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It was time for another Unbirthday Party as decreed by Queen’s rule #231, or that is the number that Cater seemed to remember as he was tasked with the duty of painting the roses in preparation. However instead of the traditional white to red, Riddle had requested that they be different pastel versions of pink, yellow, purple, and blue. This Unbirthday Party was to be unique as it was near the time when Sage's Island changed seasons from Winter to Spring. The rose color wasn't the only planned change. Instead of preparing hedgehogs for the croquet game, there would be an egg rolling event and Deuce had even volunteered to have a race through the maze like happened back in his hometown around this time of year.
Cater sighed as he set down the paint can he was carrying and his doubles carried the others. He was already feeling exhausted and the job hadn’t even started. Trey had told him that he’d be out to help, but Cater wasn’t sure when the poor overworked vice housewarden would be free from all of his baking duties. Cater made a mental note to be sure to check in with Trey after both of their jobs were completed. He guessed that this meant that he would have to start his task so then the sooner he could be done with it.
He called over his three copies and told each to take a paint bucket as well as the specifications that had been laid out by the Housewarden down to how many of each colored rose are allowed. Cater took to the task of taking the pastel yellow and started painting his allotted two roses before moving on to the next bush. Cater's copies disappeared as soon as their task was done. He could not say how much time passed between his copies finishing and his own task coming to a close. Wiping his brow, Cater placed the paint brush in the bucket and started to make his way out of the maze. He was steps away from the exit of the maze when he started seeing black spots in front of his eyes. He stopped to rub his eyes, hoping that would clear his vision. The blackness just instead grew and that was the last thing Cater felt as the blackness covered his entire vision.
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Riddle had been making his rounds on the grounds of Heartslaybul dorm, overseeing all of the preparations. He was particularly concerned that the roses would not be painted to his new specifications. He had after all changed the order from red to a series of colors. He had thought that giving the task to Cater would be fine. Just the question would be if the upperclassman can keep on task.
Riddle rolled his eyes thinking of just what Cater would be doing; taking lots of pictures and uploading them to his Magicam story. Riddle pulled out his phone and tapped on the Magicam app on his screen. The housewarden had no posts of his own other than the ones Cater had tagged him in. He had no time for such frivolous activities between classes, equestrian club, and being housewarden, so he was not bothered to not have an active following. The top of the app showed any of his friends who had posted stories. While he followed most of his classmates at Night Raven College, Riddle rarely looked at stories. His finger scrolled the stories until he stopped on @Cay_Cays_Magicam and tapped it to let them play. Most he swiped through as they were just Cater running through his night and morning routine, but the housewarden stopped swiping as the videos of the rose painting played. It appeared Cater took a selfie with his copies posting with a bunch of hashtags. The last story had text of #TaskAccomplished #RosesPainted that was time stamped and posted about an hour ago.
Riddle closed the app and slid his phone back in his pocket with slight concern on his face. If Cater had in fact finished, Riddled should have passed him or one of his copies on the housewarden’s rounds. Riddle was sure that he hadn’t seen any sign of Cater. He grabbed for his phone in his pocket and dialed his vice housewarden and childhood best friend, Trey Clover.
“Trey, you haven’t seen Cater back in the dorm? I did not pass him on the grounds and his Magicam story indicated he’d finished the task I’d assigned him for the Spring Unbirthday Party.”
“No, I haven’t seen him, though, I've been seeing to the baking tasks for the party and haven’t really left the dorm kitchen.”
“Just give me a call if you end up seeing Cater back at the dorm, okay?”
“Yes, my Queen.”
Riddle’s cheeks flushed a little at the little pet name from Trey that the vice housewarden had bestowed upon him when Riddle had become housewarden. However, it was not the time to get flustered. Cater needed to be found. Riddle decided to head for the maze as that was the last location pinned on Cater’s Magicam post. Though Riddle was not known for his physical prowess, he found himself running to the location despite being in his housewarden outfit. Something within him told him something was wrong.
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Trey was busy in the dorm kitchen with the list of pastries that Riddle had given him to bake. Trey had been given a few underclassmen to help him, but Trey was unsure of how much help they would be. Most of them seemed uninterested to be there and were only there to not anger the housewarden. Trey gave them the task of preparing the pastry filling as he could not trust anyone experienced with the pastry dough. His parents had taught him that the best quality was made by hand and no touch of magic to be used, including Trey’s Unique Magic. Trey honestly only used his spell when ensuring that Cater would eat something at the Unbirthday parties as Trey had been told that Cater had a strong dislike for sweet. Trey would instead grab a plate for Cater and hand it off to his fellow third year, showing that he had used his unique magic to spice it up for Cater with a soft smile and hand on the other third year’s shoulder.
Trey’s brow was furrowed with a bit of concern after hanging up with his call with Riddle. He had know Cater since his first year at Night Raven College, and while Cater was one to try and get the perfect shot for his Magicam, he wasn't one to just disappear without warning either. Trey was just placing the pastry dough in the chiller to proof for a bit, when his phone rang again.
“Trey, come to the rose maze entrance. I found Cater. I think he’s alright, because he’s breathing, but he’s not moving.”
The phone call ended as quickly as it came. Trey put a second year in charge and said that he was called away to another task by Riddle. Trey hurried off hoping that Riddle wasn't freaking out too much. Trey knew how much Riddle admired Cater even if Riddle didn’t quite realize it himself. Trey loves the both of them dearly and was just waiting on the two to realize that they both also liked each other so Trey wouldn’t have to choose between his childhood best friend and his NRC best friend. While this wasn’t the ideal situation for everyone to admit their feelings for one another, Trey held out some hope.
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Cater heard some voices around him but it was as if they were underwater. They were muffled and words unintelligible. His body felt heavy and as much as he tried to tell his body to move he couldn’t even move a finger.
This had only happened once in his past and it was when he’d first discovered his Card Split spell. He thought though that today’s task wasn’t going to go past his magic limit. He was careful to train his body and to never create more copies than he could handle as well as listen to his body and dismiss his doubles if he felt fatigue setting in.
He was only mildly aware of his body being rolled from face down to on his back. His head was placed a bit higher resting on something now with his shoulders being nudged while the muffled voice called out what he only assumed was his name. His eyelids were just as heavy as the rest of his body, but he was able to release a slight groan from between his lips when nudged.
Cater wasn’t sure how long it was before he felt his body being scooped up and lifted by familiar arms. His cheek rested against a familiar chest. The two had been roommates their first two years at Night Raven College after all. During the nights Cater suffered from homesickness and missing his siblings or a nightmare hit, Trey would scoop Cater up and Cater would drift off to sleep free of nightmare or homesickness. Cater felt his consciousness fading as he now was safe in those familiar and secure arms.
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Riddle reached the maze and spotted Cater’s hair before anything else. The housewarden rushed over and gently turned the third year’s body so it was face up. He next sat on his knees on the grass by the maze with Cater’s head resting on his lap. His eyes scanned over Cater’s body; no limbs bent in odd directions and no pools of blood. The third year may have some bruises from the fall but nothing looked serious.
“Cater.”
“Cater!”
“CATER!”
Riddle called out, repeating the third year’s a bit louder each time that he did, hoping that Cater’s eyes would flutter open. When they did not, Riddle sent off a quick call to Trey. Riddle knew that he could not carry Cater even with the aid of magic. Their difference in heights made it a bit difficult for Riddle to pick up and safely hold the third year. As he waited, Riddle stroked his index finger across Cater’s forehead to tuck the third year’s bangs behind each ear. RIddle in the silence couldn’t help but wonder if he’d assigned Cater too much for him and his signature spell to handle. Riddle was strict, yes, but he’d never made one of his own pass out. Riddle rested his forehead against Cater’s while his hands still occasionally nudged the unconscious third year’s shoulders. He could not say how much time had passed with him holding Cater like that when he heard a familiar voice call out.
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Trey had reached the two a few moments before he called out, but seeing how Riddle was holding Cater, the vice housewarden thought it best to give Riddle the time.
“Riddle, I came as quickly as I could assign someone I trusted enough to oversee the baking. Has he stirred at all?”
Riddle shook his head, “Only an occasional groan, but the breathing hasn’t been erratic and there are no life threatening injuries. He appears to have a few bruises though. I think he is safe to move and return to his room.”
Trey simile nodded and knelt now to scoop up Cater in somewhat of a princess carry, which under different circumstances Trey would find cute and even endearing, like each time he’d done so since their first year; and headed back to the dorm with Riddle walking alongside.
Trey ventured one question on their walk back, “So what do you think is wrong?”
Riddle pondered over an answer for a few moments, “Seeing as he had no significant injury and is still breathing normally, it is not any curse or ill will spell causing him to not wake. His stories on Magicam showed that he was using his signature spell during his task. Could that have been too much and his body just shut down instead of overblotting?”
“That could be possible. If that is the case, he’ll just need some rest, and he’ll wake when his body is more stable.”
“But he will need food as well,” Riddle chimed in.
“Are you volunteering to make him something, my Queen?” Trey snuck a glance at Riddle following him using the nickname again.
Riddle’s face this time was flushed red as he turned away so as not to let Trey see. “Maybe…”
“Then the kitchen will be yours. Though I cannot promise a lot of space in the baking area as there is still a lot to be done for the Unbirthday party.”
“That is fine. I won’t need much space.”
“Just do remember that Cater does not care for sweets like you do. However I can always assist and make it exactly to his liking if you request.”
“No, it will be fine. I have learned some recipes from my time in the Culinary Crucible. I just hope that they will suffice for a first meal following someone passing out due to exhaustion.”
Riddle pondered rushing ahead for the kitchen while Trey turned heading to Cater’s room, chuckling.
“You know he likes you, Cater. Even if he hasn’t said it yet. Hopefully, he will very soon. I want us all three to be happy together.”
Trey whispered to Cater as he gently set the unconscious third year on his bed. Trey knew that he should get back to the kitchen himself, but he couldn’t just leave Cater in this state by himself, especially not after all of those nights the two had shared a bed to chase the nightmares and homesickness away. Trey lay down on the bed bedside Cater and wrapped him in an embrace, holding him for a few minutes before Trey didn’t realize how exhausted he was and soon his sleeping breath was tickling the back of Cater’s neck.
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Riddle had been aware of how close Trey was with Cater ever since he saw the two his first year he attended NRC. Riddle realized that his jealousy of how Cater could talk with just about anyone was the reason he found himself annoyed when Cater tried to befriend him. Riddle was also worried that Trey had found a new friend and would toss him aside. Riddle wouldn’t necessarily blame Trey if he did. Riddle himself chose his studies and keeping his mother happy over continuing a friendship with Trey and Che’nya. However despite how nasty Riddle was to Cater in the beginning, he still tried to include Riddle, and that he kept coming back despite Riddle’s attempts to push him away.
Riddle was lost in the thoughts of memories as he stirred the curry that he was simmering on the stove. The housewarden figured that it would be spicy enough to suit Cater’s palate and would not upset the third year’s stomach.
As he continued to cycle through his memories, Riddle came to realize that he couldn’t see his life without Cater in it, but that didn’t mean that he also didn’t still have his longtime crush on Trey either. Was he allowed to give his heart to two people at the same time? Would the two reciprocate the feelings if he voiced them outloud?
He let the curry simmer a little longer as he pondered this and checked on the rice also cooking in another pot. He had learned from Trey’s family that the best cooking uses no magic other than maybe if you need a fire spell to heat what is being cooked. Both items were getting closer to being finished. He figured the best way to confess was through offering to share this meal with the three of them even if this was more suitable to Cater’s palette. He used his magic to carry the two pots of food, three plates and spoons to Cater’s room.
He opened the door and a slight smile came to his lips as he saw the two with peaceful expressions sleeping in Cater’s bed. He set everything on the floor and used magic to keep everything warm without starting an actual fire and then Riddle climbed into bed and curled up on Cater’s free side with his forehead resting against Cater’s chest and shoulder. It wasn’t long before Riddle’s sleeping breaths were tickling Cater’s collarbone.
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The three remained sleeping together in the little cuddle puddle that had been created by the two around Cater. While each occasionally stirred in their sleep, each one felt so comfortable and peaceful that Cater was the first to stir; the fragrant scent of the curry still left to simmer by the bed permeating the room. The spicy scent caused Cater to drool a little as his eyes slowly fluttered open. His body still felt heavy, but as his eyes grew used to being open and eyelids less heavy that was where he took notice of his surroundings.
Cater was back in his room and it appeared on his bed. In front of him was a familiar head covered in scarlet hair; its owner’s nose buried against Cater’s chest and soft sleeping breath hitting his chest with bursts of warmth. As he tried to turn his body, he felt familiar arms wrapped around his waist from behind. He smiled, placing a hand on the one resting on his left hip and his other gently ran fingers through the red hair in front of him. Cater still felt a little lightheaded, but not to the point of feeling like he’d pass out again. He let out a long pleased breath enjoying the closeness and feeling of being held by the two that he felt the closest to. He figured he could let the two rest a little longer as he knew the two did not get the rest they needed despite there being strict rules on sleep. He rested his forehead on top of Riddle’s while his back rested against Trey’s chest. Even if it was a little warm, Cater could still feel content in this shared embrace.
He knew how Trey had felt for him. How could Cater not? Especially after their nights of sharing a bed in their dorm room the first few years, even if Cater told a little white lie about being homesick. He didn’t lie about the nightmares though or how easily he fell asleep when Trey was beside him and even more so when Trey decided to cuddle with Cater subconsciously when asleep. Not to mention, Trey always used his signature spell so that Cater could still enjoy anything he cooked because Cater had told him about not being a fan of sweets. With all of this, how could Cater not start to catch serious feelings for Trey?
Now Riddle, that relationship was more complicated. Cater knew from Trey how much he cared for his childhood friend from how he talked about him to Cater. Cater also knew that a lot of Trey’s feelings were more rooted in a guilt felt than perhaps romantic. When Riddle arrived at Night Raven College, Cater could see Trey pulled between him and the childhood best friend for who to spend time with. Cater did try his best to be friendly and include Riddle whenever they all hung out in the dorm. The upperclassman could tell by how cold Riddle was to him that the redhead found Cater nothing but an annoyance and possibly someone trying to steal his best friend. Cater had just wanted to get to know the person who Trey spoke so highly of in their first year. Riddle only recently seemed to more so tolerate Cater when they were together. So he found it strange that Riddle was now curled up close to him. Perhaps the housewarden had more than just a general respect for him now. Cater was unconscious and his hearing felt off, but he did remember someone calling out to him and his head resting against the lap of someone. Was that Riddle? And who made the food that he was smelling? He was going to guess Trey but neither one was awake to ask for sure.
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It was only a little while later when Riddle finally stirred. Rubbing his eyes, he looked up through his slightly messed up bangs due to sleep to meet Cater’s open eyes and slightly sly smile.
“Look who was getting their beauty sleep~” the ginger haired third year lightly teased, still gently rubbing a hand along the top of Riddle’s head, while the finger on the others interlocked with Trey’s hand resting on his hip.
Riddle had been about to reply when Cater’s statement caused his face to grow very hot and he forgot the ability to form words as his brain temporarily stopped working. His cheeks puffed out, holding his breath for a few seconds before letting it out. Hopefully that would reset his brain.
“I was only resting my eyes.” Riddle slid away and then stood up from the edge of bed. “You need to eat. You passed out from overusing your signature spell didn’t you?”
Cater simply rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish grin as reply. Cater nudged Trey awake and sat up very slowly as Cater felt a bit more light headed upon the change in position.
Riddle used his magic to dish out the rice and curry into three plates and then first hand one to Cater, followed by Trey who had removed his glasses to rub his eyes. Both Cater and Trey’s stamps were a bit smudged and Trey and Riddle were plagued with a bit of messy bedhead. The three sat on the bed eating the meal with very little conversation between them. Once everyone’s plate was cleared, Riddle took each and set them in the pots and used his magic to send them back to the kitchen so they could be cleaned.
Turning back to the other two, he cleared his throat.
“So today was difficult and I would prefer that it doesn’t happen again.” He paused.
“Yes, housewarden.” Cater replied knowing that was the reason for Riddle’s pause.
“It also made me realize something as well. I didn't actually find you an annoyance. I just didn’t know how to relate to Trey now that you were in his life. I was scared of losing him. After today, I also realized that I was also scared of losing you when I saw just how close I was to that happening. I’m not used to feeling this for one person; let alone two. I honestly don’t still know exactly what these feelings are. I just know I want you both by my side. Would you do me that honor?”
Cater exchanged glances with Trey before smiling as the two turned back to Riddle. The two each grabbed one of Riddle’s hands and guided the housewarden back onto the bed to sit between them.
“Of course, that was exactly when I was hoping you would say, my Queen. I’ve never left.” Trey replied.
“Except for that one year when you were here without me.” Riddle muttered under his breath.
Trey chuckled, “I can’t help that I am a year older than you and started here a year before you.”
Riddle puffed out his cheeks in response before Cater gently guided Riddle’s gaze to his with just a few fingers on the housewarden’s chin.
“Took you long enough! I almost thought that you would continue to be cold to me.” Cater gave Riddle a flirty wink. “ I’ve been trying since your first year to get to know you, because you were all Trey would talk about aside from his own family. I wanted to know who had smitten Trey so. It was a genuine curiosity and not due to malice or jealousy.”
Riddle’s cheeks flush with warmth again, now able to turn his gaze away from solely Cater. The two upperclassmen leaned in wrapping their arms around Riddle and each planted a soft kiss on his cheeks.