'cause you're my king and I'm your lionheart

[selfie_centered]

♦️🌹

and in the sea that's painted black
creatures lurk below the deck
but you're a queen and I'm a lionheart

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[selfie_centered]

[Cater doesn't speak at first. Just shakes his head, a flutter of ginger waves.]

No.

[There's a gravity to it. A reverence, perhaps. Because more than any of those stupid hormonal feelings, he hasn't grasped what he'd do in this situation, when Riddle really needs him— maybe not him, specifically, but someone, because of all the things that Riddle's mother wasn't. has Cater imagined it? certainly. he's had to. wanted to. wanted to be the person that he wasn't before, for someone who deserved it. for someone who never deserved the person he was being before.

for someone who almost died, because all Cater ever did before was run away.


but imagining isn't really the same as doing, and Cater isn't perfectly sure what he is doing, aside from being honest. because Riddle needs someone to be honest.

because he deserves someone to be honest, even when it's uncomfortable. because he deserves someone to actually recognize the work he puts in.]

For real.

I wouldn't say you've been doing better if you weren't, okay?

You've been putting in a ton of hard work, queen!

[ he's finding his confidence the more he speaks, throwing a little animation into it. balling his free fist up, cheering with it at 'queen'. ]

I know you'd hear me out! I'm cool with it.

[he is, of course, too dense, to self-abandoning, to imagine that some of the things he ought to voice are things that have to do with his own comfort as opposed to anyone else's but don't think too hard about that!

what he is thinking about, is how to hook Riddle in, get him to take the bait and trust him.

...that's right.

Cater pulls his hand away to instead offer a hooked pinky.]

Pinky promise.

[do not think about how they absolutely fucked up their first one. totally doesn't count.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Difficult as it was to untangle his heart, his feelings, to push aside any hormonal desires or needs in favor of understanding how he felt, Riddle finds himself sat there watching Cater, both awaiting his answer and then following as he begins to gain more and more of that confidence.

There is, undoubtedly, something missing. A reassurance of Cater's own comfort in the situation. Not just was he okay with this but did he want this? They're words that Riddle struggles to speak, struggles to bring to life in his current state, trying to listen and understand.

Then there's that hooked pinky, outstretched for him.

And he laughs. Quiet, incredulous, amused in all senses of the word at how much of a silly boy Cater was at times. ]

...

You're a fool, Cater.

[ Riddle's hand comes up, his pinky hooking with Cater's easily, accepting that. Trusting him, for the moment. Either of them could fuck this up within seconds. Riddle wants to trust that they won't. That this will work out, whatever 'this' is.

He keeps their pinkies hooked, offering Cater a smile, finally, on the tail end of that little laugh.

... It's nice.

To have someone play the fool, in a way that is so very endearing rather than frustrating. Or maybe, just maybe, it's because of who is playing the fool, that Riddle doesn't mind it.

Would it be different, if it weren't Cater?
How different would this moment be, if it were, say, Trey?

Riddle's gaze is focused, on their linked pinkies. A fond, quiet and distracted gaze.

Cater knew just what to say, didn't he? ]

[selfie_centered]

[It's probably better that Riddle can't manifest the words he's looking for. they're not really words Cater is ready to confront. the confident, secure Cater that he's always presented to Riddle doesn't have answers for him, and that's not really Riddle's fault.

but right now, as it is? Cater is so happy to be called a fool. so happy to hear Riddle's laugh. so sure he's said exactly what his queen needs to hear.

so thoughtlessly, blissful for just a moment in his little victory, happy little Cater just stares at their linked pinkies and smiles, giving Riddle's a squeeze.]

Well, I'm pretty sure the Queen's court had to have a jester at some point.

What do you think?

[flashing Riddle a grin, he tilts his head to the side. just to seal the deal. has to have the follow through. ham it up a little longer, and Riddle might get a little stronger.]

Am I the right guy for the job?

[crimsontyrant]

[ Is Cater's history a little rusty? Yes, the Queen had a jester of some kind... sort of. But that person couldn't be Cater. No, that person was never Cater, as foolish as he was.

There was one other, who Cater fit the role of.

Almost instantly, as Cater's asking with that dopey grin on his face, Riddle shakes his head, a quick little shake to showcase his opinion on the matter. ]

No, I don't believe so.

[ Riddle squeezes back, lifting his eyes to look at Cater, and bringing a hand up to his chin in thought. ]

You're more similar to the King of Hearts.

Her trusted confidant, the one she would listen to no matter what. The only one who could change her mind, to force her hand to be a little more gentle, a little more kind.

[ Riddle only seems to realize what he's saying after the words leave his lips.

Ah.
He-- totally didn't mean it in any weird way. Please, Cater, don't take it weird.

His grip tightens, as he tries to keep his heartbeat steady.
No, he's not like, asking for your hand in marriage, but he's also not not??? Seven save him. ]

[selfie_centered]

[ Cater does take it in a weird way, perhaps, but maybe not the way Riddle expects.

there's nothing but pure surprise in his eyes. not overwhelming. just the clear and present vibe that Riddle has said something that Cater has never even thought to consider before. disgust or concern or whatever else Riddle is worried about can't even begin to occur to him.]

That's— how you think of me?

[it's not that he thinks Riddle is lying. Riddle wouldn't lie. not to him. not about this. it wouldn't make any sense. there are no stakes. so it doesn't sound accusatory; just as innocent as anyone asking a question about something they don't know.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Riddle did this to himself. He's the one on trial right now, but not a trial like in the Queen's court. No risk of being beheaded.

This is a trial of feelings, of honesty. A love trial?

All he can do is nod, a quick, curt nod. Then, he's lifting his chin up, avoiding looking at Cater, despite how their pinkies are still locked together so tightly. ]

That and more.

[ His voice is quiet, as if he doesn't want Cater to actually hear him admit that.

It's weird! It's embarrassing!! It's totally how one should think of a friend, right?? Right. ]

sorry for sending you a 'they said the title of the movie' tag but

[selfie_centered]

I—

[Cater's brows knit, one quirked in a stupid way, his smile sheepish and— shy. a rare thing to let show. Selfie-centered Cater Diamond? shy? surely not. and yet, he admits;]

I don't think I know what to say to that.

[but for all his attempts at honesty still comes the damage control;]

B-but— not that you should take it back, or anything. No backsies.

[crimsontyrant]

[ In those books he reads, this would be the moment where one character kisses the other. Where they embrace in a way that seals the reality of their relationship, whatever it may be.

As much as Riddle cannot keep his mind from wandering there, he also will not make that move. Not right now.

Instead, ]

Then, [ Riddle releases his pinky finally, leaning back some. ] Don't say anything. It isn't as if I asked for a response. All I was doing was being honest; you may be a fool, but the role of a jester wouldn't fit you. Simple as that.

[ BUT IT'S NOT NEARLY THAT SIMPLE!!!! ]

[selfie_centered]

[it's not. it's not so simple. wouldn't it be nice though, if it was?

but Riddle said it himself. he didn't ask for a response. and that slight little permission, that loophole, is what Cater slips through like a cunning little dormouse as he pushes himself up onto the bed with Riddle.]

Well, I'm king of the bed now, and I'm pretty sure it's almost time for lights-out.

So!

[he crawls in, starting to pull back the blankets, and cues;]

Time to get cozy! King Cater's orders~

[he winks. King Cater's alllll your fault, Riddle.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Pff-- okay, Riddle will regret that later. For now? He stifles another small laugh, shifting to move off of the blanket, to let Cater pull them back.

Then, he's shuffling in, to get under them and get comfortable in the bed, already getting cozy, but

There's something else he wants.
Something more than just laying next to each other in bed.

He moves, reaching out to grab onto Cater's sleeve, of that sweater, to try and pull him closer. ]

I was not kidding-- I'm cold. It's your turn to take care of that, is it not?

[ Asking directly, without beating around it, while still... somewhat asking indirectly. He's mastered this, truly. ]

[selfie_centered]

[with the blankets pulled halfway over as though he'd planned to, perhaps, throw them over the both of them, Cater finds himself pulled a little closer. he can't help but think Riddle's asking for more than just a cuddle.

maybe it's terrible of him to wonder that. well, it's fine. he still thinks he's the jester. he can play it off as a joke.

Cater leans in close, twisting some of Riddle's earlier words against him.]

Careful,

[asshole. he can give a mean bedroom eye when he wants to.]

I might start wondering what kind of sleepover you're really here for.

[punctuated with a wink. see, queen? he's just joking.



unless.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Just because Riddle was amicable and in an okay mood, especially after Cater's reassurance, did not mean that Cater had permission to get that close, twist his words, use them against him in a way like this.

Riddle opens his mouth to speak, his eyes narrowing in annoyance.

His hand comes up to Cater's face, pressing to his cheek in a way that might seem intimate at first-

But then he shoves him. ]

Idiot.

[ He's not completely mad. It's more of a playful annoyance, if that makes sense? It's easy to tell he isn't actually angry, with the tone of his voice, the way he shoves Cater rather than threatens him. ]

Must you make such comments???

[ And now his other hand is pushing at his shoulder, shoving him lightly to prove his point.

Ignore that his cheeks got a little pinker, okay??? That's nothing. ]

[selfie_centered]

[how could Cater possibly resist any indication of play from Riddle Rosehearts? the guy deserves to play and Cater Diamond is up for a playdate any time anywhere. mostly.

even past that, it's totally not the reaction Cater expected. Cater's possibility predictions were so thrillingly off base. so he laughs, taken aback, and leans into it— both literally and figuratively.]

Whaaaat~? It's not against any of my rules.

[he returns Riddle's shove— gentle, testing, like a puppy testing another for a game.]

[crimsontyrant]

King of the Bed's rules are trumped by the Queen's rules, are they not?

[ Riddle's little declaration is followed by another push, a squirm of his smaller form, already gearing up to all but pounce Cater, if he keeps pushing back.

Hell, he's already shifting his weight, sitting up partially so he can look down at Cater better. ]

... Or must we fight, to see whose rules reign supreme, in this uncharted territory?

[ A direct challenge, a hint of fire in those bright blue eyes. He's Ready, he's... having a good time, being stupid with Cater.

Besides. No one will know, right? It's just them, just another time to bond and spend together. ]

[selfie_centered]

[Cater's so overcome with amusement and surprise that getting the physical highground on him is easy. he's incredulous, listening to Riddle talk like this, so much so that the idea that Cater probably shouldn't be as into it as he is fails to occur to him.

playfighting so outranks whatever dumb thoughts his brain wants to keep jumping back to!!]

You're really gonna fight me on this one? Might be the Queen's castle, but it is the King's bed!

[he levels Riddle with this mischievous, almost dark sort of smile that Riddle probably rarely sees thrown his way. he is so very serious about their very unserious playfighting, and reaches out to grab Riddle's wrist with a surprisingly firm hold.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Upper body strength isn't a spot that Riddle excels in. However... he doesn't pull back when his wrist is grabbed. He's going to use that against Cater, just you watch! ]

I am. How else would we define the rules, to make sure they're set in stone?

[ Riddle's leg moves, to allow him to use what actual strength he does have, to push and shove. The leverage of his own wrist being grabbed? Yeah, he'll use that, falling into Cater and squirming to get atop him.

Or, whatever this position ends up being, with one of his hands grabbing his shoulder, the other trying to claim Cater's own wrist, and his legs straddling one of Cater's thighs.

Totally helping with the dumb thoughts. Yeah. ]

[selfie_centered]

[wait, now, Cater didn't think he was underestimating Riddle or anything, but it's become immediately clear that his calculations were... wrong.]

Hey— I'm not gonna just go down without a fight, y'know!

[of course, Riddle would have the upper hand against any one person. against any one Cater on his own.

that just means Cater needs back up.

a twist of his finger— his magical pen's nearby enough, he's in a good mood, it's fine— a wink, and suddenly Cater is also speaking into Riddle's ear.

an arm goes around Riddle's waist, and the Cater beneath Riddle has to acknowledge this is a great view, actually.]

Ooh, wait, I've got the perfect line for this one.

"Checkmate."

[crimsontyrant]

[ Suddenly, the tides have turned. Riddle all but squeaks as he feels the arm around his waist, the sound of Cater's voice in his ear.

How was this fair?! ]

Hey-!

[ It isn't as if Riddle couldn't collar the Split Card to make it go away, but his own pen is tucked away, too far for him to justify using his UM, especially with how recent his Overblot was.

Not that the thought even crosses his mind. No, instead, he's squirming, trying to get his wrist free and to manuever to push at the Split, to get himself free from the arm there.

... But he's stuck. ]

That isn't fair...!

[ He finally exclaims, face flushed from the contact, simple as it may be. ]

I can still. Get free. And win!

[ Says Riddle, currently leaning back towards the Cater behind him, his eyes flicking from the one under to the space over his shoulder where he can see the other. He's seeking out a weak spot, give him a second.

Or don't. ]

[selfie_centered]

[but the Cater behind Riddle throws his other arm around Riddle, too, absolutely giggling in delight.]

I don't think you're gettin' anywhere, pal~

[is it bold to tease Riddle Rosehearts so blatantly? maybe. maybe Cater's forgotten Riddle's supposed to be anything different than anyone else. well, he is different, sure, but not in the way that Cater has to be afraid of upsetting him.

the idea Riddle would collar him? over this? is just as far from his mind as it is from Riddle's.

the Cater beneath Riddle starts to sit up as much he can, grabbing on to Riddle's waist and his own other self's arm for support, the two of them trying to crowd their tiny little housewarden.]

C'mon~ I thought you said I was supposed to warm you up, anyway?

[is he being a bit of a menace? is he testing boundaries? sure.

but Riddle will make it clear if Cater needs to cut it out. he always does. so for now, a little joke's just a little joke.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Oh.

Oh, this was.
Not bad. It wasn't an unpleasant position to be in, sandwiched between two Caters. In fact, it is pretty warm--

But that's besides the point. As it stands, Riddle is practically tangled between them both, straddling one leg of the one under him, his own legs pressed so close, so tight, so near. His waist, grabbed, and, while he does have his hands free for the most part... he can't do anything against two of them. ]

You cheated.

[ Can Cater handle this? The attack of the cute little pout, something so childish, so free, that maybe it really is difficult to remember his current compny is Riddle Rosehearts.

Riddle shifts, trying to shuffle to help the Cater under him get comfortable. As far as he's concerned, they're still "fighting"- but it wouldn't be fair to make Cater ache in any awkward positioning. ]

Are you not going to take responsibility for it? The game's hardly fair when one person cheats. That should be a loss.

[ ... Except it's King Cater's rules, isn't it? ]

[selfie_centered]

[oh, he can handle it. the selfish part of him, at least. Riddle adjusts and Cater takes advantage of it, shifting just enough so that he can lean his chin against Riddle's chest and look up at that cute little pout of his. he can't exactly wrap his arms around both Riddle and himself, so instead his hands rest on Riddle's sides. One-and-a-half hugs is still more than one.]

I don't know about that.

[the Cater leaning over his shoulder adds;]

I don't remember any rules about it being me against you.

[he wonders when Riddle will really tell him to stop. when this will become too much again? it certainly doesn't seem like too much yet. Back to the Cater mostly-in-front-of-Riddle;]

And it's just me!

That's my defense, your majesty.

[crimsontyrant]

[ See, Cater was a smart boy, despite the attitude he tends to present to the world. The loophole was obvious to him, clear as day. He'd caught Riddle between--

Well, himself and himself.

There's a little huff that Riddle sighs out, bringing his arms up to rest them over the Cater in front of and under him's shoulders, wrapping them loosely around. ]

Fine; I concede.

I didn't specify that it had to be just one of you.... and this is warm.

[ His voice falls a little quieter, at the admittance he makes, his pout gone and vanished, as if it had never been there in the first place.

Did-- did the two have to press so close to him, though?! The arms around his waist, the hands on his sides...???? Surely the Cater with his chin on his chest can feel the beating of his heart pick up, no? ]

[selfie_centered]

[led into sense of victory by the weight of Riddle's arms on his shoulder, Cater falls into a dopey grin— both of him. even he can't believe he's gotten away with so much.

Riddle is so soft in his arms, but Cater knows it has to end sometime (right?) so he aims for one last bit of mischief.]

Yay~ Another win for Cay-cay!

Do I get a reward?

[both Caters smirk a little, the one at Riddle's back leaning his temple against Riddle's. the Cater in front of Riddle bounces his brows.

he knows how this plays out, probably. Riddle scolds him, shoves him away, they laugh and get to bed. and that's fine! that's a reward in itself...

[crimsontyrant]

[ Cater's expectations have been wrong almost each and every time today. Maybe it's the way they're acting together, or the way the Caters are pressed against him, but the only 'reward' that Riddle can think of...

He isn't actually adverse to offering.

He knows what game Cater is playing at, with that stupid little facial expression. He shouldn't give into it.

And yet. ]

It would only be fair.

[ Here, he'll help. One hand is brought up, finger pressed under the Cater in front's chin, to lift his head a little. To bring their faces closer together.

And, then? He'll press a careful kiss against his lips.
Like, you know. A friend does. ]

[selfie_centered]

[if it had been a tactic to get the better of Cater, it really would have worked. as it is it still works.

the touch of Riddle's finger under Cater's chin stills him, and the kiss— well, maybe it's because he's been startled or maybe it's the shift of focus or maybe he just can't watch himself get kissed— but the Cater behind Riddle disappears into a fit of sparkles and cards.

and then Cater is free to let his fingers curl in the sides of Riddle's shirt, to relax against their kiss like some kind of sucker. he is a sucker, one who'd be totally vulnerable if not for the fact Riddle has no ill intent.]