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Riddle waited as he did every month for the mail to arrive. A care package from his mother that came like clockwork. Except it was already an hour past the time the mail carrier was supposed to arrive, and as each minute ticked by his anxiety was rising higher and higher. He didn’t like his schedule being thrown off, and he had to feed the hedgehogs in 15 minutes. But he bit his lip, he also couldn’t risk someone else receiving his package, and dropping its precious contents. Trey would be careful, but there were many of Heartslabyul’s students who’d still held ill feelings about his pre-overblot behavior. What if one of them took the package and decided to be less than careful with it.
He couldn’t risk it.
Relief filed through him as he saw the mailman approach. “Hello Riddle.” the man smiled at him. “A little light today I’m afraid. There was an accident with the packages coming from the Queendom of the Rose, a big mess. It should be all sorted by next week though. We’re sincerely sorry for the inconvenience. I know you always look forward to your package.”
Riddle however had missed everything past next week. “But…” his brain was starting to short circuit. “I need what's in the package.”
“I’m sorry Riddle, if there was something I could do I would.” The man frowned as he handed over a small bundle of mail.
“I see,” Riddle replied as his throat went dry. He turned on his heels and reentered the dorm trying not to panic. He tossed the mail in the inbox, deciding to let someone else sort it before swiftly moving towards his room.
Trey who had been working in the kitchen stuck his head out. “Everything alright Riddle.”
“No.” he tried not to let his anxiety show in his voice but it failed as his words came out shaky. “I’m actually not feeling well. Can you tend to the hedgehogs for me?’ The redheaded boy kept his head down.
Concern blossomed on Trey’s face and he took off his apron and walked toward Riddle. It was rare for the other to shirk his duties, “Of course, but what’s wrong?’
“I just don’t feel well, I’m going to go lay down,” Riddle answered before quickly rushing off not willing to look his friend in the eyes.
Once in his room he locked his door tight and threw himself onto his bed clutching his pillow, trying not to cry. Panic rose in him as he tried to find a solution to the missing package, The only thing he could come up with was to call out sick for the week and pray nothing came up before the package arrived next week. And hope against hope there wasn’t another delay.
Later when Trey knocked on his door, asking if he was ok and letting him know he’d left him some soup outside his door, Riddle’s heart clenched. But he couldn’t face him not right now, not without the precious contents of that package.
He waited until the sound of Trey’s footsteps were long gone before he dared take the offered food. Riddle didn’t feel much like eating but he took it anyway mindlessly sipping on the broth. If Trey knew the truth would he still do this for him he wondered as his hand shook a bit at the thought and he closed his eyes trying to fight back the tears at the thought of the disgusted look on his best friend's face. He put the soup down half-eaten and crawled into bed.
This might be the longest week of Riddle’s life. And that included the week after his overblot.
When morning came, he heard a gentle rap at his door and Trey’s concerned voice, “Are you alright Riddle, feeling any better.”
“No,” the boy called out. “I think I’m going to stay in today.”
He could almost imagine the face Trey was making. Riddle rarely missed school. Every time it was something serious. “Do you need me to take you to the infirmary?”
“No, I just….I just want to rest.” Riddle replied, hating the fact he was pushing away his best friend.
He heard the heavy sigh from Trey. “Alright. I’ll let your teachers know.”
“Thank you,” Riddle replied meekly. At least he hadn’t really been lying. With the lack of sleep, he’d gotten stressed over his package he really didn’t feel like going to class right now.
He shifted, into his blanket covering his head trying to block out the world.
It was several hours later, near lunchtime when he heard someone at his door again. He assumed it was Trey, and felt bad as he heard them try and open the door. But he couldn’t be around anyone right now. He couldn’t risk anything.
He gasp in surprise however as his door swung open, only to find one Floyd Leech standing there with a bobby pin in hand looking super proud of himself. “FLOYD,” Riddle yell as he sat straight up in bed. “What in the seven realms do you think you’re doing?!?!”
“Jade told me Goldfishie was sick and missed class, so I wanted to come to check on you,” Floyd replied as if it was obvious.
“Don’t. Call. Me. That.” Riddle seethed, right now with his emotions on edge he couldn’t take the other’s nickname. “I’m not up for this.”
“You don’t look sick.” Floyd looked at Riddle in curiosity moving swiftly across the room, with the strides his long legs provided him, and placed a hand on Riddle’s head. “You’re not warm. But Goldfishie never misses school without a reason. It's one of the most boring things about you.”
“I assure you I am sick.” Riddle ground out as he pulled the blankets tighter around him. “And my door was locked, what makes you think it's okay to just pick the lock to my room?”
“I told you, I wanted to check on Goldfishie, and I can’t do that if your door is locked. That's not very smart if you’re sick. How is anyone supposed to take care of you.” Floyd scratched at his head in confusion.
“I can take care of myself.” Riddle's face was starting to turn red with anger. “And I said stop calling me that. I’ve told you before that's not my name.”
“But you’re such a cute Goldfishie.” Floyd smiled before leaning down and picking up Riddle bridal style. “I’ll take care of you Goldfishie don’t worry.”
Riddle protested by smacking Floyd on the arm. “Put me down this instant Floyd Leech.”
“I know how to make Goldfishie feel better.” Floyd declared with an amused grin on his face, one that Riddle knew meant he was in serious trouble as the other started to leave his dorm room.
“WHAT NO, PUT ME DOWN. I CAN’T LEAVE.” Riddle screeched and tried to free himself from the other’s grasp but it was no use, the Eel was physically stronger than the redhead by an inconceivable margin. And he couldn’t defend himself with magic either as his pen had been left on his desk.
“I told you Goldfishie I’m gonna take care of you. I know just want you need.” Floyd declared as he cared the boy out the door and into Heartslabyul’s gardens. Riddle’s only saving grace was that there were no other students here to see him in such an embarrassing position.
Flail all he wanted he was no match for the other’s grip so he finally settled on glaring daggers at the offending Eel twin. “Where on earth are you taking me, Floyd.”
“You’ll see, it's a surprise!” Floyd replied with a sing-song voice
“Tell me now,” Riddle demanded as his face flushed completely red.
“It's ok we’re almost there.” Floyd grinned, seeming unperturbed by the other’s protests.
Riddle hadn’t exactly been paying attention to where Floyd was taking him, but he caught sight of the sparkling blue lake, and his protests began in earnest once more and he withered and flailed to get out of Floyd’s grasp. “What Floyd no, not here, what you doing you can’t!!!!!!!” he panicked.
“Come on, a swim always does me good when I don’t feel good.” Floyd laughed. “Goldifishie just needs to relax I bet.’
“WHAT NO,” Riddle screamed but it was too late as he felt himself being tossed off the edge of a dock and into the water below.
Floyd went to dive in after him but stopped as he caught sight of something glimmering beneath the water before a head popped up above its surface.
There was Riddle, or what he was pretty sure was Riddle, but his cheeks were dotted with Red, orange, and gold iridescent scales, red pointed fins had replaced his ears, and his grey eyes had turned red. But his face, his face was full of hurt and betrayal.
As soon as it appeared it was gone back below the water.
“What.’ Floyd breathed out as his head short-circuited. Trying to process what he just saw. Once his brain started firing again, he realized Riddle was running from him. He dove in after him. Quickly shifting to his own Mer form and speeding through the murky water.
He was quick, but Riddle had a good head start on him, and he’d nearly lost him until he saw something glint within the water. He darted forward crying out after his target. “Goldfishie wait!” he yelled “Riddle!!!!”
That seemed to be enough to get the other to stop and turn to look at him, broken as he covered his face. “Stop, just stop. Don’t look at me.” he pleaded with broken sobs.
Floyd swam up next to him taking a moment to take in the most beautiful merman he’d ever seen. Riddle’s tail was sleek, befitting the boy with long flowy fins that started at his waist, tapering out, shimmering in the water. From the waist up he was half-covered in the same gorgeous scales, with two fins sticking off his forearms.
“Goldfishie” Floyd spoke almost in awe. “Why…didn’t you tell me.”
“Don’t pretend you didn’t know.” Riddle snapped as he dropped his arms in shame. “Why else would you have decided to dump me in the lake today of all days. I don’t know how you figured it out….but this is low even for you.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about I swear. I just thought a swim would cheer you up. I thought maybe you were sick like me. Since nothing seemed to be physically wrong with you.” Floyd tried to explain. “I had no idea….you were actually a goldfishie.”
“Then why did you call me that, why did you haul me out here right after the mailman failed to deliver the package with my potions!” Riddle screamed as he hit Floyd on the chest.
“I honestly just thought you reminded me of a Goldfish with how you got so bright red when you got mad. I thought it was cute. I don’t know anything about any missing packages or potions. Is that why you were sick?” Floyd wanted to wrap his arms around Riddle and calm him down, he really had been trying to cheer the boy up when he’d brought him to the lake.
“How can you even stand to look at me like this. Some repulsive half-breed.” Riddle cried as he wrapped his arms around himself.
“Goldfishie is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” Floyd replied finally breaking down and wrapping his arms around the other. “I thought Goldfishie was cute before but now…”
“Don’t tease me, Floyd.” Riddle protested against the hug meekly but felt so emotionally drained at the moment he didn’t get far.
“I’m not.” Floyd slowly wrapped his tail around Riddle’s. “Who told Goldfishie they were repulsive.”
Riddle sniffled a bit and Floyd wasn’t sure he was going to get an answer when the other meekly muttered. “My mother.” Riddle’s fingers curled against Floyd’s chest. “After she divorced my dad when I was little she told me I could never show anyone my ugly side. I’ve been taking the potions to keep myself from shifting in the water once a month ever since.”
“Your mother is an idiot. Goldfishie doesn’t have an ugly side.” Floyd replied holding the redhead close.
“You…you really think I’m beautiful?” Riddle sniffled a bit.
Floyd’s response was to tilt the other’s head up and capture Riddle’s lips in a kiss. The redhead’s eyes flew open for a moment not sure how to respond before they slowly fluttered closed and shyly tried to return the gesture. He’d always been so mad at Floyd, teasing him with the nickname, sure that he, Jade, and Azul must have had some sixth sense he didn’t know about that had given away his secret, that he’d never let himself think about anything else than the overwhelming anxiety of the day they’d finally hold his terrible dirty secret over his head in return for some favor.
But now as he felt the other’s lips against his own he realized he really had misjudged Floyd’s motivations all along. When they parted Floyd rested his forehead against Riddle’s and smiled. “I think you’re breathtaking Riddle.”
There was something about hearing his real name on the other’s lips that caused him to start crying again as he wrapped his arms tightly around the other. He didn’t realize the stress of not telling anyone had built up so strong until the damn broke and now his secret was out. “Floyd I…thank you.” he sniffled.
“So did I cheer you up after all?” Floyd asked taking a moment to card his fingers through Riddle’s hair
“Yeah you did,” he replied and it was true. He felt lighter than he had in a long time.
“I’m glad, Goldfishie shouldn’t have to hide himself. I’m guessing your friends don’t know?” Floyd asked softly.
“No.” Riddle shook his head as a bit of panic returned to him. “You may appreciate this form, but I seriously doubt Trey or Cater, let alone anyone else in my dorm would.”
“I mean…” Floyd blinked at him in confusion. “Why would they mind? They don’t seem to care about me, Jade and Azul.”
“But that's different!” Riddle protest.
“How.” Floyd prodded.
“Because…because.” Riddle grew a bit flustered. “Because I’m just a half-breed.”
Floyd just laughed as Riddle’s anger started to return, causing the Eel to shake his head defensively. “I’m sorry Goldfishie, but that just so…so..dumb. “
“What!” Riddle’s face was flushed red again.
“If I wasn’t sure Trey was interested in Jade, I’d be pretty jealous of him you know? He obviously cares a lot about you. I don’t think you being a merman is gonna turn him away…especially not when you know. I’m pretty sure he’s interested in Jade. “ Floyd laughed.
Riddle squirmed a bit at the mention of Floyd and jealous, causing feelings in his chest to stir. But still, he looked down. “I don’t know. I’ve been hiding from them for so long. Even if I did tell him now he’d probably be mad I was keeping such a big secret from him.”
“Hmm well, I won't make you.” Floyd pouted a bit. “But why don’t you tell Jade and Azul. If nothing else Azul should be able to make you a new potion so you don’t have to miss more school. And I can promise they won't judge you. Especially Azul. He hates his octopus form even if me and Jade think he looks pretty cool.”
“I…” Riddle hesitated, but Floyd did make a good point, if he told Azul at least then he’d have a solution to his missing school, and wouldn't have to lie to Trey anymore than he already had. “Alright, but I swear if they make fun of me or push me away I won't forgive you.”
“They won't Goldfishe. You wait right here, I’ll go get them.” Floyd moved to zip off to the surface.
“WAIT RIGHT NOW!” Riddle cried after him but it was too late, the Eel was long gone as Riddle was left alone and the panic began to set back in.
30 minutes later found Floyd looking up at the dock at a very frustrated Azul and Jade. “I’m not entirely sure what kind of emergency you had to call us out of class for and drag us out to the lake. This best not be some kind of prank, or I’m taking this out of your earns for the next month.”
“It's really important I promise.” Floyd grinned. “Now get in”
“What,” Azul asked taken aback.
“Get in, please. It’s important I promise. I need you to transform and come with me.” Floyd replied as his tail splashed in the water.
Azul’s eyes narrowed “Floyd-” he started but was interrupted as Jade put a hand on his shoulder.
“Maybe we should do as he suggests. You know how he is. He may be capricious by nature but he won’t make you transform without a reason.” Jade offered.
Azul sighed and adjusted his glass. “You’re right. Very well Floyd. But this best be worth it.”
“It is I promise.” Floyd grinned before diving back under the waves.
Jade took Azul’s hand, helping him keep up with his twin. Realizing Floyd knew exactly where he was going. It wasn’t until he stopped and looked around calling out “Goldfishie~” That confusion spread across his companion's faces.
“Floyd what are you-” Azul questioned before he heard a weak voice reply.
“I’m here.” Riddle’s weak voice answered.
“Come on out Goldfishie, Azul and Jade are here like I promised,” Floyd replied.
“Are you sure?” Riddle seemed nervous.
“Yeah, I told you they won’t judge” Floyd replied.
“Wouldn’t judge wha-” Azul stopped mid-sentence as Riddle’s form appeared shyly from behind a rock formation.
“Riddle” Jade gasped honestly in surprise, it was rare for anything to catch him off guard. “What happened.”
Riddle shrank back from the reaction, but Floyd floated up behind him and wrapped an arm around him. “I went to check on Goldfishie when you said he was sick. Turns out he wasn’t sick-sick so I thought maybe he was just in a bad mood like me sometimes and thought he could do with some cheering up so I brought him to the lake. ‘
“That doesn’t explain….” he eyed Riddle who seemed to be curling into Floyd
“Shu it's ok Goldfishie we just have to explain.” Floyd rubbed his back before looking at his friends. “Goldfishie’s always been like this, but his mom told him it was bad and made him take a potion to hide it from everyone. I told him if anyone would understand it would be you guys.”
“Riddle is this true?” Azul asked staring at the boy.
“Yeah.” he replied as he buried his face into Floyd’s chest. “My dad was a merman. So I’m just an ugly half-breed.”
“I told you Goldfishie, you’re beautiful,” Floyd replied placing a kiss on top of the boy’s head.
Jade taking everything in stride just smiled. “Well, it seems like you’ve had an eventful day. But while I’ll refrain from such overtures about your physical appearance, Floyd is otherwise right. There isn’t anything wrong with how you look. In fact, half-breeds are quite common in the Coral Sea, given our strong connection to the human world.”
Riddle’s eyes peeked out at Jade as he spoke with a soft voice. “Really…?”
“Jade’s correct.” Azul nodded “It's not uncommon at all. Aesthetically speaking I imagine several would find you quite appealing, your scale coloration is while rare, actually highly regarded.”
“I told you, you were beautiful Goldfishie.” Floyd repeated as he looked at him with a smile, and Riddle started crying again.
“I just…my mom always said…” he heaved, he’d already known his mother had been wrong about so many things, but even still it was hard to let go of years of being told how ugly your true form was.
Azul felt growing compassion for the boy in front of him. Knowing personally what it was like to struggle with how you looked. At least now he knew why Floyd had insisted on them joining him in the water.
Floyd just tried to calm him down, rubbing circles on the boy’s back as Riddle clung to him. “Azul… I kinda have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?” Azul blinked looking at him.
“This whole mess with Goldfishie missing school was because the shipment his mom sends him with his potions didn’t make it. None of his friends know and he’s still afraid to tell them….” Floyd explained looking at the other expectantly.
Azul frowned and nodded. “Well, it's hardly troublesome to make up an extra dose while I’m brewing ours. But I have to ask why didn’t you have a spare to avoid this situation?”
“I was afraid of someone finding it and figuring things out,” Riddle replied softly.
“I still think you should tell em, especially Sea Turtle. But we can help you out until you’re ready right Azul?” Floyd looked at his friend expectantly.
“Normally I’d scold you for dragging me into your plans without my consent. However, I empathize quite a bit with your situation Riddle. I’ll help you out this time, and if something happens to your monthly dose again.” Azul replied looking between the pair.
“Thank you.” Riddle sniffled a bit. “What do I owe you?”
Azul’s face fell a bit, it was a valid question given his reputation. But he hadn’t meant to charge the other. “Nothing. You make Floyd happy. And honestly, that's the best payment I could get. Floyd being happy is better…for everyone.”
Jade had to let out a bit of a laugh at that. “Floyd’s been pinning after you since you knocked him off his feet during orientation. You two seem to have gotten closer thanks to this incident. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get him to focus a bit better now.”
Riddle reddened a bit at the implication, but as he settled into the Moray’s arms he found he really did feel safe here. Maybe…this wouldn’t be so bad.
“Awe I haven’t even properly asked Goldfishie out yet.” Floyd pouted.
“You want to go out with me?” Riddle’s eyes widened.
“I mean, yah. I thought I made that clear when I kissed you.” The eel teased as Riddle’s blush deepened.
“I think I’ll go get started on that potion now.” Azul turned to go.
“I think I’ll assist you.” Jade grinned as Riddle buried his head in embarrassment against Floyd’s chest.
It was weird how quickly the other had transformed into a place of safety and comfort for him.
“So how about it Goldfishie? Wanna go on a date with me?” Floyd smiled at him teasingly.
“I…” Riddle closed his eyes taking in the feeling of warmth spreading through his chest, from finally being accepted, and appreciated for who he really was. “I think I would like that.”
Floyd’s response was to lean in and kiss him again.
-----------------------------
One month later found Riddle nervously standing at the same dock. The potion Azul had made him had run its course, and the vial his mother had sent was currently locked away in a drawer back in his room.
It had been…a whirlwind of a month. Having Floyd as a boyfriend had been almost…exhausting but in the best possible ways. The amount of affection he received was almost overwhelming, especially for Riddle who had been borderline touch starved as a child. Floyd was constantly there every chance he got, to offer the redhead support and affection. And while he wasn’t always the best at returning it, he was trying and Floyd seemed overly happy with his attempts to learn.
He’d never dreamed before that day Floyd picked the lock to his room that his life could be like this, as he slipped his hand into his boyfriend’s. Feeling happy and content with himself.
It was that very feeling that had finally gotten Floyd to convince him to come back here today. It was time he told his friends the truth.
He took a deep breath as Trey and Cater appeared walking toward them.
“Hey.” Cater waved.
“Hope we didn’t keep you long,” Trey spoke as the pair came to a stop just in front of Floyd and Riddle.
He’d already confided in the pair that he and the Eel had started dating, and while they had been shocked with surprise, he still hadn’t filled them in on the finer details. Only that Floyd had forced his way into Riddle’s room while he’d been sick to take care of him, and one thing had led to another.
“No, you didn’t” Riddle shook his head, still fidgeting slowly.
“So what was it you had to tell us? I mean we already know about you and Floyd.” Cater asked, his curiosity piqued
“No pictures ok.” Riddle started at the phone in Cater’s hand.
“Okay, Okay I get it.” Cater replied slipping the phone into his pocket. “Now can you tell us?”
“Well you see-” Riddle was cut off mid explanation as he felt Floyd’s body wrap around his, as they fell backwards into the water. “FLOYD WHAT ARE YOU-” he screamed as the rest was swallowed by the water.
When the pair surfaced it was to two shocked pairs of eyes.
Riddle’s face was red. “FLOYD,” he screamed.
“Well, I figured this way Goldfishie could get it over with and not get nervous and back out.” Floyd laughed before hugging his boyfriend.
“Riddle……” Trey trailed off as his eyes locked on his best friend.
“Oh wow.” was Cater’s response.
The redhead fought the urge to flee, not that he could have with Floyd’s strong arms wrapped around him. “Goldfishie was afraid you’d reject him if you knew he was half-merman. I told him he was silly.”
“Riddle,” Trey spoke softly as he knelt down on the dock to get a better look at his friend. “Why would you think that.”
“My mother,” Riddle replied and both Cater and Trey shared a look.
“Riddle you’re our friend no matter what you are. Besides, we’ve already figured out your mom’s a real Gothel. You shouldn’t listen to anything she says.” Cater replied.
“That's what I told Goldfishie,” Floyd replied before nuzzling his boyfriend. “See I told you, you had good friends.”
“I…” Riddle started crying again. “I really thought you’d hate me, especially after I hid it for so long. I lied to you.”
“I understand why,” Trey spoke softly. “I’m not mad at you Riddle. I’m just sad you felt like you had to hide it. Is this why you were sick last month?’
“Yeah.” Riddle nodded. “My potions got lost in the mail and I was out of sorts.”
“Well, it at least explains why Floyd was the one who was able to cheer you up.” Cater laughed as he squatted down next to Trey.
“Thank you both of you. You don’t know how relieved I am. And thank you Floyd for talking me into this.” Riddle squeezed his boyfriend's hand.
“Hey, I was just trying to be a good boyfriend to Goldfishie,” Floyd replied nuzzling the boy’s neck.
“You have Floyd, you really have,” Riddle replied as he gave him a kiss.
It was then he heard the flash of a camera go off.
“Cater I told you no pictures.” Riddle scolded.
“I know, I know but you were just #socute. I had to. I promise I won't upload it. But I thought you might like a cute couple picture like this. I’ll send it to you then delete it.” Cater replied apologetically.
“Send it to me,” Floyd replied with a toothy smile. “I want all the pictures of me and Goldfishie.”
Riddle just sighed and shook his head. “Fine.” not really as mad at the situation as he appeared to be. For the first time in his life, feeling truly loved and accept by those he cared about. Maybe one day, he’d actually let Cater upload that picture.