Deuce and Cater (pt1)

Upon meeting Deuce for the first time one of the first things Cater says is, “You’re even less competent than I thought.”

Deuce says that he looked at the Pop Music Club before joining track and field but when Ace says, “I bet it was only ’cause Cater dragged you along,” Deuce responds, “…maybe.”

Cater invites Deuce to join his team during Beanfest and at their first supply crate he says, “The less experienced freshmen should get first dibs on the gear,” encouraging Deuce to help himself.

This is revealed to be a trap: Cater uses Deuce as bait to lead members of the opposing team (Ace and Sebek) away from the crate, taking the gear for himself.

(Grim: “So that’s why you told Deuce he could have first dibs. You were settin’ him up to take the fall.” – Cater: “Oh, cut me some slack, guys. It’s called strategy.”)

At the end of Spectral Soiree Deuce steps on Cater’s toes as he struggles to waltz but Cater encourages him with, “We’ll just keep it slow ’til you get the hang of it.”

Deuce wonders if Cater’s dream is a result of Cater having issues with Riddle, admitting that he, too, would have mixed feelings if he were in Cater’s position when Riddle took over Heartslabyul.

Leona and Idia suggest that Cater and Trey could have been intending to use Riddle for their own ends back at the start of the school year and Deuce responds, “They might say mean things sometimes, but they’re caring and sincere! At least…I think they are…”