Chapter Text
leo finds him easily – the time they've been allies has allowed him to grow closer to the nohrian prince. leo is easy to like, if he lets you get close. the younger nohrian prince is full of fangs and claws, and there is that ever hanging malevolence that is sourced from the craft he works. leo is very much a feline like ryouma.
he is glad they are allies. he is sure that if they were enemies, leo wouldn't blink and hesitate with the subject of death to hoshidans. he is glad leo picked him as a friend, let him into his life.
the prince is without a majority of his regalia, dark plates shed, leaving him in that form fitting undershirt. without his armor, leo looks soft, but there is the promise of power in his body. without that extra weight, leo looks like he is ready to give.
“ i'm sorry. “ leo speaks softly, sitting beside him, and ryouma notices the closeness. leo does not sit this close to someone he does not feel close to – he sees there is a bottle in his hand and leo purses his lips as he uncorks it. “ you lost your father again. “ his pretty brow furrows as he takes a swig of the contents and holds it out to the uncrowned king.
ryouma knows he shouldn't take solace in drink, but he is not to refuse the offer from leo.
he takes it, taking a sip and the alcohol's taste is foreign to him. he is not one to drink nohrian wine, for what need has he had to? they've been enemies for so long. it burns a bit going down, leaving a dry aftertaste. the wine is warm.
“ it is alright. i have said my farewell to him, at least. “ ryouma's voice sounds distant, and he can hardly register it, even with the rumble in his throat.
leo's pretty voice rings out, arm looping under the lion's and hooking up, pulling himself close in a gesture ryouma has never seen him do. his little sister – yes, but leo intentionally distances himself from all others.
his face feels hot, and the heat grows as leo rests his cheek against the other's shoulder. he can't see his face.
“ it's okay. you don't have to be strong right now. “ his voice is soft, and ryouma is surprised. seductive venom-honey isn't there, no tone that is strong and brash, barrelling sarcasm like arrows through cloth armour.
leo's guard is down.
leo, the prince of nohr known for a personality like thick ice, is resting against him without a second though, without suspicion.
when did they get this close?
ryouma allows himself to relax as well, slumping back against the ruin castle's wall, passing the drink back to the younger man. leo is special.
“ thank you. “ the man responds, and leo takes a sip of wine. it is long, but there is still plenty left in the bottle.
they share the drink in silence, leo providing comfort in the eerie quiet of valla.