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Knights was all about their fan service, and Leo knows that just as well as any of the other members. After all, he and Izumi coined the name “Knights,” which defined their romantic, chivalrous image from the very beginning, and the ever iconic nickname for their fans, “princess.” Leo doesn’t mind, the nickname is cute and charming, and it adds to their appeal, but fanservice was exactly that—a service, for their fans, that they could acquire in lives, magazines, and fan signings just like this one.
So why on Earth was Leo listening to Izumi talk to their fans, all pet names and laughter, and feeling jealous right now?
Well, maybe jealous wasn’t the right word. It wasn’t that their fans didn’t deserve all that praise, all of Izumi’s undivided attention, but still, something was gnawing at his stomach, tugging at his heartstrings. Every time Izumi took their hands into his own and muttered that endearing, unchanging word, “ princess .”
But it was all just an act, right? A little facade to make their fans smile. Well, maybe not for Arashi, who was always so charming and dear with everyone she spoke to. Or Ritsu, who tried to make his boyfriend blush with his coquettish words and nicknames. Even Tsukasa always made it a point to be so polite and gallant, and, well, Leo never really felt he had to pretend for his fans, he just had to be honest, tell them how much he loved and appreciated their support…
But with Izumi it was different, wasn’t it? He was always so stoic and harsh, but this was the exception. Something reserved just for their fans, for the stage, and Leo realizes that telling himself it was just an act has only made him feel worse , because he wants that extra effort too, something sweet and special from his gorgeous knight of a boyfriend.
Remembering they're in the middle of a meet-and-greet, Leo snaps himself out of his daze and goes back to signing postcards. He exchanges pleasantries and thanks with a small, shy girl who looks about his sister’s age, and leans over once she leaves, sidestepping towards Izumi while they wait for their next guest.
“You know, Sena,” Leo starts, dangerously close to his boyfriend’s ear, “You’re always so nice to our fans—Why can’t you be so kind towards me? ”
Izumi doesn't look up from his postcards, signing them with a quick, practiced flourish, but his eyebrows furrow. “ Sorry ?” he mumbles incredulously, and his coldness is a knife to Leo’s heart.
Another fan walks in, squealing with delight. They shake hands, exchange words, and when Izumi hands them the autograph, he smiles brilliantly, and says his signature, “Just for you, princess.” Leo aches.
“I just think,” Leo continues when it’s just the members again, and he’s gripping the pen as he signs his name, “as your boyfriend—”
Izumi abruptly kicks his shin underneath the table and Leo yelps loudly. Right, public spaces, cameras everywhere, being an idol—He’s not allowed to say that word. He clears his throat awkwardly, ignoring the perturbed look Tsukasa gives him from across the table, and corrects himself.
“As your precious unitmate,” Leo says, and Ritsu snorts from the other side of him, “I think you should be a bit nicer to me!”
At this, Izumi looks up, icy blue eyes boring into his skull, but Leo doesn't falter, meeting his scowl with one of his own. “Now, Leo-kun? Really?” he scoffs, raising an eyebrow. There’s an amused lilt to his voice, and Leo takes it as a sign that he's at least grabbed his attention.
Another fan. Shake, gratitude, autograph. “Just for you, princess.” It’s becoming unbearable.
“So, what then?” Izumi asks, and his voice is mocking when he adds, “Do you want me to spoil you, call you my princess, sign a silly piece of cardstock just for you? ” He waves around a postcard for emphasis, and says it in the way he talks to their admirers, that flirtatious, teasing tone that just makes them melt. Leo can’t help the way his face flushes.
“So what if I do?” Leo replies quietly, bashful, and quickly returns to the task at hand. Izumi doesn't respond, but Leo doesn't miss the pink that dusts across his cheeks, snakes its way up to his ears.
Another fan. Shake, gratitude, autograph. Izumi drops the pet name.
The rest of the signing goes smoothly, and they don’t bring it up again, partially due to the influx of fans and partially due to the slight, rising tension between the two of them. By the time it’s over, Leo’s mostly forgotten about the whole ordeal, talking casually with Tsukasa about their schedule, and he doesn’t notice the piece of paper Izumi’s slipped into the pocket of his pants until they’re changing in the dressing room.
Leo glances up at Izumi curiously, and carefully pulls the cardstock out of his pocket. It’s an autograph, a picture of Izumi adorned by his perfect, elegant signature that Leo thinks suits him so very well. On the bottom, in careful handwriting, a note.
Just for you, Leo, my favorite princess ♡
And Leo doesn’t need a mirror to know that he’s red, face burning, heat stretching all the way from the tips to his ears to the back of his neck. When he looks around the room frantically, jaw gaping, he finds Izumi watching him as he hangs up his uniform, a coy smile on his face.
When they get back to the dorms, Leo kisses him until his lips are swollen and red, and if he whispers sweet, sappy nicknames they’d use for their fans, Izumi doesn’t protest. Only laughs, a sound sweeter than anything Leo could ever compose, face flushed, and leans in for more.