Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Fitz elegantly balanced four plates on top of each other and confidently headed for the back, his footsteps delicate yet swift. He continued towards the back before hearing a voice. An atrocious, egotistical man was pestering one of his regulars, Lorelei.
“Ugh! Are you actually listening to yourself right now!?”

His rusty, dusty voiced pried further, persistent. “Come on, it’s not a big deal”

“When a lady says no, she means…?” She trails off waiting for him to finish, he doesn’t.
“No!”

He scoffs frustrated. “You’re not even that hot.”

Fitz tenses in anger, god he hated guys like that. Luckily, ever since he was promoted to manager, he had no issue putting rude customers in their place. He placed the dirty dishes down on an empty table and stomped over, plastering his best fake smile on his face.

“Hi, is there a problem here?”

“Yes there is a problem. Tell her that she needs to wake up and realize she’s so lucky a high value man like me was even remotely interested in her.”

“Oh no sir I won’t be doing that.” Fitz gaze hardened on the man. “Meddling into the business of our customers is unprofessional. You, mister high value man, are causing a disturbance to our restaurant. Please leave.”

“You’re kicking me out?”

“I won’t kick unless I have to. You don’t want that”

With that subtle threat, the crusty man stomped out fuming without another word. Once he left, both Lorelei and Fitz breathed a sigh of relief.

She turned to him, a grateful smile clear on her face. “Thank you Fitz, that guy was a total red flag.”

“Mister high value man needs to stay away from our low value cafe” He snorted, making fun of the cafe lovingly.

Fitz was a waiter at this cafe, he had been ever since he and his family moved here. Fitz used to have several other jobs to be able to make ends meet but after being promoted at long last, he was able to focus on this one. He lived in a small but comfy apartment with his mom, Lavinia, and his younger brother, Wenceslaus. Lavinia and his father lived with Fitz for a couple years before a tragic accident that killed Fitz's father and caused Lavinia to lose her memory. Later down the line, they found Wence and adopted him. Together, they became one tight-knit family, despite their low income. He clocked out after a few more tables came in and headed home. Fitz opened the door to his home, hearing the loud t.v from outside.
“Wence turn it down, you’ll hurt your ears.”

Wence laid on his stomach next to his goat watching the tv screen. It portrayed a fancy, old man and his son. The goat let out a ‘Baaa’ and Wence shushed him eagerly. “Sh! Shh! They're going to introduce the prince!”

“My son, Prince Amir will be selecting the winner of the raffle.” The older man motioned towards his son. The son stepped forward pridefully and smirked at the applause the audience gave. The father was wheezing and wrinkled yet reeked of superiority. His clothes looked as though someone spent hours getting it pressed. The son looked powerful, almost as though he’s already been declared king even though he is only a prince.

Fitz scoffed at the men on the screen, their speeches of sharing their power and wealth managed to win over the people but it didn’t win over him. Their words never matched their actions, Fitz tried to explain this to Wence but he’s too caught up in the fantasies of it all. A big and beautiful castle, where he and his goat could run about without a care in the world.

Ok that sounds lovely but still, way too far fetched.

“Ahem, I wish to remind you Mr. East, Amir is not a prince yet, not until he finishes the semester.” A more casual looking man steps forward. He was very old and also very powerful, however much less intimidating.

The father waves him away annoyingly, “Oh pish posh Chamberlain! My Amir can finish this semester blindfolded if he had to!”

“It’s fine Father, please allow me the honor of choosing the new royal gentlemen!” Amir spoke in a loud, announcing voice, hyping the crowd up easily.

Wence jumped up and grabbed his goat excitedly, “He’s going to pick! He’s going to pick! Oh Spike, what if he picks me!?”

“Wence, when you’re old enough we will enter you in” Lavinia, the boy's mother, said while walking into the room. She was decently old, around 45 now, but still had the fashion sense of someone in their late 20s. Fitz stood up and greeted his mom with a hug upon her entrance.

The young boy swayed from side to side, elongating his words while he spoke.“I knooooow! But, what if someone anonymously entered me and I’ll haaaave to go?”

“Wence you’re homeschooled, plus you don’t have and don’t want any other friends than Spike” Fitz crossed his arms. “No one else knows your name”

“Still!” He persisted. “Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a castle? Just us?”

“Maybe? You know what else would be nice though? All our hard work and patience are paying off!” Wence groaned at this and Fitz did not skip a beat. “It would feel much better to live off our own hard work rather than just getting lucky” Fitz shrugged his shoulders at his point.

“It’s not getting lucky!! Being a royal gentleman means you are the king’s most trusted advisor! It means you get the throne if something happens to the king!” Wence emphatically waved about his hands.

“Isn’t that what siblings are for?”

“Oh please! That was sooo last century! It’s all about lady royals and royal gentlemen now!”

Fitz rolled his eyes. “What about nonbinary people?”

“I think their title is just ‘royals’?”

Lavinia chimed in, “If only you studied school like you study royal life.”

Wence was going to protest but was interrupted by the television catching his attention. The camera angle switched to filming Amir stepping towards the expensive looking box full of names. If someone were paying close enough attention, they would be able to see the boredom in his eyes. Despite that, he maintained the smile for the cameras and dug through the names. Finally, his fingers landed on one, he unfolded it slowly and read out the name for the crowd.

“Fitz Frederick”

Fitz’s head whipped toward the T.V screen, jaw dropped to the floor. He was speechless. He could barely hear his own thoughts through the outburst of Lavinia and Wence. Fitz didn’t even enter that raffle. What was going to do? He can’t move into the palace. This can’t be.

He can’t do this.

He won't do this.

Chapter Text

“Fitz is gonna be kiiing~! Fitz is gonna be kiiiiing~!” Wence danced around the room, attempting a cartwheel before collapsing next to Spike. “Wooohoo!!!”

Lavinia, coming out of her shock, tries to shush him slightly and looks at Fitz with confusion. He was of no help however. 

“Wence. What did you do?” Fitz slowly asked, eyes glued to the T.V screen.

“I miiiight have submitted your name 5 times.” Wence bounces around while talking. “Everyday! For an entire year!”

Fitz glared at his little brother in astonishment. “What?! What do you mean you submitted me?!”

“I mean—” Wence tried to explain further but was cut off by the knock of the door. He squealed and ran to open it.

“Wence!” Lavinia tried to stop him but he was too persistent. The door opened and two men in dark, sleek, black suits stepped into their apartment. They wore sunglasses to hide their eyes but anyone could tell they were severely judgmental at the poor looking home. The men were so threatening that Fitz could confuse their visit because Wence got in some kind of trouble. Which he supposed, Wence did.They looked down at the little boy, standing a good few feet away.

“Fitz Frederick? Aren’t you a little young to be a royal gentleman?” They asked sharply. 

Wence’s eyes glittered with joy. He chuckled nervously and pointed further inside where Fitz stood lost in his thoughts.  He had a decent job here and he’d just been promoted. They can’t possibly expect him to pack up and leave so quickly.

“Pack up your things and keep it minimal. Quickly.”

Fitz whipped his head around to his mother, begging her to do something about this. She was one step ahead of him. “There clearly has been some sort of mix up here sirs. My son cannot go with you.”

The two men raised an eyebrow and frowned. Wence caught on and quickly intervened. “Mom! Think about it! This is a big deal!” He jumped up and desperately tried to convince his mother. 

“Its the royal family! Its royal!!!”

Fitz shook his head. “Wence…I’m not fit to be a royal gentleman. I’m just a waiter. I have greasy hair and ketchup packets lodged in my pockets. I don’t belong there.”

This time Lavinia intervened, “Fitz…hold on”

“Mom you cannot actually be considering this!”

Lavinia stepped closer to him, reaching out while talking “Fitz, I’m worried. You’re working too hard dear. Maybe this would be good for you.” Her tone was steady and careful, almost as though she was trying to calm a wild beast. 

“What?! Mom are you kidding me??” He stepped backwards and crossed his arms. His mom was basically kicking him out. “No!”

The one of the two men sighed gruffly and tapped his foot angrily “We dont have all day. Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock”

Lavinia scowled at them “Ugh! Hush your mouth! Give us a moment!” The men looked shocked, perhaps even baffled but stopped talking. 

“Fitz please listen to me.” Lavinia grabbed his hands and spoke quickly, not allowing him to interrupt. “All of this constant work isn’t good for you. The only people you ever talk to are people at work or home.”

He wanted to feel offended, but honestly she was right. Fitz at most was acquaintances with coworkers and regulars but not once has he ever pursued to spend time with them outside of work. He was a bit of a shut-in and Denial is a river in Egypt. “I have friends, mom I do…”

She totally did not buy that at all. “I’m worried about you, Fitz. You are so persistent and strong. And such a great leader to us, I don't want you to live like this.”

“But mom, I want to be with you and Wence. I can’t just up and abandon you!”

“You’re not! You’re going to an academy for royals Fitz!” He grimaced and looked towards the two men nervously. “I know it wasn’t right for Wence to go behind your back like that but a position for a royal gentleman would…it would…” She trailed off with a distant look in her eyes.

“Change our lives forever…” Fitz finished. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. 

“I’ll go.”

Chapter Text

Fitz picked at his hands and followed the two men to the carriage. Bystanders on the street were astounded by the look of the thing. It was regal and elegant, even the horses manes were silky smooth. The entire entourage was bright and metallic. It stood out completely. Compared to the cracked concrete, bird poop stains, and yellow patched of grass peaking through the sidewalk, this bright luxurious carriage looked displaced. In fact, compared to the size of the street, it looked crammed. 

He hummed displeased when he saw it, of course it would look out of place it’s from the castle. Fitz feared that soon he too would look like that. He was afraid, Fitz saw time and time again how rulers promised a better life for them, and time and time again, breaking that promise. He watched as they spent their resources on advancing technology and funding the middle, upper classes while people in his neighborhood were lucky to have warm water. 

He vowed to himself silently, he would not do this for himself but for everyone and he means everyone. Fitz was greatly determined to keep that promise. 

He despises the idea of going back to school. Fitz barely passed high school. His teachers always thought he was a slacker for sleeping through lectures and never turning in his work. But having baby Wence to help take care of as a 16 year old, anyone would be tired. Fitz never learned good study skills, he never learned how to analyze an essay and distinguish a theme from a tone from a mood. He never understood how to find coordinates on an x and y axis or why his textbooks were incomplete, leaving out bits of important history.

Fitz just didn’t get it, and now he was going to have to figure all of it and more out in one semester. But this isn’t about him. This is about his home. And although Fitz wasn’t entirely smart, he was determined. 

Wence pulled on the hem of his shirt, “Remember us, ok?” 

He smiled softly and held the little boys cheek. “Of course your highness” Wence beamed and threw his arms around Fitz’s ankles. Lavinia pulled both her boys into a loving hug as well. 

“I love you, I’ll make you proud.” He promises to himself more than them.

He hears his mother say, “You already have.” But he ignores it and steps into the carriage. He grins and waves as the carriage take off, leaving him the image of his family wishing him goodbye. 

Fitz notices a teacup on a quaint table, he tries to pour himself some tea but the carriage is instantly bumped by a pothole. He reacts quickly and saves the expensive glass silverware. Unfortunately the tea was spilled all over one of the drivers. He hissed in dismay and glares through the sunglasses.

Fitz looks ashamed and folds his hands into his lap timidly, “Oops..”

The man clicks his tongue and turns away from him the rest of the carriage ride. 

Looking around the scenery, he watches as the barren trees and narrow road develop into a smooth, clean path, decorated with pink and green fauna. Peering to the side to see past the driver head he sees the school.

It’s a tall building with a glass embellishments and detailing on the walls. The bushes were trimmed to intricate shapes and the path is stone bricks cleaner than his bedroom floor despite being outside. Fountains were scattered along the perimeter of the school, substituting for a type of moat.

Fitz breathed gently and stepped out onto the pathway once the horses slowed to a stop. Stepping forward anxiously, where was he supposed to go now?

“Do you mind giving me a tour or..?” The two men drove off silently. “Oh or not i guess”

He looked around lost before taking another deep breath in. Fitz then began to march to the front doors, muttering to himself. “Ok! We are going in to the school! No big deal just the most successful and prominent school in the country! It’s fine, I cant do this.” He second-guessed himself and briefly considered going back home before pulling himself together and pushed the door open.

And was immediately shoved to the ground.

Chapter Text

Fitz fell directly on his but as a heavyweight pushed down on his chest. He was being pelted and smothered with kisses. Puppy kisses.

“Ah! You scared me!” He laughed. “Ow! Ok ok, enough enough” He gently pushed the dog off of him and sat up. The dog looked offended and sad at this and pawed at Fitz's hand.

“Awww! You’re a good boy” He paused to read the name on his tag. “Fitzroy?”

The dog's tail began wagging faster when he heard his own name, he tried to crawl onto Fitz’s lap but failed and rolled onto his back. Fitz grinned at this and cooed at the sweet puppy, immediately rubbing his belly. “That’s almost my name!” He gasped dramatically. “We ‘Fitz’ together!” The dog didn’t react to his awful joke, instead choosing to flop back and forth on his back wiggling around for no reason other than the fact that it can. 

“What a cute boy! Yes you are!”

Distracted by the dog, Fitz failed to notice the clicking of steps approaching him. 

“Ah you must be Fitz Frederick, we usually don’t have our new students sprawled out in front of our doorstep you know.” 

The old man stood before Fitz. He had many grey hairs that were neatly tamed on his head. He was wearing a frilly dress-shirt with a maroon blazer on top. The blazer fanning out to his knee akin to a cape. His face was strict but held hope and kindness. 

“Yes, sorry! I am so sorry, your dog is just very sweet.” Fitz got up swiftly and brushed himself off. 

“That’s odd, he’s usually very shy.” The man tilted his head and Fitzroy who panted and smiled at him.

“Maybe it's because our names are similar”

The old man chuckled abruptly at the joke, honestly Fitz couldn’t help but feel relieved to ease the tension. “Ha! And what would that make me? Fitz-gerald?”

They both laughed for a short while and the man introduced himself. 

“I am Sir Chamberlain, the head minister of this academy. I will be showing you around. Go lie down now Fitzroy.”

Fitz folded his hands before him and began to follow Chamberlain around, already enjoying his company.

They walked through the differing classrooms, dorms, and dance rooms. Fitz tried to memorize them all and he was doing a good job until they reached the library. He marveled at the rows and rows of books. Millions of stories and lessons all in one quaint room. 

“Oh Wenceslaus would absolutely love this place.”

“Wenceslaus?”, Sir Chamberlain curiously asked.

“My younger brother, he’s the one who entered me into the lottery. I never would’ve on my own. But this is a chance to give him a better life, to give all of them a better life.”

Chamberlain nodded with a soft smile. “Do you have a big family?”

“No, it’s just me, Wence, and my mom. But I make it my responsibility to care for my entire community. We’re all going through the same hardships, we all deserve a helping hand.”

The head minister paused and furrowed his brows, lost in thought. He was almost entirely frozen except for the slight wiggling of his shoes, Fitz assumed he was forcing himself not to tap his feet. 

“Fitz. Only 27% of lottery students make it to graduation, do you think you can do it?”

No, he certainly doesn’t. But again this isn’t about him right now.

“I…don’t know honestly. But I hope so! I’ll certainly try!”

Chamberlain has this foggy look in his eyes, as though he was seeing directly through Fitz, he snapped out of it and continued to lead Fitz through the library and to the lockers.

A dark reddish brown dragon flew through the halls at top speed. He was small enough to sit on your shoulder, however he lacked the aerodynamics of the other dragons in the halls. He bumped and shoved around, barely managing not to get himself hurt.
“Ah! Ah! Ah! Excuse me?” Chamberlain called out to him. He raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. The dragon made a quiet, sad noise and flew over to them. 

“This is your personal dragon assistant. Not many choose to have them due to them having records of impromptu biting.”

“Oh gosh that sounds dangerous! Why would they be allowed?”

“They are unlike normal house pets and will not allow you to treat them poorly. They understand when humans insult them and don’t let them neglect nor abuse them. Many…for lack of better words, bratty royals find them too much of a hassle and complain about the dragons. Leading to them getting a poor reputation.” The dragon obediently hovered next to the duo, patiently listening to Chamberlain explain. 

“That’s…awful…but awesome!” 

He coughed “Pardon me?

“Not-That's not what I meant!” Fitz shook his head embarrassed. “I mean it’s so cool how they don’t let anyone treat them badly. That’s really admirable.”

The dragon made a happy sounding coo at Fitz and flew over to him. 

Chamberlain watches them with a fond expression on his face, his foggy eyes were back for a moment but soon left. 

“He seems to like you, I trust that he will guide you hence forward.” Chamberlain nodded and stepped away. 

“Ok! So, you er—what do I call you? You don’t have a name do you?” The dragon shook his head.  “Well, uhm…I am not great at naming things, ok uhhh” He trailed off awkwardly and looked around for inspiration.

“Uhhm coffee beans? No? Tiles! Oh ok jeez! Hmm?” His eyes glanced at his own hands, which has small notes from the menu he wrote down that evening. “Porridge?”

The dragon—Porridge— happily chirped and spun about Fitz, directing him to his locker.

“Ooh! Ok so this is all my stuff?” An affirming noise was his response. Porridge flew into view and reached into the bottom part of the locker where a clean pair of shoes were. Fitz got the message and took off one of his shoes standing up, he hopped up for the other shoe before his balance caused him to hop onto another person. He yelped in surprise.

“Ow, get off of me!” 

“Sorry! I am so sorry it was an accident!”

The stranger pushed Fitz off of him and stood up, glaring down at him, not bothering to help him up. Fitz recognized him as the boy who pulled his name in the lottery. He was very cute in real life, although much more grouchy. 

A bouncy girl next to him giggled slightly and grabbed his forearm and yanked him up. “Gosh, it’s like they don’t train the workers anymore! Sir Chamberlain went that-a-way so you can go follow him to the…uhm” She looked him up and down, the judgment clear on her face. “What’s your job here? Why aren’t you wearing shoes?”

“I don’t actually work here” Fitz looked from the smiling girl to the frowning boy. Each staring at him, one more intensely than the other. 

“You! You’re the new lottery student.” The boy said with a gasp and a chuckle.

Fitz felt immediate relief, “Oh great you understand!”

“Yes I understand! I understand the that lottery is a complete joke. It’s very obvious, you don’t belong here. You won’t belong here, ever. You’re wasting your time. Right Cecily?” He laughed in his face.

The girl looked up from where she was previously gazing out the window at something or someone perhaps. “What? Oh! Yes mmhm!”

The boy rolls his eyes and continues walking, Cecily following behind.

“Have fun at work!” She said as she was leaving. 

Fitz watched the pair walk away feeling conflicted. That boy was right, he doesn’t belong here. He might not ever. But he isn’t wasting his time. Fitz is not here to be bullied by some knockoff plastics, he is here for his family. Fitz is going to work harder than he ever has and he knows for sure that will mean something. And he doesn’t have to prove his worth to anyone.

“Is everyone here as nice as them?” Fitz asked Porridge, the dragon responded in a long, guilty noise. 

“Lovely”

Chapter Text

After getting acquainted with his school supplies, Porridge leads him to his dormitory. The room has intricate marble and silver accents all over it, with every corridor framed by a semi-circle archway. The regal presence of the walls were contrasted by the dorm doors, decorated by the students. 

Each door was vibrant with personality, some displayed family portraits, some cute pom-poms and stickers and some were even painted as if to resemble a mural. One specific door catches his eye, a door almost completely white, blending into the walls. Such a bland door stood out to him among the rest of the designed ones. The door was simply a door, like it was untouched since the beginning of the year. He could only wonder what the reasoning for this person's lack of design. He drew up this story in his head of this insecure artist who  has all of their personality locked on the inside of the door. Or maybe it was meant to trick thieves in the dark blanket of night, preventing them from differentiating the door to the wall. Or maybe it was an empty room, with an empty person. 

Fitz entertained his thoughts for only a matter of time as Porridge led him to a silver door. The door was covered bottom to top in perfectly shined armor. The material looked decently cheap but clearly was handmade, it was so polished he could see his own reflection in some of the smoother bits. He nervously wondered about the kinds of people that would want this sort of door. People who lock away all their secrets behind a shield, they force you to look upon your own actions and reflect. He anxiously dreads these people, who knows how ruthless they’ll be after all.

Fitz wanders into the room and is immediately greeted with a sword pointed directly at his face. He jumps up and scrambles about trying not to fall to the ground for the second time that day. 

He fails.

A yelp escapes his mouth as he collapses to the ground, turning away from the sword in fear. 

“Oh! That one was his knees! They were wayyyy too straight.” A voice pipes up, it’s slightly nasally.

Another voice chimes in, this one closer to Fitz; he was sure this voice was the one holding the sword. “Yes and?”

“There’s more to that answer?!” The voice whines.

“There’s more to every answer. If his knees were closer to the ground he would be less likely to fall.”

Fitz hesitantly opened his eyes to find no blade in his face, yet a hand. The body that owned this hand was a strikingly handsome woman. Her hair was very short and blonde, she was…well jacked and her skin was a beautiful brown. Fitz would’ve been intimidated by her if it wasn’t for her friendly face. Her eyes were apologetic and her smile was welcoming. 

“Sorry about that… didn’t mean for you to fall”

Fitz took her hand and she easily hauled him up, as if he weighed nothing. “Its uhm fine?” His tone was unsure of his own words. He was unsure about this whole interaction if he were honest.

“You’re our new roommate right?” The nasally voice perched on his bed asked curiously. He was lying upside down on his bed, as though he had dramatically sprawled out during the conversation. He had scruffy black hair and tan skin. He held himself lazily before sitting back up to look at Fitz properly. “Lottery student?” His eyes were round and wide, his cheeks peach and his lips were colored a dark burgundy. 

Fitz nodded meekly. “That obvious huh?” 

The boy sucked a breath in through his teeth. “Ohhh uhm…honest answer or dishonest answer?” He gives a sympathetic smile.

“That’s enough of an answer alone,” Fitz frowned.

The girl shot a look at the nasally voice and spoke in a reassuring tone “Hey it’s fine, if people underestimate you, that only gives you the bigger advantage”

“Does it really count as underestimating if they’re right?” Fitz responded.

The girl shook her head with a smile. “It might be right now but soon, you’ll show them!” She held her sword over her shoulders casually. “I’m Joan. That guy over there is Percy.”

“Percy Jr. actually! Son of Percy ! The Sir Percy!” The boy puffed his chest in pride. “You might’ve heard of him, he's kinda a big deal!”

Fitz nodded although he had zero clue who this Percy was. “I’m Fitz Frederick.” He nodded to his roommates. “Oh! This is of course Porridge” He motioned towards the red dragon who was busy cooing at his own reflection. 

“Your beds next to the window! Because we are so nice!” Percy points to the empty corner not moving to help with Fitz stuff. 

Joan rolled her eyes. “ Because Percy wanted to be next to the bathroom and I wanted to be near the closet, let's be honest now Percy. Hope that’s ok with you” 

“Gaining others' trust through distruths is the most efficient way to obtain allies!” Percy speaks in an elevated voice as if he was announcing a memorized verse. 

“It’s also the most efficient way of gaining enemies hello?!”

“Hello!” Percy responds cheekily. “What does it matter Joan, I’m not becoming any big leader anytime soon.” 

“It matters because you don’t have to be a leader to need allies, and you don’t obtain them either.” Joan grabs Fitz's stuff with one hand and swiftly transports it over to Fitz's side of the room. “Don’t mind him, he’s just not very passionate about his studies here.”

“Oh…so you guys aren’t royals?” They both shake their heads.

“We both want to pursue knighting but…” Joan trails off.

“Neither of our parents believe we are cut out for knighting. I’m scrawny and Joan’s dad’s a loser.”

Fitz chokes on his saliva. “W-What?!” 

“My dad doesn’t see a lady knight as a ‘real knight’” Joan scrunches her nose in disgust. “He’ll learn.” She clicked her tongue.

“Oh so that’s why you’re door’s like that!” It was a much simpler explanation than the guarded and cryptic one he conjured up. 

Percy stood alarmed “You didn’t touch it did you?” 

“The…door?”

“Did you smudge it?” Percy sauntered over to the other side of the door to check for himself.

Fitz watches as he scans the door and smiles pleased. “No I didn’t? Why?” Fitz cocks his head to the side  “A bit of a clean freak?”

Joan scoffs at this, it was so loud and surprising it made everyone in the room jump at her outburst. “Clean freak?! Percy?!” She laughed strongly.

Percy pouted and crossed his arms from outside the room. “It’s not that unbelievable!” His corner of the room would frankly disagree. There are mascara stains on his pillowcases.

Joan wrinkled her nose. “Mmhmm” Joan slowly dropped her playfully angry expression and switched it to a more proud one. “He’s the one who made it.”

‘It’s my baby,” Percy flipped his shiny hair. 

Fitz chuckled at his new roommate's antics. From the embarrassing encounter with the cute boy and cooing over Fitzroy in front of the head minister, his first impressions haven't been the best. One could argue that falling over with a sword to the face isn’t a very good first impression either but these people…Fitz liked them. They seemed so laid back for being in a school like this one. They didn’t judge him, in fact they openly made room for him. 

Joan was already an obvious kind soul. Despite not wanting to even be studying at this school, she clearly values it and respects a chance for education. She's playful with Percy; she clearly cares about him. Upon meeting Fitz, she immediately motivated him like she somehow sensed his insecurity. She was clearly a great leader.

Percy on the other hand was way more blunt and rough around the edges. Ok maybe not rough around the edges…maybe rubbery? Partially sticky? Definitely wasn’t smooth. He was charming in a disgusting way. Percy was picky and sometimes clueless but he was clearly passionate. And despite his flaws, he was easy to talk to. 

Fitz liked them, they made this place better already. He knew they didn’t know him much but he felt like they were already forming a close bond. Yes, he was ready to fight tooth and nail for these two. 

A voice blaired from what sounded like the intercoms, it was Sir Chamberlain.

“All students are due for assembly in our common fields in 5 minutes. There will be an early dinner afterwards. 

Joan grins and the two boys. “That’s us then” Fitz nods.

“Porridge, you stay here, I don’t think I’ll need you help for the rest of the day” The dragon nods and waddles over to sleep in Fitz’s bed.

Percy held the door open. “We’ll show you around, don't worry, stick with us!”

Fitz pretended to consider that offer. “Can I possibly exclude you from that deal?” He responded with an offended gasp followed by a sputtered string of shocked words.

The group chats idly while they make their way. 

Chapter Text

“Welcome students” The words were loud and confident coming from the head master.

“I’m sure you are all aware that today you will be receiving your training crowns, don’t get too used to them, only the students who pass earn the real ones.” Two staff members began to pass out shiny metal crowns that clip stuck to your hair. Fitz handled his with care as he ran his finger along the edge before attempting to put it on.

He turned to his friends “I didn’t know we got to wear crowns” 

“Yeah! Its to make up feel equal even if we are only training to be royals. You’re wearing it wrong” Joan reached over to unclip it, finding it hard to find the clip in Fitz thick hair.

“Yeah uhm thanks? Ow…ow! Joan!” Fitz flinches at his hair being tugged and pulled. 

“I’m trying! Wait wait!”

“Ow! Ow ow.. Joan please-”

“It’s just really in there, hang on I got this.”

Fitz heard some chuckling coming from behind him and he frowned self-consciously.

“Joan ow! It’s fine! Leave it!”

“No keep going this is funny” A snarky voice chimed in from behind. Fitz felt Joan's hand leave his hair and he looked up to find Joan glaring at whoever was mocking them.

“No I just loooove having this distraction in my way during the first assembly of the semester! Really putting yourself out there.” He smiled sarcastically, his teeth nearly shining. 

Why are all the hot people so mean?!

Suddenly, Fitz felt a harsh and painful yank from his scalp. He winced especially loud, gaining the attention of everyone in his row. Percy had yanked it out roughly and quickly.

“Will you please quiet down?! You are causing a scene!”

The person behind them chimed in again. “Don’t pretend you don’t love the attention doll”

Fitz was very confused. Does Percy have a history with this guy? Why’d he have to pull so hard? What’s even going on?

Percy blushed darkly but refused to respond, leading the stranger to give up with a huff. 

“Like this, the small click is how you know its open, its just a glorified hair clip.”

Fitz rubbed his head before gently putting the crown back on.

“You understand?”

“Yes”

“Are you lying?”

“Yes?” 

Percy smiled and let out a small laugh. “I’ll show you later”

All throughout the assembly, Chamberlain droned on about the rules and expectations, it went in one ear and out the other for Fitz. Until he noticed Chamberlain’s voice changed into a loud bumbled version gaining his attention again.

“I will be retiring from my position as your teacher after this year, I know I’m so sorry my dear class” The King spoke through the mic, when he started speaking, Fitz didn’t know, he wasn’t even aware he was a teacher here in the first place.

“I doubt anyone could teach as well as me, no one knows royalty more than myself for I have been in this position since my wonderful friend King Frederick passed away.”

“ If If they passed away” Percy whispered under his breath. 

“What?”

Percy grinned, “There’s a rumor going around that not everyone died during King Frederick's accident and that it was staged!”

“Why?”

Joan piped in “Teenagers love gossip” Percy scoffed. 

Fitz rephrased his question.“No, why would someone stage that?”

Percy shrugged “Fear of responsibility most likely, being King is flashy but a whole kingdom? No thank you. But,” He paused for dramatic affect.

 “There is no way that this wasn’t somehow planned. I mean for one, Frederick’s son and the King’s son had been betrothed at babies, who would consciously want their child to go through an arranged marriage? Plus! King Frederick was known for being lazy.”

“So?”

“So! Why would he want to maintain a role as king? I think they faked their death, allowing for King Darius who actively sought out the crown to take the lead!” Percy grinned proudly. Then he shrugged.

“At least that’s just what I think” he trailed off then eagerly continued with “Especially since-”

Chamberlain cut him off with his announcement “Alright students, farewells and then dinner”

Percy hopped up and leaned from his toes to his heels.

Joan looked to Fitz and explained. “Farewells are just bowing at everyone.”

“Everyone?!”

“Yup”

Fitz followed his friends unsure before lining up between them and hearing music begging to play.

‘I don’t know what I’m doing and I’m definitely making a fool out of myself’ He thinks looking from Joan to Percy for help.

Percy bowed gracefully at what would seem to be a 15 degree angle every time with his eyes closed and hands folded while Joan maintained eye contact and nodded after bowing with a kind smile. After they finished one person, they took a large step to the right. The right, not left, Fitz learned that the hard way. 

He bent his body at his abdomen and awkwardly held the ends of his uniform out like a curtsy in a panic, the person smiled empathetically at him. He stiffly moved on to do the same again and not looking the person in the eyes so as to not die of embarrassment. 

“Especially since?” He asked trying to distract himself.

“Oh yeah! Especially since the original crown of the Kingdom 'mysteriously' went missing after the accident!”

Percy stopped talking, probably expecting a reaction but nothing.

“The crown glows when worn by the rightful ruler” Percy continued after realizing why Fitz wasn’t reacting. 

“Oh! Well! Yeah I see what you mean now!” Fitz turned to instead look at Percy who nodded pridefully.

“I don’t know if it was staged…but there’s no way that was a coincidence.” 

“Exactly!”

“What do you think Joan?”

 Joan hummed before speaking with a bored tone.“You know I’ll just…believe whatever someone wants me to believe I’m too hungry for this”

Percy beamed at Fitz “It’s so nice to have someone to talk to about this now! I have had no one to gossip with all year!”

“Oh I wouldn’t say gossip… But you know I wouldn’t mind listening!” Fitz said with a playful smile. Okay so he was a bit nosey, so what?

Despite Fitz’s awkward bow and off rhythm steps, he was slowly forgetting about his embarrassment with the group's happy chatting, until he met with the Prince again; he had already finished his farewells but was monitoring the group and criticizing them because of course he was. 

“What is this that you are doing?” He said bluntly.

“Are you trying to be original or something because it’s not working for you”

“Gee thanks, look if you want me to do it right then teach me” He was bluffing but Amir actually stepped in between him and Joan and showcasing how he should be bowing. 

And of course he stared him down while doing it. 

A very very handsome boy just bowed at him with a very intense look in his eyes. How was he expected to pay attention??

Fitz stood surprised at Amir’s action and froze. Amir rolled his eyes and grabbed Fitz’s forearm and dragged him out of his row. He placed his arm behind his back and circled Fitz, grabbing his other arm and positioning it to bend flat on his stomach. Amir circled him a few more times just staring at him up and down before placing his hand on his back and midriff and pushing him into a bow. Fitz stood trying (And Failing) not to blush like crazy at the situation. He felt Amir fix his hair and kick his legs open slightly. Circling him again before stopping in front of him and grabbing his jaw.

Amir lifted Fitz’s head to look him in the eyes before stopping. Fitz awkwardly looked at the pretty boy. The pretty boy who was touching him and was very close to his face.

Everything was A-Okay.

Amir tensed stiffly and stepped to Fitz's side and pushed him to stand straight again.

“And then you bow, if you bow deep don’t look at them in the eye it's weird.” He kept his hand on his back while tilting him downwards. 

“Good.” He sounded. Pleased. Not shocked or disappointed but pleased. Proud? 

“And again” Amir stood in front of Fitz and positioned his arms in the same manner.

Fitz stood straight, looking into Amir’s eyes and bowed gently, he dropped his gaze to the side, then the ground, then back at Amir. 

Amir bowed the same way with closed eyes before opening them to see Fitz staring. They stayed like that for a moment. Just looking into each others eyes, everything else drowned out while looking at each other. There was chemistry, Fitz knew that, he knew that Amir also knew that. Why was there chemistry? Fitz didn’t know. But looking into those beautiful eyes that flickered to his lips for half a second (He saw that) he just knew. 

He stood straight again and dusted himself off, “Uh thanks…for the lesson.”

Amir turned his face away for some reason, “Well I can’t have you making us look bad, but you’re…good when you know how to do things, you are good sometimes You looked.. “ He trailed off, Fitz frowned, he definitely was about to insult him there.

“I gotta…dinner.. Bye.” He said disappointed before walking away not even waiting for a response. 

He was so confused.

Chapter Text

Fitz enters the cafeteria lost before hearing the familiar coo of Porridge behind him. He immediately lightened up and kneeled to cottle and pet him.

“Hey there Porridge! Have a nice nap? You didn’t miss much just a boring old speech” 

Porridge made noises of happiness and pushed him towards a counter where the food was. 

“In hindsight maaaaybe I proooobably should’ve been paying attention? Ohh lunch!”

Fitz peered over the glass to stare at all the food options they had. The staff watched with a kind smile.

“Apologies for the question, but young man are you the lottery student?”

Fitz stood like a deer in headlights, his mind trying desperately to find a lie or excuse or whatever could make him look less of a moron. Why is it so obvious?

He resorted to an awkward smile and slight nod, in fear of his own words. Thankfully the staff sent him a warm expression.

“A word of advice, don’t get anything with fish especially not caviar. I might be the one who cooks it but just between you and I…it tastes terrible.” They whispered the last part sneakily. 

Fitz let out a shocked laugh. “What do you recommend I get?”

“We have sandwiches? Not exactly flashy but you can’t go wrong with sandwiches.” They offer up. “I understand if all this treatment is too much of a change for you.”

“It’s…a change?” It was incredibly overwhelming. This school was filled with talented, strong, beautiful people who deserved to be here and then there’s Fitz. 

But this wasn’t about him. 

The staff didn’t press. “Ham and cheese?” 

“Yes please. Oh! And something for my dragon?”

They sent them a happy grin and served him his food, then Porridge led him to the table where Joan and Percy sat, who immediately began speaking to him hurriedly. 

“Are you okay?” Percy asked.

Joan placed a hand on his shoulder. “We saw Amir bothering you”

“He wasn’t bothering me! Much..” He wasn’t bothering, it was actually an okay experience. “He was teaching me how to bow. Why didn’t you guys telling me how stupid i looked??”

“I was hungry”

“I was telling you about lore!”

“Lousy excuses! Either way he was actually very nice?” He ended that sentence in a question. Like he didn’t believe himself.

“Are you telling lies?” Percy gasped dramatically and leaned forward. Joan also seemed a lot more invested in the conversation than before.

“I’m not, he was genuinely pleasant!” N aturally his eyes drift over to where he was sitting with Cecily. They seemed to be having their own conversation with a pleasant smile. His face looked lighter, more free. It was very cute. 

Percy clapped in front of his face. “Fitz!” 

Oh god he was staring he was so staring. 

Percy spoke loudly causing him to jump with a yelp. What is it with these two spooking him?? Fitz’s shock alerted a few nearby tables, including Amirs. He turned away from him to not look him in the eyes. 

He didn’t end up seeing the look Amir gave him. 

“Percy! Don’t scare me like that!” he hissed through his teeth. 

Joan rested her face on her cheek with an unreadable expression. “He wouldn’t have to if you heard him the first time. What are you looking at over there?”

Oh so he was staring staring.

“I was just… casually glancing.” He lied obviously.

Percy’s grin widened. “Oh yeah? Glancing was it?”

“It doesn’t matter! I’m telling the truth” Fitz crossed his arms defensively.

Joan’s voice grows quiet. “Mmhm. Fitz I trust you, but just be careful. Amir isn’t the feelings type of guy.”

As much as what Joan says embarrasses him, he can’t deny that she’s right. From his impressions of Amir today, he hasn’t been very kind and welcoming. He wasn’t here to flirt and neither was Fitz.  “I’ll be fine Joan thanks.”

“That’s saucey! First day here and you’re reeling in the top student?”

Fitz tried to change the subject hastily. “So what’s your deal with that guy from before.” Joan stifled a laugh. Percy’s eyes widened as all comments about Amir fell flat. “ ‘Doll’? ”

Percy blushes. “He’s just a guy”

That’s very unbelievable. “Oh yeah?”

“A guy that Percy just so happen to have a fling with over the break” Joan finishes for him

“Excuse me?” Fitz whipped his head.

Percy hid his face in his hands with a groan. “It’s not a big deal!”

“It was a big deal two weeks ago.”

“Well that was two weeks ago”

“Explain?”

Percy pouts and glares at Joan. “I met him over the break, we had …thing going on, then school started and I found out he went here”

“Wait so you two never broke up?”

“We were never together!” Percy exclaims, frustrated. “Not officially. I wanted something he didn’t want so I broke it off but he won’t stop bothering me. “

“Like you haven’t been texting him and trying to get his attention ever since.”

“Have not!”

Joan rubs Percy's shoulder. “They act like exes that never got over each other” 

Percy shakes Joan’s hand off and interrupts “I mean can you blame me! He’s Darling!”

This might be taking a toll on him, he’s still hopelessly devoted. “Oh percy..”

“What's wrong with the name Darling?” Percy suddenly gets offended and begins raising his voice.

“Wait Darling is his name?”

Joan laughs “That’s what I said!”

“He’s cute, he's allowed to have a name like Darling. ” Percy waves off. 

“So you like this guy,” Fitz asked.

“I don’t like this guy.”

“So you love this guy?”

“I don't like this guy!” Percy’s face grows red, it's hard to say whether it was out of frustration or embarrassment. 

Joan chuckles lightly at Percy's reaction before freezing in her tracks. 

“Oh that’s not an answer” Darling speaks up from behind Percy. He must’ve heard his name in our conversation.

Fitz watches as Percy pales for a moment before turning a deep shade of red. He couldn’t imagine what was going through his head. 

Darling grins and sits on the other side of him. “Oh come on doll, you know my eyes are beautiful won’t you take a look.” This guy was certainly a character. 

Joan gives Fitz a look that makes him stifle his laugh. 

Percy stares Fitz down. “Hey guys, let's talk about something else somewhere else.” his eyes are pleading. Maybe this joke is going too far?

“Percy-” He tries to reach out to his shoulder but Percy flinches and shoots his hand up to block Darling. The table goes quiet.

Darling's eyes are unreadable, almost sad? Even if he was, he didn't act on it. Fitz stepped up. “I’m pretty full, and aw man! I forgot how to get back to our room, you guys should walk me back.” Darling's gaze stayed glued on Percy the entire time.

“I’ll help you Fitz!” Percy piped up and began quickly walking away, not waiting to see if anyone was following him. 

Once again, Darling stared.

Chapter Text

Overall, Fitz’ first day went pretty well!

He made some friends, saw a dog, met a dragon.
Everything went great! Except for the fact that he most certainly did not belong.
Like at all.

Joan and Percy were lovely to him and Amir was…something to be determined.

But those classes? That assembly proved more than enough he just can’t fit in like the other students. He is going to have to really work in order to be able to come close to passing. But who would teach him?

Joan and Percy are great but they aren’t interested in the lessons this school provides, they might help Fitz but that’s not fair. They’ve already done so much, he can’t allow himself to have them drag him through the year.

The first morning before class he woke up at 5 am on the dot. He was used to the quiet snoring of his room from Wenceslaus but he hadn’t an opening shift to attend to this morning.

His sleep schedule would not have allowed him another 30 minutes no matter how insistently he shoved his head in his pillow. He decided to spend his morning back in the library, attempting to get caught up studying for the semester.

“Alright Fitz, this is great you’re already getting ahead perfect!!!” He spoke into his large stack of books before pulling a random book open and scanning a page somewhere in the middle.”

“The Gilded Age! Great! I remember Wence telling me about King midas! Could’ve sworn he was fake though…”
“Uhm what's the difference between A.D and B.C? Wouldn’t it just be the years??”

Soft laughing was heard above him and he looked up to see Headmaster Chamberlain watching from the terrace above. “You won’t be learning anything if you just jump into a random pool of history like that.”

“Sorry Chamberlain! I-I didn’t know that anyone else was here.”

He steps out of view for a moment before appearing in sight again at the staircase in the library. “And they shouldn’t be, students need these adequate amount of hours before starting the day. What’s keeping you awake?”

Fitz looked away in shame. “I just figured I needed to get ahead…I never paid much attention in school.”

“I see, well you need to start at the beginning then, we can have you jump in randomly. Luckily for you, we have the finest library in the county.” He pulled a couple books from a particular spot in the wall before placing them on the table Fitz was using. Then he began to take away from the random pile of textbooks he had accrued.

A total lie, “Thank you Chamberlain.” he lied, “I won’t be up so late in the future.” said the liar.

“Why are you trying so hard Fitz?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Many of the students would be focusing on taking pleasure in many of the esteemed luxuries of this school. But instead you are awake at 5 in the morning studying before class.”

“I-It’s just…there’s people depending on me right now. They matter a lot more than me. I dont really have the luxury of being selfish.” He looked up expectantly.

“You sound just like her…” The older man spoke, sounding lost.

“Chamberlain? Are you okay?”

He shakes off his mood before smiling solemnly once more ,”I’m alright, thank you Fitz. I do have to ask something more of you if you don't mind.”

His smile stiffens a bit, not noticeably enough though. “Go for it”

Chamberlain then looked at the bookshelf with extreme severity, although seeming to not pay attention to anything other than his own thoughts. “After the king retires this semester he will be taking full dominion over the kingdom while leaving me to deal with the school.”

“Well he’s the king, isn’t that how the government works? Monarchy and all that?”

He chuckles politely before placing another book into its correct place, “Not quite. King Frederick is meant to be ruling this land before he died. As his royal gentlemen I had the responsibility to manage it until this school was started in his name.” He looks out the window with a distant expression in his eyes. “The new king has since wormed his way into the favor of the court. Pushing more of the school’s obligation on my hands.”

Fitz then quits pretending to be paying attention to both Chamberlain’s conversation and the history in front of him. “Why can’t you just…quit? You’re like…rich.”

He sighed. “I won't leave these students in the care of the king.”

“What?! What’s wrong with him?!”

“Nothing too awful I assure you…but his teaching methods are…unsavory. He treats his classes with either zero concern or terrible strictness.”

Fitz paused before quietly asking. “Is there any hint of favoritism in there?” He’s been wondering ever since he’s met Amir. The son of the king and also one of the headmasters, he must have it pretty easy in life.

“With Prince Amir? Maybe to the public eye but anyone can see how much that boy is being puppeted.”

“Oh…really?” That shocked him. It makes sense in hindsight but he still briefly compares his lifes to Amir’s, he’s lived a life of struggle, how could Amir ever come close to relating?

“Yes…but no matter that. Once the king retires, I'll have no time to be helping with the kingdom. I need…your help.” Chamberlain then takes a seat in front of Fitz at the table, looking at him intently.

“I’m…sorry?”

“If you can get Prince Amir to elect you as his royal gentleman then you can prevent his drastic planning from being implemented!”

Fitz quickly scrambles for a way to refuse, he barely scraped by in passing conversations with Amir let alone approach him! “He doesn’t like me!”

“I witnessed him help you last night during farewells.” Chamberlain looked at him pleading.

“He has that one girl, why don’t you ask her?!”

“Lady Cecily is…not my first choice for this kind of plan. For separate reasons. I believe her motivations are elsewhere.”

“Honestly I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who caught that.” Fitz remembers how detached she was from everything before coming back to denying this position. “Regardless! I’m sure there are other students who could do this for you.”

Chamberlain persists “No one else has such a strong connection to the kingdom and a persistence for learning!”

“Really? No one?!”

He points out the forgotten book underneath Fitz chin. “I think you can do this Fitz.” Fitz hesitates, biting his lip. Chamberlain doesn’t give him the chance to respond. “Please, I don’t have another choice.”

Fitz was a weak man. “..fine but you have to help me!” Chamberlain smiles gratefully.

“I see no reason why I wouldn’t.”

He can take on another responsibility its ok! Not only will he have to pass the semester, he has to get in with the Prince of the kingdom too! And get elected into his right hand position!!! Totally doable for a waiter. Completely.

Well what does it matter if he doesn’t think he can do it? He had no other choice; he made a promise. This wasn’t about him.

Chapter Text

“First day at school…no pressure! Everyone counting on you…no pressure!”

“Talking to yourself in front of the mirror will not make the pressure go away.” Percy laughed tiredly. “Move, I need to fix my hair.”

The first day of real class and he was already freaking out. He was already tired thanks to the work from Chamberlain and the bags under his eyes were not making themselves subtle. Percy shoving him out of the way only fed his panic.
“I’m just nervous!” He exclaimed. “I’ve always been bad at school.”

Joan piped up from the door, already ready and waiting for the other two to get themselves together. “Don’t worry you won’t be alone.”

Fitz sighed sympathetically and looked at Percy through the mirror. “Oh Percy, are you bad at school too?”

He gasped and froze. “WOW!”

Joan cackled and slapped the wall in hilarity. “Not that one, this one!” She pointed to herself.

“Oh! Oh my god! Percy I swear I don’t- I didn’t mean anything by it, i-it's just you told me school wasn’t your priority and Joan’s always making-”

“No, it's fine! Perfectly fine. Just completely undermining my work but…” He sighed loudly and dramatically. “WHATEVER.”

“Percy I swear!”

“You got two minutes guys! I’d head out soon.” She then left the dorm with a grin still wide on her face, not reacting at all with Percy’s attitude.

“Wait Joan!” His exclaims were too little too late as Joan already sped-walked out and away.

Percy strode up to the door and slipped his own shoes on. “Her class is in the northwestern hall. Ours should be in the southwestern.”

“We have different classes?!” Percy stepped out of the door not waiting for Fitz to tie his shoes. “Wait! Percy! I don’t know where it is!”

“Figure it out! I’m mad at you right now!” He yelled from across the hall.

His hands moved anxiously, trying to tie a bow quickly but failing. “But wait!!” He rushed out, choosing to neglect his laces.

A mistake he made and will make many times.

“Ow!” He tripped, however it wasn’t onto the cold marble like he braced for. It was a person.

Amir’s voice barked out from beneath him. “Are you kidding me?! You again??”

Fitz freezes before his face flushes red in embarrassment. He quickly and frantically speaks, “I’m sorry! I'm so so sorry!”

“Get off!” He shoves Fitz off.

“I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry imsorryimsorryimsorry!!” He stands up and approaches the prince, attempting to brush off some of the floor dirt off his clothes before his hands were slapped away.

“What are you still doing here?! You're going to be late for class.” Amir crosses his arms with a glare.

Fitz begins to ramble. “I was going with percy and he left and I tripped which you saw I’m sorry! But I don't know where my class is and I'm so lost.”

“Ugh. you’re pathetic.” He groans and shakes his head. Looking him over briefly Fitz is able to pick out that he appears to have some eye bags of his own.

“Heard. Wait…why are you here? Don't you have class too?”

“...” Amir evades his gaze.

Fitz gasps before quickly asking with a grin, “Are you…skipping??”

“Why are you still talking to me!?”

“Why didn't you answer?”

The prince huffs and waves his hand in the air dismissively. “I don't have to answer you.”

Fitz sneers, “You don't but I can start making my own stuff up.” He begins to step around the dorm hall in a dramatic manner, his hand twirling the hair by his temple. “Ooohh mister rule breaker with his secrets, I bet he has a secret cantaloupe obsession that he sneaks off to maintain his cantaloupe gardens and bad boy shenanigans like that.”

“What?” He laughs surprised. “That's stupid.”

Fitz steps closer. “That's deflection.”

He sighs with a small smile. “I’m…” He hesitates. “My father…” Amir trails off with a distant expression.

“The King?”

“Him. he makes the instructors grade me perfectly no matter my performance. Of course my performance is always perfect but that score holds zero merit if it’s unconditional.” He plays with his fingers subtly while speaking, seeming to be nervous.

“Sooo?”

Amir takes a deep breath before bringing his gaze back to Fitz’ eyes. “I’m going to the library. And teaching myself my own way. Won’t matter since they won’t mark me absent anyways.”

Fitz thought back to what Chamberlain told him, making alliances with Amir would help him a lot! Especially if he’s a huge nerd. “Can I come! I need to catch up and I don’t think I really fit in well with those classes so really-”

Amir turns around with a scoff. “Yes you clearly don’t and you can.”

“Ok with the hostility jeez.” He then perked up. “Wait! I can!?”

He hums softly. “For now. Those classes are far too advanced for a lottery student. Private tutoring will surely be more beneficial.”

“Oh yes totally! Hundo-percent.” He spins and stumbles a bit on his words.

“First lesson is speech.”

“Uhm. yes…”

Amir smiles before stepping closer himself. The two were now only a couple feet away from each other. “You fumble and stutter over your words and you overshare too much. Less words with better and more refined meanings will do you some good.”

“Alright I can do this!” He steps forward a few paces only to realize Amir wasn’t following. “The library isn’t this way…is it?”

Amir only sighs as Fitz catches up. “Don’t you have a dragon to guide you the way?”

He shrugs and strides a bit faster to match the prince’s pace. “Porridge is sleeping in. I didn’t want to wake him…”

“You’d risk your attendance on a dragon's rest?” He asks with furrowed brows.

Fitz chuckles nervously, rubbing his neck, “I mean… I don't know when you say it like that I guess so? It just felt nice.”

“Being absent?”

“Letting Porridge rest! You never, like, just do something for someone else just cause?” He tilits his head towards Amir, smiling politely although the prince’s expression looked more distraught.

He slows down slightly, getting a bit distracted, “I…wasn’t trained to.”

Suddenly, Chamberlain’s words echoed in his mind. ‘Anyone can see how much that boy is being puppeted..’ What really is going on with this guy? He knew a selfless politician was hard to come by these days but this? How can he connect with this guy at all…

But this is for Chamberlain…which inherently affects his mom and Wence, and Joan and Percy and everyone he cares about. There’s more to this than whether he likes this guys company or not.

He can make this work.

Fitz leans over while walking to bump his shoulder gently. “Maybe you have some things to learn from me too.” He sends him a happy smile.

He huffs lightheartedly. “Right.”