Cater found it rather weird that he had not one, but two job offers waiting for him once he graduated now.
After hearing about the full extent of his mischief and the fact he had an honest to gods Tempest Star Wolf as his familiar, Kalim's family had all but fallen over themselves to offer him a potential contract.
To be fair, Cater hadn't done it to get a reward from Kalim's family. He had done it purely because Kalim was one of his closest friends.
To quote Kalim's father, friendships like that should be nurtured, regardless of the cost. His work ethic and the fact he had gotten Kalim to mature would have been enough to earn their favor, but finding out about Umbra had cemented it.
On the plus side, Vil would be visiting very shortly since he had cleared his schedule upon hearing Kalim's situation. Cater was very eager for their long awaited date.
The second he saw his boyfriend, Cater happily went up to him with a kiss.
"Missed you."
"So...any particular reason the guards are giving you those looks?" said Vil amused.
"Kalim got kidnapped, so I brought out Umbra. Jamil never warned them of what sort of wolf he was," said Cater laughing.
"So...mind showing me around?" said Vil.
Cater knew exactly where he'd lead Vil first. The clothing he was wearing was nice, but not exactly good for the current weather.
Vil came out looking absolutely handsome, which was to be expected. After all, he was an honored guest.
"Gorgeous as always babe," said Cater happily.
Vil looked at the clothes that he was given from the Al Asim, likely as a way to curry favor with his boyfriend. Whatever Cater had done to rescue Kalim, it had made a major impression.
Three days in, Vil encountered a major problem. He had only found this out by accident shortly before they left the school that Cater had a rather strong reaction to certain items commonly used as aphrodisiacs. His manager had not been amused to learn the reason why Vil had been so stiff for several days and had trouble sitting for extended periods.
Either way, the second Vil noticed the change in Cater's behavior he checked to see what his boyfriend had eaten...and immediately paled.
"Please tell me Cater hasn't been eating from the red dish next to the spiced wine," said Vil.
"He's eaten at least three of them, why?" said Jamil.
Kalim looked at what Cater had been eating, then remembered something Lilia had commented on after mentioning that Cater's faerie heritage was likely to wake up soon.
His magical powers had been growing at an almost alarming rate for a human...but were perfectly within accepted ranges for a newly awakened faerie.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot Lilia warned Cater that certain foods would affect him more than others, because of his faerie heritage waking up."
Vil stared at Kalim.
"Faerie heritage?"
"Yeah, Lilia said he noticed Cater's fae blood had started waking up since the beginning of first year and he's almost at the stage where he would start shifting from human to faerie. It doesn't hurt that Cater went to visit Diasomnia to insure a smoother transition, since he only needed a boost of sorts from someone like Malleus," said Kalim.
According to Lilia, it had something to do with how faeries only really thrived when under the 'supervision' of one of the courts...of which Malleus qualified. With Malleus' blessing, Cater's faerie heritage would wake up properly rather than a half-assed one most got.
It also meant he would have an easier time transitioning if he ended up taking the job offer Lilia had given him once picked, since he was already considered one of Malleus' own.
Vil took out his phone.
"Who are you calling?" asked Jamil.
"Rook. Last time I jokingly gave Cater an aphrodisiac to spice up our love life, I had trouble walking for two days. I can keep up with him normally, but when he's under the influence of something like that, much less a higher dose than normal..." said Vil, already texting Rook about the situation.
Cater's libido was manageable on a good day, but he was able to outlast and wear out Vil when given something to boost his interest.
Jamil snorted at that, as Vil was on his own.
It took Rook only thirty minutes after getting that text, looking highly bemused at the situation. Vil did not ask how he got there, he was just glad he wouldn't have to deal with a horny Cater solo.
Some time later...
Cater woke up in the afternoon, and found himself in bed with not just Vil, but Rook. Both looked exhausted, and Rook was cheerfully cuddling with him.
"...Exactly how much booze did I drink last night, and when did Rook get here?"
"I called him the second I saw you ate at least three of those special aphrodisiacs," said Vil sleepily. "You on a good day I can handle, you on something that strong is beyond my limits."
Cater and Vil had discussed possibly adding Rook to their relationship, as Cater had a strong friendship with Rook and Vil did somewhat miss having Rook in his bed. The fact Rook hadn't hesitated to show up after getting that sort of text from Vil showed how much he liked the idea.
The first thing they did, once they had eaten and cleaned up, was have a very serious discussion.
"So..."
"I would never dream of getting between you and Roi du Poison, and wouldn't mind having the same relationship that Vil and I enjoyed before," said Rook.
Cater shook his head.
"No, I remember rather well how strong your relationship was in the other life. There's no way I'd deprive Vil of both his right and left hand. And honestly, I have no problem sharing."
Vil was surprised and rather pleased at this development.
"I think we should test it out...if only because my schedule is so busy most of the time. This means you'll have someone else to cuddle with while I'm away, and Rook still has someone to share his passion for hunting with," said Vil. "Besides, don't think I'm oblivious to the fact you two still share those photos of me."
Rook was positively beaming, as this was turning out to be a better outcome than he could have hoped. He got to keep Vil and his best friend.
That being said, he was a bit surprised by how...vigorous Cater had been. It was no wonder Vil had called in back-up, if the red head's passion was that strong while he was under the influence!
Since Jamil was back, Cater had been released from the temporary contract. To that end, Vil had convinced his two lovers to visit his hometown because his father had a rare period of time off.
Cater had to admit, Vil's dad was strangely intimidating. To be fair, a lot of people would happily try to date his son just to get something out of him. Fame, money, a boost in their own standing, or even just because he was so beautiful.
However within ten minutes of meeting Cater, his expression softened.
Rook had already earned his approval, and Cater was well on his way to doing the same. Even if their relationship was...unusual... he could care less as long as Vil was happy.
A few days in, Cater's sisters dropped by for a visit...announced of course, as they didn't want to further damage their already strained relationship with their brother.
"I still can't believe you managed to get these two as your boyfriends!" said Cadence.
"I'm just happy you're doing better," said Prue. "Uncle Trein told us the actual story of that ghost princess nonsense..."
"Ugh...don't remind me," said Cater groaning. This was honestly one of the best conversations he'd had with his sisters in a long time.
Ever since they started attending therapy, his sisters had been trying to their best to mend their relationship. It had been slow going at first, but Cater felt comfortable around them at least.
Not enough to really let them in, but enough that he was willing to meet them if given proper notice.
"So where are your boyfriends?" asked Prue.
"Did someone call me?" said a voice from behind. Cater didn't jump, but the girls did.
"Hey Rook," said Cater, giving him a light kiss on the cheek before scooting over.
"I am honestly not surprised you ended up with him," admitted Prue. "You two were rather close after that mess with the poachers."
"Roi du Camera has always been rather...passionate. Especially in regards to our dear Vil," said Rook fondly. "However unlike some, he showed proper respect to Vil's boundaries which is part of the reason why Roi du Poison fell for him."
Vil had initially dismissed Cater...however at some point during second year he realized he had some affection towards him. Cater's tenacity and drive appealed to him greatly, as did the fact that even though Cater took multiple pictures of the model he never actually shared them with anyone besides Rook without Vil's permission. The fact he was so good at polite etiquette was another bonus, as it meant Cater was highly unlikely to make a social faux pas that might damage Vil's career.
Rook had encouraged Vil to pursue Cater, but both had been stumped by the fact the red head had never made any overtures or took notice of this.
Learning of his alternate's memories made perfect sense...and Rook was just happy Cater had no problem allowing him to be the third in his relationship. It meant that he could have both his favorite people at once.
Prue and Cadence observed the two, and were both happy at the way Rook and Cater acted around each other. It didn't bother them that their brother was gay in the least.
"Any plans for your third year at Night Raven?"
"I expect it to be hectic as hell," deadpanned Cater. The girls laughed, unaware he was dead serious.
His third year had been a headache and a half, but he hoped he had at least mitigated some of the damage.
Some time later, Rook and Cater went to go visit Vil on set as he was almost done for the day.
Vil looked tired, but that was to be expected. Modeling wasn't as easy as it looked, and those lights got ridiculously hot. Having to stand under them all day would make anyone break out into a sweat, never mind having to stay perfectly still for the best pose, changing into multiple outfits, having to redo make up.
In short their boyfriend would be in need of some proper pampering, of which Cater and Rook were more than happy to provide.
Cater waited until Vil was done before he walked up to him with a bottle of cold water.
"Hey love," said Cater. Vil perked seeing him and Rook.
"Is that for me?" he asked. Cater handed it over. "Thank you."
Cater shot a mischievous glance at Rook.
"Hey Rook, it seems to me our King is overdue some pampering, don't you think?"
Rook's eyes sparkled at the idea.
"Oui! Roi du Poison has certainly earned it today!"
Vil flushed a bit, both from the heat and the fact he knew they would make good on their suggestion once he left the set.
Then he saw someone who almost made his mood sour. Neige had taken notice of someone chatting up his rival and had made his way over.
"Who are these two, Vi-kun?" asked Neige, using his most charming smile.
Cater wasn't fooled for a minute. There was no way someone 'sweet and innocent' would last long in the cutthroat world of professional modeling and acting. They would be eaten alive in minutes by the more vindictive people.
Rather than let Neige annoy him, Cater turned his full attention to Vil, ignoring him completely.
"So do you feel like going out to eat, or just staying in?" asked Cater.
Vil hid a dark smirk at the unhappy expression on Neige's face. Served him right for trying to butt in.
"I don't feel like cooking today, and while yours is edible, I'm fairly certain we're lacking most of the ingredients you use."
"Any particular food you want?" asked Cater, pulling out his phone to look up a suitable place.
Neige eventually backed off, but his frustration at having failed to obtain any of Vil's attention made the blond very happy indeed. He really did have the best boyfriend.
At the restaurant...
"That was the most entertaining show I've had in ages," said Vil. "Neige looked so put out that we kept ignoring him."
"He's the idiot who got jealous and tried to butt in. I mean really, 'Vi-kun'?" said Cater.
"I must admit, that was rather poorly planned out. His skills at wooing our beloved Roi du Poison need sharpening before he would be considered a suitable rival," said Rook.
"This coming from a total Neige fanboy," said Cater with a snort. Vil choked on his water hearing that, before staring at Rook.
Rook's smile didn't abate once.
"I take it this is more of your future knowledge?" he asked.
Cater nodded, grinning at him.
"It came out after the SDC that you are among the single digit number of Neige's fanbase," admitted Cater. The ADeuce told him that particular piece of information which he had found highly amusing.
"Really, Rook?" said Vil.
"I can't blame him. Rook's never made any attempts to hide that he enjoys beauty for beauty's sake," said Cater. Rook beamed at him. "That being said, I've never seen the appeal of Neige. His pretty boy charm is too fake for even me to stand, and he always gives off this ridiculous 'damsel in distress' vibe. I'd much rather follow a king over some pampered prince who can't be bothered to learn basic survival skills."
"Oh?" said Vil, his mood returned. This would be interesting.
"Neige is the type of 'prince' who looks like the sort of thing people read about in a fairy tale, but are rather useless in real life and expect their knights to do all the boring grunt work," said Cater absently, stirring his tea. "Whereas you, Vil, are the sort to get your hands dirty and actually get things done even if it means having to sacrifice a bit of your vanity and dignity. I'd much rather serve a king like that, over someone who is all looks and no substance."
"You've put a lot of thought into that," said Rook.
"Neige is the sort of person who earns his royal title because of a popularity contest and because he's too 'pretty' for anything else. A showpiece, nothing more. Vil on the other hand, is the sort to earn his crown and keep it from any idiot who tries to overthrow him."
Vil preened at that, which made their food much more enjoyable to him.
None of them noticed that a certain someone had overheard every word and that Cater's words had clearly stung. He had intended to 'surprise' Vil on his date, but now...now he just wanted to eat and go home to think about things.
