Twisted Asylum

Sailing Ships

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Yuu's POV

Months had passed since the whole courtyard incident.

My routine had fallen into place. My relationships with the patients had improved, to the point where basically all of them were comfortable with me now.

It had gotten to the point where, to both save time and be more efficient, I arranged group therapy sessions with each ward of the asylum. (With Kira's help with setting them up)

The whole process was going great, and work was... Somehow, being something I look forward to. As crazy as that sounds.

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The morning had been nice so far. Miya and Grim didn't act like some kind of starving gremlins while I fed them, the tea I made was comforting, and I only had one unread email!

... Oh, unread email? I skim through my inbox, checking the email.

" Good morning Doctor L/N! I hope you've been well. If time permits it, I would like you to come into my office this afternoon. I have something to discuss with you and another employee. Gracious regards, Director Dire Crowley. "

I sigh.

He better be giving me a raise, or I'm gonna just walk out of his office.

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My car pulls into the parking lot, small piles of snow starting to accumulate.

I hop out of my car with an oddly good feeling. Strange, this place usually makes me want to sleep for a solid five days.

As I approach the building, I notice someone standing by the door. It's a man, with dark purple hair and horns. He looks kind of familiar...

"You okay sir?" I ask politely, sipping my to-go drink.

He perks up in an awkward movement, before nodding. "Oh- Yeah, I'm all good. Just waiting for the visiting hours to start."

I nod in understanding, chuckling softly. "Well, at least wait in your car, it's pretty cold out here."

He huffs out a laugh, rubbing his neck. "Eh, I don't mind it."

I offer him a nod, before heading in, swiping my keycard.

Kira greets me with a smile. She's wearing a croteted scarf, which looks slightly scratchy.

"Good morning Yuu." She greets, turning away from her computer.

"Morning Kir. How's the request for the electronic file going?" I ask, leaning on the counter.

She sighs, rubbing her temple lightly. "Crowley said he'd get to it. So expect it in a few months. At least."

An exasperated huff is all I can respond with. "Oh well... By the way, there's a guy outside, says he's waiting to visit someone?"

"I know, he came in earlier." Kira says with a chuckle, tucking some hair behind her ear. "... He's kinda cute."

My eyes go wide, I almost spit out my drink. "Kira?!"

"What- don't look at me like that!" She laughs, waving a hand at me. "I think he's cute, what's wrong with that?"

I return her laugh. Last time she even dabbled in romance was ages ago, around when I started this job, but it didn't last long.

"What's his name anyway?" I asked once my giggles died down.

"It's Agoyi."

My eyes widen again, my brain turning into a mush at this revelation. "Cress and Lyf's brother?! That's HIM???"

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After the situation with Kira, which ended in Agoyi coming inside with a very confused look, I went on my way, into the Heartslabyul wing.

Now that group therapy sessions had been organised, not only would I be able to spend more time with everyone, but the patients from the same wings seemed to be friends.

As I walk into the common area of the wing, I quickly spot the group.

Deuce is first to spot me, waving with a warm smile. Ace quickly responds, playfully shoving Deuce to get in front of him, waving while smiling boyishly.

As the two bicker, (with Riddle scolding them,) Trey smiles politely, while Cater offers a languid wave.

"Hey n/n~" Cater drawls lazily, a smile present on his face.

Trey continues to smile politely, adjusting his glasses. "Good morning, doctor."

I smile at them, sitting at the end of the table. "Good morning, guys. How've you been since we last spoke?"

Trey and Cater both respond with positive words. Ace and Deuce finally calm down, as Riddle moves to sit next to me.

"All has been well, doctor." He says with the slightest hint of a smile. I felt good about him finally starting to open up... Even if that meant having to hear about all of his rules.

"Good, that's great to hear." I say warmly, sipping my drink. Riddle's expression tightens.

"It's not coffee. It's just tea." I say carefully, knowing about how, for some reason, coffee was banned by 'The Queen of Hearts' Rules.' So I stopped drinking it on days I knew I'd be seeing Riddle.

He relaxes, coughing gently into his fist with an embarrassed flush. "A- Ah. Good."

Ace chuckles teasingly. "Tch, you remember his rules? Got nothing better to do, doctor?" Deuce huffs at his words.

"I think it's sweet. That they're willing to learn for him." The bluenette smiles warmly at me. Ace groans in mock disgust.

"Uuugh, I can't deal with this sappy stuff." He groans, earning a glare from Riddle.

"Oh, calm down Acey~ no need to be jealous!" Cater says with a laugh. Ace, who's face is now the same shade as Riddle's hair, sputters in embarrassment.

Deuce chuckles, before turning back to me. "Seriously though. It was sweet of you to go through that." He runs the back of his neck. "Even I don't remember half of them!"

I smile warmly at him, but Riddle? He looks appalled at Deuces words. "What?! After all I went through to remind you??"

I place a gentle hand on Riddle's shoulder. He immediately stills, sitting back down with a red face.

The other four look at me like I've just grown a second head.

Trey laughs warmly, rubbing the back of his neck. "He never lets people touch him so easily. You sure you don't have any magic?"

Cater laughs at Riddle's face. "Oh Sevens, I wish I had a camera right now~"

Ace, who hid behind Deuce once Riddle raised his voice, (probably because he forgot all of his rules,) looked at me in astonishment.

Deuce simply huffed in relief, mouthing a silent "thankyou" as Riddle calmed down. I remove my hand from his shoulder, his slightly disappointed face not lost to me.

"So... Besides the rules, nothing's happened lately? Nothing you wanna share?"

They all take turns talking with me, and with each other during our remaining time, and no sooner than I'm finishing up, my alarm goes off.

Ace groans in disappointment. "You sure you can't ditch your next patients?"

Deuce elbows him. "Ow- hey!" Ace protests.

Riddle offers me a nod as I leave, Cater gives my hand a light squeeze, and Trey offers me a simple smile.

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