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Celebrating Floyd's Birthday With the Five Love Languages ✧ Floyd Leech

Word Count: ~5.2k

Summary: When you ask Floyd what he wants for his birthday, his response is 'Shrimpy'. Might as well give the birthday boy what he wants, right?

Notes: As I said with Jade's fic, I've been super sick lately and this has turned into my coping mechanism. Fluff and cheesieness and all that good self-indulgence stuff ahead!

I'll be honest, Floyd was one of my first Twisted Wonderland favorites... and here we are once again, in my Tweels-era. As much as my heart belongs to Savanaclaw and Scarabia these boys are making it extremely hard for me to be consistent about it. I love them 😭

Much love, and please enjoy! ♡

Link to Jade's Birthday fic: here

Gift Giving:

"What do you want for your birthday?"

It was the middle October, a day too cold to spend outside in the the rain, but that's what you were doing anyways. You were bundled in a jacket while Floyd danced in the rain, mocking you for your vulnerability to the cooler weather.

Or at least, that's what he had been doing.

"What're you asking ME for, Shrimpy? Shouldn't you be surprising me?"

"Would you rather have a gift you enjoy or a gift you're surprised by?"

"Both."

You roll your eyes at him. "I'll try Floyd, but if there's something you want in particular, you should let me know sooner rather than later. It's important to me that you enjoy your big day."

"Heehee... Shrimpy's so sweeeet!"

"I certainly try to be."

Floyd dances in the rain a little bit more, prying your crossed arms apart and forcing you into a dance with him. Your fingertips feel like ice against his, but he doesn't seem to mind.

"You know what? I think I know what I want for my birthday."

What's this? Cooperation from Floyd?

"You do?" You ask happily. "Wonderful! What is it, sweet boy?"

"Shrimpy."

"Yes?"

"I want Shrimpy," Floyd reiterates, flashing you a bright grin. "For my birthday."

"Don't be silly, Floyd--of course I'm gonna spend time with you on your birthday. I'm asking what you want for a gift."

"I want Shrimpy."

✧✧✧

You couldn't tell if he had been messing with you or if he actually meant something with his odd request, but that brings you to this moment.

It was well past midnight, and again you had been out with Floyd in the rain--he only gave up once you started to shiver, and so the early hours of his birthday were spent with him making you a warm drink in the Mostro Lounge and teasing you for your non-mer qualities. You had to insist he go to bed lest he pass out in the middle of his party tomorrow, so after making you promise to come back in a few hours he skipped off to bed, wishing you an excited "Goodnight!"

Of course, the whole dancing-in-the-rain was just a coincidence. What led to all of this was that you came to deliver your gift for Floyd early on, requesting that Azul leave it on Floyd's bed so he could open it first-thing tonight. You hoped he would love the surprise, but even if he didn't, you had far more in store in order to ensure your favorite boy had the best birthday possible.

Floyd notices the gift the minute he retires to his room, and without reading the tag he wastes no time in opening it. He can tell right away the gift is from you--after all, you'd listened to his request. As he pulled his prize from the box, a little slip of paper flutters onto his lap, which he thus lifts up to read.

Floyd,

Remember when you said you wanted Shrimpy for your birthday? Well, I couldn't very well package yours truly into that tiny little box, could I? I made this for you--I hope it gives you something to squeeze when I'm not around. All my love, and happy birthday!

With Love, Shrimpy ♡

The gift itself was a little crochet shrimp--one you made yourself, according to the note. It was adorable and squishy and soft in his hands, and naturally Floyd couldn't help but give it a little squeeze before laughing from delight. Oh, if only you had been here right now--he'd wrap his arms around you and never let you go. You were just too cute sometimes, you know that?

Of course, the box had been a little larger than the shrimp, so he goes back to inspect it. Also inside the box he finds a cool-looking pair of shoes (one you probably had Jade help you pick, knowing the way you operate) and a couple of earrings, with one set shaped like eels and another set shaped like little shrimp, plus some more fashionable selections. So you really paid attention to him that much, huh?

Floyd sets out one of the shrimp earrings and the shoes, fully intending to wear them when he woke up. Clutching the shrimp plush in his hands, he gives it an affectionate squeeze and a little kiss before flicking off his light and calling it a night.

"Goodnight Shrimpy," he chuckles once he's under the covers. "Love ya. I'll see you soon."

Acts of Service:

Azul, of course, insisted that the twins host their birthday in the Mostro Lounge. It was almost as if Azul was using their birthday as a promotional event... but no, he'd never do that, right?

Still, Azul had the decency to close the lounge for the earlier part of the day in order to set up. You'd gotten there early to help out, and once you sensed the twins had woken up you took it upon yourself to usher both of them to a booth in the lounge, wishing them a happy birthday and insisting that their breakfast would be served soon.

"Oh my--you really don't have to go to such lengths to spoil us Prefect. Floyd and I are delighted just to celebrate is all." Jade says, flashing you a toothy grin that knew he wouldn't be able to stop you. You smile back at him.

"Of course I don't have to. I'm doing this because I want to--that said, I should get started. What can I get you two to drink?"

"Surprise me," Floyd says happily, cupping his head in his hands. You wink and look at Jade, who just grinned and nodded.

"Surprise me."

"Try not to be too surprised," You warn playfully before skipping off. Once you're out of sight, Jade glances and Floyd and smirks.

"I've seen you in good moods before Floyd, so why does the smile on your face feel special?"

"Special? Nah, I'm just in a really good mood."

He says this all while glancing at the place you disappeared from. His smile grows into a grin as he recalls his gift from last night.

"Did Shrimpy give you a present yet, Jade?"

"They sure did--a mushroom recipe they learned from their world. Also this."

He pulled out his phone, pulling up a picture of a mug that showed a bunch of mushrooms on the outside. Attached to the handle was a card that said 'You're a pretty fun-gi - Happy Birthday Jade! - Shrimpy'

Floyd's grin widens. "I win."

"Oh?"

"My gift is better," Floyd brags. "Looks like Shrimpy likes me more."

"You'll have to present evidence for me to believe that," Jade replies, though he could've told him that from the beginning--that you had a preference for Floyd. It was obvious, not to just him but to anyone who bothered to pay the slightest bit of attention. "What did they get you?"

Floyd tilts his head, showing off one of the shrimp earrings you'd gotten him. Then he leans back and tucks his knees to show Jade his shoes, and finally he pries the shrimp plushie from the inside of his jacket and shows it off to Jade.

"Isn't it the cutest?! They made it!"

"You brought it to breakfast?"

Floyd beams. "Can't go anywhere without my Shrimpy." He stuffs it back in his jacket. "It's pocket-sized--just like the real Shrimpy!"

"What's pocket sized?"

You return with two drinks in your hand--curious drinks that you'd mixed yourself, experimenting with what you knew the twins liked. Floyd's was the easiest--he liked texture and sweets, so he wouldn't be hard to please so long as you brought him an odd and sweet drink. Jade was a little more difficult, but luckily you had an ice tray that made mushroom-shaped ice cubes and were able to customize the drink a little towards his taste. "Surprise!"

"Surprise indeed!" says Jade, immediately fascinated with the ice cubes. "I didn't know you could do magic, prefect."

"Ha-ha. I had a feeling I'd need my little mushroom ice tray this morning. You can borrow it if you want, I bought it with you in mind," you say, and then turn to Floyd. "I hope you like it. I made them extra weird and extra sweet for your birthday. What was pocket sized again?"

"You, of course!"

In Floyd's opinion, the scowl on your face was adorable. "Right... There's more people in school that are my height than yours, ya know."

"But to me you're just a little shrimp," Floyd croons. You roll your eyes playfully.

"That's coz you're so tall, sea-noodle." You chide. You then notice his earring and tilt your head. "Awe, wait, is that... so you like the earrings?"

Floyd nods excitedly. The shrimp on his ear sways with the movement. "Your gift was the best ever, Shrimpy! Ya know I'm gonna pay you back tenfold on your birthday, right?"

"Don't worry about it. I'm glad you like them--I know your scale earring is important to you and Jade, but since you're such a fashionista I thought it might be fun to have a couple more earrings in your arsenal," you say happily. "Alright pretty boys, what's for breakfast? I've had some good training here at the Mostro Lounge, so I'll try to make whatever you want."

"Anything?" Jade grins, and you hesitate... Knowing him, he was about to ask something ridiculous, as innocent as he sounded.

"Within reason. I'm not gonna like... dive into the Coral Sea to hunt for an elusive species of fish or anything."

"Awe, they don't love us Jade," Floyd pouts. You roll your eyes.

"Correct. What will it be boys?"

"Hm..." Floyd hums. "Something shrimpy, please."

You raise an eyebrow at him.

"I'll make it," says Jade, looking a little too eager to offer. "Why don't you join Floyd while I do a little cooking, little shrimp?"

"I'm not so sure I wanna be breakfast... besides, I'm here to spoil the two of you, not just steal your time."

"Consider us spoiled then," says Jade. You suddenly feel his hands on your shoulders, gently guiding you to take his place by Floyd. "I don't like to sit back while people work for my own party, so let me do this for my peace of mind. You've already been sweet enough to make our drinks--thank you, Prefect. Now relax a little."

"Pushy," you remark at him. He chuckles.

"Don't I have a right to be?"

"Well, of course, but..."

"Bye-bye, Jade," Floyd waves his twin off. Your jaw goes slack at the instant dismissal. "I'll have some Takoyaki or something. See ya."

Jade chuckles and disappears. You turn your shocked gaze to Floyd.

"Hon--that's Jade. Your twin. Your best-friend-by-force. You're sure you don't want to sit here with him?"

"Nope! I want Shrimpy!"

"Yeah, okay..." you scratch your head confusedly. "Well, since cooking is... heh, since cooking is off the menu, how can I spoil you? Any chores that need done? Should I help decorate for the party?"

"Nah, Azul's got most of that taken care of..." Floyd replies. As he thinks about his upcoming party, a look of boredom crosses his face. "Meh, I'm actually not feeling party-prep right now. Let's go do something fun!"

"Okay, but... Jade just went to make breakfast?"

Had anyone else pointed it out, Floyd would've dismissed them with a 'we'll be back by then'--even though you both knew good and well you wouldn't be. Luckily, Floyd listened to you--a birthday miracle, in your opinion.

"Alright Shrimpy," he croons. "Just because you're so sweet, we can wait. But after that, you have to follow me somewhere, deal?"

"I don't make deals with Octavinelle folk," you reply. He starts to give you a pouty look, but you quickly wipe it off by lightly pinching his cheek. "Oh stop it, ya cutie--it's a deal. I'm trusting you." You add. He laughs, immediately lifting his hands to pinch your cheeks as well.

"Hooray! It's gonna be so much fun--just you wait, Shrimpy!"

Oh, you had no doubt Floyd was going to have fun--it was your sanity that you were worried about, but you could bite your tongue about it. As chaotic as Floyd was, he wasn't an idiot--you doubted you'd actually be in peril, no matter how wild he could be.

At least, that's what you told yourself...

Quality Time:

"Goodbye henchhuman. It was nice knowing you."

Grim-

"Hehe--baby seal is so funny!" Floyd laughs, taking the towel out of your arms and wrapping it around you playfully. "Don't worry sealie--I'll take good care of little Shrimpy, alright? We're just going for a swim is all!"

You wish you could've had that same confidence. You give Grim a somber wave. "I'll never forget you, Grim..."

"Shrimpy's funny too!"

Floyd grabs your hand, leading you out of Ramshackle and back into the school, where he used the mirror chamber to take you not to the Coral Sea, but to the beach. So he did remember you couldn't breathe under water. Good.

"Don't worry, Shrimpy! I'll make sure we're back for at least a part of the party, okay?" says Floyd. It's cute how he thought that was you concern.

"Floyd," you remind. "You do realize you can swim like... a million times faster than me, right? You're not going to swim off and forget me, are you?"

"Uh, duh! That's why I'm bringing you along--you can hold onto me and then we can both swim fast."

"Sounds scary."

"That's why I'm taking you with me," He chuckles darkly, before lightening up. "Awe, I'm kidding. You're adorable when you're nervous, you know?"

As many reservations as you had, it was hard to deny Floyd once he got in the water. He looked so happy to be back in his eel form--he was really pretty too, with elegant blue fins where his ears would be, teal-tinted lips and dark gills along his cheeks...

He was as pretty as a painting, wasn't he? Swoon.

"C'mon Shrimpy! I'll give you swimming lessons!"

"Oh? For free?"

He chuckled. "Well, if you like the lessons so much, you can always repay me later~"

You huffed in amusement. After placing your towel somewhere along the sand you slowly made your way into the water. He waits surprisingly patiently, though once it's clear you're comfortable he latches onto you and pulls you farther out away from shore, his long body moving like a ribbon through the water.

"W-Woah, okay, thanks for the heads up..." you say, holding him tightly in surprise. He laughs.

"Don't worry Shrimpy, I gotcha!"

"Maybe that's the dangerous part..."

He laughs again. You're deep enough now that there's no way you're touching the bottom, but that doesn't concern you too much. You could swim pretty well after your first time getting involved with Octavinelle....

Floyd lets you go so you can tread the water, and he seems quite happy to just swim around you and talk, his tail occasionally brushing your leg in order to get a reaction out of you.

"Ha-ha," you mock. "Very funny."

"What are ya talking about?"

"You and your tail," you scold. "I know it's you."

"Is it?" He grins cryptically. You feel something else slide by your leg, and... and was it Floyd?

"It's you, right?" you say, panic working its way into your tone. He laughs.

"Look how far apart we are, Shrimpy. Maybe there are piranhas in the water."

"N-Not funny!"

"There there, Shrimpy--there aren't any piranhas, those are freshwater folk. The only dangerous guys here are sharks and carnivorous eels and jellyfish and sea snakes-"

"S-Stop-"

"And poisonous sea-snails and barracudas and lionfish..."

"Floyd!"

He laughs, using his tail to pull you into his arms--which, even though you knew he was messing with you, still felt safe. "There there, Shrimpy. There's a lotta predators out here, but I'm the biggest baddest predator of them all! They won't mess with us."

"Well, not y-you, anyways."

"Awe, you're stuttering!" He pulls you in closer, into a hug--you feel him nuzzle into the crook of your neck, unbothered by the saltwater splashing in his face. "There there, sweetheart. You're safe here."

"I'm sure I am."

He laughs at your sass. Gently he pries your arms off of him and instead wraps them firmly around his torso, flipping himself on his back and floating nonchalantly along the waves. "See? Fun and relaxing!"

You give him a playful scowl. Freeing one arm, you place a hand on his chest and feel for his heartbeat. "Your heart is still here, right? Better question--do you even have a heart?"

"Shrimpy! I'm wounded!"

"I'm only joking... kinda," you say, finally feeling his heartbeat. "Ugh, you're right--you're calm as a sunny day. Jerk."

He snickers, placing his hand over yours to keep it there. He gives you a soft look, and you can feel his heart rate pick up. Huh?

"I like you a lot, Shrimpy. I think I like you even more in the water with me."

You're not sure how to reply to that. Your heart jumps in your throat and cuts your reply short, and Floyd takes the opportunity to float even further out with you, still holding you close.

Physical Touch:

"I forgot non-mers get cold once they get out of water," Floyd remarks, scowling at the way you shivered with the towel around you--almost like the felt bad that you were freezing and worse that he didn't have a quick solution. "Should I start a fire?"

"Floyd!"

Rather than sounding paranoid, his name left your lips in a laugh--he'd certainly softened you up after more swimming in the ocean, so much so that you weren't entirely willing to leave. He was back in his human form now--perfect and pretty, just as he'd been in his eel form--with only his wet hair to indicate he'd been in the ocean at all. "What? I can't let you go back to my party if you're cold."

"I have a towel."

"Yeah, that seems to be doing the job," he rolls his eyes. "Well, the party only started like an hour ago--I have time to do this, right?"

"This...?"

He removes his pen from his pocket, looking thoughtful before waving it and summoning a long blanket to appear on the sand. He promptly sits down and beckons for you to join him, and when he does he summons another to fall on your lap. "Ha-ha! That's some pretty nifty magic right there, huh? And your Mackerel friend can only summon cauldrons!"

"Deuce can summon plenty of things," you defend. "Just... cauldrons are his specialty."

"Suuuure Shrimpy. It's okay--he's only a little first-year, no one expects him to be a master like me."

You have one year over him."

"And now I'm keeping you warm, so who would you prefer right now?" He teases. "Not only that, but Mackerel would be all cold and shivery like you if he were here. You're lucky to have me. C'mere."

He wraps his arms around you. When you first got to know Floyd, you were a bit surprised by how cuddly he could be--especially to you. By now you were fairly used to it, so you used the opportunity and leaned into him, embracing his comfort and warmth.

Cuddling on the beach--what a birthday, huh?

"I am lucky to have you..." you mumble. He tilts his head.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. You're warm. Thanks Floyd."

You close your eyes, enjoying the moment. Just like before, you can feel his heartbeat...

It's fast. If it's beating quickly for the same reason as yours, you wonder just how much longer you can keep your feelings for him a secret.

Words of Affirmation:

"You're late to your own party," Azul huffs. Floyd scowls, as if it's an ordinary day and he's being lectured for being late to work.

"So what? You're not paying me!"

"It's your party, Floyd. Everyone is here for you and Jade."

"That's not my fault!"

Azul pinches the bridge of his nose, then turns to you and eyes you up and down. "Went swimming, did you?"

"I plan to change," you reply, wrapping your towel tighter around yourself. "I just thought I'd drop Floyd off here first. I didn't mean to steal him away so long."

"You and I both know it isn't you who did the stealing." Azul replies. Floyd laughs proudly.

"You should come next time, Azul! I bet Shrimpy can swim faster than you."

Azul scoffs and walks off. You give Azul a sympathetic frown and turn to Floyd.

"Well," you say. "I'm gonna head back to Ramshackle real quick to change into something that's... not swimwear. Thanks for taking me swimming, Floyd. I'm glad I got to spend that time with you on your birthday."

Your smile is heart-stoppingly soft. Floyd doesn't resist the urge to not let you go--instead, he wraps a hand around your wrist and pulls you deeper into the dorm.

"Nah. Don't change. You look real cute like that."

You feel your face heat up, and you stutter out a bunch of nonsense until you finally find your words. "C-Cute? N-No, I... I'm cold like this."

"But I warmed you up!"

"Yeah, and as much as you continue to do so with those sweet little compliments... embarrassing, seriously... I am in wet, summery clothes. Plus, this dorm is like ice sometimes--I swear Ramshackle is warmer and we don't even have a heating system there, unless you count my fiery weasel-cat."

"Relaaax, Shrimpy. Like I said--I gotcha. I'll take care of you, just follow me..."

Take care of you. Part of you wanted to say he was as much of a concern as he was a cure, but it was hard to sass him when he sounded so uncharacteristically sincere.

He continues to drag you by your wrist, leading you down the hall and--oh, into his room. Once the door is open, he releases you and starts to shuffle through his drawers of clothes, pulling out shirt after shirt and holding them up to you like an artist looking at a model.

"Hm... nah, not this..." he quickly refolds a button-up and continues to dig. You tilt your head.

"Are you... letting me borrow your clothes?"

"Duh!"

"You don't have to do that, you know. I can just go back to Ramshackle."

"That's too much time apart. I'd prefer to have you close--it's my birthday, after all!" he says, and right before you can reply with an 'awe', he adds, "Plus, your clothes are atrocious. No fashion sense whatsoever."

You pout. "I'm broke you know."

"I know Shrimpy. That's why you've got me here to sort out your low-budget fashion abominations," he winks at you. "Hm... you'll want something warm, right? I hate stuffy things, but... this might work."

He pulls out some graphic cardigan with a loud, bold pattern that was definitely up Floyd's alley. Along with it, he tosses a plain t-shirt and cozy pair of pants at you. "Here ya are, Shrimpy. Bundle up!"

The clothes feel expensive in your hand--nothing Kalim-level, but they were definitely nicer clothes than you'd ever plan to wear to a Leech Birthday Party. "Are you sure? These feel really nice-"

"That's coz they are! Wear 'em and see!"

"Okay..." You hesitate, before looking around. "You got a bathroom I can change in, then?"

He shrugs and backs up to the door of his room. "Just change here, Shrimpy. I'll stand guard--unless you want company?"

"Floyd..."

He chuckles. "Just an offer~ I'll be outside. Can't wait to see the fit!"

He closes the door behind him. Feeling cold in your swimwear, you make an effort to change quickly, holding your wet clothes awkwardly away from your body before knocking on the door. Floyd turns when you open it, taking in the outfit. "Awe, Shrimpy! You look even shrimpier in my clothes!"

"Shrimpier?" You repeat. "Um, what do I do about these?" You hold up the wet clothes.

"Just leave 'em on the floor. You can get them later."

You barely have time to drop them before his hand is around yours, pulling you back into the hall and towards the Mostro Lounge. He stops halfway there, pulling out his phone.

"Wait--picture first."

"What?!"

He turns his camera on you and snaps a picture. You scowl, take the phone from his hand and pull up the photo. "Seriously? This is worthless unless we're in it together, you know."

The look on his face brightens. He takes his phone back and throws an arm around you, taking another photo, this time while placing a kiss on your cheek. It catches you off guard, and you're certain the look on your face is even more stupid than the first pic.

"Hehe... you look so embarrassed!" Floyd laughs, looking at the photo. He locks his phone and puts it in his pocket. "This is the best birthday ever!"

You bring your fingers up to the place where he kissed you. The way he made your heart race... he had to know what he was doing, right?

Floyd starts to walk again but you cut him off, standing in front of him with your arms splayed to block his path. He raises an eyebrow and gives you a playful grin.

"What's this, Shrimpy?"

"Payback!"

"Oh?"

You reach up to his shoulders, pulling him down and giving him a peck on the cheek. When you pull away, you eye him carefully for a reaction. He gives nothing away other than a sly smile.

"Is that payback, Shrimpy?" He teases, crouching down until he's almost precisely your height. "Well, it wasn't very good, was it?"

"Very good?" you huff. "I did what you did to me!"

"Revenge is best served tenfold. Don't worry though--I'll give you a chance to try again."

He leans back nonchalantly against the wall, tilting his head innocently. You feel your face heat up but try to remain composed.

"You're eager for my revenge, aren't you?" You ask skeptically. He laughs.

"Come and find out."

"You-!" You stammer. "Fine. Revenge... here."

You grab the sides of his face, getting closer and closer, hovering your lips above his... and right when he closes his eyes and starts to lean forward, you dodge and place another coy kiss on his cheek. You pull away with a sense of victory. "Ha! I knew it!"

"Knew what, Shrimpy?"

Not even embarrassed. That jerk.

"Knew you... well, now I'm rethinking things." you frown. He laughs.

"Guess you better try again then, huh?"

"So you do want me to kiss you?"

"Oh~? Were you going to kiss me?"

You pinch the bridge of your nose. He chuckles at your irritation.

"C'mere Shrimpy."

He reaches for your arms, pulling you down to the floor with him. He sits with his back against the wall, arms resting on his knees, fingers threaded with yours. His eyes are sparkling, and something about him feels both very predatory and very... sweet. Those were the two sides of Floyd, after all. If he was dangerous, then you suppose you're the type to run towards danger, because to you he was just magnetizing.

You sit in silence for a minute as if waiting each other out. You knew a confession was bound to spill from one of you by this point--might as well speed things along, right?

"Floyd..."

"Hehe--Shrimpy, what are you so flustered for?"

"You know why!" You blurt, feeling your face heat up. "I don't even know why I feel the need to say this... Floyd, you know I have feelings for you, right? Not friendship feelings. You're..."

You look up at the ceiling, trying to summon some sort of dazzling confession to your lips. Instead, you got flustered threads of feelings you hoped Floyd would make sense of.

"I'm sure it's been obvious--you're not the type to miss the details and hints unless you've intentionally ignored them... you drive me crazy, you know, and not just because you're wild and kind of really intimidating when you want to be... you're really... I've been to two entirely different worlds and I've never met anyone like you. Not even close. Interesting is the understatement of the year; you're a wonder, a work of art, something so beautiful and curious that it defies my perception of reality. You're like... like magic, I guess. Yeah, that's a good comparison--dangerous and beautiful and unpredictable and confusing, my world never had anything like you but now that I know you I almost don't wanna go back..."

You're talking more to yourself at this point. Floyd's grin just gets wider and wider as he listens to you.

"I used to dream of magic back in my world though, so I guess it's not the most appropriate comparison... I'm not creative enough to dream up someone as wonderful as you..." you think. "Then again, if the guy of my dreams ever had an identity, it would be Floyd Leech. Still, hm..."

"Shrimpy?"

"Hm? Oh--oh?!"

He got real close since you started rambling--barely an inch from your face, close enough that you leaned back and your back ends up hitting the floor. He chuckles and uses his arms to prop himself over you, caging you in.

"You're so cute!" He says. His sweet tone is nothing like his expression of mischief. "Awe, you're just my favorite little shrimpy, you know that?"

"Are there... are there other shrimp in your life?"

"Just you," he says. His voice is suddenly very soft. "I'll make your silly little confession a lot easier, Shrimpy--I love you."

He looks pleased with himself by your shy reaction. It takes you a second to return the words.

"I love you too-"

"I know!"

He suddenly sits back up, pulling you with him--his back hits the wall and you fall forward, finally getting the kiss the both of you had been anticipating. Before he lets you go he playfully bites your lip, giving you a coy look.

"I know ya love me, Shrimpy--you show it all the time. It's real obvious. I guess that makes me really lucky, huh?"

"You think so?"

"I liked seeing you try to hide it, but I think I like doing this a little bit more..." he places another kiss on your lips. "I guess I did get what I want for my birthday, huh? I got Shrimpy!"

"I guess you did," you realize. A smile curls on your lips. "Well, I'm glad. I prefer this a lot more too."

His arms wrap around you, and you're subject to another one of his squeezes--this time much more gentle than usual. After a minute of just... cuddling in the vacant hallway, you start to wiggle.

"Ah, shoot, your party! You're missing it!"

"Hey, I told you we'd show for part of it, right?" Floyd teases. "Don't worry--we can go in a minute. Just stay here for now, okay?"

Well, he was the birthday boy. "Alright sweetheart. Just a minute then."

"I love you, Shrimpy."

With the way your heart fluttered, you don't think you'll ever get over hearing those words from him.

"I love you too, Floyd."

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