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Ruggie slowed to a stop, eyes narrowing. There was some random Savannaclaw freshman standing over Leona, offering him something. Food? Was he trying to bring lunch to Leona?
Ruggie blinked, too stunned for a moment to process the rest of his feelings. When they finally sank in, he was surprised again to find that he was angry.
Furious, actually.
Leona hadn’t opened his eyes, waving a hand dismissively. The freshman left, but it was reluctant. Ruggie watched him go, memorizing his face.
“You going to bring me my lunch, or are you just gonna stand there all afternoon?” Leona drawled.
Ruggie shook himself before stepping out into the open. “Smelled me, did you?”
“And the lunch you brought.” He held out a hand, imperious as ever, eyes still closed.
“Not the only lunch you’ve been brought today.” Ruggie sat down beside him, glaring back over his shoulder.
“Only lunch I’m eating, though.” Leona opened one eye. “Unless you’re not going to give it to me?”
Ruggie pressed the lunch into his waiting hand. “Did that freshman seriously offer you a free lunch?”
Leona snorted. “As if I’d accept something like that. Who knows what he could have done to it.”
Ruggie glanced at Leona. “You know, I could just as easily poison you. Easier, even.”
Leona took a pointed bite of his sandwich. “Sure. But you wouldn’t. I’m worth more to you alive than dead after all.”
Ruggie shrugged. He couldn’t argue with that. “Oh, right, here.” He tossed Leona his wallet. “How you only ever have large bills, I’ll never understand.”
“I can’t be bothered with smaller bills,” Leona dismissed. “Honestly, keep it for now. I’m gonna want a drink before club this afternoon.”
Ruggie shrugged, but pocketed the wallet again. “You’re the boss.”
As Leona ate his sandwich, Ruggie detailed the rest of his schedule for the day, reminding him of an exam later that afternoon, plus a few meetings with underclassmen after their club let out.
When Leona was done eating, he slumped back against the tree with a yawn. “Wake me when lunch is over.”
Ruggie rolled his eyes, but as Leona’s breathing evened out, he pulled out his own lunch to eat.
No one else needed to help Leona so personally. Ruggie had it handled.
Ruggie faltered on his approach. Jack looked around like he could identify the threat, eyes scanning every nearby face. When they landed on the freshman talking with Leona—a bottle of something in his hand—a growl escaped his throat.
“Who does he think he is?” Jack stormed forward, eyes dark.
“What—Jack, what are you—?”
“Hey, do you not understand the hierarchy or something?” Jack demanded.
“Hierarchy?” the freshman asked. “We only have the Housewarden, though.” His voice was simpering. Irritating.
Ruggie hated the sound of it.
Leona snorted. “Officially, sure.”
Ruggie handed Leona his drink and his wallet. “If we don’t go now, we’ll be late for practice.”
Leona smirked. “There ya have it. Jack, explain things to your fellow freshman, would you?”
“Yes, sir!”
Ruggie sighed as they walked away. “He’s gonna give that freshman weird ideas.”
“Is he?” Leona cut a glance at him without turning his head. “So you’d be fine with Jack waking me up in the morning? You’d let that freshman pick up my lunch for me? Or dictate my schedule?”
Ruggie wrinkled his nose. “They wouldn’t know the first thing about waking you up. And they’re probably barely able to juggle their own schedules; they’d never be able to manage yours too.”
Leona smiled. “You’re probably right.”
“Of course I am.” Ruggie huffed. “You’re incredibly high maintenance, you know.”
“So you tell me. Hey, will you make me that soup I like tonight? I’ve been craving it.”
“Yeah, yeah. Any other requests?”
“I wanna see you lead the opposing team today.” Leona grinned. “I won’t go easy on you.”
“Good. I don’t want you to.”
Ruggie slumped into the seat across from Jack, eyes narrowed. “Okay, explain it to me again. When you say ‘hierarchy,’ what exactly do you mean?”
Jack looked up from his food. “Hierarchy is hierarchy. And as his second, after Leona, you’re next.”
Ruggie shook his head. “No, I get that, but what exactly do you think my role is?”
He couldn’t stop thinking about that freshman interloper, about the way it felt like his territory was getting trampled on, but he couldn’t figure out exactly what territory that was. Was it his position as Leona’s second he was worried about? Or was it something else?
“You support Leona.” Jack’s brow furrowed. “It’s not like he has you doing random work. The stuff you do for him is more personal than he assigns to anyone else.”
Ruggie blinked. “Personal?”
Jack shrugged. “The stuff closest to him is the stuff you take care of. Food and clothes and scheduling. Personal stuff. He makes other people take care of Housewarden things he doesn’t want to bother with if you’re also too busy, but he never gets anyone to do the things you do. Not unless you push for it.”
Ruggie bit his lip. The only time he’d done that was with Yuu and Grim. And back then, it had been equal parts to take a break as to repay the lingering debt from their help snapping Leona out of his blot.
“Sounds like you’re his private secretary,” Vil said from nearby.
Ruggie narrowed his eyes. Vil waved a hand. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but it seemed like you might need more information about royal households.”
“What would you know about them?” Ruggie asked.
“It’s how my dorm is run.” Vil tipped his head back and forth. “Or a simplified version anyway.”
“And, what, you think I’m his fucking secretary? Come off it.” Ruggie rolled his eyes.
“It’s the highest position possible within a prince’s household. It’s usually held by a nobleman close to the family, and it’s an enormously influential position to hold.” Vil smiled, cold and calculating and beautiful. “No one else so completely holds the trust and ear of the prince. Sound familiar?”
It did, but… Ruggie looked down. He was hardly a noble. That was a fucking laugh.
“In older times, you might be considered a lord of the bedchamber,” Vil mused. “Incredibly intimate title. It’s fallen out of favor for a variety of reasons, but that’s not far off the function you serve either.”
Ruggie blushed. “That’s—I don’t…”
“You don’t wake him up every day? You don’t help him dress or bring him food? You don’t manage his schedule? You don’t keep track of his clothes and jewelry?” Vil rolled his eyes. “Don’t be modest. All the Housewardens know that if we want to get in touch with Leona, it’s fastest to go through you.”
Ruggie blinked. “Wait. That’s why I’m constantly playing messenger?”
“You didn’t know?” Vil laughed, the sound like a bell ringing sweetly. “Sweetheart, you manage all his affairs. If you tell him to be somewhere, he goes without argument.”
“That’s not true! He argues with me all the time.”
“But does he concede? Does he do as you ask after complaining?” Vil’s eyebrows rose.
Ruggie got the impression the question was rhetorical. “That doesn’t mean anything.”
“It means he trusts you and your judgement more than anyone else.” Vil shrugged. “Do with that information what you will, but do not claim ignorance of your position and importance again.”
Ruggie frowned. Was it the power then? Was that why he didn’t want anyone else trying to take his place?
No, no, that still wasn’t right. What use did a little hyena from the slums have with power like that? No, it was more than the money and the food, more than the power and the position.
When Ruggie left, it was with a distracted goodbye. He wandered over to the conservatory with Leona’s food, still mulling it over. Leona slept on as he approached, undisturbed and unbothered. Ruggie sat down beside him and put his chin in his hand.
Leona always slept so hard, but he looked so peaceful when he did. He was beautiful like this. Awake, he was handsome and cunning and charismatic, but asleep, the only word was beautiful.
This is mine.
Ruggie reached a hand out, carefully brushing through Leona’s bangs. His hair was soft and smooth beneath his fingers.
The place at your side, it should belong only to me.
Ruggie scooted closer. He’d always wondered… He stroked a hand over Leona’s ears. They were soft and warm, radiating heat. The ear twitched against his palm, and he pulled away.
A hand closed around his wrist.
Ruggie gasped; one of Leona’s eyes opened, bright green half-lidded with sleep. “Don’t stop,” Leona said, voice low and raspy. He pressed Ruggie’s hand back against the top of his head. “Feels nice.”
Ruggie resumed petting him, a little bemused, rubbing the tips of each ear between his fingers. Leona pressed into his hand, curling closer. And then he started to purr, a deep rumble that seemed to echo through Ruggie’s ribs.
He couldn’t help a quiet giggle.
“Shut up,” Leona grumbled. “It’s a reflex. I can’t help it.” He shifted until his head was resting more fully on Ruggie’s lap.
“I can’t help it either,” Ruggie said. “I like to laugh.”
“I know.” Leona let out a soft breath. “Is there anywhere we need to be right now?”
“No. Not right now. It’s still lunch.” Ruggie tugged lightly at one ear. “I brought you food.”
“In a minute.” Leona pressed closer, nose touching Ruggie’s stomach. “This is nice.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Ruggie mumbled. “Someone’s feeling cuddly today.”
No one else could have this. He didn’t care about the power or the influence or even the money, but this? This was something he would never share with anyone. This belonged entirely and only to Ruggie.
“Mm.” Leona looked up at him. “You don’t usually touch me so casually. You should do it more often.”
“I didn’t realize you’d want me to.” Ruggie couldn’t keep meeting his eyes, not when they were as clear and focused as they ever were when looking at Ruggie.
Leona’s gaze was as heavy as a physical touch, but he stayed silent, just looking up at Ruggie.
“What?” Ruggie asked.
Leona closed his eyes again. “You know, if I let my attendance slip, we could have another year of this.”
“Huh?” Ruggie frowned. “And let all my hard work go to waste? Why would we do that?”
Leona shrugged. “Just a thought.”
“No, really, what is this about?” Ruggie asked. “You’re not worried about going out on your own, are you? I know I joke about how helpless you can be, but you did actually do just fine for yourself before I came around.”
“Maybe, but… No, never mind.” Leona sat up. “You said you brought lunch?”
“What? I mean, yeah, but hold on.” Ruggie frowned. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. Seriously.”
Leona heaved a sigh. “I can’t just eat?”
“No. Spill.”
Leona flopped backward with a loud groan. “Ugh, fine. But if it makes you uncomfortable, remember that I wanted to eat lunch instead.”
“Don’t be such a baby.”
“I’ll miss you,” Leona said bluntly. “I don’t want you to find someone else. I want you to wait for me, but I know that’s probably too much to ask for.”
Ruggie blinked. “Wait for you? Wait for you to do what?”
Leona groaned louder. “Can’t I just eat?”
“Definitely not.” Ruggie’s heart sped in his chest like the first time he’d been caught with his hand in someone else’s pocket. “Keep talking.”
Leona threw an arm over his eyes. “I want to keep you by my side.”
“As an employee or a friend? Or…?” Ruggie blushed down his throat.
“Any way I can have you. Whatever you’d allow.”
Wordlessly, Ruggie placed Leona’s food on his chest, too embarrassed to say anything right away. He covered his own face with one hand, thoughts racing as fast as his heart.
Whatever Ruggie would allow? What wouldn’t Ruggie allow? Was there a line?
“See? I made you uncomfortable,” Leona muttered.
“Gimme a second, okay?” Ruggie pushed Leona’s hip with his foot. “I only just realized that I consider you my territory today. Let me catch up a little.”
Leona pulled his hand away from his face, getting up close, bright green eyes all Ruggie could see. “You do?”
“Yeah. That freshman seriously pissed me off.” Ruggie scowled. “If he tries anything again, I might retaliate. He’s been warned, so fair’s fair.”
Leona laughed, something between disbelief and delight. “I’d never let him as close as I let you; I refuse to trust anyone the way I trust you.”
“Even though I’m mercenary and shameless and typically only in it for the money?” Ruggie asked.
“If I stopped paying you, would you still hang out with me?” Leona countered.
“When I’m not busy with work, yeah. Obviously.” Ruggie looked down. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”
“I want—” but Leona pressed his lips tightly together. Ruggie waited, but whatever Leona was going to say, he held his tongue.
Ruggie took a shaky breath. “I want to always have a place by your side.”
“It’s yours. It’s been yours.” Leona cupped his cheek, hand warm even against his blush. “I barely even had a choice. It’s like you carved it for yourself.”
“Good.” Ruggie laughed. “If I carved it, then no one else will ever fit there. Just me. I can be enough. I won’t let you regret it.”
Leona’s hands squeezed his face between them. “I’m only going to say this once,” he said slowly. “You don’t need to do a damn thing. I will never regret you. You could decide to never work another day for the rest of our lives, and I would happily spoil you rotten, no questions asked.”
Ruggie surged forward and kissed him.
As if he was only waiting for permission, Leona tackled him backward, lips sealed together.
The thought alone, just imagining it, made him feel guilty and giddy both. Malnourished slum rat Ruggie Bucchi spoiled rotten by a prince. By his prince. No one back home would ever believe it.
Not that he could actually let him. Even imagining letting Leona take care of him like that made his skin crawl. But the knowledge that Leona wanted to, even when he knew Ruggie wouldn’t let him, Ruggie could only kiss him for it.
“I’ll only say this once, too: I want to work, but thank you.” Ruggie’s fingers curled into Leona’s vest. “I’m not letting you repeat a grade again just to get more time together.”
Leona’s lips pursed. “Fine. But that means I’m going to push you even harder from here on. I want you ready to take my place by the end of the year.”
Ruggie reeled back. “What?”
“I want you to take over for me as Housewarden when I’m a senior.” Leona’s expression was more serious than Ruggie was used to seeing it. “You’re the only person I’d trust our dorm to.”
Ruggie swallowed thickly. “Okay,” he agreed quietly. “I don’t… I don’t think I’m ready for it, but… I trust you.”
Leona kissed him again, chaste and sweet. “Will you let me pay you to be Housewarden in my stead?”
“Not a chance.”
“Mm. Worth a try. I’ll just have to convince you.” Leona’s grin turned smug. “I think you’ll find I’m very motivated.”
“If I save more money this year, I won’t need you to pay me.” Ruggie rolled his eyes.
“You won’t have time to be working for Azul. It’ll take all the time you aren’t studying or training for Spelldrive.” Leona brushed his nose across Ruggie’s cheek. “But we can keep arguing about this later.”
“Much later,” Ruggie agreed. “Never, ideally.”
Leona laughed and kissed him again.
And this, Leona’s full attention, the warmth of his smile, the certainty of his hands and mouth, all of this was Ruggie’s alone. And Ruggie didn’t allow other people to take what was his, not without a fight.
“I’ll wait for you when the time comes,” Ruggie murmured into Leona’s mouth. “As long as you’ll wait for me to catch up.”
“Forever, if that’s what it takes.”
Ruggie let himself grin, eyes crinkling. “Wow, Leona-san, forever? You must like me a lot.” He snickered. “How embarrassing.”
“Like you’re not just as bad.” Leona’s grin was easy and genuine, pressed sweetly into Ruggie’s cheek. “Taking ownership of a lion is a bold territory to claim, little hyena.”
“Not so bold when it was given to me.” Ruggie tucked his nose against Leona’s throat. “You could have chased me off instead of letting me claim it for myself.”
Leona snorted. “Never.”
“There you have it then. You’ll just have to take responsibility.” Ruggie snickered. “You’re stuck with me now.”
Leona’s hand curled around the back of his neck, tight and secure. “Good.”