ~! It's snackk time! “ he declared with enthusiasm. He then pushed a hot tea next to the plate, and without further words, started to pick his own crepe.
Riddle put his fork, a bit of hesitation leaving him with it standing in the air. The calories… As if he was reading his mind, Floyd affirmed :
“Don't worry too much, it's more light than it seems. And you have to honor rule… 313, right? “ he added with a sincere smile.
“ For the rule, of course.“ answered Riddle, hiding his embarrassment. He picked up his plate and could barely stop whining in delight. This was delightful, very different from tarts, but delicious in its own way.
He finished his plate without further words.
Floyd was really a decent cook when he wished to be. He sipped his tea, focused on the show the eel was putting to eat his crepe, chocolate on his face. He turned back to the kitchen and cooked a few more ones. He tried to make the crepe fly, and managed to be pretty good at it too.
Riddle could barely refrain a chuckle when the eel missed his shot and the hot crepe ended up glued on the ceiling. With a comic slowlyness, it fell off and ended on Floyd's face, making him laugh. The redhead joined in, their laughter echoing in the kitchen.
“ I don't think it's how you're supposed to cook crepes, Floyd, “ gently teased Riddle, still chuckling.
“ I think I'm bored of cooking for now, “ declared Floyd. He was still smiling, however, and put the spare crepes on a tiny box. “ Let's play again, Goldfishie! Come on! ~ “ he added, putting the box in Riddle's hands.
He followed the eel through Octavinelle, and they ended up in a small room, with a wooden floor, speakers and a few mirrors at the back.
Floyd set up his phone, and a song started to play in the room. He followed his mood and the rhythm, and started to dance, kinda forgetting Riddle's presence.
The redhead stood there, a bit confused, the box in his hand. He watched the eel dance, his movement without real precision or form, but he was graceful flowing in with the rhythm. He seemed just… free.
The song ended, and the next one started to play. Floyd stopped dead on his track :
“Nah, not in the mood for this one.” He then noticed Riddle still standing next to the doorframe.
“ You don't wanna play, Goldfishie? Or do you not know dancin’? “ he teased him.
“ I Know how to dance, thank you very much, Floyd “ he answered, almost pouting. “ But…. “
“ What? Don't tell me they're a stupid rule about dancin’ on Saturdays? “ mocked Floyd, while detailing Riddle's face. Oh. There was a rule about dancing.
“Rules are not stupid, Floyd! “ Riddle started to protest, but he did seem to put a lot of heart in it.
“ Break the rule, Goldfishie! ~ Who cares? No one will know! “ tried to convince him the eel. He had to play clever.
“ I will know “ answered Riddle, mumbling. “And -
“Besides “ cut him the mer, “You already had broke one today, and you didn't even noticed “
“WHAT “ Riddle was starting to panic now, getting angry again.
“ I put honey in your tea and no sugar cubes “explained the eel, grinning. “You prefer it with honey, don't you? “
“How…How do you even KNOW that? And..that's not the point! You made me break a rule ON PURPOSE. You really are disrespectful “ Riddle started to yell at Floyd. But once again, it was more a formality than real anger. He seemed more… defeated, as he had failed a test in class.
Floyd knew he had to be fast. He get closer to the redhead, still grinning.
“What's more important, Goldfishie? A stupid rule that no one cares about or what you really want? “ he argued, pointing his finger toward the housewarden.
Only silence answered him. Riddle seemed to grow angrier, the pressure up, almost ready to explode.
“ Don't ya have a rule that says that you can’t refuse formal invitations or anything similar? “ Floyd said,catching Riddle's attention. He raised his head, looking very suspicious at the eel.
“ Actually…. Rule 67 states that One receiving a formal paper invitation must attend it at most costs, but I really don't see what it has to do with you being -
“ he cut himself, watching as Floyd turned around and started to search in the drawer. “ What on earth are you doing? “
The eel was laughing, turning his back at Riddle, who could not see what was cooking. It's only when Floyd turned to him with a big, genuine smile, folding a paper and giving it to Riddle, that he understood.
He unfold the paper, and read :
I formally invite Goldfishie to dance with me this afternoon ~
Signed : Floyd Leech ♥️
Despite the drooling ink and the tiny doodles of an eel and a goldfish, it was still a formal paper invitation.
He said nothing, a bit taken aback, staring at the paper. Floyd took advantage of his absence of reaction and leaned closer.
“ If you really can't break the rules, maybe you should take them to your advantage, Goldfishie? “ he said with a wink. “ Now, should we dance? I'm gonna take your hand and we're gonna play! Let's go! “
Riddle had barely time to fold the paper and put it in his pocket, Floyd already did as he declared and brought him to the dancefloor.
He said nothing, already understanding that Riddle was probably a more formal dancer who needed steps and control. The speakers were playing a pretty dynamic tango, so he got with the flow and embarked the redhead in a structured tango for a start.
A bit lost at the beginning, Riddle catched up quickly, and soon, the steps became smoother, more natural. While different, their rhythm seemed to synchronize for the dance. A more modern tango song played next, but they adapted as well. From time to time, Floyd just followed his mood, doing an alone part and joining Riddle after.
At some point, Floyd asked Riddle if he knew Swing. He had the basics, but not much more. Changing the Playlist, Floyd introduced him to some moves.
“ They're supposed to be one as the leader and one as the follower. But it's funnier to just follow your instincts, so I do as I feel in the moment” explain a very enthusiastic eel. “ Go with the flow, Goldfishie ~ “ he advised, going back to the actual dancing.
Riddle tried his best. After all, if he was going to do it, at last he had to be a bit good at it. And he actually quite enjoyed dancing, to be honest. He just did not expect to do it with FLOYD LEECH, of all people. But he was actually doing it, and he didn't even collared the eel today. Maybe he really has changed a bit, after all.
They danced, going from swing to tango to jazz, sometimes laughing as one missed a step or stumbled. It continued for some time, and at a moment, Floyd stopped. Riddle stopped too, silently questioning the eel.
“ Hm, I think I'm bored of dancing for now. Sorry, Goldfishie ~! “ he declared with a smile, but he was looking a bit.. guilty ? As much as Floyd Leech could feel guilty at all.
“ I'm feeling a bit tired myself “ answered Riddle.
A knock at the door interrupted them, and the face of Jade popped through.
“ Floyd? “ he asked, then noticed Riddle. A smile grew on his face.
“ My, what a surprise to see you here, Riddle-San. Sorry to interrupt. “
He then turned to Floyd :
“ Dear Brother, your shift is starting soon. I just wanted to remind you about it. I'll take my leave now. “ and he disappeared as quickly as he came.
Floyd sighed and got up, visibly bored this time. At the same time, Jade's words ring something in Riddle's brain. He checked his phone and almost gasped when he saw the time of the day. It's been five hours since he left the library with Floyd. Five. Hours. The eel dragged him in his shenanigans for FIVE HOURS.
“ I have to go back to my dorm, “ he said, frantic. He turned to Floyd, not really knowing what to add.
“ I'm not in the mood anymore, anyway. Let's play another time, right Goldfishie? ~ “ proposed Floyd, smiling slightly despite his now soured mood.
“ I… “ he hesitated. He knew this was a terrible idea and he could NOT lose 5 hours of his precious time again. But he could not manage to say a definite refusal. “ We will see… “.
He then took his exit and left. But he didn't miss Floyd's radiant smile as he didn't quite refuse.
“Work's for me ~ “ answered a now happy Floyd, going to his shift with a renewed motivation.
Riddle crossed the Hall of Mirrors, retrieving his stuff at the library. It was almost dinner time. He studied a bit in the deserted library, and then joined Heartslabyul. As he was crossing the area almost empty of students, Cater's voice stopped him :
“ Yooo, Rids ! “ the senior then froze. He seemed surprised, and got closer to Riddle. He asked him in a conspiracy tone :
“ Riddle, why are you still in PE uniform, and also, why are you wearing Floyd's Basketball jersey on it? “
Mortified, the housewarden looked down and, indeed, he completely forgot to change back. With a flicker of his pen, he changed back to his dorm uniform and sat at a table.
He sighed deeply, exhausted and embarrassed,hiding his head in his hands. He tried to explain :
“ I tried your advice. It DIDN'T work at all. Even worse, I was dragged around for five. hours. FIVE HOURS. That was a complete failure. “
“Haha, Sorry “ apologized Cater, smiling softly. “ How did you get in PE? “
“ I was kidnapped to play basketball, then this…brute almost made me hurt, then he dragged me in the kitchen, having some crepes, and then he teached me Swing. What a waste of study time. I even have spares crepes “ he had, pointing to his little box.
Cater let him complain , a sly smile drawing on his face. He then dropped his bomb with a wink :
“ Looks like a nice afternoon with a friend to me, Housewarden “
“ A FRIEND?! “ Riddle almost choked at the word. “ He made me break a rule. On PURPOSE. “ he stated as it was a terrible offense (because it was, at last for him).
But, if he had to be truly honest, he really had fun. He actually enjoyed playing basketball, he enjoyed the dancing and the crepes, he enjoyed Floyd's bright smile when he agreed to follow his whips.He didn't see time pass, and really didn't notice the rule breaking, leaving him uneasy. On one hand, he enjoyed Floyd's company much more than he'll ever admit, but on the other, the guilt of not working enough and doing something else than studying still bothered him. Moreover, something Floyd said really stuck in him : if you can't stop following the rules, why not bend them to your advantage?
“ Cater ? “ asked Riddle, a smug expression on his face. “ You remember rule 567,don't you? “
“ Hum….. “ mumbled Cater, now unsure of what was coming for him.
“ According to rule 567, One who advises the Queen does own a favor of the Queen, and must favor her in return “
“ R.. really? “ asked Cater, unsure.
“ Cater, I'll give you the favor of not collaring you right now for your terrible advice. In return, you'll never tell a soul about this event, nor this conversation, or it'll be off with your head. “
“ Understood, Housewarden “ answered Cater, relieved. He left the room, pleased with himself despite the threat.
Finally alone, a bit exhausted, Riddle smiled as he felt a tiny folded paper in his pocket. No one will know that he made up the last part of the rule, and for once, he didn't feel guilty about it.
Five hours with Floyd Leech may have effects on the brain. He'll have to check that, for science.