It's irrational, he knows, feeling like he'd never experience this. He knew he had the capability of love, knew that there was no reason someone could love him back...but he had always held himself away from it, too afraid of losing something before it ever happened. With Idia, it doesn't matter. All that anxiety, he'd rather just try and not risk losing his chance.
"Of course," he replies, really choking up now as he listens to the sound of Idia's heartbeat. "Of course I will. Let's face the main plotline together."
This goes far beyond co-op play, persisting past controllers being set aside and a console powered off. It's life experience, something Idia never imagined he'd have. With distant parents and his own grief, he knows his emotional growth is stunted, yet with Cater he feels like he's suddenly gone from a single chip to a full setup... no, from a sprout to a blooming plant, because he feels alive in a way he hasn't for so long.
"We need to finish cleaning up," he says softly, smiling through his tears and not making a move to do anything but continue holding Cater.
"We keep saying that, don't we?" When Cater laughs this time, it's a much more real sound, soft and a little giddy. He can't believe that this is actually happening--he can't believe, after three years, he and Idia...!
"Here, pass me the washcloth. I promised to get you." Until it's shoved in his hand, though, he doesn't plan on moving, either. The whole thing feels so surreal, dreamlike. He needs to be sure that the whole thing doesn't come apart the second their bodies aren't coiled around one another.
After one last gentle squeeze, Idia releases him and passes the washcloth over with a gentle, only slightly teary smile. They've gone all pruny in the fingers and the water is starting to cool a bit but it's fine. Idia will never forget this moment. This is a side of Cater only he gets to see, though he does hope it will help his boyfriend(!) feel better and more honest in his daily life, just as Cater has helped him begin to step out of the gloom.
"This questline definitely took an unexpected turn, huh?" Boy, that's an understatement. "Could've been a bad end but we chose exactly the right dialogue options."
Before he starts washing Idia, he can't help reaching up and brushing at his cheeks. The tears and the shower water are so intermingled they're hard to discern, but the gesture is soft and sweet just the same. Cater wants to kiss him, but he knows if he does he might not stop. Later, later.
"Thank the seven, too. I feel like I was going to mess that one up, for sure." Adding more soap to the washcloth that's becoming thoroughly waterlogged, he starts to scrub Idia down--he's soft and careful, but not quite as sensual as he would be, just by virtue of how long they've spent in the shower by this point. "But I feel so relieved. The Great Idia Shroud noticed me!"
The last statement is given much more playfully, laughing as he makes soapy circles on Idia's abdomen, barely stopping from glomming back onto him for the umpteenth time.
"It was hard not to notice you with that super-cheerful disposition and S-tier extroversion, mask or not." Idia chuckles, letting himself enjoy the pampering. "You wouldn't be denied, but it paid off in the end. For both of us."
He's still reeling over the fact that they're officially together. Looking at today on their private schedule earlier, he'd never thought this turn could ever happen, ending the day with a boyfriend wasn't anywhere close to his wheelhouse. Are they supposed to announce it to others, so no one else hits on Cater? (Idia doubts he has to worry about people hitting on him, Cater is the only one with the prerequisites to see Idia Shroud as lover material.) "What do we do about our classmates? Should they know, or do you think they'd... freak out?"
"You're right, I definitely wasn't going to let you ignore me." If nothing else, he would've continued being a thorn in Idia's side all the way up until graduation, at least to the best of his ability. The real surprise is that Idia had finally opened the door for him. Once that had happened, it's like everything had just fallen into place.
Cater hums as he thinks on the next question, shifting to get Idia's back. For a second, he can't help lingering on that scar again--but it still feels like a bad time. Maybe later, when they're in each others arms. "It's up to you, really. I didn't want to let anyone get too close but ultimately, I don't care what people think of me."
The friendly, flirt clout-chaser. He needs to work on opening up and being honest with the people around them, and part of that could definitely be having a candid relationship with Idia. But Idia's the one who actually has social anxiety. "It might get you a lot of attention, even if it isn't exactly negative attention. Would you feel more comfortable if we kept it on a need-to-know basis?"
Oof, what a tough question. The news of such apparent opposites hooking up would be the buzz of the NRC social scene for a long time. Even if everyone is supportive of their relationship, so many of their classmates are incredibly extroverted. Likely they'd have people constantly hounding them with congratulations and comments and all kinds of nonsense. Idia's starting to sweat just thinking about it.
But at the same time, would hiding it come across as an act of shame? Not that Idia cares what others think, but would Cater grow tired of hiding and start to wonder how much Idia cherishes him? Gods, thinking about the options threatens to push him into another doomspiral. Only remembering Cater's stricken look at his panicked hesitation stops that before it becomes obvious.
Finally, logical reasoning wins out over all the rest of the issues. "If people know and word gets out, Riddle suddenly gets a lot more strict with curfew checks. We could end up softlocked out of meeting up at night."
"Ah, you're right...he'll totally cockblock us!" Cater sighs. He'd hope that a profession of love would make his Housewarden look around, but he's such a stickler for rules he'd say something about how he's going to get distracted from his studies and blah blah blah...!
It's fine, then. A secret it is.
"I might take Trey aside and let him in on it. He'd keep it to himself and probably help cover me--not as much as split card can, but his Riddle whispering is sooo beyond anyone else's." By which he mostly means his own, because basically nobody else knows how to talk to Riddle without gaining his ire.
"What about Ortho? You're going to tell him, right?"
Trey Clover seems to have a decent head on his shoulders, and if Cater trusts that his fellow junior won't spill their secret, then Idia will welcome whatever help Trey offers. He's certain that with their relationship evolving to this new and unexpected stage, they'll both want to spend even more time together, and it's been tricky enough managing that without anyone getting suspicious.
Ortho is an even trickier matter in some ways. Idia knows his little brother can keep a secret, but he'll also be so happy for the two of them that he might drop unintentional hints like smiling and giggling at them in public. Idia wishes they could be more open about being together, like some other couples on campus, but between Riddle's obsessive rule enforcement and Idia's very visible status as a Housewarden, they'd attract too much scrutiny. Even just acting like casual friends is suspicious thanks to Idia's social anxiety. But in the end, if Ortho knows? At least they won't have to wait until Ortho is out doing his own thing.
"If I tell him, he'll be happy to give us more time alone here. He's good at keeping secrets but he'll probably be super-bubbly whenever you and I are together." Idia rubs his temples with his fingertips. "It'll be okay as long as no one asks questions."
As Idia works through the pros and cons of filling Ortho in on their updated relationship status, Cater finishes washing his boyfriend(!!!), appreciating the way his body looks with soap sliding off of it. "Well, someone ought to appreciate how cute we are together, right? So whatever you're comfortable telling him is fine with me. Besides, I've always been chasing you around the campus, so it won't be too odd seeing us talk as long as you still look a little bit mortified."
Wanting to make Idia smile, he reaches up to pinch his cheek gently. "I'm pretty confident in my ability to embarrass you in public."
Idia rolls his eyes as Cater pinches his cheek, though he doesn't bother trying to hide his grin. "You've had that stat maxed since freshman year. I guess if I sit there with my hood pulled up, everybody else will think I'm trying not to combust from your ridiculousness."
He feels like a different person somehow. The confidence to tease back, to laugh and cuddle, to kiss and touch, all came from Cater's patience and persistence in connecting with him. This new and better Idia is a gift to both of them, and in return Idia is grateful that Cater found the strength to be his genuine self. They make each other healthier. Ortho has already noticed a change, so telling him about this new development will definitely be more than okay.
Now that they're clean, Idia shuts off the water, but before they can step out of the shower he holds Cater close one more time. "Thank you... for everything. You weren't there for my Overblot, but you've done things for me that even they couldn't. I can't ever pay you back for that, but I'll try."
Cater feels like he's walking on air. He's more than ready to get back to bed and spend as much time as they can before curfew together when Idia pulls him in again. Unable to stop smiling, he fully cups Idia's face.
"Trust me," he assures him, "I don't know if there's any way I could be richer."
He'd take Idia if it meant giving up everything else, everyone else. It feels like with him by his side, he can take on any obstacle that arises.
Idia steals a lingering but chaste kiss. He can’t get enough of kissing Cater, he never will. But they need to dry off so he pulls away to grab a couple of towels, passing one to his boyfriend. Drying off is a hasty process because he wants nothing more than to cuddle in his bed with Cater for a while.
“Cuddle until curfew?” He hates that they’ll have to be apart then but breaking the rules will only cost them time together later. When Ortho returns they can tell him what’s happened, and Cater will be there if Idia gets too nervous.
"Cuddle until curfew," he agrees. His hair is going to be messy as hell tonight but he doesn't care. "Can I borrow some of your comfy clothes? I'll just say I spilled a drink if anyone asks."
He'd rather borrow his boyfriend's clothes than get back into his dirty ones. It'll be more comfortable for snuggles and for just, well, existing. Considering Cater hangs out with plenty of different people and takes all sorts of food and drink pictures, it's not like he'll get too weird of looks if he gets back to his dorm in sweats.
Does he even have to ask? Idia leaves the bathroom naked and crosses to his wardrobe, taking out two t-shirts and two pairs of sweatpants. He also gets out a couple pairs of underwear, tentatively holding one up with a questioning look at Cater. They’re clean but one can never be sure how the offer will be taken the first time. Plus Idia doesn’t have Cater’s cheeks so who knows if they’ll fit.
“We’ll have to stash some of your gear here. Can’t be stealth if you’re always equipped with my stuff.”
"Thanks, flam-bae." The pet name cropped up so naturally in his head he couldn't not use it. Idia already called him his player 2, he had to hurry and step up to his pun game! Accepting the underwear and clothes without hesitation, Cater slips in. Due to their height difference, the outer clothing is a little lose on him, but that just makes it even comfier. "Some day I'm going to have the honor of borrowing your trademark hoodie, even if I can't be seen in it outside of this room."
It's got to be incredibly cozy for how often Idia wears it. But everything he's wearing now is cozy, all the more due to the fact that it's Idia's. Not wanting to waste any further potential cuddling time, Cater jumps into bed, looking for all the world like a cat in the mood to be pet. "I'll start bringing things over a little at a time."
He's going to have to bring over some intimate supplies, anyway, so he'll just add some more items to the list.
Idia groans, covering his face with both hands. He hasn't even had a chance to put on underwear and Cater's making him flustered. "That's my new private UN, isn't it? Your puns are gonna TKO me before an orgasm does, I swear."
He adores this incorrigible ginger boy.
He's still a little pink in the hair and the face when he finally manages to dress, flopping onto the bed next to his boyfriend. Gods, he'll never get used to the fluttery feeling that word kicks off in his chest every time he thinks it. He pulls the covers over them and snuggles close.
"So you think you're worthy of my legendary armor? You've gotta have the stats to wear it, you know." Grinning, he nuzzles into the side of Cater's neck. "Or you can bribe me."
His heart feeling big and his throat full of laughter, Cater is eager to situate their bodies together. It’s the most comfortable they’ve been tangled up like this, knowing their isn’t any kind of boundary to hide behind. “Ah, but I’m just a poor card soldier…all I can offer is my body…”
And boy would he ever offer it gladly. He loves how Idia’s smile feels against his skin. It’s better than silk or satin, sending happy tickles through him.
They fit together like they were made for each other, a controller and a charging dock. If Cater can only offer his body, it's a more than acceptable payment. After all, Cater's heart is part of his body, and that's the part Idia cherishes most.
He really is in love with Cater Diamond.
"... if you take my virginity this week, I'll consider it an even trade."
Cater’s heart skips a beat. This week? They really have just thrown the whole schedule into the trash. Not that he’s complaining, of course. Still, he wants to be sure that Idia’s not just pushing things up so soon because he feels obligated.
Running a hand through those long, flaming locks, he asks, “are you sure?”
Logic and emotion blending together within Idia Shroud? Surprisingly likely!
Idia's eyelids droop partway at Cater petting his hair. He'll forever be weak to it, as long as Cater's the one doing it. He nods slowly. "We've already gotten through the hardest part, I think. Touching and kissing feel good and I'm comfortable with you. It's the emotions that freak me out, but we're okay now that we're official." When he blinks, his lashes tickle Cater's skin. "I'm not afraid of having sex with you. I want to."
Idia’s right, he realizes. It was true for him, too—-the hardest part was the emotional aspect. But now they’re here, despite all the odds, and there’s nothing left to scare either of them away from each other.
“This week, then,” he agrees. It’s bound to have some mistakes—-even if Cater knows what he’s doing he can’t fully predict how Idia’s body will react—-but that’s not going to stop him from trying to make it perfect. Romantic. This is so, so beyond a hookup. Beyond that they’d initially intended it to be. “We’ll be lovers before it’s over.”
And there’s no way in hell even Riddle can keep him from spending the night.
"Lovers...." There's no anxiety in the whisper, rather a touch of awe and anticipation. He knows if he balked even at the last second, Cater would back off without the slightest resentment, but the thought is more distant than the final boss when starting a brand new game.
Split card will definitely come in handy, but the question is can Cater maintain it through sexual exhaustion (because like hell will they stop before they're both satisfied) and then deep sleep? Will Vice Housewarden Clover cover for them so Cater can stay the night, because the thought of having to separate right after something so monumental just to appease Riddle makes Idia want to lock the diminutive Housewarden in a soundproof room for a few days.
"I want to help. If there's supplies I can get for the mission, tell me? I don't want it to all be on you."
At the idea of Idia going out and buying lube, Cater can't help but crack a grin. "We don't need much," he assures. "I can take care of it! I think it might be a pretty high difficulty side-quest for you."
Idia going shopping, trying to locate what they need, having to interact with a store clerk in some capacity...he knows Idia could certainly power through an ordeal if he had to, but Cater's not about to inflict that torture on him.
"I'll get permission to go into town. I wouldn't be surprised if Sam had what we needed but I think being a little more discreet here would be the best course of action." And as long as he's back before curfew, it's generally not much of an issue to head into town. There are plenty of specialty shops and restaurants there that cater to the students of both the academies on Sage Island, anyway.
Reaching over his boyfriend's body, Cater grabs his phone. It's probably the longest he's gone without touching it in...ever, but he doesn't go to Magicam or even pay attention to any of the texts and notifications he's gotten.
"I want to take a picture of us," he says. "Just something for you and me to remember today by."
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"Of course," he replies, really choking up now as he listens to the sound of Idia's heartbeat. "Of course I will. Let's face the main plotline together."
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"We need to finish cleaning up," he says softly, smiling through his tears and not making a move to do anything but continue holding Cater.
His boyfriend, his Player 2.
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"Here, pass me the washcloth. I promised to get you." Until it's shoved in his hand, though, he doesn't plan on moving, either. The whole thing feels so surreal, dreamlike. He needs to be sure that the whole thing doesn't come apart the second their bodies aren't coiled around one another.
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"This questline definitely took an unexpected turn, huh?" Boy, that's an understatement. "Could've been a bad end but we chose exactly the right dialogue options."
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"Thank the seven, too. I feel like I was going to mess that one up, for sure." Adding more soap to the washcloth that's becoming thoroughly waterlogged, he starts to scrub Idia down--he's soft and careful, but not quite as sensual as he would be, just by virtue of how long they've spent in the shower by this point. "But I feel so relieved. The Great Idia Shroud noticed me!"
The last statement is given much more playfully, laughing as he makes soapy circles on Idia's abdomen, barely stopping from glomming back onto him for the umpteenth time.
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He's still reeling over the fact that they're officially together. Looking at today on their private schedule earlier, he'd never thought this turn could ever happen, ending the day with a boyfriend wasn't anywhere close to his wheelhouse. Are they supposed to announce it to others, so no one else hits on Cater? (Idia doubts he has to worry about people hitting on him, Cater is the only one with the prerequisites to see Idia Shroud as lover material.) "What do we do about our classmates? Should they know, or do you think they'd... freak out?"
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Cater hums as he thinks on the next question, shifting to get Idia's back. For a second, he can't help lingering on that scar again--but it still feels like a bad time. Maybe later, when they're in each others arms. "It's up to you, really. I didn't want to let anyone get too close but ultimately, I don't care what people think of me."
The friendly, flirt clout-chaser. He needs to work on opening up and being honest with the people around them, and part of that could definitely be having a candid relationship with Idia. But Idia's the one who actually has social anxiety. "It might get you a lot of attention, even if it isn't exactly negative attention. Would you feel more comfortable if we kept it on a need-to-know basis?"
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But at the same time, would hiding it come across as an act of shame? Not that Idia cares what others think, but would Cater grow tired of hiding and start to wonder how much Idia cherishes him? Gods, thinking about the options threatens to push him into another doomspiral. Only remembering Cater's stricken look at his panicked hesitation stops that before it becomes obvious.
Finally, logical reasoning wins out over all the rest of the issues. "If people know and word gets out, Riddle suddenly gets a lot more strict with curfew checks. We could end up softlocked out of meeting up at night."
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It's fine, then. A secret it is.
"I might take Trey aside and let him in on it. He'd keep it to himself and probably help cover me--not as much as split card can, but his Riddle whispering is sooo beyond anyone else's." By which he mostly means his own, because basically nobody else knows how to talk to Riddle without gaining his ire.
"What about Ortho? You're going to tell him, right?"
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Ortho is an even trickier matter in some ways. Idia knows his little brother can keep a secret, but he'll also be so happy for the two of them that he might drop unintentional hints like smiling and giggling at them in public. Idia wishes they could be more open about being together, like some other couples on campus, but between Riddle's obsessive rule enforcement and Idia's very visible status as a Housewarden, they'd attract too much scrutiny. Even just acting like casual friends is suspicious thanks to Idia's social anxiety. But in the end, if Ortho knows? At least they won't have to wait until Ortho is out doing his own thing.
"If I tell him, he'll be happy to give us more time alone here. He's good at keeping secrets but he'll probably be super-bubbly whenever you and I are together." Idia rubs his temples with his fingertips. "It'll be okay as long as no one asks questions."
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Wanting to make Idia smile, he reaches up to pinch his cheek gently. "I'm pretty confident in my ability to embarrass you in public."
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He feels like a different person somehow. The confidence to tease back, to laugh and cuddle, to kiss and touch, all came from Cater's patience and persistence in connecting with him. This new and better Idia is a gift to both of them, and in return Idia is grateful that Cater found the strength to be his genuine self. They make each other healthier. Ortho has already noticed a change, so telling him about this new development will definitely be more than okay.
Now that they're clean, Idia shuts off the water, but before they can step out of the shower he holds Cater close one more time. "Thank you... for everything. You weren't there for my Overblot, but you've done things for me that even they couldn't. I can't ever pay you back for that, but I'll try."
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"Trust me," he assures him, "I don't know if there's any way I could be richer."
He'd take Idia if it meant giving up everything else, everyone else. It feels like with him by his side, he can take on any obstacle that arises.
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“Cuddle until curfew?” He hates that they’ll have to be apart then but breaking the rules will only cost them time together later. When Ortho returns they can tell him what’s happened, and Cater will be there if Idia gets too nervous.
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He'd rather borrow his boyfriend's clothes than get back into his dirty ones. It'll be more comfortable for snuggles and for just, well, existing. Considering Cater hangs out with plenty of different people and takes all sorts of food and drink pictures, it's not like he'll get too weird of looks if he gets back to his dorm in sweats.
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“We’ll have to stash some of your gear here. Can’t be stealth if you’re always equipped with my stuff.”
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It's got to be incredibly cozy for how often Idia wears it. But everything he's wearing now is cozy, all the more due to the fact that it's Idia's. Not wanting to waste any further potential cuddling time, Cater jumps into bed, looking for all the world like a cat in the mood to be pet. "I'll start bringing things over a little at a time."
He's going to have to bring over some intimate supplies, anyway, so he'll just add some more items to the list.
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He adores this incorrigible ginger boy.
He's still a little pink in the hair and the face when he finally manages to dress, flopping onto the bed next to his boyfriend. Gods, he'll never get used to the fluttery feeling that word kicks off in his chest every time he thinks it. He pulls the covers over them and snuggles close.
"So you think you're worthy of my legendary armor? You've gotta have the stats to wear it, you know." Grinning, he nuzzles into the side of Cater's neck. "Or you can bribe me."
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And boy would he ever offer it gladly. He loves how Idia’s smile feels against his skin. It’s better than silk or satin, sending happy tickles through him.
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He really is in love with Cater Diamond.
"... if you take my virginity this week, I'll consider it an even trade."
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Running a hand through those long, flaming locks, he asks, “are you sure?”
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Idia's eyelids droop partway at Cater petting his hair. He'll forever be weak to it, as long as Cater's the one doing it. He nods slowly. "We've already gotten through the hardest part, I think. Touching and kissing feel good and I'm comfortable with you. It's the emotions that freak me out, but we're okay now that we're official." When he blinks, his lashes tickle Cater's skin. "I'm not afraid of having sex with you. I want to."
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“This week, then,” he agrees. It’s bound to have some mistakes—-even if Cater knows what he’s doing he can’t fully predict how Idia’s body will react—-but that’s not going to stop him from trying to make it perfect. Romantic. This is so, so beyond a hookup. Beyond that they’d initially intended it to be. “We’ll be lovers before it’s over.”
And there’s no way in hell even Riddle can keep him from spending the night.
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Split card will definitely come in handy, but the question is can Cater maintain it through sexual exhaustion (because like hell will they stop before they're both satisfied) and then deep sleep? Will Vice Housewarden Clover cover for them so Cater can stay the night, because the thought of having to separate right after something so monumental just to appease Riddle makes Idia want to lock the diminutive Housewarden in a soundproof room for a few days.
"I want to help. If there's supplies I can get for the mission, tell me? I don't want it to all be on you."
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Idia going shopping, trying to locate what they need, having to interact with a store clerk in some capacity...he knows Idia could certainly power through an ordeal if he had to, but Cater's not about to inflict that torture on him.
"I'll get permission to go into town. I wouldn't be surprised if Sam had what we needed but I think being a little more discreet here would be the best course of action." And as long as he's back before curfew, it's generally not much of an issue to head into town. There are plenty of specialty shops and restaurants there that cater to the students of both the academies on Sage Island, anyway.
Reaching over his boyfriend's body, Cater grabs his phone. It's probably the longest he's gone without touching it in...ever, but he doesn't go to Magicam or even pay attention to any of the texts and notifications he's gotten.
"I want to take a picture of us," he says. "Just something for you and me to remember today by."
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