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[ after weeks of meticulous preparation, the day has finally arrived. an unbirthday party is finally allowed to commence. riddle wasn't being hyperbolic when he told shu he was an excellent unbirthday planner; everything from the guest list to the sun's position when he strides into the garden have been accounted for.
he promised shu the ultimate wonderland experience, and that's precisely what riddle gives him; the moment shu arrives through the magic mirror, he's accosted by a smartly-dressed white rabbit who tells him he's a helper for queen rosehearts. the rabbit's mannerisms might be familiar to shu; the nervousness, the insistence that they're pressed for time and late for a "very important date" when they make their way through the rose maze. thankfully the maze itself is relatively tame on this day, also courtesy of the queen's preparations (what good is an unbirthday party if no one can get to the venue?). there's the occasional grove of rose trees, some blooms painted, some left to their natural redness, and a few of the roses even impart greetings to passerbys-- otherwise, things are somewhat unremarkable by the standards of a wonderland native.
if only the same could be said of the venue.
upon exiting the maze, shu will be greeted by the sight of a lush tea garden overrun with carefully calculated disarray. tables and chairs in all sorts of shapes and sizes are placed together in a manner that seems completely random, almost as random as the decor. riddle promised talking rabbits and dancing hats and singing tea pots, and that's exactly what shu will find. almost all of wonderland's creatures pop in now and then, from doggerpillars in the flowers to gaggles of mome raths shuffling all over the ground like a sentient shag rug. the potted centerpieces dance with bread-and-butterflies, attempting to chat up and flirt with the guests. all in all, it truly is a scene straight from a fairytale, albeit one that is chaotic and whimsical.
at least shu isn't the only non-native. the other denizens of heartslabyul were permitted to bring an outsider as their plus one as well, meaning there's several other confused boys among him whose reactions to the fresh hell before them range from bewildered amusement to terrified screaming. that, of course, isn't speaking of the fact several of these other guests have animal-like features of their own; there's even a vampire in their midst, holding a parasol and taking refuge beneath a tree, clearly among the terrified.
it's a lot, but thankfully explanations come soon, because the sound of a clock booming out the hour fills the garden, and is immediately followed by that familiar rabbit scrambling in. he sounds his trumpet to announce riddle's arrival. "please be seated for his loveliness, his grace... his excellency... h-- his royal majesty, queen rosehearts!"
staff in hand and looking refined as ever, riddle strides into the venue, flanked by a number of his students in uniform, his gaze scrutinizing as he looks over every detail of the tea garden one last time (his expression does brighten somewhat when he notices shu though).
while the uniformed students disperse to help their own guests, shu's pants leg is given a few tugs by the exhausted mr. rabbit. he sputters something about shu needing to be seated somewhere special, and hobbles over to the head table. there sits a trio of chairs; the one pulled out for shu is this wide, lavish, and garishly colored abomination draped in silks and decorated with appliques of hearts in clashing tones. it is offensive to the eyes, and it is meant for the king. to his right is a chair that is comically large, the backrest tall and imposing, the velvety surface black and red and also decorated with patches and appliques of hearts and strawberries and crowns and whatever else riddle decided he liked that day. to shu's left is a plush stool set atop a pile of textbooks, clearly meant for the cutest doll in the world.
finally, finally, riddle approaches. he gives a curtsey to mr. rabbit, and holds the pose as the rabbit gives his long report on the party's attendees. after a nod of understanding, the rabbit is relieved of his duties. once he's gone riddle turns to shu with a bright-cheeked, expectant smile. ]
I hope you I didn't keep you waiting long. Welcome to Wonderland, and a very merry unbirthday to you!
[ thanks riddle...... ]
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[ someone who doesn't understand the brilliance of shu and his squad of creative geniuses. it's unfortunate, but riddle can't say he's surprised. regardless, thankfully he has the emotional stability of the very teacup in front of him, which he is distractedly cutting in half, so his mood bounces back somewhat at the last part of shu's explanation. ]
Well now, you can't mention these odd behaviors and not tell me about them. What are they like?
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He picks up his own knife, tapping it gently on the side of his own cup. Nope. Nothing.]
You really ought to consider becoming a mosaicist. Or a sculptor—that would suit your abilities just as well.
[Still looking a tad flummoxed, Shu shakes his head to himself before he answers Riddle's original question.]
To begin with, one of them likes to submerge himself in bodies of water, such as public fountains. He'll soak for a long period of time and then emerge dripping water everywhere. A nuisance, to say the least. But there's no use talking to him about this; he doesn't listen.
Next is the man known as Hibiki Wataru. I call him a man, but his behavior is akin to that of a clown or court jester's. Everywhere he goes, he makes a spectacle of himself: gesturing flamboyantly, speaking obnoxiously, flying around by blimp, and unleashing flights of doves. He has also shown me some magic tricks, but not real magic like yours. One of them was upsetting; I didn't like it at all.
There's one more "main character" I haven't discussed: Sakuma Rei. He speaks as though he's old man; I'm not sure why he does that. His sleeping arrangements are also peculiar.
Finally, there's the youngest one. His manner of speaking is also odd. He can be overly cheeky as well. But perhaps it's to be expected, given his age. Since he's cute, his disagreeable qualities can be easily overlooked.
[Never mind that Natsume is a whopping one year younger than Shu, making him roughly the same age as Riddle. He's still the baby of the group.]
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[ at the sound of shu's knife clinking softly against the side of his teacup, a jar of jam rolls over from across the table before landing upright before him. maybe it thought he had been crestfallen over some plain cookies or crumpets.
meanwhile, riddle is pouring tea into what is now half his cup, before dropping a trio of sugar cubes into it. by the time shu has finished his explanation, the boy has an amused smile on his face. ]
Eccentric indeed! Though I must say, they sound like they would fit in well here. The merfolk of my school need to take similar measures as your friend, since becoming too dry can make them ill. We have plenty of flamboyant entertainers here as well. Many of our students are long-lived species, such as fae and adeptii, so I'm certain Sakuma Rei would be easily understood.
[ after another sip of his tea-- ]
It's curious that I'm not the only adorable, cheeky young man you know.
[ there was that other one, the one who hates shu's guts, but he didn't look all that cheeky to riddle. he looked miserable, if not dead inside. ]
But, it's reassuring to know you have such lively, wonderful friends.
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While sampling the jam (which is, indeed, delicious) he keeps his ears open while Riddle talks. The first thing to catch his attention is, naturally, the mention of mythological creatures.]
Merfolk and fairies, you say? I suppose that's not entirely surprising. This "Wonderland" of yours is filled to the brim with oddities. That said, I hope for your sake that these classmates you mention are as harmless as the sanitized depictions present in fairytales made for children, and nothing at all like the monsters from ancient myths.
[Merfolk supposedly lure people to their death, while fairies are known for playing tricks on hapless humans. (Tricks involving Pocky, for instance.) Being a powerful sorcerer, hopefully Riddle can protect himself against malevolent creatures if need be. Still... Shu can't help but worry about him. After all, Riddle is small, delicate, and has the appearance of an innocent and adorable young man.
Speaking of which—]
I never said there weren't others.
[In addition to Natsume there's also Chibisuke, and Nito's children (sans the average-looking one). Shu's seen plenty of adorable young men.]
However, you are far more extraordinary than any of them.
[The words flow naturally from his lips; he speaks them with conviction. However, in the aftermath he's left feeling surprised by them, eyes blinking down at his own crumpet. He meant what he said: as a powerful sorcerer, future Queen, and denizen of this strange Wonderland, Riddle is more extraordinary than just about anyone Shu's ever encountered. But to place him above all those other people he knows, including Natsume, whom he cares deeply for as a friend... that carries a certain significance which Shu finds hard to shake off. He returns to his crumpet instead of praising Riddle further.]
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so much so that he even takes it upon himself to prepare a cup of tea for his companion as he speaks. yes, another, because why not. ]
I admit, they can be irritating at times, but the same can be said of all species. Humans are certainly the same way. But, most people outside my dorm know better than to trifle with me, so you have nothing to worry about.
[ so he says, but the mention of this-- this-- harem of other cute little bratty boys that apparently hang around shu in a gaggle (that's what riddle imagines, at least) catches his attention more than it has any right to. shu's save though... goodness, what a save it is. even if that's what it is, a save and nothing more, it still has riddle's cheeks turning a deep red as they pull up into a small smile. he really does feel like a complete simpleton, but what he says time and time again rings true even now. being praised by someone so respectable, so successful, and so bright feels special somehow. that whole being in love thing probably helps a bit too, but it mostly comes from a place of wanting to be as inspirational to others as the queen of hearts once was. ]
Of course I am. It should go without saying.
[ by now, riddle knows how shu tends to take his tea, and goes about preparing it properly. ]
None of them can do magic the way I can, and I doubt their grades are as good as mine. Most importantly, I'm quite happy to be your friend and would never leave your side.
[ unlike valkyrie's former member apparently; riddle wonders for a moment if such an unnecessary comment was overstepping. it's not shu's fault he's apparently angry with or jealous of someone he's never met, after all. but still... riddle needs him to know, just in case. ]
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[Shu receives the tea just in time for it to distract him from musing aloud about human nature, which is just as well. His speeches on the subject have a tendency to stretch on and on forever. Better than he sips his tea and eats his crumpet instead.
He does look up from his food again when Riddle's last words sink in, glancing at the boy from the corner of his eye. That statement caught him by surprise; he's used to hearing Kagehira proclaim that they'll be together forever and ever, but to hear those words from Riddle... it's unexpected, to say the least. And given that Riddle was inquiring about Nito a few minutes ago, Shu can't help but feel as though those words sound rather pointed.
What does Riddle know about him, anyway? Riddle may proclaim he'd stay, but if he'd been there to witness Valkyrie's fall from grace, or been a member himself while Shu was at his most tyrannical, there's no telling how he would have acted. But perhaps Shu shouldn't be taking this declaration of friendship so seriously to start with. That's all it is, after all. Yet as someone who's been betrayed by someone he considered a "friend" before... it means something to Shu regardless.]
I'm happy to be yours as well, so that works out rather nicely.
[The words are said quietly and with sincerity. Yet again, after he's finished talking, Shu can't help but realize that they sounded... strange. He and Riddle are playing the role of King and Queen quite well, aren't they? But—no, no, what is he thinking?!
Feeling increasingly flustered, Shu clears his throat.]
Anyway—you may have already noticed, but I have something to unveil to you once we're finished eating. I daresay you'll rather like it.
[Yes, let's change the subject. Specifically let's change it to the suitcase Shu carried with him into Wonderland and left sitting on the grass beneath the table.]
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the sudden shift in subject is also a bit of a relief because riddle knows he's (emotionally, respectfully) down bad and any further mickey mousing around is bound to land him in hot water. plus, of course a spoiled rotten thing like him loves getting gifts. ]
Is that so? You shouldn't have. Today is your unbirthday after all. Mm, but wait,
[ he pauses for a moment to feed himself a forkful of whatever sweet treat happens to be in front of him. ]
today is my unbirthday too, isn't it? Well, you have my gratitude. Am I allowed a hint as to what it is?
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As I recall, you informed me that you're capable of riding a broomstick, but that you don't have the proper clothes for it and are forced to wear sweats. I thought that was a shame, so I designed you a three-piece outfit myself, as well as a hat and a pair of boots. Though I may have gotten carried away on certain parts.
[He just couldn't help himself. The thought of Riddle sailing through the skies was so inspiring. Anyway, he waves his hand.]
I'd be happy to get it out right now, but first, we must finish our feast and clear some space on the table.
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his delight at shu's gift is much more straightforward, however; riddle quickly dabs the corners of his mouth with a napkin before smiling excitedly. ]
You made all that for me? You really shouldn't have! Far be it from me to turn away something so wonderful, though. Truthfully, I had always wanted to try on something you have made, so you could say this really is a wish come true.
2/2
[ hopefully shu wasn't too attached to his tea. the same can't be said of a few of the other guests, who shriek when the chaos begins. the heartslabyul residents recognize what's about to happen when they see their tiny queen climb onto the cushion of his throne before taking a deep breath. ]
CLEAN CUP!!! Clean cup, move down!
[ riddle turns to snatch shu's tea cup out of his hands (of course he covers the top with his palm to prevent it from spilling onto his dear fussy king) and gives it a good lob across the tea garden. the other residents follow suit before hauling their guests out of their seats. as everyone shoves their way to the seat or table next to them, riddle slides back onto his seat. ]
Now then. Where were we?
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[Shu shifts his eyes, cheeks coloring just a little bit.]
You are an important friend to me. You deserve only the best.
[Riddle went to the trouble of preparing this elaborate celebration, after all. He deserves to be repaid in kind. Though, uh, speaking of the party spread...
Shu prepares for chaos when Riddle climbs onto his throne and yells again. He was not expecting the cup to be snatched out of his hand, though, and he makes an indignant noise in response. If Riddle had simply asked him to set down the cup so they could clear the dishes, he would have done so!
But that's not how things work here, and the sound of crashing china soon fills the air—a sound (and sight) he finds less startling the third time around. It gets his blood pumping. He feels a deep-seated, instinctive distress when he sees something beautiful shattered to bits, but by now he's resigned to it. Moreover, there's something undeniably cathartic about smashing things. He's destroyed objects in a fit of rage before, so he knows. Creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin.
As for the guests getting hauled off, Shu has no complaints about that. Frankly, he cared more about the china than he did about them. Once they're gone and the table has been cleared, Shu gets out of his seat, kneels down in the grass, and locates the carry-on suitcase he left beneath the table. It's still there, untouched, for which he's grateful; he would've been livid if the fairies had snatched it from under his nose. He worked very hard on that costume. So, so hard. He ignored schoolwork to make it.]
Let's start with the footwear.
[Those are in a separate compartment from the rest of the costume, after all. And since Shu considers the hat to be the costume's crowning gem, he ought to save it for last. Reaching inside the suitcase, Shu withdraws two knee-high lace-up fake leather boots and presents them for Riddle to inspect.]
You're accustomed to wearing shoes like this, yes? These shouldn't be too different from what you're used to. I took care to make sure they'd offer you support.
[While also looking stylish as fuck. He assumes Riddle will like them, but he is watching his reaction to make sure.]
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when the boots come out, goodness-- riddle is visibly starstruck, eyes widening in wonder as he first gives them a long look. ]
These are...
[ they look like the sort of things the nobles in the queen of hearts' time would wear. gingerly, as if accepting a treasure, he takes one of the boots and turns it to and fro, examining the heel, clearly pleased with its height. ]
They're exquisite, and surprisingly light as well. They'll be perfect for flying.
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Shu watches with great satisfaction as Riddle examines the boots. From those widened eyes, to the reverent way he touches his gift, the boy's awe couldn't be more obvious, and Shu couldn't be happier to see it. He's confident in his own skill, of course, and he expected Riddle to be appreciative; after all, high-heeled boots are something he wears often (and wears very well). But after all the times Shu's sewn some garment or another for Nito—a frilly blouse closed with a brooch, stockings and socks edge with hand-tatted lace, a pair of knickerbockers—well... let's just say he's used to seeing his hard work go to waste.
But not this time. Not anymore. At last Shu has found someone who fits his physical idea, delicate and androgynous and adorable like a doll, and that person actually wants to be dressed up. He understands Shu's artistic vision. He knows that Shu knows what he'd look best in. Their interests are aligned. To Shu, Riddle is more than just a dear friend.
He's a muse and an inspiration.]
Aren't they, aren't they? ♪ The heel will give you a lift and make you seem powerful, and it's wide enough so that it should be easy to walk in. Though I suppose your feet won't be touching the ground throughout most of their use... Still, dismounting should be easy.
[There's more he could say about what he wanted to express with the design, but he refrains from now. Though giving Riddle the chance to show proper appreciation for each piece has its own appeal, he's honestly eager to have him see more. So with that, Shu returns to the suitcase.
Out comes a large bundle of mostly-dark cloth. Several garments are folded neatly on top of one another: a blouse, a pair of shorts, shimmery gold leggings to go underneath the shorts, and a long black hooded cloak with gold trim to match those leggings. Visibly excited, Shu hands the pile over, setting it on the table before Riddle.]
There's one more piece after this. I daresay you'll be able to guess what it is.
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it'll be okay. he got his twisted tetanus shot along with his ricky rat rabies vaccine.he's so enamored with the boots that shu's words nearly go amiss to him. who could blame him? they look like something straight out of a historical period drama, something only noble magicians with the most important of jobs would wear. he's never had to dismount his broom while wearing his stilettos, so the wide heel is also appreciated.
as if custom-made shoes weren't enough, shu actually procures more and more pieces for him from his suitcase riddle is half-sure is magic itself. it's difficult to resist just laying everything out to look at as one ensemble, but the gold lining of the cape is especially mesmerizing. he can't help but reach out to run his gloved fingertips along the textured fabric, wondering if gold will actually suit him. his clothing at home is devoid of any real personality, neutrally-colored blouses and slacks, no high heels or dramatic reds in sight. riddle hasn't had much of a chance to experiment with, well, much of anything in the way of fashion.
just as he's about to pick up the long cloak and go through the other pieces, shu catches his intrigue. ]
One more piece after this? Let's see...
[ he hums in thought before looking to shu with a smile. ]
Will it be an old-fashioned witch's hat?
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[And with an indulgent smile, Shu unveils the final item. It is, indeed, a witch's hat. The brim is 48 centimeters wide, with gold trim to match the cape, but the showstopper here is obviously the giant bow—gold as well, of course. Evidently, the answer is yes; gold suits Riddle perfectly, at least in Shu's mind.]
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So cute and beautiful...! There are so many details, I don't even know where to begin-- but the ribbon is my favorite part. May I try it on now?
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Of course. I made it just for you to wear. Go ahead and place it on your head—I'll hold your crown.