Open Red with Embarrassment

[Nixon Mercury]

(Red for Tristan Collins, open after Daphne)​

Nixon did not know if he should feel dread or excitement to deliver a rose to Tristan. After the ordeal of their date at the yule ball, he had been avoiding the older boy firstly because of pure embarrassment, and secondly because he neither wanted nor needed more from Tristan, entirely pleased with one date even if it had ended in less than ideal circumstances. He was at least relieved the rose he was meant to deliver was red, telling him Tristan did have someone else to focus on, and Nixon could fade into the back of everyone's minds where he wanted to stay. But despite this it did not make the task of delivering the rose any less confusing than he was sure it was going to be, and he walked back into the castle and to the fourth floor intending to get the delivery over with as quickly as possible to avoid any unnecessary awkwardness. Nixon was lucky he spotted Tristan in the corridor rather quickly. "Wait, Tristan!" Nixon called out, speeding up his pace as he approached with the red rose already in his hand. "I have a rose for you." He added, wanting to make it clear this was the only reason he was seeking the older boy out.​

 

[Tristan Collins]

Tristan had only received one rose so far, which was rather disappointing. He had placed the yellow rose in his dormitory and lingered in the common room in the hopes some Hufflepuff would deliver one to him. But no such luck. He had eventually decided to leave, stepping out of the common room and into the corridor to head to the Great Hall, as that would be an easier place for people to find him. He stopped when he heard his name called, and tensed a little as he saw Norton. He had been happy not to hear from the boy after their date, and had hoped things would remain that way. If he was here now to ask Tristan about the dance tonight, he would have to disappoint him. To his relief, he then noticed the boy was delivering roses. He could only hope the red rose was actually a delivery and not some embarrassing gesture. "Oh, thanks." He said, holding out his hand for it.

 

[Nixon Mercury]

When Tristan held his hand out, Nixon gave him the rose. He then quickly rummaged in his bucket for the note that was meant to accompany it. When he found the right note he handed that over as well. "There's the note, have a good day." He said, not waiting to see Tristan read the note or see his reaction because he wanted to get away from there as soon as possible. It seemed silly to linger and make himself uncomfortable, especially when he had many other roses to deliver.​

Spoiler: Note

The only truth I've ever known has been the warmth of your love.

 

[Tristan Collins]

Tristan was both glad and annoyed at Nixon's dismissive attitude. He didn't want anything with the boy, but couldn't Nixon at least appear a little as if he wanted Tristan to date him? Apparently not. He handed over the rose then left immediately. Tristan sighed, then turned away from him to read the note. He felt his heart beat a little faster despite himself, and then silently scolded it. It was just a rose, nothing to become emotional about.