Archive of Our Own

Wilhelm knows he shouldn’t be that excited about this. It’s actually a kind of horrible situation, but he’s trying to look for silver linings.

And if everything goes well there’s going to be a big one.

He’s sitting in the study hall with his friends when the plan forms in his brain. All thanks to the news that Maddie announces.

Normally, they all would also be accompanied by Simon and Felice, but they are still at choir practice so Wille must subdue to daydreaming about his boyfriend now. He catches himself checking his watch, waiting for the endless rehearsal to end. More times than he probably should, since every time he does, he only gets more dissatisfied that it’s only been 2 minutes since he looked last.

“Oh my god,” Maddie exclaims, eyes fixated on her phone. Wille looks up from the history reading he is supposed to do, but honestly, he’s been doing a poor job at it anyway. The whole table turns to Maddie in search of a reason for her outburst.

“What’s up?” Stella asks eventually.

“Apparently there’s a huge blizzard coming our way,” she explains and turns her phone screen to them to see the headline of some news article.

“How huge?” Henry asks.

“Very,” Madison replies as she reads the article back, “they already closed everything for a few miles away from here and people are advised to stay home.”

“I’m sure it’s going to just pass sideways,” Fredrika waves away dismissively.

“Umm, I think not,” Stella states and all eyes turn her way now. She points to a window from where you can usually see the lake outside, but right now, the view is totally blurred, all white, swirling fluff and terrible fog. They all practically jump from their chairs, coming to the window, but the view doesn’t look any better up close. If anything, it’s even scarier how little you can see through it.

“Well that doesn’t look good,” Wille observes with a wince.

“What do you guys think they’re going to do?” Walter asks, still staring at the blizzard in front of them.

“Everybody will probably be forbidden to leave the building until it calms down,” Maddie explains. That option seems kind of reasonable now - nobody would be safe going out in such conditions.

“How long till it calms down though?” Stella questions.

“A few hours? Till the morning? Who knows?” Maddie shrugs. “It doesn’t say,” she adds as she continues scrolling through the article on her phone.

“So we’re stuck here,” Henry states with a sigh.

“We live here, you dumbass,” Stella points out with an eye roll and shoves the boy on the shoulder.

“Yeah, but not all of us do,” Fredrika retorts.

She’s right. Most of the classes for the day are over, but there are some extra practices still happening. Some of them attended by the non-residents too.

Like, for example, choir practice, which Wille’s boyfriend attends.

“We have to find Sara and get Felice,” Maddie starts, excitement visible on her face as she turns to the rest of the girls here. “You're thinking what I’m thinking, right?”

“A sleepover?” Stella only half questions since they all know she’s right.

“I’m so in, I’m texting Sara,” Fredrika instantly pulls out her phone to do so.

“Let’s go get Felice, the practice is almost over,” Maddie says when they return to the table to grab their stuff. “Wille, you’re coming?” She turns to him and he glances at her, confused.

“What?”

She throws him a deadpan glare.

“Simon’s there,” she reminds him.

Wille does know that, he was just distracted. By thoughts of Simon, of course. Because since the girls can do a sleepover and nobody is apparently allowed to leave, Simon will have to stay here. And Wilhelm will do everything to be his roommate for the night.

“Oh, right,” he shakes off his thoughts and eventually answers Madison. “Sure, I’m coming.”

“You lovebirds,” Maddie shakes her head, exasperatedly but fondly. “No need to act chill now, we know you’ve been basically dying for choir practice to end so you can see him again.”

“I was not-“

“You checked your watch, like, three times during a minute,” Stella points out, maybe even correctly, but that’s not what it’s about. Wille opens his mouth to protest again but Maddie just claps him on the back when they exit the study hall.

“Let’s go, your highness,” she chuckles, and Wille blushes as they walk.

But yeah, he shouldn’t try to hide it really, he’s doing a poor job of it anyway. He’s so whipped for his boyfriend, that’s the truth.

When they reach the class, the whole choir is still inside, probably finishing a song. The girls wait next to the class’s door, gossiping and scrolling through their phones, but Wille decides to peek inside through the glass part of the door.

He loves watching Simon sing. It always takes him back to the first time he saw him, the first time he’s ever smiled at Hillerska. And it was all because of Simon’s angelic voice. He can’t hear it clearly now through the door, doesn’t even recognise the song they’re singing, but still, watching Simon is enough.

The boy is focused, but there’s always this shadow of a smile on his face when he sings. His eyes are fixated in front of him, probably on the teacher but normally they would be settled on the crowd that’s listening to him. It’s almost impossible to explain how much emotion seeing Simon like that brings out in Wille. He gets lost again, in the way his boyfriend so effortlessly seems to be chanting all the sounds, high or low, always coming from his big heart.

The choir finishes the song and Simon smiles even more brightly before Wille loses sight of him as the rest of the students move to exit the class. He almost gets hit by the door as some student opens it to leave, not fully unenchanted from the spell of Simon’s singing yet. He quickly steps away after recovering, letting the students out and waiting for his boyfriend.

“Hi,” he says as Simon appears in the classroom’s door, not spotting Wille instantly. He jumps a little when he hears his voice, as if surprised. But when his eyes eventually settle on Wilhelm, he smiles softly.

“Hey,” he replies. “What are you doing here?”

Wilhelm reaches for his hand and tugs him closer, refusing to speak before he greets his boyfriend with a kiss, so he leans in to seal their lips together in a quick peck. Simon doesn’t resist.

“Wanted to surprise you,” Wille retorts with a shrug when their lips part. Simon’s eyes remain closed for a few more seconds, relishing in Wilhelm’s proximity, a satisfied expression on his face.

“That’s nice,” he says when their eyes meet again. Wille nods.

“You know what else would be nice?” he starts then a bit teasingly, and Simon arches an eyebrow, a cautious but adorable expression on his face. Wille wraps his arms around him and pulls him a bit closer “If you stayed here tonight.”

“Ugh, Wille,” Simon groans and throws his head back. “You know I’d love to,” he says, his hands finding their way onto the back of Wilhelm’s neck, fingers toying with the strands of hair there, “but it’s not that easy,”

He’s been trying to sneak Simon into his room quite a few times, and not all of them turned out to be successful. As much as his bodyguards may not mind. Wilhelm even suspects Malin is quite fond of Simon, and vice versa actually - the housemasters at the Forest Ridge are kind of strict when it comes to non-residents staying the night, which is annoying since the housemistresses at the girls’ house don’t really mind having Sara over in Felice’s room.

But tonight, having Simon over is just a must.

“I know,” Wilhelm agrees, “but-“

“Attention, all the students remaining at the school premises,” suddenly a voice of some teacher comes through the intercom of the speakers in the hallway, “an emergency school appeal will take place in the main room in five minutes, I repeat…”

Simon frowns and Wilhelm finds the sight so adorable when his boyfriend looks around as if some explanation is about to jump out, out of nowhere.

“Do you know what this is about?” Simon asks him, probably noticing how unbothered he is with this whole thing. He nods.

“So apparently there’s a huge blizzard raging outside and nobody will be allowed to leave till it calms down,” he explains.

“What?” Simon’s eyes widen and Wilhelm almost chuckles. “Wille, this is horrible.”

“Yes,” Wilhelm agrees, but then carries on, “but… since nobody is allowed to leave it means you just have to stay here.”

Some confusion clears out from Simon’s face.

“Oh.” A realisation covers his features. He smirks a little. “I guess you’re right.”

“Mhm,” Wilhelm agrees.

“You think they’ll let me stay in your room though?” Simon asks, a challenge evident in his tone.

“I will do everything in my power for them to let you,” Wilhelm promises solemnly. “And I kind of have a lot of power since I’m the crown prince and all that, you know.”

Simon laughs, shaking his head fondly at him, and Wille just can’t resist the urge to kiss him anymore, so he does. It starts a bit clumsily since Simon is still laughing, but they soon catch a rhythm and melt into each other again.

“Wait,” Simon pulls back suddenly alarmed and Wille begins to panic too when he sees him like that, “where’s Sara? She didn’t leave, right?”

“Hey, calm down,” Wille starts, glad that he can ease up his boyfriend’s worries. “She’s probably still in the library, the girls went to get her I think. She’s here and she’s fine, she’ll be staying with Felice, obviously.”

“Okay,” Simon nods slowly, letting out a relieved exhale. “I have to call my mom though, make sure she made it home okay from work.”

“Of course,” Wille agrees. He leans in to place a gentle kiss to Simon’s forehead, feeling the rest of his unease disappear. “Say hi to Linda.”

Simon nods and smiles, pecking him on the lips again before stepping away to make the call. Wille’s really glad he won’t have to say goodbye to him tonight.

“So to ensure your safety, all of the students are to stay here and not leave the school building’s premise till the situation calms down. We hope you understand and no troubles will appear, so we can get through this in peace,” the headmistress finishes her speech and looks over at all the students gathered before her. “Now, who from the present here is a non-resident?” she questions.

Sara and Simon raise their hands. Turns out they were the only ones left.

“I’m afraid the ban includes you too. Your parents will of course be informed about your stay,” the headmistress assures. “Now, if you please follow me I will show you to a room-“

“Headmistress,” Wille raises his hand and cuts in, the woman looks at him a bit surprised.

“Yes, Prince Wilhelm?”

“I think that won’t be necessary,” he begins and clears his throat, pointing lightly to Simon who stands next to him. “Simon can stay in my room.”

“And Sara in mine,” Felice perks up, sending Wille a smile when their eyes meet. He returns with the same.

The headmistress stares at them, a bit startled with a questioning gaze, clearly waiting for some elaboration.

“I just think that would be easier,” Wilhelm continues. Being a prince, he’s been taught the art of persuasion and diplomatic talks. Finally, he can use some of that “I mean, it is a tough situation we’ve found ourselves in, and I think Sara and Simon would be more comfortable staying in known conditions.” In the corner of his eye, he can see Simon pressing his lips together and looking down, probably trying to stifle a laugh.

The headmistress seems to be thinking the request through for a few seconds.

“Is that right?” She directs the question to Sara and Simon. The siblings both nod in unison. “Alright, let it be then,” Wilhelm almost doesn’t manage to cover a triumphant smile. “If you need anything, you can always ask the housemasters,” she reminds them, and they nod again.

“Thank you, headmistress,” Simon says, and Sara repeats after him.

“You’re dismissed now, stay safe,” the woman bids them goodbye and leaves the room, the rest of the students slowly following her lead.

“Thank you.” Felice grabs Wilhelm’s arm, a bright smile on her face and Wille reciprocates with a nod before she turns excitedly towards Sara and throws her arm around her as they march to exit the room.

“Well,” Simon starts, reaching for his hand and lacing their fingers together, “you kept your promise, my prince,” he states teasingly and Wille chuckles.

“Everything for you,” he says and gets to witness one of his favourite views, which is Simon blushing. He’s getting better and better at making his boyfriend speechless and red-cheeked. He likes it. “Let’s go,” he steals a kiss from Simon’s cheek and leads them out of the hall to get to his bedroom.

The walk doesn’t take long and they spend it hand in hand. Before Wilhelm knows it, he opens the door to let Simon in. His boyfriend steps into the room, tugging at the sleeves of his purple hoodie and coming to a stand in front of the window, but any attempts of trying to see through the blizzard still remain futile.

“Are you cold?” Wille asks him when he notices the way Simon wraps his arms around himself.

“A little,” Simon admits, glancing at him from where Wille locks the door and flips on a light, before turning back to the window. There’s not much to observe there, but at the same time, there’s something magical about the white fluff swirling in the air, nature at its finest, beautiful but also terrifying.

Wilhelm steps closer to his boyfriend, wrapping his arms around him from behind and placing his chin on his shoulder. Simon’s hands immediately cover his arms and he leans back a little, letting out a pleased hum.

“Better,” he retorts as Wille places a kiss to the side of his neck, holding him a bit tighter. It’s always so nice to have Simon here, so close, in his space. Hillerska has become something of a home for him now, and he’s already spent countless hours in this bedroom. His room at the palace is something totally different and he always feels sort of out of place there. It’s huge and antique, feels more like a museum than his free space. Here, it’s cosy and just normal. He really likes it this way. 

“What should we do now?” Simon asks, rocking them in place gently. Wilhelm notices he’s closed his eyes and the fact that he feels so comfortable here, in Wille’s room, in his arms, makes something warm spread in his chest.

“I don’t know,” Wilhelm shrugs. “What do you do in a blizzard?”

“Huddle for warmth? Do homework? Watch movies?” Simon lists off. “I don’t know either actually.”

“Huddling for warmth sounds nice,” Wille says softly. Simon turns in his arms and now Wilhelm’s faced with his boyfriend’s teasing expression.

“Is that so?” He raises an eyebrow.

“Shut up, you’re the one who’s cold.”

“Well, not anymore,” Simon retorts innocently, his hands trailing up Wilhelm’s arms to rest on his neck.

“I wonder thanks to who,” Wille states sarcastically and Simon hums.

“My hero.”

Wille does not blush but the room feels warmer now. Even more so when Simon leans in to kiss him. Wilhelm reacts basically instantly, pulling Simon even closer although it’s sure that he’s got no intention of getting away. He can feel Simon smile against his lips before diving in again, his fingers now laced in Wille’s hair, running gently through the strands.

Wilhelm sets them in motion, pulling on Simon’s hoodie to tug him the few steps towards the bed. He goes willingly, pressing even closer to Wille and they nearly trip which causes a wave of laughter to run through them. Wilhelm uses the brief pause to sit down on the bed, leaning his back against the wall and dragging Simon against him instantly till his boyfriend is straddling his lap, their lips pressed together again. Wille’s palms sneak beneath the fabric of Simon’s hoodie and t-shirt, resting against soft, warm skin, prompting a gasp and a shiver from his boyfriend.

“Sorry, is this okay?” Wilhelm asks as their lips slip from each other again.

“Yeah, sure, your hands are just cold,” Simon chuckles. He delicately sweeps some hair from Wille’s face and just keeps looking at him lovingly with an easy smile. They might have gone quite far when it comes to kissing and exploring and all that stuff, but this is still the most intense for Wilhelm, the way Simon looks at him sometimes. As if he was some treasure, not in any royal sort of way, just as if he was precious for him, for being himself.

The three little words threaten to fly out from Wilhelm’s lips again, but he restrains himself. Simon hasn’t said it back yet, which is fine, he’s not going to push. He’s aware of how he violated Simon’s trust when the whole video fiasco broke out and he’ll take all the time to build up and win back his trust. It’s fine as it is now, they’re getting there, but at the same time, Wille doesn’t want him to feel sort of pressure by his constant love confessions. He did let it slip a few times and maybe Simon didn’t appear to be too uncomfortable, but it is obvious that he doesn’t really know how to answer. Usually, he just smiles and gives him a kiss, which is more than fine with Wilhelm, but still, he’s not sure how his boyfriend feels about it. 

“Wille?” Simon prompts gently, his eyes still focused on him, shining lightly with concern. Wilhelm realises he must have zoned out for a moment.

“Sorry,” he shakes his head, trying to return to the present.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, yes,” he responds quickly, hands sweeping along Simon’s back, reminding himself that he’s here, with his boyfriend, and all of the bad times are in the past now. He looks at Simon’s slightly concerned features and it hits him once more how lucky he is. A smile comes onto his lips, a bit involuntarily. Simon does have this effect on him whenever he’s around. “You’re just so beautiful.”

It’s Simon’s turn to blush again as he rolls his eyes and shakes his head with amusement. Wille wants him to believe him and he’s ready to argue just how true his statement was, but before he can, Simon presses their lips together again.

“You’re beautiful too,” he whispers in between their lips when he pulls back lightly. He doesn’t really give Wille a chance to respond since he dives into another kiss instantly.

It’s not like Wille had any coherent answer ready anyway.

He urges Simon even closer with the hands on his back, pressing their bodies flush and making them both gasp. Simon’s hands are in his hair again, running through it as he opens up more to the kiss, their lips sliding against each other more forcefully.

Being like this with Simon always makes his mind quieten down. There’s only here and now and Simon’s touch, everything beyond that is just a white noise somewhere far away. Here, he’s not a crown prince but just a boy who’s in love. No matter what, there’s always this anxiety he carries with him, but when Simon is near it seems to disappear into the dark corner of his mind, isolated and forgotten, at least for a moment.

The lack of air makes them eventually break the kiss, but they still stay close, foreheads touching, chuckling breathlessly. They stay like this for a moment, eyes closed, just relishing in the feeling of being so close to each other. Simon rubs their noses together, a gesture that Wilhelm finds just as adorable as comforting, and his thumbs gently caress Wilhelm’s cheeks.

Simon pulls back slightly to look at him and opens his mouth to speak, but before he does, the light in the room flickers before going off completely. Wille frowns and so does Simon, who turns to look at the lamp as if it has personally offended him.

“What the hell?” he mumbles.

“I don’t know,” Wilhelm retorts “maybe it’s because of the blizzard?” 

It’s not completely dark yet, but the room is slowly getting covered by shadows. Wille chooses not to worry about that now, especially since he has a lapful of his boyfriend and there are literally hundreds of different things he’d prefer to have on his mind than the lack of electricity.

“You’re not afraid of the dark, are you?” Wilhelm asks playfully, and his boyfriend turns to him with a deadpan expression.

“No,” Simon replies shortly. Satisfied with the answer, Wilhelm decides that it should end this discussion and they should return to their much more pleasant earlier activities. He leans in to capture Simon’s lips again, but his boyfriend speaks, “Shouldn’t we check out what’s going on?”

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” Wille states and doesn’t let his boyfriend have another word by occupying his lips with his own.

“I think we should,” Simon manages to say between a few more kisses.

“In a minute,” Wilhelm decides, hoping that the minute will turn into more. His lips move down from Simon’s lips to his jaw, next to his neck, hearing his boyfriend’s soft gasps and getting addicted to the sound.

“Wille…” there’s close to zero warning in Simon’s tone, but if he can’t fully take his mind off things before they check out what’s going on, Wilhelm supposes they could press pause for a minute, only for Simon’s comfort. Also, his boyfriend is being kind of reasonable when he comes to think about it.

“Ugh, alright,” he groans as he detaches his lips from his boyfriend’s neck. Simon smiles at him, pecking his lips again before climbing off his lap. He sits crossed legs on the bed when Wille marches to the door and opens it to see if anyone with any sort of information might have appeared in the hallway.

As he peaks outside the door, he sees that some students must have had a similar idea since the hallway slowly fills with people, and just then a housemaster shows up with two boxes under his arms.

“As you might have noticed, there is a power outage due to the blizzard,” he announces. “We don’t know when the electricity will return, but it’s getting close to curfew either way. We’re going to be handing out some candles and flashlights for the time being,” he states, and begins to distribute the items from the boxes he’s brought with him to the present students. Wille accepts a pair of candles and a flashlight, politely stating his thanks before disappearing into the room again.

“What’s up?” Simon asks from his place on the bed.

“There’s a power outage,” Wille explains, “don’t know when it’s going to end. We got candles though.” He holds up the received items.

“Romantic,” Simon hums, and Wilhelm laughs lightly as he places the candles on his desk.

“Good thing I don’t really need the light to admire you.” 

It’s Simon’s turn to let out a chuckle at his words.

“You kinda do actually,” he retorts, shifting to lay down more comfortably on the bed. He lays on his back, one arm tucked under his head as he observes Wilhelm.

“Well, not when you’re close enough.”

“Then what are you doing so far away?” Simon questions playfully, and Wilhelm shakes his head amusingly but does stride back towards the bed. 

“Come here,” Simon puts his hand forwards and Wille takes it, letting himself be pulled down to bed, draping his body on top of his boyfriend’s. He kisses him gently again because it’s really difficult to go on without kissing Simon when he’s literally right there, his lips looking like they’re just begging to be kissed, and feels his boyfriend’s smile.

“How was studying by the way?” Simon asks, brushing some hair from Wille’s face softly.

“It was okay,” Wilhelm shrugs a little, “was kind of distracted though.”

“Why?” Simon has the audacity to ask, looking genuinely as if he doesn’t know. Wille offers him a deadpan glance.

“Because of you.”

“Why me?”

“Because you weren’t there.”

“Aww, you can’t go even an hour without me?” Simon coos, and Wille shoves him on a shoulder lightly.

“Fuck you,” he says but there’s basically no heat in his voice. He climbs off of Simon and drops on the bed next to him as his boyfriend laughs. They both shift to lay at their sides and Simon snuggles a bit closer to him. “I was doing just fine.”

“Mhm, I’ll ask the girls for an update, they’ll tell me everything.”

“Betrayed by my own boyfriend…” Wille trails off jokingly, earning himself another chuckle from Simon. No matter if Simon just speaks, laughs or sings, Wilhelm thinks that he’s just in love with his voice, wishes to be able to hear it for the rest of his days.

Simon leans in to kiss the pout that has settled there off of Wilhelm’s lips. It works and it instantly gets replaced by a smile.

“How was choir practice?” Wille asks then, and Simon sighs.

“Okay, I guess,” he begins, and Wille hums lightly, waiting for some elaboration. “We’re trying out a new song, I don’t think I’m hitting all the notes right yet.”

“I’m sure it’s just a matter of time and practice,” Wille assures him, “and I’m sure you sounded great anyway.”

“Well you didn’t hear me, so don’t be so sure,” Simon says, only half-jokingly.

“But I saw you.”

“You did?” Simon arches an eyebrow, surprised.

“Yeah, when I came at the end of the practice, saw you through the door as you were finishing the song,” Wilhelm explains. “Even if you didn’t hit the notes right, you totally make up for it by how passionate you are when you sing. I think it matters more, that the music is literally in you, in your heart. It always comes from your heart.”

Simon observes him intensively for a few long seconds, not saying anything and Wilhelm almost shies away from that intense gaze. But then his boyfriend’s face breaks into a gentle, almost shy smile.

“Thanks,” he mumbles and casts his eyes down.

“Can I ask you something?” Wille prompts after a while. It’s something that’s been on his mind for a while now and it may finally be a good, quiet moment to ask.

“Yeah, sure,” Simon answers and looks at him again, offering an encouraging expression when he sees Wille has troubles with forming his words.

“Have you ever been thinking…” he starts eventually, “about, like… the future?”

“What do you mean?” Simon frowns.

“I mean, about what you want to do,” Wille continues and bites his lip a bit nervously. “You’re smart, beautiful, have an angelic voice,” he lists off, reaching with his hand to tuck Simon’s loose curl behind his ear and his boyfriend blushes again. “Do you know what you want to do in the future?”

Simon purses his lips and thinks a little.

“I guess I just…” he starts hesitantly, “I’ve always been focused on my grades ‘cause I wanted to get out of Bjärstad. Because I don’t think there are many opportunities here. I want to go to college, I think, for now at least. I want to keep singing though, I think that’s what I really love. Don’t know if I’d be able to make a living of it-“

“You would,” Wilhelm cuts in. With Simon’s angelic voice, it is only a matter of time before someone discovers it and finds out how amazingly talented he is.

Simon doesn’t look convinced now, he just shrugs.

“So I don’t really know,” he retorts then. “I guess I’m just focusing on now, instead of the future too much.”

Wilhelm nods. He supposes that’s a nice approach, just seeing how the future will unfold. He’s not sure if he can let himself have this kind of attitude. As a crown prince, there’s always something that’s awaited of him, always some duties. He’s got his whole future marked out for him. Graduate from here, go to the same college as Erik, graduate there and eventually, become a king… nobody has really bothered to ask him if this is what he truly wants.

But as he looks at it now, he supposes the future can be unexpected. He didn’t expect to ever take over as the crown prince, to fall for Simon, to have his whole journey with him, no matter how many ups and downs they’ve been through.

All he wants right now, is for Simon to still be present in every version of his future.

“What about you?” his boyfriend speaks then, breaking the silence that has fallen around them “Your future?”

Wilhelm smiles lightly. As he looks at Simon, he sees all the future he wants and needs.

He could list the whole plan the queen has prepared for him, but right at this moment, he doubts how much of that he’ll actually execute.

“I don’t know,” he tells Simon honestly. His boyfriend mirrors his smile.

“That’s okay,” he says softly. Half of the world would disagree, but Wille is slowly learning not to care about it. He chooses to trust Simon on this one, as he does in most cases.

He snuggles even closer to his boyfriend, pressing a lingering kiss to his forehead as Simon’s arms wrap around him as if being able to tell he craves the comfort right now. Wilhelm smiles as Simon tucks his head under his chin. He runs a hand over his boyfriend’s wild curls, dropping yet another kiss on top of his head.

They stay like this, wrapped in each other till the room gets overcome by complete darkness, their breathing slowly evening out.

And all Wilhelm can think is: I love you, I love you, I love you .

Simon wakes up alone, definitely not in his, but still more than a familiar, bed. He sits up, rubbing his eyes and blindly looking for his phone, wondering where his boyfriend has disappeared to. The curtains in the room are drawn, but Simon supposes it must be completely dark outside at this point anyway. The room is lit only by the few candles Wille received earlier and the string of red led lights that he keeps here. Simon finally fishes his phone out from under the pillow and checks the time, realising it is indeed quite late. At least he doesn’t have to worry about getting home tonight. He has one unanswered text from his mom, asking if everything is okay, but nothing from Wilhelm informing him about where he might be.

Before he gets to panic, the bedroom’s door opens gently and his boyfriend marches inside, carefully carrying two steaming mugs in his hands. Wille closes the door by basically leaning against it, hands too full to do it properly, and then he comes fully into Simon’s view.

“You’re awake,” he states the obvious. There’s a soft smile on his face.

“Hi,” Simon nods, stilling a yawn. “Where have you been?”

“To get dinner,” Wille announces. Then gives Simon one of the mugs, which turns out to be a hot chocolate, and sits down cross-legged on the bed, facing him and pulling a meticulously wrapped sandwich from his hoodie’s pocket, also handing it to Simon. He smiles, in thanks, but also about how familiar this gesture feels.

“You could have just woke me up,” Simon says, but with no heat, even if he tried to pretend to be bitter, the smile would still betray him.

“You just looked too cute, thought you deserve the rest,” Wille retorts with a shrug and warmth spreads inside Simon’s chest because his boyfriend is so loving and caring. He doesn’t think he would be mad if Wille woke him up. Still, it’s very sweet of him not only to let him rest, but also to bring him food.

“Have you eaten?” Simon asks as he unwraps his sandwich.

Wille nods, taking a sip of his hot chocolate.

“Yeah, the dining hall was pretty empty though,” he admits. “But to ‘compensate for the difficult situation we’ve found ourselves in’,” Wille makes air quotes at the statement and Simon chuckles, “they were serving hot chocolate.”

“That’s nice,” Simon states. “I don’t get why it’s such a difficult situation, you’re kind of stuck here anyway all the time - the residents I mean. Besides that, there’s only me and Sara, and I’d say we’re coping pretty well.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Wille agrees. “I guess it’s just different when you’re actually stuck somewhere with no way to leave. I mean, I know technically we’re not allowed to leave the premise, but-“

“Hasn’t stopped you before,” Simon teases and his boyfriend throws him a grin.

“Yeah, exactly,” he nods, laughing a little. “I guess it’s just scarier now, with the snowstorm and all.”

“I wonder when it’s going to pass,” Simon thinks out loud.

“Maybe more than a day? Maybe you’ll have to stay here longer…” Wille lets his sentence trail off and Simon shakes his head amusingly. “What? You said you’ve been coping well.”

“Well yeah, I am, aren’t I?” Simon questions after taking a bite of the sandwich. “A prince serving me dinner and hot chocolate? I could get used to this type of royal treatment,” he jokes, earning himself a laugh from his boyfriend.

They sit in silence for a while after that, sipping their hot chocolates and stealing glances at each other over the rims of the mugs. Eventually, Wille begins to speak, but he casts his eyes down, almost as if nervous. His hand, the one not busy with holding the mug, fumbles with the sheet anxiously.

“If we were at the palace, you’d be served every day,” he says.

“Wille, you know I don’t need this-” Simon begins, because he doesn’t need nor want this kind of treatment, and he’s sure his boyfriend is aware of it.

“No, I know,” Wille cuts in before he even gets to finish. “I guess I’m just trying to ask if you’d ever go with me.”

“To the palace?” Simon asks, needing clarification because he didn’t really expect this conversation to take that kind of a turn.

Wille nods, confirming. Simon keeps looking at him with his eyes a bit widened.

“I mean, I don’t know,” he admits after a moment. “Maybe when your mom doesn’t hate me,” he tries for a joke, but when he actually remembers that his boyfriend’s mom is literally the queen of this country it doesn’t seem so funny anymore.

He’s just so used to being with Wille, not the prince, that when he suddenly remembers the fact it hits him almost like a hurricane.

“She doesn’t hate you…” Wille tries, but doesn’t really sound convinced judging by his own tone. “She’s just… adjusting.”

“Then maybe let’s give her some more time to adjust, huh?” Simon suggests, this time managing to make his boyfriend chuckle.

“Yeah, okay,” he agrees with a nod and a small smile.

Simon really appreciates the offer and the fact that Wille is willing to share this part of his life with him. But at the same time, he doesn’t think he’s ready for it yet. Hillerska has become their little safety bubble, and sometimes stepping out feels like too much of an effort.

“Your bed hair is really something else,” Wille reaches with his hand to run it through Simon’s messy curls delicately, watching them spring back into place with a fond smile.

“It’s not like you haven’t seen it before,” Simon points out with a chuckle.

“Always a sight to behold,” Wille states lovingly, and Simon can feel the warmth going straight to his cheeks, creating a deep blush. He’s glad the room is basked in the reddish light so maybe Wille doesn’t notice. 

They finish their drinks - and Simon, his food - after a while and Wille places the mugs away at his desk.

“Do you want to watch something?” he asks as he reaches for his laptop.

Simon throws him a deadpan glare.

“Yeah, and risk your laptop dying halfway through with no electricity to charge it?” he asks sarcastically. “No thanks.”

“You know what, I kind of regret taking you on as a roommate for tonight,” Wille states, but Simon can see right through these lies. His boyfriend doesn’t even bother to try to act, it’s all way too fond.

“Of course you do,” Simon just plays along as Wille drops back down on the bed. He lays down on his side, observing Simon from where he’s seated against the wall. “I was right though,” Simon adds then, making his boyfriend quirk an eyebrow at him.

“Of course you were, but just remind me about what?” he questions and Simon grins at him.

“The candles,” he points out at the desk from where they are casting shadows with the flames. “It is romantic,” he admits.

“Is it?” Wille inquires, squinting his eyes.

Simon nods, biting his lip to try for a face that won’t get overcome by this enormous grin. It’s really difficult, especially when Wille’s looking at him like that - adorably, but at the same time with a hint of want.

“Come here,” his boyfriend says, putting out his hand for Simon to take. He does, with basically no hesitation, and Wille twists to pull him into his lap.

Simon would be lying if he said it wasn’t the outcome he’s been hoping for.

But there’s no rush, no urgency in their movements tonight. Nobody’s in a hurry to get home or to class. It feels like they have all the time in the world tonight. Simon’s planning on taking advantage of that.

He doesn’t kiss Wille yet, takes his face into his palms gently, brushing some unruly hair that has fallen into his eyes to the side. He assesses his boyfriend’s face carefully, the hint of a smile that seems to be always present there when they’re like this, the fond, shiny eyes that look at him as if Simon hung all the stars in the sky. Wille’s hands are gentle when they settle on his hips, not even pulling him closer, just resting there. He seems to be cataloguing Simon’s face the same way Simon is doing to him.

Goddamnit, I really am lucky.

With this thought, Simon leans in to press their lips together, softly and unhurriedly. Because now they have time. Simon remembers all these moments that felt stolen, interrupted, when they needed to hide, to be careful. They still have to sometimes, but not tonight.

As soft as it starts, it gets heated pretty quickly when Wille’s hands sneak under Simon’s hoodie and t-shirt, pressing him closer. Simon tangles his fingers in his boyfriend’s hair, only breaking the kiss when they need to come up for air.

“Can you take it off?” Wille asks breathlessly, tugging at his hoodie.

Simon pulls back, putting some more distance between them, but doesn’t take it off right away.

“What if I’m cold?” he asks teasingly, barely containing a smile.

Wille rolls his eyes fondly, only a tiny bit of annoyance present there.

“Are you cold?” he questions anyway and Simon loves it. That even when it’s a game they’re playing, Wille always makes sure he’s okay.

Simon shakes his head with a grin.

“No,” he replies.

“Can you please take it off then?” Wille almost groans as he repeats his request.

“Only if you take off yours,” Simon leans in a little to whisper against his lips, before giving him a short peck.

Wille doesn’t seem in the mood for further teasing since he almost too eagerly sits up and reaches for the hem of his own hoodie. Simon laughs as he helps him get rid of the piece of clothing, throwing it carelessly on the floor. As soon as he’s free, Wille grabs at Simon’s hoodie as the other lifts his arms out to help him easily slide it off.

Simon’s still smiling when their eyes meet again, and so is Wille. And they keep smiling even when they lean in for a kiss which just makes them laugh. And Simon thinks about how much comfort these moments bring, how much love and easiness there is between them to just be like this.

They fall back into the bed with a fit of giggles before they get lost in each other again. And one thing is sure, neither of them are going to be cold tonight.

This time, Simon wakes up with an arm wrapped tightly around him, Wille’s chest pressed to his back providing a pleasant line of warmth, his head tucked into Simon’s neck. He smiles. He prefers waking up like this much more than basically anything. Judging by the way Wille groans and his hold tightens a little around him, Simon supposes his boyfriend must be awake now, too.

“Good morning,” Simon says quietly, trying not to disturb the morning silence.

“Morning,” Wille replies, pressing a kiss to the back of Simon’s neck. “How did you sleep?”

“Good,” Simon yawns, turning in Wille’s embrace to face him. “You?”

“Great,” his boyfriend admits, smiling brightly as Simon’s eyes focus on him. Wille always looks so cute in the morning. He actually does most of the time, but the mornings are all about soft, flushed cheeks, messy hair and adoring glances. “I always sleep better with you.”

Simon smiles as Wille sweeps his hand down his side, ever so gently, he’s always so gentle with him. Simon feels warmth spreading inside his chest. But as Wille leans in to kiss him, he pulls back.

“Morning breath,” he says quickly before his boyfriend can panic. Wille rolls his eyes.

“I remember the times you didn’t mind.”

“Well, I do now,” Simon shrugs.

“No, you don’t.” Wille tries to close the distance between them once more and they end up wrestling on the bed again, Simon trying to escape his antics but eventually failing miserably as Wilhelm manages to press their lips together between fits of laughter.

And if it turns out Simon really doesn’t mind the morning breath so much, Wille doesn’t need to know.

“We should probably head to breakfast soon,” Wille states when they eventually finish their little make-out session. Simon nods with a sigh. He’s not very fond of the idea of leaving this bed anytime soon, but unfortunately, duty calls. “Maybe they’ll have some more information about the blizzard,” Wille adds.

“Yeah, okay,” Simon reluctantly agrees. “I’m gonna go to the bathroom.”

Wille nods but doesn’t let him go before tugging him into another kiss.

When Simon eventually makes it to the bathroom, he gets to take a look at himself in the mirror. Hair a mess, as always in the morning, eyes still sleepy and a little swollen, he almost groans at the view. He’s still only in his boxers, the evidence of last night literally printed on his body in the form of the few love bites painted underneath his collarbone. Always in places that are not visible, but Simon knows they’re there. He smiles at his reflection as he brushes his teeth, because yes, he has a spare toothbrush at Wille’s place now, but doesn’t read too much into what it means. It probably does mean that he’s staying here way too often.

Well, he hasn’t really heard Wille complain yet.

When he emerges from the bathroom, Wilhelm is already dressed, sitting at the edge of the bed and scrolling through his phone. Simon smiles instantly only at this adorable view, but then he notices something else. A certain purple hoodie that’s currently on his boyfriend which looks oddly familiar. He leans against the wall, crossing his arms upon his chest and trying to stop a grin that’s breaking on his face.

“Nice outfit,” he says, nearly startling Wille who looks up from his phone, his cheeks becoming slightly red.

“It’s warm and it smells like you,” he admits almost shyly.

“I was gone for like five minutes” Simon states.

Wilhelm just shrugs.

“Still too long,” he retorts.

“What should I do then?” Simons starts as he steps through the room to where his boyfriend is sitting, coming to stand in front of him. “For you not to steal my clothes.”

“Maybe just never leave me?” Wille proposes as he tugs him even closer, placing his hands on Simon’s waist till he steps between parted knees. Simon crosses his arms behind his boyfriend’s neck.

“Sounds kind of impossible,” he says in a playful tone, giving him a teasing smile.

“I’m sure we could make it work,” Wille states without a shadow of a doubt. He tilts his chin up till Simon leans down to grant a kiss to his waiting lips. His palms slide down his shoulders over the more than familiar fabric of his hoodie. He smiles into the kiss.

“What am I supposed to wear then?” he asks when their lips part, but there are only a few centimetres of space between them anyway.

“Who said you even have to wear clothes?” Wille answers with a question, and Simon pulls back with a mocked, scandalous expression, but they only end up laughing. “You can wear something of mine if you’d like.”

“I don’t really have a choice now, do I?” Simon chuckles, pressing another soft kiss to his boyfriend’s lips. “Besides” he assesses Wille’s outfit choice again, giving an approving nod, “it looks better on you anyway.”

He sees that Wille is about to argue so he quickly kisses him to shut him up. Always works, and Wilhelm seems to forget any previous arguments when their lips touch. Simon will never get tired of how adorable it is.

Simon pulls back and takes Wille’s face into his palms, brushing the unruly hair from his eyes. He smiles at his boyfriend’s flushed cheeks and soft smile. He can’t help but lean in to give him another peck.

“Okay, I gotta get dressed now,” he retorts responsibly, and reluctantly steps away, ignoring Wille’s protests.

“A shame,” his boyfriend states and Simon throws him an unheated glare when he picks up his Hillerska hoodie. Wille just chuckles at him.

But, well, in the end, he has to wear something, right? And as he comes to think about it, he doesn’t really mind borrowing Wille’s clothes.

Breakfast is uneventful, although a few people stare at them a moment too long. Probably noticing the outfit switch, but in the end, nobody comments. They sit next to each other, eating, talking and laughing. Then all of the students are called for an appeal in the main hall so, hand in hand, Simon and Wille follow the crowd.

As expected, the snowstorm has settled overnight and everything is back to normal now. There is still an enormous amount of snow outside, but the conditions are no longer dangerous. The power returned sometime in the night too, so Hillerska is officially back and running smoothly.

After the meeting, they get back to Wille’s room and Simon gathers his stuff into his backpack while his boyfriend sits cross-legged on the bed, watching him. Simon doesn’t bother to ask for his hoodie back, doesn’t actually want to. He feels more than comfortable in Wille’s clothes, the Hillerska hoodie a bit too big on him, but that just means he can basically melt into it, tug at the sleeves till he can hide his palms in them and keep warm. It kind of feels like a constant hug from Wille but doesn’t come close to the real thing. Still, it is a fraction that he for sure will cherish when he gets home to his boyfriend-less bedroom.

“Are you heading home already?” Wille asks when Simon zips his backpack, looking around the room to make sure he hasn’t forgotten anything.

“I don’t know,” he shrugs “do you have any plans?”

“Let’s go for a walk,” Wille proposes and Simon arches an eyebrow at him.

“It’s cold. And there’s lots of snow. I’m pretty sure it’s snowing now actually.”

It’s his boyfriend’s turn to shrug.

“So? They said it’s not dangerous anymore.”

It’s not like Simon wants to say no, but even if he did, one look at Wille would probably make him give in. Damn his boyfriend for being too adorable, Simon really should learn some restraint.

“Okay,” he agrees eventually and Wille basically beams at him.

They dress a bit warmer and head outside, Malin following close behind, but at the same time at a reasonable distance and giving them at least a sliver of privacy. They walk around the forest, a route that reminds Simon of their first little date here after their first night together. The snow creaks soundly under their shoes with every step. They hold hands and Wille refuses to detangle their fingers for even a second so Simon can reach for his gloves when his palm almost freezes. Instead, Wille tucks their joined hands into the pocket of his coat, making Simon chuckle and shake his head, amused at his boyfriend’s antics.

When they reach the lake, it begins to snow gently. Wille looks so pretty when the snowflakes land in his hair or on the tip of his nose that Simon kind of can’t help but stare.

“Do you think the water is cold today?” Wilhelm asks as he looks ahead at the lake, but Simon can hear the teasing note in his tone.

“I think it’s basically frozen,” he retorts anyway, and Wille answers with a chuckle as he turns to him. There’s a soft smile on his face that Simon instantly feels himself mirroring. He takes a step closer till there is no space between them and hooks his arms around his boyfriend’s neck, tugging at the hood of Wille’s - well, normally his - hoodie to pull the hood up when he realises he’s not wearing a cap. He tucks Wille’s hair behind his ears, protecting it from the snow and melting the snowflakes planted there in the process. Wilhelm’s cheeks are flushed a beautiful red when Simon looks at him, probably from the cold, but judging by the almost shy smile on his lips, Simon suspects it may have something to do with him too.

Wille holds him close and Simon kind of forgets about the cold for now. He closes his eyes, basking in the moment, rubbing the tip of his nose against Wille’s delicately, feeling his breath on his face. There’s nothing but them here, the snow gently falling on their shoulders and the quiet hum of the wind. Simon feels at peace, for the first time in a while probably. Wille sometimes says that he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders with how much he always wants to help everyone, to be there for everyone even if it’s draining for him. Simon does find some truth in that and Sara basically tells him the same, so he guesses there must be something about it. But right now he feels no burden pressing down on him, only the soft, delicate brushing of the snow.

He’s not surprised when Wille leans in to kiss him, smiles into it before melting completely. He still marvels at the way they get to do this out in the open now. There may not be anyone around to see, but the thing is, they don’t need to worry about that, that’s what makes the difference.

Wille pulls back with a satisfied smile before giving him another short peck.

“Do you want to head back now?” he questions after a while. It may be getting a bit cold, but Simon doesn’t really mind. Still, there’s not much to do out there other than making out, which they could also be doing in Wille’s bedroom for that matter. Unless…

He nods, offering a gentle smile.

“Do you think Malin is cold?” he asks.

“I don’t know,” Wille shrugs.

“Maybe ask her.”

Wille frowns but turns to where the bodyguard is standing a few feet away, pretending not to be watching them. Simon uses the moment of inattention to bend down and pick some snow in his palms, quickly forming a snowball and throwing it at his boyfriend just as he’s about to speak, but no words leave his lips as he turns back to Simon, clearly surprised at the attack. Simon only stands innocently, looking around and trying to hide a grin.

“Simon,” Wilhelm starts slowly, “you don’t know what you’ve just started.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he states in a falsely innocent tone.

“Okay,” Wille nods, squinting his eyes at him as if assessing, “if that’s how you want to play.”

Simon has only about three seconds that Wille uses to produce a snowball, but he starts to run, anywhere not to make him an easy target. The first snowball misses him, but Wille wastes no time as he’s already preparing another. Simon sorts his ammunition too, and that’s how they find themselves having a snowball fight, running around and screaming like idiots and Simon laughs so loud and carefree that his lungs almost hurt.

At some point, when Simon gets tired of running, Wille reaches him and throws his arms around his waist from behind, smearing a snowball on the top of his head and making him groan. He tries to fight back but feels immobilized by his boyfriend’s hold on him. Wille seems to have an even better idea as he jumps on his back in an attempt at a piggyback ride, almost making them tumble down into the snow.

“Wille, I’m gonna fall over!” Simon protests, but his boyfriend only laughs.

“Admit your defeat then,” he urges, but Simon shakes his head firmly.

“Never.”

Eventually, he only manages a few more steps with his boyfriend clinging onto his back and they do fall down in the snow with a wave of giggles following behind.

Simon looks at Wille as he laughs, both of them on their backs in the white fluff, and can’t stop his smile from widening. Wilhelm looks so carefree, so free . He knows how much rests on his boyfriend’s shoulders, what role he plays in basically the rule of this country. And as much as he adores Wilhelm the prince, this Wille, a teenage boy having fun, being himself, not putting on an official persona or a persona of any kind, this silly, adorable boy, this one is his favourite, the one he wants to see more of. Because this is the real him.

“What?” Wille asks when he notices the way Simon stares. He shakes his head a little, trying to chase away the thoughts.

“Nothing, can’t I just stare at my beautiful boyfriend?” Simon answers with a question, making Wille’s cheeks become an even deeper shade of red.

“Usually that’s my job,” he mumbles, and Simon replies with an eye roll. He rolls onto his side to get closer to Wille and place a soft kiss on his lips.

“Well, you’re gorgeous,” he states as a fact, his palm wandering to cup his boyfriend’s cold cheek, “I like you like this,” he admits, brushing his thumb delicately against the skin.

“Like what? Covered in snow?” Wilhelm chuckles, and Simon shakes his head. He just leans in to kiss him again, not sure he can convey all of his thoughts and feelings into words right now. Sometimes actions speak more than words anyway, and by the way Wille reciprocates the kiss, Simon guesses he knows what he means 

“Okay, can you pull back now? I want to do a snow angel and you’re blocking my movements,” Wille says. Simon does pull back, with an offended huff that swiftly turns into a laugh. He falls on his back again, cheerfully doing snow angels with his boyfriend as if they were five years old.

And somehow, it really does feel perfect.

Simon’s not sure how much time they spend like this, but at some point, he does begin to shiver a little from the cold. Wille’s the first one to get up, shaking some snow off of himself before extending an arm to Simon to help him up and he gladly takes the offer. As soon as he’s back on his feet, Wille pulls him into another kiss, and Simon will admit it causes some more warmth to course through his body again.

“Let’s go, I can see that you’re cold,” Wille states and tugs at his hand, leading them back towards the building.

“I’m fine,” Simon protests, only to be silenced by one unimpressed look from his boyfriend.

The Hillerska’s staff are working on removing the snow from the most frequently used tracks when they head back. Some students must have had the same idea as them, since when Simon looks around, he sees some of them running around, throwing snowballs at each other or tumbling in the snow. After the last night of quiet and darkness, Hillerska’s residents are fully back to living, it seems.

When they return to the dorms, they take off the wet clothes and hang them closer to the radiator for faster drying. Simon takes a moment to text Sara to settle when they will be coming home and when she sends back that she’d actually like to spend some more time with the girls, he doesn’t really mind.

“So when are you heading back?” Wille asks as he settles himself in front of Simon on his bed. He’s sitting cross-legged and Wille’s hands skim against his thighs lightly.

“Not in a while,” Simon replies, “unless you want me to.”

Wilhelm looks almost offended at these words.

“As if I would ever want you to leave…” he just trails off.

“You could come back with me, you know,” Simon proposes then, biting his lip. “For dinner, or maybe even spend the night if you want to.”

“Your mom wouldn’t mind?” Wilhelm asks a bit nervously.

“Of course not, she adores you,” Simon states instantly, prompting a shy smile to play on his boyfriend’s lips. “I think she wanted to make enchiladas today.”

“God, her food is so good,” Wille throws his head back and groans.

“Good to know the real reason why you like hanging out at my place so much,” Simon laughs, and Wille swiftly joins him.

“Hey, if anyone can compete with your mom’s cooking, it’s you,” he retorts after a while.

“Good to know,” Simon says with a smile. “So, you will stay?”

“I’d like that,” Wille nods. “And for the record, as lovely as your mom’s food is, it’s not the real reason. I mean, there is obviously you, but then your home just feels so… normal? Not official, like everything here or at the palace. There, I can just… be.”

Simon smiles but there’s a sad edge to it. He adores the fact that Wille feels like this at his home, but it’s sad that he’s never really experienced this kind of comfort anywhere. It should be available to him at home, but during their time together, Simon has seen, more than once, that a prince’s life is not so charming as many may think.

He cups his boyfriend’s face, planting a sweet kiss on top of his lips.

“Mi casa es tu casa,” he whispers when they pull apart.

“I have no idea what you’ve just said,” Wille admits with a laugh, and Simon can’t help but laugh too.

“My home is your home,” he translates, his voice soft and quiet.

“I feel like you’re my home,” Wille says, his eyes still closed, hands finding their way to Simon’s hair, running through it soothingly. He looks relaxed, at peace. Simon thinks it’s a good look on him.

“You’re my home, too,” he replies. His heart belongs with Wille, he may just begin to realise how much it actually does.

They fall into the bed again, kissing and holding each other close. And Simon knows that neither of them even thinks of letting go.