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As Riddle walk into octavinelle, he couldn't help but be rather intrigued as of why Floyd invited him, he heard mostro louge was closed for the day for restocking duty, and that all the members were busy preparing, sure Floyd would skip if he wanted to, but knowing azul it's very unlikely that would happen, so it was indeed strange.
Just as he set foot in the lounge, long arms laced around his waist picking him up and spinning him around as he heard a familiar laugh.
"Floyd??!!" He called out, taken aback from the action.
"Goldfishie!! You came!!" He set the red head down right before slightly bending down.
"While of course I did! Why wouldn't I?" He retorted, small frown on his face.
"Well you be usually studyin' right now guessed ya wouldn't actually show up~" Floyd did have a point, on random day he would be studying after classes ended while maintaining order in his dorm, but Trey and Cater had insisted on him going, loosening up and having time for himself they called it and that they'd take care of everything in his absence, he decided to listen to them and it got him here.
Riddle felt ounce of guilt as he thought of all the times he turned Floyd's dates and hang outs down for studies, despite never really bothering Floyd, though he wasn't sure if it was really the case.
"Well," he turned to look at floyd "here i am now" he said a fond smile on his face, he got on his toes and placed a gentle kiss on Floyd's cheek, the fellow eel's eyes widened slightly at the action, confused pheraps. Floyd grinned and straightened his back, yet still leaning in slightly.
"Woah~!! Goldfishie playin' flirty~!!" He quite literally sing-songued "What? surprised??" Replied Riddle with a smirk, probably enjoying it.
"Ehehe! Yep very! Do it again!!" He leaned even closer in order to do so, a grin even wider than before "You'll have to earn this one." He poked Floyd's nose letting out a giggle, Floyd pouted, putting his hands in his pockets and straightening his back "Meanie."
"Anywho, why did you invite me? I thought mostro louge was in restocking duty for the day?" Inquired the red head "Eh? Oh yeah we were supposed to but order didn' come cuz of traffic or something, we'll be closin' until the order comes, so I guessed I'd invite my Goldfishie~" the eel seemed excited as Riddle's cheek flushed a shade of pink, he let out a chuckle "Floyd what could we possibly do in mostro louge if there was no food or drinks? It's a restaurant not a playground."
"Yeh, I was gonna take ya to an aquarium, but ain't no aquarium here and then jade reminded me of the one in the lounge, guessed I'll take ya here instead since we're closed." He looked proud, yet mischievous, Riddle doubting that there's more to it that Floyd isn't telling him, but mystery and surprise was written in Floyd's blood after all, no matter how much he asked him he wouldn't give him the slightest clue, Riddle decided to test the waters and go along with the waves "Well what are we waiting for? Let's go in."
Floyd led the way, after all he was the guide today! The lounge was magnificent and stunning as always, every corner shimmering like freshly polished glass, the crystal octopus-like chandeliers shinning and projecting rays of light like stars in the night sky, dark hardwood floors covered with stunning dark velvet carpets, the couches made of cooper reflected the light, the counter of the bar stretched from side to side, empty wood barrels and containers for the drinks we're organized by product, strange knowing Floyd's nature, but it would make sense due to azul, the tanks that served as walls, gave a view over the corals and fish of the sea, it was truly mesmerizing, no wonder students came here to relax after long and exhausting days of school.
Despite coming here multiple times, Riddle couldn't stop himself from being amazed by the scene, Floyd was humming, hoping like a bunny, his red headed partner blindly following his path, his gaze around every corner of the place pulling his sight around like magnets, even during closing days this placed looked as neat as fresh laundry.
As he continued to look around, Riddle suddenly bumped into Floyd who had suddenly stopped "look where ya walkin' Goldfishie!" He pouted, slightly turned around to look at him "ah, sorry" He moved a little over the right to see what Floyd was looking at, one of tank walls that gave a view over the sea, beautifully colourful fish swimming in the water, playing through corals and seaweed.
"They're so pretty" said Riddle, mouth slightly agape in a smile "what fish is that?the blue and green one?" He pointed at a fish who was hiding behind a coral "eehh,that's a queen anglefish" replied floyd "over there ya can see a peacock flouder".
And that's how the discussion continued, Riddle was confounded by his boyfriend's knowledge in fish species, but after all the sea was his native area, it shouldn't stun Riddle as much as it did.
"Hey, Goldfishie" those words took the short guy abruptly off guard, he turned around to look at him, Floyd was still observing the creatures "Watcha favorite fish?" Riddle was intrigued "Eh? Favorite fish? Like out of the ones in the tank?" It didn't take long before his question was answered "Well, they're all beautiful I presume, but the siamese fighting fish is really pretty" this is getting really weird "key, wait for me am comin' " and at that, Floyd took his leave, leaving Riddle alone infront of the tank, Riddle's instincts told him this doesn't not sound good, nonetheless he stayed right where he was told.
5 minutes passed, yet still no sign of Floyd, Riddle was starting to worry when out of no where he heard the eel calling him "Goldfishie!!" Yet the sound didn't come from any where, when he called him another time, Riddle realized the sound came from on top of him from the roof, as he looked up he saw his boyfriend at the very top of the tank waving at him.
"Floyd! What in great seven are you doing up there?!" He yelled, receiving nothing more than a grin coming from the other, Floyd turned away from him and went head first into the water, the instant the bubbles disappeared, he turned into his mer form, shiny scales all over his body, his nails pointy and sharp, fines stick his fingers in the middle, a long tail adding to his already long body, making him probably over 2 meters, his movements were swift and smooth in the water, approaching the barrier of the tank rapidly until he was facing Riddle, the red head mouth agap, astonished by the sudden transformation.
"What'd ya think Goldfishie? D'ya like my merform?" A giant grin spread on his lips, that sudden line made Riddle let out a chuckle "Floyd what in dear rose land are you doing?" He asked, intrigued.
"You'll see~" He turned around and started swimming through the water his tail and scales catching the glimpse of light making them shine at every move, Riddle watched in awe as his boyfriend circled the fish he had pointed out earlier, wich he exclaimed was his favorite, circling the fish and throwing claws from time to time "Floyd for seven's sake what are you doing" the smile on his face quite not leaving his face "Am fightin' for ya affection!!" He yelled through the water, a wide smile on his face as he kept circling the fish "What? What nonsense are you spouting?!" Yelled back the red head "Watch me!!" He stopped circling and fully went after the fish this time, it started fighting back, desperately trying to get out of the eel's grip, Floyd started punching the fish, it didn't look like strong punches, the kind of punches a child would throw, due to the water maybe?
Riddle couldn't help but burst out laughing at the scene "That's it! That's it!! You won my affection leave the poor fish alone!!" He desperately tried to spit out despite the laughs, his hands stuck on the tank admiring the show pledged before him, truly an amusing sight, and that just for him.
After a series of laughter accompanied by Floyd chasing after other fish, Riddle was finally able to pick up his breath and carried on with marveling at his partner, sat crossed legs on a chair, elbow on one knee and hand on his face, fondness in his facade.
Floyd looked so free and joyful, being in his element truly did change something in him somehow, his laughter slightly muffled in the water, yet the gleem and the faces he made when he caught one of his preys could light up the whole room, seeing him so cheerful and overjoyed brought some warmth to his chest, seeing his partner having fun without hurting anyone made Riddle more happy than it should've had.
Out of the blue, Floyd stopped, he didn't move apart from his tail wiggling to keep him floating, Riddle already knew what was coming.
"Am bored" A sigh escaped Riddle's mouth "than come out of the tank we'll get you dried up" Floyd turned to look at him a small grin on his face, swimming toward the tank and putting his hands on the glass barrier, hand on hand to Riddle's "If I come out, will ya give me a kiss~?" Riddle raised an eyebrow, a smug grimace on his face "Well, that scenery of yours was quite enjoyable, I presume you deserve this one" Floyd grinned even more, and before Riddle could register, the eel fled to the top of the tank and already jumped out of the water fell into the metal grad keeping him from falling drops of water falling on the red head, unfortunately for Floyd he was wet wich made him slide off the grad.
Riddle took out his magic pen from his front pocket as fast as he could and casted a levitating spell, slowly and firmly getting him to the ground.
Riddle exhaled while Floyd was practically kissing the floor from shock, the shorter sat beside the eel and started petting his wet hair, it was loose and smooth but extremely messy, just like Floyd, he gently reached out and cub the scaly face's cheeck, slightly turning it toward him letting out a small chuckle "You're way too silly for your own good dear" That left the other blinking, but quickly turning into a smile "An' do ya like it?" He asked, slightly crawling closer to him "I thought Goldfishie liked more refined people like Jade" unmistakable giggling at the end, yet gleems of hope sparkled in his eyes "I fell inlove with you, not Jade, I'd choose you any time any days and any hour, for my heart bloomed for you, and as the queen says, the one that makes your heart bloom like roses in summer are the ones bound to you" Floyd threw his arms around Riddle's waist "here we go again!! Ya an' yo boring proverbs" Riddle felt amused "Says the one who's only rule is to not get bored" the merman felt offended at that "Hey! Boredom is so much less fun than ya think!" He pouted, before he could finish, he was cut off by his partner "Oh shut up".
In an instant, sweet rosey lips met wet salty ones, gentle, moving in union and harmony, long arms wrapped around the other's neck while the other's arms were hugging the mer's waist, feeling each other's pressure, warmth, joy and love.
Nobody could make Riddle's heart palpitate like Floyd did, pheraps he owned his heart and mind now.
He could to live with that.
He would to live with that.
He wants to live like that
Because Floyd saw more than just anger and perfectionism, more than just rules and punishments, more than just the will to be superior and dictatorship. He saw Riddle.
And Riddle didn't just see the nicknames and jokes, not just the messiness and laziness, more than just danger and playfulness, he saw Floyd.
They saw each other's colours, strings of red and teal dancing together, displaying a wonderful and mesmerizing portrait of their love.
Is Floyd what Riddle have been looking for all along? No.
But he will cherish every moment spent with him, more than anything in the world.
. 𖥔 ݁ ˖ ๋ ࣭ ⭑ 𓂃 ྀིྀ ͜͜✚ ̣̣̥ ̣ ۫ ִִ
Fast footsteps were starting to get closer from where had Riddle and Floyd been sitting for the last 20min after getting Floyd back to his human form. Doors suddenly flew open with Azul barging in and Jade trailing behind him, while as Jade noticed Floyd wasn't alone right away, it took much more time for azul to realize. He started doing round around tables, complaining about "the late deliveries" and "decreasing of profit it might bring" and some other things Riddle couldn't quite place because of the pace he was speaking in.
Jade watched from the side lines as Azul kept on with his bargaining, quietly amused, it wasn't until he coughed twice to bring Azul's attention and pointed at the two that Azul had finally noticed the red head's presence, said red head waving at him.
"Riddle! What bring you here? The mostro lounge is closed for the day I thought I had made the news this morning" he tried to smooth over the fact he set out thousands of complaints infront of Riddle Rosehearts none other than that.
"Well Floyd had invited me and I was free this afternoon, so I came here" he replied, what more was it to it anyway.
"Oh, I see." He looked over at Floyd "Well it's a benediction he hadn't made any mess, as much as we appreciate your company, I would kindly ask you to leave, we have some businesses to discuss" he emphasized on the "leave" so much it didn't feel like a demand and more like a command.
"Sure thing, I have to go back to my dorm anyway" he turned over to Floyd and muttered in a low voice "see you later", waving as he left.
Floyd watched him as he closed the front door, looking over his shoulder, his twin was standing right beside where he was sitting, taking off his fedora and bending to Floyd's face level and whispering "someone's visibly inlove~ i wonder who that person is~" He looked smug as ever taunting even, Floyd smiled "I think there's mor' than jus' one person inlove her', w'uldn't ya agree Jade?" Giving back the same smile, they loved playing this silly game of theirs.
"I have no idea of the matter your speaking" he straightened himself and turned around "I believe I need to make the way clear from you once again tonight?" He glanced over at Floyd, to wich the other responded with "f'course, l'make tha way clear for ya too".
"Than that settles it" they laughed to themselves before an annoyed Azul yelled at them asking them why were they laughing instead of listening.
They quickly apologized and followed azul.
. 𖥔 ݁ ˖ ๋ ࣭ ⭑ 𓂃 ྀིྀ ͜͜✚ ̣̣̥ ̣ ۫ ִִ
Desk light on, notes and books scattered on the desk, poor nails bitten to the core and ruffled hair from rubbing, what a normal night for Riddle.
And it would go on like that until a teal haired mer would sneak into his dorm and perturbe him till they both ended up on his bed, sleeping soundly, and tonight was no exception.
He heard the familiar footsteps trying to be as quiet as possible to not get noticed by the others. The door opened quietly a long figured leaned on the door frame "heyyaaa!! Missed me?" He turned around to face the figure, leaning back on his chair "maybe yes, maybe not, it's yours to figure out!" He replied.
"Ya sure yer mom di'n't call ya Riddle for a reason" Floyd blinked, his name on on Floyd's tongue truly gave something in Riddle, and he wasn't sure he'd ever get used to it.
"Shut up, Riddle is a very respectable name" he scoffed back "yes housewarden!!" He replied, mocking him more than anything else, closing the door behind him with a quiet click and walking toward the chair his Goldfishie was sitting on, he sat on the floor close enough to the other and enlaced the other's waist, resting his head on Riddle's lap, droopy eyes closed, and a lazy smile– he looked peaceful, and riddle knew damn well he was one of the very rare people to see floyd like this.
The red head looked down at him and smiled "You're a child" Yet it wasn't an insult "a child that lives ya real much" he giggled "ya done either that yet not?" Looking over he pile of notes and open books.
"Almost there– you can rest on my bed till I finish tho" he felt Floyd getting up and letting go of his waist "alrighty."
Riddle went back to his books, the sound of a video game being opened was heard from behind him, he guessed the eel was distracting himself by playing on his phone, oh well, as long as he didn't disturb his studying why would he mind.
20 minutes later, Riddle was finally done- and tired, the sound of the video game was still on, turning around on his chair announcing "I'm done-" but surprisingly, he was met with a limp body on his bed, eyes closed, mouth half open, phone face down on his chest, but the light and music from it was still on, Floyd probably fell asleep while playing.
A soft humming escaped Riddle's mouth, getting up from his chair and tidied up his desk a little before moving toward his bed and sat on the edge, took Floyd's phone and turned it off before putting it on a nightstand. He carefully laid down next to Floyd, his head on his arm, legs intertwined, one arm over the other.
That's how a normal night sounded to Riddle ever since Floyd came into his life, if the old Riddle heard about this, he would either think it was a lie he went utterly mad.
He didn't mind, Floyd was the one who made him see his worth, that his obsession with his mother's approval and "love" was toxic, and did more harm than anything.
And if the price was for people to think he went mad, then so be it.
He loved Floyd. Floyd loved him. They loved each other and help each other grow into better people together.
And that's all he could wish for