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“Ruggie~!”
Ruggie immediately perked up at the sound. Excited flashed over his face as his pale eyes flickered around the room to find the source of the melody— you.
The sudden elevation in his mood had not gone unnoticed by Leona or Jack. While Ruggie had been rather pleased this morning to be pampered and treated, in his mind, as royalty the mere mention of you had a whole different effect. In fact, the hyena beastman could hardly sit still after hearing your voice.
And when he found you?
He was on his feet and rushed over to your side.
You found yourself swept up into a tight embrace, nearly causing the gift in your hand, a tray of specially made sweets for your boyfriend, tumbling to the floor. Luckily you had a secure grip on it.
Laughter tumbled from your lips as you spoke, “If I didn’t know better I might have guessed it was my birthday with how excited you are to see me!”
Ruggie’s cheeks flushed but he did not let go, which told you enough.
“Well just in case someone has forgotten here…” You wiggle out of his grasp, which arguably was easier said than done considering he did not want to let you go just yet. Still, you managed and promptly presented the tray to him.
“Happy birthday, Ruggie!”
His eyes widened in surprise as they stared at the gift you presented to him. His gaze flickered between you and the platter filled with an assortment of donuts in disbelief.
“Are these really all for me?” He asked tentatively.
A small giggle bubbled from your throat. “Of course, it is your birthday! I spent all morning making them for you and only you!”
A small sound, somewhere between a whine and your name escaped the hyena as he snatched up one of the glazed treats and shoved one in his mouth.
“You are amazing,” Ruggie said between a mouthful of strawberry-glazed donut.
A smile stretched even wider over your lips as you took in his overjoyed expression— the way his eyes sparkled so brightly as if you had just given him the most precious treasure in the world and how his ears and tail gave away his excitement with each little gesture.
All those burns and struggles with the fryer, which happened to be a deep-dished pan full of cooking oil, in the end, had been worth it just to see his reaction.
Ruggie picked up another donut and readied to shove it into his mouth just like the last one but paused. His eyes found yours and he smiled, leaning in to place a quick peck against your cheek.
“Thank you, this is the best gift ever.”
“Hey! Even after all we did for you?” Leona, disgruntled, interjected.
You laughed, sticking your tongue playfully at the Savanaclaw leader. “I have special perks, Kingscholar.”
“And this is way tastier!” Ruggie said just before consuming another donut whole.