Chapter Text
Locking himself in his room. Working himself until he passes out. Refusing to eat except for lunch, when his friends are able to get him to eat. Avoiding his vice. Skipping dates with his boyfriend. Something was wrong, terribly wrong.
“Riddle? I brought you a tart if you want it. I know you have housewarden duties you need to complete, but please at least try to eat something.” Trey Clover stood just outside his room, holding a strawberry tart.
“Just leave it outside. I’ll come get it in a bit.” The redhead shook his head, focusing on the pile of paperwork sitting in front of him. “I just need to finish these forms.”
“If you say so Riddle. I’ll see you at the housewarden meeting tonight.”
He’d forgotten that there was a meeting that day. What was it even about? He knew that vice housewardens were expected, and that the Prefect wasn’t to be there, both highly unusual. Either way, he needed to get through the rest of the paperwork dealing with the aftermath of Malleus’ overblot. There was always so much work to get through after the overblots.
He’d begun feeling dizzy, and was beginning to see stars for some reason. He knew what that meant, but ignored it. He’d just push through it like he always did. He was stronger than this. Needed to get everything done or else. Had to get it done...
“riddle - Riddle - RIDDLE!”
“W-what the...?”
He was surrounded completely by people. His friends, his vice, his boyfriend. Jamil and Ruggie were sitting next to him, helping him sit up. Kalim, Azul, and Silver all stood near his feet. Trey was at his desk, sorting his papers into two piles. Cater was helping him. Jade was apparently keeping Floyd from tackling Riddle. Ace and Deuce stood in the doorway, worried looks on their faces.
“Housewarden? Are you alright?” Deuce looked over at him, hesitating.
“Yes. I’m fine.”
Jamil glared at him. “Oh my Seven. Riddle Rosehearts you are not in any way shape or form alright. When you didn’t come to the housewarden meeting, Trey sent Rugglie and I back here to check on you. You’ve been unconcious for who knows how long and who knows why.”
“It’s nothing new. I believe it happens about once a week if I’ve been tracking it correctly.”
“Once a week?! Riddle that’s not normal!” Kalim rushed over, putting a hand to Riddle’s forehead and feeling his pulse.
“I’m afraid I must agree with Kalim. That’s not normal at all.” Azul didn’t move, but looked down at him concerned.
“Exactly. You shouldn’t be going unconsious normally. And don’t even compare it to my sleeping spells, those are entirely different.” Silver moved to offer his hand to Riddle.
“Well, either way, I believe there is a housewarden meeting I need to attend.”
“Its been postponed, we texted the other housewardens when we got here and we all agreed to postpone the meeting till tomorrow.” Ruggie deadpanned.
“How in the sevens did you get Crowley to agree to that?”
“You think Crowley can do anything? We pretty much run the school ourselves Riddle.” Kalim’s cheery voice slightly lightened the mood.
“Besides, the third year housewardens would make sure that he postponed it. And if they didn’t we would.” Jade spoke, Floyd grinning.
“Can I cuddle Goldfishy now? He’s awake.”
“Once the rest of us leave, we’re leaving you to make sure he sleeps.” Azul smiled.
“Floyd...”
“No arguments Riddle. We know what you’ll do if we don’t leave one of us here.” Silver spoke.
“Trey and Cater are here-”
“No. You haven’t been letting us help Riddle. Its best to let Floyd stay. Besides, we will be finishing this paperwork for you.” Trey and Cater shared a look.
“You can’t really fight it Housewarden.” Ace grimaced.
“Hehe~ Goldfishy’s gonna be with me tonight~”
“Floyd...”
“Goldfishy, you know we care about you. I care. So I’m staying here.”