Work Text:
Verte woke up suddenly, as if from a nightmare. He checked the time - definitely too early to get up. It seemed weird to him though, he’d usually wake up like this if he had planned something for the day so he desperately tried to remember what it was, but to no avail. For a moment he wanted to go back to sleep, as he was still extremely tired. However when he put his head on the pillow, he couldn’t. He tried changing positions, but nothing really worked. With no options left, he got up and went to the kitchen to make himself something warm to drink.
At last, with a big mug of steaming black tea with an ungodly amount of sugar, Verte was back in his room. There, he opened his laptop to maybe play or watch something. When the browser opened automatically with the system, the first window that he saw was that of a clothing store and that finally reminded him what day it was.
Almost three weeks ago, Verte and his group of friends went to a beautiful mountain resort, located in the south of their country. The sights were breathtaking. With fall in full swing, the leaves had gorgeous golden and red hues and the howling wind that accompanied them during their first two days was so refreshing.
They spent most of their time in the city that was nearby, as there were many legends about ghosts and ghouls and other mythical creatures in there. They also got to visit a haunted mansion, though Verte, Nick and Aquarius did most of the scaring, rather than any monster that they hoped for.
Of course, there were also fancy dinners, Leo’s courtesy. He just couldn’t go more than a few days without such, he was way too used to his family’s wealth. But you wouldn’t hear any of them complaining, when he was the one paying for everything.
After one such dinner, they went for a little night walk. Verte and Leo were at the very end of their group, a little in the distance, when Leo gently grabbed his hand and started going in a different direction.
There was no resistance on Verte’s part. He trusted the other man completely. When they arrived at their destination, Verte wasn’t really sure where they were, as it was pitch black around them. Leo whispered something and small, orange lights, resembling fireflies appeared and Verte was captivated by the scenery around them.
They were at a cute, not too big, wooden bridge in the middle of the forest. Crystal clear water flowed peacefully below them. And despite the season, many flowers were in a full bloom adding to how intimately the place felt.
Verte looked at Leo with a smirk.
“Wow, really, no need to flex your magic skills on me, Leo.” Verte teased, even though he was still mesmerised at how pretty it was around them. Despite it being the middle of November, it was nicely warm and for a moment Verte questioned if it wasn’t Leo who used one of his tricks to make sure that they don’t freeze.
“Why not? I like showing you pretty things whenever I can, this seemed like a good opportunity.” He answered with a loving smile. Warm lights around them made him look so soft, his long grey and white hair looked like liquid silk and by God, his eyes. Verte almost couldn’t look away from how beautifully his lime green eyes shined, not only with artificial light, but also with fondness and affection for him.
Verte clears his throat, looking away.
“Soo why did you take me here?” He heard Leo’s chuckle behind him and then felt a hand around his waist. Verte immediately turned around. “What if there’s someone nearby?” He asked with a frown.
“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” Leo answered with a grin and that earned him a light kick.
“You know what I mean. You’re a rather recognizable person. Aren’t you worried about gossip?” Leo scrunched his nose.
“What gossip? That I’m on a date with my partner?”
“Am I your partner?”
“Verte. Of course you are. I thought it was rather clear.” He thought for a moment. “Wait, so did you do all those things with me thinking that we aren’t in a relationship?”
“Well It’s just, that you know… I’m not- You’re-” He felt a light kiss on the crown of his head.
“Take your time. Deep breaths.” Verte heard a soft whisper, just above him and felt a steady hand on his back. After a moment he was able to speak at least a little more clearly.
“I just thought that you didn’t want to make it like, official, you know? I thought it was more casual.” Leo hummed, hugging him closer.
“Sorry that you felt that way. To make things clear - I do want to make it official. Do you?” Verte was quiet for some time. He did. But at the same time he had a feeling that it would make things more complicated for Leo and he didn’t want that.
“No…?” Leo looked at him with raised brow. “Okay, hear me out. I just don’t want you to regret it later. You already do so much for me and I feel like if we were to ‘officially’ be together, you’d feel like you have to do even more, or that you’d have to keep up some kind of image for the sake of your family.”
“Darling.” He said with a voice full of love and adoration, holding his face delicately with both hands. And then he smiled. “So you do want to, but you don’t want to for my sake?”
“I guess? I mean yes, I’d love to be able to call myself your… boyfriend. It’d be nice.”
“Okay. Then.” Leo kneeled before him, holding his hands, the boards underneath creaked a little . “Would you do me the honour of becoming my boyfriend?” Verte looked down at him, face red, heart racing.
“You’re so cringe.” He said, looking away. “I just said I’d love to.” Leo got up from the ground and gave him a few small kisses, until Verte had enough and pulled him into something more. After they had to part, they stayed close, enjoying each other’s warmth.
“So, as your boyfriend, I’d like to invite you on our first official date. How about XX.XX? Do you have time?” Verte hummed.
“Wait, I have to check.” He looked at his wrist, pretending to be checking the time. “My clock must be broken, but I believe I have nothing planned on that day.” They both laughed at how dumb it was.
“Verte.”
“Hm?”
“I love you.” A moment of silence.
“I love you too.” He whispered back, burying his face in Leo’s chest.
“I have a date with Leo” he whispered to himself, feeling how his cheeks were getting hotter. He looked at the time again. He had around four hours before stores would open and he could go get his ordered outfit. It was the third time he was getting it, as two previous ones didn't fit the way he wanted, so he had to change sizes a few times. So if this time it still didn’t look right, he’d just have to go with something from his wardrobe, which isn’t ideal. He wants their first real date to be perfect and memorable.
To make sure that his hair is dry by the time he has to leave the house, he will have to wash them two hours before going. So he still had two hours of doing nothing.
He would definitely make it on time, right?
Of course something had to go wrong. Around 7am - so when he was about to go take a shower - Coralie came to his room, almost crying, that she’ll be late for her tournament because the car broke down. So she wanted Verte to give her a ride on his motorbike. And in Verte’s mind it was a quick calculation - even if he’d have to go to the store an hour later, he’d still have plenty of time for preparation.
And so they went. Once they were at her school, they said their goodbyes and Verte made his wyhome and then straight to the bathroom so as to not waste anymore time. He did his best not look in the mirror, so that he wouldn’t provoke his stupid thoughts and ensure that he was in the right state of mind during the date.
At the thought of going on a date with Leo, his heart fluttered and his whole face went red. He felt embarrassed with himself. It was just Leo! They knew each other forever , especially after last year's events. So there was no need to act like a teenager having his first crushes.
But the thing is - Verte thought - it really is my first crush .
Yeah he’d dated before, but only because it felt right to do so, everyone their age did, so he didn't want to be different, but there were no real feelings to it.
While this time...
Yeah, this time is different. And it’s scary just how much I care about it.
After the shower, Verte returned to the kitchen, to make himself breakfast. However before he even started, he heard his mother outside, calling for their dog - Belle. He rushed there to see what’s going on.
“She escaped to the forest again.” His mother explained.
“She will come back, she always does.”
“I know, but I heard that some asshole put bear traps out there and I don’t know if it’s true, but I’m still worried.”
“Who the fuck would put bear traps in a place where children often play? I will go search for her, so you go back inside, mom.” She smiled at him.
“Thank you, but please be careful.”
So he went back inside, put on some better shoes and they walked to the forest. Thankfully they did find Belle rather quickly and nobody stepped into any traps. Back inside Lousie was waiting for them in the living room, and the moment they stepped in, she almost jumped in joy, glad that nothing bad happened. With a soft voice she started scolding Belle, who only wagged her tail.
“Ah Verte.” Lousie said just as he was about to leave. “Someone called you when you were looking for Belle.”
“Okay, thanks.”
Could that be Leo? What if he wanted to cancel their date, because he was having second thoughts? What if he realised that Verte wasn’t-
Verte mentally slapped himself before his thoughts could go any further.
Leo proved time and time again how much he cares about me. If he needs to cancel our date, it’s probably because something just came up.
He checked his phone and it was in fact Leo who called him. His breath hitched, should he call him back? Or would a message be enough?
.
.
.
Yeah, a message it is.
Verte
Hi
What’s up?
He put the phone back on the counter and started preparing breakfast. Every now and then he had to stop for a moment to take a break. Which was weird, he was in good condition so how come just doing some basic tasks made him feel so exhausted? He blamed it on not getting enough sleep. When he heard the notification, he immediately checked it.
Leo
Just wanted to see if you’re up.
Still in bed?
How are you feeling?
Verte
Noo, but Belle escaped again and I had to go get her
Feeling fine, why?
Leo
I see. Are you two alright?
Just making sure, I don’t want you to go out
if you’re not feeling like it.
Verte
Yup :D
Nah, come on, I agreed to go out today,
I can’t cancel it now
Leo
Good.
You know what I mean.
Verte
Yeah I know, thank you :c
But I’ll tell you if something’s wrong, I sweat
swear*
Leo
Alright.
See you later, I love you <3
Verte
Bye, Love you too <33
Verte couldn’t help the stupid smile that showed on his face as he held his phone close to his heart. It was nice to have his person. At the same time it still felt weird to hear Leo say those things. But that was natural progression of their relationship - they went through a lot in the past year. From small things like eating McDonald’s together in Leo’s car and watching sunset, to almost going insane together and deciding to just fuck it and kill anyone who was against them - even for a small misunderstanding.
Yeah.
That was a crazy year. But they’re doing better, all of them. So everything is going to be fine from now on. Hopefully.
Exhaling, he was about to put his phone down, when he noticed that someone stood in the doorway to the kitchen. He accidentally threw the device on the floor, scaring himself and his mother in the process.
“Sorry, sorry! I didn’t mean to frighten you like that, I just wanted to see how long it would take you to notice me.” His mother said in a soft voice and with an apologetic smile. “Was it Leo, that got you so caught up in the clouds?” She teased.
“Maybe.” Verte answered, bending down to pick up his phone and checking whether the screen broke - thankfully it didn’t. His mother giggled.
“Me and your father are going to visit Sophie today, wanna tag along?”
“No, sorry. I’m busy today.” So he and Leo could stay at his place if they needed. His parents will be out and most likely will come back in the middle of the night. And his sister, Coralie, will definitely go out drinking after the match. Nice .
“Busy , huh? With who?” His mother asked with a grin. “Leo?”
“Why do you assume that? Maybe with Johnny? Or Ana? I have plenty of friends, mind you.” He answered defensively and sneezed right after.
“Bless you.” She took a better look at him. “Are you alright? You look pale.” All jokes aside, now there was only concern in her voice.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” He said as a shiver ran down his spine. “Just didn’t get enough sleep.” She sent him a disapproving look, but didn’t ask anymore questions, leaving the kitchen. Verte could finally eat in peace, even if he didn’t really have an appetite.
Forty minutes later he was ready to go to the store, get his outfit and get ready for the date. It still sounded unnatural, that he was actually going on a date with Leo. But at the same time, it was so exciting. And despite a small headache, a smile didn’t leave Verte’s face even once on his way to the mall.
But it did, when he entered the store and made eye contact with Leonardo - his friend who worked at the place. Verte immediately knew that something was wrong.
“Out with it.” He said, as he approached the counter.
“Your order hasn't come yet.”
“Fuck.” He groaned and put his head in his hands.
“It might still get delivered before you actually need it. I’d give it two more hours.” And yes, Verte had this much time, however.
“I don’t really want to stay here for two more hours when I’m not sure if it will arrive.”
“But you also don’t want to drive back here if it does and you’re already at home?” Lizzy asked knowingly.
“Precisely.”
“I can help you find something else?”
“Or I could just go with something I already have.” While Verte was dying on the counter, not knowing what to do, Lizzy went back to work. After all, it was a very hard decision. He could go with something new and risk being uncomfortable after a long period of time, or he could go in something he already knew was good, but then he didn’t get to show off. And he wanted to show off.
He wanted it very much. To look stunning on their first date. To show that he cares. And Lizzy knew his way around clothes, so he’d definitely be a big help.
“Lizzy~” Verte whined.
“Whaat?”
“Help me find an outfit please?” Leonardo smiled. Oh, how he waited for this moment. He always loved playing dress up games when he was younger.
“Alright! So - what occasion?” He started his survey.
“Date.”
“What do you have planned?”
“I don’t really know. He said it was a surprise. But definitely nothing too extreme. Maybe like dinner in a fancy restaurant and a walk around the lake?” Lizzy hummed and started thinking about what they had in store or in the ones nearby.
“Okay. And what do you prefer to wear?”
“Something… light, I think? Usually when I go out with him I try to put on something slightly more colourful than my everyday outfits. And I almost always wear either a turtleneck or a dress shirt. But I might try something new? What do you think?”
“I already have something in mind. Come with me. And yes, we will try something new first and if it doesn’t work out, we will look for something more standard.” They walked around the store, getting all the items Lizzy had in mind. Then the hard part - trying everything on. Verte hated doing this part at any store, so he always makes sure to just order whatever he needs and do it at home. But oh well, no pain no gain. First two outfits just weren’t it, but thankfully they were easy to put on and then take off. But once it came to the third outfit…
“Alright, maybe this one will be better.” Lizzy said and waited for Verte to get back to the changing room. But the other just stood there with slightly hazy eyes. “Are you feeling okay?” That snapped Verte back to reality.
“Yes, just a headache. I probably didn’t drink enough water yesterday or something.”
“I don’t know. Are you sure you’re not sick?”
“No, couldn’t be it. I feel like that every other day.”
“Doesn’t sound very healthy to me.” He murmured. Verte then walked back in to try on the third outfit.
And that was finally acceptable.
“Oh! I know what would be a really good accessory for you!” Lizzy exclaimed with excitement. After Verte paid for the clothes, they both went to the store on the opposite side.
“Can you just leave like that during your work?”
“Of course not. But it’s just for a short moment so it’s going to be fine.”
“Whatever you say.” Verte murmured. He was getting sleepy out of nowhere and didn’t have much energy for a conversation so he just followed Lizzy around and agreed to whatever he was saying. He wasn’t mentally prepared for a long shopping session. And then Leonardo snapped his fingers before his face and both Lizzy and Looney looked at him with worry.
“Are you sure you aren’t sick?”
“Yes, just tired.” Verte answered quickly and shot them an annoyed look. They looked at each other, but said nothing more.
At the parking lot, Verte looked at his motorcycle and started wondering if getting home on it was a good idea. Probably not. And usually he would still do it - making the worst decision was his forte after all. But this time he didn’t want to tempt fate and so, he just dragged himself to the nearest bus stop.
After almost one hour ride, he was finally, finally, at home. However after all this time out he just had to lay down for a moment to get at least a little nap.
After all I still have some time left.
His little break ended up being slightly longer than he’d like, but it’s fine, as it actually made him feel better. He had two hours left. He washed his face, got dressed, put on some youtube video and did just a little bit of makeup. It would take half the time if not for him walking around the house with no other purpose than to just think about Leo and their date. Verte couldn’t help but wonder what the other had planned for them.
When he found his appearance acceptable, he looked at the time for the nth time this day and decided that he still had enough time to just sit around and do nothing before he had to head out.
And that - was a mistake.
Once he sat down on the couch, - and was it more comfortable than usually? - he didn’t even notice as his eyes closed and he fell into slumber.
It wasn’t a nice nap like the one before, no. When Verte woke up he felt weak, sweaty and everything was extremely hot. Including scowling Leo who was looking down at him.
“Leo…?” Verte said in a harsh voice, his throat dry. Seeing this, the other man helped him to sit up and brought a water bottle to his lips to make it easier for him to drink. Only now Verte noticed that he was back in his room.
“You were late and didn’t pick up your phone.” Leo started explaining. “So you either fell asleep, forgot or something happened. Now I’m glad I decided to check on you, rather than go home.” Right, the date . Verte looked down at his hand, not being able to look Leo in the eyes. He fucked up their first date.
“I’m so-”
“I’m so relieved that you’re okay, Verte. I have no idea what I’d do if something serious occurred and I was too late.”
“I’m just a little under the weather, it’s not that bad.” He mumbled, feeling like that’s not the issue here.
“I know, it’s just.” He took a deep breath. “Whole day I’ve been going from one place to another, making sure that everything was alright. So when you didn’t show up, I was scared that because of how busy I was, I didn’t talk to you enough and something happened and you didn’t have time to tell me.” Leo babbled at one breath, saying things faster and faster.
“If you were busy, why was I the one with no time to tell you?” Verte asked, amused that something so small was able to make him panic like that. He was usually the one to keep cool in stressful situations.
“I don’t really know. The point is I was worried.” He admitted. “How are you feeling?”
“I’ve been through worse.” Leo gave him an annoyed look. “It’s honestly not that bad, I just feel a little weak and dirty.” The other touched Verte’s forehead with his hand.
“At least your temperature dropped, that’s good. I’ll go get you something light to eat so you can take medicine. Be right back.” He gave Verte a kiss on his forehead and left the room.
Verte laid back on the bed, putting a hand over his eyes. He tried taking in deep breaths to stop himself from crying, still feeling like it was his fault that they didn’t get to go out together. But his throat had different plans as it scratched more and more with each inhale. That sent him into a coughing fit, right before Leo came back, who hurriedly came to his bedside and helped him out.
“I left for like three minutes and you’re already choking? That must be a new record, truly.” He claimed, giving Verte water and a toast sandwich.
When the food had been eaten and pills taken, Verte was certain that Leo would leave - since he made sure that Verte would be okay. But he didn’t. He sat on the floor, next to the bed and scrolled through some emails.
“Leo…?” He put his phone down.
“Yeah? I thought you would pass out quickly, aren’t you tired?”
“Well, yeah, a little. But why are you still here?” Hearing how that sounded, he added quickly. “I mean, it’s nice! I have nothing against it. Just like, don’t think you’re wasting time by staying here, when you could get something done?” Leo layed his head on the mattress and reached out his hand to put it on his cheek.
“I’d much rather stay here with you, than do some paperwork. You can take a nap, I’ll still be here when you wake up.” He whispered, smiling gently. Verte felt like crying again, just this time it wasn’t guilt, but overwhelming comfort of having someone care about him this much. It was nice, even if it hurt at how unfamiliar it felt.
“Thank you.” He said weakly. “And sorry we didn’t get to go on a date today. I was really looking forward to it.” He sobbed, not being able to stop his tears anymore.
“It’s okay, we will go another time.” Leo shushed him while getting up and kissing his tears away. Verte put his hands on his shoulders, trying to push him away.
“Stop, you’ll also get sick. And I’m not good at taking care of others.” Leo chuckled and hugged him.
“I feel like you’re forgetting who I am sometimes. I won’t get sick that easily, you’d have to poison me.”
Leo stood up and stretched out, taking off some of his clothes, so it would be more comfortable to lay down next to his boyfriend. They faced each other, just looking into their eyes in silence, until Verte decided that he’d like to get some more rest.
Sadly - he wasn’t able to achieve this. Even with Leo next to him, he was way too sweaty to fall asleep like that. So they made a new plan: Leo asked Verte if he had enough strength to take a shower and in the meantime, Leo would change the sheets. Then Leo went to wash himself - thankfully he had some of his clothes at Verte’s place - and they returned to bed.
Only exception being - they didn’t go back to bed. Verte started whining that he’s hungry, which Leo commented with “I see that you’re feeling better.” and as a response he got a little grin from Verte.
So they got up and marched back to the kitchen and Leo lit a fire under the pot to heat up the soup.
“Wait, you did it? I didn’t know you could cook.”
“Why wouldn’t I be able to? It’s a rather basic skill.” Leo questioned.
“Yeah, I guess. But since you live in a mansion with maids and stuff I thought they’d cook for you guys.”
“They do.” Seeing that Verte wasn’t satisfied with this answer, he continued. “I was just always fixated on the idea of a soulmate. I hoped that I’d find someone like that. So I did everything I could to make sure that I was good enough. So I had to know how to do things around the house too, don’t you think?”
“Alright, that makes sense.” A moment passed and a cheeky smile appeared on Verte’s face. “Sooo have you found your soulmate yet?”
“I guess I did. But I don’t know, still having second thoughts.”
“Hey!” Verte exclaimed.
“Alright, the soup should be warm enough by now.” Verte only looked at him with a frown, but didn’t say anything else.
They returned to the bed and snuggled as close as possible. But even now, none of them could settle down, so they decided to watch something until eventually - they’d get tired. They decided to watch it on Leo’s phone, since it had a bigger screen and they weren’t about to watch the whole thing anyway so no need for a laptop.
They ended up watching the whole thing.
And after that, Verte became the clingiest person alive, tossing and turning around Leo, to find the perfect position for his rest. After many, many , changes he finally decided to just put his head on Leo’s chest with one arm on top of him, while Leo hugged him and gave small kisses on top of his head.
At last, tangled with the body of the person they loved the most, they were able to slip into a peacful slumber.