Chapter Text
Floyd likes a lot of things about Riddle. He counted them often.
He liked how strong he was. Riddle was the top of their class for a reason, his power was unmatched. Floyd reminisces fondly of their first day of school, right after the entrance ceremony concluded and the new freshman were finding their way to their new dorms. It was Floyd’s first time in a crowded room like this on land. Azul, Jade and himself had only been on land for a week or two and the three were amused by everything that came their way. Nobody was more amused than Floyd. Every person, every object, every sound they made had him smiling and laughing like a child. The wildlife and the scenery had him oohing and ahhing with joy.
He loved being on land.
Two toned eyes trailed over the students he’d soon become acquainted with, scoping out who he’d find the most interesting to play with, and who he’d want to avoid.
That’s when he spotted the little red haired boy.
He was walking with a taller man, green haired. Like a turtle was all Floyd had to note. But the red haired boy was the only focus he had now. He jabbed Jade’s arm, pointing frantically at him and giggling “look how red his head is! It must be soooo hot! Right? Red means hot up here”. Jade chuckled, and true to their nature of always encouraging one another’s bad behavior, Jade made the suggestion that Floyd go find out. At that point he’d already started running toward him and Azuls pleas to stop fell on deaf ears. It didn’t take long to catch up to that red haired boy, and grab a fistful of his hair with a grin. Azul’s face went pale all while Jade hid his laughter with a gentle hand.
“Eh-“ The red haired boy froze, his head turning so slightly to look at who had just grabbed him.
Floyd looked amused, eyes wide and glimmering as he moved his fingers curiously around the red locks.
“Jade! Look at that! It’s red, but it ain’t hot!” He laughed, shouting at his brother “It’s totally normal!”
The red haired boys hand clamped onto Floyd’s wrist, a sneer revving up under his breath. “You will remove your hand this instant.” The boy ordered. Floyd took this caution as a challenge, his grip tightening in the boys hair “Heh… or what?”
Those were famous last words as they say, as the red haired boy whipped around and yelled a string of spells at Floyd, sending him flying backward and hitting the floor. The room fell silent, students clearing the way and staring at the scene infront of them. Whispers circled the room as Floyd laughed, and the young redhead was falling apart at the seams. One final spelled was called, red pen pointed at his face
“OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!”
Floyd laughed as a magical collar clicked around his neck, his smile unwavering as he felt his magic seal itself away from the device. He didn’t know humans could hone such power, let alone one so small
“You shall never dare to cross the path of Riddle Rosehearts again, do you understand!” The boy shouted, face flushed so red it was nearly the same color as his hair. Floyd gave him a lopsided grin, his head tilting to the left “You got it, Goldfishie~”. Riddle didn’t dare to argue more, he offered Floyd one more scowl before stomping away.
Yeah. Floyd liked that about Riddle. He was so strong, it was so amazing to see a human capable of going toe to toe with him.
Floyd liked how smart he was too
Strength and Smarts were different. Floyd was smart as a dog when he wanted to be, when the subject interested him and he actually felt like contributing. Riddle on the other hand treated everything like he was in the military. All information was good information, every detail was noted and he remembered everything that mattered. Riddle was best in show, so quick it frustrated Azul. His marks on tests were unmistakably perfect, and Floyd of course found that rather admirable.
That’s why when he heard Riddle was offering tutoring to students outside of his dorm for a few weeks, he was the first to sign up.
You can imagine Riddles surprise when Floyd of all students came barreling into the library, swearing he was here for tutoring. Riddle had every reason to turn him down, but he had to set an example as the only freshman housewarden. So he allowed Floyd to sit and study. For the first few minutes it actually went well, Floyd actually paid attention and answered questions, giving his own two cents on the topic as Riddle discussed with him. Riddle actually found himself enjoying Floyd’s company… That was until he got bored, and decided it was his turn to quiz Riddle. Except he started making up questions, and when Riddle got it wrong he swore he was the smarter one between the two.
“Uh oh~ Goldfishie got it wrong again!”
Riddle huffed, his fists balling as he resisted slamming them onto the table. “That was a trick question and you know it! Need I remind you this is your tutoring session, not mine!” Riddle snapped, trying to grab the book from Floyd
Floyd chuckled, lifting the book up higher, so Riddle couldn’t reach. He stood from his seat and started to speed walk across the library, leaving Riddle no choice but to chase after him.
This ordeal ended the same as the entrance ceremony, with Riddle out of breath from his anger, red in the face and with pen in hand, and Floyd on the ground, collar around his neck.
This brings Floyd into his next reason why he likes Riddle.
He liked how Red he got.
Riddle had a tendency to get red in the face over small things. When he was angry, embarrassed, and even when he’s happy. Floyd thought it was the coolest thing, he had no idea a human could change color like this. So he did anything in his power to see that pale skin turn rose red.
From the constant taunting, chasing, interrupting his dorm celebrations and dropping into Eauestrian Club uninvited, Floyd lived for the thrill of ticking off Riddle. Eyes glimmering with delight as the short boys face heated up, matching the color of his rose garden instantly. It filled Floyd with so much amusement he knew he’d never tire of it
Riddle on the other hand, couldn’t wait for the day Floyd finally bores of harassing him and moves onto a new victim.
There were so many things Floyd liked. He liked how short and cute Riddle was, how gentle he was with hedgehogs and horses, he liked his particular sense in fashion, he liked his appreciation for sugary dishes, he liked how his dark blue eyes would shimmer when he was excited, how he always let out two weak coughs when he was flustered paired with frantic patting on his chest, how his hands always folded in his lap with his right hand delicately above his left, he liked when he laughed it was often breathy and hard to hear, unless he was truly amused he’d let out an adorable chuckle with both eyes crinkled shut and his nose scrunched like a rabbit, Floyd likes how when he did his paperwork in the Rosegarden, he would tap his heels together in soft rhythmic clicks to help pass the time. So. Many. Things.
But of course, Floyd had a favorite. It tended to go hand in hand with his familiar red face, but it stood alone often aswell.
Floyd doesn’t like, but loves when Riddle pouts.
Riddle, poised and professional as he may seem, is particular to making a pouty face. Floyd would say it was the cutest pouting face he’d ever seen. Riddles cheeks would puff out slightly, and his bottom lip would protrude, making him resemble a little rabbit. His eyebrows tilted downward and his eyes widened and made him look oh so cute. This pout was even more entertaining than his red face rage.
Floyd remembered seeing it for the first time, he was above Riddle in the line at lunch, selecting whatever food he felt like. Riddle behind him was strategically picking out his meal based on carbs, calories and whether it hit all the boxes of the food pyramid. Riddle reached the final station, dessert station. His favorite. They had cinnamon buns, and muffins but were out of the slices of Strawberry cake they’d often serve. That’s because the last slice sat neatly on Floyd’s rather messy plate. Riddles eyes trailed to Floyd’s plate, then back at the empty tray where the cake should be. And that’s when it slipped.
That perfect little pout.
Floyd blinked in surprise, then followed his toothy grin, ceasing his moment to push that precious pout as far as he could. “Uh ohhh~ Goldfishie wants the cake huh?” He taunted, leaning over to watch Riddle closely
Riddle looked up at Floyd, frustration still on his face, reaching for one of the muffins infront of him. “No use crying over it, there will be more another time”
“But you want it now dontcha?”
Riddle nodded, eyes falling in the cake on Floyd’s tray. And his lower lip stuck out once again as he eyed it with want. “I’ll share with ya~” the taller boy said softly, grabbing Riddles hand to set the muffin he had back down. “If fishie comes to sit with me I’ll let him have some~”
Riddle thought about it, but shockingly was quick to say yes. He followed Floyd to a table, one far off and secluded for the two of them to sit alone. Floyd felt an odd sense of protectiveness over this newfound express Riddle had, he didn’t want anyone else to see it.
Floyd smiled “I can’t believe I get to eat lunch with goldfish today! It must be my birthday~”
Riddle chuckled, shaking his head “Your birthday is in 3 months and 5 days, Floyd”
Floyd watched Riddles hands fold neatly into his lap, right hand above the left like always. He studied the smaller boys expression carefully, waiting for that face to come back
“Awee you remembered! I think you might deserve some cake for that!” He cooed, digging his fork into the cake and moving it slowly toward Riddle. The redhead tried to take the fork from him, eliciting Floyd to snap his arm back to his chest and shake his head “nuh uhhhhh I said I’d share it with you~ it’s not so much sharing if you feed yourself”
“Floyd by all means, feeding myself is still sharing since you’re offering me a bite of your food…” Riddle said, an eyebrow raising an annoyance. Floyd only shrugged and took the bite for himself. Floyd got exactly the reaction he wanted. Riddle eyebrows crumbled downward, cheeks puffed and there was that pout again. He looked like a sad puppy. Floyd smiled, forking up another bite of cake.
“That’s a cute face, here take the bite this time”
Riddle looked confused, but reluctantly opened his mouth for Floyd to feed him. His face grew hot, and his cheeks started to burn pink. But when the sweet cake made it past his lips, and there was another thing Floyd loved. The twinkle in his eye when he got a taste of something yummy.
“T-thank you Floyd.” He said, cheeks still hot and pink from embarrassment. Riddles eyes trailed the cafeteria for anyone who might’ve seen the exchange. Then slid out of his seat, offering Floyd a polite bow “Thank you for sharing with me! I must excuse myself now-“ He barely even finished his sentence before basically running away. Floyd called out to him, as loud as he could “Wait Goldfishie! We didn’t finish the cake yet!”