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Riddle made his way to class through the courtyard at Night Raven College, a dusting of snow covering the mostly dead grass. Other students milled about, wasting time before their next class period. He shook his head, pursing his lips as he saw several members of his dorm not moving with a sense of urgency.
Before he could approach his lazy dormmates, a hand wrapped around his waist. He yelped and grabbed his assailant’s wrist and spun around, ready to take him to the ground, but another hand took hold of his face, pinching his cheeks.
He stared up into Floyd’s amused face, the same dopey grin on his face as always. "Floyd, what on earth are you doing?"
"You’ve got a stalker."
Riddle frowned and released Floyd’s wrist. Floyd was a jerk but never meant harm to him. "What?"
"A stalker. There's someone following you around and being a creep."
"Why would that matter to you?"
"Believe it or not, Goldfishie, I care about your safety." Floyd ran his fingers through Riddle’s hair. "I thought you might want some protection. If they saw you were dating me, it might make them think again about coming after you."
Riddle ducked away from Floyd's touch and glanced around. Even after his Overblot, someone was following him around? "Who is it? I’m sure they’d be reasonable enough if I turn them down."
Floyd let out a low growl. "They’ve been following you the last four days. It’s some minnow from Ignihyde, hardly worth your time."
His other words finally hit Riddle. "You mean to say you want to pretend to be my boyfriend to get this guy off my back?"
He nodded, his smile growing.
"What do you get out of this?" Riddle crossed his arms and realized they were still standing closely. He refused to back down first.
"You don’t think I’m doing this out of the kindness of my heart?"
"Please." Riddle scoffed at him. "You’ve got to be the least charitable person at Night Raven College."
"You wound me, Goldfishie." Despite his words, Floyd let out a laugh. "Fine. Azul has requested I improve my reputation a bit to better the Mostro Lounge’s image and the perception of dating a do-good rule follower like you would do just that."
Riddle took a moment to look at Floyd’s face, searching for deception. He looked earnest enough, which was what caused Riddle to be even more suspicious. Still, Riddle knew how to deal with Floyd. He didn't know what this stalker had in store for him. "Alright."
Floyd squealed and easily lifted Riddle off his feet, taking him at least six inches off the ground before putting him back down. "Yay!"
"Don’t ever do that again!" Riddle felt his face heating up.
"No guarantees."
He glanced around. No one was obviously watching them, though Trey was smiling all too knowingly at his scone on a bench nearby. Riddle wondered where his Ignihyde stalker was standing. It was a dangerous thing to have someone following one around, looking for the opportunity to strike. Was this Ignihyde person tracking his phone? Before he could panic further, his attention was quickly brought back to Floyd, as his arms rested on top of Riddle’s shoulders.
Riddle decided to act calmer than he felt. He couldn't let Floyd see how unnerved he was by all this. "You just want an excuse to manhandle me."
"Maybe." Floyd was so tall, he had to bend his knees to rest his chin on top of Riddle’s head. "You’re just too cute to resist."
"Let's get out of the cold." Riddle started walking toward a corridor, sending Floyd stumbling. "We should sort out the details of our relationship."
"Goldfishie!" Floyd let out a whine as he followed him. "We should go to your room instead."
Riddle scoffed. "I'm more comfortable where we can be seen."
Floyd slid his arm around Riddle's waist as they found a quiet space by the history classrooms. "I never would have guessed Goldfishie was an exhibitionist."
He wiggled out of Floyd's grip, his face bright red. "I am nothing of the sort! And keep your hands to yourself!"
"So, what do you wanna talk about anyway?" Floyd leaned against the wall, raising his hands to indicate he was keeping them to himself.
"How long have we been dating? Why are we public now? Should we go on dates to ensure my stalker sees we're truly lovers? When do we end the charade?"
Floyd wrinkled his nose. "So many questions. I dunno, I just saw that guy keep staring at you and decided to help."
"Admirable but we need to know the details of our relationship." Riddle wasn't going to let Floyd get away that easily. "How about we just started dating a week ago and you asked me to be your boyfriend yesterday? Trey will start asking questions if we say our relationship is longer than that."
"Ooh, wanting to keep it a secret from your friends?" Floyd's eyes brightened.
"That is precisely the opposite of what I just said." Riddle crossed his arms. "Now, men can view other men as a challenge rather than a deterrent, so we will have to really sell this if my stalker is determined. Are you prepared to actually follow through with this?"
Floyd's mask of indifference slipped off his face and Riddle nearly gasped at his earnest gaze. "I'll always follow through for you, Goldfishie!"
"Um, Floyd, can I ask you a question?" Riddle felt his cheeks start to heat. His obvious blushing upset him, which only made him redder. Without waiting for a response, he pressed on. "Have you ever dated anyone?"
He scratched the back of his neck. "A few, I guess."
"If you make fun of me for this, the whole thing is off. I, um, haven't." Riddle stared at the ceiling. "I wasn't allowed to have friends, let alone date someone."
Floyd threw his arms around Riddle. "Aw, so sweet! I'll be your first boyfriend!"
"Fake boyfriend."
"It'll be real to everyone else, Goldfishie!"
"If we're dating, shouldn't you call me by my name?"
Floyd shook his head and held onto Riddle more tightly. "Nope."
Riddle's arms were pinned to his sides in Floyd's embrace. He still wasn't sure how to react. When it came to Floyd, he typically exploded until Floyd grew bored. Now, he had to return affection?
Cautiously, he turned his wrists upward and responded to the hug, feeling Floyd's hipbones under his fingers, then turned his head to lean into his chest. It was odd, feeling this kind of affection. Still, it wasn't entirely unpleasant.
As Floyd pulled away, Riddle realized he was running late to history. Without a goodbye, he rushed to the classroom, panting as he took his seat. Luckily, he was still a few minutes early and not everyone had made it to class.
Almost as if he was on cue, Jade turned to look at him, his expression the unreadable, calculating smile as always. "You don't normally come in this late, Riddle."
Riddle wasn't sure who scared him more; while Floyd was openly aggressive at times, Jade had a wicked cruel streak that he avoided at all costs. He had to be careful in his response. Floyd hadn't told him whether or not Jade knew of his plan to deter his Ignihyde stalker. "I had a personal matter to take care of."
The smile grew. "I see. I hope all is well."
"All is quite well, I assure you." Riddle could feel his blush returning. Faking a relationship with a ticking time bomb like Floyd was anything but 'quite well' but it was hopefully enough to placate Jade.
Before Jade could respond, Professor Trein called them to attention. Riddle silently thanked the cat-loving weirdo for interrupting their conversation.
**
It was almost an entire day before Riddle saw Floyd again. He knew Mostro Lounge had an event Floyd had to work at. Riddle was on edge, still unsure exactly what to tell his friends. Trey hadn't said anything to him other than a few quirked eyebrows when he caught Riddle looking around. At least he hadn't said anything to Cater, because no doubt would he try to take a #couplegoals photo of them for Magicam. The underclassmen were clueless and busy with their own antics at Ramshackle dorm, as usual.
He was studying in the library with Trey and Cater when he felt a peculiar presence behind him. Before he could react, something soft and wet pressed against his neck.
Someone was kissing his neck!
Riddle yelped, yelling out his signature spell without second thought.
"Hush!" The librarian glared at the group.
Floyd rolled his eyes and pouted at Riddle. "You tried to collar me."
"You dodged it."
"Is that any way to treat your boyfriend?" Floyd plopped into the chair beside Riddle and fished a chocolate from his pocket, placing it on the book in front of Riddle. "I got you something."
Riddle watched as Trey and Cater's eyes widened, glancing at each other with baffled expressions. He turned to make sure the librarian was back to reading his book before burying his face in his hands. "I hadn't told them yet, Floyd."
Floyd cackled, which earned him another shush. "Tell them now!"
He shoved Floyd so hard, Floyd nearly lost his balance in the chair. "You just did!"
"You two, out!"
Riddle's jaw dropped. He'd never been kicked out of anywhere, let alone a library. His anger boiled inside of him, the urge to start screaming intensified. Floyd took his hand and gave a pseudo-friendly smile to Trey and Cater. "I'll calm him down. Take his books back to the dorm for him."
By this point, nearly every table was watching the scene as Floyd led Riddle out of the library. Once the doors shut behind them, Riddle yanked his hand away, glaring at Floyd. "What possessed you to think that I'd be okay with you doing that?"
"Kissing your neck or telling your friends about us?"
Riddle had actually forgotten about the former but the reminder sent him into another wave of anger. "Both!"
"He was in there, watching you. I thought I'd stake my claim and tell your friends to make it more obvious. Plus, I've always wanted to get kicked out of a library."
"Why?" Riddle stared at him, baffled.
"Why not?"
He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Floyd, you can't just randomly assault me like that and you definitely can't start talking to my friends."
"Goldfishie, kissing your boyfriend and making friends with his friends is stuff boyfriends are supposed to do!" Floyd pouted, his lower lip jutting out.
"You kissed my neck and talked to my friends in a library with a total silence rule! We have to follow the rules!"
"Where should I kiss you?"
Riddle blinked. "What do you mean?"
"Goldfishie seems mad I kissed his neck. Maybe he wouldn't mind if I kissed him somewhere else." Floyd shifted closer to Riddle and placed his hand on Riddle's shoulder, flashing a wide grin.
He adjusted his tie as he tried to come up with a response and fought the instinct to back away. There was something in Floyd's tone that did calm him down, even though Riddle knew it shouldn't. Floyd was the type to take whatever he could, get in through a crack and exploit it until it was a sinkhole. Even so, Riddle wanted something out of all of this, too. Perhaps he could get a little experience with the art of romance and courting. "I believe lips are where couples are supposed to kiss."
Floyd snorted. "Goldfishie, if you think that's the only place where couples kiss, you must lead a very sad life."
"Maybe."
"It's a good thing you have me in it."
"Maybe." Riddle pursed his lips, his heart beating uncharacteristically fast. What was this feeling?
All of a sudden, Floyd's phone dinged and Riddle's phone vibrated in his pocket. Floyd took his phone out and grinned at the notification. "We're Magicam official."
Riddle groaned and unlocked his phone, seeing that he had been tagged by Cater in a post. The image was blurry but clearly showed Floyd and Riddle holding hands as they left the library. The caption was simple but damning.
Has my dorm leader found love? #NRCTea #NewCoupleAlert #CoupleGoals?
Riddle was in way over his head.
**
After enduring jeers and taunts all day, Riddle decided to call it a win that he had only collared ten people. He thought it best to seek Floyd out on his own terms rather than wait for another surprise attack like the library.
As he made his way to Mostro Lounge, he cringed at his cowardice with his friends. He hadn't been able to face them the rest of the day, choosing instead to hide away in the stables, grooming his horse. Riddle knew he had to face Trey and Cater eventually but it seemed easier to face Floyd and the rest of Octavinelle.
Jade was working the host stand and gave Riddle a stony expression as he grew close. "Here to see my brother?"
Riddle nodded slowly. "Is he available?"
"I can give you a few minutes, if you'd like."
"Thank you."
"We are quite busy, as it is a Saturday evening." Jade beckoned him forward and led him into the lounge. "I hope whatever business you have with Floyd won't put him in a sour mood the rest of the night."
Riddle took that statement to mean, 'hurt my brother and you'll pay.' That meant that Floyd likely hadn't told Jade the truth about the actual nature of their relationship. "I assure you I have no ill intentions."
"Very good. Floyd, you have a visitor. I'll keep Azul occupied for five minutes." Jade turned and walked away.
Floyd was wearing his lounge uniform, loose and unbuttoned as usual. He was almost cute in this setting, attempting to be charming to his guests who likely already knew what a terror he was the rest of his waking hours. "Goldfishie! You never come down here!"
He walked them to the side of the bar so they were mostly away from prying eyes. "I wanted to see you."
Floyd grinned. "You look good in low light."
Riddle turned his head and glanced at the full tables. There were a few people looking curiously in their direction but most others were too busy enjoying the ambience to pay attention. "I should be seen seeking you out. It makes this more believable."
"Appearances are very important to keep up." Floyd had a bored tone in his voice, generally an indicator that he was about to do something rash.
"I also wanted to apologize. For real. I was upset at how you greeted me in the library but I should not have yelled at you like that." Riddle stared at the tile floor.
Floyd was suddenly far too close to him, backing him against the wall. "Goldfishie should know that actions speak louder than words."
"What do you want me to do?"
He lifted Riddle's chin to look into his eyes. "Let me kiss you on the lips."
Riddle's chin quivered but he quickly steeled himself and gave a nod, his breath shuddering out of his mouth as Floyd leaned in closer, grazing their lips.
He wondered if Floyd's human form could electrocute him, as his body seemed to tingle all the way to his fingertips and toes at just a soft kiss. One of them let out a whine and the kiss deepened, their mouths crashing together as Riddle threw his arms around Floyd, who squeezed his hips with bruising strength.
Their kiss was messy and unrefined, the opposite of what Riddle pictured his first kiss to be. He also never would have guessed it would be Floyd, lifting him onto his tiptoes for better access to his mouth, setting every nerve in his body alight.
Floyd pulled away and Riddle gasped for air. He gave a nod of satisfaction. "Someone took a picture. There were comments on Snapper’s photo of us that holding hands wasn’t enough proof."
"Oh, I see." Riddle deflated a bit, though he wasn’t sure why.
"Floyd, why doesn’t Table 43 have their drinks - oh, hello, Riddle."
They looked up to find Azul approaching them, Jade behind him with an insincere apologetic expression. "Good evening, Azul."
"This liaison between the two of you won’t get in the way of the lounge’s profits, will it?" Azul was smiling but he may as well have been pointing his magical pen at Riddle.
"Don’t threaten Golfishie, Azul!" Floyd put his arm around Riddle’s shoulders and glared at him.
"Floyd." Riddle couldn’t place Jade’s tone. It sounded like a warning but there was something deeper to it.
"It’s fine. I should be going anyway." Riddle slipped out of Floyd’s grip and gave all three a wave goodbye.
His knees shook as three pairs of Octavinelle eyes and who knew how many patrons watched him exit the lounge.
By the time he reached his dorm room, his knees were shaking. It was his first time ever kissing someone and it was with Floyd, the guy who spent the past year teasing him. Still, they were just pretending to be in a relationship. It wasn't as though Riddle knew what was normal for two people dating.
He wasn't sure why he was spending any extra time reflecting on their kiss. Floyd had only done it to get their relationship boosted online so that Riddle's stalker could see them. He had to pull himself together and continue this facade for the sake of his safety on campus.
**
"Let's sit with your friends!" Floyd pointed to Trey and Cater in the cafeteria as he and Riddle stepped out of the lunch line.
"You want to sit with them?" Riddle quirked an eyebrow. "I didn't think you would want to hang out with them."
"Isn't that what couples do? Spend time with each other's friends?" Floyd began heading toward Cater and Trey.
Riddle chased after him. "Well, yes, but we aren't actually a couple."
Floyd spun around and held a finger to his lips. Riddle nearly crashed into him. "Shhh, Goldfishie! Don't go around announcing it!"
They reached the table and Riddle flashed Trey and Cater an embarrassed smile as he and Floyd took a seat. Both of his friends' looked surprised but Cater recovered first.
"Hi Floyd. It's good to see you!"
"Hey Snapper! What are you eating?"
Cater pointed at the noodles on his tray. "Ramen! What about you?"
Floyd grinned and picked up a shrimp from his plate. "Shrimpies."
Riddle wasn't sure what to say. Floyd seemed to be in a good mood, which was a good sign. Still, he felt as though he should be leading the conversation to something more than what was on their plates. He gave his best friend a pleading look. "Trey, how was class?"
Trey looked from Riddle to Floyd, an amused expression on his face. "It was fine."
How unhelpful.
The clanging of two more trays dropping on the table beside Riddle made him jump. He turned and saw Azul and Jade settling in to his right. Floyd slung an arm around Riddle and waved to them. Cater, ever the social media opportunist, snapped a picture of all six of them.
"What brings you guys here?"
"I imagine the same thing that brought Floyd to the two of you. A happy couple takes time to get to know their friends." Azul knocked his lettuce around on the plate with his fork.
Riddle leaned into Floyd's chest for emphasis that they were, in fact, a happy couple. He was growing more comfortable with these kinds of touches, maybe even enjoying them. Physical affection wasn't something he was used to experiencing and Floyd was an excellent hugger if he didn't squeeze too hard.
"Technically, we already know each other as Housewardens." Riddle held up a finger. "Plus, Jade and I are in the same class."
Jade and Azul exchanged snide smiles that made Riddle's stomach sink. He hated feeling like an outsider.
"Don't be mean to Goldfishie!" Floyd wrapped his other arm around RIddle. "He's trying to be nice."
Riddle squeezed Floyd's wrist, grateful to have someone sticking up for him.
Jade ignored Floyd's comment and took a sip of his soup. "Have you two been on a real date yet?"
"No but it'll be the best!"
"Oooh, you should get Sam's picnic package! It's a great date option and you can find the perfect ambience!" Cater flipped through his phone and then shoved it under Riddle's nose.
Floyd peered over Riddle's shoulder. "That seems kinda expensive. I could just steal - uh, borrow - a few things from Mostro Lounge and make something Golfishie would enjoy eating."
"A financially sound choice, though if you damage anything, you'll work extra shifts to pay for it." Azul took a sip of water, a neutral expression on his face.
"So, Riddle, are you going to improve my dear brother's grades? He could use a study partner who might give him certain incentives Azul and I couldn't."
Riddle blushed and looked to his friends for help. Cater looked as though Christmas had come early and Trey was rubbing his temples with his fingers.
"Yanno, Goldfishie, that's a good idea. My mom says I respond well to treats."
"Great Seven, help me." Riddle stared at his untouched rice and chicken before wiggling out of Floyd's grasp, standing up. "This was, erm-"
"It was lunch." Cater let out a cackle.
"You haven't eaten anything." Floyd frowned at Riddle.
"I'm not hungry. If you'll excuse me." Riddle turned and walked away.
He wasn't sure why he was so upset by Jade's comments; after all, couples were supposed to kiss and fool around. Perhaps it was the way he said it. Jade never seemed genuine.
Fingers threaded through his own and Riddle turned around to find Floyd smiling down at him. "You didn't have to leave your friends."
"Neither did you." Floyd squeezed his hand then handed Riddle a skewer with meat. "I lifted these off Sea Snake's plate so you know it's good."
"Thank you." Riddle took a bite and relished the juicy meat. "Do you really think this fake dating thing is worth it? I don't think Jade or Azul like me very much."
Floyd shrugged. "Maybe we should sell it more and go on a date like we were talking about earlier."
"Alright." Riddle opened his mouth to start brainstorming what to do but he was interrupted by a door slamming.
"FLOYD! THAT WAS MY LAST LAMB SKEWER!"
"Run, Goldfishie!" Floyd tugged Riddle's hand, laughing as they outran a fuming Jamil.
**
"Where are you taking me?"
Floyd tugged Riddle down the hallway to the entrance of the Hall of Mirrors, leading him to the Octavinelle mirror. "On a date."
"Floyd, if your idea of a date is to bring me to your bedroom-"
"Don’t worry, Goldfishie, you won’t be seeing my room today." He grinned at Riddle as they stepped through the mirror.
"What are we doing here?" Riddle took several uncertain steps before Floyd released his hand and turned to him.
"You look different today."
Riddle looked down at his outfit. Cater had convinced him to put on a maroon sweater and black pair of pants. It was strange dressing this casual and not in a PE uniform but Riddle had to admit he looked good. "I thought the school or dorm uniform on a date would be odd."
"Awwww, you dressed up for me!" Floyd kissed Riddle on the top of his head. "That will be good for later."
"Why, what are we doing later? You still didn't answer my question."
"Do you trust me?"
Riddle stared at him, his mouth slightly agape. "When have you given me a reason to do that?"
Floyd nodded slowly, as though he was deep in thought. It made him look more like his brother. "Goldfishie is right; I like tricking him and making him go red and yell. That’s when he’s cutest."
"You’ve teased me since our opening ceremony." Riddle crossed his arms. "I know you don’t mean any real harm but it’s very stressful."
Floyd was silent and ran his hand along Riddle’s arm, pausing to play with the material at his wrists. Eventually, they reached Mostro Lounge and an Octavinelle first year student at the entrance handed Floyd a bag.
"What’s that?"
"Goldfishie, you ask a lot of questions you can probably figure out the answer to on your own."
Riddle couldn’t help but smile. "Food?"
"Yep, let’s go eat it." Floyd led them back to the mirror entrance and out to the courtyard. "I bribed Seahorse to let me set up a spot outside his shop."
It was easy to see the spot Floyd was referring to. There was a picnic blanket laid out and in front of it was a white sheet, a projector shining a blue light on it.
"I hope you like scary movies, Goldfishie!"
Riddle glared at him. "I don’t."
"That’s good because we aren’t watching a scary movie tonight. It’s the one about the dogs where one lives on the streets and the other is a spoiled pampered house dog."
"Princess and the Mongrel?" Riddle remembered watching that movie when he was a child but his mother never let him watch the ending.
"Yeah!"
He glanced around. There were a handful of students walking back to the main part of campus. "Is this crowded enough to have the news of our date reach my stalker?"
"Huh?" Floyd looked around. "Yeah. If you wanna, we could post a picture to Magicam too, I guess."
"Mostly I take pictures of the hedgehogs and document the unbirthday parties." Riddle sat down on the picnic blanket, making sure he still had perfect posture. "But I suppose I could make an exception for my boyfriend."
Floyd leaned in as Riddle held out his phone, sneaking a kiss on his cheek just as he took the picture.
"Floyd!" Riddle felt his cheeks get red and he willed himself to not keep yelling. After all, kissing in photos was something normal for couples to do. "If you insist on taking a photo like that, allow me to pose too."
They set up again with Floyd pressing his lips to Riddle's cheek. Riddle gave a small smile and took a much better picture than the previous one. He posted it to Magicam and when he glanced back up, Floyd was taking out two containers of spaghetti and meatballs from the back he retrieved from Mostro Lounge.
"That's an interesting choice for a meal." Riddle watched as Floyd opened the containers, the noodles still steaming.
"It's themed!" Floyd flashed him a smile. "They share the meal in the movie but I thought Goldfishie would find that unsanitary."
That was an oddly considerate choice. Riddle smiled down at his bowl of pasta. "Thanks."
Floyd pulled out his phone and set up the movie, connecting to the projector. He passed Riddle a fork and they watched the start of the movie in silence.
Riddle thought about how Princess, the purebred beauty, was overprotected in a similar way to him. She wasn't allowed to have friends and her only contact was with her owner and her owner's friends. Then, when she accidentally got out, she was frightened and unable to fend for herself.
Was that what he was like? Was that why he craved the rules and consequences, needed control over every aspect of his life? Without his mother to control him, did he need to create his own structure to feel safe?
He watched as Princess lashed out at several curious cats, then crashed into the Mongrel, an ungroomed gray dog who had been a stray most of his life. Princess slowly fell for him as he showed her how to live for herself.
Floyd was never bothered by the barriers Riddle put up to maintain his control. In fact, he shook things up, got him to think outside the box.
Sure, that didn't excuse the constant teasing but Riddle would be lying if he said it didn't keep him on his toes, forcing him to be better. Perhaps a part of him even liked the attention.
Riddle nearly choked on a meatball at this personal revelation.
"Goldfishie, you alright?" Floyd gave Riddle's side a light pinch.
He let out a yelp in surprise. "Er, yes, Floyd, I'm fine. I swallowed incorrectly."
Floyd leaned closer to Riddle and plucked the last meatball from Riddle's plate with his fingers, popping it into his mouth before he could protest.
"You just broke about five different rules." Riddle pursed his lips and watched as Floyd smirked through his chewing.
"Landwalkers have better food than we do, that's for sure." Floyd licked the rest of the marinara sauce off his fingers.
Riddle took a moment to actually look at Floyd. He knew Floyd was attractive; he was tall, and strong with a good jawline. He had a cute smile and nice eyes that always seemed to be on Riddle. Even though he didn't approve of Floyd's loose interpretation of how to wear his school clothes, it suited him. "I suppose I was getting full and probably wouldn't have finished that meatball."
"You should eat more, Goldfishie! There isn't much for me to pinch." Floyd pinched Riddle's side again, then switched to tickling him.
He fell back onto the blanket, squirming and trying to get away from Floyd, but he was too distracted by how close together they were.
Floyd hovered over Riddle, glee on his face once he realized Riddle had surrendered. For a moment, they were both frozen, staring at each other.
Riddle gripped the back of Floyd's neck and pulled him into a kiss. Floyd bent to his will, opening his mouth and sliding his tongue against Riddle's.
They broke the kiss to adjust. Riddle scooted down and Floyd shifted his weight for a better angle. Floyd dipped his head back down and kissed Riddle again.
This was better than their first kiss in the Mostro Lounge. Riddle felt heat pooling in his stomach, traveling further south. He slid his hand under Floyd's shirt, liking how firm his back was.
Just as Floyd's hand began to trace Riddle's chest, the cracking sound of a whip jolted them from their activities.
"My, you pups are awfully bold to do this out in the open!"
Riddle shot up, smoothing out his sweater. "Sorry, Professor Crewel."
Crewel crossed his arms. "It's getting late, you two. Turn off that awful movie and head to your own dorms. Next time, I'll bring a spray bottle."
Floyd cackled as Riddle gathered his things. "Yes, we understand. Um, Floyd, you can clean this up?"
He practically bolted from the blanket, back to the safety of his own dorm.
He still hadn’t seen the end of that movie!
**
"I think I like Floyd."
He and Trey were sitting in Riddle’s room, relaxing after a quick dorm meeting about grades.
Trey lifted his head from the book he was reading, took his glasses off, rubbed his eyes, then put them back on. "Aren’t you supposed to like your boyfriend?"
Riddle set his hedgehog back in its cage and looked at his best friend. "I have a secret to tell you and rule number 187 states you are not allowed to tell the queen's secrets after a meeting."
"Rule 187 is about trimming rose bushes with proper garden shears."
He buried his face in his hands. "I’m so conflicted I’m forgetting the rule numbers!"
Trey set his book aside and walked over to Riddle, patting him on the shoulder. "Riddle, tell me what’s wrong."
"Floyd and I are only pretending to date to get some stalker from Ignihyde off my back. But we've spent a lot of time together and sometimes we kiss and I really like it."
Trey visibly relaxed. "That makes a lot more sense."
Riddle combed his fingers through his hair. "What makes more sense?"
"I found it hard to believe the two of you would go from playing cat and mouse to dating without a catalyst."
"Cat and mouse? Please tell me I’m not the mouse in this scenario." Anger began bubbling in his chest.
"Riddle, messing with you is Floyd’s favorite hobby besides squeezing Azul’s marks." Trey sighed. "Are you sure he isn’t still just messing with you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean have you actually seen this stalker from Ignihyde? He’s done some pretty awful things to you. Remember when he put all your school things on top of the really tall cabinet? Or when he blew that whistle during your PE final and you slipped off the rope? This could all be a prank."
Riddle hadn’t considered that. He had been too caught up in Floyd’s sudden physical affection. His lower lip quivered at the idea. "What would he have to gain from doing something like that?"
"Don’t ask me to analyze the mind of Floyd Leech. Just be careful, okay? Tricking you into liking him and then rejecting you publicly sounds just like something he’d do."
Riddle took his hedgehog back out of its cage and gave it several pets before scratching its chin. He wasn’t sure what to say. "Don’t tell Cater."
"I won’t. He’s already planning a celebration for the two of you." Trey smiled affectionately.
"You like him, don’t you?" Riddle looked up at Trey.
"Wow, you make out with a delinquent at the Mostro Lounge and suddenly you become insightful about relationships?"
"You saw that?" Riddle blushed and looked back down at his hedgehog.
"It’s the first post that pops up under the #NRCTea tag."
"Oh no." Riddle paused and rubbed his hedgehog's ears. "Do you really think this is an elaborate prank?"
Trey took the hedgehog from him and offered it a carrot. "I'll tell you what. If it is, I'll help you make him pay."
"Alright, then."
**
Riddle was getting better at kissing, or at least he hoped he was. The public displays of affection made him incredibly nervous, kissing on a bench in the courtyard with everyone watching them. Still, it felt good and Floyd's kisses made him feel wanted for the first time in his life.
Trey had warned Riddle about Floyd trying to take things too far but the most Floyd had done was slide his hands under Riddle's uniform jacket a few times. In fact, Riddle had probably done more; at one point, he sucked a bruise on Floyd's neck. This had been a childish and spiteful act against Jade, who was keeping his displeasure at their relationship less and less hidden.
He didn't understand why Jade didn't like him dating Floyd. It wasn't as though Floyd couldn't handle himself. In fact, Riddle was sure Floyd would grow tired of this charade before he did. Azul was also colder to him, as though he'd done something to offend him that night at Mostro Lounge.
Riddle was frustrated by this because in the two weeks they'd been pretending to date, Floyd's grades had gone up due to forced study time. Floyd was becoming a much more bearable person to be around for everyone and Riddle gave himself credit as the reason behind it.
They ended the kiss and Floyd pressed their foreheads together before lifting Riddle's legs into his lap. "Are you cold, Goldfishie?"
He fought a shiver. "No."
Floyd rubbed Riddle's arms and pulled him closer. He was like a furnace. "We could always take this back to my room."
Riddle dropped his voice to a whisper so no one else could hear. "How would that help keep my stalker off my back?"
"Ah, you see, they'll still see us heading to the dorms and know what we're about to do."
He pushed away and frowned at Floyd. "Do I really seem that easy?"
"Well, yeah." Floyd stuck his tongue out and laughed. "If I were really trying to seduce you, you'd already be begging me to fuck you."
Riddle pulled away completely from Floyd's embrace, willing himself to stop blushing. "Don't be lewd! And that's my virtue you're being so cavalier about!"
"Aw, I'm just playing, Goldfishie." Floyd ruffled Riddle's hair. "And that's a very creative way to call yourself a virgin."
"There's nothing wrong with that!" Riddle glared at him.
"I guess not but guys our age don't go around bragging about it either." Floyd squeezed Riddle's thigh.
"Hey guys. I see you doing your part to keep everyone entertained after class."
They looked up to see Cater and Deuce approaching them. Riddle removed Floyd's hand from his leg, keeping their fingers laced together. "What do you mean?"
"The way the two of you bicker between makeout sessions is like Night Raven College's own romance series!"
Deuce snorted. "There's even a running pool on how long it takes before you break up." He cleared his throat at the glare all three sent him. "Of course, I didn't bet anything. I wouldn't do that to my housewarden."
"Listen, Floyd, we're getting ready for some tea. Would you like to join us at Heartslabyul?"
Riddle was touched by Cater's offer. "Floyd has a shift at Mostro Lounge after classes."
"Goldfishie, you know my schedule!" He kissed Riddle on the cheek. "Actually, Azul gave me the day off. I was gonna surprise you."
He found himself smiling and pulled Floyd in for a real kiss. Riddle had never considered himself much of an exhibitionist but all of this kissing for the sake of his stalker seeing them together had loosened his resolve. Plus, kissing Floyd was really enjoyable.
They were interrupted by a low whistle from Deuce. "Does that mean you'll be joining us or will you get a room instead?"
"What do you think, Goldfishie?" Floyd nuzzled their noses together. "Tea or some alone time?"
"I'm going to be a good bro and answer that for you, Riddle. Take full advantage of Floyd's night off. We'll make sure the music is nice and loud downstairs."
Riddle felt his ears grow hot. "Alright."
Floyd stood up, threw Riddle over his shoulder like a sack of fruit, and headed toward the mirror hall, completely ignoring Riddle's demands to put him down.
**
Floyd finally set Riddle down once they were in his bedroom. Riddle adjusted his uniform, trying to catch his breath from yelling all the way through Heartslabyul.
"How long do we stay here?"
Floyd shrugged and looked around Riddle's room. "How long do you think it would take you to have sex?"
Riddle pouted. "I don't know."
"Your room is about the same size as Azul's but yours is much more colorful." Floyd plopped in the chair usually reserved for Trey. "It's messier than I thought it would be."
"Just because I like order doesn't mean I clean everything. And my room is perfectly acceptable."
"It's cleaner than my room." Floyd grinned and looked at Riddle, who was still standing in the middle of his bedroom. "So, are you going to keep standing there for the next hour?"
"No." Riddle sat stiffly on the chair by his desk. "So, um, have you seen my stalker lately?"
Floyd frowned. "I dunno. I don't pay attention to people not worth my time."
"But the whole point of this is to deter him from following me around."
"I guess." Floyd slid out of his uniform jacket and tossed it aside. "We didn't finish our conversation."
"About what?"
"About your virginity."
Riddle prayed to the queen to grant him the strength to not explode. "What about my virginity is so interesting to you, fake boyfriend?"
"I like it when you squirm. I bet you'd feel real good squirming under me." Floyd gave him a wicked grin.
It was a testament to the fact that Riddle had grown used to Floyd's antics that he was simply annoyed. "I thought you said I'd be begging you for it if you actually wanted to seduce me."
Floyd's eyes flashed. "Get on the bed. If you wanna play chicken, we'll play chicken."
Riddle's legs moved of their own accord, his brain sending off warning signals that he was in way over his head. While he was very good at depriving himself of the things he wanted, there was something about Floyd that drove him crazy. Without a word, he climbed onto his bed, sliding down so the back of his head hit the mountain of pillows. Floyd stalked toward him, getting onto the bed without breaking his pace.
He crawled over Riddle and pressed his lips to his ear. "You'll have to ask me for it, Goldfishie. If you don't, I'll walk away and leave you all alone on this bed."
"Fine." Riddle gripped Floyd's hair and smashed their lips together.
This was their best kiss yet, moving perfectly in sync. Floyd kissed as though he couldn't bear to be without it, sucking Riddle's tongue into his mouth, pinning his wrists to the pillows. Riddle gasped into the kiss, suddenly very unsure about his chances at resisting Floyd's advances.
Floyd dipped his hips, nudging Riddle's knees apart. Riddle had been a fool to think he could not beg for more. He decided to hold off as long as he could and see what Floyd had in his repertoire of seduction techniques.
Riddle wondered what it would have been like if they'd begun dating without the pretense of his stalker. Did Floyd even like him? Judging by how much he teased Riddle, he knew Floyd had to care at least a little bit. Floyd wasn't exactly a romantic but perhaps they'd have gone on real dates, with Floyd actually taking time to get to know his friends.
He was pulled out of his thoughts when Floyd's hand slid under his shirt. Riddle let out a moan as Floyd's fingers traced his nipple, bucking his hips up.
Almost subconsciously, Riddle pulled his hands free of Floyd’s grip and unbuttoned his shirt. His collarbone was sharp, a preview of the defined muscles on his chest and torso. Riddle stared at Floyd’s upper body as he shrugged out of his shirt.
"What are you thinking about, Goldfishie?"
"Don’t take off my clothes."
"Hmmm? Why not?" Floyd traced Riddle’s cheek.
"I’m not as - you’re more -"
"Ahhh, you’re feeling self conscious. That’s cute. Floyd sat up, reached down, then ripped Riddle’s shirt apart, sending buttons flying across his room.
"Floyd, what?" Riddle tried to sit up but Floyd pinned him back down.
"Goldfishie may not have as many muscles as I do but he is still attractive." Floyd leaned back down and pressed a kiss to his neck, then sent his tongue traveling down, tracing Riddle’s collarbone before lapping at his nipples. "Plus, I like how small you are under me."
Riddle was completely red, both aroused and embarrassed. His body betrayed him, shivering under and leaning into Floyd’s touch, goosebumps rippling over his skin.
Floyd reached Riddle’s waistband and looked up, a questioning expression on his face.
"Don’t stop." Riddle was surprised by how hoarse his voice was, barely sounding like his own.
Floyd obeyed, undoing his belt and unbuttoning his pants, then slid them down Riddle’s legs, along with his underwear. "Such a pretty cock, Goldfishie."
Riddle covered his face with his hands as Floyd began kissing his hip bones, sliding his hands under Riddle’s ass and kneading the flesh. One of his fingers slipped against his hole and Riddle cried out. He was so open, so vulnerable, and all Floyd had done so far was take his clothes off and touch him.
"You’re gonna have to beg for it."
"Please."
"Please what?"
Riddle let out a sob as Floyd’s tongue grazed over the tip of his cock. "Please f-fuck me."
Floyd scooted forward and kissed Riddle deeply before he stood and tugged off the rest of his clothes. Riddle admired the view before a wave of panic hit him.
"Go slow."
Floyd settled back down between Riddle's legs and smiled. "Don't worry, Goldfishie, I'm gonna take good care of you. I can't wait to make you come. Now, lick my finger."
Riddle opened his mouth and accepted Floyd's finger, swirling his tongue around it. Floyd let out a soft sigh and took his finger back. "Spread your legs more."
His knees fell apart and he groaned as Floyd's spit-covered finger pressed inside of him. He had no idea how he'd be stretched out enough to take all of Floyd's cock but it already felt amazing. Riddle tilted his hips, experimenting with the new sensation. He'd be lying if he said he had never tried using his own fingers but the angle Floyd used was entirely new.
"You want another?"
He nodded, wincing as Floyd added a second finger into his ass. "Softer."
Floyd nodded, watching Riddle intently as he curled his fingers, pressing against his prostate. "Goldfishie, you're so red and so relaxed! You take my fingers like you want more."
Riddle should have expected Floyd would be good at dirty talk but his words hit him with another wave of arousal. "I do."
"Want you so much."
"Then stop playing around and take me." Riddle wasn't sure why he felt so brave in this moment, diving into something completely unknown to him, but he needed Floyd to know he was an active part in this.
"Do you have lube?"
Riddle nodded. "I confiscated it from some upperclassmen."
Floyd giggled. "And kept it for yourself?"
"I was too embarrassed to bring it to Crowley." Riddle pointed to his bookshelf. "It's in the red box. Shall I get it?"
"Stay on the bed, Goldfishie." Floyd removed his fingers and walked across the room, his long red cock bobbing with each step. He paused as he opened the box. "You have condoms in here too."
"You don't have to use one. Rule number 214 states there should be no barriers between two people engaged in an altercation."
Floyd quirked his head to the left. "That doesn't sound like it's about sex."
"I trust you're clean?" Riddle looked up at him from the bed. "If that's the case, what's the problem?"
He retrieved the bottle of lube and clamored back to the bed. "No problem, Goldfishie. If you want me to take you raw I won’t argue with that."
Riddle spread his legs again and watched as Floyd slicked himself, then smeared the rest at his entrance. He settled between Riddle’s thighs and pushed his cock against his hole.
Floyd guided his cock further inside, splitting Riddle open in ways he had only dreamed of. He was full, slightly uncomfortable, and painfully hard. Every instinct told him to panic, to push Floyd away, but instead, he bent his knees and tugged him into a kiss.
As they kissed, Floyd made a few shallow thrusts into Riddle. It was a strange sensation but Riddle leaned into it, starting a rhythm with Floyd. He groaned as Floyd got the message and began to fuck him more earnestly, breaking the kiss and lifted his legs into the air for easier access.
Riddle reached for his cock and matched Floyd’s pace. He was so focused on the feeling of Floyd inside him, he wasn’t sure how long it was before he came, spilling his seed onto his stomach. Floyd buried his face into Riddle’s neck and came inside him, his hot breath against his skin overstimulating him.
"Was it good for you?" Floyd’s lips moved against Riddle’s neck.
"What do you think?" Riddle shifted slightly, the weight of Floyd’s body starting to crush him.
Floyd pulled out of him and rolled onto his back. "I think it was too short."
Riddle grabbed a tissue and started wiping at his stomach, embarrassed. "It’s not like you lasted that much longer than I did."
Floyd caught his wrist and leaned down, licking at the mess on Riddle’s stomach. "Goldfishie thinks I’m teasing him but I just wanted to make him feel good for longer."
He wasn’t sure how to respond so instead, he watched Floyd lick at his skin until all the come was off. Floyd shifted his weight and kissed Riddle, his tongue salty.
It was probably time for dinner but Riddle found himself hungry only for Floyd. He hummed and tugged Floyd closer to him.
He liked Floyd. He was taking advantage of the situation but Riddle knew that Floyd would eventually grow bored of their fake dating. Nothing caught Floyd's attention for too long and he'd be none the wiser if Riddle enjoyed it while he could. Plus, maybe he could use their pretend time together to his advantage when Floyd inevitably returned to teasing him.
"If it was too short, maybe we should do it again."
Floyd made an affirming noise in his throat and kissed Riddle again.
**
It took several days but finally, Riddle’s love bites and marks from his time with Floyd began to fade. After a morning of relentless teasing from his friends, Riddle had borrowed a strong concealer from a very amused Vil.
His interactions with Floyd weren’t as natural as they had been since that evening. Riddle knew he ought to confess and tell Floyd that he wanted to date for real. Perhaps it was guilt causing him to second guess his words to Floyd. He’d used their fake relationship to his advantage.
He glanced at Jade across the potions room. Jade caught him staring and glared at Riddle.
This was ridiculous. Riddle didn’t normally care about what other people thought about him but he didn’t want Jade mucking up his chances with Floyd. Plus, Riddle was slightly afraid of what it meant to be on Jade’s bad side.
Riddle scribbled on a piece of paper, made up an excuse to cross the room, and as he passed Jade, he tossed the paper on the table.
Meet me in the classroom next door after potions ends.
Jade looked up at him and nodded.
Riddle’s hands shook the rest of class, unsure exactly what he was going to say or what he could do to convince Jade he wasn’t to come between him and his brother. He let his lab partner take over the remainder of the potion, focusing on chopping ingredients and rereading the directions.
Once class ended, he and Jade walked into the empty classroom together.
"Is there something you need, Riddle?"
Riddle crossed his arms and frowned. "Yes, I’d like to know why you’ve been giving me dirty looks the last few weeks."
Jade pressed his fingers to his chin, a calculated move to maintain a neutral expression. Riddle looked for any sign of vulnerability but Jade was too well-practiced. "I thought that much was obvious."
"Just because I’m dating your brother-"
"You aren’t really dating, though, are you?"
"I-" Riddle’s argument died on his tongue. Of course Floyd would tell his brother the truth.
"You do know Floyd made the whole thing up, right? There isn’t really a stalker from Ignihyde."
He chewed on the inside of his cheek. "Floyd wouldn’t commit to a lie like that for weeks."
Jade’s eyes lit up with amusement. "To trick his toy to get close to him? To get the overprotected, pure, innocent Riddle Rosehearts on his back with his legs spread? That sounds exactly like something Floyd would do. It didn’t take much, just a flimsy excuse. Tell me, Riddle, why would you let him fuck you in private if you were just out for a little public protection?"
Riddle tried to process this. Floyd had lied to him about the stalker? He still didn’t understand why Jade was so mad at him if all this was all a way to mess with him. "I don’t know, Jade. It sounds like you already have your own answer."
"You’re right. I doubt you’re as innocent as you make yourself out to be." Jade smirked and seemed to catch himself. "My point is, Floyd tricked you but you’ve been deceiving him as well."
Riddle looked down. Before he could respond, Floyd walked in. He looked from Riddle to Jade with a confused expression. "What are you two doing in here?"
"There’s no stalker, is there, Floyd?" Riddle needed to know the answer. "You weren’t trying to help me; you just wanted an excuse to bother me even more."
Floyd’s face fell. "Goldfishie, that’s not-"
"I can’t believe I fell for it." Riddle stormed out of the room, not able to handle another moment in a room with either of the Leech twins.
**
After missing his next two classes, there was a knock at his door. Riddle stroked one of the hedgehogs and sighed. He’d already decided if Floyd dared show his face in Heartslabyul, he would curse him all the way back to Octavinelle.
"It’s Trey. I brought a strawberry tart."
"Come in."
Trey walked in, a friendly smile on his face. "Cater told me what happened."
"How does Cater know?" Riddle motioned for Trey to sit beside him on the bed. "What does Cater know?"
"I guess you weren’t very quiet when you confronted Floyd. The general consensus of the rumor mill is that Floyd tricked you into dating him and Jade put a stop to it by telling you. There are more wild rumors but no one can agree on those details."
"I don’t want to hear it. Yes, that’s mostly right. I should have listened to you; the stalker was fake."
Trey handed him the tart and a fork, watching carefully until Riddle took a big bite. "Why does that matter? You like him, don’t you? You took advantage of him, too."
Riddle cursed Trey for waiting until his mouth was full of tart before responding. He chewed as quickly as he could, wanting to respond immediately.
"Before you get too mad, why not talk to Floyd about it? I’m not the biggest fan of his but you’ve been really happy the last few weeks. Give him a chance to apologize."
Riddle swallowed and scoffed. "Apologize?"
"He might not use the words but in his own way."
"The rumor got it slightly wrong." Riddle took another bite of tart and chewed slowly, thinking back to their conversation.
"Oh?"
"Jade didn’t want to put a stop to it. Well, he did but not for my sake. He wanted to hurt me and this was the easiest way to do it."
Trey pursed his lips. "Why would he do that?"
Riddle shrugged. "He’s been rude to me ever since Floyd and I started pretending to date."
"If he knew you weren’t really dating, it isn’t as if he would be threatened or jealous over you. There has to be something else going on." Trey stole a bite of the tart and turned to face Riddle. "That can only happen if the two of you talk."
"I'm too embarrassed. First, I overblot, then I fall for a cheap ploy." Riddle buried his face in his hands. "I can't believe I had sex with him."
"Was it good?"
He nodded slowly, his face heating as he remembered how attentive Floyd had been.
"Well, regardless of whatever happens between you and Floyd, remember how it made you feel." Trey set the cleared plate and put his arm around Riddle. "I don't think your story is over."
Riddle leaned into his best friend's hug and nodded in resolve. He'd get the truth out of Floyd through any means necessary.
**
It didn't take much of an effort to get Floyd alone. Deuce ran to Riddle's dorm room later that day to report that Floyd was wandering the Heartslabyul maze.
"Thank you, Deuce. I'll take care of it."
"Is it true you cursed his penis?"
Riddle stared at Deuce as he smoothed out his dorm uniform. "No."
"What about the threesome with Jade?"
"Also, no. Just because I haven't collared you recently does not give you permission to speak to me so candidly. Remember I am your Housewarden." Riddle glared at him and traced his magical pen with his fingers in what he hoped was a menacing way.
Deuce cleared his throat and stood up straighter. "I'm sorry, I just wanted to be able to correctly refute the rumors going around."
Riddle squared his shoulders and began walking out of his dorm room. "If you want to help, shut down any and all rumors circulating."
He didn't wait for a response and headed downstairs to see Floyd. Riddle's lip quivered as he tried to think of what to say. He had a tendency to get flustered around Floyd, even before they started this charade.
"Goldfishie!" Floyd waved to him from one of the hedges.
"Floyd, what are you doing here?" Riddle put on his bravest face and glared at him.
"I dunno what Jade told you. He wouldnt tell me what you talked about."
"He told me you faked a stalker to get closer to me and into bed, which is low even for you." Riddle's voice cracked.
Floyd's shoulders slumped. "That's only kind of true."
"Tell me the whole truth, then."
"I did make up a stalker but everything else was real. When I told you about the stalker, I was supposed to be confessing to you. Jade was sick of me pining over you and told me to confess but I got scared and made up a stalker. I thought maybe I could make you like me and then it wouldn't matter if there was a stalker. That's why Jade was so mad; he thought you were just using me. I've been trying to confess though, honestly! I was gonna tell you right before Striped Beakfish interrupted us on our date and then again after your third orgasm but you wanted to keep going."
Riddle's jaw dropped and he looked around, hoping no one was within earshot. "You like me?"
Floyd snorted. "I've spent the last year and a half trying to get you to notice me."
"You idiot!" Riddle punched him in the arm. "You think relentlessly tormenting me is a good way to get someone to reciprocate your feelings? I started liking you once you treated me with kindness and stopped stealing my stuff."
"I got you to pay attention to me." Floyd narrowed his eyes at Riddle. "Hey, did you say you like me?"
Riddle looked away. "You think I'd let just anyone into my bed?"
"Of course not!" Floyd wrapped his oversized arms around Riddle, latching onto him. "So I like you and you like me?"
"Get off me!" Riddle slid out of Floyd's grip. "I'm still mad at you."
"But why?" Floyd pouted. "We both like each other and we both lied a little to get closer to what we wanted. Let's call it a draw."
"If we're going to be a real couple, I'm setting some ground rules."
Floyd whined. "Rules are stupid."
"Rule Number One. We are always honest with each other. Rule Number Two. You keep your brother and Azul out of our relationship. Rule Number Three. I will work to become more approachable and yell at you less. Rule Number Four. We go out on real dates once a week and study together three times a week."
"Is that all?" Floyd sighed. "I guess I can handle all that."
Riddle smirked. "One more thing. Kiss me and maybe I'll forgive you."
Floyd snaked his arm around Riddle's waist and pulled him close. Riddle tilted his head up and stood on his tiptoes, closing his eyes as their lips met.
Kissing Floyd really did make everything better. He was wanted, liked by this enormous dummy. A hand sliding under his shirt pulled him from his thoughts.
"Floyd, not here! Someone might see!"
"Goldfishie, you realize half the dorm is watching us from the window?"
Riddle pursed his lips, causing Floyd to let out a peal of laughter. "It's not funny. I've got a reputation to uphold and nothing the last few months has helped maintain it."
Floyd grinned. "Guess we'll just have to squeeze some people to remind them."
"That's the best idea you've had in a while." Riddle pulled him in for another kiss.
FIN