Synopsis: Where your fellow first-year besties decide your love life (which is still on crush stage btw) is legally binding—and extremely relevant to them.
Characters: Azul, Riddle (Romantic); Ace, Deuce(Platonic); Gender Neutral Reader
Tag: Fluff, Attempt at humor, talks of marriage
Comments: In my country, teenagers (and sometime adults), refer to their bestie's crush as "my future bro/sis-in-law" to tease them. This was inspired by the same thing. I'm gonna write for other first years as well. Though it might take some(lot) time.
Ace and you were walking down the hall together. Classes had ended for the day, which meant you two were free to do whatever you want.
"What do you want to do now?"
You blinked at your friend's question. You looked up at the ceiling in thought.
"Maybe go visit the cafeteria for a snack. I'm getting hungry."
A small growl from your stomach supported your statement.
"May I recommend visiting Mostro Lounge if you are hungry?"
You jumped. Ace jumped. Azul smiled.
"We are providing 40% discount this week on certain dishes like [favorite food]", the merman adjusted his glasses, his gaze fixed on you. "But for a few lucky customers, everything is free."
"And…", his full attention made you a little shy and self conscious, yet you couldn't bring yourself to break the eye contact. "… how does one become this 'lucky customer'? "
"That information is on need-to-know basis. To know more, how about a visit to Mostro Lounge's VIP room this evening, Prefect?"
This was obviously sus. But for some reason, it didn't feel like a scam. Also, getting to spend more time with Azul was tempting. That's why—
You found yourself agreeing.
Azul grinned. It wasn't often that you saw him smiling so freely. You felt your lips mirror his.
"Do I get a free meal too, Azul-senpai?"
The voice snapped you out of whatever trance you were in. The fact that Ace was also there had totally slipped your mind. A swift glance at Azul told you that he had forgotten as well.
But he was quick to regain his composure. He smiled his usual businessman smile, however it wasn't directed at you. Instead, it was directed at Ace.
"Of course, we can come to an agreement regarding that Ace-san. How about visiting Mostro Lounge as well?" his smirk was back now. "Floyd will be thrilled to have you there."
"Never mind! I'm good," Ace grumbled.
Azul adjusted his glasses once again. "Well then, I'll be off. Prefect, do remember my offer."
He gave you one of those soft smiles again and left.
For a couple of minutes there was silence. Then—
"Hmm? " You hummed not even looked at Ace, eyes still following the hallway a certain octopus disappeared down.
"When you marry Azul, will I get family discount as his brother-in-law?! "
Your brain made a sound like screeching tires. You slowly turned towards the oorang-head boy.
"Like Cmon, he definitely treats his family way better, right?" Ace asks, leaning towards you. "You gotta make sure he extends those benefits to me as well! As your closest sibling-like-friend an all!"
"Ace… " you give him a bewildered look. "… what are you talking about? "
"Oh~? Don't give me that look Prefect, " he teased, his smirk widening. "I saw the way you two looked at each other. You guys were flirting with just your eyes."
Warmth crept up your cheeks. "We were so not—"
"C'mon, he only had eyes for you. I felt like a third wheel! "
"He doesn't like me like that! "
"But you want him to, right? "
Ace took your flustered silence as a personal victory.
"But seriously, will you ask him about the in-law benefits—"
"... And that's how you solve this", Riddle said, putting his pen down and glancing up at Deuce and you.
"Ohhh", you and your blue-haired friend exclaimed in unison.
Deuce picked up the notebook.
"You make it so easy to understand Housewarden."
Riddle huffed, smiling a bit.
"He's right, Riddle-senpai, " you smile at the redhead sitting across from you. "We're so lucky we have you."
Riddle's smile widens, red hue on his cheeks growing. He clears his throat in an attempt to regain composure. A quick glance at the clock has him standing up.
"It's time for dorm leader's meeting", he says picking up his things from the table. " I expect you first years to keep studying sincerely for the upcoming test."
"Yes, Housewarden/Riddle-Senpai", Deuce and your voices intertwined.
Riddle nods at both of you and walks towards the door to leave the room. But before he can completely leave the room he glances back.
"Also, " he begins, the red hue returning on his face, "you are welcome to come to me anytime, for any problem you have."
One might think he's speaking to Deuce and you, both. But the way he kept eye contact with you, smiling gently told a different story. A warmth creeps in your chest.
The door closes behind him.
It's quiet for a few seconds. It's broken by Deuce turning to look at you.
That snaps you out of the daze you were in. You look at him, caught off-guard.
"N-No, I'm not", you stammer. The embarrassment of being caught smiling like an idiot is enough for you to cover your face with your hands.
"I'm usually slow on uptake like this, " Deuce starts, smiling at you, "but even I can tell how much you like housewarden Riddle. "
You groan, hands still covering your face.
“…So that means…” Deuce continued, thinking out loud, “if you marry him… and you’re basically like my sibling…”
“…he’ll be my brother-in-law.”
You dropped your hands, staring at him.
“WHO is whose brother-in-law?!”
Deuce blinked. “Well, since you’re like family to me, that makes Housewarden Riddle my brother-in-law when you get married.”
"Please do invite to me to your wedding, Prefect!"
His face suddenly turns alarming.
"Wait—are there in rules regarding this? I want to best groomsman/bridesman at your wedding and the best uncle to your—"
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