'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

CODE

Comments

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.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ If Riddle were someone who tended to have ill intent, this would be different. He'd use this to his advantage, use Cater's vulnerability against him. Instead...

This was something Riddle wanted to do, something that kept pushing at his mind. He missed their kiss, the taste of the other boy.

... Which is a totally normal thing to think about a friend.

Riddle shifts, moving his leg so he can fully properly straddle Cater's lap, using his hold on him as leverage to do so. Simply because it's more comfortable. Yeah. Totally. Ignore how he tilts his head to press further into the kiss, how he shuffles closer and tries to press his whole front up against Cater's.

This is fine. ]

[selfie_centered]

[ it's happening again. why is it happening again? how is it happening again? but Cater isn't strong enough to keep things simple, to not fall into the comforting lead Riddle gives. it is fairly more comfortable like this. Cater can wrap his arms around Riddle himself, can lean a little more into their kiss, palms against Riddle's back.

if Riddle's at all worried about any idication Cater doesn't want this, he won't find it; instead Cater responds like bringing Riddle in closer is a reflex he can't deny.

it wasn't exactly a stated answer to his question of what Riddle wants... but it is an answer. one Cater can give into easily. it's easier to tell the part of him that wants to book it to shut up when the reward is so high.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Had Cater considered that he's somewhat addicting?? The feel of his lips, the touch of his hands, everything about him was so irresistible to Riddle, in a way he can't describe, can't understand himself.

One of his own hands moves to tangle in Cater's hair all over again. Deja vu, anyone? Either way-- his opposite hand presses in against Cater's upper back, as if they could get even closer somehow.

He does however break the kiss before they get too focused on it, to catch his breath, to focus himself. ]

How is that for a reward...?

[selfie_centered]

[Cater can barely consider anything. there's so little thought in his head when he pulls away from Riddle to look at him, eyes half-lidded, chasing the taste of Riddle's kiss with an absent-minded lick of his own lips.

Riddle... Riddle holds Cater like he wants him close. that could get addicting. but through the haze, as his thoughts catch up to him, Cater minds;]

It's, uh.

Supes rewarding, actually.

[was he supposed to be getting the better of Riddle here? he's forgotten.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Riddle does look a little smug, as if he felt like he was winning their little game. Because he was; he'd caught Cater off guard, distracted him.

Only now is he realizing he can use that to his advantage. With their differing size, he's at a disadvantage if Cater used that against him, so...

A sneaky little smile, and he releases Cater's hair, instead moving both hands back to his shoulders. ]

Good, because you're going to lose round two.

[ Hope Cater's ready to be pushed. ]

[selfie_centered]

—Huh?

[Cater only manages to get out a stupid noise before he's shoved down, just the way Riddle expects.]

Whoa, hey, what was that about cheating?!

[he laughs as he falls back, hands reaching to grasp Riddle's arms—

and then suddenly he's just a mess of ginger hair against a pillow, staring up at Riddle with wide eyes.

this is... this is not a bad view. it's bad, probably, bad for him, bad for their pretense at propriety— but oh, not bad to look at at all.]