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Leona twirled his phone in his hand as he stared at the photo the jeweler from back home had sent. He knew Vil would appreciate the bracelet’s craftsmanship — the actor had a refined taste, so Leona had gone to the best of the best — and the intricate design of the bracelet was something that would catch his attention.
It wasn’t just about the beauty of the piece, though; it was the symbolism behind it. Leona had chosen an intricate motif of alternating tringles with vines woven between them. The triangles were not only symbolic of him but also the intensity of their relationship. Vil was the vines — proof that, despite their differences, they had managed to grow together.
The prince leaned back in his chair and let out a low hum of approval.
“Yeah. He’ll like it,” he muttered to himself, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His tail flicked as he sent the final payment for the bracelet.
Now he just had to hope that the actor had never heard of a huwelik bracelet. He highly doubted the other man had; they were a rather archaic tradition, even on the savanna. But he still didn’t want to deal with Vil recognizing the meaning behind their anniversary gift. At least not yet. Huwelik literally translated to “wedding” and these bracelets were considered to be akin to promise rings — the first step to a formal engagement.
In the old days, back in the savanna, the huwelik bracelet was something sacred. The exchange of these bracelets was a promise that you were serious about your commitment. It was subtle, though — there was no fanfare, no public declarations — just two people who understood what it meant. And that was exactly why Leona had chosen it.
Leona tilted his head back and looked up at his dorm room ceiling. The thought of Vil catching onto the bracelet’s hidden meaning made his ears twitch. He wasn’t one to make grand gestures or romantic declarations, and this…well, this was as close as he’d ever come to one. If Vil ever figured it out, beastman could always brush it off as just a pretty piece of jewelry, or feign ignorance.
A faint breeze filtered through the window, ruffling his hair, and he closed his eyes. He could picture Vil’s reaction already; a sharp intake of breath, the delicate brush of his fingers over the gold. Vil had always had an eye for detail. He’d notice the craftsmanship, of course, but he wouldn’t realize the significance. Not immediately, anyway. But deep down, he’d know what it meant for them. He wasn’t about to admit it, though.
He wasn’t ready for that conversation yet. The beastman was sure if Vil was, either. They were still figuring things out. Sure, they’d found their rhythm; their bickering now more understood and affectionate banter than anything else. But, Vil’s world of glitz and glamour was a far cry from Leona’s realm of strategy and solitude. And yet… here they were. A year in, and still standing strong.
It was almost amusing to think about how they had made it this far. Leona wasn’t exactly known for his patience, and Vil — well, Vil wasn’t known for backing down from a challenge. But maybe that’s what made them work. They balanced each other out in a way that neither of them could have predicted. Yeah, they still had to get through their internships. But Leona was sure they’d be able to get through those without any problems.
He glanced at the clock, realizing he’d been lost in thought longer than expected. If he didn’t get to bed soon, he’d have Ruggie pounding on his door to wake him up in the morning, for sure. He probably still would be regardless, but that was beside the point.
Leona stood up, stretching his limbs and shaking off the lingering tension. One step at a time, he reminded himself. For now, it was enough to just be with Vil. The rest could come later.
“Here’s to another year,” he murmured under his breath, his green eyes flickering with determination as he headed off to bed.
𓃬♕𓃬♕𓃬♕𓃬♕𓃬
A few days passed before their date night. It wasn’t something Leona usually looked forward to, but for their anniversary, he’d make an exception.
The knock on his dorm door interrupted his thoughts.
“Leona, are you ready?”
Vil's voice called from the other side, sharp and commanding as always, but there was an underlying softness that only Leona could detect.
The beastman looked in his mirror one last time and brushed down his clothes. He’d gone for something more polished than usual; a black dress shirt with beige slacks and patent leather shoes. He even tied his hair back like he knew Vil liked it.
Yeah, he had it bad, but whatever. So did Vil.
And the model was worth it.
When he finished his last once over, he opened his door, and there Vil stood, radiant as ever. He was dressed impeccably in a deep violet suit that had a train of black lace. It contrasted beautifully against his pale skin and blonde hair.
“Lookin’ good,” Leona said, his voice low and playful.
Vil arched an eyebrow, a soft smirk playing on his lips, as he stepped into the room with an air of grace that Leona still found mesmerizing.
“I should say the same to you,” he replied, his gaze sweeping over Leona's attire. “But I expect nothing less from my prince.”
Leona rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the slight flush of pride that Vil’s compliment brought out of him. “Come on, let’s get goin’. I made reservations at that fancy place you like in town.”
Vil’s smile widened as he slipped his arm around Leona’s.
“You remembered,” he said softly, the warmth in his voice making Leona’s heart skip a beat.
Leona grunted in response, trying to play it cool. But inside, he was already imagining Vil’s reaction when he saw the bracelet later that evening.
They stepped out into the night, the city lights illuminating the path before them. It was quiet, thanks to the seclusion of the island. As they walked side by side, Leona couldn’t help but glance at Vil from time to time, admiring the way the light caught his features.
Vil noticed, of course. He always did.
“You’re staring,” he teased, his voice lilting with amusement.
“Just making sure yer not about to trip in those heels, Queenie,” Leona muttered, looking away quickly.
Vil chuckled softly. “Please. I’ve walked runways in much higher heels and haven’t fallen once.” He said before he leaned in closer to the prince’s ear. “I think it’s safe to say I’m not going anywhere, Leona.”
Leona smirked, aware of the double meaning in Vil’s words. “Good. Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
As they strolled down the sidewalk, the beastman’s mind wandered. It wasn’t often that they got to enjoy a quiet evening like this. It felt almost normal; a word that didn’t often apply to their lives. He glanced at Vil again, watching how the moonlight highlighted the actor’s sharp features and the soft curve of his lips.
Normal, maybe. But still extraordinary.
They passed by a small flower shop, its windows aglow with soft, warm light. Bouquets of fresh blooms were displayed outside, their colors vibrant even in the dimness of the evening. Leona slowed his pace, his gaze lingering on the flowers. He wasn’t one for grand gestures, but he knew Vil appreciated the little things.
Vil noticed the hesitation and followed Leona’s gaze to the flower shop.
“Something catch your eye?” He asked, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
Leona scratched the back of his head. “Yeah, hold on a second.”
Without waiting for a reply, he released the model’s arm and he ducked into the shop.
The bell above the door chimed softly as he entered. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers, both sweet and earthy. Leona then approached the counter, where a cheerful florist greeted him with a smile.
“What can I help you with tonight?” The florist asked, her eyes twinkling as she glanced from Leona to the window, where Vil was still waiting outside.
Leona scanned the array of flowers, his gaze settling on a bouquet of deep purple irises and white lilies. They reminded him of Vil — elegant, striking, and a little bit untouchable, but still delicate.
“I’ll take those,” he said, nodding towards the bouquet.
The florist quickly wrapped the flowers in delicate tissue paper, tying them off with a ribbon.
“Special occasion?” she asked as she handed the bouquet to him.
Leona smirked, taking the flowers and slipping a few bills onto the counter.
“Somethin’ like that,” he replied before he turned to leave.
Outside, Vil was leaning casually against a lamppost, his eyes narrowing with amusement as Leona approached.
“Flowers? Didn’t think you had it in you,” he teased, though there was a genuine warmth in his voice.
Leona handed the bouquet to Vil, his expression a mix of defiance and embarrassment. “Yeah, well… figured you’d like ‘em. Not a big deal.”
Vil’s smile softened as he accepted the flowers, his fingers brushing against Leona’s. He took a moment to admire the bouquet, inhaling the scent before glancing back at Leona.
“They’re beautiful, Leona. Thank you.”
The lion shrugged, trying to play it off as nothing, but the way Vil looked at him, with that mix of affection and something deeper, made his chest tighten.
“Glad you like ‘em,” he muttered as he moved his hand to the small of the other man’s back.
Vil’s gaze lingered on Leona for a moment longer before he carefully cradled the bouquet in one arm so he could move to wrap the other around the lion’s again.
“Shall we continue?”
Leona nodded, feeling an unusual sense of contentment settle over him as they continued their walk. It had been a simple gesture, but seeing the joy in Vil’s eyes made it worth it. Maybe he wasn’t as bad at this whole romance thing as he thought.
“You know,” the model said as they walked, “white lilies are typically a symbol of purity.” He then leaned in close to the lion’s ear again. “Something you are well aware that I am not.”
He could hear the smirk on Vil’s lips and quirked his own brow.
“Didn’t get them because yer pure,” Leona said back, his own voice low. “Sometimes they’re a symbol of commitment. Did yah think of that one?”
The lion felt a pause in Vil’s steps as they carried forward.
“I cannot say I did, no.”
Leona smirked as they approached the restaurant. Tonight was shaping up to be one of their best together yet. And with the bracelet still tucked away, waiting for the right moment, he knew there was more to come.
𓃬♕𓃬♕𓃬♕𓃬♕𓃬
Leona had been right. There certainly had been more to come.
Everything had gone according to plan. Dinner had been perfect. Midway through, Vil had even pulled out a small gift wrapped box for him. Inside were handkerchiefs monogrammed with his initials in one corner and a very detailed, hand-embroidered depiction of his tattoo on the opposite. No, they weren’t his typical style. But they felt like a combination of his tastes mixed in with Vil’s, and that was something he’d cherish.
Afterwards, they headed back to the dorms. With how late it had gotten, it took a little convincing, but he’d been able to convince Vil to come back to his room for the night.
And after some late-night…activities, Leona had Vil curled up next to him. It was perfect. The moment he’d been waiting for. The only problem was it required him to get out of bed.
“Leona, why are you choosing now to rummage through your things? Naked nonetheless. Meanwhile, I’m catching a draft and the sheets are getting cold.” Vil said, his voice tired but amused.
The prince snorted as he rummaged through the pocket of his pants.
“Like I’m not feelin’ one? At least you got the blankets. Yer fine. Just hang on.”
His boyfriend hummed, “Well, at least I can enjoy the view while I’m becoming chilled.”
Leona rolled his eyes and grinned as he flicked his tail. He dug through his pocket until he felt the box the bracelet was in and pulled it out. The beastman stared at it and took a deep breath before he headed back towards the bed.
Vil furrowed his brow when he saw the box and sat up. “What’s this?”
The prince sat down next to his boyfriend and held the box out to him. “Yer gift.”
The model frowned and took the box from him. “I thought the flowers and dinner were my gift?”
Leona shrugged, “We ate the food, and flowers die.”
Vil pressed his lips together and ran a finger over the leather box. “Leona, all I got you for our anniversary were monogrammed handkerchiefs.”
The lion grinned, “Nah, I also got laid.”
His boyfriend glared at him and smacked him in the chest with the back of his hand.
“Would it kill you to not be so crude? Honestly.”
The prince chuckled and rubbed where Vil had hit him.
“Listen, Queenie, I’m just sayin’,” Leona leaned in close to Vil’s ear, “I’m not complaining about what you gave me.” He said through a purr and kissed the other man’s shoulder.
His partner hummed and leaned more against his chest.
“Well, alright. If you’re sure.”
“I am. Now, are yah gonna open it or not?”
Vil let out a soft sigh and then Leona heard the hinges on the box creak open quickly, followed by his boyfriend’s shocked gasp.
“Great Seven, Leona! Is this real?”
The lion couldn’t hold back a snort.
“Yah think I’d get you something fake, Schoenheit?”
“I’m sorry. That was rude of me to ask. I’m just in shock, Leona. This is too much!”
Leona grinned over Vil’s shoulder.
“Nah, it’s fine.”
He looked down at the golden bracelet that was now shimmering in the moonlight. He reached around and plucked it out of the box.
It was solid gold and heavy as lead, but the craftsmanship was, as Vil would say, exquisite. Especially now that he was seeing it in person and not just through photos on his phone. Yes, Leona had paid a pretty penny for this. Especially since he’d rush ordered it and then paid for express shipping for it to be here on time. But his boyfriend was worth it. Not that’d he ever say that out loud. It’d go to Vil’s head.
Leona pushed the pins on the clasp to open the bracelet.
“Gimme your hand,” he said, and Vil raised his arm off his lap. The prince then slipped the bracelet on his boyfriend’s wrist and snapped it shut. Once it was on, Leona entwined their fingers and raised Vil’s hand higher. “You like it?”
“I’m speechless. Truly. It’s beautiful,” the actor said, his voice distant as he stared at the bracelet. He then turned his head to look over at Leona. “I love it. Thank you.”
Leona grinned and leaned over to grab his phone. He then opened the camera and held it up to take a selfie of them.
“Wait, Leona, we’re naked!” Vil said as he ducked out of the way.
The prince furrowed his brow and shrugged.
“So? We’ve sent nudes to each other before.”
“Tasteful ones on my part! That I planned out, and–”
“Vil,” Leona said, his voice firm, but understanding, “I ain’t aimin’ the camera anywhere but waist up. I promise. I’ll even retake the picture if you don’t like it. Now, come here, please.”
His boyfriend continued to pout and stare him down for a moment before he sighed and moved back in.
“Fine. But only because you said please.”
The beastman wrapped his arm around Vil’s shoulders and tugged him in while the younger brought his hand up to touch Leona’s cheek. Leona then took the picture and lowered his phone for Vil to see.
“For your approval.”
The model inspected the photo and frowned slightly, but still handed Leona back his phone.
“Well, at least you can see the bracelet. Just don’t use that as your background, and it’s fine.”
The lion rolled his eyes but still leaned in to kiss Vil’s cheek.
“Happy anniversary, Queenie.”
“Happy anniversary, you overgrown house cat.”