Riddle Rosehearts x Reader
It was unfortunate for you that you didn’t make it to the exemption list on Astrology VII. Despite working to maintain at least an 85-90% average in the subject, you can’t fault yourself too harshly that in the first long test in the subject, you were 1 point behind the minimum required score for the exemption criteria.
Your professor runs a strict program. A minimum pre-final grade of 85% and no missed or long test scores below 80%. You knew it was doable, even for you. But, there was always this curse on you that it takes a failing test to make you lock in to your studies and snap from your hubris and delusions.
When Riddle discovered that you were exempt in all the subject finals except for Astrology VII, you had to explain this phenomenon to him to which he replies with doubt and reluctant acceptance. You understand, you thought it sounds like a cheap excuse for your shortcomings. But, past repeated experiences from middle school to the present is evidence enough for you to know it’s a pattern.
Can you break out of it? Riddle asked. You had tried, including for this school year. Despite your efforts, you still fail every attempt. Riddle had pondered it seriously, with his chin resting lightly on his clenched fist as he listened to you explain. Then, he vowed that the next school year the both of you will attempt again, this time, with his guidance to aid you.
It was a sweet promise that made you flush. You had agreed to his proposition on the spot and promptly covered his face with kisses till his face bloomed to that adoring red hue.
With that out of your way, you still had the Astrology finals to problemize. In general, your main gripe with finals is how the test basically covers the whole material in the semester. You were never that good with retaining so much information and usually depended on your testmanship to carry you through heavy tests. Aside from that, though you were spared from taking the final tests in your other subjects, it cannot be denied that the week before finals is usually occupied with project deadlines and last minute quizzes.
It was hell week for you, basically. Finalizing papers, studying multiple subjects, and taking so many quizzes. As a cherry on top, you still have your house duties that you couldn’t neglect.
Riddle was a bright star amidst your darkness and chaos. He graciously lent you his reviewer and practice sheets, and he would bring you food during lunch when you decided to skip it to have more study time. He also went above and beyond when he offered you to sleep in his room for the next 2 weeks. His main reason was to help you wake up early and go through the review materials for your final.
You declined, saying he was doing too much. He shouldn’t have to compromise his sleep knowing that if you’re busy, he’s busier. Riddle turns down your reasoning with a kiss and a reassurance. He knows his limits, he says. He wants to help and would also like your company while both of you work on your respective responsibilities.
You were easily charmed and persuaded, and on the same day, you had a bag prepared for your two-week long sleepover.
Those two weeks were hectic, so many papers and reports milling in Riddle’s room. Some of them were yours, some of them were his. Occasionally, they would mix and anyone outside the two of you would be easily confused by where does your stack of work begins and where does his stack ends.
But, the two of you are Heartslabyul for no reason. There’s a certain system, a mad and chaotic system that works for both of you even when you do different things most of the time. A type of companionship and support that just seamlessly fits and uplifts the both of you.
Riddle was right about company making each of your own work bearable.
Finally, it was D-Day of your finals. As it was scheduled late afternoon, you used the rest of the morning to sleep in and do some last-minute review. When you left for your test, Riddle didn’t wish you luck, but he kissed the edge of your lips and half-ordered and half-reassured that you will do your best.
You answer as is appropriate, which was a ‘Yes, Housewarden.’
The test was mostly multiple-choiced questions with a few short essay portions at the end. You used up all 2 hours of the allotted time and answered everything. Once you’ve passed your answer sheet, the weight and nervousness of the past few weeks lifted from your shoulders and you made your way back to your current room.
As you enter Riddle's room, you spot Riddle perched on his recamier arranging the books placed on top of it.
With a flick of your wand, your bag flies to its container and the papers and stationary unpack neatly on top of Riddle’s study table. Then, with slow and long strides, you go straight to Riddle to greet him with a simple chaste kiss.
Your hands cup gently on his cheeks as you slightly bend down and Riddle arches his back to meet you halfway. You take your time, savoring the light apple flavor from Riddle’s chapstick and the softness of his plush lips. Despite sharing the same room for the past 2 weeks, physical affection between the two of you was limited to greeting kisses and sleepy cuddles. There was hardly any time to relax with so much going on.
When you break the kiss, you sit beside Riddle and wrap your arms around his midsection to pull him into a hug. Riddle wraps his arms around your neck to return the affection.
Soft lips press on to your temple. “How was your test?" Riddle asks. He pulls back slightly from the hug to deftly unclasp the clips decorating your hair.
You watch, a giddy smile coming to you easily as Riddle fixes the front of your hair delicately and seriously, feeling the tips of his nail occasionally brush lightly on your forehead. "Your reviewer helped. Almost all of it showed up on the test."
Riddle hums, his hand moving to take off your hair tie. Gently, his fingers card through your hair and your eyes slip close at the soothing sensation.
"And, the rest?" He asks, but you didn't respond immediately.
"Sweetheart." Riddle calls out to you, his tone low and teasing.
You make a small noise of displeasure at being disturbed but you respond to his question. "I think they were the offhand things Sir discussed. Couldn't remember reading it from his presentations."
You tighten your embrace and snuggle closer to Riddle’s chest. "But, I still got to answer them anyways. Hopefully they were right."
A hand rests lightly on your cheek, softly caressing the skin. "I'm glad to hear it went well."
"Can't celebrate yet. No results, no guarantee."
Riddle shifts, his hold adjusting your head, and he presses a short kiss to your lips. "Have faith, sweetheart."
You giggle, flushing at his reassurance. You don't really doubt you'll do badly in the finals, but you’re aiming for a high score that would be enough payoff from the crazy schedule balancing you had to do. You can only hum as a response, not willing to jinx anything.
When you break off from your hug, Riddle tucks your hair behind your ear and gently removes the glasses on your face. He says, "Let's get you washed up. I'll have the bath set up."
You look at him in faux offense, your hand splaying dramatically on your chest. "Are you calling me stinky?"
Riddle looks at you unimpressed. "We know that's not what I mean."
You ignore his words as you cross your legs together and straighten your back, now fully committing to your bit. "I can't believe that in my own house I'll be faced with such judgment. My goodness!"
"It's my room, sweetheart."
"And, just after I faced a gruesome test? Oh the pain, the—mmhp!"
It’s a little embarrassing how easily you cave when Riddle cuts you off with affection. You’d think it was malicious but Riddle is hardly the type to do it with such intent. When Riddle breaks off, he gives you a deadpanned look that never fails to amuse you. "Cease such dramatics. You smell fine but we both know you're a few minutes away from dropping dead."
"Simp alert." You whisper under your breath.
Riddle rolls his eyes, and it somehow makes you feel so besotted to him.
"Now, stop dawdling and get your clothes. I'll take care of the bath."
You make quick work of undressing your clothes and doing a quick shower to clean your body. Wrapped in a towel, you watch fondly as Riddle adjusts the temperature of the water in the bathtub. It’s an adorable sight, seeing him in his black pajamas hunched over the bathtub as he twists the knobs and dip his hand in the water occasionally.
When he gestures for you to enter the bath, you giggle as he looks up to the ceiling while you remove the towel from your body and dip under the water. You sigh, eyes closing in content and head leaning back comfortably on the wall. The feel of the water is nice and the temperature is perfect to your liking.
You hear Riddle pad out of the room, telling you he’ll come right back. You hum, too relaxed to form words as a response.
A few minutes later, you hear a knock. "Are you settled in? I'm coming inside."
"Yeah." You answer, splashing the surface of the water as emphasis. "Are you joining me?" You tease, but the question is genuine.
You watch Riddle come into the bathroom holding a bowl and a salad fork. "Not today."
Riddle perches on the lip of the bathtub and you can see the contents of the bowl. You gasp. "Sliced fruits?"
Riddle hums. "It's mangoes, strawberries, and apples. Here." He picks a sliced apple with the fork and feeds it to you. It was crunchy and cold, like freshly taken out of the fridge. Just the way you like it.
"You're spoiling me." You open your mouth again, asking for another fruit. Riddle complies and gives you a mango piece.
"I believe good behavior must be rewarded."
"Are we having sex after this?" You ask, a little breathless.
You weigh on the option for a few seconds. "No." You decide.
"Not even if I do all the work?"
You shake your head, resolute. You think of the fluffy pillows and soft warm blankets on your shared bed. An image of low lights and a laptop screen playing immediately follows. "I want cuddles and a movie."
"Cuddles and movies." He repeats. You can feel yourself turn gooey and melty as Riddle nods. "I'll set up the movie later."
"Thank you." You say before you take another bite of a piece of mango offered to you.
The two of you stayed in the bathroom, eating till you empty the bowl and talking about the latest Hearstlabyul shenanigans and projects. Occasionally, you would feed Riddle some fruit which he declined the first few times, but he relented eventually knowing his protests didn’t deter you.
Once the tub has been drained and you’ve changed into your pajamas, Riddle helps you dry your hair with your routine. And, for the rest of the duration, you’re realizing once again how much care and attention Riddle gives to you. The thought settles a nice and light weight on your chest, making you look more fondly at your partner.
With the lights dimmed low in the room and the laptop set up, you and Riddle huddle together by the headboard to watch the movie. Somewhere along the middle of it, Riddle lays across the bed with his head on your lap.
His eyes are half-lidded but there’s a fighting battle between focusing on the movie or succumbing to the relaxing ministrations of your fingers running through his head.
“You’re making me sleepy.” He grumbles. You laugh, a soft and giddy sound. He knows he could leave and sit up straighter if he wants to focus more on the movie. Both of you know it. But, he isn’t. And, it makes you pause your movements to press your lips sweetly on his temple.
“Don’t fight it, sweetie. I wouldn’t mind having you in my lap.”
Riddle scoffs but there’s no disdain in the sound. There's a light red flush covering his face. “You tease too much. I’ll finish the movie.”
“Whatever you say.” You brush the pads of your fingertips lightly on his cheeks before resuming on carding your fingers through his hair.
A quarter before the movie ends, you can feel Riddle slumber peacefully on your lap, his breath evening out and his weight settling deeper on your lap. You finish the movie and set the laptop on the drawer. Then, you slowly arrange Riddle comfortably on his side and, with a flick of your wand, close the lights on his room.
You take your place beside him and sleep.