Work Text:
Today was very sunny. The walk from Ramshackle was only made bearable by the wind in the morning. Part of you hoped that it would just cool down by the time you had to go back and another part of you wanted to soak it up while you could. Things had been stressful. Not this week per say but the majority of the time you were here. Chasing Grim down, doing double or triple the research the other students do for their assignments to understand the basics, talking to others about their troubles, picking up shifts at the lounge, begging Crowley for funds for the dorm and more. It was never ending. The thought of listening to Ace and Deuce argue about something stupid for the umpteenth time wasn't sounding very appealing today. A thought popped into your head reminded of a certain somebody who excelled at taking it easy, never needing to stress over everything on his plate. You stutter in your walk towards your class after free time thinking about how nice the botanical garden would be to relax in this weather. The garden was always the right temperature, not too hot or bright but never cold or windy. It must be so perfectly warm for a nap right now… well maybe it doesn't hurt to take a break and be selfish every now and again. Maybe you would run into said self care extraordinaire Leona Kingscholar himself. It's unclear if that's a good or a bad thing. On one hand he might get mad you've interrupted his peace and quiet and kick you out or he might just nap peacefully without acknowledging you. It wasn't worth debating anyways your feet were already going that way and the picture of the warm air, colorful foliage, the light filtering through the trees and that one soft patch of grass that Leona seems to favor sounds divine right about now. You arrive at your destination going through the last set of doors feeling a bit more nervous about what Leona could possibly say to you. You walk down the path, your dress shoes tapping gently on the cobble walkway making the most satisfying sound. You were right about the light coming in through the panes of glass and gently shining through the branches and leaves above. It is never too bright and you rarely get that one bright spot that somehow always shines in your eyes while you're walking. You turn the last corner around a group of plants and bright flowers and take a calming breath only to let it out in a huff. You worked yourself up for nothing. Leona isn't even here. Maybe he's in class, or in his dorm or even in a different napping spot. There was no need to worry he would kick you out. Not that he owned the place but the fight really wasn't worth having plus it's not relaxing to lay near someone who you're arguing with. You tossed your bag on the grass and flopped to your knees then to your stomach in a dramatic huff. You take in a huge breath and then let it out as a slow and heavy sigh. The grass here is SO soft. What do they grow this stuff with? It smells so nice; a fresh kind of smell that was slowly refilling your energy just as you laid there. You could hear some distant birds whether they were in the garden dome or if they were outside. It's unclear just by the sound. Mourning doves by the sound of it or maybe they're called something else here. They sound about the same though. Somehow there was enough of a breeze to make the leaves twirl slightly. You flip over to your back already feeling a hundred times better. Drowsiness has sunk its teeth into you already. You never used to nap much being a fairly good sleeper your whole life but after being dropped into twisted wonderland insomnia, oversleeping, dreams, nightmares and naps all firmly made their way into your day to day life. You had slept fairly well last night, no prophetic dreams but, the bed in ramshackle is not one foot in the grave but instead all the way in and come back as a ghost already. It was rickety making a horrible squeaking sound every time you breathed too deeply or heaven forbid roll over. The mattress was thin, flat, and full of dust. You pretty much were used to the sneezing by now but it's hard for an insomniac to sleep if you're sneezing every few minutes unless knocked out from the latest overblot. The blankets were a bit better. Crowley bought some as the old ones were rags that coughed dust and then promptly disintegrated away when you picked them up. They were just slightly too thin leaving you chilly at night even with Grim curled up on your side. It's really not the worst case scenario but it was a hair's breadth away. Even the ground here in the botanical garden was like sleeping in heaven comparatively. Since you've already made the commitment to skip class and deal with the consequences a nap wouldn't hurt in the least. You sprawl your arms and legs out leaving one hand on your stomach protectively and watch the light shift throughout the garden. Observing the strange and beautiful plants on all sides. There was a new hanging plant you haven't seen before. You absentmindedly wonder how Jade's newest strain of mushrooms are coming along. After getting lost in your own thoughts it didn't take long to drift off.
Pov switch:
Leona was walking along with Ruggie yapping in his ear about some other assignment he just HAD to get in which he was duly ignoring. He was fully focused on getting to a nap spot as soon as physically possible. Ruggie caught on that Leona wasn't listening and elbowed him in the side earning him a low warning growl. He glared at Ruggie but it would take far more than that to dissuade him from his mission. He charged back with "If you get held back another year we'll be in the same grade, Leona-san." He knows that irritates him so he listened as Ruggie explained the magic history assignment and mentally prepared to make some time in the evening and churn it out. The assignments were much easier the second time around so it would probably only take him 30 minutes max. Ruggie, now being satiated in his crusade, had gone quiet and Leona thanked the heavens that he could enjoy the last part of his walk in peace. Ruggie almost tripped over his own feet when Leona stopped dead in his tracks and held up a hand against his chest. "What is it?" Leona pointed towards the grass and when Ruggie peered past him he had to stifle a snicker. The Ramshackle prefect was sprawled out on the ground dead to the world it seems. Their eyes closed and their breathing slow. It was almost abnormal to see them stay still for so long. He's said on more than one occasion that they're like a hyper puppy. Leona smirked, "They sure have gotten comfortable there, huh? They don't have a single concern that I'll come back and claim my spot back?" "Shishishi it doesn't look like it." The smirk morphs into more of a scowl as Leona decides what he should do about this intruder in his territory. He stalked over to where they lay without a care in the world and kicked their foot. "Oi. Herbivore." He waited as they stirred, rubbing their face and peaking open their eyes.
Pov mix:
You peer up bleary eyed at the brown and yellow figures above you. How long were you even asleep for?
"Leona? Ruggie? Hi guys." You sit up pulling your knees up to rest your chin on them. "What are you up to?"
Leona scowls "Who gave you permission to come make yourself comfortable in my napping spot?"
"Nobody. I did it all by myself. Because I'm a horribly powerful and scary housewarden."
Leona raises an eyebrow "Is that a dig or are you still asleep?"
"I'm asleep, but! I don't need permission to come nap in your spot. There's room I didn't take up the whole thing. Come lay down." You pat the ground next to you and lay back down putting your arms behind your head. "You wanna come lay down too Ruggie?"
"Don't go offering up my spot herbivore. Plus you have a class to get to right Ruggie?" Leona makes a mischievous toothy grin at Ruggie.
"Yeah, you two go ahead and deal with Trein and Crewel yourselves. I'm getting my class work done so I can focus on my newest side hustle." Ruggie grins brightly and walks away with some clear pep in his step from the mention of a new money making scheme. Nothing could cheer Ruggie up quite as much as free food, Leona doing his work of his own volition and a new marketing endeavor. Leona made his way over to the spot beside you and plopped down.
"Pft. Look at him. He's so happy with himself."
"Yeah." You laugh "So friggin cute. Look at his feet he's totally bouncing. He's like one step away from skipping."
Leona lets out a low rumbling laugh at the picture of Ruggie happily skipping down the halls thinking about earning money. It's actually not that hard to picture. "So why are you napping in my spot anyway?"
"I'm exhausted! I couldn't bring myself to go to class when I'm so worn out and the weather is so nice in the botanical garden."
Leona nods knowingly. The temperature in the botanical garden is always perfect for napping year round. That's why it's one of his favorite stomping grounds.
"Then I guess you won't be bugging me while I nap." You turn your head to him and give him a dirty look with your eyebrow raised. "Oh, I won't be bugging you? Says the guy who woke me up. You could've just joined me, no wake up's necessary."
"I could've. But someone had to remind you that this was my spot first and foremost."
"Alright. Alright." You yawn through your words. "I've been told. So why don't we nap then?"
"Don't have to tell me twice."
You shift sprawling out like you had been before. Leona lounges on his back with a hand behind his head and a hand resting on his stomach. He thought to himself. "That prefect never wants to sit still; they must be wiped. I didn't hear of anymore overblots. I bet they were out and about parading their services to any pitiful person they could fit in their schedule."
(He wasn't wrong.)
You both lounged in silence. You had both fallen asleep within a minute or two.
Leona was the first to wake up momentarily. When he looked to his side he was happy to see you hadn't left while he was sleeping, not that he would ever admit that. You had shifted to laying on your side with your back turned to him. He watched you breathe in and out. Your hair would shift falling further to the ground strand by strand. What made this Herbivore so brave and thick-skulled? They had no worries about falling asleep right next to a powerful mage, the housewarden of Savanaclaw and a prince. Not a single care in the world being prey peacefully lounging in front of a predator. It was ridiculous if you think about it. A warm feeling couldn't help making it's way into his chest anyways. It’s not people avoided him per say although people did tell him he had a sort of regal or intimidating aura. He didn’t really see it. He's a second prince and Vil always complains about the unkempt way he presents himself. This weird magicless prefect however, doesn’t seem to care. They lounge peacefully next to him even if he tries to scare them off. Giving them glares or growls; even making threats that he fully intends to make good on. He could’ve knocked out their teeth for stepping on his tail if Ruggie hadn’t distracted him. They just seemed to have a way with being vulnerable. They knew everyone around them was powerful, some royalty or heirs but they didn’t seem to care and approached them all the same. He definitely couldn’t lie to himself about the fact that it was nice they didn’t care about him being a good for nothing second prince after he came clean during his overblot. They saw some of his darkest and scariest sides and were worried about his well-being afterwards. Who but, them does that?
The botanical garden was filled with yellow soft light. The beautiful green leaves filtered out all the harsh light leaving a permanent golden hour. He watched them and couldn't help but reach out to them. They wouldn't care anyways right? They're always hanging off of someone or another. They've told him they're a cuddly kind of person so now's the perfect time to see if they meant that. He was just curious if they were lying or not. There was no reason to reach out to them. What was he even going to accomplish by being near them? He watches the back that is turned to him and stretches his arm out towards them. He found himself getting nervous. What for? Was he worried they would get mad? That was stupid. Who cares if they get mad anyways? He fully extended his arm, his fingertips brushing their shirt and then he pushed his palm fully against their back. He smoothed their shirt running his hand downwards for a short way down their spine then returning back to his original spot. They shifted somewhat and his heart jumped into his throat but he had already committed. He sat there rubbing their back like that for a while. Lengthening where he ran his hand. Starting under their hair up by their neck then smoothing their shirt down all the way along their spine until their lower back. This made them stir and he decided now was the best time so they didn't wake all the way up. He wasn't a big proponent of ruining naps after all. He snaked an arm around their stomach and pulled them back so they laid together spooning. They woke up and turned their head back to look at him but they didn't say anything. They only held onto his arm and curled up into a ball further. His heart was thudding in his chest. He was glad they didn’t get angry with him. Although he can’t imagine why. Why would he care about their feelings like that? He had become protective over them at some point that he just hadn’t realized until now. Having them lay against his chest and tucked carefully under his chin gave him a sense of relief. He had to admit how he was feeling at this point, after thinking so hard he was making himself more tired than he was before, which wasn’t the point of this nap at all. He liked them. Not in a romantic sense, not that he hated the thought, but it just wasn’t the right way to describe it. He wanted to watch over them. They shouldn’t be in danger in his presence. He wanted to look out for them and make sure they were out of trouble. This is similar to how he felt about people like Ruggie and Jack and Cheka (disapprovingly). Like they had joined his family or pride. He let out a sigh. I guess having someone see your vulnerable sides then still follow you around like a puppy would make anyone start worrying over this weird little frosh.
He stayed like that for a while, his heart still thumping at how they clung to his arm calmly like a cub. Everytime they shifted he couldn’t help but still his movement and breathing, trying to inadvertently soothe them back to sleep. He fell asleep at one point only to wake up when they made some squeaks and groans before flipping themselves around to face him. He lifted his arm up to make room for them to shift. They placed their forehead against his chest and he intertwined their legs together so they would be more comfortable. He huffed a laugh to himself when they placed an arm so very gently over his waist. Did they worry they would wake him or did they just have a way with being soft? They weren’t lying when they said they were a cuddly person as they laid together for what felt like several hours like a pile of cats snuggled up in the warm sun. He slept even better than he normally did. He dreamt of calmer dreams than normal instead of being chased down by a teacher, melting his friends away into sand or wandering around the castle listening to hurtful whispers; he dreamt of playing chess with a dorm mate, winning a spell-drive game, lounging and even chatting to them as they animatedly describe something they learned or the newest trouble Ace, Deuce and Grim got into. Eventually they did have to get up. The prefect was a stickler for goodie two shoes behavior. They woke up first and untangled themselves from Leona sitting up and rubbing their eyes pushing their hair out of their face. They turned to the side and watched Leona snore automatically folding his arms when they left his side. He looks so broody and stoic even when he’s sleeping. You almost made yourself bust out laughing thinking about it. You checked your phone. It was nearing the end of the second period meaning lunch and break time would be starting soon. Leona would want to be up for that.
You turn and gently shake his shoulder.
“Leona.”
No response.
“Leona.” A bit louder, a tail begins flicking. “It’s time to wake up. Lunch is gonna start soon.”
A loud sigh and an eye peaks open. His eyes are truly so blindingly green.
“What?”
“Lunch is gonna start soon. You should get up now. I think there is a meat special today. I bet you're gonna want that right?” You smirk at him knowing how much he loves meat. He would pull himself out of a nap without issue for a meal.
“Pft. You woke me up for lunch?”
“Yeah?”
“Ruggie could’ve done that when he got out of class.”
“Yeah, maybe but I’m right here and Ruggie is probably not leaping at the idea of fighting in line for your steak sandwich or whatever.”
“Maybe.”
You turn away again trying to wake yourself back up. You were so warm and cozy it felt like a crime to get up and walk yourself into a noisy cafeteria and deal with an interrogation about where you’ve been. You couldn’t put it off though as even missing a day of class was going to end up in a week of a headache.
He watches you from behind as you shift and gently pat at your cheeks and smooth your hair out of your face. The way you so gently woke him up was so sweet to him. Ruggie always yanks him out of bed and servants always shout in his ears about his responsibilities. In their defense he does know he’s hard to rouse from sleep but that prefect has a voice that just interrupts his dream and pulls him right out of his slumber. He could feel his stomach flip at how gently they pat and touch his shoulders. They are so soft with him. Maybe they can’t excerpt that much force but, it's more likely that they’re just being gentle. Gentle. Such a strange concept to him. Nobody needs to be gentle around him for any reason. The idea almost makes him mad at the thought. They didn’t need to be all soft with him; it's not like he was some kind of child or pet.
He sits up beside you stretching his arms upwards and letting out a loud yawn. His sharp teeth are out on display and you catch a glimpse of his tongue. This may be a strange thought but, you almost swear you can see those little spikes on his tongue like cats have. It's totally possible considering the tail, ears and even the teeth. He would probably get angry if you asked though. Maybe for another day. You would definitely continue to wonder about it until it was answered. He seemingly caught you staring and sent you his signature smirk.
“Like something you see?”
You burst out laughing. Not exactly the reaction he was going for. A fluster would’ve been more ideal.
“Yeah. You’re very handsome. I was just looking at your teeth.”
“Why do I feel like you're just saying that to appease me?”
“I am not! You are handsome. I just don’t think you need me telling you that. You have it written all over your face that you know it.”
“You could be right.”
“I thought so.”
“What about my teeth is so interesting then?”
Ah shoot, you were hoping he hadn’t actually registered that you said that.
“They are just reeeeally pointy. You have so many lion features it just still surprises me.”
“You better be careful to not get bit then. Of course I look like a lion, I am one.” He rolls his eyes at you and gives you a condescending look.
“Yeah but, not a lion lion. You're a lion beastman.”
He mocks surprise and bumps his fist against his palm.
“What an groundbreaking discovery!”
“Don’t tease me! You know dang well I don’t have any kind of beastmen, merpeople, or fae in the world that I come from so don’t even give me that.”
“Yeah but, it's still weird. You’ve been in Twisted Wonderland for plenty of time now. You’re not bored by it yet?”
“Nope! How would I be? A few months of fluffy tails and ears isn’t enough to get me used to all the new things that surprise me here.”
“My ears are not fluffy.”
“Fine, fuzzy.”
A scowl
“Absolutely not.”
“Hairy?”
“Stop talking before I bite you for real.”
He puts a hand on your forehead and pushes your face backwards and away, almost making you tip over. You put a hand back to stop yourself from falling off the slight drop of decorative rocks on the raised garden bed. You move sideways and bat his hand off your face.
“Don’t be rude. Just tell me what you want me to call it.”
“I would prefer you don’t describe it at all. It has fur. It's not fluffy or fuzzy or hairy.”
“So you want me to say it's furry.”
“Just don’t describe it. How hard is that?”
You send him a disapproving look only a mother could give and he gives you a self important glare down his nose while he crosses his arms like a petulant child. You break your stalemate. It's not worth getting into a spat over.
“Okay. I won’t. I’m going to lunch. You can come if you want or you can go back to sleep. I’m not tracking down Ruggie for you.”
You stand up, scoop up your bag and start walking away. Leona wordlessly stands and trails lazily behind you hands in pockets and tail swaying. Both of you silently decide that the nap was very worth it.