Sweet As Strawberry Tarts

\13\ Salty

No one's p.o.v

After returning to the others, you let go of Riddle, much to his displeasure and  grabbed the paint brush and bucket you were using again. Returning back to painting the rose trees while Riddle also went back to watching over the residents.

~Time skip~

"You're slacking! It needs to be a deeper red without flaw!"

You looked over at the rose tree Deuce was painting at, only to see that some parts of the roses weren't painted properly. Which wasn't all that surprising.

"Y-Yes!" Deuce answered, trying to paint the rose with the brush.

Ace took a step back in surprise. "He's as strict as ever! I thought he'd eased up a bit!"

Cater laughed at that. "This is just how he is."

"If you're going to do it, it should be perfect."

"To have a good party, I won't hold back.." Riddle then giggled.

"Oh, look at (Y/n)'s work," Cater suddenly exclaimed as he approached you along with Riddle and Trey.

"You did a good job painting them," the dark green haired male praised you. You simply smiled at him.

"I guess it's a perk of a non-magic user." You jokingly say as you continue painting the rose. Riddle had gone quiet for a while as he watched you paint. He then took a deep breath before finally speaking.

"(Y/n).."

"Yes?"

Riddle glanced down at the ground, trying to avoid your gaze. "I'm sorry for offending you. I may have also said some harsh words."

You laughed softly at Riddle's cute awkwardness. "It's alright Riddle."

You then lunge towards him and hug him tight again while he became flustered. Trey and Cater were quite surprised at your action.

You then let go of him again as he cleared his throat, still flustered as you all laughed.

After a few moments, there was only one unpainted rose tree left. Using his staff, Riddle casted a spell. The roses were Then fully painted red. Nodding at his work, he spoke,

"Okay, that does it."

"Amazing! He finished in a blink of an eye!" Ace gasped seeing the rose tree.

Deuce admired the rose tree with awe. "Dorm Leader sure is amazing.. They're all already red."

"Riddle is really good at practical use of magic~" cater explained.

"Nice work, Riddle." Trey complimented him.

"That takes care of the preparation. Let the unbirthday party begin!" Riddle declared as all the residents cheered, they then head back to the Tea Garden. Grim also cheered joyfully now that he could eat.

Grim began pulling on your pant leg, urging you to come on. "Let's go! Let's go!"

You laughed at the creatures excitement. "Yes, yes. Calm down Grim."

You two went back to the Tea Garden and sat by the two dorks at the same table with Riddle.

"I-I baked it, Don't worry. This. I made this strawberry tart."

Trey inspected the tart and nodded. "The shape needs a little more work, but you did well coating the strawberries in nappage to bring out their shine. This is great work for your first time."