'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

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[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.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Riddle's hands are on Cater's shoulders still, having shoved him down onto his back, his legs still on either side of him as he continues to straddle him.

There. He's won, hasn't he? Now all he needs to do is get Cater to admit he'd lost this round. ]

How is that cheating?

[ Riddle asks, a dumb smile on his face as he looks down at Cater.

And look he does. Cater's hair a mess against the pillow, his eyes all wide - oh, it was such a delicious view for him too. ]

Who's trapped now, hmmm?

[ Big words for such a small person, but hey. Let him gloat. ]

[selfie_centered]

[ it really is nice.is trapped, isn't he? but this one is a trap of his own design, made up of the little slip-ups of honesty. those want-filled eyes calm down just a little when they flick back up to Riddle's. ]

Woopsie.

[that's right. the queen always does outrank the king, huh? not that Cater knows too terribly much about chess, but... ah, he's not so preoccupied with winning, anymore, anyway.]

Looks like you got me.

[is this right where you want him, Riddle?]

[crimsontyrant]

[ The positioning, the quiet moment between the two of them. His eyes lock with Cater's fingers curling slightly against his shoulders, against the fabric of his sweater.

While thinking about what to say, how to reply, he finds that he's once again at a loss for words. Had the mood again shifted, and he hadn't noticed?

Or was his mind playing tricks on him?

He moves, leaning down, until their faces are oh so close again. ]

Do I get a reward, too?

[ His tone is quiet, careful. As if trying to stay collected. ]

[selfie_centered]

That is what happens when someone wins, huh?

[Cater lifts his arms to drape around Riddle's shoulders as Riddle had done to him before, tilting his head to the side almost imploringly.

it's a lot, to be in a situation like this with Riddle in particular. flirting and playing with other boys isn't so risky— not just because there aren't feelings at play. but he just can't imagine Riddle being truly ready for that, isn't sure it isn't Riddle trying to play by Cater's rules.

Riddle is so very close. and it was his own idea earlier, but...

Mr. No-Straight-Answers and his hypocritical self asks a rather straightforward question.]

What kind of reward do you want?

[crimsontyrant]

[ What... kind of reward did he want?

He can feel his face burning, getting a deeper flush by the minute. His lips part, as if to respond.

The words don't come out. They can't. He can't say them. What he wants, what he really truly wants, is out of the question. Can Cater feel the heat radiating off of his face? The way his fingers grasp a little harder onto his shirt?

He can't suggest that.
Even suggesting a kiss would be too far, too much for him to say out loud.

So instead? He tries to focus, tries to come up with any words, at all. ]

A reward of... a similar kind.

[ Is the answer he settles on. And... ]

I want to feel like I did that night. Just the two of us. Where I couldn't think even if I wanted to.

[selfie_centered]

[what is
happening?

things really had changed, hadn't they? those words are as terrifying as they are alluring, but there's something else, too. Cater can tell how tough this is for Riddle. it must be.... so difficult, to reach out for affection or care. Riddle is becoming a man just the same way most of them are. Cater knows how to get his needs met, whether it has to be through trickery or settling. Riddle doesn't have opportunities like that.

and Riddle trusts him. Cater. him. it can't be wrong to want to just help the little guy out, right? nothing shameful about that.

there's no breaking the rules when both parties involved are pleased to be what they're doing. and seven, does Cater know how blissful it is not to think. who could blame Riddle for wanting to be stupid again?

Cater gently tugs Riddle closer, leaning in to murmur before he kisses him;]

If that's what you want, then...

Yes, your majesty.

[crimsontyrant]

[ There was no being careful about this. No taking a step back and thinking about the consequences. All there was were the impulses, the desires, the need to feel cared for. To be adored and loved, even if it was all just pretend.

Pretending, with someone so dear to him, who he doesn't even know how to define the relationship they had.

Does it matter?

Riddle, atop of Cater, is easy to pull closer, his forearms settling against Cater's form as he's pulled closer.

He returns the kiss, with a nervousness that's telling: he doesn't know if this is okay, or if he should stop. Cater would have surely said something if he didn't want this, but what is the proper order for these things? Should they go out for tea, have a meal together, walk in the park? There's no time to think.

Especially when he said he doesn't want to think right this second.

Finally, he kisses back with more energy, a little more passion than the last. Getting the hang of the way he enjoyed moving his own lips, the way he liked to tilt his head just right. All of it was beginning to come to him, intuitively. ]

listen i need to make mroe icons eventually but for now

[selfie_centered]

[the lucky thing about kissing is that generally, what feels uncomfortable is easy to move away from. there's only so much Riddle can do wrong, when the right spirit is behind it. effort counts for a lot when it's someone you want to kiss.

it's Cater's turn to get his hand into some fire-red locks of hair, his other hand finding purchase in the fabric on the back of Riddle's shirt. he doesn't want to think either, and so he doesn't, instead letting himself sigh into their kiss as though it's a relief, like there's some weight he's been holding on to. hungry as he is for affection, for validation, he can't help it, no matter how much he reasons that it's all to sate Riddle's starvation instead.

it's such a shame that people have to breathe, really, because Cater doesn't want to pull away.]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Oh. Oh. The hand in his hair, against his back -- it's perfect. Riddle wants to feel more of that, to enjoy more of his touch, to touch him in return, but he's still so... shy. Unsure, what's okay and what would be crossing a line.

But all he can think about, the only thought that shoves its way forward, is the way his chest burns, with the need for oxygen. He breaks the kiss. Doesn't pull back really at all, as he opens his eyes partway to look down at Cater, breathless and unable to think of what to say.

So he doesn't say a thing for a moment, thinking it through, before finally asking: ]

Is this really okay?

[ Before Cater can respond, he presses another quick little kiss against his lips, his eyes searching for some sort of reassurance. He might be breathless and a little mervous, but he can't get enough. He presses another little kiss against him, this time smaller, against the corner of his mouth, giving him room to reply. ]

For us... to be doing things like this.

[selfie_centered]

[...okay. feelings aside, nerves aside, it's starting to sound like this is something Riddle should actually... talk about. talking is terrifying and all, but Cater's not sure if it's his own nerves he's reading or Riddle's. no, he's certain there have to be nerves from Riddle here, now that he's back to thinking.

so Cater doesn't pull away, but he does try to get a better look into Riddle's eyes, bringing his hands to the back of Riddle's neck. not quite firm or anything, but not really letting Riddle look away, either.]

Are you okay with this?

[he adds, trying to keep it playful;]

Not like it's against any rules.

[— but as he jokes, he realizes... wait.

is it against any of Riddle's rules?





is Riddle trying to break rules with Cater?]

[crimsontyrant]

[ Cater's hold is soft; comforting. Those hands on the back of his neck, keeping him from looking away completely. While somewhat making it difficult to be seriously focused, it helps him look into Cater's eyes, to confront this head on.

He swallows, pushing himself to sit up slightly, but not moving hard enough that it would break their connection. ]

I...

[ How was he supposed to say this?!? His heart is pounding -- this time from nerves of a whole other kind, rather than the ones that were all the more fun.

His bottom lip shakes, just a little. ]

I want to

...but we aren't supposed to do anything like this in the dorms. And-- and... It does not fit with what I'm supposed to be doing. School, this college - it's for learning not...

[ But he wants to. Desperately, he wants to break some little rule, open up in some small way, one that's easy to conceal as another secret with Cater.

The underlying problem is, then, not that Riddle isn't interested, doesn't want to explore anything past a kiss.

Lowering his voice, to almost a whisper, he continues, ]

I want to be adored. Kissed, held. To be stupid with you.
Is that really okay?

[selfie_centered]

[Cater has an answer all planned out. he's certain it'll be the right one, that he'll put Riddle right on the right track— about how it's okay to learn about yourself at school, probably, just a real Afternoon Special vibe— but he loses the thought as soon as Riddle nearly whispers.

You really feel that way? is one of the first thoughts that occurs to him. but he remembers Riddle's answer from before.

That, and more.

oh no.

what happened? what is he done? what is he doing? he can't even accept the idea that backing out is good for both of them.

riddle wants to be adored. he deserves to be adored. it isn't fair that he isn't adored by the person who should treasure him most. Cater may be lonely, but he doesn't live in fear of his own mother.

besides. Cater already adores Riddle. that much has to be okay, because it's happening regardless.

Cater's brows knit together and he looks at Riddle like he's sad, because it is sad. It's sad that Riddle would have to ask anyone for permission to even try. but the smile under those brows is still present, and attempt at being comforting. the finger twirling a lock of Riddle's hair around it is supposed to be comforting too, though perhaps not to Riddle.]

Hey, yeah,

[he tries to be reassuring, even if he isn't terribly confident himself. because—]

It's okay.

We're not hurting anyone, right?

[crimsontyrant]

[ The two of them were so complicated. More than complicated, even. To understand them would be a feat in itself - so what were they to do, when they both didn't know what to say?

When he could throw Cater's planned words into the garbage disposal with a few words of his own, a few that he never would admit aloud if he wasn't safe like this.

Okay-- this was okay.
Even if it wasn't something his mother would approve of, he's done plenty that she wouldn't approve of during his time here. Seven, even just eating the sweets that Trey prepares would be enough to throw her for a loop.

Plus.
This could just be another secret of theirs. It would be, inevitably. Especially if-- ]

Okay.

[ He nods, a soft nod against those hands that hold him. ]

We're not. It's just us.

[ Bringing his hand up, he carefully presses his thumb against Cater's cheek, brushing it along his skin. ]

So show me a damn good time. [ Doesn't even matter WHAT they do. ]

[selfie_centered]

[what?

was Cater supposed to be thinking? was he supposed to be anxious, or something? for a second there isn't room for that— not that he'd hear his thoughts over his own heartbeat flooding his ears, or past the overwhelm of the heat rising through the all of him.

Riddle's supposed to be his innocent little sheltered underclassman— so where does he get off, sounding like that?!

Cater swallows, his throat dry all of a sudden, and nods, slow and dumb. anything he could say sounds so— stupid, or too horny, or— just, not right, but he has to say something.]

Okay.

[twisted wonderland to Cater: queenie-pie's giving an order, honey! if Riddle's asking for a good time, then Cater's got to give it to him! he slides his hands down from Riddle's neck, down to grab the lapel of his shirt, tugging gently.

in a murmur, as if to assure Riddle they won't get caught, Cater instructs;]

Kiss me again, and I will.

[crimsontyrant]

[ There's a power that Riddle holds over Cater. Yes, the obvious power that comes with being his Housewarden, but it's something else. Something that made him so perfect to fit the role of the King.

Not that Riddle would vocalize this. Not in this moment; maybe not ever.

The obvious can stay obvious, and they never need to talk about it.

Here, they come to an important fork in the road. Riddle has two choices: kiss Cater and accept his own decision, or pull back from him, back down and decide he isn't ready for any of this.



He does kiss him. It's quick, hurried, as if he's afraid they'll be caught just from a simple touch of their lips. Can Cater feel the desperation in his kiss? As if they hadn't spent minutes on that conversation, as if they'd just continued to make out and he'd gotten worked up from that - no, he's trying to push past that, to spark back that energy they'd had.

It still holds that same Rosehearts sweetness, for sure. The tenderness of a boy who just wanted to love and be loved, without needing to ask.

Well, Cater? Your move. ]