Work Text:
Not too long ago, Kalim had decided to make a group chat for all the 2nd years. The others didn't mind and thought it was a pretty neat idea.
During Riddle's allotted time for his self study, his phone buzzed from text messages out of nowhere. He knew that he should check it out after studying yet some part of him decided to check anyway.
“What in the world?” Riddle unlocked his cellphone to check out the 187 messages in their “2nd Years” group chat. What in the world could they possibly be gossiping about? The redhead’s brows furrowed with confusion.
the only ones carrying NRC
kalim:
since exams are overrrr
and to celebrate!! I can like host a sleepover party at scarabia (*ゝω･*)
azul:
a whole night in scarabia? sounds like a lot of fun, kalim
jamil:
I don't think it's wise to invite everyone.
1 ❓️ 1 😟
ruggie:
ohhh? a party?
riddle:
What is this about? You've all been buzzing around for a few minutes.
ruggie:
rosey! Kalim was just talking about having a sleepover
1 🏳️🌈
Rosey? Riddle tutted, his fingers swiping to privately message Ruggie.
rosey 🌹:
I thought we discussed not using our call signs with the others? Perhaps you needed a reminder.
my dear:
shyehehe! sorry, I let it slip 😋
i'm sure they can't tell.
rosey 🌹:
Hopefully, they don't.
As Riddle was about to type up a lecture, he received another notification from the group chat.
jade:
I do believe we'd enjoy ourselves, it'll be a great stress reliever.
floyd:
sea otter's filled wit great ideas
1 😁
silver:
I hope we don't seem like a disturbance in Scarabia.
1 ❌️
kalim:
haha! not at all!! (*＞∇＜)ﾉ i'll even try cooking for the sleepover!
jamil:
WHAT
3 😆
floyd:
AHAHAHAHAHA sea snake prob looks pale rn
azul:
how about a potluck? sounds like the best option there is.
i'll bring our finest meals from mostro lounge!
1 😮
silver:
That sounds like a good idea.
ruggie:
ehh? a potluck?
-_-
kalim:
it's fine, ruggie!!! you can just help with the arrangements ( =＾ω＾)
like u can come early and help outtt >_<
ruggie:
that sounds better!!
riddle:
I can bring some of Trey's tarts then.
With that message, Riddle shut his phone off and set it aside. He's already lost 2 minutes of his self study time, he can just backread later.
“Rosey.” Riddle mumbled to himself, warming up to the nickname.
Riddle and Ruggie got together not so long ago, with the two coincidentally planning to confess to each other on the same day.
Riddle even remembers the way Ruggie's hand shook as he handed over the roses he planted in the Botanical Garden, or how Riddle stuttered and mumbled all over his words from sheer nerve. They both agreed that it was the best option to be subtle about their relationship, although the pair haven't been the best at it.
Floyd leaned his back against the front counter. “Hey, Jade. You notice what Ruggie called goldfishie in the gc?” Jade, who had just finished cleaning up cups, turned his gaze.
“Nickname? Hm, I did.” Jade mumbled with his signature smile, Floyd simply responded: “Ehhh..”
2 days before the sleepover.
Ruggie had just finished bringing Leona his food, taking a few bites off it before giving it to him of course. The beastman in the garden noticed how oddly excited Ruggie was to leave the botanical garden after delivering his food, even noticing how much Ruggie's tail was wagging.
The hyena rushed over to a forgotten hallway that only he and Riddle knew, a place where the two can be themselves— their own sanctuary.
Riddle— who has been waiting since their agreed call time, tapped his forearm nervously. He's been worried about being spotted with each other but Ruggie would just put a smile on his face and say “Don't worry about it, it's our secret place.”
Seeing his bright expression, the tension in his shoulders relaxes instantly.
“Rosey!”
Riddle lifted his head, of course he'd recognize that affectionate tone anywhere. His eyes shifted to the hyena who was tripping over himself trying to run to him.
Ruggie knew he'd get scolded by Riddle, he knows that more than anyone. But he also knows that Riddle can't stay mad at him for too long.
“Sevens! Don't you think you should be a little more discreet?” Riddle huffed, his tone not having any real bite in it.
The hyena gently held onto Riddle's arm, his tone quieter to assure his loved one. “Shyehehe.. Sorry, it's been too long since we've been alone together.”
To Riddle's surprise, Ruggie left a quick kiss on his cheek— trying to release all of his energy towards him.
“Ah— dear…” His voice shook as Riddle temporarily lost his composure. “Seriously, you've made me lose my train of thought.” Riddle scolded but only received Ruggie's signature laugh.
Riddle's gaze softened at his lover, losing himself even more into Ruggie's expression. Until today, he can't believe their relationship nurtured into something like this. His hand carefully slipping into Ruggie's and intertwining them.
For a moment, Ruggie's ears stiffened. He's used to teasing his partner a lot but he's flustered whenever he reciprocates. His hand was shaky, just like when he confessed to Riddle— who always loved this habit of his.
“Oh Jamil, look! It's Riddle and Ruggie!” A certain Scarabia student yelled out which instantly made the two lovers freeze in place.
Standing at the end of the hallway was Kalim, waving frantically and next to him was Jamil; who had a knowing yet non judgemental look on his face.
Ruggie and Riddle instinctively let go of each other's hands, trying to act like they weren't just about to kiss.
“What are you guys doing there? It's pretty dark!” Kalim curiously asked as he slowly approached them with an oblivious expression— that is until Jamil stops him by his arm.
“Kalim, I don't really think that's a great idea right now.” Jamil spoke with caution, Riddle feared that the vice housewarden had already busted them.
Riddle's face was so red, you could mistake him for being mad. Usually, Ruggie would tease how adorable he looks but now wasn't the time.
“One of Riddle's err.. notes flew over here!” The hyena quickly conjured up an excuse, frantically looking around the area.
“Ahh.. yes. I was reviewing them and it just unfortunately flew to this area.” Riddle's tone sounded robotic, but he was sure Kalim wouldn't suspect a thing. He was worried about Jamil though.
“Ohh? Good thing Ruggie caught up to it!” Kalim laughed and stopped in his tracks with Jamil on his side with a concerned expression.
Riddle smoothed out his uniform before clearing his throat. “Yes I've just been.. very clumsy.”
“Well, I have to get going now! Gotta run some errands!” Ruggie nervously laughed and quickly stormed away and caught a glance of Riddle's expression, he looked like a kicked puppy in his eyes. That face alone made him want to stop in his tracks but he had to leave.
The Scarabia duo watched Ruggie hurry away. Riddle cleared his throat once more before walking away steadily.
“I must be on my way too, you both have a good day.” Riddle nodded goodbye to them, he was definitely gonna have a talk with Ruggie again later.
And then, only Kalim and Jamil were left in that hallway. “Ruggie and Riddle are suuuper close now!” Kalim stated happily and received a hesitant nod from Jamil.
1 day before the sleepover.
rosey 🌹:
Ruggie, we need to discuss something very crucial.
That was the message Ruggie had received after finishing up his work, he practically froze up and started thinking about anything he did to seriously upset him— or maybe Riddle had wanted to break up.
my dear:
whats up? what did i do…. 😅😅
rosey 🌹:
You haven't done anything in particular. I just wanted to tell you about my thoughts about confronting Jamil.
my dear:
eh?? confront him about what?
rosey 🌹:
About yesterday, in the hallway. He isn't an idiot.
my dear:
rosey what if we
yk
tell them about us?
rosey 🌹:
Are you certain you're comfortable enough to tell them now?
my dear:
I feel like Jamil already has an idea of what we are
its better if we get to control what gets out, dont u think
rosey 🌹:
I was just about to say that.
Well then, do we tell everyone at the sleepover?
my dear:
mhm
ngl im kinda giddy to tell them all
rosey 🌹:
How adorable, my dear.
Ruggie squealed quietly and kissed his screen, anyone seeing him right now would think he's a lunatic but he couldn't care less! Such a simple nickname was making him weak in the knees.
Crowley had arranged a meeting between housewardens at 4pm sharp today, yet the housewardens still don't have an idea of what the meeting would be about.
Riddle had arrived first per usual, walking in with his usual confidence and pride as the Heartslabyul housewarden.
Upon taking his seat, Azul quickly followed after. Strolling with the typical smirk on his face before his eyes landed on Riddle.
Azul sat down next to him, placing his hands on his lap. “Riddle. I figured you'd be here first.”
“Why, of course. I pride myself in being early.” Riddle spoke firmly, there was a small yet comfortable silence between them afterwards. Until Riddle's phone buzzed in his pockets.
Riddle excused himself and pulled out his phone. “Ah, pardon me.” Azul didn't really care about what business Riddle had to take care of— then a smile curved into the redhead's face.
It was a message from his lover, reading: “have fun at your meeting today, rosey 😙”
Riddle had subconsciously smiled at the sweet message, however it didn't get past Azul's gaze. Oh? Azul let out a surprised hum, quiet enough that Riddle doesn't notice it.
The redhead cleared his expression and tucked his phone away. “Sorry, it was a message from Trey.” He spoke with a slight shake in his voice.
“No need to apologize.” Azul dismissed before immediately following up: “Is it about the tarts tomorrow? I have to say, I'm quite psyched up for it myself.”
“Ah, yes. The sleepover, I believe it's a great way to celebrate after our final exams.” Riddle wore a warm smile, realistically he was excited to see Ruggie in his sleepwear.
Azul rubbed his chin with his index finger. “It's truly great that Kalim had thought about this experience for all of us.”
The day of the sleepover.
“Ruggie!! You're here!” Kalim practically jumped at the hyena as he arrived at the dormitory. “Woah, Kalim!” Ruggie gasped after being absolutely crushed by Kalim's hug.
Jamil sighed at the sight, the party hadn't even started yet and he feared Ruggie was already done for the night. “Kalim, come on. The sleepover isn't gonna happen if we don't have any pillows.”
“Right, right..” Kalim chuckled before letting go of his tight grip on Ruggie. The beastman finally had the opportunity to catch his breath and stand up.
“What are we waiting for? Let's get them pillows and blankets!” Ruggie exclaimed, immediately matching Kalim's energy.
kalim:
BTW
u guys can come in ur pajamas already!!
(*＞∇＜)ﾉ
floyd:
funnnn
we bought takoyaki
azul:
No the fuck we didn't
jade:
octavinelle is on their way, kalim ^^
riddle:
Did someone check up on Silver?
silver:
I'm here. I just needed time to pack my alarm clocks.
jamil:
alarm clocks… plural??
silver:
I shall be on my way with Riddle.
We just finished Equestrian Club, and we needed to wash up.
riddle:
^^^
1 💚
floyd:
heeeheee
this will be so fun
azul:
I see you packing that sharpie marker.
Put it down.
floyd:
ugh
1 😆
Ruggie quickly skimmed through the messages before bringing the handful of pillows into Kalim's room. “Is this all of it?” Ruggie heaved the pile of pillows onto the clean ground.
“Eh.. I think so! I originally wanted a lottt more but Jamil told me that we shouldn't.” Kalim pouted before springing back into life. “But it's fine! This will do!”
Ruggie fell backwards, his back touching the soft and fluffy pillows. “Ah.. it feels like I'm in heaven.” The beastman sighed dreamily, spreading his arms and legs across the pillows.
“Having fun?”
Ruggie immediately lifted his head at that recognizable stern yet soft voice. It was Riddle— stifling his laughter alongside Silver by his side. Both in their sleepwear with Riddle wearing a red plaid pajama set, Silver wore a simple sweater with a cute design.
Ruggie jumped away from the comfortable pile of pillows, blush spreading his cheeks. He can't believe his boyfriend saw all of that! “Wah?! Riddle?” He choked out all while trying to fix himself up.
“Are you alright? You're as pale as a ghost.” Riddle chuckled and approached the messed up hyena. Leaning on his toes to fix his ruffled hair.
“Better.” Riddle smirked, it was rare enough he gets to tease the life out of Ruggie— he couldn't just dismiss this chance.
And then there was Ruggie, who was barely holding it together with Riddle's close proximity. “Haha.. didn't expect you two to be so early.” Ruggie's voice shook as his tail wagged nervously behind him.
Silver and Kalim stood at each end of the room, watching the scene unfold. It was until Kalim's laugh broke the moment: “Glad you guys could make it!
Silver bowed lightly, “Thank you for the invitation, Kalim.”
That conversation immediately broke the couple out of their flirting. Getting off of each other like they didn't look like they're about to kiss right then and there.
Riddle cleared his throat, his hands shaking. “Yes, thank you for the party.” He spoke as he adjusted his robes as if they were wrinkled.
“Why don't you guys help out, haha!” Ruggie nervously laughed off.
“I'll be happy to help out.” Silver approached the rest with a smile. “The rest are gonna arrive in a bit and Jamil's still in the kitchen..”
Silver got curious, didn't Kalim say he'll be cooking for tonight in the group chat? “He didn't let you cook?”
“Jamil looked all pale and said he'll do it!” Kalim sighed, looking defeated.
“Cheers!” The 2nd years all clinked their glasses filled with their own preferred drinks and took a sip, some of it spilling over onto the ground.
Floyd laughed before taking a sip, “We survived those exams.”
“What games do you have in mind, Kalim?” Jade shifted his head to the Scarabia housewarden who was all too excited to share his ideas.
Kalim jumped out of his seat, surprising everyone sitting down. “We can play hide and seek! Or something like truth or dare would be nice.. I also have some card games!”
Jamil exhaled heavily. “What are you, 5 or 12?” Ruggie laughed quietly to himself after hearing him. “I'm not!” Kalim quickly defended himself.
“How about monopoly? Trust me, it's fun.” Azul chortled and placed his hand against his chest. “I think you just wanna win and brag to us.” Silver honestly mumbled, making Floyd laugh his ass off.
Riddle tapped on the hyena's shoulders. “.. Ruggie.” He whispered quietly, a blush spreading across Ruggie's face from how close they were.
“Yeah? What's up?” He murmured, leaning his ear closer to him. Riddle's eyes drifted to the 2nd years having fun and laughing it up before turning his attention back to his boyfriend.
The redhead nodded his head to the side, silently indicating that it was a good time to finally tell them.. about their relationship.
Silver had taken notice on how tense the two looked, his brows furrowed in concern. “Riddle? Are you feeling unwell?”
“We have something to say..!” Ruggie suddenly spoke out, breaking the noise between the rest of the classmates.
That sentence made everyone turn their attention to Ruggie and Riddle— who stood on top of the soft pillows.
“What's up? You look so nervous!” Kalim playfully joked although he was truly curious what got them in that expression. Floyd agreed, “Sea otter's right, you guys look so funny.”
The rest stayed silent, preparing to listen to whatever they needed to say. And then, Ruggie finally started: “We.. we've been hiding this for a while but…”
A random surge of courage hit Riddle, causing him to yell out. “Ruggie and I have been dating for about 2 and a half weeks.” He stiffly spoke, holding Ruggie's hands and closing his eyes tight shut.
His boyfriend, Ruggie, was shocked at his sudden outburst. Blush colored his cheeks before turning to the 2nd years with an expression that was a mix of fear and relief.
The silence that followed after was almost deafening for the couple. “Then what have you two been doing for the past 7 months?” Jade spoke up with a puzzled face.
That sentence made Riddle and Ruggie look up at everyone else— who were just confused. “Huh?” the two let out at the same time.
“Jade's right! Weren't you guys already dating?” Floyd hummed and leaned against the pillows, acting like they just asked to go to the bathroom.
Riddle was practically speechless. “You all.. didn't bother to ask?” He managed to mumble out.
“We just thought you guys looked cute! It also wasn't really our business..? Haha?” Kalim added before laughing nervously, even Ruggie was shocked that someone like Kalim knew they had feelings for each other!
Jade's words finally clicked to Ruggie's brain. “Wait.. 7 months? We just confessed to each other like.. 3 weeks ago!”
“Eh…” Jamil murmured, placing his hand on his chin as he tried to remember a few moments between the two.
“I mean, the scene from earlier just further proves our assumption.” Silver brought up, implying the time today where Ruggie blushed furiously as Riddle fixed up his hair.
“Yeah, that!” Kalim agreed cheerfully. “There was this one time where Ruggie's tail just wouldn't stay still around Riddle.” Jamil mumbled, it wasn't meant to get out but upon hearing that: the couple felt defeated.
“So, you guys aren't.. surprised? That we're together?” Ruggie wanted to confirm, speaking for the first time since earlier.
“Yeah, no.” Azul immediately responded as the others added simple “no”s or “not really”
The couple sat down with a new embarrassed face, their hands still subconsciously intertwined. “But we're happy for you too, that it's finally confirmed.” It was Silver's positive message to the two of them that made them look up again.
A warm feeling filled Riddle's heart— along with the relief of being accepted by peers he cared about. “Thank you.. Silver.”
“Still can't believe they weren't dating for those 7 months.” Floyd mumbled to Jade who nodded woefully, although it still reached Riddle's reddened ears.
“So that's your nickname for him.” Jamil mumbled as he took a sip from his drink, this didn't escape Ruggie's ears. “What nickname are ya talking about?”
Kalim was also thinking about what Jamil said before slamming his fist on his palm. “Oh, Rosey?” He turned to the vice housewarden, waiting for him to confirm that he was correct.
“Eh?!”
“Haha..”
Riddle immediately glared at his lover, of course his gaze didn't have any real anger in it. “I told you figured it out.” He pouted to which Ruggie just replied with a nervous chuckle and a scratch to his neck.
It all happened too fast for Riddle's brain to register anything. “Don't be so mad, rosey!” Ruggie's arm slipped through the redhead's waist as he placed a soft kiss on his temple.
Riddle froze up, his eyes looked like he was in a flustered daze before he snapped his head to the hyena. “Huh? I— Ruggie!!” He stuttered, losing his composure. Although what surprised Ruggie was Riddle didn't even move an inch.
“Get a room.” Azul cut the moment between them with a deadpan expression.
The couple looked at each other before bashfully looking away, both mumbling a quiet apology.
“Silver's asleep!” Kalim exclaimed quietly, petting the boy's head that was on his lap. “Ehh.. bed time already?” Floyd complained and stretched his arms.
Jade turned to the time on his phone, reading the time: 11:07pm “It is quite late.”
“This is one of my first sleepovers.. I must say, I'll remember this for a while.” Azul spoke smugly but his words seemed somewhat sincere and that he actually had fun. Jamil stated into that smug smile Azul always has before turning away.
“Let's get the place ready for bed then.” Jamil stood up and started arranging the positions and pillows for everyone.
“I'll help out again, shyehehe!” Ruggie rolled over to Jamil over the comfortable mat on the floor and helped him out.
Ruggie looked around after finishing up his part, trying to look for a specific redhead. “Huh, where's Riddle?”
His eyes shifted downwards to see his lover, sleeping soundly against the soft pile of pillows. His breath study as he occasionally shifted his position— subconsciously moving his head towards Ruggie's leg.
“Oh…” Ruggie murmured, he felt like he could die peacefully right then and there with how ethereal Riddle's expression was. With a shaking hand, he set aside a loose strand of hair from Riddle's head.
Surprising Ruggie— the redhead's face leaned into his touch with a small smile creeping onto his face.
Ruggie's tone was similar to his hands, shaking. “You're gonna kill me one day, Rosey.” Carefully leaning closer, he spoiled Riddle with a kiss on his cheek.
So he wasn't gonna help out after all. Jamil sighed internally.
Everyone in the room was sleeping soundly, Jade and Floyd sleeping next to each other with their extra sharpie markers confiscated by Jamil.
On the other side was Kalim, Silver, and Azul. Although Azul tried his best to stay away from Kalim's sleeping body due to his absurd positions, his head being where his legs should be and so on.
And then, in the middle of it all was Riddle, Ruggie and Jamil. A shame that he was a third wheeler even in his sleep.
Riddle let out a soft noise before stirring awake, turning his head just to see the sight of the sleeping hyena next to him. His ears flattened as he hugged Riddle as close as he can.
“How adorable.” He whispered quietly, moving closer but enough to not wake Ruggie up. With his free hand, he pushed his bangs away and kissed his forehead.
Riddle smiled warmly at how comfortable and cozy Ruggie looked like when he was sleeping. “Now we're even.”