Okay, he's alive. He's alive.

I'm still wiping residual tears away.

The memories, and the thoughts are going to probably haunt me as much as the weird dreams I'm having.

Ace isn't even happy to see that he's alive. "You're awake."

Cater's worried face turns to one of relief, "I was so worried! I—I don't even know what we'd do if you didn't wake up!"

"Funeral?" I should shut up right now.

Riddle immediately looks upset, "Wh—what did I do…?" He's still lying there, clearly in a not-great state of being. "What—what have I done?"

Crowley's appearance is expected, and just on time for the finale of this disastrous event. I hope the other dorms aren't damaged—but they're not really on campus, are they? Is the main dorm damaged, or just this area? "This is a relief… you're conscious." Oh yeah, that paperwork is a nightmare.

"You just need to calm down and rest, Riddle." Trey's definitely an older brother.

"It's because you spoil him like this—that's why he throws tantrums when he gets confronted." Ace. Ace.

"Ace, it's not the time…" Okay, he probably is the most receptive right now but I think most of us are still working through the emotions of this event.

"What he did was no joke… I almost died." Fine, Ace is right, and I really have no more arguments. I'm—absolutely exhausted.

"That's right." Deuce and Ace share a single brain cell.

"You know, you can't just go crazy because you need to release stress, right?" Grim. You of all creatures have no—well, okay, he hasn't gone crazy but he does have a habit of doing what he wants on a whim.

"I—I really wanted to eat that marron tart." Riddle starts, he already looks teary-eyed. Good. We match.

Now, Ace looks surprised.

"I like white roses… and pink flamingos are fine. I prefer honey over sugar in my tea—and I like milk tea more than lemon tea." How are his dorm clothes intact? "I—I want to talk to everyone after we eat too." That's the first sniffle.

"Riddle?" Trey asks, cautious. But we know someone's about to start sobbing.

"A-and I've a-always wanted to p-play more with you, Trey-" Oh, here it comes. Riddle finally bursts into tears. Sobbing loudly as he lets out all of the pent-up stress he's held for such a long time.

"No way… Riddle's crying." Shut up Cater.

I slide in, as Trey has him awkwardly, and gently rub Riddle's back. "Hey… Let it all out."

"Hey! Come on, don't you dare think I'll forgive you just because you're crying!" Ace, sometimes.

This has Deuce freaking out a little, too. But, gives Ace a look. "You need to learn how to read the room." THANK YOU DEUCE.

"I'm sorry too." Trey's voice is soft as Riddle's sobbing against his shoulder. "I… knew you were suffering… but I kpet quiet."

These two are learning more about friendship today and that's a good thing. Talking. People need to talk more.

There's nothing more from Riddle than sobs.

"I should have said this before, but I am saying it now. Riddle, you were wrong. You owe everyone an apology." This is all very true, Trey.

"I'm sorry—I'm so sorry!" Riddle cries out between his mournful sobs.

"I want you to say you're sorry for everything you've done, but…" Ace Trappola. "as if I'd be satisfied with this shitty apology! I'll NEVER forgive you!' I am about to bitchslap this boy six ways to Sunday and take him to church to say sorry.

"Why are you saying that at a time like this?!" Cater has the appropriate reaction.

"Of course I am!" Ace is indignant! "I've experienced a lot of trauma, and throwing away the tart I worked so hard on!" We, Ace. WE. "I won't forgive you that easily."

"He's more unforgiving than me." Grim grumbles. He's not one for this emotional stuff, is he?

"T-then… how do I make it up to you?" While Riddle isn't still sobbing his heart out, he's still full of tears and sniffles. Big grey, watery eyes looking at Ace with such absolute sincerity.

"Well, my birthday isn't any time soon." Oh. Ace.

"Huh? What are you up to?" Deuce questions.

"So we should have a do-over Unbirthday Party. We got kicked out of the last one, and you need to make a tart for it this time!" Ace just wants free food. "And you can't ask Trey for help! You have to make it by yourself! If you do that… I could consider forgiving you."

I give him such a flat look. "You had help with your tart, Ace… and so dishonest with your feelings." I sigh. What was that personality trope from the animes? I can't remember. That era of my life feels like an eternity ago.

I miss those simpler times.

"Be quiet, No. Got that?" Ace is a bold boy today.

I give Ace a smile. "Then I'll tally up all the favors I need, later."

I saw a hint of fear. Good.

"Yes… I understand." Maybe, maybe Riddle's sobbed himself dry by now.

"What a beautiful ending this is. Let us say that everything is settled for now, shall we?" Why is he so cheery?

Cater cuts in. "Let's start cleaning up the garden!" Okay, sensible, but as I have no magic I'm not really wanting to help touch this stuff with my bare hands. "I worked so hard on this garden, and it's destroyed… oh…"

"I'll help." Trey volunteers.

"Trey, you should take Riddle to the infirmary, since he just went into Overblot… I think a doctor should see him after that." Cater's speaking with sound reasoning and logic, at least.

"It is as Diamond says, I will accompany you both." Crowley's being a proper Headmaster I guess. "Ah—No. Come see me tomorrow…"

"Of course…" I don't like that, but… They head off. Riddle stumbling along with Trey as support. I… am glad they're all okay, at least.

I turn my attention back to the destroyed garden, standing up and brushing myself off. "I'm wondering if getting roped into working around here will ever end."