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The first time Floyd experiences a proper landfolk wedding is with Jade and Azul. He hates it. It’s with one of his father’s clients, he can’t be arsed to remember their names.
He’s barely gotten used to walking on legs, his clothes feel stuffy and hot, it’s restricting. He still hasn’t gotten used to breathing from his mouth yet, often forgetting, which causes him to sporadically choke.
The people here move agonizingly slow, the ceremony is boring, the food is mediocre. Floyd likes the dancing part though, but he just can’t seem to get the hang of it. Jade’s blended in perfectly and Azul’s having an even worse time than Floyd.
He likes the bouquet toss though, it’s a shame he didn’t catch it.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
The second time it’s still with Jade and Azul, but this time, he’s gotten used to his legs now. Clothes don’t feel as foreign, and breathing air has become an unconscious habit to him. He’s in his first year at Night Raven College, it’s fun. Jade is fun, Azul is fun, his dorm is fun, basketball is fun, his housewarden kinda sucks but his classmates are fun. Namely, one classmate specifically, his Goldfishie.
The wedding isn’t much different from his first one, not that he can remember much, but the point being is that if he couldn’t remember much of the first one, then it must’ve been incredibly boring. Which is exactly what he’s feeling now, incredibly bored.
“Floyd, sit properly! You’re going to embarrass us!”
“Ehh, ya think I give a fuck? If someone pisses me off here I’ll squeeze them.” He was already irritated from the slow paced wedding without any real fun activity to do. At least back at home he would look forward to the Eternity Float, all he had here was the bouquet toss which lasted exactly two seconds.
Floyd audibly sighed, slouching in his chair further. “This is so fucking boring.”
“Oh? I didn’t think I’d see you three here.”
The mer-trio looked over to the familiar voice, momentarily stunned, not really expecting to meet anyone they knew there.
“Trey-san? What a coincidence.” Azul spoke up first, Floyd still taking time to process who he was.
“Yeah? This is my family’s client's wedding. We baked her the wedding cake, and she wanted to invite us. We’re just here out of courtesy. What brings you guys here?”
“Ah, I see, this must be a common event for you then, I presume?”
Yet before Azul could finish answering Sea Turtle’s question, Floyd had already interrupted the both of them. “We’re?” He repeated, asking for clarification from the olive head’s words.
“Oh, yeah. I invited Riddle along because his parents were also familiar with the bride’s family. Riddle and I came from the same area back when we were younger so it makes sense that we know a lot of the same people.”
Floyd’s ears perked up upon hearing the familiar name. “Riddle? You mean Goldfishie? Goldfishie is here too?”
“Yeah—ah, there he is. Riddle! Over here!” Trey yelled, waving his hand. Floyd caught it, the moment Riddle noticed Trey’s presence, the secretive relief of finding someone you know in an unfamiliar place rewriting the discomfort of false pretenses and fake politeness on his face. He quickly made his way over to the four.
“Trey, there you are.” Riddle made sure to greet Trey first, before finally clocking his head sideways to acknowledge Floyd (and his brother and friend). Floyd grinned, raising a hand up and waving it characteristically, completely contrasting with his initial indifference.
“Yo! Goldfishie! Never thought I’d see you here!”
“Floyd. I could say just the same about you. What are you three merfolk doing here at a land wedding? I don’t suppose you’re related to the groom, are you?” Riddle joked. Trey was immediately taken aback, the lighthearted behavior was so rare to come across from his housewarden, that he had questioned in that instant, if that was really the Riddle he knew or not.
“Nah! We’re just here on some business.”
“Business?” Riddle tilted his head, silently asking for additional context.
Azul spoke up again. He did that a lot. Stood up for the twins, Floyd noticed. However whether that was because he couldn’t trust Floyd to say anything appropriate or something else would remain a mystery to the Moray Eel. “As you know my submission for opening up a school cafe has just recently been approved by the Headmage after long hours of discussion.” More like coercion, Floyd thought. “The groom here has been one of our long time investors, he was the one that introduced me to the idea of opening up a business.”
“Yes, Mr Ayana has been helping Azul since he was a wee little boy, or maybe not—” Jade was immediately cut off by Azul jabbing his ribs, the merman already ready to dodge.
“Jade!” Azul pushed his spectacles up with his first three fingers. “Simply put, he’s a good asset to have in the future. We must maintain positive relations.”
“I see. And all three of you were invited?” Riddle questioned, as if he knew that the attendance of all three friends didn’t add up.
“Actually, the offer was only made to Jade and I, it was however given to Floyd by extension because he decided to barge in when I specifically told him not to.” Azul glared at Floyd.
“Couldn’t help it! The AC was broken and I was hot! Your place was the only one working in the whole dorm.”
“And that’s why you’re here. So please behave before you get us all kicked out.”
“Ughh.” Floyd whined again, but this time, he didn’t slouch. Instead, he turned back to the only housewarden amongst the five. “Goldfishie probably doesn’t feel as bored as I do.” He said, more as a statement rather than a question.
Riddle raised an eyebrow, hand coming up to his hip. “And why is that?”
“Because your red hair can keep you entertained! Hahahaha.”
“Floyd! I have told you many times it is insensitive to joke about someone’s appearances! Must you be so rude all the time!?” Riddle started burning red, face just a few shades lighter from his own hair.
“Now, now, Riddle. Calm down, we’re in public, remember?”
Riddle took a deep breath in, his pale skin returning, allowing his red hair to shine the beautiful crimson alone once more.
There's many ways to describe the color red. Crimson, scarlet, ruby, garnet, and maroon. There's also more niche ways like burgundy, bordeaux, and even oxblood. But Floyd likes red the best. It’s simple. It’s fun. Cute, even.
“Heh.” He chuckles, before Azul steps in once more.
“Alright, enough with you. I deeply apologize for him, Riddle-san. He’s just having a bad day.”
“It’s alright, Azul. You needn’t apologize for him.” Riddle glares sharply at Floyd. “I believe he is capable of doing so himself.”
Floyd only winks back at him.
Riddle clicks his tongue, turning back to Trey. “Let’s go.” He says curtly, obviously displeased with the situation. Riddle only nods at Azul, completely ignoring Jade and Floyd before leaving together with the second year.
“My, it seems his ears have completely blended in with his hair. What a nice shade of red.” Jade smiled, looking straight into Floyd’s face.
“Hah?” Floyd furrowed his eyebrows, completely lost on his brother’s implications. “Whatever, stop starin’ at me like that. ‘S weird.” Floyd goes back to slouching on his chair, picking up a fork to fiddle with.
They don’t meet again for the rest of the wedding. But Floyd remembers seeing a dollop of red in the crowd as he jumps to catch the bouquet. Distracted, the bouquet that he easily could’ve caught slipped from his hand, landing on top of someone else’s face.
Tch, Floyd clicked his tongue. He missed the bouquet again.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
The third time he gets invited to a wedding, he’s already a sophomore. This time, he goes with Jade, Azul too swamped up with his new role as housewarden, rejects the invitation before it even comes. Surprisingly, it’s their previous housewarden who invited the two. Floyd doesn’t recall ever making a good impression on the man, actually, he barely recalls him in general. Some seahorse punk? He’s not sure. Either way, he was fully planning on ditching, that is until he noticed the familiar white lace envelope in his Goldfishie’s hands across the hallway.
The wedding this time is different. It’s still boring, but just different. Well, maybe knowing that his Goldfishie will come takes away a portion of the ‘boringness’.
This wedding was outdoors, unlike the previous ones Floyd had been to. It’s much similar to ones back in the coral sea, the ones Floyd is used to. This time, instead of fine dining meals in small portions that leave Floyd hangry by the time he returns to his dorm, there are snacks and drinks at the reception desk for guests to enjoy.
He makes a beeline for their takoyaki station, smelling the batter the moment he had arrived at the venue. Jade lacks behind him, choosing to properly greet the lovebirds in a polite saccharine tone. It makes Floyd gag. Once his takoyaki is finished, he bites straight into one, the soft batter blooming all over his tongue. Strangely, Floyd enjoys the burn inside his mouth. It reminds him of the color red. Hot.
“Wouldn’t Azul be quite peeved that you’re eating that?” A voice came from behind him. Floyd quickly turned around, voice all too familiar to him.
“Goldfishie! What’re you doing here?”
“For the same reason you are here, I presume.” They both pause, a silence dawning upon them.
Riddle looks at him. Not just stares at him, but really looks at him. Floyd knows that look. It’s a look of inspection. He’s desperately trying to find any ounce of repulsion on Floyd's face. Floyd knows why. Floyd also knows that the so-called ‘repulsion’ will never exist. In fact, the only thoughts Floyd had concerning his overblot was if Goldfishie was okay, and if his phantom was red. If it was, Floyd wanted to see it too. So apart from concern and worry, there was only curiosity. No repulsion, no disgust, not even pity.
“You’re not gonna find it here, Goldfishie.” Floyd calmly says, smiling. “Takoyaki?”
Riddle blinks, then again, then for the third time. Floyd sees the flutter of his eyelashes. It makes the wind flutter along with his heart. It’s not red, but Floyd still likes them. Riddle lets out a deep and sharp exhale, somewhere between a huff and half of a chuckle. “I see.” Riddle smiles. His lips are red, Floyd notices. “No, but thank you.”
“Cmon, just one.” Floyd urges.
“No, really, it’s okay—mgffh!” Without warning, Floyd stuffs the takoyaki into Riddle’s mouth, taking the housewarden by surprise. Riddle, who practically had etiquette written on his bones, and drilled into his every nook of his brain could only chew the takoyaki, swallowing it completely before berating Floyd. The merman watched as Riddle swallowed the last bit of takoyaki, his Adam's apple bobbing in accordance with the act. Floyd prepared himself to hear the line of yells. He wasn’t dreading it, in fact, he was really looking forward to it. It reminds him of the color red.
But the yelling never came. There was no smacking, no cursing, not even the raise of a voice. There was however, a lot of red. There was red in Goldfishie’s hair, in his lips, in his eyeshadow, and even on his cheeks. Floyd really liked it. Unconsciously, his lips lifted upwards, and it didn’t go unnoticed by Riddle.
The housewarden could only cross his arms, looking away, desperately trying to hide the red away from Floyd. “Jeez, you never listen, do you?”
Floyd leaned in, using his longer torso to his advantage. No matter how much Riddle tried to twist his neck, he simply couldn’t win against Floyd’s height. “You liked it though~” He said.
Riddle blushed further at the comment, the scarlet creeping up to his neck.
Floyd really liked red, he discovered. It was the color that traced the key on court, earning him three points whenever he could score outside it. It was the color of the bouquet of roses he first tried to catch all those years ago and failed. Red was so easy to find, no matter where it tried to hide itself. It was bold, it was bright, it was powerful, it was alluring, it was dazzling. Floyd didn’t know enough adjectives to even try to encapsulate how enchanted he felt when seeing red. Of course, red didn’t mean as much to him back in the coral sea. It was at most cool, to hear that the mermaid princess had hair unlike any other of their folk, but Floyd found the part of her trading her voice cooler. But something about Night Raven College changed him, more like, it changed the meaning of red. Was red cool? The younger Floyd would’ve probably answered that question with a ‘yeah, sure’ and quickly changed the topic. The Floyd now could sit and talk about red for hours on end, finding every little detail about the seemingly small color that others barely took time to notice. Floyd adored red. He wanted red in his room, on his clothes, even embedded into his soul if he could.
“Here, last one.” Floyd held out the takoyaki on the toothpick, the wooden stick looking extra small in his hands. His Goldfishie hesitantly turned, taking a peak at the takoyaki, then at Floyd. Floyd only smiled, pushing his hand in further, accentuating his offer to Riddle. Shyly, Riddle brought a hand up to his hair, tucking it behind his back before opening his mouth wide enough just so Floyd could feed him the battered octopus ball.
Floyd could feel the red burn on his face. He really liked it. “Tasty?” He asked. Riddle, still chewing, only nodded. Floyd smiled. Then, suddenly, two unfamiliar voices came in from all angles of the yard, specifically, the speakers. Both Floyd and Riddle flinched at the sudden loudness.
“Hi everybody! Thank you so much for coming! We’re forever grateful for your attendance.” Floyd finds the couple first, they’re standing way upfront, from opposite where he and Riddle are. Riddle, still struggling to find the bride and groom, was still looking around, tilting his head from left to right. Floyd chuckled, before leaning down, bringing his palm to hold the small of Riddle’s waist, and pointing up ahead straight to the lovers. Riddle nodded, mouth opening to form an invisible ‘ah’ sound, silently thanking Floyd. “As a token of our gratitude, we’ve prepared a series of games for everyone to play. They are primarily based on couple games, however! That doesn’t mean you have to be a couple to play! Anyone is welcome!”
Yet, before the bride could finish introducing the games, or even start introducing it, her fiance budged in, holding his hands on top of hers and the microphone. “Just to warn you though, that’s how we met and fell in love. Playing games at someone else’s wedding.” There was a loud cheer from the crowd that followed, a mix of applause and the few ‘woohoos’. Floyd smiled too. Riddle looked up at him, Floyd returned the look, his lips still twisted upwards. Riddle quickly looked away, gaze now fixed on the couple. Floyd only shrugged it off. Only then, did he realize that his hands were still on Riddle’s waist. His Goldfishie hasn’t said anything yet though, so he figured he might as well leave it there. It was warm and nice. It reminded him of the color red. He then focused his attention back on the main characters for the day.
The bride had taken control of the microphone again, “So! As a homage from our first meeting, the games we have prepared for you guys here today are; The Shoe Game, Musical Chairs, and Love Maze Hunt!”
Floyd doesn’t recognize any of these games, except maybe the second one. They had him, Jade and Azul play it back at camp to get used to their new legs. Still, he finds himself clapping along. This wedding was different, not only was it outdoors and had games, but it had Goldfishie by his side too. Floyd didn’t feel all that bored anymore.
But maybe he spoke too soon. The first game almost deteriorated the insides of his head. Not only did he not understand the point of raising each other’s shoes, but he couldn’t enjoy any of the anecdotes they were sharing, he didn’t even know their names! Not to mention, Jade had completely disappeared, he suspected his brother had decided to ditch the wedding and return to help Azul. The only enjoyable part of the game was that Goldfishie had stood by his side the entire time, explaining to him what certain phrases meant.
The second game however, brought Floyd’s motivation back to life. He was excited to play Musical Chairs again. He was even more excited when he found out he could play it with Riddle.
“For this game of Musical Chairs, there's going to be a little twist!” The bride eagerly informed, her groom’s hand sneaking its way up to her waist. Similar to what Floyd and Goldfishie looked like before. “This version of Musical Chairs will be a couples version! Everybody, partner up!” Floyd immediately looked down at Riddle, the sparkle in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed.
Riddle cocked his brow, “You want to play?” He asked, turning his head so he could fully look at Floyd’s face.
Floyd eagerly nodded. “It’s fun, I played it back at camp.”
Riddle sighed, “Alright.” Floyd grinned before exclaiming out in excitement.
“Yipee! Just so you wait, Goldfishie. I’m so gonna win this!”
Riddle only smiled.
“Everybody got a partner? Alright! In this version, you can’t walk alone, you must walk hand-in-hand with your partner, and when the music stops, one person needs to sit on a chair and the other person on their lap!”
Then, came the sudden influxes of cheers and whistles. Floyd let out a low whistle too. Riddle noticed it. Floyd noticed the tip of Riddle’s ears turn bordeaux. He liked that color too. It mixed well with red.
“And don’t forget, if you aren’t sitting once the music stops, you’re out!”
Floyd turned to Riddle, the red on his ears already starting to dissipate away. “Ya ready ta win, Goldfishie?”
“Hah! As if I’d settle for anything less!”
This game is really fun, Floyd realizes. The first three rounds were a bit awkward, whether that was the unfamiliar feeling of a hand slotted against his, or the mismatched steps that evolved from the different lengths of their legs. They were struggling to match paces, one going too fast, the other unable to catch up. What’s worse was when the music stopped, the two were stuck in an awkward position of Riddle half hovering and half sitting on Floyd’s legs, holding himself in a squat position. While Floyd struggled to find a place to put his hands, at one point choosing to cross it over his chest. Only until they reached the fourth round, did they come to a mutual consensus that whatever was happening between them was not working out. The two decided to strip away any awkwardness they previously held, focusing all their attention on the game. Only then, did they drastically improve. Riddle no longer hovered above Floyd, fully resting himself on his legs. At one point, it even felt as if Floyd was yanking him down and vice versa. Floyd either kept his hands on Riddle’s waist, or shoulders. Their competitive desire to win the game left them completely oblivious to their own actions. By the eighth round, there were only four chairs left.
“Four rounds left everybody! Keep going everyone!” The bride cheered.
“Not tryna say anything to mess everyone up but that couple over there looks like they’ve got this in the bag.” The groom pointed directly at Riddle, who was being held by Floyd. “Y’all play like you’ve been doin’ this for years!”
Floyd couldn’t really see it, and he wasn’t sure if he distinguished it properly or not but the red on Goldfishie’s hair had started to blend in with his usually pale face. Floyd liked it. He gave Riddle’s waist a squeeze. “Ya hear that, Goldfishie? We’re gonna win this thing!”
Then, the music played again. Floyd and Riddle walked with ease, their pacing finally matching up, their hands held as if it were a second instinct, and when the music stopped, they swiftly grabbed a seat faster than no other. It was fun. Musical Chairs was fun, Goldfishie was fun. For the first time ever, Floyd was having fun at a wedding on land. The music was loud but it was enjoyable, Floyd liked the tune. He liked the feeling of holding Goldfishie’s hands. He could feel the delicate fingers interlacing with his own. He liked the feeling of having Goldfishie so close, smelling the freshly baked scent of vanilla on him. He especially liked having a full view of the color red whenever the music paused.
Then, came the last round. There was a singular chair left between two couples. Him and Goldfishie, and some other strangers that Floyd had never met before. It was tense, he was tense. It was exhilarating. He was sure Riddle could feel the speed of his heart drumming in between their palms. He had never been so excited before. The music played, Riddle’s and Floyd’s hands were woven together tighter than ever, both their eyes predatorially sharp, never leaving the flat of the white chair. Floyd listened to every note, he made sure to register every sound, and when he heard the cut off of the second note, he immediately rushed for the chair. But before even reaching the chair, he stopped. The unusual resistance from his hand made him turn around, eyes frantically wondering what caused such abnormality. Goldfishie had tripped on something, and the pull of Floyd’s hands had completely made him lose balance, and in that split second, Floyd changed the trajectory of his path midway, going back to catch Riddle before he fell to the ground.
Just then, cheers and clapping were heard. “Anndddd there we have it! The winners for our Couple’s Musical Chairs!” But Floyd didn’t hear it. Atleast, he didn’t bother listening. He had to make sure his Goldfishie was okay first. Riddle however, was fine, instead, he returned Floyd’s look of worry with a face of shock.
Floyd let out a sigh of relief, picking Riddle back up so he could stand straight.
“Woohoo folks! That was tense, wasn’t it?” Both Floyd and Riddle looked over to the hosts of the wedding. “Please take a rest and grab some snacks while we set up for the next game.”
Floyd heard Riddle sigh, before walking away to where the rest of the guests were headed. Floyd could only follow, a subtle solemn dragging it’s way behind him. Once they got to the reception, Riddle simply picked up a plate of assorted fruits, handing one to Floyd and grabbing one for himself. Floyd didn’t say anything, only accepting the plate of fruit and immediately plopping a strawberry into his mouth. He follows Riddle to an empty corner, a place where the both of them could breathe. Floyd notices Riddle still picking at the fruit, not eating anything.
“Aren’t ya gonna eat, Goldfishie?”
Riddle sighs. “Why did you catch me?” He completely drops the fork, focusing all his attention on Floyd.
Floyd furrows his eyebrows in confusion, failing to understand Riddle’s implication. “Whaddya mean ‘why’? You were about to fall. Of course I caught you.”
“No, I mean, we would’ve won if you just pulled me over.”
“Yeah but if I did that you would’ve gotten hurt.”
“But we would’ve won!”
“But you would’ve been hurt, Goldfishie.” Riddle paused. He stared at Floyd, unable to say anything. There it was again, the look of inspection. The double checking to see whether or not Floyd had been making a facade of everything, if he had been lying. If he actually cared. As usual, the negative thoughts he so desperately tried to find wasn’t there, it never had been.
“I—I see. I’m sorry.” he mumbled.
“You have nothin to be sorry for, Goldfishie. I’m just glad you didn’t get hurt.” Riddle looked up at Floyd in surprise. This time, there was no inspection for a hidden meaning. “But now we definitely need to win the next one.”
“Alright.” Riddle said quietly, a small smile forming on his lips. He picked his fork back up and continued to pick at the platter.
“Jeez, how long are you gonna poke at it?” Floyd grabbed a strawberry, holding it in front of Riddle’s mouth. “Here.”
Riddle sighed, voluntarily opening his mouth for Floyd to feed him. The sight made Floyd hesitate for a split second. Only until Riddle’s lips met with the outer layer of strawberry skin did Floyd realize how red the strawberry was. It was nice. Floyd liked it. It was like an oxblood red. Deep, and almost brownish. Floyd still preferred the simple red though.
This time, Floyd waited until Riddle swallowed the strawberry before asking again. “Tasty, right? Are they in season around this time usually?”
“I believe so. I should have Trey prepare strawberry tarts for the next Unbirthday party…” Riddle mumbled to himself. Floyd smiled, Yeah. red is much better, He thought.
“Alright folks! We’ve finished setting the garden up for the maze! If you could make your way back here so we could explain the rules that would be perfect!” Once more the bride’s voice rang through the speakers. Floyd should probably make an effort to learn their names by now. He still wasn’t arsed though. Both Floyd and Riddle made their way back to the gardens, walking close enough just so the back of their hands brushed slightly. It was the same tingling feeling as last time, the subtle burn that came from his hands. It reminded him of the color red. But if he were to compare, Floyd much preferred the harsh burn of crimson in his palms during Musical Chairs, as opposed to the light grazes of rust on the back of his hand. Still, Floyd liked it.
“Okay! That should be everybody! For this game, we’ve hidden a series of photos within the garden. They range from our childhood, to when we first met, to even yesterday!. There's a total of 20 pictures. The goal however, is to find this photo!” The groom held up a tablet screen, fully zoomed into a candid shot of the couple. It was a photo of them in a garden similar to the one they were in right now, only this time, the bride wasn’t wearing white, she was wearing a regular black tie dress. She was sitting on top of the groom, who was holding her waist with both hands. They were surrounded by a few other couples, all in a position similar to theirs. “This is the only photo of us together the day we first met! The golden picture! When my partner and I met playing Musical Chairs! The goal of this game is to find the golden picture!”
Floyd looked at Riddle, Riddle nodded at Floyd. They were finding that photo no matter what.
The game had started with much more enthusiasm than it did calmness. The dopamine rush from the previous game was yet to wear off for most of the guests, Floyd and Riddle included. Once the two had entered the maze, they strategically broke off from the crowd, not wanting to draw attention to themselves.
“Hey, don’t you have a maze back at your dorm, Goldfishie?”
“Yes, I do.” Riddle said, eyes still wandering around the bushes.
“Then ya know how to navigate this thing, right? I’ll leave it to you. I’m absolutely shit with directions on land. Everythin’ just looks the same here to me.”
“Floyd, the only reason why I am good with my garden is because I have all the layouts memorized. Also, I can change them to my liking, did you forget? My knowledge of my own maze will do us very little here.”
“Sounds ta me like you’re a pro at this, Goldfishie.” Floyd shrugged. “Lead the way!”
Riddle only sighed, before taking a left. The two walk in silence, not agonizing nor awkward, but rather comfortable. Just before they’re about to make another turn, something catches Floyd’s eye.
“Goldfishie, look!” He points at a particular bush, before walking towards it. Floyd pulls out a slip of paper, eagerly taking a look at it. However, much to his disappointment, it wasn’t the photo they were looking for. This photo, instead, was a selfie of the bride and groom at a place Floyd didn’t recognize. It was a horrible photo, was the first thing Floyd acknowledged. Not only was the picture blurry, but part of the groom’s thumb was covering the camera. Floyd snickered.
“This guy sucks at taking photos.” He showed the photo to Riddle, the housewarden chuckled in return. Floyd really liked that sound. It was a mix between a breathy cerise laugh, and a wine like hum. It reminded him of the color red.
“I like it.” Riddle said calmly.
“Ehhh, don’t tell me you have awful taste in photographs too?!”
“No, I agree that it is indeed a bad quality picture. However, I think all that needed to be captured had been captured.”
“What? This guy’s literally got half his thumb over the camera!”
“I meant their feelings, Floyd. Don’t you just feel the weight of their love in this one photo?”
Huh. Floyd took a closer look at the photo. Only then did he notice the small details. The singular pair of wired earphones shared between them, the matching beer moustaches above their lips, the similar colors of their shirts. The look the man gave to his wife, one that was so undeniably inlove. “Huuh, you may be right, Goldfishie. Damn, I didn’t know you had all that in that small little brain of yours.” Floyd blinked.
Then, he saw the ruby return to Riddle’s face. Yet for some reason even the gemstone couldn’t even compare to the sight. Red as he was, and mad as he was, all Floyd could see cherry on his cheeks, the Vermilion on his ears, and the scarlet on his neck. He looked absolutely breathtaking in red, Floyd thought. However, the thought was quickly turned away, scared off by his Goldfishie.
“Floyd Leech! Must you always be so rude?!” Floyd could see the anger build up in Riddle’s face. Yet there's all that was, just a guise of anger. There was no tension, no stress, not even the shaking of his hands. Riddle was not mad, he was only pretending to be angry, but Floyd still gave in. He couldn’t win against the red.
“Heheheh, sorry sorry. Anyways, let’s get back to it, alright? No more jokes, I promise.”
Sighing, Riddle turned the corner, Floyd eventually catching up to his side. The two walked together, closer than usual. Floyd could feel the warmth of the housewarden by his side. It was nice, Floyd liked it. It reminded him of the color red. It wasn’t just the red that returned, but the gentle brushes of their hands that often bumped into each other without warning. As much as Floyd liked it, he wasn’t sure if he wanted it to happen again. Every time their hands touched, it felt like a squeeze inside his heart. It wasn’t NOT red, but it just felt like there was something else, something more, something Floyd couldn’t quite uncover. It was like it took his breath away, but also made him breathe easier at the same time. It was a mahogany-like touch. It was too unfamiliar to him. Without knowing what to do, Floyd simply brought his hands above his head, crossing them. Riddle broke the silence.
“Are you bored? Is that why you’re trying to mess with me?”
Floyd tilted his head. “Bored? Why would I be bored?”
“I mean, you’re walking in a maze trying to find a photo of two people you barely even know. Not to mention, it could take hours.”
“Yeah, but I’m with you.”
“Oh.” Riddle said, before the two fell back into silence. This time, it was Floyd who chose to break the silence.
“It’s nice, ain’t it?”
“What is?” Riddle continues walking forward alongside Floyd, the faint warmth of his presence still lingering around Floyd’s side.
“Getting married. Makes ya wanna experience it too someday, don’t ya think?”
Riddle stared at Floyd, something in his gaze the merman couldn’t quite unearth.
“Yeah.” He whispered. Just then, something caught his attention
“Ah.” Floyd pointed over to a wooden bench. “Look.”
“Hm? What is it?”
Floyd walked over to the bench, and took out a slip of paper. “Found it.”
“Really?!?” Riddle rushed over, inspecting the photo in Floyd’s hands. “You’re right…” he marveled. It was the exact picture they had been shown back in the garden.
“Wait, look, Goldfishie. There’s carvings on the bench.”
Riddle leaned in, reading the words aloud. “I compare my love to you like the woodwork of this bench. No matter through rain, thunder, or even your punches, it will always stand. Whenever I look at this bench, my heart is full of you, my love.” His hands brushed over the letters. “How poetic.”
Whenever I look at this bench, my heart is full of you. Floyd never knew love could be so hidden yet so outward like that. A bench, so commonly placed in the open, yet a secret only for the two lovers to understand. The two quickly made their way back.
“Wow! You guys already found it?” The bride exclaimed. Floyd raised an eyebrow.
“Did’ya guys expect us not to?”
“No! Of course not! I just meant that you found it really early! We were expecting the game to last another hour or two!”
“Well, we found it. So, we won.”
“Hahaha! You’re right. Wait here, I’ll call everyone back.” The bride made her way off to the intercom station.
“Hey, between me and you.” The groom came up to Floyd, holding a hand up to block his own mouth from the eyes of anybody else. “Ya gotta invite us to your wedding.” His eyes shifted between Floyd’s body and Riddle’s.
Floyd only smirked, letting out an amused huff of air. “I'm serious, man! You guys are ultra cute!”
“Nah. I don’t like him like that.”
“Aww c’mon!”
“Heh.” Floyd paused, before asking. “Hey, what’s your name?”
The man blinked, before laughing out loud. “It’s Hioshi.”
The rest of the wedding was nice. It wasn’t boring, Floyd had Goldfishie by his side. He enjoyed the food this time too, trying to sneak in his fourth plate of takoyaki before Riddle eventually caught him and reprimanded him.
Yet, despite his two years in basketball training, he still failed to catch the bouquet.
Riddle and Floyd returned to school together that night. The sky was already dark, stars already uncovering themselves from the sun’s blanket. Floyd remembered looking up at the deep navy sky, yet as beautiful as the stars were that night, he’d much prefer the red by his side.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
A few months past, Floyd finds his love for the color red growing everyday. He finds it in all the nooks and crannies, in the corners and high ceilings. The Auburn in Goldfishie’s hair, the roses in his garden, the imperial red in the way he carries himself, it’s all so red, and Floyd finds himself hopelessly attracted to it.
Which is why, when the merlot walks into Mostro Lounge that evening, Floyd has no choice but to drop everything for him.
“Floyd. I’d like to talk to you,” Riddle scanned their surroundings. “Privately.”
“Really?!?” Floyd can’t help but ask enthusiastically. It was an incredibly rare sight afterall, dare he say even rarer than the red of cinnabar. “Sure, let’s go to my room. I’ll kick Jade out.”
Riddle raised an eyebrow. “Now?” He stared Floyd up and down, obviously implying his responsibility to commit to his job.
“Yeah, duh. It’s okay, I’ll just have one of the freshmen cover for me, Azul won’t mind.”
“No, it’s alright. I only need to speak with you for a few minutes.”
“Oh.” Floyd feels a sudden tug at his heart. He recognizes this well, it’s not the color red he felt a few weeks ago at the wedding. This tug was one of disappointment. “Alright.” Floyd slowly followed Riddle out of the lounge. Riddle stopped once they reached a fair distance from Mostro Lounge’s entrance, tucked away inside the small corner of Octavinelle.
“I’ve been invited to a family friend’s wedding.” Riddle started off, “Usually, it would be my parents who are in attendance. However, I’ve just received news that they are both busy with work on that day.” Floyd sees Riddle steady himself, taking a deep breath in. “So it falls on me to take the responsibility to attend in their place, I am expected to bring a plus one to help meet the minimum guest requirement. Would you like to come with me?” Floyd pauses, he wasn’t expecting that. It seems Riddle noticed his pause, nervously adding on. “Only if you want to, of course. I could ask somebody else if you aren’t—”
“What? No, don’t! I’ll go! When is it?”
“Next week, on the eighth."
“Okay, I’ll be there.”
Floyd saw the relief flood Riddle’s shoulders. He smiled, a warm, coral-like smile. “Alright.”
So, for Floyd’s fourth wedding on land, he’s uncharacteristically giddy. By now, his clothes, although still bothersome, have become a hobby for him. He likes picking outfits, he likes the additions of accessories even if it’s annoying sometimes. He doesn’t even have to think about breathing anymore. In fact, he really enjoys the gust of air.
When he meets Goldfishie at the Mirror Chamber, he’s incredibly excited. He’s wearing Floyd’s favorite color, red. His outer jacket is a satin salmon like red, his red crimson hair tucked back on the left side, while the rest of his bangs are parted into two ways like usual. The red rose that adorns his jacket only amplifies the beauty of the color red even further. It was breathtaking. Floyd smiled.
“Ya ready?” He asked. His Goldfishie only nodded before the two of them made their way through the mirrors.
This wedding is very different from the previous ones Floyd had been too. This wedding, unlike the open tables and reception, ran on a very strict program. Floyd didn’t like it, it was too restricting. He opted for lashing out, but he realized how hard that would be on Goldfishie so he had resorted to staying still.
The two were currently sat at a long white table, parallel to another table in front of them. The first thing Floyd noticed was the place card that spelt ‘Rosehearts’. It made Floyd’s heart squeeze. He was unsure of why this was, and every time he looked back at the name, the momentary pain would return.
However, he absolutely had to behave that night. The most he could do was fiddle with his legs beneath the table. Goldfishie had been uncharacteristically quiet that night, barely uttering a word. Floyd reached out underneath the table, grabbing hold of his hands and stroking it.
Goldfishie felt incredibly warm under Floyd’s touch. It was like a cordovan red bathed under the sun, but it wasn’t painful. Floyd like the feeling of Riddle’s hands entwining with his. It reminded him of the color red. He could bear the harsh burn coming from his own palm much better than when their hands merely brushed together in the maze garden.
The night passes by in an uncomfortable silence, but Floyd had Riddle’s hands to stroke so it’s okay.
The only memorable thing to Floyd was the vows.
“I know, the way we met wasn’t what you dreamed it would be. I can’t promise you the fairytale life you deserve, but I see you in every scene of my future and I can only hope you would too. My life has become a movie that stars you as the main character, in every scene without you, there is always an implication about you.”
This time, Floyd catches the bouquet. The first thing he does after landing is look over at Riddle, who was already smiling and clapping for him. Floyd could feel the spike of his heart, and the flush of his face, it was warm, it was nice. It was just a jump, a bouquet, a look, a clap, a smile, but it made Floyd feel so happy. He likes catching the bouquet, it reminded him of the color red.
Yet despite liking the bouquet so much, Floyd quickly returns it, before rushing back towards his Goldfishie.
“Congratulations, Floyd.” Floyd smiled, the warmth of red returning to both his cheeks and heart.
Too excited, he couldn’t help but blurt out, “Wanna ditch this place now?”
Riddle’s eyes widened in surprise, Floyd could see the dilation of his black pupils against the grey iris. He quickly grabbed Riddle’s hands. “I’ve had it with this place, it’s boring. C’mon, let’s go get dessert.”
“F–Floyd!”
It was the first time Floyd had ever caught a bouquet in his life, yet strangely, he feels more accomplished convincing Riddle to try snow yogurt for the first time.
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
Floyd is alone when he leaves the clothing store. It wasn’t unusual for him, he often liked shopping alone. His and Jade’s styles differed too much, and there wasn’t anyone he knew that was of his stature that he could find a common shopping place with.
But even so, Floyd didn’t mind shopping alone. It was nice. It wasn’t quiet, but nice didn’t have to mean quiet. Floyd was going to leave immediately, that is before he caught the scent of a few daisies. Curious, he walked over to find the source of the smell, only to find a couple, two women, both dressed in yellow. Floyd raised his eyebrow, was this…?
“Baby, honey, darling.” One of the girls took a deep breath in. “On our first date, you gave me a daisy, and ever since, every daisy I come across I can only think of you. But you’re more than that, more than daisies. Every flower shop I walk past, I cannot help but think of you. To me, you are better than any bouquet of daisies.”
The girl kept speaking, but Floyd zoned the rest of her words out.
Every daisy I come across I can only think of you.
Then, he hears it. The words that change the entire course of his life.
“I love you so much, will you please marry me?”
Floyd widened his eyes.
Every flower shop I walk past, I cannot help but think of you. To me, you are better than any bouquet of daisies.
My life has become a movie that stars you as the main character, in every scene without you, there is always an implication about you.
Whenever I look at this bench, my heart is full of you.
I love you so much.
This was never about the color red, was it?
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟
Floyd was an idiot. He had been calling Goldfishie his, ever since he first enrolled, how did it take him three years and a random couple on the street proposing to her girlfriend to make him realize his own feelings?
He sighed, slouching on the couch of Mostro Lounge. It was empty at this time of the night, the only one still here was his brother and Azul, with their monstrous workaholic tendencies. Well, Jade was usually alright but when he was with Azul it was a nightmare. It was like they were two infectious viruses mutated into each other, unable to let go.
When Azul’s door finally opens, Floyd lets out a sigh of relief, finally able to go home. Yet the clack of shoes is although not foreign to him, it’s ones he certainly wasn't expecting. Floyd immediately sits up, turning his head towards the door. “Goldfishie?”
“Floyd?” Riddle asks back, equally as surprised by the merman’s appearance. “I didn’t think you’d still be here.”
Floyd looked away. Even in the dark purple lounge the color red, no, Goldfishie was still dazzling. “Just didn’t feel like being alone today.” He said, voice failing to hide the anxiety dented in it.
Riddle immediately caught on, he always did. “Are you alright?” He asked. Floyd felt his heart squeeze. He was so stupidly enamoured, he didn’t even know what to do with the pain in his chest. This pain wasn’t like the color red, it was aching, it was yearning for something else, not the color red, it wanted his Goldfishie.
Floyd looked back at Riddle, only to be faced with the same face of inspection he had been faced with all those weeks ago. And to Floyd, it’s clear as day, clear as Goldfishie’s hair in the crowd of wedding guests, that Floyd has been caught. He’s been caught adoring Riddle, wanting him, loving him, all under the pretense of loving the color red. Floyd closed his eyes, bracing himself for the look of disgust, anger, blood, yet no matter how long he kept his eyes closed, it never came. Slowly, he peaked his eyes open, and what he was expecting to be fiery animosity of red was instead replaced by the warm smile of a fireplace at Christmas. The warmth immediately made it’s way into Floyd’s heart, seeping through his blood and rushing to his face. He felt hot, he was undoubtedly blushing.
“You look like Hioshi-san in that one photo.” Riddle smiled.
“Wha–?” Floyd could barely understand what Riddle was implying, his face far too red, and his brain far too fogged up from the steam of it.
“The one with his wife. The one we first found in the maze. The one full of love.” Riddle explained, still calmly smiling.
“You—” Floyd gulped, still finding the right words inside his heart. “You realize what this means right?!?”
“Of course.”
“And you’re fine with it?!”
“Well, I was expecting something more. Right now you haven’t really done anything, have you?”
“I—” Floyd choked on his own words. “You—!!” He exclaimed, still speechless and panicking from the whole ordeal.
“It’s alright, take your time.” Riddle giggled. It was a melody Floyd wanted to embed into his heart. The pounding in his heart never stopped, still loudly drumming against his ribcage. Floyd had never felt like this before. But unlike the anxious worry that had once stuffed his heart, this time, they made space for a new kind of emotion, one of hope. The nerves, anxiety and worries he had were still there, just now balanced out with a form of anticipation.
“I—” He started only to get cut off by his own choking, again. Riddle calmly listened, nodding as he leaned it. “I really like the color red.” Riddle said nothing, he didn’t react in confusion, not excitement, he only urged Floyd to continue. “I like how bright it looks. I like how it stands out. I like how it’s so much brighter here than under the ocean.” Floyd paused, unsure of what to do.
“Go on, I’m listening.”
“Atleast, that’s what I thought at first. I thought red was interesting, but the more I think about it, it only became interesting after the orientation day last year. I didn’t like red because it was bright, I didn’t care that it was the color of the princess’s hair. But I liked it because it was you.
Floyd heard the sharp inhale of Riddle’s breath.
“I wanna keep attending weddings on land with you.” Floyd said. Riddle nodded again, Floyd took it as his cue to continue and never stop. “I wanna play Musical Chairs with you. I wanna walk mazes with you. I wanna feed you takoyaki in front of Azul. I wanna ditch Jade at weddings for yogurt with you.” Floyd took a deep breath in. “And if, when the time comes, and you still want it, I’d wanna celebrate my wedding with you, Goldfishie.”
Floyd paused, taking another deep breath. “I want to be able to sit with you at tables, with the name Rosehearts labelled in front of it. I want to toss the bouquet with you. I wanna go shopping with you. I want all of it.”
Finally, Floyd spoke his last words. “I like you, Goldfishie.”
And only then, did he hear the shaky exhale of Riddle’s breath. He looked up, to find the red adorned all over Riddle’s face. It was beautiful, not because it was red, but because it was his Goldfishie.
Riddle glanced down at Floyd’s hands, slowly grabbing for them, interlacing their fingers together. “I like how big your hands feel against mine.” He started. Floyd’s heart was pounding so loud he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to hear Riddle. Desperately, he tried to calm down by taking big breaths. It didn’t work. “It makes me feel safe. I like the way you tease me. I like how you are never unwavering with your stance, and that you will refuse to compromise my safety otherwise.” Riddle brought a hand up to Floyd’s cheek, holding it. Floyd could see it, he could see the reflection of his love for Goldfishie being returned to him in his grey eyes. “I like how sharp your eyes are, even if it makes me feel so exposed.” Riddle leaned in, Floyd froze. “I would love to go to more weddings with you, Floyd, to play games, to dance under the venue. I would be honored to be the red that colors your life when things become a bore.”
Their noses were now touching, and just before any of them could lean in further, Riddle smiled. “I like you too.”
Floyd bridged the gap, closing their lips in on each other.