Work Text:
The first note falls out of Floyd's textbook as he's heading to History of Magic, fluttering to the hallway floor. He doesn't even see it happen — another Octavinelle student, a freshman, he thinks, picks it up and hands it to him.
"Um, Floyd? You dropped this." The kid is holding out a red piece of paper, holding it as far away from himself as possible as though he's scared Floyd might bite him.
Floyd raises an eyebrow in confusion, but he plucks it from the frosh's fingers before he scurries off with his head down. "Weird," Floyd murmurs, flipping over the paper.
It's a note written in tiny, neat lettering.
Floyd —
I find myself harboring affections for you. Your smile is comparable to a cold drink of water on a warm day, and your eyes are like perfect pebbles one might seek out on the beach. Your laid-back nature is quite endearing, and while some may say you are fickle, I can appreciate that you let your whims guide you on your pursuit of happiness.
— A secret admirer
"What the hell?" Floyd says, flipping the note over again in search of a name or other identifier. There's nothing, though, only the precise handwriting and a small heart drawn next to the word admirer. He wonders briefly if the freshman had written it and pretended Floyd dropped it; he'll have to do some sleuthing.
For now, he tucks the note into his pocket and continues his trek to the classroom.
—
Floyd has all but forgotten about the note, still lost in the pocket of the discarded pair of slacks that lie in a pile on his dorm room floor. It's not until some Pomefiore kid from his Music class approaches him nervously during his shift at Mostro Lounge that Floyd remembers.
"Um," the boy coughs nervously, hands hidden behind his back. "I was told- asked to give this to you." He unceremoniously shoves a small pink box with a ribbon at Floyd before turning to leave. Floyd stops him in his tracks with a tight grip on his shoulder. The boy squeaks and hunches his shoulders.
"Don't you go runnin' off yet, got it?" Floyd relaxes his grip when the boy nods rapidly.
Floyd tugs at the folded up note that's stuck to the box, holding it between his fingers as he pulls the ribbon free and opens the box. Inside is a small collection of chalky-looking hearts with words on them. At a quick glance he sees a mint green heart with BE MINE written on it. Floyd's tilts his head curiously and closes the box again before unfolding the note that's came with it. It's much shorter than the last one, though the best handwriting is the same.
Floyd—
Please enjoy the candy, as I know you've got quite the sweet tooth. I hope you find them as sweet as I find you.
— Your secret admirer
"Who asked you to give this to me?" he asks, staring at the now-two hearts next to the word admirer.
The Pomefiore boy stammers. "I- I can't tell you that. They specifically requested that I don't reveal their identity. I'm sorry!" And then he's scurrying off, leaving Floyd with the box of candy and another stupid note.
Floyd frowns at the box for a moment before opening it and taking out one of the candy hearts. He sniffs it before shrugging and popping it in his mouth. It tastes like it looks — chalky and only a little sweet, with a hint of lime flavor, he thinks. Not bad, but definitely not good either. He'll finish them though, probably.
He once again tucks the note into his pocket before making his way to the bar where Jade is prepping drinks. "Jaaaade~" he says, leaning against the bar and tilting his head back to watch his brother meticulously pair tickets and ready-to-go drinks. "Someone's been writing notes to me."
Jade doesn't look up from what he's doing. "Oya? What kind of notes?"
"Like weird mushy lovey crap, and they don't even put their name on it. Today the note came with candy. Try one," Floyd holds a candy heart out to Jade that says UR COOL, frowning slightly when his brother doesn't acknowledge it. He pushes the heart against Jade's lips until his tongue slips out and curls around Floyd's finger, snatching up the candy and pulling it inside his mouth.
"What a unique flavor," he notes, hefting the serving tray full of drinks onto his shoulder. "Orange?"
Floyd shrugs. "Anyway it's gettin' real annoying not knowing who's leaving the notes. You gonna help me find who it is?"
"You'll have to excuse me; I've got to serve these drinks before anyone complains to Azul. Perhaps I can assist you later." And then he's gone, turning on his heel towards his group of tables.
Floyd pops another candy heart into his mouth, one that says SOULMATE, and pushes the kitchen doors open to grab a tray of food. Surely he and Jade can find out who this "secret admirer" is when they put their heads together.
—
At lunch the following day, Floyd is in the middle of griping about Crewel's latest exam when Riddle strides up to him.
"Floyd," he says cordially. "I believe this is yours?" Riddle holds out a piece of paper cut into the shape of a heart.
Floyd raises his eyebrows and takes it, scanning its contents quickly before turning to Riddle with a goofy smile.
"Is it you, Goldfishie? Are you my secret admirer?"
Riddle's face reddens immediately. "What are you talking about? I would never be so coy as to gallivant around in secret. It's much easier to be direct."
"I mean, you did come all the way over here to give this to me…" Floyd grins, not deterred by Riddle's outburst. "And ya seem real familiar with what this letter is."
"Of course I did! I found it at our lunch table and skimmed its contents to determine who it belonged to! When I saw it was addressed to you, I returned it. Nothing more."
Floyd pouts. "Aw, Goldfishie doesn't have a crush on me then?"
Riddle stomps his foot. "Ridiculous! Do not drag me into whatever silly game this is." He turns on his heel and storms back over to Trey and Cater at their table, leaving Floyd alone with Jade and the letter.
"Man, this is the third letter and I still can't figure out who it's from," he says gloomily.
Jade cuts into his food delicately. "He could be lying," he offers before taking a bite. "Or maybe these letters are actually from more than one person?"
Floyd frowns. "Handwriting's the same on all of 'em so far."
"A coincidence, or perhaps they've employed the same person to write them all. You should look for people with neat penmanship."
"This is so annoying," Floyd grumbles, tearing into a piece of bread.
—
Floyd is about to change out of his PE uniform when he spies something red peeking out of one of the slats of his locker. He opens his locker to grab it, realizing it's another note from his secret admirer. Immediately he goes on high alert, looking around sharply. He spots Rook a few lockers down, pulling his school uniform out.
"Hey Seagull, you know anything about this?"
Rook takes his cap off, placing it in his locker before turning to Floyd. "Moi?" he asks, pointing to himself. "Do I know anything about what?"
Floyd holds out the note, shaking it vigorously. "Did you see who put this in my locker?"
Rook shakes his head, holding his hands out. "I only just got here myself. What is that?"
He offers the note to Rook, who takes it curiously and reads it aloud.
"Dear Floyd —
I hear you are trying to figure out who I am. Is it because you also have feelings for me? If so, I'm delighted to hear it. Unfortunately I'm not quite ready to share that bit of information. Next time I'll be sure to include more candy for you as an apology.
— Your secret admirer"
Floyd's brows crease more with each word Rook reads, the frustration in him growing. "Who the hell is sending these?"
"Ooh la la, Monsieur Spontané has an admirer? Merveilleux!"
He rips the note from Rook's hands, scrutinizing it for a name he knows he won't find. The two hearts next to "admirer" continue to mock him. "You sure you didn't see who left this?"
Rook shrugs. "I did not see anyone besides yourself and another student from your dorm before I came in here. It seems as though your admirer plans to reveal themselves soon though, non? Perhaps they are waiting for Valentine's day. It is only a week away, after all."
"They're driving me crazy! They can't just talk to me about it? What gives?!"
"You do not think the notes are romantic? It's like they are sending you on a hunt, and your prize at the end is someone who loves you enough to play with you. Très romantique!"
Floyd eyes him warily. "Maybe this admirer would have more fun with you…"
"Ah, but I have my heart set on another already. Perhaps your admirer knows this and found you to be the next best thing." He grins and Floyd returns it with a creased brow and a curled lip.
"Whatever, man."
—
Decorations start to pop up around the halls as Valentine's day gets closer and closer, pinks and reds brightening up the normally gloomy walls. Floyd receives three more letters over the course of the week, each one more frustratingly cryptic than the last and always without a name. As they'd promised though, two of the notes come with candy — one with a heart-shaped box of chocolates and one with red gummy hearts that taste like hot cinnamon.
These have a bit of spice to them, as a symbol of the flame of love that I carry for you. P.S. Have you any ideas as to who I might be? I hope you're having as much fun guessing as I am playing.
Floyd wants to squeeze something and he eyes the next student who walks by him, tempted, before he storms off with his candy tucked under his arm. Time to get to the bottom of this.
He marches into Mostro Lounge, pushing open the door to Azul's office. "Azul!" he whines. "Someone is messin' with me and we need to get to the bottom of it."
Azul glances up briefly from his bookkeeping, giving Floyd a weary look. "What could you possibly be referring to?"
Floyd flops down heavily onto the small couch, one leg splayed over the arm of it. "I keep gettin' these weird letters and they're never signed." He holds the newest one between his fingers for Azul to see.
"Oh, you're still receiving these?" Azul asks, ignoring the proffered letter in favor of returning to his task. "Jade mentioned something to me a week or so ago, but I don't know what you both expect me to do. Mostro Lounge is very busy this week and tomorrow, and I can't simply shake down every student that comes in to find out if they're responsible."
Floyd groans and lets his head hit the back of the couch with a small thump. "But I wanna know who it is! This ain't fair."
"Perhaps tomorrow they'll own up to it? Valentine's day is quite popular for love confessions, you know."
"What if they don't? What if this whole thing has just been to drive me crazy?"
Azul huffs a laugh. "Then I'd say they've succeeded there. Why don't you just wait and see what happens tomorrow? If no one confesses, then I'll personally help you find out who it is."
—
Valentine's day arrives and Floyd is nearly vibrating out of his skin. Jade is lightly munching on something while Floyd does up the buttons on his shirt and grumbles to himself.
"You seem to be on-edge today," Jade notes, faint amusement in his voice. Floyd gives him a withering look.
"If the person sendin' me these letters doesn't fess up today, I'm enlisting you to help me squeeze 'em when I find out who it is. Azul promised to help too."
Jade's gaze trails over to the pile of red and pink notes gathered on Floyd's desk, and he smiles privately. "Of course. And what's your plan if they do come forward today?"
"Didn't think that far," he shrugs. "Maybe I'll be nice, maybe I won't."
Jade nods. "Best to keep them on their toes, naturally. I do hope you get what you want out of the day."
He gives Floyd a soft smile before he heads off to his classes for the day.
—
No one approaches Floyd with any new notes during the first half of school. Strangely, Floyd feels even more antsy about not receiving anything than he did when he was sent on a wild goose chase.
He checks his PE locker eagerly in the hopes that a letter might slip out, and when had he become so excited about one of these damn taunting notes? He shakes his head, pursing his lip. Whoever was sending them has successfully gotten into his head, and Floyd briefly feels out of his depth.
At lunch, Jade is conspicuously absent from their usual table. Floyd quickly surveys the area but doesn't find him anywhere. He shrugs, figuring his brother might have gone to the botanical garden to check on his mushrooms or something. It's not like they're always together, or anything. He sidles in next to Azul, letting his tray clatter loudly to the table.
"You seem to be in rather poor spirits," Azul says delicately.
"I'm fine," Floyd says. "I don't even care about my dumb secret admirer."
He stabs aggressively at his food, shoving a forkful into his mouth. Azul shakes his head and nibbles at his own food, busy looking around the cafeteria in anticipation. Floyd doesn't notice, too busy mutilating his lunch, so he's caught unaware as Ace makes his way across the room holding out a box and a rose, along with another piece of paper shaped like a heart. He's also got a crinkled white sheet of paper clutched in the hand not holding gifts.
He clears his throat dramatically, waiting for Floyd to turn around; the rest of the students milling about the cafeteria watch with rapt attention at the disruption.
"Crabby, I'm really not in the mood," Floyd bites, eyeing Ace warily.
Ace ignores him, grimacing slightly before he speaks. "Floyd, I come bearing a gift just for you." He holds out the box, which Floyd takes cautiously before opening it up to look inside. Carefully, Ace smooths out the white sheet of paper, reading from it loudly. "First, a treat; 'Trey has promised this cupcake is delightfully sweet and yet I hardly think it compares to you.'"
Floyd looks thoughtfully at the chocolate decadence within the pastry box. It does look pretty delicious. Is Sea Turtle the secret admirer, he wonders? Then Ace is thrusting the rose at him.
"Next, this rose. 'While there is hardly a flower that could properly convey my passions and love for you, this red rose will have to suffice. Would that I could offer you one million of these flowers and they still wouldn't touch the depths of my affections for you. Also, Azul sadly would not foot the bill for so many.'"
Floyd turns to look at Azul, who shrugs. "Do you know how much a million roses costs? Too much, that's what. I won't even tell you the number — the thought of spending so much on flowers gives me chills."
Ace glares at Azul, tapping his foot impatiently. "Are you done? I got a job to do here and I'm trying to finish it."
Azul bows slightly. "Apologies, do continue."
Floyd is so confused.
"Anyway," Ace says, rolling his shoulders. "Finally, this card. 'I'm sorry for sending you on an impossible chase. Do you have me figured out yet? You know where to find me.'"
Ace holds out the paper heart, pink with red lace trim on the edges. He places it face down in Floyd's waiting palm.
"Well, my job here is done! See ya!" And then he's crumpling up the rest of the paper and bolting out of the cafeteria.
With Ace gone, most of the students have turned their attention elsewhere once again, leaving Floyd and Azul alone at their table.
Floyd does have a feeling he has his secret admirer figured out now, and he takes a deep breath before flipping over the Valentine to confirm his suspicion.
It's a rather crude drawing of two eels curled together in the shape of a heart, each with mismatched eyes that mirror his and Jade's. Between them are those same two tiny hearts and the words I HAVE EELINGS FOR YOU.
Floyd touches the two hearts delicately. Of course it's Jade. He feels silly for thinking it could have been anyone else — Jade is the only one who would orchestrate such fanfare for two weeks before a stupid human holiday. He's always been strangely fascinated by land traditions and the like. Floyd also figures he should have known long ago that it was Jade behind all of this. No one else knows him intimately enough, knows his schedule, can rope multiple students into delivering the letters for him. He smiles fondly at the card, thumbing over the cute eels. Azul is the one who pulls him out of his spell.
"Are you satisfied now that you know who it is?" he asks.
Floyd looks at him, fondness seeping into his voice. "Yeah. Can't believe he convinced you to play his stupid game though. And Riddle too."
Azul pushes his glasses up. "Yea, well. Neither Riddle nor myself are particularly fond of being at the bad end of Jade's wrath. But he also said he wanted to make sure you knew how special you are, and we aren't heartless, you know."
"Where is he? I wanna go see him."
"I'm actually not sure where he's hidden himself this afternoon, he didn't tell me specifics other than that he would not be here during the delivery of his last letter."
Floyd frowns slightly. Their lunch period is just about over, and Floyd doesn't have time to search campus for him. He'd show up to one of Jade's classes but he's not sure what good it would do if they can't be alone. Three hours until he can see his brother… He considers skipping class, but Azul gives him a knowing look.
"If you skip too many classes you'll get held back a year and then you'll see even less of Jade next year. You can wait until after class."
Azul knows him too well. "Fine," he grumbles. He finishes his food quickly, and then he's lovingly gazing at the card again.
"You know," Azul says as he prepares to return his tray. "Those eels are way cuter than the two of you."
Floyd blows a raspberry at him. "You're just jealous no one drew you a cute little octopus."
"Perish the thought," Azul says, gathering his trash and standing. "I expect the both of you to be present at Mostro tonight. We've got far too many reservations for you two to skip out on me."
"Hmm, we'll see."
Azul is unfazed. "I'll drag you both in by your hair if I have to. See you later."
"Bye bye~" Floyd waves him off, grabbing his gifts in one hand and his tray in the other.
Three more hours…
—
When Floyd finishes his last class, he wants to head straight to Jade, but an idea pops into his head just before he's dismissed. He takes a detour instead, heading to Sam's store to pick something up first. It's busy, students frenzying to buy candy and flowers, and Floyd worries for a moment that they'll be out of stock of what he needs. He scans the shelves quickly, lips pursed as he searches before — aha! He snags the small box of candy and quickly checks out. He all but runs back to Octavinelle, after. He's pretty sure he nearly mows down a student in the hallway as he races to his and Jade's shared room.
He stops outside the door to catch his breath and digs into his pocket for the candy box, clutching it tightly as he pushes their door open.
Jade is already there, jacket folded neatly over his desk chair as he checks on his terrariums.
He turns when Floyd shuts the door behind himself, a serene smile on his face. "Hello Floyd. Happy Valentine's day to you."
"It was you," Floyd says, watching Jade with keen eyes.
Jade's smile turns wistful. "It was. Are you disappointed?"
Floyd steps forward slowly, fishing into the box of candy hearts he'd brought. When he's toe-to-toe with Jade, he hands him a single purple candy heart.
Jade inspects it curiously. It says YOURS in tiny pink letters.
When Jade looks back at Floyd, he's smiling softly. "How could I be disappointed when you're the only one I would ever want?"
He takes Jade's hands and tugs him in close before cupping his brother's cheek. "And besides, you already had me before you did all this. Or did you forget?"
Jade hums. "I could stand to be reminded, perhaps."
Floyd grins and closes the gap between them, sealing their lips together to remind Jade just how not-disappointed he is.
—