Twisted Wonderland 2

If That's The Rule

Early the next morning, the sun begins to crest above the horizon. Casting orange and pinks along the beach. Riddle stirs awake and sits up. "I've never woken up to the sound of waves before. Are the others up yet?"

He looks to the boys who are all sound asleep.

"I suppose not. But I won't be able to get back to sleep now. Maybe I'll get some fresh air."

Riddle walks out of the bungalow and into the morning air. He leans against the railing and gazes to the vast ocean.

"The sea stretches so far. It still hasn't quite sunk in for me yet... We really are stranded here, aren't we? Are Trey, Cater, and the rest of the boys worried about me? I hope Mother's all right..."

Something catches his attention in the corner of his eye. Turning his head, he spots you sitting on the beach, drawing something in your sketchbook. Riddle makes his way to the beach and stands next to you.

"Do you mind if I sit here?"

You jump, not noticing Riddle by you. "Oh, good morning Riddle. Of course you can."

Riddle sits on the sand beside you. "Apologies if I startled you."

You laugh. "Oh, it's okay. I wasn't really paying attention."

Riddle tilts his head. "What brings you out so early?"

"Grim was catching a fish in his sleep and his paws kept batting my face." You laugh. "So I decided to come out here and work on some drawings since I couldn't get back to sleep."

Riddle looks to your sketchbook. "What are you drawing, if I might ask?"

You hold the drawing out for Riddle to see. You've drawn Ace sitting on the beach with his legs in the water. He leans against a pool floaty and holds Stitch in the air with a grin.

"I still need to do some finishing touches but it's almost done." You let out a laugh. "I've also been working on yours and the others since I have to make drawings for everyone."

Riddle smiles to you. "I'm sure Ace will love it. Though you don't actually have to draw for everyone."

You shrug. "I don't mind. It gives me something else to do."

"That's very kind of you. I appreciate that you share your talent with us. Your work is truly amazing to see."

You close your sketchbook with a nervous laugh. "Oh, I don't know about that. I wouldn't say it's anything special."

Riddle smiles and holds your hand. "But it is. You may not believe it right now, but know that I think that you're truly incredible."

You feel a flush to your cheeks and you look away. "Thanks, Riddle."

He nods. "Of course."

After giving your heart a moment to calm down, you look back to Riddle. "What brings you out here so early?"

Riddle looks to the waves crashing on the beach. "I heard the waves and it woke me up. I'm not used to sleeping by the ocean."

You look to the water. "It is really different from school."

Riddle nods, watching as the sun rises above the ocean. The two of you sit in comfortable silence as you watch the sunrise.

"You're staring at the ocean with quite the absent gaze."

Glancing over your shoulder, you see Lilia approaching.

"Is something troubling you two?"

"Lilia?" Riddle shakes his head. "No, it's nothing like that. Back in Heartslabyul, I had a morning routine. I would patrol the dorm before the others woke and iron my shirt for the day. But neither task is necessary here, so I don't know what to do with myself."