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Love.
What a silly thing.
A thing Riddle was never meant to achieve. Perfection took place far higher than his feelings.
Even if he did feel love, he was meant to ignore it for the sake of the life that is not truly his, even when he's so far away from his mother.
Yet, he reached out and grabbed the hand of the one who made his heart beat faster.
"Wait," he said quickly. The man paused, then turned to look at him.
Then at their hands. Then back at him.
"Yes? Do we have anything further to-"
"I wish to go with you."
There was a beat or two of silence.
"Are you certain? I can most definitely handle this on my—"
Riddle squeezed, "I want to go with you, Azul."
And Azul looks confused for a moment.
Then, he gave a smile that made his stomach feel weird and fluttery.
"Alright. Let's go, then."
Azul didn't pull his hand away. Nor did Riddle.
Fighting alongside him was... fun.
Riddle had so much fun. He would never admit that, though.
When they fought alongside eachother in STYX, Riddle was so happy.
So happy he couldn't help but hug him. But laugh in pure joy.
Azul was surprised for a moment. Then laughed with him, hugging him back.
"We did it, Azul! We really did it..!"
"Ahaha- we did! We did it, Riddle!"
Riddle was so happy, Azul was so happy.
Riddle was so happy to be with him. Azul was happy to be with him, too.
Despite being cold-blooded, Azul's embrace felt warm.
When they got out, when they saved Idia, Riddle was still... so happy.
This was the only time he'd have this opportunity, so...
Before Azul left. Once more, he grabbed Azul's hand.
"Wait," He said again, although he was embarrassing to face this request with the color of his hair faded away. He could not look his absolute best like this, but it'd have to do.
Azul paused and turned, "Yes? Do we have anything else to discuss?"
But Azul isn't really asking. He knows there is.
"I erm... I apologize for saying this without looking my best, but..."
He felt so... nervous. Embarrassed. What if Azul did not- what if he didn't even like boys?
And what would his mother say?
It doesn't matter, the words fall out before he can doubt himself further.
"I enjoyed... fighting with you and being by your side," a deep breath, "I wanted to know if..."
His mouth felt dry, his hands shook a little, too.
But Azul was patient. He even turned all the way and placed his other hand over Riddle's.
Oh, he felt dizzy. His cheeks felt hot and his heart beat faster than should be possible. Azul should know what he's trying to say by now! He's certain!
"You- if I— if we could, um..." He's never felt this way in his life— he's much more articulate than this, they both know that. Can't Azul spare him and just answer?!
He has to face these feelings properly, though. He had to say them now, there would be no other chance like this, he's sure.
"I... would like to- um.. da.. d— erm.. go... on a date with— with you?" How he managed to force those words out is a miracle. He feels woozy, and—
"I..."
When Riddle opened his eyes— when in the world had he closed them?— he saw it. Blush creep onto Azul's face, as if he had not anticipated him to actually say it.
"That sounds..." Azul swallowed, "nice— er, no, that sounds... lovely." He was definitely more composed than Riddle was, but still a bit flustered nonetheless.
"And... for the record, I... believe you look... just as beau— beautiful as you... always do."
And oh, Riddle feels like he's been shot in the heart.
This isn't just something he can get over. This isn't some crush.
This is... this must be what love is.
Yes, Riddle finds himself speechless at Azul's smile. And he finds himself in love with it.
This is most definitely, without a doubt, love.